ELYSIAN Women Inspiring Women
DISPLAY UNTIL AUG. 16, 2024
danahareldesign.com
KELLY HOPPEN INTERIORS LTD UNIT 5 VENCOURT PLACE, LONDON, W6 9NU
KELLYHOPPENINTERIORS.COM
E L Y S I A N
VOLUME 10 • ISSUE 2 THE WELLNESS ISSUE / L’ÉDITION BIEN-ÊTRE ÉTÉ 2024
PHOTOGRAPH BY SASINTIPCHAI / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
Suzanne Somers
86
BY LAURIE BOGART WILES
66
India The art, the history, the romance. BY KATE MCMULLEN
Monet
116
138poppies
Receiving Hope, Peace, and Rejuvenation from the Work of the Father of the Impressionist Movement in Art. BY VERITY GALSWORTHY
Dana Harel proudly introduces her debut evening wear collection for Fall 2024. BY SAMANTHA PAIGE
Inspiring Women
152
Dr. Tabasum Mir page 154 Kimmy Powell page 168 INTERVIEWS BY KAREN FLOYD
4
18
architecture&interiors
5564
Minimal design, major impact. BY CHRISTY NIELSON
travel
The timeless elegance of Amarla Casco Viejo. BY SONIA HENRY
shopping
The best part of waking up. BY SINDIE FITZGERALD-RANKIN
183 mind&body
188philanthropy
How passionate philanthropists are bringing modern medicine closer and closer to finding the cure. BY CORA WALDEN
200
back story
Team ELYSIAN and the ELYSIAN Circle celebrate an unforgettable Spring magazine launch and the premiere of the award-winning ELYSIAN documentary, Fight for Ukraine: For the Children, at the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, in Washington D.C.
on the cover
Kimmy Powell of Woodhouse Spas photographed by Jenn Cady Photography, makeup by Karen Thornton. Kimmy is wearing Keshi pearls from Mara Labell’s The Posy Collection.
PHOTOGRAPH BY KATALINKS / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
A celestial dance of connection. BY MARCY DUBROFF
40 health&beauty Somewhere between Genesis 1:10 and 11, God Made Seaweed BY PEARL LUSTRE
publisher
Karen Floyd
c r e at o r - i n - c h i e f
Ryan Stalvey
c h i e f o f s ta f f
marketing design
comptroller
senior editor
Paula Hutto
Amber Edwards
Anna Christian
Laurie Bogart Wiles
newsletter
film
& video
Amber Edwards
Garrick Lane
legal
p u b l i c a f fa i r s
Eric Nodine
Boone Peeler
d i g i ta l i n n o vat i o r
philanthropy
Joey Iannetta
& i m pa c t
web design
& development
Kimberli Scott Still
Elliot Derhay
d i g i ta l p r o j e c t s
events
c o m m u n i t y a f fa i r s
Celia Wise Cooksey
Carolyn Schoepf
Ann Bible
lead photographer
photographer
photographer
d i g i ta l s t r at e g y
social media
Michael Paniccia
Jennifer Cady
Joy Smallwood
Christiana Purves
Michelle Young
writer
writer
office manager
liaison
p r o d u c t i o n a s s i s ta n t
Jason Spencer
Brenna Kehew Sculley
Becky Kerr
Rita Allison
Aidan Stanton
contributing writers
Marcy Dubroff, Sindie Fitzgerald-Rankin, Verity Galsworthy, Sonia Henry, Pearl Lustre, Kate McMullen, Christy Nielson, Samantha Paige, Cora Walden, Laurie Bogart Wiles copy editors
Nancy Brady, Monya Havekost, Diane High, Hadley Inabinet d ata b a s e
& deployment
Mark Trombetta
printer
c i r c u l at i o n s p e c i a l i s t
c o n s u lta n t
Joe Giuffrida/Mega Mailers
Greg Wolfe
Carmel Fauci
w w w . r e a d e ly s i a n . c o m ELYSIAN Magazine is published four times per year by Palladian Publications LLC., 113 W. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29306. For subscription information, call 864-342-6500. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.
elysian is proud to feature our updated ios app, redesigned from the ground up to maximize your experience — download now in the app store to read and view exclusive elysian content, watch livestreams and participate in our special events.
Sinking Not Sinking #3 Original Digital C Print, under Acrylic Glass 41 inches x 33.6 inches By Isabelle Menin
764 MIAMI CIRCLE, SUITE 132 ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30324 (404) 352-8775 / www.pryorfineart.com
T
BUT THERE’S A HOPE THAT’S WAITING FOR YOU IN THE DARK YOU SHOULD KNOW YOU’RE BEAUTIFUL JUST THE WAY YOU ARE… SHE DON’T SEE HER PERFECT SHE DON’T UNDERSTAND SHE’S WORTH IT OR THAT BEAUTY GOES DEEPER THAN THE SURFACE
here is no perfect. It is an elusive and unrealistic concept that many women strive to attain. For so much of my life I masked my inner brokenness, pain, and struggles . . . by looking outward. I largely focused on external goals that coincidentally tethered my very own health and well-being. I allowed others to validate my self-worth (as opposed to being self-actualized). Thankfully, over time I learned that by depending on other’s approval, I was effectively giving them control over my well-being. It was not until my mid-40s that I recognized that health and wellness were not about perfect weight, the texture of one’s hair, or the smoothness of your skin, but the capacity to both love oneself and embrace a purpose larger than oneself. Colbie Caillat’s lyrics in her song, “Try” describe the evolution or dance that many women face with their health and wellness. “Put your make-up on Get your nails done Curl your hair Run the extra mile Keep it slim So they like you, do they like you? . . .
SO TO ALL THE GIRLS THAT’S HURTING LET ME BE YOUR MIRROR HELP YOU SEE A LITTLE BIT CLEARER THE LIGHT THAT SHINES WITHIN AND YOU DON’T HAVE TO CHANGE A THING THE WORLD COULD CHANGE ITS HEART NO SCARS TO YOUR BEAUTIFUL WE’RE STARS AND WE’RE BEAUTIFUL.” —ALESSIA CARA (FROM “SCARS TO YOUR BEAUTIFUL”)
Self-love . . . seeking a larger purpose…unbridled self-actualization . . . Mind, body, and soul connection and balance . . . Unlike the quest for perfection, these aspirations challenge us to evolve into a gentler humanity, one filled with kindness and compassion for ourselves and others. As we embark upon our own exploration into wellness, our hope is that this issue might awaken a part of ourselves and trigger our individual quest to search and seek . . . In this Health and Wellness issue, we thank you for sharing the journey of transformation. Much love,
16
• été 2024 • l’édition bien-être • readelysian.com
Karen Floyd Publisher
JENN CADY PHOTOGRAPHY
Wait a second, Why should you care, what they think of you When you’re all alone, by yourself Do you like you? Do you like you?” While body, mind, and spirit are the three integral parts of health and wellness, the foundation for all three is built upon self-love, and not the quest for perfection. Colbie’s lyrics say, “So they like you, do they like you?” The fact is, unless you understand yourself, and who you are, then who likes you does not matter. Our pages explore Health and Wellness . . . from different perspectives, whether the anecdotal stories from our Inspiring Women interviews, or our article on India’s culture, art, minimalism, and beyond. Take for example findings from our Inspiring Woman Dr. Tabassum Mir, a renowned plastic surgeon in New York City and Miami, Florida, who is known worldwide for her innovative, noninvasive procedures. In this issue, she authentically shares that the success of surgical procedures is often measured by the emotional expectations of the patient. In the business of wellness, accomplished Kim Powell, the owner of Woodhouse Spas in four states dedicated her professional career to the transformational wellness of others. Yet, she attributes her personal success to purposely maintaining a body, mind, and spiritual balance. While the body and mind are said to control one’s destiny, the spirit is also integral to wellness. Much like the lyrics by Alessia Cara “The light that shines within,” in India, the connection between women and the spirit is so important that it is represented by an ethereal immortal: Apsara, the celestial being in Hindu and Buddhist culture. That light is the spirit within each one of us. Art is also a conduit of the mind to the soul… and from his paintings, color, and movement, French artist Claude Monet fills this issue with individual experiences sought to inspire. Called the Father of the Impressionist Art Movement, Monet transcends time and space, thereby touching one’s soul. Minimalism in architecture and design is a dramatic play of color, line, surface, and texture that simultaneously requires the least amount of detail and “visual clutter.” We explore just why simple but strong themes in design feed the soul, body, and mind.
18
THE IMAGE BANK / GETTYIMAGES.COM
• printemps 2024 • l’édition bien-être • readelysian.com
architecture&interiors
Minimal Design, Major Impact BY CHRISTY NIELSON
été 2024 • l’édition bien-être • readelysian.com •
19
PHOTOGRAPHY BY LACI_10 / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
inimalist interior design—characterized by clean lines, simple furnishings, cohesive colors, and lots of open space—is not only easy on the eyes; it can also be good for the soul. The benefits of minimalism are vast and range from mental to financial. “It creates an expansive, soothing environment,” explains Los Angeles interior designer Erin Fetherston. “I personally think it’s very calming to the nervous system.” Many people seek a sense of serenity and refuge in their homes, especially post-pandemic. Our experts say minimalism—a design trend that has become increasingly popular—is an avenue to that end. “In our world full of chaos and noise, research has found that coming back to an environment that promotes relaxation and calm supports mental health and overall well-being,” says designer Christine Vroom, founder of Los Angeles-based Christine Vroom Interiors. A home that feels organized and simple in terms of design tends to bring enhanced focus and productivity while minimizing distractions, promoting organization, and making one feel peaceful and tranquil. “A minimal approach can bring mental clarity and has been known to reduce stress as it’s calming to the eye and can bring about relaxation,” adds Vroom. She notes that minimalism also encourages conscious decision-making regarding furnishings and accessories and eliminates unnecessary spending on excessive décor—a more economical and sustainable choice in the long run. “I think there’s something very liberating and calming about living minimally,” says Alina Wolhardt, founder of Wolf in Sheep Design, which is headquartered in Boston and Los Angeles. “I personally can think better and can focus better when my surroundings are more serene. And I correlate the serene way to a minimalistic approach.” The less-is-more mentality of minimalism has cultural and historical origins. The ever-enduring Scandinavian
20
• été 2024 • l’édition bien-être • readelysian.com
été 2024 • l’édition bien-être • readelysian.com •
21
22
• été 2024 • l’édition bien-être • readelysian.com
PHOTOGRAPH BY GREMLIN / GETTYIMAGES.COM
été 2024 • l’édition bien-être • readelysian.com •
23
24 été 2024 • l’édition bien-être • readelysian.com •
style, for example, embraces simplicity and bright, open spaces with plenty of room to practice the art of hygge, a word that has become so omnipresent today that it was recently added to the Oxford dictionary and means “the quality of being warm and comfortable that gives a feeling of happiness.” Scandinavian design is characterized by forms that follow function, wooden furniture with clean lines, and multifunctional, flexible furnishings and spaces. The Japanese minimalist mentality, popularized most recently by bestselling author and tidying expert Marie Kondo, is as much a lifestyle as a look. Influenced by Zen Buddhism, it embraces balance, tranquility, the use of natural elements, serene spaces, and an orderly, everything-in-its-place mindset. The Minimalism Art Movement was another influence on minimalist interior design. Emerging in the U.S. in the 1960s, Minimal Art rejected excess in favor of geographic shapes that are simplistic, largely void of emotion, and concentrated on the form itself. Notable Minimalism artists include Frank Stella, Robert Morris, Jo Baer, and Robert Ryman, to name a few. “I definitely have a cultural influence when it comes to my somewhat minimalist approach with my Scandinavian and Japanese background,” says Wolhardt. “But I think this can be applied to any spaces and doesn’t have to be associated with any geography or architectural style.” Multi-award-winning British designer Kelly Hoppen CBE, founder of Kelly Hoppen Interiors, says when deciding on a minimalistic approach to design, it is crucial to consider how the style fits within the space and its surroundings. “Minimalism isn’t limited to specific styles or locations; it can seamlessly blend with various architectural designs, as seen in the works of designers like [British architect] John Pawson,” she says. “I particularly enjoy integrating minimalism with diverse elements, merging old and new for a unique aesthetic. A minimalist building can offer surprises upon entry, shifting perceptions, and creating distinct experiences within.”
In
short, minimalism is about intentional design and strategic selections. “Achieving a minimalist look requires attention to detail in scale, texture, zoning, and lighting,” says Hoppen. “These elements harmonize to create spaces that feel both serene and impactful. While minimalistic design is gaining popularity, executing it well requires substantial investment due to its focus on detail.”
Interiors by Laurel Ave Project by Christine Vroom Interiors. Vroom says even if minimalism isn’t your first choice in terms of design, there are still minimalistic characteristics that you can adapt to invite the benefits of the style into your home. PHOTOGRAPHY BY MANOLO LANGIS, ARCHITECT LMD ARCHITECTURE STUDIO
été 2024 • l’édition bien-être • readelysian.com •
25
26
• été 2024 • l’édition bien-être • reade
With thousands of projects over the last four decades, Kelly Hoppen Interior boasts a diverse portfolio of projects includes exclusive commercial properties, private homes, chalets, turnkey properties, yachts, cruise ships, private jets and 5* hotels.
elysian.com
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY KELLY HOPPEN / KELLYHOPPENINTERIORS.COM
27 • été 2024 • l’édition bien-être • readelysian.com
28
• été 2024 • l’édition bien-être • readelysian.com Ceiling lanterns made from bamboo weave in Asian traditional style can add a minimalist touch that accents the room from the ceiling above. PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHOKCHAI POOMICHAIYA / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
été 2024 • l’édition bien-être • readelysian.com •
29
CHRISTINE VROOM INTERIORS PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARA TRAMP
été 2024 • l’édition bien-être • readelysian.com • PHOTOGRAPHY BY BLUEWATER SWEDEN / UNSPLASH.COM
31
PHYSICAL CLUTTER CAN BE A WAY TO HIDE WHAT YOU DON’T WANT TO FACE—UNFULFILLED DREAMS, BROKEN PROMISES, OR PAINFUL EXPERIENCES FROM THE PAST. BE GENTLE WITH YOURSELF WHEN YOU DE-CLUTTER. AS YOU HANDLE EACH ITEM, QUIETLY SAY A PRAYER, LET IT GO, THEN MOVE ON. TRUST THAT IF YOU NEED THE ITEM, IT WILL COME BACK TO YOU IN ANOTHER FORM AT THE PROPER TIME.” —ELEANOR BROWNN
AUTHOR OF THE OTHER SERENITY PRAYER: MEDITATIONS ON SELF-KINDNESS
Vroom says even if minimalism isn’t your first choice in terms of design, there are still minimalistic characteristics that you can adapt to invite the benefits of the style into your home. “Focusing on a couple elements, less clutter, adding more emphasis on comfort, and taking a ‘less is more’ approach in general is the way to go,” she explains. “You want to keep your focus on two or three main pieces in the room so as not to overwhelm the eye and then let those key pieces speak the loudest.” Concentrating on functionality and a limited color palette of neutral tones and small accent colors is another way to achieve a minimalistic look. “Incorporate ample negative space around design elements to create a sense of openness,” encourages Wolhardt. “I think it always helps to emphasize quality materials and craftsmanship.” Minimalistic design does not have to be sterile or cold. In fact, it can be very warm and welcoming. Wolhardt recently designed a Zen primary suite, for example, that incorporated key select finishes that were utilized in different ways. “Even though the finishes are simple there’s a lot of detail in how they were executed,” she explains. “The live edge stone slab under the freestanding tub, the live edge headboard, the metal edge that was used on the wooded slats on the walls, how the light washes over the wooden slats—there’s a lot of detail that went into the design and highlighted these finishes, which created a lot of warmth and layers.” The larger the footprint of the space, the more you can afford to be minimalistic. The availability of
32
• été 2024 • l’édition bien-être • readelysian.com
33 PHOTOGRAPH BY LARISA-BIRTA / UNSPLASH.COM
• été 2024 • l’édition bien-être • readelysian.com printemps l’édition et bien-être printemps 2024 • 2024 édition• femmes guerre • readelysian.com •
33
34
• été 2024 • l’édition bien-être • readelysian.com
PHOTOGRAPHY BY NELLEG / GETTYIMAGES.COM
été 2024 • l’édition bien-être • readelysian.com •
35
36 été 2024 • l’édition bien-être • readelysian.com •
“The benefits of minimalism are vast and range from mental to financial. ‘It creates an expansive, soothing environment,’” explains Los Angeles interior designer Erin Fetherston, whose fondness to minimalist design can be seen in her own home as in this striking living room. PHOTOGRAPHY BY ELIZABETH MESSINA
natural light is also an important consideration because the light and its shadows can play a beautiful role in minimalist design. “When a space is smaller or darker, sometimes it’s better to do more there,” Fetherston notes. “For example, I always think a powder room is a great place to play with color and pattern.” You want every piece of furniture to have room to breathe in a minimalist space, meaning things should not be too crowded together or placed densely in the space. Allow a path for the eye to travel through the room so that light and shadow take on a decorative role in the atmosphere. Avoid busy prints and patterns, and try to limit the color palette to a few tonal colors. Then, you can create depth by mixing and layering monochromatic textures. “I personally love using a neutral color palette in minimalist design, but for people who are fearful of white sofas, remember that earth tones like mossy green, terracotta, and blush are colors that feel neutral, too,” Fetherston advises. Minimalistic design is as much a way of life as a design aesthetic, our experts say. “The essence of minimalism lies not just in its benefits but in embodying a way of living. While it demands meticulous organization, its simplicity can be deeply satisfying,” concludes Hoppen. ■
37 PHOTOGRAPH BY NINE KOEPFER / UNSPLASH.COM
• été 2024 • l’édition bien-être • readelysian.com été 2024 • l’édition bien-être • readelysian.com •
37
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALVAREZ / GETTYIMAGES.COM
38
• été 2024 • l’édition bien-être • readelysian.com
39 • été 2024 • l’édition bien-être • readelysian.com