Lux Bond & Green

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Can you believe that 2013 is sailing by so quickly, as it is already May and the dark and gloomy

winter months are finally behind us? Nemo was quite a historic blizzard and we all have many tales of

the snowy weekend. It truly does help us appreciate springtime, as New England begins to glow with

the warmth and sunshine that bring our diverse flora and fauna to life. (And let the sneezing begin.) It’s

wonderful to hear the birds chirping as we enjoy

our longer days. Collegiate basketball is now

over, the baseball season has finally begun, golf

courses are buzzing and gardening is in full

swing. There is a lot happening at Lux Bond & Green, as we have been

very busy planning and renovating our Glastonbury store after 25 years

in Somerset Square. It’s now open; it’s gorgeous and filled with modern

technology, wonderful new collections and a Rolex watch boutique. The

same fabulous and friendly staff awaits your visit to the store. Our new

website is set to launch soon. We are making every attempt to create

an online experience as informative and rewarding as when you visit

our stores. This has not been an easy task. How do we replicate a

friendly staff, wonderful services and all the brands we carry on our

website? We feel that with the addition of several new resources,

we’ve been able to create a great experience with our online

education, wedding and gift registry, updated diamond search,

links to the brands and our online chat feature. If you are not

receiving our e-mails about what’s happening at our stores —

events, special values, new collections and information about

style and fashion — then please share your e-mail address

with us. Most importantly, our buying teams have purchased

many new and exciting collections to complement and enhance

your lifestyle. This year GREEN is the pantone color of the year, but we’ve been GREEN since

1898 (wink, wink). We invite you to discover our spectacular collections, values and fashion ideas

for all your special occasions this season.

Cheers,

The Green Family

LBGreen.com

WELCOME TO LBG

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It’s good to be GREEN in 2013

GREEN is the 2013

Pantone Color of the Year!

We’ve been GREENsince 1898

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CONTENTS SPRING/SUMMER 2013

FEATURES1 Welcome Letter

4 Core Values Excellence Awards

8 What’s Happening

12 From the Runways

18 What Makes a House a Home

20 LBG Weddings

22 Pride of Bostonian

26 Anniversary: Mikimoto

32 Designers: David & Sybil Yurman

34 Trends: Asian Fusion

36 Trends: Strong & Soft

40 Spotlight: Faber-Castell

42 Design: Nate Berkus

44 Spirits: Fine Tequila

46 Reads: Living a Charmed Life

62 Perfect Gems

64 Delicacies: Much Ado About Oysters

66 Travel: The Golden Triangle

68 First Person: Why I Dance

WATCH SECTION50 Spring Time

52 Advisor: Watch Wisdom

56 Profile: Raymond Weil

58 Pop Culture: Watches in Film

60 Profile: TAG Heuer

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W E S T H A R T F O R D46 LASALLE ROAD, (860) 521-3015

G L A S T O N B U R YSOMERSET SQUARE, (860) 659-8510

G R E E N W I C H169 GREENWICH AVE., (203) 629-0900

W E S T P O R T136 MAIN STREET, (203) 227-1300

B O S T O N416 BOYLSTON STREET, (617) 266-4747

T H E S H O P S A T M O H E G A N S U NUNCASVILLE, (860) 862-9900

W E L L E S L E Y , M A60 CENTRAL STREET, (781) 235-9119

S O U T H W I N D S O R , EVERGREEN WALK, (860) 644-0789

1- 8 0 0 - L B G R E E N ( 1 - 8 0 0 - 5 2 4 - 73 3 6 )LBGREEN.COM

C H A I R M A NROBERT E. GREEN

P R E S I D E N T / C E OJOHN A. GREEN

V I C E C H A I R M A N MARC A. GREEN

C H I E F F I N A N C I A L O F F I C E RDAVID BONNEY

A D V E R T I S I N G D I R E C T O RMICHAIL K. SHAW

P U B L I S H E D B Y T H E B J I FA S H I O N G R O U P

P U B L I S H E RSTU NIFOUSSI

E D I T O R - I N - C H I E F KAREN ALBERG GROSSMAN

C R E A T I V E D I R E C T O RHANS GSCHLIESSER

M A N A G I N G E D I T O RJILLIAN LAROCHELLE

P R O J E C T M A N A G E R LISA MONTEMORRA

D E S I G N E R SCYNTHIA LUCERO

JEAN-NICOLE VENDITTI

P R O D U C T I O N M A N A G E RPEG EADIE

P R E S I D E N T A N D C E OBRITTON JONES

C H A I R M A N A N D C O OMAC BRIGHTON

Prices are subject to change without notice and may varydepending on size, quality and availability. Copyright 2013.Accent® is published by Business Journals, Inc, P.O. Box 5550,Norwalk, CT 06856, 203-853-6015 • Fax: 203-852-8175;Advertising Office: 1384 Broadway, 11th Floor, NY, NY 10018,212-686-4412 • Fax: 212-686-6821; All Rights Reserved. Thepublishers accept no responsibilities for advertisers’ claims,unsolicited manuscripts, transparencies or other materials. Nopart of this magazine may be reproduced without written per-mission of the publishers. Volume 11, Issue 1. Accent® is a trade-mark of Business Journals, Inc. registered in the U.S. Patent andTrademark office. Printed In The U.S.A.

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e are very pleased to announce that Tricia Schwartz, assistant manager in our Westport store, is the Grand Prize winner of the Core Values Excellence Award for 2012. We received 55 Core Values Excellence nominations from Lux Bond & Green associates who took the time to write why they felt their co-worker, manager, or staff member truly personifies our Core Values of Customer Service, Teamwork, Communication, Confidentiality, Respect and Integrity.

Reading through 55 nomination forms and trying to narrow down the list of nominees to the top three was not easy! However, the nomination forms we received about Trish clearly demonstrated how well-respected she is by her peers and how her demeanor and behavior exemplify Lux Bond & Green’s Core Values.

Trish has been with Lux Bond & Green in the Westport store since July 2003, where she started as a keyholder and was promoted to the assistant manager position in March 2011. She is recognized by associates, not only in Westport but also in other parts of the company, as atrue team player who does whatever it takes to get the job done while doing so with a sense of humor, professionalism

and respect. Some of the quotes from Trish’s nominations exemplify why she is thought of asan exemplary role model of Core Values Excellence:

“Trish epitomizes all of the qualities of excellent customer service… She is truly a professional.Her communication skills are excellent. Trish is a consummate team player.” “When communicating with Trish, she is always pleasant, positive and professional. She is serious about the job and always wants to do the best she can for the company.” “I admire her sense of humor no matter what the circumstance. If she does not know the answer, she will get it…and she never fails to get things accomplished.” “Integrity – she is always willing to learn or share what she has learned to better our knowledge… She represents LBG well on many occasions.” “Trish is always on the ball…eager to please every customer that comes in the store or over the phone. She is always willing to figure out a situation whether it is to find an item or to repair an item… She is an excellent example to follow...”

In recognition for being chosen as the winner of the 2012 Core Values Excellence Award, Marc Green and CFO Dave Bonney traveled to the Westport store to present Trish with a framed certificate of recognition and a $500 American Express gift card. Trish will also be eligible for a day off with pay and will be scheduled for a celebratory lunch or dinner with the Green family.

In addition, we are pleased to announce our two 2012 Core Values Excellence Award finalists:Peter Koshivos from the Boston store and Beth Ledbetter from the Jewelry Buying Office. As finalists, both Peter and Beth received a certificate of recognition and a $150 American Express gift check.

Peter has been with Lux Bond & Green for eight years and is described as a model salesman who has the “retail equivalent of bedside manner” with his customers. Every day, he brings a sense of humor, teamwork and a total commitment to satisfying his customers in the Boston store. Beth has over 26 years of service with Lux Bond & Green and is the “go-to” person in our Jewelry Buying Office for any question about watches. She is consistently praised for her excellent communication skills, phenomenal customer service, and genuinely kind and sincere approach with everyone she works with.

We are very proud of not only our winners, Trish, Peter and Beth, but also of our entire team of professionals here at Lux Bond & Green who demonstrate excellence every day at work and whohave the best interest of every Lux Bond & Green client at heart.

LBGreen.com

LBG CORE VALUES EXCELLENCE AWARDS

h

Karen Rigoli, David Bonney, Trish Schwartz, Marc Green

Jack Winer and Peter Koshivos

John Green, Beth Ledbetter, Marc Green

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“I admire her sense of humor no matter what

the circumstance.If she does not know the answer, she will get it…and she never fails to get

things accomplished.”

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A TOAST TO NEW BEGINNINGS1. The Glastonbury staff (L-R): Laurie Cariseo, Donna Kaminski, Bruce Skauen, Joanne Gunn, Dawn Mickens, Barbara Miner, Dave Campbell, Chris Stokes and Sheila Fowler give a toast to celebrate the start of the LBG Glastonbury renovation.

ALL FOR A GREAT CAUSE2. Tiffany Ortiz’s daughter Alex lit up the evening as her mom tried on a diamond ring at LBG. The Ortiz ladies were at LBG for the Ippolita Fashion Party to benefi t Trick or Treat for UNICEF and Fashion Project, an organization that donates money from the sale of slightly used yet stylish clothes to the charity of the donor’s choice. In Tiffany’s other hand is her husband David Ortiz’s shirt, which she gave to the Fashion Project cause. Shown with the ladies is Jack Winer, Boston store manager.

CONTEST WINNER3. (L-R) Laurie Gosselin, Patrice Modeen, Marzena Wooten and Shiva Beebakhee from the LBG South Windsor store congratulate Jason Arnold (center), winner of our LBG Savvy Shopper Contest.

THE JOY OF SHARING4. LBG has been a proud sponsor of the NBC Channel 30 Joy of Sharing - Toys for Tots campaign for many years. Toy donation boxes were located in all our CT stores during the holiday season. People brought in their new, unwrapped toys for this worthy cause. Our Corporate Offi ce staff is shown with the donated toys. (L-R): Cheryl Tracy Miller, Vreni Breakell-Caudle, Glenn Zinn, Nelson Rolon, Marianne Fontaine, Michail Shaw, Johanna Bond, Elizabeth Bierowka, David Bonney, Beth Ledbetter, Michele Blackwelder, Rhonda Di Giacomo, Erin Pepin, Paula Testo and Beth Roosa.

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WHAT’S happening at LBG


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LBG RETIREMENT5. (L-R) James Koromanian, Joe Spiro andArt Wesner celebrate at Joe’s retirement party. We all wish Joe the best and good luck with his golf game!

HEREND ARTIST SIGNING EVENT6. Hajnalka Szakos, an accomplished artist from Herend, demonstrated her unique painting techniques during the Herend event in Boston.

BOSTON GLOBE STYLE7. LBG participated in The Boston Globe’s Fashion Week. A special thanks goes out to Shauna Gallagher (shown) and all the “fashionistas” for their support, energy and tweets on Twitter!

UNICEF8. Jack Winer, Boston store manager, presents a check to Kristen Mangelinkx,managing director of the New England Region from UNICEF. A portion of the proceeds from our Ippolita event that evening were donated to UNICEF.

PAINT THE TOWN PINK9. David Glucksman presents a check to Michelle Palazzo from the Bennett Cancer Center at Stamford Hospital. The Paint the Town Pink event featured a Carelle trunk show at LBG to benefi t the Stamford Hospital Cancer Center.10. Committee members and cancer survivors (L-R): Terri Condon, Brenda Buggisch and Linda Chriscoe. From Stamford Hospital: Michelle Palazzo, Liz Manfredo, Kathy Silard, and Greenwich store manager David Glucksman.

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THE GOVENOR’S RESIDENCE1. LBG staff (L-R) Patrice Modeen, Sheryl Green, Johanna Bond, Beth Roosa and Lindsey Whitaker spent many hours planning and decorating the Governor’s residence for the holidays.

DOG DAYS & COOL CATS2. The LBG West Hartford store sponsored a Dog Days & Cool Cats event to benefit the Humane Society of CT. Pets and owners had their photos taken, and an extensive and unique array of pet merchandise was available for purchase. Madison is pictured with her pet ferrets Buttons and Bows.

CORPORATE COSTUME PARTY3. Kristin Troie (winner of the costume contest dresed as Yetta) and Johanna Bond were as bewitching as ever. 4. Bela Tavares and Beth Roosa celebrate the ‘60s with their friend Frank.

SALVATION ARMY FAMILY AND THELBG CORPORATE COOKIE SWAP5. The LBG Corporate Office has had a traditon over the past few years of buying presents for a local family selected by the Salvation Army.6. After all the presents for the family have been wrapped the Corporate Office has their Annual Cookie Swap. (L-R): Beth Roosa, Cathy Berey, Kristin Troie, Johanna Bond, Cheryl Tracy Miller, Vreni Breakell-Caudle, Beth Ledbetter, Rhonda DiGiacomo, Elizabeth Bierowka, Bela Tavares, Marianne Fontaine, Paula Testo, Michail Shaw and Michele Blackwelder.

LBGreen.com

WHAT’S happening at LBG

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from the LBG RUNWAY

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1. Precious resin and sterling silver bangles from $195 to $230. 2. Ippolita sterling silver Wonderland teardrop pendant in mint doublet of clear quartz and mother-of-pearl $495. 3. Gemstone and diamond rings, sapphire, aquamarine and blue chalcedony $1,695. Tsavorite, green chalcedony and phrenite $1,750. Moonstone, rose quartz and diamonds $2,115. All in 18K gold. 4. Temple St. Clair moonstone and peridot earrings with diamonds, 18K gold $3,750. 5. Stacking rings in 18K gold, diamond $1,100. Yellow sapphire $475. Pink sapphire $495. Blue sapphire $510. Tsavorite $550.Black diamond $685. 6. Roberto Coin rings in 18K gold, amethyst and diamond $5,200. Lemon quartz and diamond $8,700.7. Pear shape earrings in white topaz over turquoise with diamonds, in 18K gold $2,335. 8. Carelle Leaf pendant in carnelian and 18K gold $3,570.9. Phrenite nugget necklace 24” with sterling silver clasp $295.

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2COLORS OF THE YEARFrom the The Pantone Color Report for Spring 2013

This season, designers have overwhelmingly addressed the desirefor self-expression, balance and the need to re-energize. The color direction

for spring builds upon these compelling needs with a palette that mixesdynamic brights with novel neutrals, creating a harmonious balance.

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1. Fluorite nugget necklace, 17.5” long with sterling silver clasp $125. 2. Pamela Froman Scroll Crush earrings in green onyx and 18K gold $2,335.3. Green agate and white topaz doublet pendant in 18K gold $2,265. 4. David Yurman Bijoux lemon citrine drop earrings in sterling silver $650. Bijoux triple strand bracelet in lemon citrine and sterling silver $1,350. 5. Green amethyst and diamond ring, 18K gold $825. Amazonite and rutilated quartz diamond ring, 18K gold $2,165. 6. Ippolita Wonderland drop earrings in Spiaggia, sterling silver $995.

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GREEN WITH ENVYColor of the Year for 2013

“Lively. Radiant. Lush… Green is the color of elegance and beauty that enhancesour sense of well-being, balance and harmony. Come see our intriguing

collection of green emeralds, sapphires, amonzonite, onyx,lorite, agate, citrine, amethyst and spiaggio!

from the LBG RUNWAY

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Take a shine to silver and gold this season. Jewelry that livens up your look, fits every lifestyle and budget.

1. Carelle Brooke Leaf earrings with diamonds, 18K gold $5,200. 2. Alex Woo chains, pendants and charms in sterling silver or 14K gold, priced from $48. 3. Ippolita sterling silver Cascade earrings $350. 4. Roberto Coin Primavera diamond bangles in 18K gold $2,300 each. 5. Sterling silver and 14K gold drop earrings $185. 6. Sterling silver scallop shell bracelet $285. Knobby starfish earrings in 14K gold $995. Sterling silver $100.7. Sterling silver and 14K gold wrapped hoop earrings $175. 8. Sterling silver flower earrings $160. Matching pendant $130.

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from the LBG RUNWAY

Black and white color blocking makes a strong statement this spring.In jewelry, this bodes well for diamonds—America’s perennial favorite—and cool colored

stones like colorless rock crystal, black spinel, onyx, white topaz, pearls and more.

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51. Sterling silver and gray rutilated quartz ring with diamonds $1,060. 2. John Hardy sterling silver Bamboo Batu medium kick cuff with black chalcedony ends $795. 3. Ivanka Trump black and white diamond drop earrings in 18K gold $2,500. 4. David Yurman Albion ring in sterling silver and diamonds $4,500. David Yurman Starlight Cable bangle in sterling silver and diamonds $3,900. 5. Roberto Coin Fantasia pendant with black and whitediamonds $3,440. 6. South Sea cultured baroque pearls with 18K gold clasps, white starting at $9,000. Tahitian starting at $5,500. 7. John Hardy Bedeg milky quartz drop earrings in sterling silver $995. 8. Petite Eclipse necklace in sterling silver $280.

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S H E I S M Y E V E R Y T H I N G

T H E C E N T E R O F M Y U N I V E R S E ™ F R O M F O R E V E R M A R K

Less than one percent of the world ’s diamonds can carry the Forevermark inscr iption

— a promise that each is beautiful , rare and responsibly sourced .

T H E D I A M O N D. T H E P R O M I S E .

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LBGreen.com

1. Juliska: Le Panier charger 13.5”d $68. Quotidien dinner plate 11”d $34. Firenze marbleized salad plate in cappuccino 9”d $36. 2. Vietri: Bellezza Celadon charger 13”d $17; dinner plate 11.25”d $40; pasta/soup bowl 9.75”d $38; mug 4.25”h $39. Holly Stuart Designs placemats in latte and saxon green 15”d $34. Made in the USA.

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WHAT makes a house

A HOMEHere’s what’s trending from

our current wedding registries.


LBGreen.com

3. Vietri: Lastra white dinner plate 12”d $38; salad plate 8.75”d $32; small handled bowl 5”d x 2.5”h $50. 4. Juliska: Country Estate dinner plate

in delft blue 9”d $38; Firenze marbleized charger in delft blue 14”d $68. Holly Stuart Designs placemats in persimmon and Chinese blue 15”d $34. Made in the USA.

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Come visit us as you prepare for yourwedding day. Let us show you the many

REWARDINGREASONS

to register at LUX BOND & GREEN.

A PERSONAL REGISTRY SPECIALIST Trained by the best and ready to help in the selection of all your table and home accent needs, specialists are available in store, by phone, or online.

LUX BOND & GREEN REGISTRY REWARDSWhen your registry generates $1,500 to $3,500 in purchases, you earn a reward of 5% of the total value. When your registry generates over $3,500 in purchases you earn 10% rewards.

RING REWARDS Earn 10% rewards from the purchase of your wedding bands, attendants’ gifts and/or stationery.

TRY BEFORE YOU BUY We want you to be 100% satisfi ed with your selections. Visit Lux Bond & Green and take a few of your favorites home before making a fi nal decision. See how beautiful the pieces look in your home and check to make sure they fi t in your dishwasher.

ONLINE GIFT MANAGER Your online manager will track your gifts and the givers, making it easier for you to prepare your thank you notes.

COMPLETION SAVINGS Save 10% on any items not purchased from your registry, or any items you would like to add.

LBGreen.com

LBG WEDDINGS

1. Stephanie & Andrew Chang - 12.8.2012 2. Emily Walsh & Adam Kinson - 5.26.2012 3. Jackie Barrieau & Drew Iacovazzi - 8.11.2012

4. Kim & Ed Crowley - 8.18.2012 5. Farrel & Darius Gilvydis - 8.27.2011

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6. David Manville & Veronica Gran - 8.31.2012 7. Abbey & Eric Bober - 10.5.20128. Katie & Tim Delaney - 9.29.2012 9. Mr. & Mrs. Bryan Plamondon (Carrie Anne Wallace) - 10.20.2012

10. Mr. & Mrs. Gerry O’Donoghue (Elizabeth Cenci) 07.06.12 11. Abby & Jason Shepard (Abby Williamson) 9.15.2012

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BOSTONIAN PRIDEFrom your favorite sports team to the most memorable landmarks,

Lux Bond & Green has the best of Boston.

1. Red Sox enameled cuff links $60; Celtics enameled cuff links $60; Bruins enameled cuff links $60. 2. Boston tray (Exclusive to Lux Bond & Green) 12x12 $245. 3. Red Sox game used bat bottle opener $125 each.

4. Faneuil Hall enameled box 1.5” $130; Little ducklings tray 5.75”x3.5” $45; Back Bay enameled box 2.5” $180.

1Spotlight on BOSTON

LBGreen.com

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©2013 Porsche Cars North America, Inc. Porsche recommends seat belt usage and observance of all traffic laws at all times.

Unless it's the road calling,it's going straight to voicemail.

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ANNIVERSARY

120 pearlanniversarystrand of Akoyacultured pearlswith 18K whitegold clasp.

Black South Seacultured pearlnecklace withsignature ball claspin 18K white gold.

Kokichi Mikimotomeasuring pearls,circa 1951.

Mikimoto, founded by Kokichi Mikimoto in 1893 and known theworld over as the leading maker of cultured pearl jewelry, marksits 120th anniversary this year.

Among other impressive achievements during the company’s longhistory, Kokichi was the first to develop a technique for the cultivation ofpearls that is still in use to this day. A determined innovator, he succeeded increating the world’s first perfectly spherical pearl, an object he regarded asnature’s most precious gift to be shared with women everywhere. Thetimeless elegance found in Mikimoto pearl jewelry has been celebrated andworn by icons of style in every era, from Coco Chanel and Marilyn Monroe toElizabeth Taylor and Sarah Jessica Parker.

To commemorate more than a century-long commitment to productdesign, superior craftsmanship and strict quality control, Mikimoto has

proudly revealed plans to release three specially designed 120pearl strand necklaces that embody the company’s traditions.

The first design is comprised of 120 Akoya cultured pearlsand represents the original pearl that Kokichi cultured in 1893off the waters of Toba, Japan — a feat that brought him onestep closer to fulfilling his dream of bringing the unsurpassedbeauty of the pearl to all women. This unique Akoya strandwill feature an 18K white gold clasp accented with beautifulroyal blue enamel lacquer, crafted by skilled artisans in Japan.

The second design, made of multi-colored Black SouthSea cultured pearls, celebrates the breathtakingly rare typeof pearl that Kokichi first cultured in 1914, using a newtechnique that helped Mikimoto expand cultivation into thewaters off Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Tahiti.The rich, dark colors of the pearls range from slate gray,silver and pistachio to peacock green and midnight black,with overtones of green, rosé or blue.

The third strand consists of 120 multi-colored South Sea and Freshwaterpearls and marks Mikimoto’s mid 20th-century expansion into theinternational market that helped shape the company’s enduring legacy. Thisnecklace is comprised of Golden South Sea, White South Sea, and Pink andPeach Freshwater cultured pearls. Both of these exquisite strands will fastenwith a paisley motif version of the iconic Mikimoto clasp, exaggerated in sizeto accentuate the necklace.

“These 120 pearl strands represent each milestone in our brand’s 120 yearhistory” says Meyer Hoffman, COO of Mikimoto. “Each pearl symbolizes amoment in our past where we’ve taken our founder’s vision to the next level.With this anniversary, we honor the rich legacy that Kokichi left us whilelooking forward to the future.”

These rare and breathtaking pieces will be available in early fall 2013.

PEARLSOF WISDOM

After 120 years, Mikimoto knows a thing or two about these timeless treasures.

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THE UNIVERSAL STANDARD BY WHICH GEMS ARE JUDGED.

Natural DiamondNot Synthetic

Color Grade

E

Clarity Grade

VS1

Cut Grade

Excellent

Laser Inscription Registry NumberGIA 16354621

Carat Weight

1.53

A GIA report is certainty from the source.

As creator of the 4Cs and the International Diamond Grading System ™,

GIA sets the standards for diamond assessment, worldwide. Unbiased. Scientifi c.

A report from GIA gives you a clear understanding of your diamond’s quality.

Look for GIA Diamond Grading Reports and the jewelers who off er them. www.4cs.gia.edu

PEACE OF MIND STARTS WITH PROOF OF QUALITY.

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GLASTONBURY remodeledrejuvenatedreopened

LBGreen.com

As we celebrate the reopening of our Glastonbury location we invite you

to experience our modern, spaciousand comfortable store. We’re still at

Somerset Square along with our experienced and friendly staff.

Somerset Square140 Glastonbury Boulevard

860.659.8510 LBGreen.com


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‘‘We create art for people to wear.” With those words, David and Sybil Yurman articulated an enduring visionfor their company, America’s foremost jewelry house for

over 30 years. From the very beginning, their belief that art is personal —that the artist’s world is unique and the creative process is an expression ofthe artist’s aesthetic — made using the word ‘jewelry’ seem insufficient.‘Jewelry’ doesn’t entirely encompass David Yurman’s vision of what he iscreating, nor does it express his passion for the creative process, his love ofdesign and his refusal to be led by conventional wisdom.

His interest in sculpting began early, at just 13 yearsold. During summers off from high school, David studiedart, working as an apprentice to Cuban sculptor ErnestoGonzales in Provincetown, Massachusetts. In his 20s, hehitchhiked to California, joining other artists in Big Sur,and immersing himself in the culture and lifestyle of thebohemian community. Moving back to his native NewYork City several years later to pursue his passion forsculpture and form, he served apprenticeships undermaster sculptors Jacques Lipschitz, Hans Van de Bovenkamp and TheodoreRozack — experiences he describes as life-altering. Then, another call fromdestiny: the chance meeting of his muse and future wife and partner, Sybil.

His romantic nature inspired, he sculpted a piece of jewelry as a giftfor her. She wore it to an art gallery opening and the owner, taken withthe design, asked if David had more to sell. He recalls, “I couldn’timagine recreating something so personal that I had made for Sybil, soI said ‘no.’ But at the very same moment, Sybil said ‘yes’ — and, like that,

we found ourselves in the jewelry business.” Though he never set out to be a jewelry

designer, working closely with Sybil, a painterin her own right, led him to explore differentavenues of artistic expression. For the twohalves of the famed Yurman design team,their collaboration as artists epitomizes the

very essence of yin and yang. “Wecomplement each other,” says Sybil,

“and that creates a dynamic unity.Together, we create something biggerthan us, sometimes larger than lifeitself.” While David sees the world

through the lens of a sculptor, with arefined sense of proportion and a three-

dimensional perspective, his muse sees theworld as a kaleidoscope of emotion, color,

form and movement. After years of designing sculptural jewelry that was sold at craft shows

and galleries, it was David’s creation of the cable bracelet, a twisted helix ofsterling silver wire composed of multiple strands, thatput his name on the proverbial map. The piece becamean instant icon, a contemporary classic that has servedas the thread that runs through all of the collections.Deemed a phenomenon in the jewelry world, DavidYurman’s handcrafted creations — silver paired withgold, and diamonds and semi-precious stones set insilver — were revolutionary. The pieces, with ancientGothic and Egyptian references, blended classic withcontemporary styling. “We bridged the gap between

fashion and fine jewelry, and we used art as the bridge,” says David.For David and Sybil Yurman, beautiful jewelry is not the end result

of a simple technique or a single element. Outstanding quality andextraordinary craftsmanship are achieved from a foundation of artisticexcellence. Over 30 years later, what began as an artist’s passion forsculpture and a painter’s love for color has turned into a jewelry housethat continues in the classic tradition of the guild, but pushes theboundaries of convention with imagination and innovation.

32

Crossing Over“In the new Crossover

collection [far left], wecombine smooth and cable

cords to create contrast,texture and a sense of

movement. It’s really a symbolof the way Sybil and I work

together: everything we do isintertwined.”

—David Yurman

DESIGNERS

“We use artto bridge the gap between fashion

and fine jewelry.” David Yurman

WORKING ARTISTS

Sybil Yurman remains David’s muse. And so much more.

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W hile shoppingfor your wardrobe thisseason, have you noticed thatmany of the most fashion-forwardstyles contain elements of Easterncultures? Influences from Japan are

particularly prevalent, like pleated origami-inspired organdy cotton, wing-shaped shoulders, and wide pants, among others. It’s a trend that willcontinue into fall and winter, with floral jacquards from Vera Wang, Easternspiritual styling from Prada, and brushstrokes of color from Lela Rose.

And what jewelry do these Asian-infused fashions beg for? Pieceswith a decidedly Eastern edge, of course. “These clothes are theperfect canvases, so to speak, for jewelry,” says David Wolfe, creativedirector of the Doneger Group in New York City. “Unlike what we sawbefore this year, the new fashions aren’t heavily embellished.” Wolfe,one of fashion’s leading international forecasters, adds that with thesemodern Eastern-inspired clothes, “The lines and the shades provide thecolor, if you will. And with this new sophisticated simplicity of extremestructures and curvilinear cuts, a strong jewelry statement becomes veryimportant.”

GO EAST WITH YOUR JEWELRYSome of the best fine jewelry brands aremaking accessorizing à la the Asian aestheticeasy to do this year, by incorporating one orseveral of the following elements: Gems. Certain stones “say” Eastern, especiallyjade (in all colors), red coral, black onyx,pearls, mother-of-pearl, emerald and ruby. Materials. Enamel and lacquer, materials usedin original Far Eastern jewelry, are significant,

and today “new Eastern” collections sometimesrely on colored resins and ceramics to impart that same

bold mien. Techniques. Filigree and mokume-gane bring Eastern cultures

to mind. The openwork of filigree can invoke the idea ofChinese calligraphy, while the ancient Japanesemetalworking art of mokume-gane is a process used byspecially trained artisans for one-of-a-kind jewelry.Themes. Art Nouveau-like motifs are characteristic ofEastern jewelry, especially dragonflies and butterflies, plusflowers and plants like cherry blossoms, bamboo, lotusand peonies. Spiritual symbolism abounds: the Om, theTree of Life and certain mythological creatures, such asdragons. And all 12 animal signs of the Chinese zodiac are

definitely key. 2013 is The Year of the Snake on the Chinesecalendar, so new jewelry focused on those writhing reptiles is

everywhere. The ancient Chinese culture viewed snakes as apositive omen, symbolic of eternal love, wisdom, immortality and

so on. Today, contemporary luxury brands are fashioning serpentine-stylejewelry whichever way you want it: replete with demonic details like a long

tongue and menacing eyes, or in morestylized versions merely hinting at asnake via their super-curvy shapes,often inlaid or prong-set with preciousgems. Whether you choose a snake-ystyle this year, or pieces with afeminine Art Nouveau-like beauty,heading toward the exotic East willsurely lead you in the right direction!

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TRENDS

ASIAN FUSION

Eastern elements inspire modern American style.LORRAINE DEPASQUE

WITH FASHION’S NEW SOPHISTICATED SIMPLICITY OF EXTREME STRUCTURES AND CURVILINEARCUTS, A STRONG JEWELRY STATEMENT BECOMES VERY IMPORTANT.

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From gelato greens to sherbet purples, jewelry’s newest pastelgem palette looks simply delicious! And this spring andsummer, the sweetest delicately hued designs are those that

spotlight the stone as the star. As the precious metal plays more of asupporting role in many of the new pieces, four interesting stone cutsin particular are adding to the latest statement jewelry’s drama:cabochons, checkerboards, rose cuts and slices.

THE COLOR STORYAlthough bright Emerald is 2013’s Color of the Year, according tointernational color authority The Pantone Color Institute, most of theother leading hues of spring and summer are toned down, moremuted. In a one-on-one interview, Pantone’s executive director,Leatrice Eiseman (often referred to as the “International Color Guru”)explains: “The first half of this year is more about less-bold shadesthat help us find harmony in the frantic pace of our everyday lives.That said, however, today we have a lot of trans-seasonal colors.”

Exactly what colors are at the top of this proliferation of pastels?For women, there are 10 key shades, but here Eiseman discusses fourof those that are especially significant to new luxury jewelrycollections this season: Dusk Blue, Grayed Jade, African Violet andLinen. “You need to try a touch of all these on-trend colors in someway. And buying a beautiful piece of colored stone jewelry is a greatplace to start — because it’s like dipping your toe into new colorwaters. But just be sure it’s good color, from a quality brand and arespected jeweler that you trust.”

SOME PERFECT PASTELS On that note, here are some of the pretty-in-pastel gems that finejewelry brands are focusing on this season. Because they’re fashionforward, you’ll often find them in pieces that are important to add toyour jewelry wardrobe, like multi-strand bracelets and necklaces,power pendants, dramatic drop earrings and epically sized fashionrings.Dreamy Greens. Prasiolite, opal, chalcedony, moonstone, agate, greenamethyst, jade, peridot, tsavorite, chrysoprase, tourmaline, greensapphire, green diamonds. And emerald, of course, because Emerald isthe Color of the Year! Pretty Purples. Quartz, jade, moonstone, amethyst, mother-of-pearl,purple sapphire. Be-in-Style Blues. Moonstone, blue topaz, labradorite, blue cat’s eye,blue agate, aquamarine, turquoise, chalcedony, blue quartz, iolite,lapis-lazuli, sapphire, tanzanite, zircon, blue diamonds. The Right Whites. Rutilated quartz, agate, pearls, moonstone, mother-of-pearl, white coral, champagne diamonds and linen-like shades ofrough-cut diamonds. C

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STRONG& SOFT

For warm-weather style, giant gems in subtle shades are oh-so-cool!

LORRAINE DEPASQUE

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wowon the side.

It’s shopping with a heaping order of

After you indulge your good taste at our unique collection of shops, satisfy your taste buds at one of our fine restaurants. It’s a must-have experience you won’t want to miss. Call 1.888.226.7711 or visit mohegansun.com.

Shops: Bare Minerals • Brewster’s Trading Post • Brighton Collectibles • Brookstone • Caché • Cascade Electronics Chico’s • Citizen Watch • Clay Pipe • Coach • Dylan’s Candy Bar • The Essentials • Everything Under The Sun Galina’s • Godiva Chocolatier • Landau • Lush • Lux Bond & Green • Margaritaville’s Smuggler’s Hold The Old Farmer’s Almanac General Store • Once Upon A Time Toys • Oriental Fine Arts & Crafts • Puma Sephora • Spin Street • Sun Shoes • Sunglasses USA • Swarovski • Tiffany & Co. • Tommy Bahama Trading Cove • Trailblazer • Yankee Candle Restaurants: Ballo Italian Restaurant & Social Club • Ben & Jerry’s Bobby Flay’s Bar Americain • Bobby’s Burger Palace • Bow & Arrow Sports Bar • Chief’s Deli • Dunkin’ Donuts Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana • Geno’s Bagels, Sweets & Subs • Geno’s Fast Break • Geno’s Pub Hash House A Go Go • Imus Ranch Coffee • Jasper White’s Summer Shack • Jasper White’s Summer Shack Express Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville • Johnny Rockets • Johnny Rockets Express • Krispy Kreme Doughnuts The Lansdowne Irish Pub & Music House • Michael Jordan’s 23.sportcafe • Michael Jordan’s Steak House The Original SoupMan • Seasons Buffet • SolToro Tequila Grill • Starbucks Coffee • Sunrise Square Food Court Todd English’s Tuscany • Wok-On by Geno’s Fast Break

Conveniently located in Mystic Country.


LBGreen.com

Somerset Square GLASTONBURY (860) 659.8510136 Main Street WESTPORT (203) 227.1300

Reuse Recycle RedesignBring in your gems and jewelry and we’ll help you turn them into something new and exciting!

Working with Lux Bond & Green’s designers and our computer generated custom designprogram, everyone has the potential to create the one-of-a-kind piece of their dreams.

LBGCUSTOM DESIGN CENTER


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This year Faber-Castell celebrates 252 years in business, making itone of the oldest continually operating companies in the world. Theleading manufacturer of wood-cased pencils, it also makes a variety

of other writing instruments and luxury cosmetic pencils for some of theworld’s top makeup brands.

To tell the fascinating story of Faber-Castell one must begin with KasparFaber, who lived from 1730 to 1784 in a small village outside Nuremberg,Germany. A cabinet maker by trade, he had a side business producingpencils, which he sold from a basket in the village market. Its success soonmade pencil-making the family’s primary business, and Kaspar’s son AntonWilhelm took it over upon his death. Remarkably, the site Anton Wilhelmacquired on the outskirts of Stein to build his first workshop still remainstoday as global headquarters of the A.W. Faber-Castell Company.

Each subsequent generation grew the company and its product line(inks, writing slates, slide rules, etc.), and in 1849, Lothar von Faber becamethe first to expand beyond the borders of Germany. He set up foreignsubsidiaries first in New York, and then in Vienna, London, St. Petersburg andParis. In 1870, A.W. Faber became the fifth entry in the U.S. TrademarkRegister, and today bears the distinction of being the oldest active registeredtrademark in existence. Now a roughly €600 million business, Faber-Castellemploys 7,000 people in 100 countries around the globe.

As if surviving (and growing) for more than a quarter millennium isn’tenough of an achievement, Faber-Castell is also credited with helpingpass the first trademark laws to protect brand name products; inventingthe hexagonal pencil shape; founding Germany’s first life insurance

company in 1884, still inexistence today; and being thedrawing tool of choice forartists including Vincent VanGogh, Paul Klee and cartoonistCarl Barks.

One thing that hasn’tchanged over Faber-Castell’slong and storied history is itsserious commitment tomaking the world’s highest-quality writing implements,and its motto of “doingordinary things extraordinarilywell.” The eighth generation iscurrently at the helm, led byCount Anton Wolfgang vonFaber-Castell. His wife,Countess Mary, serves asmanaging director of FCCosmetics, a division forwhich they both have aspecial affinity. (The two metwhen Faber-Castell beganmaking cosmetic pencils for

Chanel, where Mary was director of marketing.) The couple’s four children,Count Charles and Countesses Sarah, Katharina and Victoria, are currentlystudying international business, law and marketing in preparation for theirfutures within the company.

A notable highlight is the company’s pen of the year, of which only 10are produced annually; the design for 2012 featured 58 diamonds in 18Kyellow gold, along with a $90,000 price tag. Among the more attainable —but still exquisite — offerings is the E-Motion collection of ballpoint pens,like the ivory resin version pictured above. Its body will fit comfortably inyour hand, while its laser-etched crocodile pattern will surely make you theenvy of other pen connoisseurs. We are proud to offer Faber-Castellproducts, and to support a family business dedicated to upholdingtradtions much like our own.

SPOTLIGHT

WRITTENINTO HISTORY

Like its extraordinary writing implements, the Faber-Castell family stands the test of time. JILLIAN LAROCHELLE

“THE POINT IS NOT TOCLING TO TRADITION

FOR ITS OWN SAKE, BUTTO PRESERVE IT, INKEEPING WITH THE

TIMES, AS ASUCCESSFUL SYSTEMOF VALUES.” –COUNTANTON WOLFGANGVON FABER-CASTELL

Left: The Faber-Castell Castle in Stein, Germany.

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Guilloche Ciselé

The deep matte surface in anthracite grey

combined with the shimmering engraved

Herringbone pattern creates a unique and

very pleasant feel. The highly polished

rhodium-plated cap, end piece and grip contrast

beautifully with the engraved barrel.

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Designer, film producer, author and TV personality Nate Berkus hasmade a career out of taking interior design beyond paint colorsand fabric swatches. His latest book, The Things That Matter

(Spiegel & Grau, 2012), gets to the heart of design in a way that has yousimultaneously poring over the vibrant pages and setting it down torearrange your living room. Here, we chat with Berkus about the book, hisown home décor, and more.Your new book focuses on design as a personal statement. Wasthere a point where you realized design was not just aboutmaking things pretty?I realized that very early on. My mom is an interior designer, so “home” wasmore about a well-designed room than a home-cooked meal. That was herway of saying she cared about her family. Things were not expensive, butthey were beautiful. It was ingrained in me that assembling interiors wasnot something to be rushed. You talk about incorporating things from your travels into yourdécor. How does one avoid a room full of kitschy souvenirs? I do a lot of research before I travel. I talk to the concierge at the hotel, I talk

to a friend who’s gone there before, to really get the best sources foreverything. I have a deep knowledge of furniture creators and modern art,but one thing that is always important to me is the element of the hand-made, whether it’s a Navajo basket on a coffee table or a South Americanbelt on a pile of books. I look for the best silversmith in Portugal, the besttextiles in Asia or ceramics in Mexico. I look for what’s indigenous, what’shistoric and traditional.When you walk into someone’s home, what stands out as“good” or “bad” design?What makes me happy is walking in to see different styles all combined.That may be a Swedish dresser, a French mirror and a Native American rugin one room. I think it makes a room feel layered, like it was assembled overtime. I love when someone takes a risk. I may not love what they did, but Iam taken in when I see someone is adventurous. Conversely, what bugs meis when everything is of the same quality or out of one catalog. You can tellwhen someone spent a great fortune, but you don’t know anything aboutthat person except that they’re rich. In the book, you discuss designing your own home in NYC. Howwas the process different than designing for other people?In a designer’s own home, he is answering only to himself, so he can takemore risks. I like to let things find me, whereas with clients you don’t havethe luxury of buying things haphazardly. For my home, I started to feel likeI didn’t have roots; I wanted to assemble everything in one space, under oneroof. Over 570 boxes were delivered to that home and as I went through allof them, I started to understand my own connection to things. I had todecide what to keep, where to put it, what it went with. The editing processis the most important part. Even if there is something you love, if there’s noplace for you to display it and enjoy it and have it add to the graciousnessof your home, then it should be edited out. What did you learn from writing the book?I didn’t set out to write an autobiography, rather I wanted the book to beabout how I approach design. I hope people recognize that we each have astory, which is why I shared my own in the book. Everyone I’ve known,everywhere I’ve been, everything I’ve done has influenced my style. I hopepeople will stop, take a beat, and decide for themselves what really servesthem in the home and what doesn’t. Only then can someone achieve aninterior that truly reflects their personality. What’s next for Nate Berkus?My Chicago design firm is constantly undertaking new projects. I am excitedabout my collaboration with Target, and hope people find a few things frommy line to add to their décor. I’m producing a second feature film that I’mreally excited about. I love books so much, and after producing The Help, Iwanted to find another project where I could make a beloved book into afilm. We need more of that.

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DESIGN

TELLING STORIES

Nate Berkus discusses his new book, The Things That Matter. BETHANY RABORN

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T he Margarita continues to rank as one of the country’smost popular cocktails, according to the Distilled SpiritsCouncil of the U.S. (DISCUS), as well as a perenniallypopular resort option. Fortunately, today’s drinker hasan unprecedented range of premium and super-premium tequila options from which to choose, whethersipped, shot or mixed into a drink. Casa Dragones is a

super-premium, limited-production blend of blanco (aged two to six months)and extra añejo (aged five years) tequilas, designed for refined, smoothsipping. It’s made in small batches and bottled in individually engraved,signed and numbered crystal decanters. “For us, it’s one bottle at a time,” saysco-founder and maestra tequilera Bertha Gonzalez Nieves, “and we neverwant to change that.” At about $300 a bottle, it’s not for shooting. Instead,it’s for sipping and is part of what could be called a Third Wave of Tequila inthe U.S. (Jose Cuervo representing our introduction to the agave-based spiritin the 1960s and ’70s, Patron/Sauza/El Tesoro taking us further along thejourney in the ’80s and ’90s, and today’s artisanal and luxury productsexpanding our horizons yet again).

Most of the flexibility in tequila production involves the fine points ofharvesting agave hearts, or piñons, how and how long the piñons are cooked,and specific distillation techniques. Blending differently aged batches, asCasa Dragones does, is a relatively new twist, one which Maestro Dobel

Single Estate tequila ($45) claims to have mastered first. A clear, colorlessblend of various aged tequilas, Dobel is unexpectedly earthy on the palate,in part due to the use of Balkan oak. Don Julio, meanwhile, launched itsAñejo 70 Claro ($70) in late 2011. Not a blend of aged tequilas, rather aclarified and filtered añejo, the result is a clear, colorless juice like a blanco,with the toasted oak and dusty sugar notes of an aged spirit.

Perhaps the most interesting experimentation happening with tequilainvolves barrel choices. Most brands employ new oak or used bourbonbarrels (the way most Scotch whisky does) during the aging process, buta few are exploring sherry casks, port barrels and more. DeLeon, aGuanajuato-based spirits brand, launched Leona on December 21 last year(the “end of the world” on the Mayan calendar). It was the first in a seriesof high-end, limited-edition “reserva” releases from the brand. FounderBrent Hocking says, “We were lucky to have purchased extra Sauternesbarrels used in finishing our añejo expression. While going through thewarehouse, we decided to experiment and see what would happen if weleft some to sit.” Taking the tequila to the aging “edge” of the añejoclassification (34 months), the resulting liquor is sweet, rich and complexand, quite simply, one of the most intriguing tequilas on the market. At$825, it had better be good of course, but Leona is no vanity project. It’sdefinitive proof that tequila has potential, as a fine spirit, far beyond bodyshots at spring break.

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FINETEQUILAMexico’s national spirit looks toward luxury.

ROBERT HAYNES-PETERSON

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SPIRITS

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After you satisfy your taste buds at one of our fine restaurants, indulge your good taste at our unique collection of shops. It’s a delicious experience you won’t want to miss. Call 1.888.226.7711 or visit mohegansun.com. Shops: Bare Minerals • Brewster’s Trading Post • Brighton Collectibles • Brookstone • Caché • Cascade Electronics Chico’s • Citizen Watch • Clay Pipe • Coach • Dylan’s Candy Bar • The Essentials • Everything Under The Sun Galina’s • Godiva Chocolatier • Landau • Lush • Lux Bond & Green • Margaritaville’s Smuggler’s Hold The Old Farmer’s Almanac General Store • Once Upon A Time Toys • Oriental Fine Arts & Crafts • Puma Sephora • Spin Street • Sun Shoes • Sunglasses USA • Swarovski • Tiffany & Co. • Tommy Bahama Trading Cove • Trailblazer • Yankee Candle Restaurants: Ballo Italian Restaurant & Social Club • Ben & Jerry’s Bobby Flay’s Bar Americain • Bobby’s Burger Palace • Bow & Arrow Sports Bar • Chief’s Deli • Dunkin’ Donuts Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana • Geno’s Bagels, Sweets & Subs • Geno’s Fast Break • Geno’s Pub Hash House A Go Go • Imus Ranch Coffee • Jasper White’s Summer Shack • Jasper White’s Summer Shack Express Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville • Johnny Rockets • Johnny Rockets Express • Krispy Kreme Doughnuts The Lansdowne Irish Pub & Music House • Michael Jordan’s 23.sportcafe • Michael Jordan’s Steak House The Original SoupMan • Seasons Buffet • SolToro Tequila Grill • Starbucks Coffee • Sunrise Square Food Court Todd English’s Tuscany • Wok-On by Geno’s Fast Break

Conveniently located in Mystic Country.

pizzazz.It’s dining with a whole lot of


You’ve been touring the country and the reviews have beensensational. Why did you write this book? I felt there was something ultimately universal in the way women relate themost significant moments in their lives to jewelry. Open any woman’sjewelry box and there will be at least a few pieces that connect her to herpast, that represent her present and that can be handeddown in the future. As a writerand jewelry designer, Iwanted to explore thistheme, kind of what IleneBeckerman did in Love,Loss, and What I Wore.What did you learnabout yourself fromwriting it? More than I wanted to know;it was a painful process of selfdiscovery. I learned that I holdon, am afraid of loss (thus Ihave every piece of jewelryevery guy ever gave to me —even the ones I don’t want toremember). I learned that I haveincredible connections that godeeper than I realized with the maternal side of my family. That Icontinually choose the wrong men and stay too long in bad relationships.And that my mom and grandmother were the true gems in my life.What have women told you about themselves upon readingyour book?I’ve had many women write me about their mothers: the shared emotionsand shared jewelry boxes. Almost everyone who wrote mentioned therelevance certain pieces have to significant moments in their lives: theexciting time they got their ears pierced or the magical moment they werefirst given jewelry by a guy — even if it was from a vending machine!Women have told me about the pain of selling their jewelry after a divorce,the joy of receiving their engagement ring, the bittersweet memoriesconjured up by their mom’s charm bracelet… What are your most prized pieces and why? • My mom’s baroque pearls handed to me in the hospital in a Ziplock bag

when she died unexpectedly• My great-grandmother’s brooch, transformed four times for four

generations, taking on each of our personalities as it changed• My grandmother’s fantasy gems• A platinum eternity band I bought myself. It was my first self purchase

and it meant that I was independent and didn’t need a man to buy mejewelry.

• A locket and baguette stick pin from my mom, pieces that always remindme of her

• My dad’s Cartier Tank watch• The plastic bead necklace my niece made for me when she was three• A pendant my dad gave to my mom that I had revamped into a ring; it

keeps them alive, and together, forever…Family is obviously important toyou. What’s the best advice youever got from your loved ones? From my grandmother: “Always wear alittle lipstick. And earrings…”

“Superstitions are just that. Worryingdoesn’t make something not happen…” Andthe zinger: “If he hasn’t married you by now,he’s not going to!”

From my father: “People can onlyhurt you if you let them.”

From my mother: “You can usuallysee the train coming from afar; get off thetracks before it hits you.” And (the wordsI heard most often) “He wasn’t worthy ofyou anyway…”What’s your best advice to womenabout buying and wearing jewelry?

I very much believe in personal style and creating your own look. Buy forwho you are, not who your friends are. Try on lots of different things: you’lllearn your style as you get more comfortable trying on. Leave hints for yourhusband or significant other about your dream gifts. But never feel like youhave to stick with something: you can change your style as you grow. Themost important rule: there are no rules. Wear what you love. Wear yourjewelry; never let it wear you.I understand you’re a bit superstitious about your jewelry…Just a bit! I always wear some sort of talisman when I fly. (I truly believe ithelps land the plane…) I never wear a ring on my left hand ring finger becausesome Russian woman told me when I was very young that I’d never getmarried if I did. I’m still not married, and still longing for that band of gold… N

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LIVING A CHARMED LIFE

Stylist, designer, writer and founding fashion director of this magazine,BETH BERNSTEIN talks to Accent about love, life and the profound power of fine jewelry.

46

“WEAR YOURJEWELRY;

NEVER LET ITWEAR YOU.”

READS

LUXB_20_Reads_Living a Charmed Life.qxp:LUXB_ 3/26/13 12:44 PM Page 46

The story of life and love;create timeless memories

with a charm bracelet.

Thousands of charms in gold and silver.


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GWA1000-1A

TRIPLE G RESISTANT

Shock absorbing technology designed

to withstand these forces:

Gravitational Dropping Centrifugal Gravitation Vibration

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WATCHESACCENT MAGAZINE SPECIAL SECTION SPRING/SUMMER 2013

GE

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LBG WATCHES

BAUME & MERCIER BREITLING CARTIER CASIO G-SHOCK CORUMDAVID YURMAN MICHELE MONTBLANC MOVADO PATEK PHILIPPE

RADO RAYMOND WEIL ROLEX SWISS ARMY TAG HEUER

1. Swiss Army with green bezel and strap. 2. TAG Heuer Link Lady.3. G-Shock Classic with green face. 4. Breitling Superocean with green bezel.

5. Cartier Ballon Bleu lady in18K rose gold. 6. Raymond Weil lady Maestro Automatic.

Not all watches are available in every store. Please call (800) 524.7336 for more details.

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Spring TIME

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1Elegant, playful, chic, edgy, sporty, sophisticated,

maritime, military, aviation, racing, diving...Come see our extensive selection of watches to

COMPLEMENT YOUR L IFESTYLE.


SWISS ARMY KNIVES CUTLERY TIMEPIECES TRAVEL GEAR FASHION FRAGRANCES

NIGHT VISIONInspired by the Original Swiss Army Knife, Victorinox Swiss Army time-

pieces refl ect relentless commitment to quality and functionality.

3-year warranty I Swiss Made I Exclusive LED functions I 40 mm I Water

resistant to 50 meters I Scratch-resistant, triple-coated anti-refl ective

sapphire crystal I Ref. 241569


FOCUS: ADVISOR

IS IT NECESSARY TO SERVICE MYWATCH IF I’M NOT HAVING PROBLEMSWITH IT?All watches need maintenance. The extent of the service requireddepends on the particular timepiece, its movement and its age.Generally, quartz watches need battery replacements every twoto three years. Mechanical watches, much like automobiles, needregular servicing. The inner movements of the mechanical watchare lightly lubricated to reduce friction between the parts andensure accuracy and reliability. Deterioration of the lubricantsoccurs over time and results in higher friction, increasing wearand tear and decreasing precision. A mechanical watch should beserviced every three to five years. Watches should always betaken to an authorized retailer to be properly serviced. If thewrong gaskets, batteries or parts are used, it can result in moreexpensive repairs down the line. Even quartz watches, after asimple battery change, have to be properly sealed and closed toensure their water resistance.

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WATCH WISDOMTIME TO ANSWER YOUR PRESSING QUESTIONS.

IS A WATCH A GOOD INVESTMENT?Many people buy a watch because they love the individualstatement the piece makes about them. However, in today’seconomy, people also want to know that the watch they’rebuying will hold its value over time, and maybe even go up invalue. Most top-name watches will hold their value and somecan even become heirloom pieces over the coming generations. Ifyou’re looking to start building a watch collection, invest indifferent styles of watches appropriate for different situations,and do your homework regarding the most coveted brands.Special or limited-edition watches are almost always a goodinvestment in the long term. Don’t be afraid to ask questions; ourknowledgeable watch experts are here to give you guidance.

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FOCUS: ADVISOR

I HEAR PEOPLE TALK ABOUT“COMPLICATED” WATCHES; WHAT DOESTHIS MEAN (AND ISN’T LIFECOMPLICATED ENOUGH)? The term complicated refers to timepieces with certain functions orfeatures that are considered top feats of watchmaking. The mostcoveted complications vary depending on personal taste andwatchmaking progress. Among the top categories today aretourbillon watches (expensive, complex mechanical calibers thathouse an escapement, which compensates for errors in timekeepingdue to the effects of gravity), repeater watches that chime the timeon demand via a series of gongs and hammers, and perpetualcalendar watches that can track the day, date,month, year and leap year (and sometimesmoonphases and more) for hundredsof years to come. Some of theworld’s finest complicatedwatches can have waitinglists, but please stop inanyway — we’rehappy to show yousome fabuloustimepieceswhether or notyou plan to buy.

WHAT NEW MATERIALS ARE BEINGUSED IN WATCHMAKING?As watchmakers progress in their quests for innovation, theynaturally turn to other fields, such as the space and automotiveindustries, to see what these state-of-the-art worlds are utilizing.This has led to a wealth of new lightweight, rugged, hypo-allergenic materials being incorporated into wristwatch cases,dials and straps. Among the more interesting materials beingused: high-tech ceramic, carbon fiber, aluminum, titanium andalloys of various elements. These are great new introductions thatare well worth checking out the next time you visit the store.

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WHAT ARE THE CURRENT WATCH TRENDS?One of the most important trends in the watch market today is definitely the proliferationof dual-, triple-, and multi-time zone watches. For today’s global business person, or anybusy traveler, having alternate time zones readily available at the flick of the wrist is almostessential. These timepieces come in a wealth of styles and in an array of price ranges,offering design and technology options for men and women. Chronographs also steal thelimelight with their form-meets-function attitude. A chronograph is a watch that timesmultiple events, and it can be a very useful tool. Another important trend today is themove toward new timepieces for women. These include mechanical and quartz watchesthat offer sophisticated features and functions, like elegant moonphase indications,chronograph counters and calendars.

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©20

12 m

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inc. KERRY WASHINGTON, ACCLAIMED ACTOR.

CERENA™ MODERN CERAMIC DESIGN INSMOOTH WHITE CERAMIC AND STAINLESS

STEEL. WHITE DIAL WITH DIAMONDS.


FOCUS: PROFILE by Karen Alberg Grossman

What was the original goal when the brand was launched back in 1976? My father-in-law, Mr. Raymond Weil, was a visionary. In 1976, while Swisswatchmakers were struggling with outdated business models, he saw anopportunity. His goal was to democratize, worldwide, Swisswatchmaking, to produce elegant and exquisite watches with the highestquality standards but at more attainable prices. Today, my mission is tocontinue my father-in-law’s extraordinary adventure.

How would you differentiate your company, and your watches, from thecompetition? Raymond Weil is one of the last independent family-owned businesses,with the third generation now in charge. Our brand benefits from thehorological knowledge of Mr. Weil, renowned in the watchmakingindustry as a living legend.

Our watches are creative and elegant, offering high quality standards atunequaled prices. They benefit from Mr. Weil’s 63 years of experience,from my 30 years, and from the latest technological innovations made byour R & D department.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?Staying independent in a highly competitive market. By so doing, we’veadded a human component to our business model.

What can we expect from Raymond Weil this year in terms of technicaland aesthetic innovation? Mr. Raymond Weil invented a fresh approach to luxury. My two sons, Elieand Pierre, and I strive to continue along this route. (They are particularlykeen on introducing new technologies in marketing.)

Our timepieces are at once classic and modern, casual and elegant.

Remaining true to the brand’s spirit, we’re offering new designs andvariations in color, materials, shapes and sizes.

The Maestro collection, for example, features a new chronograph, aphase de lune complication for ladies, and some retro-inspired models.Freelancer is revisiting its classics with new interpretations of the best-selling chronograph and the open-dial visible balance wheel models.The new Jasmine collection features a subtle flower motif, which nowadorns the heart of its dial, on a guilloché finish.

You’re known for a focus on art and music; how does this relate towatchmaking? Music is a family passion: my father-in-law is a great lover of classical andlyrical music and was inspired by it from the outset when he named hisfirst collections after famous operas. He transmitted this passion to mywife, who is a professional pianist, and to my sons who are musiciansthemselves. I’ve carried on developing this unique duo — watchmakingand music. They have much in common: precision, creativity and theemotions they inspire.

What kind of person wears a Raymond Weil watch? How manywatches do you own and which is your favorite?A person who wears Raymond Weil is attentive to quality, and appreciatesinnovative, elegant timepieces. In addition, this person likely favors thetraditional values conveyed by a family-run company.

Personally, I have a collection of about 60 Raymond Weil watches andcannot pick a favorite; each is appropriate for a particular moment of life.That said, I currently love wearing a recent creation: my Maestro Phase deLune Semainier, a unique timepiece with seven hands, combiningharmony, elegance, tradition and innovation.

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THE ART OF TIMEA CONVERSATION WITH OLIVIER BERNHEIM,

PRESIDENT & CEO OF RAYMOND WEIL GENÈVE.

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CSX-33 DIAMOND, DIAMOND DIALCSX-33 DIAMOND GOLD, DIAMOND DIAL

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FOCUS: POP CULTURE by Jillian LaRochelle

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WATCHES IN FILMAND THE NOMINEES FOR TIMEPIECE IN A STARRING ROLE ARE...

S K Y F A L L Daniel Craig as James Bond, wearing an

Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M SKYFALL

T H EB O U R N EL E G A C Y

Jeremy Renner as Aaron Cross,wearing an IWC Pilot’s WatchDouble Chronograph Edition

TOP GUN

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T H ED A R K

K N I G H TR I S E S

Joseph Gordon-Levitt as John Blake, wearing a

Victorinox Swiss Army Classic Infantry

M A R V E L ’ ST H E

A V E N G E R S Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury,

wearing a Piaget Polo Chronograph

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FOCUS: PROFILE by Robert Haynes-Peterson

Only a couple of weeks after Hurricane Sandy, when much of lowerManhattan, Brooklyn and New Jersey were still plunged indarkness, TAG Heuer went ahead with its plans for the Manhattan

launch party of its latest Link collection, the Link Lady Trilogy LimitedEdition. Created in conjunction with brand ambassador Cameron Diaz,who attended the event, the Trilogy collection (a limited-edition steel ring,bracelet and watch trio featuring the first automatic watch in the LinkLady line) was already slated to do good: Profits are dedicated to supportUN Women, an organization that advocates for women's rights around theworld. In the wake of Sandy's destructive force, however, the watchcompany knew it must do more.

"Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims of Hurricane Sandy,"TAG Heuer president and CEO Jean-Christophe Babin told the crowd of500 or so, many of whom had flown in from Europe for the event. "Wedecided it was important to help New York Cares with their relief efforts,and we are donating $100 for every guest who is here."

As it happened, actor Leonardo DiCaprio — another TAG Heuerbrand ambassador, whose new Signature Link Calibre 16 Chronograph(with blue dial) will raise funds for Green Cross International and the

Natural Resources Defense Council — was in town filming The Wolf ofWall Street. He bounded on stage to join Diaz and Babin, showering highpraise on the brand. "It's incredible to work with a company that cares somuch, and gives so much. That kind of dedication to service is importantto me, and it's reflected in everything TAG Heuer does."

The Link Lady Trilogy Limited Edition set and Leonardo DiCaprioLink Automatic Chronograph Calibre 16 watch are in stores now. TAG Heuer fans can also enjoy a technological breakthrough this year: theTAG Heuer Mikrogirder. The innovative regulator, which TAG Heuerclaims challenges the 300-year heritage of hairspring/balance wheelmechanical regulation, allows the company to present a highly accuratechronograph, impervious to gravity, with minimal isochronous error.Winner of the 2012 Aiguille d'Or — the top prize in all categories at theGeneva Watchmaking Gran Prix — the Mikrogirder Chronographreplaces the spiral hairspring and classic balance wheel with a couplingbeam and excitatory beam system, paired with a linear oscillator. Thetechnology allows the chronograph accuracy to 5/10,000 of a second,beating 7.2 million times each hour. The design features a anthracite dialand rubber strap, with assymetric case.

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THESTRONGEST

LINKTAG HEUER DOES WELL BY DOING GOOD.

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EXPLORE THE LITTLE LUXURIES THE WORLD HAS TO OFFER.DONALD CHARLES RICHARDSON

THE NIGHT SPOTIt’s no secret that Broadway singers and actors hate whenthe curtain comes down and they have to leave the stage.So on Tuesday nights, after the shows are out, performersand the fans who love them gather for Backstage at 54Below (located in the basement of legendary Studio 54) tokeep the music and jokes going over drinks and supper. Ledby musical director Brad Simmons and host Susie Mosher,gypsies, Broadway and cabaret stars (and occasionally anaudience member) sing or do their routines in this intimateand fashionable 144-seat space created by Tony-winningset designers. The wine list and food are good, the serviceexcellent, the crowd always fun. And you never know whomight turn up to perform. End your evening on a high note.

A STROLL THROUGH HOTEL LA MAMOUNIAMarrakech has a fascinating history, exotic markets, exciting nightlife and a delightfully opulent hotel. La Mamounia, a former palace celebrated for its mixtureof traditional Moroccan and modern French styles, offers intriguing experiences from great art to ice cream. Take a walk through the reception room, lobby andtearoom, where Moroccan paintings and statues inspire. Stop at the Italian Bar to view the latest photography exhibition while sipping a Le Grand DameChampagne cocktail made with citrus essence. Next, wander outside into the serene 17-acre garden filled with olive and citrus trees, magnificent roses and anextensive kitchen garden (you might chat with the chef as he gathers vegetables for dinner). At the center of the garden is Le Menzeh, an ice cream pavilionthat offers pastries and freshly made ice creams. Finally, to recover from your exertions, complete your tour with a Royal Hammam treatment at the lavish spa.

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SPIRIT OF THE PASTBuilt in 1228 by the Anglo-Norman de Burgosfamily, Ashford Castle is set on 350 acres with aspectacular backdrop of Irish woodlands, lakeand mountains. Sir Benjamin Lee Guinnesspurchased the estate in 1855 as the family’scountry residence. Since becoming a hotel in1939, the castle has welcomed dignitaries andcelebrities including Prince Edward, King GeorgeV, Ted Kennedy, Sharon Stone, Brad Pitt andBarbra Streisand. The castle offers contemporarycomforts and conveniences, but naturally, old-world traditions still thrive. There’s Ireland’s firstschool of falconry, a decanter of sherry in eachroom, and tea served in the drawing room. Andin keeping with conventional castle ambiance,there’s also a ghost, reportedly from the 19thcentury when the Guinnesses were in residence.Not to worry: guests who’ve seen the youngfemale apparition say she’s friendly.

LIGHT FOOTEDThis spring, let your feet shine with bright bejeweled footwear byIvy Kirzhner, featuring cloisonné metal work and exotic leathers.The 2013 collection includes the Ark, a dress wedge with crystalsand snake leather inlays on an 18K gold-plated heel. The Taj Mahalgladiator sandal features gold silk metallic leather with crystals.Nefertiti is an ornamental high wedge with 18K gold-platedhardware and hand-enameled cloisonné treatment. Pictured aboveare the Montezuma Deco-bejeweled slippers in royal blue and hotcoral kid suede and gold silk metallic, and the Tresor, a Deco balletflat in gold silk metallic and opal, both with crystals on an 18K gold-plated hardware ornament. Step into a brilliant summer.

CONCERT GRANDSteinway Lyngdorf is a collaboration between Steinway & Sons, makers of theworld’s finest pianos, and audio innovator Peter Lyngdorf. Their speaker systemsrange from the invisible to the compact to the giant. Currently, the state-of-the-art choice is the Model LS Concert. Combined with the SP-1 Stereo Processor orP-1 Surround Sound Processor and Steinway Lyngdorf’s fully digital amplifiers, it’sperfect for luxurious home theaters. The open-baffle design makes the speakerinteract with the room much as a musical instrument would, resulting inextremely open and life-like musicality. There’s also a remarkable remote thatweighs nearly 2.2 pounds, with a rotating wheel crafted from solid, gold-platedbrass and mounted on precision-machined Swiss bearings, providing intuitiveand total command of the system.

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T he legend: Ned was an “old Native American dude” who lived aloneon an island in the Long Island Sound. The waters surrounding hisisland were teeming with Bluepoint oysters (named for Blue Point,

Long Island, where they were originally discovered) so he harvested them forsustenance. He wasn’t rich, but he sure was happy!

Following in his footsteps, Ren Brighton has been farming Bluepointssince college, a passion he picked up from his grandfather, who ownedsome property on the Sound.

His business — Ned’s Island Oysters: Fresh Bluepoints delivered to yourdoor — is just over a year old, comprises two acres of beds in Darien, Conn.and is very labor-intensive. Beginning with local broodstock, the oysters startout in a hatchery. “It’s all about temperature manipulation,” Brightonexplains. “Spawning usually takes place only in the hottest part of summer,but if we heat the water to 30 degrees C, the oysters are tricked…” They thengrow in cages in the Sound until they meet Ned’s standard of three to four

inches; of course, the waters are carefully monitored by the State Bureau ofAquaculture. From spawning to market size takes 18 months to two years.

Caveat emptor: Since ‘Bluepoint’ is not trademarked, other regions haveattempted to market their oysters under this name. Be warned: theseimposters don’t even come close! Explains Brighton, “No rivers flow into thearea where our beds are located, so the waters here are a little saltier, andrich with algae, plankton and various nutrients.”

In addition to a delicious and nutritious eating experience (Ned’s Islandoysters were described by one taste tester as “sweet, perfectly briny, witha lingering tannic green pepper finish almost like a Chinon or otherCabernet Franc…”), oysters are reputed to be an aphrodisiac, and oysterfarming (a sustainable activity that uses no pollutants) is known toreplenish the seas. In fact, oysters eat by filtering out micronutrients fromseawater at a rate of about a gallon an hour, thus keeping marineecosystems healthy. So eat oysters, save the planet, and enjoy!

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DELICACIES

MUCHADO

ABOUT OYSTERS

You won’t get pearls from these babies,just an incredible eating experience!

KAREN ALBERG GROSSMAN

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In the northeastern corner of Thailand, in what were once nearlyinaccessible lands, you will find the tropical Asian destination knownas The Golden Triangle. Decades ago, thisregion, which borders Laos and Myanmar,was filled with opiate traders and insurgents.

Nowadays, it is one of the most unspoiled parts ofSoutheast Asia with a sophisticated infrastructure ofroads, markets, hotels and shops to attract visitors.

Physically, The Golden Triangle has magnificenthills, mountains, swaying bamboo forests, and themajestic Mekong river. Culturally, you’ll find Buddhisttemples and first-rate artisans perfecting sculpture,woodwork and pottery. Socially, the famedgenerosity of spirit that characterizes the Thaipeople is in abundance; as yet, the region has notbecome overwhelmed by tourists.

When I came across photographs of amagnificent house, available for rent, on a formercoffee plantation near Chiang Rai, a town within The

Golden Triangle, I booked flights immediately. Owned by an Australianinterior designer currently based in Hong Kong, pictures of the property

made it clear that this was an architectural gem.It took about 90 minutes to get to Chiang Rai

from Bangkok, and from the plane we were in awe ofthe verdant mountains to the north. We were pickedup at the airport by Sakda, our driver andhousekeeper for the next 10 days. During the ridefrom the airport, on a highway as sleek as what you’dfind stateside, we passed by pristine villages,remarkable fruit and vegetable markets, and smalllocal Buddhist temples. It was exotic but welcoming,and so clean and lush I felt as if we were in Hawaiirather than a remote Southeast Asian country. The airwas redolent with the scents of onions, ginger andfrying chilies, and even the colors of the fruits — pink,orange, red and purple — seemed so magical.

Chiang Rai has simple, wonderful, open-airrestaurants. The cuisine of this region is based largely

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TRAVEL

THE GOLDENTRIANGLE

An Asian paradise awaits at the crossroads of Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. SCOTT HASS

Doy Din DangPottery

White Temple

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on Chinese peasant cooking. This means placing fresh herbs in the bottom ofa bowl, topping them with noodles, filling the bowl with broth, and puttinggrilled chicken, beef, pork, or shrimp over the noodles. Or, if you’re in the moodfor a lighter snack, head to the markets to buy exotic, colorful fruits like durian,longan, rambutan and pitaya.

When not eating, you should visit the bizarre, fascinating Black House,a huge installation organized by the artist Thawan Duchanee. The vasttemple grounds are perfectly landscapedon undulating rises, with fruit trees, narrowstone paths, small horses stationed nearthe buildings, and views of the hillsides thatmade me feel as if I was in a movie. Theartist had utilized the landscapes as if theyexisted only to complement his own work:it was that audacious! Each buildinghoused fake skeletons of imaginarycreatures, pelts from beasts that had neverexisted, and an odd, evocative mix of oldand new elements. Each building wasunique and stunning, and each was an art gallery unto itself, displayingworks of art in stone, fabric, clay and oil paint. It looked like somethingSalvador Dali might have done had he been born in Thailand.

The best pottery in the region can be found at Doy Din DangPottery, where master potter Somluk Pantiboon producesmuseum-quality work. While the region has a long history ofusing clay to make household items, Pantiboon is creating artthat is decorative rather than utilitarian. He is an independent

thinker, international in outlook and experience in contrast to most whohave spent their entire lives here as farmers.

Massages are the high point of a trip to The Golden Triangle. For about $50,you can have a one-hour treatment that will loosen you up, revive your sensesand restore focus. The very best place for massages in Chiang Rai is ChivitThamma Da. Located on a narrow street next to a river, this spa is housed in awonderfully old-fashioned, two-story wooden building next to a coffee shop runby the same owners. I went there each day during my trip, and after a 90-minutemassage, all the stress that remained from my ordinary life was diminished.Massages are a fundamental part of daily life for many in Thailand: It’s theirtherapy. As a clinical psychologist it’s hard to admit, but I believe their practicetrumps mine.

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WHERE TO STAY:RAI RAKANG: Easily the mostbeautiful home I have ever rented. Ithad one enormous room, threestories high, modeled on a Buddhisttemple, and a luxurious bedroomand attached bath with views ofgrounds that were once a coffee

plantation. Called “Elephant House,” it ran about $275 a night,which included daily breakfast catered on the patio, dailyhousekeeping, and a driver and car (gasoline extra). Contact theowner, Andrew Bell, directly at [email protected].

LE MERIDIEN: A brand-new riverside property in Chiang Rai, withbeautiful rooms, great food, cooking classes and an incrediblyfriendly staff. 221 / 2 Moo 20 Kwaewai RoadTambon Robwieng, Amphur MuangChiang Rai 57000, ThailandPhone: +66 (53) 603 333Fax: +66 (53) 603 330 Email: [email protected]

ANANTARA GOLDEN TRIANGLE: A stone’s throw fromMyanmar and Laos, this is one of thetop luxury hotels in Thailand. Theproperty boasts a spa and an array ofupscale restaurants, and they’ll evenhelp you arrange a trip to an elephantcamp, where the majestic creaturesare protected from poachers and

raised in the serenity and love characteristic of this Buddhist nation. Golden Triangle, ThailandPhone: +66 (0) 5378 4084Email: [email protected]

WHERE TO EAT:Any number of holes in the wall in the dozens of Thai towns andvillages that make up The Golden Triangle offer delicious freshnoodles, broth, fried pork and grilled chicken. The country isfriendly, safe and clean.

WHAT TO DO:In Chiang Rai, you must go as often as possible to Chivit ThammaDa for massages, followed by cold draft beer or coffee and pastriesin the adjoining café. Massages are by appointment. Call +66 (0) 81984 2925 to schedule.

In addition to visiting temples and shrines, it is also great fun to have aportrait done while you’re there. Visit Bliss Studios, where acephotographer Chalit Chawalitangkun takes travel photos to a new level. Email: [email protected].

For pottery, visit Doy Din Dang Pottery. Website: dddpottery.com.

THE AIR WASREDOLENT WITHTHE SCENTS OFONIONS, GINGERAND FRYINGCHILIES, AND EVENTHE COLORS OFTHE FRUITS — PINK,ORANGE, REDAND PURPLE —SEEMED SOMAGICAL.

Black Houseart installation

Entrance to the White Temple

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For one hour a week, I am a princess. I am morebeautiful than Sofia Vergara, more graceful than aswan. Although my upper back aches slightly, I am

gloriously happy. Dormant muscles that I never knew existed arespringing to life. And my brain (whichcan no longer remember what book I’mreading) is sending multiple messages:to my pinky finger to point upward, tomy feet to glide back on the ball andforward with the heel, to my head to tiltand my torso to configure a perfectpose. (They tell me “muscle memory”will eventually kick in; I eagerly awaitthe kick...) I silently thank Mom and Dadfor those costly ballet lessons decades

ago, and wonder why I ever stopped. I love to dance!“Enough waltz!” insists my young and handsome

Brazilian dance instructor. “We will learn the rumba. Forgetthose ballet arms and look at me with dagger eyes. This is asensual dance! Run your fingers through your hair, sweepthem across your upper body. Focus on the hips…” I look athim defiantly: this middle-aged suburban mom is not aboutto sway her hips or caress her upper body. He accepts noexcuses: I am to practice in the privacy of home.

To prepare, I rummage through my closet and discovera slinky red dress and some gleaming South Sea pearls,perfect for a sensual rumba. Thankful that the back of mylakeside home is totally private (if I discount deer andchipmunks), I don the outfit and lose myself in thehypnotic rhythm blaring on my stereo in full surroundsound. Completely immersed in the music andconcentrating on my moves, I never heard the leaf blowersin my backyard. Suddenly, I’m returning the stares ofseveral smiling and appreciative gardeners, their facesglued to my back window. Apparently, I’ve unleashed myinner beast and will soon be the talk of the town, at leastamong groundskeepers…

Undaunted, I count the hours until my next lesson,when I’ll once again transform to princess, or (in mydreams) to temptress. And as I glance at my reflection inthe dance studio mirror, I see no wrinkles or extrapounds, but rather an ageless elegant woman with anewly awakened passion for life. TA

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How I got my mojo back. LENORE RICH

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“I rummage throughmy closet and discovera slinky red dress and

some gleaming South Seapearls, perfect for a

sensual rumba.”

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