VOLUME IV / ISSUE XI / NOVEMBER 2020
Ambassador Claude-Alix Bertrand Publisher
Joshua Jakobitz Editor-in-Chief
Gregory Bertrand
Elle Chrysler
Copy Editor
Polo Contributor
Claire Barrett
Brand Representatives Anne-Isabelle Saint-Pierre - Dubai Rudy Volel - New York City Michael J. Snell - The Hamptons Stanley Pierre-Etienne Caribbean Sara Ali - London Jessica Foret Wax - Santa Fe Charles Ward - Montecito K & Co. Media - Los Angeles
Head of Photography
Eva Espresso
Contributing Photographer
Cezar Kusik
Wine Contributor
Raphael Dapaah Art Contributor
Joey Velez
Wellness Columnist
Jyoti Paintel
Spiritual Contributor
Stanley Pierre-Etienne Style Contributor
Brett Chody
Trends Contributor
Anne-Isabelle Saint-Pierre
Contributing Photographers
Michael J. Snell Justine Jacquesmot Edouardo Mainetti Polo Lifestyles is a publication of HT Polo Publishing Co. 995 Detroit Avenue, Suite A Concord, CA 94518 Content Copyright Š Polo Lifestyles 2020 All Rights Reserved.
Michael J. Snell
For information or to advertise Contact editor@htpolo.com Read online at www.pololifestyles.com
Philippe Lucas
Cover Photo by Emma Summerton of Zendaya
Style Contributor
Lifestyles Contributor
Luxury Contributor
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William Smith
Philanthropy Contributor
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WESTWORLD OF SCOTTSDALE The Stella Artois Polo Classic GHANTOOT RACING & POLO CLUB Pink Polo Sultan Bin Zayed Polo Cup Emirates Polo Championship International Al Amal Polo Day for Charity HH President of UAE Polo Cup WORLD POLO LEAGUE The All-Star Challenge The Founders Cup ARGENTINE SEASON 80th Abierto de Tortugas 127th Abierto de Hurlingham 127th Abierto de Argentina THAI POLO & EQUESTRIAN CLUB Thai Polo Open Al Habtoor Polo Club UAE National Day Cup Sir Winston Churchill Cup GRAND CHAMPIONS POLO CLUB Wellington Open USPA National Legends of Polo Carlos Gracida Memorial International Cup
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SCOREBOARDS & COCKTAILS S O C I A L D I S T A N C I N G P O L O
VILLA A SESTA
EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS: THE POLO SEASON IN ITALY
page 30 POLO LIFESTYLES EDITORS & CONTRIBUTORS
Ambassador Claude-Alix Bertrand
Josh Jakobitz
Publisher Polo Lifestyles @haiti_polo_captain
Editor-in-Chief Polo Lifestyles @joshuajakobitz
Elle Chrysler
Stanley Pierre-Etienne
Polo Contributor U.S. Polo Connection @ellechrysler
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Style Contributor Lanmou Pou Ranyon @stanleypierretienne
Claire Barrett
Head of Photography
Claire Barrett Photography
@clairebarrettphoto
Eva Espresso Photographer
Eva Espresso Photography
@eva.espresso
Raphael K. Dapaah
Jyoti Paintel
Vernissage Contributor Dapaah Gallery @dapaahgallery
Spiritual Contributor Polo Lifestyles @jyotipaintel
Michael J. Snell
Gregory Bertrand
Lifestyles Contributor MJS Groupe @agnello_1
Copy Editor Polo Lifestyles @bertrand7367
Cezar Kusik
Wine Contributor Polo Lifestyles @cezartastesearth
Joey Velez
Brett Chody
Style Contributor Polo Lifestyles @brettchody
William Smith
Wellness Columnist
Philanthropy Contributor
@velezmentalhealth
@willismith_2000
Velez Mental Performance May & Stanley Smith Charitable Trust
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Xavier Leopold's bold cubist success page 149
The Crown season 4 debuts this month page 96
Getting out the Gen-Z and Virgil Abloh and Baccarat collaborate page 114 Millennial vote pg 82
ZENDAYA
THE EMMY-AWARD WINNER RIDES A HORSE AROUND LOS ANGELES FOR LANCOME AND TALKS ABOUT VOTING WITH MICHELLE OBAMA Page 102
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VILLA A SESTA - ITALY
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
O
UR COVER GIRL, ZENDAYA, MAY BE AN ALL-AMERICAN WOMAN, BUT THIS IS A LARGELY ALL-INTERNATIONAL ISSUE. FROM EXOTIC CARS – HELLO, FERRARI AND MASERATI, A SNEAK PEEK INTO AN UPSCALE DEVELOPMENT OFF THE COAST OF PERU, SEASON FOUR OF A SERIES ABOUT THE BRITISH MONARCHY (AND A LONG-AWAITED CASTING OF PRINCESS DIANA), POLO FROM ITALY AND FRANCE AND NINE ULTRA-LUXE VACATION RENTAL HOME DESTINATIONS IN NORTH AMERICA, THE NOVEMBER ISSUE JUST FEELS WORLDLY.
I think that helps to soothe the ache in my soul that comes from month after month of not being able to jump on a plane and take off. As winter descends on North America and we enter our 10th month of social restrictions and various forms of lockdown, it’s starting to feel nice and even quite normal to spend this much time at home. I’m on a first-name basis with the checkers at the local grocers and produce marts, the USPS carrier and the local taco place that delivers chicken quesadillas to the door of my office. By the time many of you read this, the USA presidential election will have taken place. For this month’s issue, the very delicate task of reporting on the Gen-Z and Millennial vote was placed in the hands of our own Gen-Z, trends reporter, Brett Chody. Her interviews with rising, young voices of activism showcase the diversity of ideas, trends and platforms that are being utilized this electoral season. At press time, exit polls point to a strong youth voter turnout – so far. Speaking of turning out, our NYC luxury contributor Michael J. Snell documented a road trip he took in the new Ferrari Roma, hitting some iconic spots around the city. If speed is your king, you might be #readytoRoma with Michael and Ferrari. Our spiritual contributor Jyoti Paintel continues her series of Navigating 2020 – a topic both timely and relevant, while art curator Raphael Dapaah introduces us to Xavier Leopold and his bold cubist work taking the art world by storm. So, now matter what you’re in the mood for today, next week or any time this month, we have the stories and insights that will inspire and encourage. Best, Josh Jakobitz josh@pololifestyles.com
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coatofarms Treat the polo player in your life to upscale holiday gifts from Coat of Arms' new collection
poloclub_villa_a_sesta Spectator-less polo in Italy rounded out the European season in an unconventional year
christopherkorey Suiting with crisp details and refined tailoring -- nothing else than we'd expected from CKC page 26
experienceautogrp Are you #readytoRoma? Ferrari takes an iconic tour of New York City and surrounding area
tonyaswright Coffee table upgraded by Polo Lifestyles at the home of October's Vernissage feature family
soolip_ On one hand, we can't believe the holidays are approaching; but we love these gifting ideas from Soolip
harrisonazzarro The air is crisp and the days are shorter; best spent doing what we love most
archershall Fires can't knock down Archer's Hall, a destination we can't miss in Barbados
katerinamorgan.shop Polo-printed silk scarves from one of our favorite polo photographers Katerina Morgan
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Click and comment on our choices... tag @pololifestyles. We will share noteworthy comments with you next month.
jacindaardern New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern handily won her reelection last month... congrats!
uspoloassn Fall calls for flannel and U.S. Polo Assn. has some great options for fun looks this season
zendaya Zendaya's Emmy win for Best Lead Actress made her the youngest recipient in the award's history
nzpoloopen The BMW NZ Polo Open set a 2021 date for the annual tournament, giving us hope for polo next year
maseratioflongisland Green, white and red -- for the Italian flag at the Maserati MC20 launch in New York
vakiano.artisans Beautiful and sleek hand-carved knives would be fun in a gift exchange or stocking
pitseb Social distancing? A yacht would be a good place to do that this holiday season
byfthtzcn_horsephoto From Turkey with love, capturing essence of moments of connection between humans and horses
simonpearce These crystal pumpkins have us dreaming about holiday decorating and cooking page 27
2020 BMW X6
The Ultimate Driving Machine.
CHOOSE YOUR X. THE BMW X RANGE.
NOW WITH 0% FINANCING.
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VI L L A A S E STA - I TA LY
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2020
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V I L L A A S E S T A - I T A LY 2 0 2 0 PHOTOGRAPHED BY EDOUARDO MAINETTI
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V I L L A A S E S T A - I T A LY 2 0 2 0
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PHOTOGRAPHED BY EDOUARDO MAINETTI
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V I L L A A S E S T A - I T A LY 2 0 2 0
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PHOTOGRAPHED BY EDOUARDO MAINETTI
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OPEN DE FRANCE DE POLO
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PHOTOGRAPHED BY EDOUARDO MAINETTI
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The creation of this exceptional clock draws its inspiration from the concept "tempus fugit" (times flies), providing an endless source of fascination. Whether long or short, friend or foe, time runs wild and free. The idea of "taming" it - not to gain mastery over it but rather to better appreciate it - this was the starting point of the amazing adventure which gave birth to the mare and her foal, an automaton and exceptional clock baptized “Hippologia.� The Parmigiani Haute Horlogerie Manufacture has mastered the fine art of creating beautiful timepieces shrouded in mystery. Through its restoration work, Parmigiani is intimately acquainted with historical masterpieces, enabling it to hone its own creativity. This manifests itself in the form of unique timepieces, each a real piece of watchmaking bravura. In the past, the manufacture has already created many table clocks decorated with sculptures reproducing a dynamic movement. This year, Parmigiani Fleurier wanted to dream bigger and go further.
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LA CO U PE DE FRA NC E 20 2 0
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LA COUPE DE FRANCE 2020
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Photos by Justine Jacquesmot/Courtesy Open de France organizers Domasac Polo Team nabbed the title and trophy at the 2020 Coupe de France, played in early October. Domasac beat out Audaz Polo Team 5 to 2.5.
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LA CO U PE D E FRA NC E 2020
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LA CO U PE DE FRA NC E 202 0
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LA CO U PE D E FRA NC E 2020
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E U R O P E A N S O C I A L LY C O G N I Z A N T FASHION SHOWS
BALMAIN page 54
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EUROPEAN FASHION WEEKS:
CAREFUL PLANNING, STRICT ADHERENCE TO LOCAL GUIDELINES AND OUTDOOR VENUES
M
YRIAD FASHION HOUSES OVER THE PAST FEW WEEKS HAVE ACHIEVED THE SEEMINGLY IMPOSSIBLE TASK OF SAFELY EXECUTING SPRING 2021 FASHION SHOWS DURING THE GLOBAL PANDEMIC IN LONDON, MILAN, AND PARIS – FROM THE BIGGEST MEGA-BRANDS
LIKE CHANEL, DIOR, AND VALENTINO DOWN TO SMALLER, MORE INDEPENDENT LABELS SUCH AS GABRIELA HEARST AND DROME. HOW DID THEY DO IT? The “how” came down to an admixture of careful planning, strict adherence to government guidelines, and utilization
of outdoor venues when possible. In Paris, restrictions were in place limiting the number of fashion show guests to 1,000 individuals or less, and all guests were required to wear face coverings. The city had a spike in Covid-19 infections just a few days prior to the first show, therefore all the bars and cafes were closed down; restaurants were allowed to stay open but they could not seat parties larger than six, and three feet of social distancing was required
BLUMARINE page 55
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BIAGIOTTI
E U R O P E A N S O C I A L LY C O G N I Z A N T FASHION SHOWS
BOSS between each guest. Generally the fashion shows maintained a similar amount of social distance between seats for the audience members, and due to travel restrictions some brands such as Balmain and Miu Miu concocted novel solutions to bring key players in virtually with live feeds, and screens as stand-ins for celebrity page 56
fans who couldn’t be there in person. The feeling of attending the socially distanced shows was largely dependent on how many audience members there were, where the events took place, and of course, a picture is worth a thousand words.
DIOR
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CHANEL
ISABEL MARANT
FENDI page 57
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E U R O P E A N S O C I A L LY C O G N I Z A N T FASHION SHOWS
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CHANEL
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E U R O P E A N S O C I A L LY C O G N I Z A N T FASHION SHOWS
FERRETTI
VA L E N T I N O page 60
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LOUIS VUITTON
KO C H E
YA M A M OTO page 61
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THE 2021 FERRARI ROMA
LA NUOVA DOLCE VITA
#ReadytoROMA
T
HE FERRARI ROMA, ONE OF THE FIRST DEPARTURES FROM A TRADITIONAL DESIGN LANGUAGE, IS TARGETING A NEW VIBE, “LA NUOVA DOLCE VITA.” THIS THOUGHT OF A PLEASURABLE WAY OF LIFE IS OBJECTIFIED BY THIS SHAPELY COUPE, THE LATEST MODEL TO COME OUT OF THE COMPANY’S MARANELLO HEADQUARTERS. Noted for its reminiscent timeless design found in the 50s and 60s Ferrari’s, this grand tourer comes packed with some serious performance and cutting-edge technology. Underneath the hood, you’ll find a 3.8-liter turbocharged V-8 that generates 611 horsepower and 561 lb-ft of torque. Roma was paired with an eight-speed DCT (dual-clutch automatic transmission) that debuted on the even more exotic Ferrari SF90 Stradale. page 65
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On a recent tour produced by Ferrari of Long Island, the Roma made its way around popular New York destinations throughout the metropolitan and Hamptons area. Heads turned as the classic Cavillino appeared amongst the familiar backgrounds on two different Roma versions – one in the color Blu Roma and the other a stunning silver called Argento Nurburgring. The Roma excites the ears as it swiftly pulls away with an easy to miss 3.3-second sprint to 60 mph, just another six marks to get up to 124 mph. Positioned on 20-inch wheels, the model features multiple state-of-the-art drive modes (controlled by the manettino), including a wet, sport and race option. With all of these modes, and given it drives as good as it looks, this could be one of the best Ferrari GT models ever.
the doors and alluring floating center console. The driver faces a 16-inch fully digital gauge cluster that now responds to touch-sensitive haptic controls on the traditionally designed flat-bottom steering wheel. There is no start button in the Roma—you simply touch the steering wheel’s logo as if you were opening an app on your smartphone, and the car wakes up. Touch it once more, and the engine snarls into life. Additional touch control switches for lights and exterior mirror adjustments are located on a sleek touchpad to the wheel’s right. For the first time, it presents its passengers with more infotainment and connectivity features than other Ferrari models. This includes a new, vertically mounted 8.4-inch touchscreen and a separate screen with infotainment and performance statistics for the front passenger.
The Roma’s interior is mixed with upscale materials in a unique layout. The front-seat passenger is cocooned by a sweeping dashboard that flows into
These photographs don’t do the Ferrari Roma justice, to be blunt. Designed in-house under the direction of Flavio Manzoni, a wider, lower and much
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more dramatic, proportioned styling was created to showcase a modern, edgy appeal. The front was done with slim headlights and a substantial splitter, both giving the first appearance of Roma a shark-like nuance. One design feature that isn’t visible is the race-car-style vortex generators on the underfloor at the front of the car that help the Roma generate more downforce on the front axle for improved handling and stability at higher speeds. An active spoiler now sits just below the rear window. With its three settings of Low Drag, Medium Downforce and High Downforce, the spoiler improves each of your selected driving modes or actively tunes to current conditions. For this GT, it is the Ferrari you can genuinely use every day. Whether it be skirting off to a coffee shop or charging through city traffic – it’s a poised example of being the perfect driver’s auto, being truly… #readytoRoma
#ReadytoROMA
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G R EEN WI C H POLO CLUB · E AST C OAST O P E N
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#ReadytoROMA
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INTRODUCING THE MARINA COAST PERU AT
PERU TO THE WORLD
9TH ANNUAL EXPO East Hampton, New York
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A PERUVIAN PACHAMANCA CELEBRATING CULTURE
I
N ITS NINTH YEAR, THE PERU TO THE WORLD EXPO 2020 HELD ITS ANTICIPATED EVENT OF CURATED TRADITIONAL PERUVIAN GASTRONOMIC FAIR IN EAST HAMPTON, NEW YORK, IN THE LUXURIOUS GARDENS OF THE BAKER HOUSE 1650 THE EVENT WAS ALSO HELD AS AN OFFICIAL U.S. INTRODUCTION TO MARINA COAST PERU, A LUXURY LIVING AND YACHTING COMMUNITY IN NORTHERN PERU. As a gastronomic destination, the cuisine of Peru continues to be celebrated world-wide and a number of top nationwide chefs traveled to join in page 74
the culinary program, including Chef David Burke. The six top chefs were featured both on the virtual and live portions of the program, as they cooked live introducing each of their specialties to guests. The Baker House owner, Antonella Bertello, who is also of Peruvian descent, and Melvi Davila, the Peru to the World Expo founder, served as master of ceremonies and created a beautiful tribute to their Peruvian heritage. Guests were delighted with live vocalizations and a ‘Marinera’ dance from the culture’s traditional roots. This virtual and in-person gala was produced by The MJS Groupe who specialize in curating luxury experiences. The recipient of this year’s Award of Excellence was Augusto Manzanares, a very creative and top Peruvian Fashion Designer whose celebrity clients include Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez and Thalia.
The evening featured prominent local and national Peruvian chefs, businesses and restaurants. Notable partners included The Peruvian Connection, Goya, Danica Rose, Cerveza Cusquena and Pisco Alegre. Guests also were delighted to try traditional foods prepared by Brian Morales of Son Cubano Restaurant, Javier Angeles of Susheria Restaurant, Michael Ciuffardi of Inca Social Restaurant, Diego De La Rosa of Paella Party, Raul Perez of Somos tu Perú Restaurant, and Yuki Nakandakari of Ceviche Brothers. Bertello also had the honor of announcing her family’s project - Marina Coast Peru, which is the first residential and recreational boating paradise on the Western coast of South America. The destination, which is located in Punta Sal, on the northern Peruvian coast, boasts oceanfront luxury apart-
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ments, houses and townhouses, outdoor recreation, private airfield, inland marina with slips for yachts up to 220 feet, maintenance boatyard, yacht club, professional water ski lagoon, retail area and an extensively equipped medical center. All of these amenities come with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding ecological and recreational landscapes, making it one of the most modern and attractive residential communities. The area, which is world-renowned for its deep-sea fishpage 75
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G R EEN WI C H POLO CLUB · E AST C OAST O P E N
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ing, and Ernest Hemingway spent time here filming parts of the movie ‘The Old Man and the Sea’.
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“Staying safe and healthy is now our priority, but we will soon welcome you with open arms at Marina Coast Peru,
in Northern Peru, with its fantastic cuisine and climate year-round,” noted Bertello.
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CONVINCING YOUNG VOTERS TO SHOW UP
GEN-Z AND MILLENNIAL VOTERS HAD THE LOWEST TURNOUT OF ANY AGE GROUP IN 2016. HOW MAY HISTORY NOT REPEAT ITSELF?
BRETT CHODY
I
Trends Contributor
@brettchody
N PAST PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS, YOUNG VOTER TURNOUT HAS BEEN SHOCKINGLY LOW. ACCORDING TO DATA FROM THE PEW RESEARCH CENTER, GEN Z AND MILLENNIAL VOTERS HAD THE LOWEST TURNOUT OF ANY AGE GROUP IN THE 2016 ELECTION. But politically active Gen Z-ers are determined to change that this year and are taking to social media to do so. They believe that they can convince their generation to vote by utilizing popular platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, and have taken matters into their own hands. Amanda Powers is a senior at Harvard University and co-chair of the Harvard Votes Challenge. The HVC is a nonpartisan effort to increase civic engagement across campus. It employs its Instagram account to reach its audience by posting informational graphics about how to page 82
cast your ballot, upcoming voter registration deadlines and student stories about why voting is important. HVC team members also utilize Instagram direct messages to talk directly to their peers, Powers explained.
questions, Wolf explained. She believes that exposure to politics on social media, such as Poll Well’s advertisements and Instagram programming, has led many Gen Z-ers to become politically active.
“Gen Z voter participation is crucial in this election because although Gen Z is the largest voting bloc, politicians do not always prioritize what matters to us because historically, older voters show up at higher rates,” Powers explained. “That is why we do this work: to convince young people that our votes matter and to provide resources and break down barriers in the voting process.”
“Online, it has been impossible for Gen Z voters to ignore the upcoming election. Young people are exposed to posts about the election through their followers, regardless of their own political engagement. This heightened political exposure has immense power to increase young voter turnout and sway the election in unprecedented ways.”
Another student at Harvard, Anna Wolf, has founded the polling company Poll Well. After seeing the inaccuracies of polling data in the 2016 and 2018 elections, Wolf was inspired to deliver “accurate free election information to the American public.” Poll Well utilizes advertisement platforms on social media networks to encourage people to participate in its randomly sampled, self-reported surveys. The surveys range from a short answer text box to a few multiple-choice
Olivia Williams, an environmental science major at Brown University, makes use of her personal Instagram account to “put forth a particular rhetoric” around the social issues she cares about, specifically climate change. “It is critical that folks in my generation vote in this upcoming election... it is immensely important to show up to the polls and exercise our fundamental right in this Democracy to work towards justice for the planet.” Like Williams, University of Michigan
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bring awareness to police brutality. Since then, her platform has accumulated over 365,000 followers and 19.5 million total likes. “As 2020 unfolded, it didn’t feel right to continue making story times and make-up videos. From that moment on, I wanted to only use my platform to discuss important issues,” Hammett explained.
Harvard student Anna Wolf is the founder of Poll Well.
student Matt Howard uses his Twitter and Instagram account to encourage his friends to vote. He explains that he has friends on both sides of the political spectrum, so he tries to educate them through his social media even if his posts have biases towards his own political stance. Victoria Hammet is a senior psychology major at the University of Southern
California. Earlier this year, she posted a funny video on her TikTok account unrelated to politics that garnered hundreds of thousands of likes. As she gained followers from that viral video, she continued to post content of the same humorous substance. But after the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, she began to post political TikToks on her account to
Hammett posts a variety of TikToks on her account, such as recaps of breaking news about President Trump or Vice President Biden and fact checks on other users’ videos. Her sarcastic humor and unique ability to explain complex issues in a simplified manner have helped her following grow at a rapid rate. She had 363,000 followers yesterday afternoon; today it’s up to 365,600. “Young adults, myself included, spend a ridiculous amount of time on social media. With fewer and fewer young people voting each year, it’s incredibly page 83
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In times of social distancing, social media has replaced door-to-door voter registration. Along with trendy slogans and celebrities in activist couture, will it make a difference in the Gen-Z and Millennial vote? Only time will tell.
important for every person with a social media platform to use it to educate their followers about politics and current events,” Hammett said. It seems like the social media route is working. According to a Harvard study, 63 percent of voters between the ages of 18 and 29 said they would “definitely be voting” in November, compared to 47 percent in 2016. Hammett believes
this is due to the abundance of political content catered to Generation Z voters on social platforms. “This year, we’ve seen record-breaking amounts of young people registering to vote, and I think that can be largely attributed to the way so many people have started using social media to express their political beliefs,” she explained. As November 3 approaches, Hammett,
Williams, Wolf and Powers are confident that their generation will show up to the polls and change the narrative about young voters. But whatever the outcome, they all can look back at their efforts to encourage their peers to vote and be proud that they are on the right side of history. By Brett Chody Style & Trends Contributor Polo Lifestyles 2020 page 85
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GUARDIAN ANGEL page 88
PEYO
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CREATURE COMFORT & THE CALAIS HOSPITAL
IT'S NO SECRET THAT HORSES SENSE OUR EMOTIONS, BUT PEYO CONNECTS INTENSELY WITH TERMINALLY ILL PATIENTS WITH NO PRIOR EXPOSURE TO HORSES. JOSH JAKOBITZ Editor-in-Chief @joshuajakobitz
A
14-YEAROLD STALLION, PEYO, WATCHES OVER PATIENTS AT THE PALLIATIVE CARE UNIT AT LE CENTRE HOSPITALIER DE CALAIS. It’s no secret that horses sense human emotions and provide comfort, but we don’t know one in the world capable of detecting vulnerable people and showing empathy as regularly as he does, visiting the bedsides of patients in French hospitals undergoing experimental procedures. Peyo is surprising. He decides when he wants to go inside the hospital – and whom he will see. At some point, without any explanation, he selects
the patient he will comfort and bond with. Peyo has the gift of calming patients, sometimes succeeding when drugs fail. He provides additional support to the extraordinary work of caregivers. His presence brings serenity, smiles in terrible moments and a supplement of humanity. This is the story of Peyo and Raymond, a survivor of 14 years of cancer treatments. Raymond had battled fiercely with the support of his wife Veronique when Peyo chose him and his journey toward the end of life. Raymond hadn’t been an equestrian or had any particular fondness of or closeness to horses prior to meeting Peyo. The two first bonded a few days before Salon du Cheval, which took Peyo away for ten days. Upon Peyo’s return to Calais, he had not forgotten Raymond; in-
stead, he returned almost immediately to room 101 to visit his friend. Peyo prefers to comfort patients one-on-one – everyone else must leave the room. He puts his head near Raymond’s face, watching over the lines and wrinkles wrought by the years, until a gentle peacefulness washed over Raymond. In the end, Raymond wanted to go home to close his eyes one final time there. Peyo was there to say goodbye, page 89
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following the stretcher down the corridor to the ambulance in one last act of love. As the ambulance doors closed and it pulled away from the hospital, Peyo turned around and returned to Room 101 – empty. He did not understand. Peyo went back to the parking lot where the ambulance had been parked. It, too, was empty. In one final effort, Peyo returned to empty Room 101. Raymond passed away a few days later in the afternoon, but not before Hassen Bouchakour, Peyo’s trainer, made one last house call with Peyo to Raymond’s and Veronique’s home. Peyo made his way delicately into Raymond’s room, and later the two of them went on Raymond’s last walk in the garden. Raymond couldn’t stop smiling while Peyo was by his side, making his last hours on Earth more pleasant than painful. At Le Centre Hospitalier de Calais, physicians and caregivers know that where palliative care ends and there’s nothing left to do for their patients, Peyo will be there to walk them to the finish line. Story from La Cavaliere Masquee, adapted for use in Polo Lifestyles by Josh Jakobitz
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THE WILD WORLD OF ROYALTY, CURTSIES & TIARAS THE CROWN SEASON 4
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DRAMA, LIES AND
SCANDAL
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T’S A LEGENDARY STORY, THIS ONE,” SAYS JOSH O’CONNOR, FLASHING A SLY, DIMPLED SMILE. THE BRITISH ACTOR, WHO PLAYS PRINCE CHARLES IN THE CROWN, THEN LAUNCHES INTO THE SERENDIPITOUS DETAILS—NOT OF THE REAL LIFE LOVE TRIANGLE INVOLVING CHARLES, CAMILLA PARKER BOWLES AND LADY DIANA SPENCER, WHICH DRIVES SO MUCH OF THE DRAMA IN THE SERIES’ FOURTH SEASON, BUT RATHER OF THE DAY OF AUDITIONS THAT LED TO THE page 96
CASTING OF AN UNKNOWN ACTRESS TO PLAY ONE OF THE MOST ICONIC WOMEN OF THE 20TH CENTURY. The story begins in 2018, as the third season of The Crown was getting underway. The casting team was on the hunt for their Camilla and brought in O’Connor to read with a few front-runners. They hadn’t started their search for Diana yet, as her character wouldn’t make an entrance until the following season. But they needed a warm body to run her lines. Emma Corrin, then just 22 years old, got the call through her agent, who stressed that it was not an audition. “But, obviously, I was like, ‘I’m going to prepare
as if it were,’” Corrin says. Without the benefit of a hair, makeup, or wardrobe department, Corrin focused on what she had: her voice. She analyzed Diana’s speech patterns with the help of her mother, a speech therapist. “No matter what Diana is saying, it kind of goes down at the end,” Corrin says, slipping into the hauntingly similar imitation that makes her so believable. “It’s like a sadness.” Although Corrin impressed The Crown team on that first day, she wasn’t given the part straight away; an extended courtship was required. It took eight months for director Ben Caron to make her an offer. “It was the most exciting proposal I’ll probably ever receive in my life,” Corrin says.
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Emma Corrin stars as Diana Spencer opposite Josh O'Connor's Prince Charles
Corrin had another six months to prepare, and a team ready to help. The show’s movement coach, Polly Bennett, worked with her on abstract Diana concepts, like how the princess might stand in a door frame (centered, leaning on one side) and what kind of animal she might be (not a deer in the headlights, as Corrin first thought, but a cat: curious, composed, a bit calculating). Still, it was Corrin’s newcomer status that proved the most useful on set. “If we had gotten an experienced actress, it would have been an actress acting being nervous,” Morgan says. “Trust me, Emma was nervous on every day that we were filming,” calling it “enormously helpful.” The Crown’s fourth installment spans the 1980s, a transformative decade for the British royal family largely because of Diana. But the People’s Princess is not the framework for these 10 episodes. Once again Morgan centers the season on the prime minister at the time,
Margaret Thatcher. As divisive a figure as Thatcher was, the approach poses some new challenges. “When you’ve got Charles and Diana as a narrative, everything else feels a bit like eating vegetables, right?” he says. “The other narratives are necessarily going to be slightly more tired.” Well, not entirely. The series is known for recasting its stars every second season, which allows multiple narratives to keep crackling past what could have been a sell-by date. Consider too that the story has progressed to the point where the principal players are now well into middle age; having new actors appear every other season lets The Crown embrace this stage of its characters’ lives. Helena Bonham Carter, who returns as Princess Margaret, welcomes the chance to carry the troubled spare into her fifth decade. “It’s so nice to be employed and [able to] show off our age,” the 54-year-old says. Olivia
Colman reprises her role as the queen with more gray at her temples and a simmering impatience. “It’s nice to play a little bit of bitterness, a little bit of jealousy,” Colman says. “All of these emotions which are much more interesting than—” “Innocence,” Bonham Carter interjects. “Youth? Overrated!” Season four takes The Crown into new territory—in that it will be familiar territory. The events it covers are recent enough that many of us have lived them, and obsessed over them, in real time. There is Charles and Diana’s courtship and historic undoing, but also episodes dedicated to the Falklands War and sanctions in South Africa. Morgan spends a year writing each season, working with a team of five researchers. “When people say we get things wrong, we’re like, ‘We did not get things wrong! We chose what happened,’ ” says Annie page 97
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THE CROWN SEASON 4 DIANA TO THE THRONE Sulzberger, head of the research team. The fudging that usually happens is that timelines get condensed for dramatic effect. Still, the popularity of The Crown has given the series a profound responsibility, shaping these historical events for a new generation. The show is a dramatization, not a documentary, but it is often received as mostly fact. This season, in particular, will be shocking to younger viewers unfamiliar with Charles and Diana’s story, and just how ugly things got. Diana is embraced at first, but then she is ignored, laughed at and scolded. In the third episode she moves into Buckingham Palace and desperately tries to connect with her family-to-be. Diana joins the group for a black-tie dinner, only to be stopped with a wagging finger by Charles. She apologizes and curtsies to the queen, and then dizzily makes her way around the circle to greet them in the proper order. Later come elocution lessons, with a rope tied around Diana’s waist to keep her from moving her arms while speaking. Her anguish is illustrated by her bulimia, seen in several painful scenes of binging and purging. “The coldness, the traditions, and the expectations of behavior…I don’t think she expected that,” Corrin says. “I think she expected to join a family.” As for the situation today, the actress sees some parallels. “You just want to shake these tabloids and say, can’t you see history repeating itself?”
Emerald Fennell, Josh O'Connor and Emma Corrin star in season four of The Crown.
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ALL-AMERICAN WOMAN
ZENDAYA ON HORSES, SUCCESS & VOTING IN 2020
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ZENDAYA
ON HORSEBACK FOR LANCOME
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HE’S DANCED WITH THE STARS, NABBED A PRIMETIME EMMY, GUEST-JUDGED ON THE 15TH SEASON OF PROJECT RUNWAY, COLLABORATED WITH LANCÔME AND TOMMY HILFIGER AND RECENTLY SAT DOWN WITH WHEN WE ALL VOTE FOUNDER AND FORMER FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA. FROM HER DOWNHOME START IN COMMUNITY THEATER IN ORINDA, CALIF., AND HER EARLY YEARS WITH DISNEY, ZENDAYA HAS EMERGED AS AN INFLUENCER, CELEBRATED ACTRESS, RED-CARPET FASHIONISTA AND VOTER-REGISTRATION ACTIVIST.
“I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again,” Zendaya told Michelle Obama on her Instagram Live “Registered and Ready” event, “I’m very inspired by my peers out in the streets doing good work and I think we should all honor that (with our vote in 2020). All the history that has gone into making sure that our vote counts, it matters. Now is as important a time as any to make sure that your voice is heard.” At press time, her latest Instagram video, “Just a couple of voters dropping off their ballots,” had 6.6 million views and nearly 5,000 comments in four days’ time. Eighty million Instagram users follow her every move, post and video. The pressure can be intense. “Here’s the thing—I can genuinely say that I’m not the same person I was a year ago. As my social platforms grew, I realized that my voice was so much more important than I had originally thought,” she said. “I think if every young person understood
the power of their voice, things would be a lot different. And it’s becoming more popular to be outspoken. If people know your name, they should know it for a reason.”
EQUESTRIAN SKILLS For The Greatest Showman, Zendaya learned the art of the trapeze. For Dancing with the Stars, she paired with Valentin Chmerkovskiy and finished runner-up in a strong field of contestants. For Lancome’s Idole campaign, she rode a horse effortlessly through the streets and up the stairs of Los Angeles. Donning both some killer boots and a long, flowy dress, she showed off her newly acquired riding skills for a glorious 45 seconds. To accomplish the Lancôme video concept, Zendaya perfectly positioned herself atop a massive white horse as she encouraged the horse to a steady page 105
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stride across the now demolished 6th Street Bridge on the east side of Los Angeles. She made her way down to the Los Angeles River before finding herself in the middle of traffic on a busy day in downtown. As the afternoon sun faded, she trekked through canyon roads, which led her up to an incredible vantage point overlooking the City of Angels.
EUPHORIA Fresh off her underdog Emmy win for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for HBO’s Euphoria, the network said that Euphoria will return for not one, but two, special episodes that are intended to bridge the gap between the successful first season and the second, which has been delayed due to the coronavirus restrictions. The drama role of Rue Bennett in Euphoria, a recovering, teenage drug addict struggling to find her place in the world, which Zendaya also narrates, comes on the heels of her other commercial successes: the Daya clothing line, her IDOLE campaign for Lancôme and her role in The Greatest Showman alongside Hugh Jackman and Zac Efron, for which Variety praised her on-screen chemistry with Efron. HBO said the first of the two planned episodes of the series will air Sunday, December 6. The first bonus episode, titled “Trouble Don’t Last Always,” follows Rue as she celebrates Christmas. It was written and directed by series creator Sam Levinson and also stars Colman Domingo, who appeared in Season 1. Both episodes were produced under COVID-19 guidelines. Story by Josh Jakobitz, with content used with permission from Michelle Obama and Lancome.
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FASHION & STYLE
CRYSTAL CLEAR: VIRGIL ABLOH X BACCARAT SPRING 2021 TREND: SHEER FEMININITY page 111
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CRYSTAL CLEAR
VIRGIL ABLOH X BACCARAT
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HY OF ONE YEAR AGO, VIRGIL ABLOH TEASED A NEW LIMITED-EDITION HOME COLLECTION AT ART BASEL MIAMI. THE CRYSTAL CLEAR COLLECTION IS, INSPIRED BY HIS “FIGURES OF SPEECH” RETROSPECTIVE page 112
EXHIBITION AND SERVED AS A COLLABORATION WITH FRENCH FINE CRYSTAL MANUFACTURER, BACCARAT. Comprising chandeliers, table vessels and drinking glasses, the Crystal Clear collection is presented as a mix of modernity, tradition, elegance and industrial codes.
Abloh and Baccarat announced the collection of ideas in separate Instagram posts last year. Now, the entire collection is available for purchase at fine retailers, such as Neiman Marcus, Harrod’s and Bloomingdales. Daniela Riccardi, global CEO of Baccarat, said, “Working with Virgil was an amazing experience for our artisans at Baccarat. From our first meeting, Virgil had Crystal Clear in mind and
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could imagine how these geometrical shapes would elegantly dance together, suspended from a ceiling and sitting
on a table. Our people in the Baccarat’s ateliers, without any hesitation, interpreted his vision and sketches relent-
lessly. Their unique skills and passion for perfection resulted in this amazing piece of art.� page 115
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ROYAL OAK CONCEPT FROSTED GOLD FLYING TOURBILLON CASE Hammered 18-carat pink gold case, glareproofed sapphire crystal and caseback, crown set with a translucent sapphire cabochon. DIAL Multi-layers graded blue dial with sunray pattern, pink gold Royal Oak hands with luminescent coating. BRACELET Hand-stitched “large square scale” blue alligator strap with hammered 18-carat pink gold AP folding clasp. Additional shiny blue rubber strap.
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HOT OFF THE RUNWAY
SHEER GENIUS FASHION HOUSES
EMBRACE SHEER PERFECTION
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SHEER FEMININITY JUST ONE QUESTION REMAINS: HOW MUCH TO CONCEAL OR REVEAL?
ACCIDENTAL CUTTING
BURBERRY
DIOR
EVERAL YEARS AGO, THE ARRIVAL OF THE SHEER TREND FORCEFULLY RAISED QUESTIONS ABOUT FEMININITY, MODESTY, SEXUALITY AND SHAME: WHY ARE WOMEN EXPECTED TO COVER UP, AND SHOULD THEY BE? IS THE FEMALE BODY INHERENTLY SEXUAL? IS THE FEMALE BODY SHAMEFUL? WHAT IS THE CONNECTION BETWEEN BODY, SEXUALITY AND FEMI-
NINITY? SHOULD A GARMENT CONCEAL OR ENHANCE? WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO CONCEAL OR TO REVEAL?
downplay it. Valentino and Dior continue to make sheer look beautiful, elegant and dramatic.
S
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While the more puritanically minded may have bristled, the translucent material and the questions it raises gave designers ample room to explore, build and destroy. Move forward a few years to the present, and we find that younger generations embrace and see the power in sheer femininity. As women continue to embrace and define female empowerment, they aren’t looking to hide their feminine side or
Fendi gives the sheer factor a minimal chic. Rick Owens experiments with various structures of sheer to imagine a powered-up fashion of the future. Miu Miu, Acne Studios and Burberry give sheer a youthful, playful vibe. Loewe and Kenzo explore the possibility of creating dual silhouettes. Ellie Saab uses sheer to beautifully identify connections between femininity and the natural world, balancing the hidden and the revealed, the elegant and the chaotic.
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CHANEL
ELIE SAAB
FENDI
GIVENCHY
KENZO
LANVIN
Looks for Spring 2021 don't shy away from the feminine side. Designers from fashion houses of all sizes have embraced sheer. page 123
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LOEWE
MAISON MARGIELA
RALPH & RUSSO
RAF SIMONS
VAUTHIER
GIAMBATTISTA VALLI
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VALENTINO page 125
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STAY-AT-HOME RETHINKING "DADDY ISSUES" EMMA CLINE'S COLLECTION OF SHORT STORIES EXAMINES THE CLICHES OF HYPER-SEXUALITY GREGORY BERTRAND Copy Editor @bertrand7367
W
HEN YOU HEAR THE PHRASE, DADDY ISSUES, WHAT DOES YOUR MIND IMMEDIATELY CONJURE? AT THE RISK OF MAKING A DONKEY OF MYSELF BY ASSUMING, I WOULD HAPHAZARDLY GUESS THAT YOU PICTURE A WOMAN, MOST LIKELY YOUNG, WITH ISSUES CONCERNING HER MALE—OFTEN OLDER MALE—PARTNER. In our culture, “She has daddy issues” has become a catch-all phrase for women and their hyper-sexuality or lack thereof—it’s an unfair, sexist assumption; as I’m sure we all know more than a few men with similar issues.
In Emma Cline’s short story collection, “Daddy,” there are issues with fathers and father figures all around, for everyone: men and women, young and old.
in…well, where else? She makes ends meet by working in a semi-high-end retail clothing store that uses attractive young women as objects of sexual desire.
Sometimes, like in the opening story “What Can You Do with A General,” it’s the paternal figure himself with the titular issues. Here we have John, a man wrestling his role as a father after all his children are grown. There’s Sam, his 30-year-old son, who when he was purchasing a car, didn’t even consult his father, instead turning to his mother for advice. Then, there’s Chloe the youngest, who’s part of an unpaid internship in Sacramento and still has her rent paid by her parents, but other than that, has no use for their advice or input. Lastly, there’s Sasha, who’s dating a divorced man with a child. Over the Christmas holiday, all three children return home to visit, and we get a glimpse of the father that John is now, as well as the one he used to be.
“On every wall were blown-up photographs in grainy blackand-white of women in the famous underpants, girls with knobby knees making eye contact with the camera, covering their small breast with their hands.”
The following story, “Los Angeles,” is about Alice, an aspiring actress living
Going back to the topic of daddy issues and their relation to sex, Alice
Only women are allowed on the sales floor, while company policy relegates the men to the warehouse behind the scenes. The store, which is unnamed, but familiar for those who can pick-up on the clues, sells “cheap, slutty clothes in primary colors, clothes invoking a low-level athleticism—tube socks, track shorts—as if sex was an alternative sport.”
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must reckon with her role in a company that forces her to be the doe-eyed Lolita to make a living in a ruthless city. “Los Angeles” isn’t the only place where Cline gets to explore young women and their relationships with the older men who wield power over them. In “The Nanny,” Kayla is lying low from paparazzi after her affair with a famous actor goes public. And in “Marion,” two pre-teen girls living on a California commune become obsessed with one of the older residents. Elsewhere, in stories “Son of Friedman” and “Northeast Regional,” we have tales of
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how fathers fail their sons. In “Son of Friedman,” movie producer George is invited to attend his son, Benji’s, movie screening, along with Benji’s godfather, William. As George and William meet for dinner before the premier, it becomes clear that George has more than some trepidation about his son’s film. He doesn’t exactly believe in Benji’s ability to be creative, while William remains more positive about the whole thing. As the story progresses, we learn that father and son were never really close, and that George had only funded Benji’s movie out of the embarrassment that he felt to see Benji beg for
money on the Internet. Ultimately, we learn that William, Benji’s godfather was more of a father figure than George. In “Northeast Regional,” Richard must travel to his son Rowan’s private school after he was part of an incident that ends with his expulsion. Rowan is a spoiled brat, he openly disrespects his father in front of his girlfriend, smokes when Richard asks him not to, acts as if his expulsion (from a school that’s undoubtedly expensive) is no big deal and sarcastically refers to Richard as “Father.” However, all the blame for this failure in relationship cannot rest squarely on Rowan’s shoulders; by his own admission, Richard has been fairly absent from
Rowan’s life, only robotically going through his fatherly duties. He feels his infrequent texts are “useless missives…offerings.” And that, “If there was a reckoning, a moment when they demanded to see the record, he could present these messages. Proof that he tried.” In “Daddy”, Cline writes with intimacy and honesty, giving the reader the feeling of being a fly on the wall in each of the 10 stories. We find characters that are not in dire situations, but situations that are life-changing nonetheless. Eye-opening and often dryly funny, Emma Cline’s “Daddy” will make you rethink what it means to have daddy issues. By Gregory Bertrand Copy Editor Polo Lifestyles 2020 •
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TECH & TOYS
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MASERATI'S MC20
NEW PERFORMANCE DNA
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DRIVING WITH
SERIOUS HORSEPOWER
F
UNDER THE HOOD
OR THE FIRST TIME IN15 YEARS, MASERATI COMES BACK INTO THE SUPERCAR GAME WITH ONE HECK OF A STATEMENT – INTRODUCING THE MC20.
Maserati, a brand built on a strong performance and racing heritage, has been silently re-envisioning what it means to drive with serious horsepower under the hood. Press, influencers and VVIPs were invited to a first-look preview held by Maserati of Long Island and Gold Coast Maserati - both part of The Experience Auto Group. The MC20, which was set
against the background of the prestige Haut Bois Estate in Brookville, New York, was also joined by the complete Trofeo line, giving attendees a full glimpse into Maserati’s new performance focus. The lineup represents a new era for Maserati with the true embodiment of a sleek design language. Unlike Maserati’s last supercar, the MC12, which cost almost $800,000 and ceased production in 2005, the new MC20 was entirely developed by Maserati, including its all-new Nettuno Engine – a 630-horsepower turbocharged V6. Featuring 538 lb-ft of
torque, it can deliver a 0-60 mph launch in under 2.9 seconds. The MC20 can also cruise at a top speed over 202 mph, which is proof that Maserati has returned to form in producing its own power units after a hiatus of more than 20 years. “MC” in its name refers to Maserati Corse—a signal that the brand will soon re-enter racing events with a track-only variant of the car, which we know some are looking forward to – especially adrenaline junkies. Maserati will offer the MC20 as a page 137
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two-seater coupe or convertible with a minimalist cabin that’s focused on the driver. A collaboration with motorsport engineering company Dallara has resulted in a carbon-fiber structure with aluminum subframes found in its suspension and powertrain. This type of construction minimizes the overall weight, setting the MC20 up for performance-related success. Prices for the car will start at about $210,000. While VIPs sipped artisan cappuccinos and cocktails topped with the signature trident design, they also experienced sounds from the incorporated Sonus Faber sound system, which has been integrated into the MC20.
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In addition, three model year 2021 Trofeos were proudly placed adjacent to complete the performance queue. The Ghibli, Quattroporte and Levante were shown in green, white and red, drawing inspiration from their Italian heritage. The Trofeo line is noted for bringing in raw, unencumbered performance. This now places the powerful Trofeo V8 in the Quattroporte and Ghibli sedans for the first time in the marque›s history. The three Trofeo models benefit from 580 HP, and each includes Launch Control (which is a more than necessary feature for us to unleash all their engine›s power into acceleration, delivering breathtaking performance and an authentic Maserati driving experience.
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WINTER ESCAPE:
NINE COZY AND ULTRA-LUXE
VACATION HOME GETAWAYS
A
NESTLED IN THE SNOW
CROSS THE U.S., EXTREME CLIMATES (IT’S NEARLY 100 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT IN SAN FRANCISCO WHILE SIX INCHES OF SNOW HAS ALREADY FALLEN ON THE MINNEAPOLIS METRO AREA) ARE BORDERLINE FRIGHTFUL. THOSE EXCHANGING EXTREME TEMPERATURES FOR THE COMFORTING WISPS OF WINTER WE’RE BEYOND DELIGHTED WITH THESE NINE COZY AND ULTRA-LUXURIOUS VACATION HOMES CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FOR SEASONALLY APPROPRIATE BOOKINGS.
down as the pandemic spread across China, Europe and the United States, but standardized sanitation protocols are putting nervous travelers at ease, as families and friends are looking for safe places to get away and gather. A large vacation rental home – cozy and ultra-chic, please and thank you – might just do the trick. We’re thinking: cashmere throws, fluffy robes, must-watch holiday movies, exceptional fireplaces, snow-capped mountain views, outdoor hot tubs and more. Here are nine vacation homes with endless charm and cold-weather cocooning possibilities.
LAKE FRONT ESTATE
LAKE TAHOE, CALIFORNIA
If you’ve ever dreamed of a Henry David Thoreau-esque cabin in the forest—decked out with wooden ceiling beams and all—this Lake Tahoe chalet is the luxury equivalent. With gorgeous wood-paneled interiors, this six-bedroom, six-bath chalet is a lakefront property that also offers panoramic mountain views. You’ll have a private pier leading out to Lake Tahoe at this estate and will only be a 15-minute drive from ski mountains like Northstar and Diamond Peak. Available from $8,750/night.
Airbnb and VRBO (Vacation Rental By Owner) bookings were initially
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THE WILM
WILMINGTON, VERMONT
This A-frame, sitting on ten picturesque Vermont acres, has beautiful high ceilings with wooden beams and white-washed paneled walls. The interior design really makes the rustic-chic Vermont hideaway sing. The farm property—a 20-minute drive from Mount Snow and a mile from Lake Raponda—has a stone fireplace (BYO firewood) and a 750-square-foot deck. Available from $340/night.
CHIC HOME IN THE HAMPTONS HAMPTON BAYS, NEW YORK
In the winter, The Hamptons is an underrated escape, and spending the holidays in a beautifully designed Hamptons home is delightful. Perfectly appointed for six guests, this Hamptons Bay house has tall windows and high, vaulted ceilings, giving the Airbnb that sun-drenched quality you can find in the Hamptons all 12 months of the year. It would be the perfect home to rent for an intimate holiday celebration with your adult children and their spouses. With granite countertops, wood floors, modern art and Scandinavian-inspired furnishings, this house is meant to be filled with candles, good food and good company for the holidays. Available from $640/night.
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END OF TRAIL
RANGELEY, MAINE
A one-of-a-kind property in Rangeley, every room in this three-bed, three-bath house has a view of the lake. Wondering why every corner of this Airbnb looks like it could be featured in an interior design magazine? That’s because the owners are interior decorators themselves. This Airbnb offers complete privacy but is also walking distance from town. It has a gorgeous dining room—perfect for holiday meals—and a cozy indoor fireplace. Available from $1,100/night.
BERKSHIRE MOUNTAIN RETREAT LEE, MASSACHUSETTS
Welcome to an energy-efficient paradise in the heart of the Berkshires—nestled between Stockbridge, Lee, and Lenox. High ceilings don’t stop this home from offering massive floor-to-ceiling windows, and that’s just the beginning. You’ll also find a screened-in porch, patio with a fire pit and open kitchen. Whether you want to work remotely this winter from the Berkshires or ski at nearby Butternut Basin Ski Area and Berkshire East Mountain Resort, this Airbnb has all the charms you’ll need for a perfect winter escape. Available from $287/night.
POWDER WATCH PARK CITY, UTAH
There are few winter getaways in the U.S. more iconic than Park City. In Park City’s Old Town neighborhood, walking distance from Main Street, you’ll find an Airbnb Luxe with an outdoor grill and hot tub to fulfill all your aprèsski needs. With two bedrooms, a roaring fireplace and a design that marries mountain aesthetics (high ceilings with dark cherry wood beams) with modernity (intricate light fixtures, flat screen TVs, and a remodeled kitchen), this is the perfect house for a couple looking to blend work-fromhome life with a ski vacation. Available from $495/night. page 147
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SKI CHALET IN THE FOREST VAIL, COLORADO
Welcome to some of the best accommodations in Vail. This Airbnb Luxe is perfect for an over-the-top luxurious weekend with friends or a multi-generation family holiday gathering. In close proximity to both Vail and Lionshead villages, this magnificent chalet has a private wellness center so your guests can hot tub and sauna après-ski until their hearts’ content. Tastefully decorated with vibrant modern art pieces and featuring en suite boudoirs with perks like private balconies and flat-screen TVs, this escape promises to be as memorable as it is luxurious. Available from $20,000/night.
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SKI-IN/SKI-OUT HOME BIG SKY, MONTANA
Ski bunnies should check into this ski-in/ ski-out “chalet” with breathtaking views of Montana’s Spanish Peak Mountain Range. The three-story space is kitted out with all of the après-ski winter amenities; wood-burning fireplaces, heated floors, a private hot tub and extra wine coolers. With four bedrooms and eight beds, this elevated wooden chalet lights up with warmth against a blanket of Montana snow and is perfect for a multi-generational family ski trip. Available from $747/night.
THE BARN IN TIVOLI
HUDSON VALLEY, NEW YORK
If one fire pit just won’t do, upstate New York’s unique The Barn in Tivoli has you covered with three. For car-less city dwellers, the Amtrak Rhinecliff station is 15 minutes away and transports you from the city in an hour and a half. And for professionals working from home—why not relocate to The Barn this winter, where the cozy vibes are as strong as the Wi-Fi? Available from $416/night. page 149
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XAVIER L. LEOPOLD page 150
Tonya and Ato Wright
{PRIVATE VIEWING}
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{PRIVATE VIEWING}
VERNISSAGE
XAVI ART'S BOLD CUBIST PORTRAITS
RAPHAEL DAPAAH Art Contributor @dapaahgallery
I
T IS RAINING RELENTLESSLY BY THE TIME I PULL UP TO THE STUDIO OF XAVIER
LAURENT LEOPOLD, BETTER KNOWN ARTISTICALLY AS XAVI ART.
parked outside, signaling that I am in the right location, however; the artist is yet to make an appearance.
Nestled in the heart of the Aylesbury Estate in South East London, Europe’s largest social housing complex, the studio is aloof and hard to locate amidst the towering gray blocks and the winding secret hallways and passages of the estate.
A few minutes pass, and suddenly, a slim silhouette appears from an unassuming and unmarked entrance, waving energetically towards me with a huge pearly grin plastered on their face. As the figure approaches, paint splashed across their jeans, the hallmark of a working artist, I take a moment to assess my surroundings and the person I am
A brand-new bullet gray Porsche is
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about to encounter. The successful young city trader with a Porsche parked outside, or the budding artist who grew up a mile away on a nearby council estate with a keen passion for social issues that impact the community from which they hail? I soon have my answer, as Xavier soon confides in me once we cross the threshold of his studio about how nervous his upcoming exhibition has him; the cool and calculated aura of a finance whiz is quickly replaced by the honest and open vulnerability of an artist. I take in the studio, filled with art books on Mattise to Picasso, to history books on ancient Egyptian civilization. Xavier’s bold cubist portraits also take up the intimate
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space, and one piece, in particular, holds my attention and lures me in, a portrait of a rose rooted in a diamond buried deep in the earth. As he speaks candidly about his influences and inspirations, I watch on and I sense how much of himself is poured onto this canvas. “Pressure makes diamonds,” he says as he recounts the significance of this piece and how his identity as a young black man growing up in inner-city London has informed the person he has become today. Successful, yes, but not without its trials and tribulations, and more relevant to the artist, trauma and heartache. His upcoming exhibition, which ponders on the impact of mental health issues and trauma in the black community derives from personal experience and insight. In 2010, the artist’s best friend, Rio
Philome and Robert by Lois Mailou Jones
McFarlane, was tragically killed in a drive-by shooting shortly after visiting the makeshift shrine of a friend who had been killed earlier that day. Dedicating his exhibition to his late friend on the 10th anniversary of his passing not only pays homage to his legacy but opens a much needed and frank conversation about the internalized trauma and violence that plague inner-city black communities and the need to raise awareness around mental health and wellbeing. For Xavier, his artistic expression has played a significant role in his therapy, particularly during the outbreak of Covid-19 and the lockdown measures that were implemented globally. The introspection that came with the growing isolation of staying at home allowed him to explore issues that he cared about deeply but never had the time previously to unpack. Turning to a blank canvas
and acrylic paints, in the space of a few months, he worked prolifically on depicting portraits that reflect everything from black female empowerment to liberation and excellence, culminating in his debut solo exhibition in London’s prestigious Oxo Tower Wharf gallery, also a mile away from his early council estate abode. A trader turned artist, much like the controversial Paul Gauguin, the significance of Xavier’s work lies not only in the issues and themes he addresses in his portraits but also in his ability to step outside of his comfort zone and pursue a passion he has long harbored, a courageous act in itself. The Xavi Art Exhibition is raising funds for Black Minds Matters organization. Donations can be made here By Raphael K. Dapaah Art Contributor Polo Lifestyles 2020 •
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PHILANTHROPY AS A LIFESTYLE
EARTHSHOT
THE PRIZE TO SAVE THE PLANET THE MOST PRESTIGIOUS GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL PRIZE IN HISTORY
WILLIAM SMITH Philanthropy Contributor @willismith_2000
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CORD LEVELS.
NTARCTIC ICE IS MELTING AT RE-
THIS SEPTEMBER WAS THE HOTTEST EVER, OR AT LEAST SINCE HUMAN BEINGS BEGAN KEEPING TRACK OF SUCH THINGS. OCEANS ARE BECOMING WARMER AND MORE ACIDIC. MASSIVE WILDFIRES ARE RAGING page 156
ACROSS PARCHED LANDSCAPES ACROSS THE WORLD. TROPICAL STORMS ARE BECOMING MORE FREQUENT AND DESTRUCTIVE. THE SIGNS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ARE EVERYWHERE AND SHOW NO SIGNS OF RETREAT. That’s the bad news, but there is some good, a new initiative launched by the United Kingdom’s Prince William through his and his wife’s philanthropic organization, The Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. On the eve of 2020, the Prince announced the Earthshot Prize, an exceedingly ambitious and wonderfully audacious contest of sorts that would
serve to catapult innovations in both ideas and technology to save the planet from (and for) ourselves. The prize was officially launched just last month to much fanfare. Named with an homage to U.S. President John F. Kennedy’s “moonshot” challenge that took humanity to the moon (and back), the Earthshot Prize will award five £1 million to five winners from 2021 to 2030, funding at least 50 solutions to the greatest environmental challenges of our time. Self-described as “the most prestigious global environmental prize in history,” the Prize is meant not just to work in its own silo but rather to create a new paradigm of optimism in addressing
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climate change and spur collective action in broader and more collaborative ways. Much like Kennedy’s “moonshot” generated significant benefits to humanity well beyond reaching the moon, the Earthshot Prize is envisioned as creating a similar blossoming of progress and innovation. No legitimate environmental project with this much optimism could emerge from Great Britain without the most well-known U.K. conservationist, Sir David Attenborough, also on board. And so, Sir David is working in close partnership with Prince William on the effort. “The Earth is at a tipping point, and we face a stark choice: either we continue as we are and irreparably damage our plan-
et or we remember our unique power as human beings and our continual ability to lead, innovate and problem-solve,” the Prince commented about the prize. “People can achieve great things. The next ten years present us with one of our greatest tests – a decade of action to repair the Earth,” Prince William continued. The launch of the Earthshot Prize follows the airing earlier in October of a new documentary, “A Planet for Us All”, where a film crew followed the Duke and Duchess for two years as they traveled and engaged in efforts to understand and draw attention to environmental threats. In that 90-minute ITV documentary, the Prince speaks about the influences that have made environ-
mental conservation his passion. Not surprisingly, the now 38-year-old Prince credits the future for his children as a primary factor. “Now I’ve got George, Charlotte and now Louis; your outlook does change,” Prince William shares on camera. “And that’s why I had to do something, because I really felt that by the time my children were 20, at the rate poaching was at, there may not be another rhino in the world,” says the Prince while filmed during a trip to Tanzania. The Prince also credits family influences in developing his strong focus on conservation, including his father, Charles, the Prince of Wales. His brother, Prince Harry, is also a vocal supporter of environmental causes. page 157
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The Prize is focused on five “earthshots” that can improve life on the planet and are also tied to shared global goals, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The five are: protecting and restoring nature, realizing clean air, revitalizing our oceans, building a waste-free world and fixing the climate crisis. Financially supporting efforts to combat climate change and other environmental causes have recently drawn more attention within organized philanthropy. For example, a report released in January of this year by Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors showed that among the world’s page 158
wealthiest family foundations, only 8% of giving went to environmental issues. This same report also found that environmental issues ranked higher in priority among those family foundations that seek to spend down all their assets in a set timeframe. Another study showed that elections could also drive philanthropic giving in significant ways. A 2020 report from Campbell & Company found that following the 2016 election in the US, overall charitable giving to environmental causes nearly doubled in the U.S. Within philanthropy, the urgency to address the climate crisis is clearly pick-
ing up steam, and the Earthshot Prize is riding that wave, adding both resources and royal gravitas into the mix. “I feel it is my duty, and our collective responsibility to leave our planet in a stronger position for our children,” Prince William shared with Radio Times magazine. Perhaps you have an idea or a potential nominee in mind. Nominations for the Prize open on November 1. More information can be found at the Prize’s website earthshotprize.org By William Smith Philanthropy Contributor Polo Lifestyles 2020 •
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SPIRITUALITY DEFINING THE DIVINE
NAVIGATING 2020
HEALING THERAPIES FOR DIFFICULT TIMES: DELIGHTING OUR INNER CHILD “To practice any art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow. So do it.” KURT VONNEGUT, AMERICAN WRITER JYOTI PAINTEL Spirituality contributor @jyotipaintel
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HIS PAST YEAR HAS
GIVEN MOST OF US SOME AMPLE REASON AND OFTEN TIME IN ISOLATION TO REASSESS OUR LIVES AND EVEN RE-PRIORITIZE. THE PANDEMIC HAS CAUSED US TO COME FACE-TO-FACE WITH OUR OWN MORTALITY, AND WE ARE REMINDED OF IT EVERY TIME WE DUTIFULLY DON OUR MASKS TO PROTECT ALL THE LIVES DEPENDING ON OUR CAREFUL DILIGENCE. It is all pretty heavy to think of on a daily basis, and it can wear down even the page 160
cheeriest of dispositions. How can we bring levity and light into our lives when we get weary battling the darkness? By asking our inner-child to take us by the hand and lead us to the path. GOT INSPIRATION? GET BORED. “The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity.” – Ellen Parr As strange as this might sound, boredom is the engine that can drive you to discover your own creativity; the only problem is that we are actually never really bored in the mega, massive digital tech world that the events of 2020 have turned our lives into. According to research published years before the pandemic, there are five levels of boredom: indifferent, calibrating, searching, reactant and apathetic. Unfortunately, when we have endless amounts of mind-numbing options available 24/7, it can lead us to the point of apathetic boredom. Don’t believe me? Haven't you spent half the night endlessly scrolling through Netflix, from one title to the next, looking for something to watch, until finally settling on
something only to find yourself bored 15 minutes into the program? What we truly need, instead, is to get so bored that we are searching for innovative methods of entertainment– literally being creative. TECHNOLOGY-FREE DAYS ARE KEY AND VITAL TO OUR CREATIVITY This might sound radical to some, but I think it needs to be said: We need time away from technology to allow our souls to grow, to be nourished instead of depleted, and to be stimulated from within. In order to find out what could inspire us, we might need to plan out our technology-free days carefully. If possible, plan a day when you can be free from all technology- from the moment you wake up until the moment you hit your pillow. If this seems impossible, then you might be exactly the kind of person who could benefit from this practice, so see if you can make the sacrifice. If the weather permits, spend a few
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hours outside. Take a walk to a café if there is outdoor seating and see what happens if you just sit there and let your mind develop. Do thoughts and feelings manifest out of thin air? When we were children, we would act on these moments of innocent passion. Since this is a column about the pursuit of knowledge and the divine, I want to specifically narrow down creative endeavors that we do to purely bring us pleasure and excitement. So, for now, I’m not talking about taking on something that is any way career-related, and neither am I speaking of learning some new life-organization hack to feel productive or that self-help book that you’ve been meaning to read. I’m talking about fun - the kind of fun that could awaken and delight your inner child, or maybe even take ideas from your own childhood experiences. HEALING THROUGH OUR BOND WITH ANIMALS “Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” – Anatole France Do you know what makes your soul applaud in joy? I recently saw the film, “My Octopus Teacher” on Netflix, and it had
a profound effect on me because it was the story of a man who found meaning in his life through the creative outlet of getting to know the ocean by his home, as he had done as a child. It’s quite difficult to describe the movie to people who might not have relationships with animals, but if you do have a pet or have an affinity toward animals, then the relationship portrayed in this film between this human with an animal as unassuming as an octopus could literally make you see your dog, cat or horse in a completely new light: one that is filled with visceral innocence, wonder and new knowing. We might have had a specific type of animal that fascinated us, such as reptiles. Or, it might be a memory, like riding a horse for the first time. If possible, try to see if local aquariums are open as this childhood activity still ranks high on many adults’ inner child wishes. If it’s not possible to go inside yet in your community, this could be an excellent opportunity to take your children (or someone else’s) on a trip to see a tide pool or the ecosystem or a lake or riverwitnessing the curios and reactionary nature of children is an easy way to connect with your own inner child.
ART AS REFUGE “Everything you can imagine is real.” – Pablo Picasso As a child, maybe you loved to doodle and make silly little cartoon images. I loved drawing the solar system and the night sky as a child, and as an adult, I shared stargazing with others. One of the beautiful things about having a lot of down time to spend with alone is the opportunity to have insight into who you really are deep down inside by discovering what really makes you happy. Art has no limitations, so whether it’s music or visual or performing, I encourage you to spend a whole day surrounding yourself with the art materials for several types of art projects: magazines, paints, a canvas and pottery clay are some examples of good things to start with. Of course, technology is also our friend when we want to discover new things that we can do. Maybe you love music and want to make special playlists on Spotify to gift friends for Christmas. Do you love to cook? Have you ever done it just for the pleasure of cooking and not just to eat it right away? Plan a day with a partner or a friend making exciting foods, baking an elaborate cake or even just trying to make a new type of cuisine. page 161
The Integrity of Alsatian Wines
BY CEZAR KUSIK
SOMMELIER & WINE WRITER
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In Search Integrity of Alsatian of Solace Wines CEZAR KUSIK Wine Contributor @cezartastesearth
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NTEGRITY, AT ITS NOBLEST, IS A HIGHLY REVERED TRAIT. IT MANIFESTS ITSELF IN UNCOMPROMISING PERSONAL CHARACTER AND THE VALUES THAT COME WITH IT. FURTHERMORE, IT EXTENDS INTO THE RESULTS OF ONE’S ACTIONS AND LABOR, NO MATTER HOW SEEMINGLY TRIVIAL OR MONUMENTAL THAT LABOR MIGHT BE. Whether it’s an artistic expression, public service, athletic performance or peeling potatoes in a basement of a corner diner in Brooklyn, integrity sep-
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arates the common from the royal. It is that steadfast conviction in one’s beliefs and their expression in both words and actions without considering the outside influences that make integrity a rare gem. Does that sound familiar? No? If it doesn’t, it’s because there is very little integrity to go around in today’s world full of copy-cats, greedy, power-driven politicians and attention-seeking, vapid social media users. Can integrity be applied to wine? Of course! All phases of wine-making, from farming practices, through all the stages of vinification, to slapping a price tag on a bottle of wine are results of human decision making. These decisions are made based on ethical and moral values. “Honest” wines come from “honest” grapes, grown in a healthy ecosystem and vinified through “natural” methods with minimal technological manipulation. Alsace is one of my favorite wine regions. Located along France’s eastern border and separated from Germany
by the Rhine River and from France by Vosges mountains, its “uncomfortable” geographic location combined with agricultural and industrial desirability, turned Alsace into an object of tugof-war between Germany and France. Over the centuries, mainly due to warfare, the region was tossed back and forth between both countries, its borders redrawn, rendering it a mishmash of both cultures. Even though French is the official language here, German is almost as common, along with a few regional dialects. Alsace is divided into two sub-regions: The Bas-Rhin to the North near the capitol Strasbourg, and Haut-Rhin to the south, in the low slopes of the Vosges mountains. This is predominantly a white wine country with Pinot Noir being the only red grape of note here, but its quantities are meager and the quality decent at best. However, it comes in handy in the making of Rose still and sparkling wines. The wine grapes cultivated here are
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definitely of Germanic origins; Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc (aka Auxerrois Blanc), Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Muscat, Sylvaner and Chasselas. These are all white grapes with strong German heritage made mainly into one varietal wine (no blending of different grapes). The style of the wines is distinctly different from their German counterparts. As a matter of fact, the Alsatian whites’ style is like no other wines from the same grapes made anywhere else in the world. These are wines of high density, often of a nearly oily texture, and decadent richness in aroma and flavors. The wines, aside from intentionally sweet dessert wines, are dry with moderate to high alcohol levels, often reaching 15 percent ABV (in contrast, German whites on average stay within 10-12 percent ABV range). In addition, Alsace has extremely varied soil types. Within a relatively small area, you find granite soil, limestone-rich clay, volcanic deposits and sandstone. This diversity renders stylistic differences. Four of the grapes fall into the category of Grand Cru. These are Riesling, Muscat, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer. This is the highest classification of Alsatian wines, produced from 51 strictly designated vineyards of special micro-climates and terroirs. These are true gems, usually delivering a superb wine experience with the sticker price that comes with it. Expect to spend anywhere from $35 to $80 a bottle. Only 4 percent of total wine production in Alsace carries Grand Cru label. Crèmant is a French category of sparkling wines made by the Champagne method outside the region of Champagne. For a fraction of the price of a good bottle of Champagne, you can find Crèmants of comparable quality. Alsace has its own version of Crèmant. The Crèmant d’Alsace appellation constitutes 22 percent of the region’s production and is the fastest-growing AOC in the land. This is the only style of
Alsatian wine that allows Chardonnay and all the classic, regional grapes and Pinot Noir for Roses. And then there are the legendary late harvest Alsatian wines; these fall into two categories; Vandage Tardive, which means “late harvest”, and Selection de Grains Noble, which means “selection of noble grapes”. VT wines can be either sweet or dry, and only the four Grand Cru grape varieties can be used in their making. The wines are made from grapes picked late in the harvest
when the berries’ natural sugar is at the higher-than-usual level. SGN wines, on the other hand, are always sweet. These grapes (also only the four Grand Cru varietals are allowed) require a specific micro-climate where botrytis, a.k.a, noble rot, can occur. The grapes are allowed to hang on vines till late in the fall or even early winter when the rot shrivels the berries by dehydrating them and again concentrating the sugar content. Here, the grapes are handpicked to assure the highest quality. The production of both wines is labor and page 167
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Integrity of Alsatian Wines
time-intensive. They are expensive, but they offer wines of enhanced intensity, complexity, and remarkable length. In most historic European wine regions, wine and food cohabitate in symbiotic harmony. Traditional regional dishes pair well with local wines. Whether by human or divine intervention, that’s just the way it is. That harmony is at its best in Alsace. Alsatian cuisine is not
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for meek hearted or cholesterol cautious folk. In food, the German influence is dominant. Cabbage and specifically its fermented interpretation sauerkraut are ubiquitous. It is almost always accompanied by meat, pork products of all types, lamb, beef, goose, duck and venison. One of my favorite dishes of the region is Alsatian-style roast goose with foie gras and chestnuts. And yes, it’s served with stewed red cabbage.
Another quintessential offering from the region is Bacheofe; beef, pork, lamb and vegetable stew. You’d think that since it’s all meat, red wine would be the way to go. Not necessarily so. These rich, fat dripping dishes pair beautifully with the sumptuous, acid-driven, alcohol bold whites of the region. If you are not completely satiated after the savory dishes and have room for
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some dessert, rest assured you won’t be disappointed. All types of fruit tarts led by my favorite rhubarb, streusels, soufflés, biscuits and cookies of all sorts, small cakes called bredala, kougelhopf and German-inspired cheesecake. All these are packed with sugar, eggs and butter, and when you open one a bottle of SGN wine, you might just think you’re in heaven.
Throughout its turbulent history, Alsace has been forcibly exposed to the influences of two different nations. Rather than capitulating and relinquishing its identity, it has adopted various components from each of the cultures and turned them into a culture of their own with a strong sense of integrity, a society uniquely Alsatian. Alsace is a great example of the human capability of
tolerance and adaptability without complacency. It stands in stark contrast with many polarizing tendencies in today’s world, but it instills a much-needed sense of hope for the days ahead. By Cezar Kusik Wine Contributor Polo Lifestyles 2020 •
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D L O
S
RANCHO SAN CARLOS
2500 East Valley Road Montecito, California, 93108 United States
$75,000,000 USD 12 BEDROOMS / 11.5 BATHS / 29,483 SQ. FT / 237.82 ACRES
The magnificent Rancho San Carlos, an approx. 237-acre estate property that for nearly 100 years has been under the ownership of one family. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire a unique property of unprecedented grand scale, exceptional architecture, and historical significance. The sprawling hilltop Monterey Colonial manor was designed by noted architect Reginald Johnson in 1931 with an approx. 29,483-sq. ft. exquisite main residence comprised of over 30 rooms. Infused with an atmosphere of sophistication and refinement, the grand home is astutely sited on two natural terraces, and by planning the formal living rooms around a central courtyard and placing the master and family bedroom wings on the upper terrace, he effectively created a spatial separation that afforded privacy, calm and exceptional views. Additional features include 10 residential cottages, an office, producing orchards, and extensive equestrian facilities. page 174
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MODERN COLONIAL MASTERPIECE ON 1+ ACRE 19 PRADO SECOYA STREET ATHERTON, California
$16,988,000 USD 7 BEDS / 8 BATHS / 1 HALF BATH / 9,126 SQ FT
Supreme luxury awaits at this prestigious home built in 2013, offering remarkable privacy, unparalleled build quality and every conceivable modern amenity. With seven bedrooms, 8.5 bathrooms, and over 9,100 square feet of living space, including a beautiful guest home, this Colonial-style masterpiece rests on a pristine lot of over an acre populated by colorful plantings and specimen trees. Soaring ceilings and excellent page 176
glass use create a bright and inviting ambiance, highlighting high-end appointments, including Herringbone flooring and elaborate moldings. Spacious, sophisticated living areas are ideal for both entertaining and everyday living, including the fireplace-centered living room and the chef ’s kitchen that opens fully to the comfortable family room. This home, arranged over three levels with an elevator for convenience, includes a library, a lower-level entertainment area with a wet bar and wine room and five-bedroom suites, including the incredible master suite with a romantic fireplace. Resort-like grounds include sweeping lawns, a sparkling pool, a sports court and a built-in barbecue patio. Adding the finishing touch is a location just moments to both downtown Menlo Park and Palo Alto, with access to acclaimed Menlo Park public schools, and within walking distance of Sacred Heart and Menlo School (buyer to verify eligibility).
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1120 PARK AVENUE APT. 20/21A New York, New York United States
PRICE UPON REQUEST Multi Terraced Park Avenue Duplex This duplex residence showcases commanding views of Central Park, the East River, the George Washington Bridge, or downtown Manhattan from every window. The six private landscaped terraces offer the pinnacle in luxury indoor/outdoor living. page 178
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4130 CALLE ISABELLA SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92672
$38,000,000 USD 7 BEDS / 7 BATHS /3 HALF BATHS / SINGLE FAMILY HOME / 12,854 SQ FT
Escape to this San Clemente oceanfront estate that sprawls across nearly three acres of coastal land, gifting scenic ocean views. This guard-gated compound sits just above one of the most renowned surfing spots on the Southern California coast and provides unparalleled privacy. page 180
Contributing to the resort-style feel of this Cotton Point Estates, this stunning home offers a sports court, 55’ oceanfront pool and an event lawn. There are unforgettable views from every room of the house, ranging from meticulous gardens to unforgettable sunsets to 450 feet of perfect seaside vistas. With nearly 13,000 square feet of living space across the main residence, a two-bedroom guest house, and a nine-car garage, this house is ideal for entertaining. A luxuriously large master suite includes a sitting room and a private terrace. Throughout the home, luxe details reign supreme.
This expansive two-story home boasts beamed ceilings, intricate brick and stone walls, and bronze framed windows that expertly highlight ocean views. The addition of limestone floors, Venetian plaster and walnut millwork complement the home’s Mediterranean feel. The ideal blend of rustic influences and elegant details elevate the art of living and entertaining. Step outside each morning and enjoy being encompassed by the terraces, broad lawns, and mature gardens that lie just above the Pacific Ocean. Private. Spacious. Home.
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MOLD YOUR MIND PERCEPTION MATTERS
WE'RE MEANT TO LEARN FROM FAILURE JOEY VELEZ MA, MBA @velezmentalperformance Healthy Lifestyles Contributor
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WO YEARS AGO, ALMOST TO THE MONTH, I WROTE TO YOU ABOUT HOW PERSPECTIVE IS EVERYTHING, AND HOW THE WAY YOU INTERPRET SPECIFIC EVENTS IN YOUR LIFE MATTERS. THESE INTERPRETATIONS CAN MEAN THE DIFFERENCE IN IMPROVING CONFIDENCE AND MOTIVATION OR, CONVERSELY, EXPERIENCING MORE FRUSTRATION, WORRY AND ANXIETY. page 184
Today, we will continue that conversation, but this time, we are going to look more at how to perceive performances. Let’s say that you have been preparing all week for a sales presentation. In it, you touched on every point you wanted to, asked all the right, thought-provoking questions, had extreme buy-in from the audience, and they laughed at all your jokes, but at the end, they are not interested. Would you view this “performance” as a success or a failure? How you think about your performances is just as important as what you are thinking before and during the performance. Since the meaning of a good or bad result is an ambiguous concept, your interpretation becomes that much more important and will have a drastic impact on how you perform in the future. INTERPRETING SUCCESSES AND FAILURES Whether you are an athlete, corporate mogul or a student, you perform on a fairly consistent basis. No matter if it’s well or below standards, oftentimes, your thoughts from one performance carry over to the next. Therefore, how you inter-
pret your performance can directly impact your next one. A commonality among elite performers is how they interpret their performances. They interpret their successes as authentic, pervasive and global. Authentic means that their performance was a true representation of the self. They performed how they prepared, they were automatic, and they were able to showcase their true abilities. Pervasive means that being successful was not a one-time thing, it is something that can last and that they can do over and over again. Lastly, global means that if they can be successful here, they can be successful in other areas. On the other side of the coin, elite performers interpret their failures as inauthentic, temporary and isolated. Inauthentic means that their performance was not a true representation of the self. They were not able to showcase their true abilities and who they truly are. Temporary refers to their failure being a one-time thing, it is something that won’t last and won’t happen again. Lastly, isolated means that this failure was a one-time thing and only affected this particular performance.
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Where individuals get into trouble is when they flip these perspectives. They interpret their successes as being inauthentic, temporary and isolated, and end up seeing their failures as authentic, pervasive and global. When this happens, you minimize your accomplishments, and your confidence takes a drastic dip heading into upcoming performances. Research shows that how you perceive events will directly impact how you cope with stress and how you perform; therefore, you should take a more optimistic approach to interpreting your performances. You don’t have control over performance’s results, but you do control how you interpret that experience. If you can effectively analyze your performances in this manner, you can build confidence in any situation, no matter the outcome. MY BATTLES WITH PERFORMANCE AND INTERPRETATION Growing up, my interpretation of my performances was extremely ineffective. While playing varsity basketball my senior year, I felt I was underutilized. My playing time was minimal, even though I would work hard during practice and put in the extra work on my own time. I know my coach noticed because we were members of the same fitness facility. However, the added practice did not account to more playing time, and each day, I asked myself, “What am I doing wrong?” I felt I was a failure, like I wasn’t good enough, as if no matter how much work I put in, it would not amount to anything. This approach started to make its way into my academics. No matter how much I studied, no matter how much homework I did, my test grades were never that great. I started to lose motivation; then, I began to put less effort into my studies. During this time, even experiencing successes was not enough. There were times when I would get the chance to play, and I would do well, but I would interpret those performances as lucky. Even though I was putting in the extra work to receive more playing time, once I did and did well, I minimized my achievements. The test scores I spoke of earlier, sometimes I would receive a B, but since my interpretation of how to view performances was flipped, I would attribute these to luck. To
this day, I wonder what could have been if I had continued to put in the work both in athletics and academics. Being 6’0” meant Division 1 basketball was most likely out of the question, but my academic journey could have turned out differently. I take the outcome out of the equation now and focus on the effort I put in, so better late than never, but my professional career took a turn once I started to interpret my performances differently. MAKING THE CHANGE Changing your perspective on your performances will not be easy. You have conditioned yourself to respond a specific type of way, so the process involves unlearning what you know and re-learning what you don’t know. The first step in producing change is by increasing your self-awareness of the self-talk that takes place. Think of a recent failure or setback that you experienced. Explain what happened, sticking to the facts only, and what thoughts were present during this moment. On the other side, think of a recent success that you experienced. Again, explaining what happened while sticking to the facts only, and then identifying what thoughts were present during this moment. Do you see a difference? Is your interpretation of one different than the other? Through this activity, you might identify that you minimize your successes and say things like “Right place, right time” or “I got lucky.” You also might identify that you internalize failures and setbacks. Viewing yourself as the cause and that this failure is “Just who I am”. Self-awareness is vital because it’s hard to change what you do not know is there. The second step in producing change is by altering your self-talk during a post-performance reflection. First, if you are not currently reflecting on your performances, then you should start today. This reflection process includes identifying three sustains, areas you did well and want to continue doing, and three improves, places from your most recent performance you want to improve upon for next time. Your self-talk during this process is key. When you interpret your successes as inauthentic, temporary and isolated, a
common phrase associated with this perspective is “Because I got lucky.” Instead, objectively identify something related to the success as a part of your sustains. For example, instead of saying “The board accepted my sales pitch because I got lucky”, change it to “The board accepted my sales pitch because I prepped for three hours over the weekend”. Instead of saying. “The shot went in because I got lucky,” change it to “The shot went in because I put in extra work in the gym this week.” The same goes for interpreting failures. When you view your failures as authentic, pervasive and global, a common phrase associated with this perspective is, “I failed because I am a failure." Just because you fail, or make a mistake, does not mean that you are a failure. Did you fail? Yes, but that is a potential outcome with any performance. Therefore, take the same approach and objectively identify something that may have led to the failure as a part of your improves. For example, instead of saying, “I failed because I am a failure,” change it to, “I failed because I could not prep over the weekend due to family circumstances.” Instead of saying, “I missed the shot because I suck,” change it to, “I missed the shot because my focus was in the wrong area.” The key aspect of both of these situations is how you interpret what happened. Your explanation of what happened should be more objective than evaluative. FINAL THOUGHTS Your thoughts matter; how you interpret your performance is matter. This interpretation can mean the difference between being confident in your next performance or shying away and under-performing. Not every performance is going to go as planned. You may do everything correct, everything that you had planned, and still obtain an undesirable result, these outcomes are out of your control, do not let them dictate how you interpret your performances. Do not let results minimize your work, effort and dedication that you put into your craft. Pay attention to your thoughts, adjust your interpretation of your performances, so that you can maintain and build confidence for future performances. page 185