16_cover_spring summer 2011 [Reis Nichols].qxp:REIS

A C C E N T/ T H E M A G A Z I N E O F L I F E ’ S C E L E B R AT I O N S ♦ S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 1
Special Watch Section:
IT’S
ABOUT
TIME
BOLD &
BEAUTIFUL!
THE NEW GEMSTONES
PLUS:
Celebrity Spotlight
Impeccable Pearls
Gorgeous Gifts!
“I see a sparkling
future ahead of you! ”
Contents spring/summer 2011
INDIANAPOLIS
Fashion Mall Commons
(317) 255-4467
GREENWOOD
Greendale Centre
(317) 883-4467
www.reisnichols.com
PUBLISHED BY THE BUSINESS
J O U R N A L S FA S H I O N G R O U P
PUBLISHER
Stu Nifoussi
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Karen Alberg Grossman
C R E AT I V E D I R E C T O R
Hans Gschliesser
16
MANAGING EDITOR
Jillian Sprague
PROJECT MANAGER
Lisa Montemorra
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
Beth Bernstein
DESIGNERS
Cynthia Lucero
Jean-Nicole Venditti
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Peg Eadie
FEATURES
WATCH SECTION
4 Events at Reis-Nichols
24 Watch Advisor
6 Spring Forward
26 Travel:
Watch Lover’s Mecca
10 Accent Advisor
12 Fashions: From the Runways
16 Trends: The Joy of Jewelry
20 Profile: Mikimoto
34 His Side: Romancing
the Stone
36 Perfect Gems
38 Speed: Grand Sport
28 Celebrity Ambassadors:
Beautiful Women, Beautiful
Watches
DIRECTOR OF PREPRESS
Hugh K. Stanton
PRESIDENT AND CEO
Britton Jones
CHAIRMAN AND COO
Mac Brighton
Jewelry has been enlarged to show detail. Due to the fluctuating prices
of diamonds, gold and platinum, prices are subject to change. While
30 Estate Buying:
Searching for Treasures
32 Interview:
Larry Pettinelli of
Patek Philippe
we have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information
in this magazine, we are not responsible for errors or omissions.
Copyright 2011. 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;
42 Art: Man’s Best Friend
in the Spotlight
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. The publishers accept no responsibilities for advertisers
44 Essay: Lucky Charms
this magazine may be reproduced without written permission of the
claims, unsolicited manuscripts, transparencies or other materials. No part of
publishers. Volume 9, Issue 1. Printed In The U.S.A.
2
2011 JOHN HARDY LIMITED
NAGA COLLECTION
SEE AND BE SEEN
Fashion stole the scene at Reis-Nichols' holiday parties this year. For one night, Murph Damron, fashion show expert extraordinaire,
coordinated an on-stage experience that was a thrill for all. At the North store, a dozen beautiful models hit the runways to flaunt the
season's best in jewelry, paired with clothing by Indy's favorite boutiques: Niche, 815, N.Rue and Raleigh Limited. In Greenwood, models
featured looks by Lottie Dottie, a brand new boutique that opened next door to Reis-Nichols last fall.
4
5
SpringForward
REIS-NICHOLS
Margarita diamond collection
necklace and earrings, rimmed
with diamonds, starting at $550
CHANEL
Premiere with stainless steel
case set with diamonds,
quartz movement, mother of
pearl dial set with four
diamond markers, on a white
rubber strap, $4,100
JB STAR
One-of-a-kind ruby, sapphire
and emerald rings, prices
subject to availability
BAUME & MERCIER
Linea with 27mm stainless steel case, quartz
movement, diamond bezel, mother of pearl
dial with snailed finishes, polished and satinfinished stainless steel bracelet with triple
folding clasp.
6
ROBERTO COIN
From the Primavera collection, woven bangle
bracelets in 18K yellow, white and rose gold,
some with diamonds, $1,180 to $1,900
PRECISION SET
Diamond eternity bands, starting at $1,500
ROLEX
MIKIMOTO
Akoya cultured pearl strand and
earring gift set with 18K yellow gold
accents, $3,950
Oyster Perpetual Submariner
Date with stainless steel bracelet
and scratch resistant ceramic
rotating bezel, $7,375
JOHN HARDY
From the Bamboo Lava collection, in sterling
silver with blue topaz and iolite. Ring $250,
earrings $395, bangle bracelet $495
TAG HEUER
Ladies stainless steel and ceramic
Formula 1 with diamonds $1,400
7
DAVID YURMAN
Sterling silver wide sculpted
Cable cuff, $750
MICHELE
SYDNEY EVANS
Michele Tahitian Jelly Bean
watch collection, available in
assorted colors, $295 each
Bead bracelets with gemstone
charms, starting at $400
STEPHEN WEBSTER
Superstud Crystal Haze
earrings with gray cat’s
eye and diamonds, $1,100
IPPOLITA
MARCO BICEGO
From the Jaipur collection, multi-colored gemstone bangles
set in hand-finished 18K yellow gold, $895 to $990
8
Rings from the Scultura collection
featuring undulating forms and organic
shapes in gemstones of turquoise,
black onyx and mother of pearl set in
sterling silver, starting at $995
MODERN ROCK CANDY® IN 18K GOLD WITH GEMSTONES. ©2011 IPPOLITA®. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
ACCENTADVISOR
HOW DO I
MIX FINE
AND
FASHION
JEWELRY?
I’VE BEEN SEEING A LOT
OF BLACK USED IN FINE
JEWELRY. WHAT ARE THE KEY
Use a pretty black dress or a
simple top as the backdrop for
mixing pieces. Wear a gold medallion
STONES AND METALS, AND HOW
CAN I WEAR THEM?
pendant along with multiple chains in
blackened and tonal antiqued base metal. Or
you can mix in real baroque pearls with a
large colored pendant in crystal rather than a
precious gem. A low-risk way to mix real and
faux is on the wrist; you have more room to
be playful as it’s further from your face. Here,
mix leather or suede wrap styles with pavé
charms, or Bakelite and wood with precious
stones. Throw in some high karat gold thin
bangles to create a truly eclectic look. This
season, designers are even mixing these
materials into one piece to offer a statement
at an affordable price. But if you prefer
simplicity, stick to a pair of cuffs in wood with
center gemstones, and a mesh necklace with
chains of matte gold. The combination will be
different and dramatic, and take you through
the season in style.
The trend started with designers adding a black rhodium
finish to white gold and mixing it with high karat yellow gold
for a richer look. As the darker metal began to sell and the
prices for gold went up, the next step was to use blackened or
highly oxidized silver. (Some designers still use black rhodium
plated 18K white gold, which can mean a slightly higher price
tag.) These metals look great with the of-the-moment
diamonds—also black—which are spectacular in rose, brilliant
and polished rough cuts. Black can be done in styles from
gothic to feminine, such as pavé leaves and flowers with a
black diamond center. If you want to add color to your black
jewelry look, try a hint of rough cut fancy sapphires, the pretty
watercolor shades of moonstones and aquamarines, or the
IMAGES COURTESY OF JOHN HARDY
more saturated orange hues of citrines.
10
SCAN. EXPLORE.
FIND YOUR TAG HEUER
Invented in 1887 by Edouard Heuer and reengineered
for our new in-house Calibre 1887 movement, the
oscillating pinion enables our CARRERA chronograph
to start in less than 2/1000th of a second.
1.866.675.2080 www.tagheuer.com
FASHION
IMAGES COURTESY OF ACCESSORIESDIRECTIONS.COM
SUBSTANTIAL PENDANTS
PROVIDE PERFECT CONTRAST
TO PRETTY PRINTS
Runways
From
the
NOTICE-ME
NEUTRALS
TEMPERED A
KALEIDOSCOPE
OF COLORS
ON SPRING 2011
RUNWAYS ACROSS
THE GLOBE.
BY JILLIAN SPRAGUE
FASHION
LAYER HEARTS
OVER LACE FOR
AN ON-TREND
VINTAGE LOOK
A LITTLE
SHINE
GOES A
LONG
WAY…
MOONSTONE MANIA!
THESE COOL STONES
ARE HOT FOR SPRING
Runways
From
the
NOTICE-ME
NEUTRALS
TRENDS
his season, there’s one simple rule on the road to great jewelry
style: Don’t get stuck in neutral! Get into gear and follow the
direction of spring 2011 fashion, which is all about color.
Does this mean that neutrals like black—so strong these past few
years—are no longer fashionable? Is it time to abandon your Little Black
Dress? “Absolutely not,” says Meredith Smith, designer and cultural trend
analyst at The Doneger Group in New York City. “Even though fashion’s
biggest names flooded the spring runways with bright-colored clothes, you
can still wear your classic LBD. However, the perennial cocktail classic and
other neutral-toned attire needs to be popped with colorful jewelry and
accessories. Right now, our culture is all about finding joy; adorning
ourselves in happy, escapist colors (like bright blues and greens) is one way
to do that.”
The Joy
of Jewelry
COLORFUL GEMS FIT
FASHION’S BRIGHT OUTLOOK
BY LORRAINE DEPASQUE
THE GEMS
Adam Graham, marketing director of The American Gem Trade Association
(AGTA), agrees that bright blues and greens, as well as shades of purple,
are leading trends in colored gemstone jewelry this year. Among the azures,
he points to traditional blue sapphire, aquamarine and blue topaz, but
emphasizes that lesser-known stones like labradorite, turquoise, blue
moonstone, chalcedony, tanzanite and blue shaded black onyx are
extremely significant as well. With dramatically-sized jewelry in vogue, it
helps that many of the latter gemstones can be purchased in high quality
at affordable prices.
16
IMAGES COURTESY OF DAVID YURMAN, IPPOLITA, CARELLE
T
“This year, you’re also going to see more
engagement ring center stones in blues and
greens,” notes Graham. “Kate Middleton’s blue
sapphire from Prince William has re-ignited the
trend that his mother, Princess Diana, started back
in 1981, when she received the engagement ring
from Prince Charles. Blue sapphire is a great option
for women who don’t want to be too ‘bling,’ and at
the same time, it’s a high-end gem of great color.”
At the AGTA’s annual Spectrum jewelry design
awards for 2011, Graham tells us, “One of the
winning pieces was a platinum ring with a neongreen tsavorite center stone. Our panel of judges,
all in the fashion or jewelry industries, said it
represents a definite style direction.”
In fact, many of the best jewelry designers are
also premiering dazzling fashion collections with
great green gems, especially green tourmalines,
peridots, green diamonds, emeralds, green agates,
green sapphires and tsavorites. “And for the past
year,” says Graham, “celebrity stylists have been
requesting to borrow green gemstone jewelry for
their A-list clients to wear to awards shows.”
The green jewelry they’ve been borrowing will
coordinate with many red carpet fashion styles
according to Leatrice Eiseman, executive director
of The Pantone Color Institute, which named
‘Peapod’ green as one of its top fashion colors for
spring/summer. “We’ve learned that green really
works well as a neutral and we see people more
inclined to wear it on a regular basis,” she says.
This past fall, Pantone chose ‘Purple Orchid’ as
its number-one fashion color and, for
spring/summer, the passion for purple continues,
with ‘Lavender’ in its top ten selection. Jewelry
designers are showing violet gem creations in
everything from deep amethysts and fancy purple
sapphires to pastel pinky-purple sugilites and
quartzes.
down the runways wearing mega-necklaces, in this
case you have another option. Instead of investing in
one massive neck piece, a more practical purchase
might be to buy several long chains and links that can
each be doubled or tripled. With layering necklaces,
you can experiment and create many different looks,
for both daywear and evening. Play with the necklaces,
graduating the lengths differently to accommodate the
neckline of whatever you’re wearing. To complete the
look, add a 16-inch chain with a pendant or enhancer.
In this season of bold color, choose one with a bright
gemstone center.
EPIC RINGS Typically, you ladies buy these supersized and super stylish rings for yourself. (Well, why
not—you deserve it!) They’re statement pieces that
reflect your personality and personal style, so be sure
to select gemstones you really like—plus, since it’s on
your hand, you’ll be looking at it all day. Should you
invest a lot of money in this epic ring? That depends, to
some degree, on whether you’ll be wearing it every day
or if you’ll want to buy several and switch—much like
some people do with watches. Unlike the big cocktail
rings of eras past, the epic ring is no longer a dress-uponly accessory.
GUMDROP EARRINGS And you thought gumdrops
were just those chewy sugar-coated candies you
shouldn’t be eating! Think again: It’s the season’s
strongest earring silhouette. More medium-large than
ultra-large in size, this drop-style earring focuses on
one prominent colored gem that hangs to about midneck. It’s classic, yet, at the same time, fashion. Ask
your jeweler about the earrings’ stone shape and cut.
Some gumdrops have slices of color with a flat bottom,
allowing light to pass through the gemstone, much in
the way natural light shines through a stained glass
window.
MORE THAN ONE METAL COLOR No, you can’t
be a yellow-only or white-only jewelry lover
anymore. It just isn’t fashionable. If most—or all—of
your jewelry is still the same metal color that you’ve
been wearing forever, this is the season to start
collecting pieces made in different surface colors. If
you want to stick to karat gold for your precious
metal, that’s okay, but there are many different gold
colors to choose from: rose, blackened and
sometimes peach. Even the texture on a piece
slightly changes the look of the color. (For example,
a high-polished blackened gold bracelet will appear
to have a different hue than a satin-finished or matte
blackened gold piece.) Once you begin to add
different colored pieces to your jewelry wardrobe,
you’ll see how all the shades really do work together.
And no need to worry if you don’t have “enough” of
a certain color when you start. Part of the fun of
jewelry is collecting it over time.
FIVE TO BUY
Now that you know what these post-winter pickme-up colors and coordinating gemstones are,
which jewelry pieces in particular should you be
considering? Ultimately that depends on your
individual style as well as what jewelry you already
own, but here are the five jewelry must-haves we
highly recommend:
BIG BANGLES The number-one jewelry item
adorning spring runway models was the big
bangle, and they usually wore two or three per
arm. The uber bangles—not slim stackables and
not ultra-wide cuffs—almost always featured
stones, beads, or some sort of bright
embellishment.
LAYERING NECKLACES While models strutted
18
100s of styles to choose from
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PROFILE
Mikimoto strands
are world-renowned
for their perfectly
matched pearls; this
process becomes
exponentially more
difficult when strands
are longer.
Timeless Beauty
MIKIMOTO CULTURED PEARLS—A PERFECT BALANCE OF
TRADITION AND INNOVATION BY KAREN ALBERG GROSSMAN
O
20
A Unique History
After many years of trials and tribulations,
Kokichi Mikimoto succeeded in creating the
world’s first cultured pearl in 1893. He then
sent artisans on missions to Europe to master
the techniques of jewelry production and
design. This knowledge, supplemented by the
Japanese aesthetics of form, line and
workmanship, produced the distinctive
originality of Mikimoto designs. In 1899,
equipped with his first collection, Mr.
Mikimoto opened the first Mikimoto Pearl
Store, Japan’s first specialty pearl shop, in
Tokyo’s Ginza district. After improving his
cultivating and harvesting techniques, he was
able to ship his product overseas, making
cultured pearls available to women around
the world.
IMAGES COURTESY OF MIKIMOTO
f all the love stories over the ages, does anything beat the
intensity of Cleopatra and Marc Antony? Betting him that she
could consume the wealth of an entire nation in one meal,
Cleopatra removed a pearl earring, crushed it, and drank the powder mixed
with wine. Under her spell and hopelessly enchanted, Antony neglected his
duties to the Roman Empire, thus changing forever the course of history.
Since ancient times, pearls have indeed symbolized everything from
purity of love to victory in battle. From symbol of chastity to mystical
aphrodisiac, pearls have reflected the power of love. Worn by ancient
Greeks at their wedding ceremonies to ensure marital bliss (and prevent
new brides from crying), pearls are worn today by modern brides for
strangely similar reasons. After all this time, pearls still represent innocence,
sophistication and timeless beauty.
In 1893, Kokichi Mikimoto successfully created the world’s first cultured
pearl, launching today’s cultured pearl industry and making cultured pearls
available to women all over the world. The company is internationally
respected for its dedication to beauty and quality. Since each pearl is as
different and individual as a fingerprint, quality grading standards are
essential. Mikimoto has maintained the highest standards of quality and
consistency by devoting more than a century to understanding the sea and
researching the oyster. They’ve developed a proprietary grading system,
unique within the cultured pearl industry. Although no single factor can
solely represent the worth of a pearl, luster and surface perfection are most
important. There are four Mikimoto grades: A, A+, AA and AAA, with AAA
being the highest quality. A mere three to five
pearls out of every 100 harvested are deemed
worthy to bear the Mikimoto name.
While there is nothing more cherished than a
classic strand of Mikimoto pearls, numerous
fashion options abound. For 2011, these include:
LONGER
STRANDS
Ranging in length from 32 to an
astounding 100 inches, these
longer strands are the perfect
accessory and a wonderful
gift for today’s modern
woman. Taking the classic
beauty of a traditional choker
to a whole new level, these
versatile strands, whether worn
for day or evening, alone or
layered with another piece of
jewelry, add glamour to any occasion.
Not only a unique fashion look, these
long strands truly showcase the superior quality for
which Mikimoto is revered. Each strand is a work of
art, requiring incredible skill, judgment and
craftsmanship. Mikimoto strands are worldrenowned for their perfectly matched pearls and this
process becomes exponentially more difficult when
strands are longer. Demanding the finest judgment
and artistic sense, only Mikimoto has the ability to
sort and match such long lengths of pearls.
PEARLS
IN
MOTION
contrast to the classic, feminine elegance of white pearls, Mikimoto Black
South Seas are pearls with attitude, emitting an air of confidence. Day or
night, from the boardroom to the runway, Black South Sea pearls are the
perfect complement to any outfit, and an icon of
style and taste. Because of their breathtaking
natural hues, fashion mavens and connoisseurs
alike consider Mikimoto’s Black South Sea
cultured pearls to be among the most distinctive
of all gems. With their hypnotic depth of color
ranging from light gray to peacock green to
midnight black, these treasures of the sea seem lit
from within, conferring a remarkable radiance and
sophistication upon those fortunate enough to
wear them.
In 1914, Kokichi Mikimoto established a
culturing site for Black South Sea pearl oysters
on Ishigaki Island in Okinawa, Japan. Since that
time, the brand has remained the authority on
Black South Sea cultured pearls of the highest
quality. Almost a century later, Black South Sea
jewelry remains a formidable fashion trend as
style-savvy consumers are embracing these
gems as never before. Mikimoto’s international
design team uses Black South Sea cultured
pearls to create jewels of impeccable style and
quality, from a perfectly-matched choker to a
multi-colored 45” strand that can be layered or
wrapped.
CARING
FOR
PEARLS
The rules are simple:
Wipe gently with a soft
cloth after wearing and
store separately so they
don’t get scratched.
Remember: pearls are
organic gemstones, and
thus vulnerable to acid,
alkaline and humidity. That
said, pearls beg to be
worn; left alone in a box
they risk dehydration, so
wear them often and flaunt
your elegance and style!
With Pearls in Motion, the
possibilities are unlimited. This unique
concept in jewelry design offers the
versatility to wear Mikimoto cultured pearls in an infinite
number of ways. Place the cultured pearls anywhere along the
slim, elegant chain. The gems will remain in place thanks to
Mikimoto’s exclusive, patented mechanism.
BLACK SOUTH
SEA
Mikimoto Black South Sea cultured pearls, with their exotic
origins and mysterious color palette, are a versatile must-have
for today’s trendsetters looking to make an edgy fashion statement. In direct
21
BAROQUE
COUTURE
COLLECTION
The natural beauty of Mikimoto’s Baroque South
Sea cultured pearls is derived from their superb
luster and irregular, yet
beautiful, silhouettes. The
unique organic shapes of these
pearls make them a constant
marvel to behold, a true fashion
statement and conversation
piece.
Baroque Couture is a
collection of one-of-a-kind
Mikimoto jewelry inspired by the Baroque pearl. The
Baroque Couture Collection uses the distinctive shape and size of each
individual pearl as the subject of each exclusive design. Nature determines
the setting and Mikimoto designers fulfill each pearl’s destiny.
Says Amy Kim-Araneo, Mikimoto’s vice president of product
development and design: “Designing baroque pearl jewelry is incredibly
exciting and challenging because no two pearls are alike, so each piece
takes on its own personality. The unique shape of each pearl truly dictates
the design…as if it knows what it wants to be. The organic, fluid designs of
Baroque Couture really conform to the body and showcase a more modern,
less traditional look in pearl jewelry.”
ACCENT MAGAZINE SPECIAL SECTION SPRING/SUMMER 2011
getty 1 / Peter Dazeley
ATC
IT’S
ABOUT
TIME
H
W
WATCHES
ATC
IT’S
ABOUT
TIME
H
W
WHAT TO KNOW WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR TIMEPIECES
WATCH ADVISOR
IS IT OKAY
TO WEAR A SPORTS WATCH
AS AN EVERYDAY WATCH?
IMAGE COURTESY OF TW STEEL
If you love it, why not?
Unless you’re talking about a tacky
plastic watch, most of today’s better
sports watches are thin enough to
wear as an everyday watch, and offer
features that most of us appreciate
even at home or in the office. These
can include water resistance, built-in
chronographs, readable dials and
various subdials, calendars and other
complications.
That said, there’s nothing classier
than a beautiful dress watch and for
spring 2011, classical elegance is all
the rage. Our suggestion: build a
watch wardrobe that includes both
sports and dress watches and
alternate according to the occasion,
and your mood.
WHAT ARE
MECHANICAL
WATCHES AND WHY
ARE THEY SO
EXPENSIVE?
As opposed to quartz watches that function
electronically, a mechanical watch is driven by a
spring which must be periodically wound. A series of
gears power the balance wheel, which oscillates back
and forth at a constant rate. A device called an
escapement releases the wheels with each swing of
the balance wheel, moving the hands forward at a
constant rate and creating a ticking sound. It’s
technology dating back to 17th century Europe, and the
expense is the design, the old world craftsmanship, the
maintenance and replacement parts, and of course the
intrinsic value of precious metals and other fine
materials.
But for those whose hearts beat to the pulse of a
mechanical timepiece, there’s nothing else quite like it!
I HAVE MY GRANDFATHER’S TIMEPIECE FROM THE 1950 S ;
IS IT WORTH THE INVESTMENT TO RESTORE IT?
GETTY 1/ RTI IMAGES
T H E D E C I S I O N T O R E S T O R E A V I N TA G E T I M E P I E C E is part rational (Will the restored timepiece be worth more?) and part emotional (This is my
grandfather’s watch!). Bottom line: the joy of wearing an heirloom, especially one with family history, is unique and priceless.
That said, only you can decide if it’s worth the investment. Once you’ve
made the decision to restore your vintage timepiece, entrust it only to a
qualified technician with proper training in assessing and working on older
timepiece movements. Improper repair of an older watch can damage the
movement irreparably. Incorrect replacement parts, finishing techniques
and lubrication are just some of the issues we’ve seen.
In general, older timepieces cannot be expected to function with the
same level of accuracy as new models. However, if properly restored, the
watch should be suitable for daily wear. One must allow ample time for the
work to be completed, as parts might not be readily available, and the
technician might have to search the marketplace for the proper part, or in
some cases, make the part by hand.
Once the work is done, consider enhancing your newly restored
vintage watch with an interesting strap—perhaps one in a bold color or
with contrast stitching—to make a unique statement.
24
raymond-weil.com
| freelancer collection
by Roberta Naas
ATC
IT’S
ABOUT
TIME
H
W
FOCUS: TRAVEL
WATCH LOVER’S MECCA
48 HOURS IN LA CHAUX-DE-FONDS
I
f you find yourself in Switzerland and have some extra time (those two
words being the operative ones) on your hands, La Chaux-de-Fonds is
definitely worth a visit. The capital city of the district known as La Chauxde-Fonds, in the canton of Neuchâtel, is widely known as the watchmaking
center of the world, the place where many world-renowned
brands took root hundreds of years ago. Located in the 1,000meter-high Jura Mountains, the townspeople were unable to
rely on farming once the winter snows set in. Watchmaking
provided at first a great hobby, then a lucrative craft, and
finally a proud tradition.
La Chaux-de-Fonds has received recognition as a
UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its exceptional
history and universal contributions. It suffered extensive fire
damage in 1794, when it was almost decimated and then
totally rebuilt. It owes its survival solely to the manufacture
and export of watches. The town is one of few that offers an
architectural concept juxtaposing residential housing with
artisanal workshops—bringing the once cottage industry
into today’s world, but on its own terms. There is still an odd mix of modern
and post-modern architecture, with soaring glass towers right next to old tileroofed homes. Some of the world’s most famous watch brands have roots in
La Chaux-de-Fonds, including Pierre Jacquet-Droz (best known for his
automata), Girard-Perregaux, Omega, Movado, Gallet and TAG Heuer.
Since the city and its surrounding canton remain one of the most lively and
important Swiss watchmaking centers, the Musée International d’ Horlogerie
(International Museum of Watchmaking) is a must-see. This popular
establishment showcases the history of timekeeping projects and products,
from sundials to water clocks to table clocks, wall clocks, pocket watches and
more. It is one of the richest collections in Switzerland with more than 4,500
exhibits. In the park outside the museum is a giant tubular-steel carillon clock
with digital readout, built about 30 years ago. It melodically
chimes the time every quarter-hour.
For those who love watchmaking but might want a
diversion, La Chaux-de-Fonds is rich with other influences,
including Art Nouveau architecture, famous paintings and
even automotive heritage. The Villa Jeanneret-Perret is the
first independent project of architect Le Corbusier (nee
Charles-Edouard Jeanneret), born in 1887 in La Chaux-deFonds; there are several other examples of his architecture
around town as well. Be sure to check out the Museée des
Beaux-Arts, an impressive neo-classical building with a
collection of Van Gogh, Delacroix and Renoir, among others.
An interesting tidbit for American car aficionados: This city
is also the birthplace of Louis Chevrolet (born 1878), founder
of the Chevrolet Motor Car Company. Something for everyone can be found
during your two day visit.
IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A FINE HOTEL, CHOICES ARE SLIM.
WE CAN RECOMMEND:
ATHMOS HÔTEL A four-star hotel in the center of town, near the train
station and around the corner from the art and watch museums.
GRAND HÔTEL LES ENDROITS A four-star modern, but in a country
setting. The hotel overlooks the town, with a shuttle to the city center.
ABOVE: An arial view of the Grand Fontaine in the Neuchâtel canton region.
26
With its soft lines and subtle alternating finishes, the Linea is
a timeless icon of femininity that naturally becomes associated with life’s most beautiful highlights. Each Linea is fitted
with an interchangeable strap.www.baume-et-mercier.com
ATC
IT’S
ABOUT
TIME
H
W
FOCUS: CELEBRITY AMBASSADORS
by Jillian Sprague
BEAUTIFUL WOMEN,
BEAUTIFUL WATCHES
THE WORLD’S FINEST TIMEPIECES MAKE THESE
SUPERSTARS SHINE (AND OF COURSE, VICE VERSA).
GWYNETH PALTROW
FOR BAUME & MERCIER
When opportunity arose for Paltrow to partner with the
famed Swiss Maison d’Horlogerie, she felt an instant
connection to the brand’s motto: Life is about moments.
“That very much represents my personal philosophy on
life,” she explains. For the actress and singer who
recently got her star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, quiet
moments with her family are rare and precious. At a
seaside party in the Hamptons, she shared that many of
these moments have taken place at her home there,
where she enjoys relaxing, playing with her children and
grilling seafood in the garden. “I feel at home in the place
between land and sea,” she says.
DIANE KRUGER
FOR JAEGER-LECOULTRE
Kruger fell in love with Jaeger-LeCoultre when
she received a Reverso timepiece on her 18th
birthday. Little did she know that over a decade
later, the watch manufacturer would ask her to
represent their prestigious brand on red carpets
around the globe. Her elegant beauty, strong
personality and incredible talent made Kruger
the perfect muse for Jaeger-LeCoultre’s
designers, who strive to encompass a balance
between charm and strength of character in each
MARIA SHARAPOVA FOR TAG HEUER
TAG Heuer believes that women experience time
of their timepiece collections.
differently than men. Men cut it up into fractions in order
to visualize it, while women see it as a a poetic flow. For
men, time is linear. For women, it is cyclical.
The brand recently asked tennis superstar Maria
Sharapova to help design its new Formula 1 ceramic
watches because “she is a woman endowed with the
systematic approach that comes with the territory.” The
ceramic bracelet with butterfly clasp is ideal for delicate
wrists. The black edition is perfect for night on the town;
the white, for anytime and anyplace.
28
15th Annual
Watch
Event
April 29 -30
th
th
Style
meets
SUBSTANCE
Legendary Collection
Choose from more than 2500 watches
Remarkable Savings
Offered only once a year at this annual event
Two Days Only
Brand representatives on hand to showcase
what’s new, best sellers and rare collectables
ATC
IT’S
ABOUT
TIME
H
W
FOCUS: ESTATE BUYING
SEARCHING FOR TREASURES
SOMETIMES, NEW-TO-YOU IS GOOD AS NEW.
T
here has recently been a surging interest in vintage or previously
owned jewelry and timepieces. For some, it’s about the history,
old-word craftsmanship or unique design of the piece, while for
others it may be the concept of recycling and finding new use and
enjoyment out of an existing item.
Having the largest selection of fine Swiss timepieces in the
Midwest also means that Reis-Nichols has a large following of watch
collectors. Many of our collectors often trade in different models as
new ones are introduced, so several timepieces found in our pre-
owned collection are like new, but offered at a significant savings.
Every watch is inspected and serviced by our staff of expert
watchmakers and comes with a written warrantee.
Reis-Nichols has many amazing, hard-to-find jewelry items and
watches, as well as popular favorites. Our expansive collection
changes and grows daily. Whether you have old, unwanted items that
you want to liquidate, or you’re on the hunt for a unique and beautiful
new-to-you piece, come check out Reis-Nichols’ vintage and preowned collections.
30
DECO DIAMOND TRI TONE
by Roberta Naas
ATC
IT’S
ABOUT
TIME
H
W
FOCUS: INTERVIEW
THE NEXT GENERATION
PATEK PHILIPPE IS ALWAYS LOOKING AHEAD.
P
atek Philippe has long been regarded as the epitome of watchmaking.
This legendary family-owned, Geneva-based brand has been crafting
some of the finest watches in the world since 1839. Indeed, it has an
impressive 70 patents to its credit and has won an
amazing number of awards throughout its
existence. Still, the brand continues to push the
technological envelope, always on the cutting
edge of research and development in an effort to
bring the best horological masterpieces to the
forefront. This manufacture produces everything
in house according to the strictest standards of
excellence.
For this and other reasons, the brand can
easily stand by its tagline: “You never really own
a Patek Philippe; you merely look after it for the
next generation.” Indeed, perhaps more so than any other watch brand, Patek
Philippe timepieces hold their value from decade to decade, century to
century. In fact, Patek Philippe holds a record for achieving 15 of the 16 highest
prices ever paid for a timepiece at auction. What’s more, at a Christie’s auction
this past spring, a one-of-a-kind 1944 Ref. 1527 chronograph garnered $5.7
million, breaking a record for any yellow gold watch ever sold at auction.
Naturally, the value of these watches lies in
their incredible workmanship and esteemed
complexity. Patek Philippe makes about 42,000
watches per year for worldwide consumption—
and of the more complicated pieces, a very
limited number are built. Only the finest, handpicked jewelers around the globe are selected to
carry this brand.
Here, in an exclusive interview, Larry
Pettinelli, president of Patek Philippe, USA,
discusses the steadfast commitment of the brand
to excellence and its belief that even the younger
generation—one that flicks open its iPhones to check the time—can still
The value of these
watches lies in the
incredible workmanship
and esteemed
complexity.
Above: Men’s Annual Calendar, Ladies’ Nautilus
32
ATC
IT’S
ABOUT
TIME
H
W
FOCUS: INTERVIEW
understand the affinity for a timepiece
New York (instead of Switzerland).
that will long outlast them.
“We also work more closely than ever
Pettinelli has been at the helm of
with our retail jewelers to give them and
Patek Philippe in the U.S. for four years
their customers access to what they need
now, but he has been with the company
in terms of fine products,” says Pettinelli.
since 1988, when he started as a trainee
“We know that people have milestones in
carrying watches for the son of the
their lives to celebrate, and that they want
distributor. It was two years before
to pick things with value, especially today
Pettinelli was even allowed to write an
when they are scrutinizing every dollar
order, and four years before he started
they spend. A Patek Philippe will have
discussing actual sales with retailers.
inherent value from the minute they
“‘There’s no reason to rush,’ I
purchase it to 20 years down the road, and
remember the owners telling me,” says
100 years down the road.”
Pettinelli, “’Because when we hire
According to Pettinelli, he has built a
someone, we hire them to stay for a long
younger, higher-energy-level team at
time.’”
Patek Philippe that understands today’s
nd stay a long
generation. “We don’t rest on our laurels,
time, he did.
Larry Pettinelli, president, Patek Philippe, USA
or take for granted that we are Patek and
Today, 22 years
that’s it,” says Pettinelli. “We keep
later, Pettinelli
developing new products, strategies and
heads
the
relationships. Our retailers are our
c o m p a n y in
partners, and we try to give them great
America and admits that the time has
tools for their customers—for generations
gone by in a heartbeat. As the
to come.”
awareness of Swiss watches rose,
Among the most recent “great tools”
Patek Philippe reached iconic status.
are Annual Calendar watches, especially
As vintage watch collecting grew and
Refs. 5205 and 5207, the Nautilus
global auctions became more and
timepieces for women and men, and the
more prevalent, the value of Patek
exciting steel Twenty-4 for women.
Philippe timepieces became world
Additionally, Patek Philippe takes its
renowned. The brand blossomed and
Generations ad campaign to a different
the challenges were met in the U.S. as
level, based on the concept of “Begin Your
they were around the world: with a creed of exclusivity,
Own Tradition.” It is centered on the emotions inherent in
perfection and innovation.
relationships (fathers and sons, mothers and daughters) and
In the four years Pettinelli has been in charge in America,
conveys the enduring value and beauty of something precious.
he has taken a tighter reign over the brand’s distribution:
The new campaign introduces the line “Something truly
closing about 40 retail doors and making the product even
precious holds its beauty forever.”
more exclusive. Just about 100 retailers across America are now
“It’s important to emphasize that we are building watches
authorized to carry Patek Philippe timepieces. Those that do
for the next generation, not just for now,” says Pettinelli. “We are
are superbly trained, and most travel to Switzerland to visit the
not an old, stodgy, conservative company. We offer newness,
workshops and witness the revered watches being built. In
innovation and excitement.”
typical Patek Philippe style, the brand has also reorganized the
way it services watches under warranty in America, and now
offers faster turnaround by servicing most of their models in
Left: Ladies’ Twenty-4
A
“It’s important to
emphasize
that we are building
watches for the next
generation, not just for now,”
says Pettinelli.
33
HIS SIDE
Romancing
the Stone
MY ROCKY EXPERIENCES BUYING
JEWELRY FOR GIRLFRIENDS
BY MICHAEL GIULIETTI
was 10 and at an Italian ski resort the first time I gave jewelry to a female.
She was 18, beautiful, and to prove my love, I left a gift of shiny dark
purple beads by her door, a bold move I was sure would make up for our
eight-year age difference. She sweetly accepted the gift but turned down my
proposal of undying devotion. Heartbroken, I was not yet aware that this
would be the last time I’d give a gift of jewelry without trepidation.
While dating Jen, a professional dancer, I considered buying her a ring
but quickly decided it would represent a commitment I wasn’t ready to
make. Instead, I chose an ornate crystal choker that ended up being so tight
that it cut off her air supply. Although she had left magazines open to pages
featuring her favorite jewelry designer, I’d been oblivious to these not-sosubtle hints. We broke up six months later.
I soon met Arianna. For her birthday, I purchased a Turkish
handcrafted sterling silver necklace with a carved pendant. Upon careful
examination, the carving revealed a well-endowed naked man with open
arms. Aware of possible misinterpretations, I worried: Was I showing
sexual insecurity? Was it in really bad taste? But when I gave it to Arianna,
she was delighted and wore the piece close to her heart. Ultimately the
guy in the carving would remain in her life a lot longer than I would.
Moving to New York from my native Milan, I started dating Bettina, a style
writer who dragged me to esoteric jewelry exhibits at various museums. “I
don’t want to see a bunch of jewelry,” I protested in response to a Castellani
exhibit. “But it’s as much your heritage as the Vatican and its frescoes,”
Bettina replied as I marveled at the intricate pieces behind the glass cases.
The word for ‘jewel’ in Italian is
related to ‘joy’ and I wanted to give
Bettina a sense of gioia di vivere.
She loves rose cut diamonds, so I
picked out a pair of stones and
had them made into drop
earrings, one-of-a-kind, just
like her. It’s the closest I’ve
come to truly committing to a
woman with a gift of jewelry.
And while I’m now more
adept at taking hints, I’m still hoping to
recapture the courageous young boy who declared his feelings with
unabashed audacity and an open heart.
34
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EXPLORE THE LITTLE LUXURIES THE WORLD HAS TO OFFER.
BY DONALD CHARLES RICHARDSON
CAPE ESCAPE
Nestled on 25 acres atop a bluff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Chatham Bars Inn has been a landmark on Cape Cod since 1914. The hotel is famous for
its extensive outdoor activities and lavish dining. But now guests can also indulge in the comfort of a contemporary spa that boasts a dozen king and
queen-size suites, each with a hydrotherapy tub, sauna, steam shower, plasma TV, Bose sound system and fireplace. This spring, the spa is featuring a
renewal and cleansing treatment that includes a body polish made of sugar drenched in plant oils, an application of botanical Shea butter, a linen body
wrap, and face massage.
Since 1989, the Garden Conservancy has been restoring
and preserving America’s exceptional gardens, from
those made by wardens and prisoners at San
Francisco’s Alcatraz Island (at left) to the Pearl Fryar
topiary garden in South Carolina. Along with lectures
and events, the group also offers members of the
Garden Conservancy’s Society of Fellows the
opportunity to see some of the most lavish gardens in
the world. This year, along with U.S. destinations, the
Fellows are traveling to Île de France to see Château de
Vaux-le-Vicomte, a 17th century Baroque chateau and
garden designed by the André le Nôtre (who later
designed the gardens at Versailles), and Normandy to
visit Château de Brécy, another 17th century chateau
with a meticulously restored Italian style garden.
36
ABOVE: CHATHAM BARS INN; AT LEFT: GARDEN CONSERVANCY
GARDEN VARIETY
THE INN CROWD
ELYSIAN HOTEL
GETTY 1
YADES GREEK HISTORICAL HOTELS
On a narrow cobblestone street in Rethymnon old town on
the island of Crete, a small, unassuming doorway opens to a
large courtyard filled with masses of bougainvillea. A central
fountain is surrounded by antiques, works of art,
comfortable sofas and tables set with flowers. This stunning
setting is the very fashionable restaurant of the Hotel Avli.
Greeks come from all over the island for the superb food
made from local sources and the incomparable Greek wines
(the Avli has the largest wine cellar on Crete). Now a
member of the prestigious Yades hotels, the Avli was once
the home of a Venetian lord, and the elegant architecture
and gracious style of the past remain. There are only seven
(very chic) suites, each designed in an individual color theme
with every modern convenience carefully integrated into the
exposed stone, wood beams and original Venetian arches.
Have a glass of wine on the rooftop and look out over this
beautiful town to the sea.
PICNIC PLEASURES
A quiet afternoon. China plates, good silver, a vintage tablecloth. And
these sophisticated pairings from sommelier and gourmet Edward
Costa, director of food and beverage at New York’s Waldorf Astoria
Hotel. These elements combine to create a truly chic picnic with
European flair. To evoke the flavor of a romantic afternoon in Italy,
mingle the sharp and nutty flavors of Parmigiano Reggiano with the
gentle Sangiovese grapes in Vignamaggio Chianti Classico Riserva
Castello di Monna Lisa, 2006. Or, to give your picnic sparkle, try the light
citrus Borgo Magredo Prosecco that highlights the flavors of smoked
salmon. If you prefer a French ambiance, a fresh, crisp rosé is the perfect
wine on a warm afternoon. Robert Oatley Rosé, 2008 is ideal with any
chicken dish. And of course there must be champagne (and caviar). The
bright and refreshing citrus flavors of Perrier Jouet Fleur de Champagne
Blanc de Blanc, 1999 is a perfect match to the creaminess and richness
of Osetra caviar. For a picnic of this caliber, pearls are appropriate.
KIDDING AROUND
Guest rooms at the Elysian Hotel in Chicago boast white Carrera
marble bathrooms with soaking tubs, inset LCD televisions and
separate showers. Rooms have fireplaces and expansive terraces, and
the beds are draped with 460-thread count Rivolta Carmignani Italian
linens. To give couples traveling with children an opportunity to enjoy
all these appurtenances, the hotel invites kids to the kitchens of either
Balsan or Ria, the hotel’s restaurants, for a cooking session with the
pastry chef. They “assist” in the preparation of a dessert such as
Balsan’s Paris Brest, a cream-filled pastry, or Ria’s spiced hazelnut
cake, nestled in ice cream and topped with cherries and hazelnuts.
When the creation is finished, the kids get to take it with them. Maybe
they’ll share.
37
SPEED
Grand Sport
THE INTERSECTION OF HISTORY AND
TECHNOLOGY BY DAVID A. ROSE
t was a late afternoon in September when two young men were driving
to Salinas, Calif., in a brand new 1955 Porsche 550 Spyder. The owner of
the car planned to compete in the Salinas Sports Car Race that
weekend, but rather than transport the car by trailer from Los Angeles as
intended, he felt he needed seat time in the new car before he raced it. As
they approached an intersection near Cholame, a 1950 Ford coming from the
opposite direction suddenly crossed lanes and the two cars collided head-
on. The driver, James Dean, was Hollywood’s newest heartthrob. He died
within minutes of the crash, and a legend was born.
Although only 90 Porsche 550 Spyders were made between 1953 and 1956,
many have survived. At the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion held at Mazda
Raceway Laguna Seca in 2010, one of the 600 cars entered was a Porsche 550
Spyder identical to the one James Dean planned to race 55 years ago.
Vintage racing has grown to become one of the most exciting forms of
motorsports. It brings to life what most people will only see on the pages
of coffee table books, in museums or in movies.
Rolex has sponsored motorsports since the 1930s. As the leading name
in luxury timepieces, it’s fitting that they are title sponsor for one of the
world’s most significant vintage race events. “Motor racing has an
enormous following around the world. It appeals to those who appreciate
the ultimate in technology as well as extreme competition,” said Peter
Nicholson, vice president and director of communications, Rolex Watch
U.S.A. “Since split-second timing is so critical for drivers and crews, it is
Top: A full field of three-liter Formula 1 racecars, considered the
pinnacle of motor racing from 1966 to ’83. Center left: A Rolex
Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona was presented to Graham
Wallis. Center right: Some of the many cars raced or built by Dan
Gurney. Bottom right: Patrick Dempsey and Jay Leno.
38
ROLEX / STEPHAN COOPER
I
Left: Luc Slijpen from the Netherlands stands next to his
original, unrestored 1925 Type 35 Bugatti. Bottom left:
Graham Wallis in his 1929 Lagonda, for which he won The
Spirit of Monterey Trophy for overall excellence. Below: Patrick
Dempsey races the Jeremy Barnes Mazda RX-92 GTP.
fitting that Rolex adds its reputation for precision timekeeping to these
magnificent events.”
Participants at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion hail from 13
countries and bring with them the most exotic cars on the planet to race at
Laguna Seca’s challenging 11-turn circuit. Not long ago, one would have
been able to see a Type 35 Bugatti Grand Prix car only in a museum. Last
year 90 Bugattis were in Monterey, 35 of them racing in the Bugatti Grand
Prix as part of the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. (They later toured
the California coastline as part of the Bugatti Rally 2010.)
At vintage races, the cars are not necessarily the only stars. Patrick
Dempsey, a passionate driver best known for his role as Dr. Derek Shepherd
on TV’s Grey’s Anatomy, raced a Mazda GTP Prototype at the event. Always
a crowd favorite, he was visibly thrilled with his racecar—and his results. Jay
Leno and other celebrities are perennial attendees, but this year it was a
true American legend who garnered the most attention. Dan Gurney, who
was honored at the event, is widely considered to be the greatest American
racecar driver of all time. As a driver he has won races in Indy cars, Formula
1, NASCAR stock cars and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. He was the only
American to win a Formula 1 Grand Prix in a car of his own design when, in
1967, he won the Belgian Grand Prix at Circuit Spa Francorchamps in the
beautiful Gurney Weslake Eagle F1. Despite all his wins, Gurney is most
well-known for his sportsmanship, which has won him the respect and
admiration of peers and race fans around the world.
As he was honored, Gurney reflected back on his prime, when cars were
fast, drivers colorful and tragedy seemed always to be lurking around the
next corner. “We were certainly driven by enormous passion for the sport,
and we had great respect for those who came before us...we weren’t
thinking about future history at the time,” said Gurney. He thanked his role
model Phil Walters (better known as Ted Tappet), who “could move through
traffic gracefully without knocking anybody off the road.”
Gurney is thrilled about the growth and popularity of vintage racing
and enjoys seeing enthusiastic gentlemen drivers behind the wheel of the
cars that he and his peers made famous. “I’m sure these guys are as crazy
as we were,” said Gurney. “I don’t know what it is about human beings...we
all have an affinity for the internal combustion engine and its sounds and
smells, as well as all the history. It’s great to see decades touching each
other and new generations appreciating similar things.”
The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion is part of Monterey Auto
Week, when sophisticated people, exotic cars, fine food and superb wines
combine for a celebration that has become internationally recognized as a
showcase for luxury and glamour.
Automobile enthusiasts and connoisseurs of culture enjoy the
atmosphere of elegance while attending auto-related shows, auctions,
cocktail parties and elaborate dinners. At the Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance,
grand touring cars drive some of the most scenic portions of Monterey’s 17Mile Drive and then parade down Carmel’s Ocean Avenue for bystanders to
enjoy. The week-long festival of automobile culture culminates with the
internationally acclaimed Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, where some of
the world’s most extraordinary cars are judged for authenticity, function,
history and style.
As trailers and auto-transporters are reloaded with their valuable cargo
and participants head for home, the quiet and lovely Monterey peninsula
returns to its normal tranquility. But plans are already underway for making
the next event, from August 19th to the 21st, 2011, even more unforgettable.
39
Collection
Starting at
$895.
$249 each
Cufflinks $350.
ǁ ǁ ǁ͘ Ă Ă ƌ Ž Ŷ ď Ă Ɛ Ś Ă ͘ Đ Ž ŵ
ART
Man’s Best Friend
In The Spotlight
Animated Dogs Come to Life
Paul Fierlinger’s parents were caught up in an international life of Czech
politics, diplomacy and intrigue. They had little time for or interest in their
young child. When they were called back to Czechoslovakia from the
States, they left Paul with an American foster family they’d found through
a newspaper ad. To cope with this benign neglect, Paul found solace in the
company of loveable dogs.
At the tender age of 10, due to a regime change in Czechoslovakia, Paul
was abruptly yanked from the American home he’d come to call his own and
sent off to an elite boarding school in Prague (future playwright and
president Vacel Havel and film director Milos Forman were his schoolmates).
Miserable, homesick for America, and unable to speak the language,
Paul expressed himself through drawing. It turned out he had quite a talent.
Art school followed, coupled with an intense desire to return to the U.S. (no
mean feat during the Communist era).
Eventually, using his artistic talent to forge documents, Fierlinger
escaped to America. Over time, as his acclaim as an animator grew, Paul and
his wife Sandra, a fine arts painter, began to create animated films together.
Shown on PBS and at prestigious film festivals such as Sundance and the
Toronto Film Festival, their work received numerous Peabody Awards, an
Oscar nomination for Best Animated Short, and several other major film
festival awards. Paul’s lifelong love of dogs informed many of these projects.
Some favorites include the award-winning films Still Life with Animated
Dogs, starring dogs Paul had come to love over his lifetime, and Drawn
From Memory, an autobiographical film featuring the canine companions
that helped him survive those unhappy years in Czechoslovakia.
In their latest feature from New Yorker Films, My Dog Tulip (based on
Above: Painter Juan Torcoletti used his love of dogs to turn his
life around by painting their portraits.
42
© JUAN TORCOLETTI/BOLTAX.GALLERY
FOR THOUSANDS OF YEARS, FROM THE EARLIEST CAVE PAINTINGS TO CONTEMPORARY
CANVASES, ARTISTS HAVE BEEN INSPIRED BY DOGS. TODAY, THESE ARTISTS BRING A
UNIQUE VISION TO THEIR WORK. BY JACQUELIN CARNEGIE
British author J.R. Ackerley’s book), an animated German Shepherd gets
top billing alongside the voices of Christopher Plummer, Lynn Redgrave and
Isabella Rossellini.
Through a Photographer’s Lens
Award-wining photographer Rosanne Olson is mostly known for her
stunning portraits of people. But as she photographed her Knowing
Portraits clients, she noticed that their pets were intrigued by the process,
often hovering at the edge of the proceedings.
Olson became intrigued with them in return and came up with the
concept of photographing dogs in the painterly style of the Old Masters.
Her regal dog portraits à la Thomas Gainsborough and John Singer Sargent
look as if lit by the natural light of a window.
“When photographing dogs—and children—I am very patient,” explains
Olson. “Sometimes it works quickly and sometimes it takes a while—there’s
no forcing anything. Animals (and kids) are so honest. They don’t know how
to ‘fake it;’ that’s something we learn as we grow up.
dressed in black leather with two black dogs, a Rottweiler and a German
Shepherd. In a stroke of bad luck, the Rottweiler bit me so badly that I had
to go to the hospital for stitches.
“I wanted to sue the lady, but felt sorry for the dogs. Also, because I was
here illegally, I feared being sent back to South America. I was happy and in
love with New York City, fully determined to fulfill my American dream.
“At first, to ‘heal’ myself from the frightening experience with that
Rottweiler, I painted dogs with ferocious teeth, wild dogs and all black ones.
I started selling my paintings on the street, at the corner of Prince and
Greene. Luckily, many sales followed.
“I had famous clients such as Giorgio Armani and many artists. Also,
neighborhood residents and tourists bought my work. But, finally, I was
arrested for selling on the street and was almost deported. However,
fortune smiled and I got my paintings back—and my freedom—as well as
my papers and a green card. So, I decided to change my life and stop selling
my work on the street. I started doing dog portraits on request.
“First, I’d meet the dogs and their owners (the clients), do sketches,
HAVE
A HEART
© ROSANNE OLSON/GETTY IMAGES
Other ways to help:
Visit 4pawsforability.org, which
provides service dogs to
people with disabilities;
www.humanesociety.org, the
nation’s largest animal protection
organization; or www.aspca.org,
which rescues and shelters
abused and neglected animals.
Left: Esther the Great Dane, as photographed by Rosanne Olson, has the regal look of Gainsborough’s The Blue Boy. Top Right: Art
imitates life. In the award-winning Still Life with Animated Dogs, Paul Fierlinger gets his dog Spinnaker to do a barking “voice over.”
Bottom Right: In the film, Paul Fierlinger also goes sailing with Spinnaker.
“I simply try to make photographing them an enjoyable experience so
that the expressions I get reflect the genuine feelings of the subject.”
Yes, you can almost see the dogs smiling.
Canine Creatures on Canvas
Argentine painter Juan Torcoletti’s inspiration for painting dogs is best told
in his own words:
“My history painting dogs was born in the streets of New York. I had just
moved to the city in 1993 and found a place in Soho. One morning, like any
other, I went for coffee at Dean & Deluca on Prince Street. I passed a lady
make drawings and take photos. Afterwards, I’d work on the paintings in my
studio (by then, I’d moved to an old storage building in Tribeca with a
hotplate and a bathroom down the hall). That’s where I lived until I became
disillusioned with my beloved America. And, when I started painting
ferocious dogs again, I knew it was time to move back to Buenos Aires.”
Since 2004, Juan Torcoletti and his amazing dog portraits have been
represented by boltax.gallery on Shelter Island, New York.
These very different portraits by this group of talented artists pay
tribute to the long relationship people have had with dogs—not only as
hunters, guardians and guides, but as loving companions.
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© PAUL & SANDRA FIERLINGER/AR&T ASSOCIATES, INC.
Animator Paul Fierlinger
and Mutts cartoonist Patrick
McDonnell teamed up to create
commercials for
The Shelter Pet Project
(www.theshelterpetproject.org)
to encourage people to
adopt a pet.
FIRST PERSON
Lucky Charms
JUST IN CASE… BY LISA DALE
hen it comes to wearing jewelry for good luck, I’m not one to
break with tradition. In ancient times Nordic soldiers wore
runes to protect themselves during battle. In Cleopatra’s days,
amulets of scarabs, rounded on one side and bearing words or images of
blessing on the other, were symbols of renewal and prosperity.
Even in modern times, our accessories symbolize good luck: Peruse
jewelry in a Turkish bazaar, or even a shop in New York City’s East Village,
and you’ll find numerous little nazars literally looking back at you with
bands of concentric color—expressions of protection from the evil eye.
But not all jewels derive their status as “lucky charms” from cultural
mythology. Sometimes, it’s more personal. My mother, for example, has
been known to sleep with her lucky pin on when her football team needs a
big win. And these days, I’ve got my own personal talisman as well.
Last Thanksgiving my grandmother gave all her grandchildren,
including me, quite a surprise. She said, “I was planning to leave my jewelry
for you after I pass on. But instead, I want to give it to you now, for the
pleasure of sharing.”
To my sister she gave a large opal ring that sparks green and gold like
fireflies on a midsummer’s night. To my brother she offered her father’s ring:
a gutsy red garnet set in a geometric Art Deco band.
And to me, for no reason other than the fact that I was her first
W
grandchild, she gave her engagement ring—the ring that has been catching
my eye over crumb cakes and knitting needles since I was born. The band is
a buttery matte gold, soft and romantic like a close-up of a heroine from an
old movie. The diamond is princess cut, clear and full of flame.
An engagement ring may not be a universal symbol of good luck, but
to me, this particular ring is very lucky. Here’s why.
When my grandparents first got married, there was no engagement
ring. My Pop and Gram were both from working class families: My
grandmother’s dad was a city cop who married an Irish-Catholic orphan. My
grandfather’s parents were vaudeville hopefuls who never made it big but
who look brilliantly happy in the one photograph of them that remains.
It wasn’t until my grandparents’ 30th anniversary that Pop got down on
one knee, with a real engagement ring this time, and asked, “Will you marry
me?” Decades later, they’re still together.
My fiancé likes to say, “You make your own luck,” meaning that scarabs,
runes or family heirlooms won’t change a person’s fate. And he’s probably
right. But my grandmother’s ring gives me joy, strength and hope. And
what is a lucky charm, if not a symbol of those things?
Call me superstitious, but when I walk down the aisle next summer, I’ll
be wearing my grandmother’s ring—my private and personal little token of
good fortune. Just in case.
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© 2011 Carelle All Rights Reserved
Meticulously handcrafted fine diamond and color gemstone jewelry
www.carelle.com
800.225.7782
© D.YURMAN 2011
REIS-NICHOLS JEWELERS ACCENT THE MAGAZINE OF LIFE’S CELEBRATIONS
SPRING/SUMMER 2011