Sophisticated Living Louisville March/April 2026

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Who would’ve ever guessed that spending four hours tossing out strands of plastic beads could restore my faith in humanity? But that’s exactly what happened when I joined the Orpheus Parade Krewe for this year’s Mardi Gras festivities in New Orleans.

The theme of this year’s Orpheus parade was “All the World's a Stage,” and each of the 40 gob-smacking floats, produced in collaboration with legendary Kern Studios, was whimsically wonderful. Attired in a glittered mask (legally required of all Krewe members for more than a century) and a teletubbie-esque sequined top with matching pants, I was tethered to my assigned spot on the resplendent Sheraton New Orleanssponsored float #20, “If Music Be the Food of Love”. Standing amid garlands of papier-mâché flowers made me feel absolutely lilliputian. It was a fleeting sensation because as soon as we got rolling (after a pep talk and champagne toast with Orpheus co-founders Harry Connick, Jr. and Sonny Borey), we attained what felt like instant rock star status as our egos expanded exponentially as the crowds, sometimes lined up 10 rows deep, who screamed wildly, begging for our attention, and whatever trinkets we were holding. “This is nuts but amazing,” a fellow parade newbie next to me yelled out. That night, I fancied myself as a champion of the underdog—those who showed up late expecting not to walk away with anything—, and I hurled beads, footballs, and stuffed animals as far as I could. It was the best feeling when my aim proved true, and an ecstatic recipient repaid me with an enthusiastic thumbs up.

After the initial adrenaline rush subsided, I took a moment to appreciate the scene as we rolled along, trailed by a local high school band, marching in precision, a process many of these young people (whose rhythmic soundtrack serves the heartbeat of Mardi Gras) repeated in multiple parades over the course of several days. I’d always heard about the debauchery of Mardi Gras. Still, outside of Bourbon Street, I observed the most wonderful assemblage of people from all ages and walks of life, gathered side by side for the simple, shared pleasure of watching a parade. Amid the seemingly endless din of social media posts and ranting politicians’ intent on sowing seeds of discord, I was reminded that the only thing more powerful than hate is love, even if it’s the love of a shiny plastic bead necklace being launched by a 50-something having the time of her life.

Editor's Note: All of us at Sophisticated Living send heartfelt condolences to Bill Wine’s family. Bill was a familiar presence at many social events over the years, always ready with his camera and a warm smile. While taking tens of thousands of cherished photos, many of which have appeared in our magazine, Bill’s friendly nature made even the most camera-averse subject feel relaxed. We feel fortunate to have worked with him and hope his family can find some comfort in knowing his legacy continues through the moments he captured so beautifully.

Bridget Cottrell, Editor-In-Chief bridget@slmag.net

The all-new 2026 Audi Q3 at Audi Louisville raises the bar for compact luxury SUVs.

Completely redesigned with bold styling and powered by a turbocharged engine with standard quattro® all-wheel drive, it delivers confident performance with unmistakable Audi presence. Inside, a stunning 11.9” digital cockpit and 12.8” MMI touch display put next-gen technology at your fingertips, while premium materials and flexible cargo space make it as practical as it is refined.

BITTNERS, PRIDE OF KENTUCKY

Interior design that elegantly encapsulates spring and the spirit of the Bluegrass.

Photos by Robert Burge & Andrew Kung

Heading into the homestretch of its 175th anniversary, Bittners has remained at the forefront of interior design in the Commonwealth. From its humble beginnings in 1854 as a cabinet and custom wood shop, to high-profile projects across the United States, the firm remains grounded in building connections, Kentucky’s rich history, and its people, whose creative spirit is reflected in myriad design projects. “Design draws people together,” says Douglas Riddle, Bittners CEO and Creative Director. “It creates a relationship between a space and the people that fill that space”

As we approach the cusp of spring and the verdancy that ushers in Derby, the city’s most celebratory season, the following pages serve as a compendium of spaces spotlighting quintessential Bluegrass style as seen through the lens of Bittners’ talented designers and craftspeople. The open-minded, fresh approach in these private and public space projects, many of which incorporate our custom handcrafted furniture, serves as a reflection of our Kentucky spirit and the spaces that bring it all together,” commented Riddle. sl

For the restoration of the original farmhouse at Ashbourne Farms, interior designer Weasy Maclean remained cognizant of the home’s history without being constrained by it. Maclean had access to an enviable collection of family heirlooms and artifacts when outfitting the rustic-chic rooms. This assemblage speaks to the current owners’ passions and creates a one-of-a-kind look that significantly reduces the carbon footprint of buying mostly newly manufactured furnishings. In addition, antiques procured from Bittners, along with custom-made pieces created by artisans in the woodworking studio at the design house, are no doubt destined to become part of the family’s dowry.

Wolz employed texture and a tightly edited color palette for the renovation of a traditional home for a young professional. Against a neutral backdrop and dramatic steel doors, the green armchairs are a focal point and hearken to the similarly colored leather walls in the nearby den.

Amy Cimba designed this hearth room, which sits just off the kitchen in a home that was once a carriage house for a larger estate. The homeowners had the original blueprints framed. “The blueprints are so interesting because you can see the spaces where they kept the horse and cattle, and the rooms that held the carriages (hence the windows that were doors). It's a fabulous house,” Cimba said. The green leather slipper chairs in the room are versatile and can be moved around the house for extra seating. They are paired with a modern camelback sofa and a gold-leaf coffee table atop a vintage rug. Cimba calls it “the perfect mix of clubby antiquity with a modern twist.”

A Bittners-made bourbon table is right at home next to a Thonet bentwood armchair with green alligator-embossed leather upholstery in a den designed by Ron Wolz. The enveloping use of green, paired with leather and rich wood tones, and grounded by a textural rug, creates a cozy retreat for intimate entertaining.

Ron Wolz oversaw the comprehensive renovation of a river bluff home. Along nearly the entire back of the home on the first floor, Outswing Andersen folding doors with integrated screens allow true indoor/outdoor living and unfettered access to a newly installed covered limestone terrace that leads down the gently sloped lot to the pool lawn. In a casual dining area, Visual Comfort’s Signature Farfalle chandelier by Julie Neill in a gilded finish mimics a kaleidoscope of butterflies in motion. The ethereal installation stands in contrast to the rustic elegance and substantial nature of a Bittners-made dining table at the center of the room.

Crystal Smith oversaw the renovation of an Anchorage residence, perched high on a leafy knoll. Relocating the kitchen to the front of the home took full advantage of the home's abundance of windows, including the original stained glass. The Ondine forged wrought iron chandeliers above the islands were custom-crafted in France.

UNLOCKING THE SECRET TO PEAK ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE

How to Train Smarter, Recover Faster, and Compete at Your Best

By Dr. Carl Paige, Medical Transformation Center

Many of us believe we’re doing everything right by working out consistently, eating clean, staying hydrated, and prioritizing rest. Yet even the most disciplined routines can overlook the deeper physiological factors that influence performance, recovery, and long term vitality. That’s where athletic optimization comes in. It’s a science driven, personalized approach that helps you understand what’s happening beneath the surface so you can train smarter, recover faster, and perform at your highest potential.

The Science Behind Athletic Optimization - Athletic optimization goes far beyond traditional fitness assessments. It’s rooted in cellular medicine, a whole body approach that evaluates how your systems work together and how underlying cellular imbalances may be affecting your overall performance. Intense training creates micro damage in tissues, taxes the nervous system, and increases oxidative stress. Without proper recovery and internal support, the body can’t rebuild efficiently, leading to plateaus, fatigue, or injury. Instead of focusing solely on muscles, speed, or stamina, athletic optimization examines:

• Digestive function, which influences nutrient absorption, inflammation, and energy

• Hormone balance, essential for strength, endurance, and recovery

• Nutritional deficiencies, which can limit performance

• Detoxification pathways, which affect inflammation, fatigue, and cellular health

• Recovery strategies, to accelerate muscle repair, replenish energy stores, and reduce soreness

Evaluating these factors reveals what you can’t see in the mirror or measure on your smartwatch. It identifies the hidden factors that may be holding you back, even when your training is on track.

Creating a Personalized Plan for Peak Performance - Once you have a better understanding of what’s going on internally, it’s time to create a customized plan tailored to your physiology and fitness goals. No two patients are the same, and no two optimization plans should be either. Your program may include:

• Nutrition plans to correct deficiencies and support energy production

• Hormone optimization to improve stamina, strength, and recovery

• Digestive support to enhance nutrient absorption and reduce inflammation

• Detoxification protocols to improve cellular resilience

• A fitness plan aligned with your body’s needs and performance targets

• Strategies for both active recovery - meant to promote and accelerate healing in the short termand longer-term recovery, such as mindfulness, movement, and red-light therapy

This approach ensures you’re not just working harder, but working smarter, with a clear understanding of what your body needs to thrive.

A Guide to Prepping for Spring Sports - Spring is the perfect time to reboot your training. Whether you’re running a marathon, joining a tennis league, playing on a softball team, or preparing for long days on the golf course, these strategies will help you perform at your best.

Plan Your Training - Consistency matters, but so does balance. Include strength training to support endurance, mobility work to prevent injury, and core training for stability.

Fueling Your Body - Nutrition is foundational to overall health. Eat lean proteins (at least 30-50 grams) within 30 minutes of completing your workout to support muscle repair. Make sure you’re staying adequately hydrated by drinking before, during, and after a workout. Dehydration affects performance long before you feel thirsty.

Prioritize Recovery - Recovery is where progress happens, where muscle is built, and bones are strengthened. Tools like infrared saunas and guided stretching (e.g., yoga) can reduce inflammation and improve circulation. Schedule at least one day of rest into your program.

Data Drives Results - Tools like VO2 Max testing and body composition analysis give you real data on your aerobic capacity, metabolic efficiency, and muscle-to-fat ratios. This information helps you train smarter, not just harder.

Listen to Your Body - Fatigue, irritability, poor sleep, or declining performance are signals from your body - listen to them. Addressing these issues early prevents injury and supports long term success.

Introducing HealthSpan Center - Medical Transformation Center (MTC) has long been a leader in cellular medicine and personalized health. We know that optimal health is the foundation for optimal performance. With that in mind, we’ve recently expanded our footprint, adding a 4,500-square-foot sister facility dedicated to helping patients focus on recovery, nutrition, and building physical resilience. HealthSpan Center is designed to give patients the tools, data, and environment needed to elevate their resilience at any age. The new space includes:

• VO2 Max Testing - This gold standard assessment measures how efficiently your body uses oxygen during exercise. It helps

Carl Paige, MD, is CMO and co-founder of Medical Transformation Center with his wife, Terri Paige. After 25-plus years in traditional practice, he recognized the substantial need for a more proactive approach to wellness and began exploring Cellular Medicine, which strengthens and optimizes individual cells to support the whole body from its most basic unit up. The Kentucky-based MTC is now a respected leader in integrative Cellular and Regenerative Medicine. Continuing to pioneer research-based techniques and advances in his field, Dr. Paige is an original member of the Seeds Scientific Research and Performance Institute (SSRP), where, when not practicing at MTC, he now trains other physicians on applications of Cellular Medicine in healthcare. Dr. Paige is a respected, leading voice on groundbreaking treatment modalities, research-based techniques, and advances. Grounded in experience and extensive training, Dr. Paige looks at each patient holistically, considering factors such as lifestyle, genetics, environment, and more to determine the best, most personalized way to maximize overall wellness and boost healthspan. medicaltransformationcenter.com

determine training zones and improves endurance testing. While it doesn't directly improve any functions, it makes it easier to track progress and prevents overtraining.

• InBody Analysis - The InBody machine is a sophisticated body composition tool that provides precise measurements of muscle mass, fat distribution, hydration, and metabolic indicators. This is critical data for athletes of all stages to use when finetuning performance.

• Performance Focused Fitness Studio - Outfitted with the best training equipment and staffed by experienced resilience coaches who understand both functional medicine and performance science, the studio includes:

• A rower

• An elliptical

• Dumbbells and kettlebells

• Functional trainers

• Space to train up to six people at a time

• Infrared Sauna - Infrared heat supports muscle recovery, reduces inflammation, and enhances detoxification. After your session, use our on-site shower to make sure toxins are fully flushed.

Building true physical resilience goes well beyond the gym. HealthSpan Center aims to offer more resources focused on the full body, including nutrition classes and stress management strategies for you.

Athletic optimization isn’t just about competing. It’s about preserving your flexibility and mobility so you can enjoy the activities you love for decades to come. Whether you’re preparing for a sport, striving for a personal best, or simply wanting to feel stronger and more capable, understanding your body is the most powerful tool you have. sl

BELLA LEVINE AND JACK RYAN SOPHISTICATED WEDDING

Bella, born and raised in Louisville, met Jack, who grew up in Longmeadow, Massachusetts, during their freshman year at Swarthmore College, where they both played varsity lacrosse. Bella recounted that she’d noticed Jack on a Facebook group for the Swarthmore College class of 2018 and thought he was “so cute”. She said, “he was smart and so naturally funny, which immediately

made me feel comfortable around him.” Jack said he admired Bella’s kindness and her intelligence, their shared world views and prioritizing family, and he adds, she happens to be “drop-dead gorgeous.” The couple started dating during their sophomore year, and moved to New York City following graduation, where they lived for eight years before relocating to Louisville in 2025.

Jack popped the question at Race Point in Provincetown on Cape Cod, where Jack’s parents own a home. The moment came as a complete surprise, with Jack using a concert by one of their favorite bands, Mo Lowda & The Humble, as the reason for their visit. He proposed on the dunes, with a prearranged photographer capturing the moment. Adding to the specialness of the proposal, Jack had stealthily invited their families to the Cape, and they staged a surprise engagement party in Chatham. Bella said that getting to share their joy with their families “was the best surprise ever.”

The couple toured wedding venues in New York, Louisville, and Lexington that could host 200 guests for an outdoor ceremony and indoor reception. Bella recounted that once they visited Ashbourne Farms, they immediately fell in love. “Ashbourne’s attention to every little detail and rustic elegance is second to none,” she said.

Bella turned shopping for a wedding gown into a girls’ weekend, inviting her mother, sister, and future mother-in-law and sister-inlaw to New York City, where they visited nearly ten boutiques. At their second stop—Mark Ingram Atelier—Bella recalled that she knew she’d found “the one” as soon as she saw the drop waist gown on the rack. Jack accessorized his classic tuxedo with his grandfather's cufflinks and held his great-grandfather’s handkerchief.

Highly personal details were woven throughout every aspect of the wedding. Bella’s longtime friend and bridesmaid, Rachel Hertzman, hand-painted the day-of signage in watercolor. Floral arrangements of green and white hydrangeas were selected as a nod to New England. Bella is Jewish, and Jack is Catholic, so they decided to incorporate traditions from both religions into a non-denominational ceremony officiated by Jack’s father, David. Bella walked down the aisle to the same song her mother & stepfather used for their ceremony: "Cannonball" by Damien Rice. She said that surprising them made the moment exponentially more sentimental.

The couple said that while they loved the entire day and wouldn’t change a thing, some of their favorite moments came from a shared effort to stay together the entire night. Taking a private moment together after the ceremony and before the cocktail hour, they recalled, was a great way to take the day in and enjoy being married. The couple took a two-week honeymoon, traveling through Thailand sl

THE GOLDEN AGE OF WELLNESS

Atlantis, The Palm and Atlantis The Royal are leading the evolution of holistic travel in Dubai.

By Macey Phillips / Photos courtesy of Atlantis, The Palm, and Atlantis The Royal

As I settle into a poolside cabana, stretching out my legs on the plush lounge chair after a long 12-hour flight, I’m surprised to discover that despite the soaring temperatures — well over 100 degrees — I feel nothing but relaxed, sipping an ice-cold spritz atop the Atlantis

The Royal’s sky pool on the 22nd floor as the sun sets over the city of Dubai. This is the kind of luxury one quickly becomes accustomed to in the city of gold. Known for its extravagance and decadence, Dubai inspires immediate awe and wonder, yet it is the city’s evolving wellness scene that offers a more restorative way to discover the destination.

Savvy travelers have long been drawn to one of the seven Emirates to indulge in a life of richness. A global hub, Dubai attracts a wide range of visitors — from those accustomed to a lavish lifestyle to international business leaders and adventure

seekers. Yet a new wave of interest is taking center stage, as wellness offerings become seamlessly woven into the city's luxury landscape, delivering a deeper kind of internal wealth. Hotels like Atlantis, The Palm, and Atlantis The Royal are enticing travelers to linger longer and look beyond the glitz and glamour.

Both Atlantis properties have established reputations as destinations in their own right, each with its own unique take on indulgence. Firmly planted on The Palm Jumeirah, an artificial island shaped like a palm tree, the resorts offer views of both the endless blue sea and cityscapes. Beyond the scenery, the hotels provide high-end shopping, fine dining, immersive activities, and spa and wellness offerings that will leave you wondering if you should extend your stay in this golden slice of paradise.

Stepping into the soaring lobby of Atlantis The Royal, with its dramatic glass windows and expansive ceilings, it’s immediately clear that five-star treatment is the baseline here. A space that has already welcomed A-list celebrities since opening three years ago, the atmosphere feels both grand and effortlessly chic. One of the first stops for guests seeking restoration is the AEON Clinic, which specializes in regenerative medicine and advanced wellness treatments. From ozone therapy with medical-grade O₃ to innovative stem cell treatments focused on biological age reversal, and customized IV drips designed for an immediate health boost, AEON offers a customizable and innovative experience.

After treatments, guests can retreat to their spacious suites, which feature walk-in closets and oversized soaking tubs. The standout in-room amenities, however, are inside the famous toiletry box. Complete with combs, toothbrushes, and razors all drenched in gold – a subtle reminder that luxury is woven into every detail.

The AWAKEN Spa continues the journey with offerings such as the Golden Hour Massage, featuring hot volcanic stones handdipped in 24-karat gold, leaving you truly glowing the rest of the day. The indoor and outdoor facilities will keep you occupied for hours, from hydrotherapy pools and aromatherapy steam rooms to a snow fountain—a must in Dubai.

Dining plays a central role in the experience. Guests can reserve tables at Milos, by acclaimed Chef Costas Spiliadis, for Greek Island flavor; enjoy omakase in a cabana at Nobu by the Beach; or explore standout concepts like Carbone, whose recent arrival (late 2025) only enhanced the impressive list of dining options on property. For those seeking something a little more exciting and vibrant, Cloud 22 should be at the top of your list. The hotel’s iconic rooftop sky pool, currently in collaboration with Ounass x Dolce&Gabbana, which makes you feel dropped into an eternal Italian summer, offers sweeping views from cabanas and an infinity pool overlooking The Palm. One can catch a sunset and a live DJ while indulging in cocktails for the ultimate escape.

While Atlantis The Royal captivates with its scale, ultra-luxury offerings, and modernity, its sister property offers something equally compelling — a sense of familiarity, warmth, and pleasure that is just as enticing.

Situated next door, Atlantis, The Palm presents a more whimsical interpretation of luxury, one that feels far-reaching, playful, and deeply immersive. Upon arrival at the resort, guests are greeted by a mesmerizing 32-foot hand-blown glass sculpture by artist Dale Chihuly. This vibrant and eclectic piece sets the tone for what those checking in are bound to encounter — a unique, one-of-a-kind, and enchanting stay.

Rooms here take inspiration from the sea, with softer color palettes that mix blues and coral, inducing an immediate sense

of relaxation upon entering. Balconies offer views over the property, including the beach, where you will often find an early morning paddleboarder getting in some alone time before the heat takes shape. Twenty-four-hour room service came in handy as I adjusted to jet lag, which I enjoyed while wrapped up in a plush robe and slippers, a true moment of luxurious indulgence.

In the evening, you won’t find yourself short of dining options with buzzy spots like Nobu for decadent sushi, one Michelinstarred Hakkasan for innovative libations (the Lychee Martini is a must), and Brasserie Frantzén, a lively bistro with Frenchinspired cuisine melded with Asian flavors and Nordic influences by Michelin-starred chef Björn Frantzén, which has a candy shop inside for a unique and enveloping dessert option.

Wellness exists here not as a centerpiece, but as a natural extension of the lifestyle. At AWAKEN Spa, treatments draw inspiration from balance and sensory restoration, providing therapies that help guests recalibrate after long-haul travel or busy seasons of life.

Signature offerings include AWAKEN Hypno Healing, which provides a hypnotic experience that soothes the mind, and the Skin Firming Facial, which uses products from the world-renowned Augusts Bader line, leaving you with a radiant glow that lasts throughout your trip. Expansive amenities, such as cold plunges and saunas, allow relaxation to last well beyond the treatment room. After my session, I found myself lingering longer than expected, wrapped in a robe and in no hurry to be anywhere else — the clearest sign that the treatments had done exactly what they were meant to do.

With the ongoing list of indulgent offers at Atlantis, The Palm, the greatest might be the freedom to create and shape each day as you please, alternating between energy and ease, activity and stillness.

Combined, both properties reveal the span of what refined hospitality can look like. Atlantis The Royal offers a taste of grandeur and extravagance that some travelers seek in a getaway. At the same time, Atlantis, The Palm provides a dreamier, resortstyle retreat rooted in comfort and discovery. Neither stay eclipses the other; instead, they complement one another, allowing guests to choose the rhythm that best suits their preferences. Dubai is becoming more than just a city to stop over on your way to other destinations; it is becoming the destination for ultimate renewal and tranquility, a place for uncovering more than meets the eye. sl

Clockwise from top left: İTÄ Bahia Ring (itajewelry.com). Assael NatureScapes Earrings. Available through Diamond Cellar in Nashville and assael.com. Asante Tourmaline & Diamond Ring from Maison H Jewels (maisonhjewels.com). Briony Raymond Aurora Earrings (brionyraymond.com). Swati Dhanak Floating Galaxy Fan Earrings (swatidhanak.com). Jenna Blake Fan Earrings. Available through Ylang Ylang in St. Louis and jennablake.com. Crisscut Diamond Earrings from Christopher Designs. Available through Richter & Phillips Jewelers in Cincinnati, Rivard Jewelers in Lexington, Simons Jewelers in St. Louis and christopherdesigns.com. Terzihan Epoca Earrings (terzihan.com). Kwiat Chandelier Earrings. Available through Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Diamond Cellar in Nashville, and kwiat.com. Edgar Degas, , ca. 1880. Pastel on gray-green laid paper. Image courtesy of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Eden Presley Azurmalachite & Tourmaline Fan Earrings. Available through Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis and edenpresley.com. Picchiotti Spessartite and Diamond Ring. Available through Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis and picchiotti.it. Opposite page clockwise from top left: Spanish or French fan, dated 1845; Fan with Poetic Verses, dated 1301 AH/1883–1884 CE; Fan, possibly Spanish, dated 1850–69; French fan, dated 1870-79; French or Dutch fan, dated late 17th–early 18th century. All fan images courtesy of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

ACES IN THE HOLE

Powder and pampering in the Tetons

By Bridget Cottrell / Photos courtesy of Hotel Yellowstone and Teton Mountain Lodge and Spa

Powder hounds were certainly howling, and not for joy, as many of the West’s most storied ski areas suffered from historically low snowfall totals at the start of the 2025-2026 ski season. Numerous Colorado mountain towns, including Aspen, saw rain over Christmas. In Deer Valley, Utah, every mountain pushed back its opening date for the first time in its history. Bucking these trends, Jackson, Wyoming, received significant early snow, placing it among the top U.S. resorts for early-season accumulation. By midJanuary, Jackson Hole reported more than 130 inches of snowfall over Vail, Colorado, with 90 of its 130 trails open.

My advice to counter this unpredictability? Choose your accommodations wisely so you're not solely beholden to Mother Nature to make or break your holiday. As my ski skills are subpar at best, we split a recent trip to Jackson between two resorts: Hotel Yellowstone at Jackson Hole (HotelYellowstoneJH.com) and Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (tetonlodge. com), balancing outdoor adventures with indoor pampering.

Occupying the coveted crest of East Gros Ventre Butte with next-door neighbor Amangani (currently closed for renovations), the adults-only Hotel Yellowstone, which opened in August 2024, transformed an existing property from rustic to mountain

modern, fully capitalizing on seemingly infinite views of the Teton Range with huge expanses of glass.

In lieu of a lobby, check-in takes place in the property’s communal living room (or the adjacent terrace), a welcoming space where an evolving menu of beverages and light bites is available from early morning through evening cocktail hour (there’s also a generous selection of complimentary snacks, sweets, and drinks in each suite). A wide staircase leads down to Olivia’s, an elegant all-day dining destination with décor that pays homage to the American West while seamlessly blending modern design influences.

Walls of glass on two sides and mirrors on the others provide a rotating gallery on a monumental scale; the way the fog rolls across the valley and the mist conjures fleeting, floating rainbows is an Impressionist’s dream. Knowing active, adventure-filled days were in the offing, we had no qualms about going big at breakfast, including steak Benedict and stuffed French toast with blackberry syrup. Lunch offerings include elevated salads and sandwiches, while candlelit dinners are a more refined affair (beautifully plated, though no less hearty). Constant throughout all meals is the use of the best of what’s local and congenial service.

Hotel Yellowstone’s 36 lavishly appointed 600 square-foot guest suites are spread across the four-acre property in clusters of four within free-standing buildings that are either perched on the precipice of the butte or around a pond. The wood-sided structures with standing-seam roofs blend into the thoughtfully planned native plant landscape, which gives way to sagebrush-steppe and native grasses that create a transfixing ripple with the slightest breeze.

In public areas and guest suites, the color palette is muted, employing shades that mimic the seasonality of the landscape from spring’s green-gray to fall and winter’s tawny and straw-colored hues. This subtlety, particularly in guestrooms, allows layered texture to rise to the forefront, from fluffy sheepskin upholstery on armchairs to the nubby softness of bouclé upholstery on a half-moon sofa. The power of nature is captured in large-format black-and-white photography, from grizzly bear cubs in the lobby to an image of a fog-shrouded fly fisher mid-cast on display in our suite.

As beguiling as the rooms are, it’s the view that’s the real draw, and I spent a great deal of time on our generously proportioned, covered balcony, where, from our elevated vantage point, the red and green runway lights from the airport (the only commercial airport in the U.S. located entirely within a National Park) twinkled like Christmas lights and in the early morning light, and grazing ranch cows scattered amid the yellowed grasses

looked like pinpoints. An accordion door separates the floor-toceiling Calacatta marble bathroom, complete with a Toto Washlet Japanese-style toilet, from the bedroom, so you can literally bathe in the view from your oversized freestanding soaking tub.

An intimate spa at Hotel Yellowstone offers an outsized menu of destination-derived treatments for a boutique property, including red light therapy, infrared sauna, cold water therapy showers, and two couples’ treatment rooms, each with a Himalayan salt treatment booth. Also well-equipped is a petite gym with TechnoGym Cardio equipment, free weights, and yoga mats. The pièce de resistance of the spa level is a heated negative-edge pool surrounded by retractable floor-to-ceiling glass windows that invite in refreshing mountain breezes.

Hotel Yellowstone is located less than five miles from the charming and historic Jackson Town Square; 15 miles from Grand Teton National Park’s Moose Junction Entrance; and 60 miles from Yellowstone National Park’s South Entrance. They’ve partnered with local outfitter Backcountry Safaris to offer curated destination experiences exclusively for guests, encompassing wildlife safaris, fly fishing, Snake River floats, UTV excursions, and sunrise or sunset toast outings. For winter fun, Hotel Yellowstone is nearby both Snow King Mountain, which recently opened Snow King Observatory and Planetarium

(snowkingmountain.com/mountain/snow-king-observatory), the only mountaintop observatory and planetarium in the United States, and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (jacksonhole.com), which is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2026.

A premier destination for powder enthusiasts, averaging 459 inches of snow each season, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort serves up some of the most challenging terrain in the West, including iconic runs like Corbet's Couloir, a double-black diamond. Nearby, the National Elk Refuge (fws.gov/refuge/national-elk) offers sleigh rides around the herd, North America's largest, with winter populations typically ranging from 6,000 to over 10,000 head. In warmer months, the resort’s Aerial Tram, which ascends 4,139 feet to an elevation of 10,450 feet in just 12 minutes, offers access to a vast trail network that links Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Bridger-Teton National Forest and Grand Teton National Park.

The slopeside Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa is situated in the heart of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. It was love at first sight as soon as we entered the soaring lobby, when I was unable to notice anything else once I spied Scout, the GM’s cuddly Bernadoodle and the hotel’s unofficial mascot, positioned like a welcome mat at the front of the reception desk. After administering Scout’s obligatory belly rubs, I was able to survey the surroundings in the recently renovated space, which seamlessly blends modern aesthetics with

Hole's rich

Rugged natural materials such as dark wood, timber beams, and large stone-faced fireplaces, which anchor multiple cozy seating areas with plush couches and throw blankets, are juxtaposed with custom chandeliers, blackened steel, and antique brass accents, and expansive windows that frame the natural beauty of the surrounding mountain landscape. The rustic alpine-style design continues in the guestrooms ranging in size from 350 to 1,580 square feet. Common among them is a stone-faced gas fireplace and built-in boot dryer, and most boast a fully equipped kitchen with a separate dining area. Spacious bathrooms offer a jetted tub or a double-headed rain shower.

The hotel’s Spur Restaurant, consistently rated among the top restaurants in Teton Village, is one of a handful of year-round dining venues in the village and popular with the après-ski set. For a grab-and-go breakfast, pick up a Bear Claw 399, a delectable treat named to honor the late Grizzly 399, the oldest known reproducing female grizzly bear in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem when she was killed by a car in October 2024. You can indulge in the delectable treat guilt-free, knowing that proceeds support grizzly conservation in the area. The cuisine at Spur is elevated American West with heavy European alpine influence. All three meals at Spur feature hearty fare with plenty of locally sourced ingredients (including vegetarian options) to power active days.

Next door, Teton Mountain Lodge’s sister property, Hotel Terra (hotelterrajacksonhole.com), offers another outstanding dining option Il Villaggio Osteria. The intimate space, with a prominent salumi bar and a wood-fired pizza oven, transports diners to the Italian countryside through its rustic, lively ambiance. The menu is designed for a multi-course, family-style dining experience, showcasing authentic, seasonal Italian fare, including a wide array of house-made pastas, pizzas, and fresh salads.

After a day of outdoor activities, Spa Terre at Teton Mountain Lodge offers a serene alpine escape, blending nature's healing power with luxurious amenities, including signature Thai

body rituals, a eucalyptus-infused steam room, an infrared sauna, an oxygen bar, and a salt chamber. If you need to finesse your fitness, there’s a sprawling gym adjacent to the indoor/outdoor pools and hot tubs.

The ski season at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort typically ends in early to mid-April, with spring skiing offering fewer crowds and “corn” snow that can transform steep bowls into soft, forgiving surfaces by afternoon. The resort will host the Rendezvous Music Festival, headlined by The Flaming Lips, on March 28, 2026. For snow reports, real-time on-mountain video feeds, and more information, visit jacksonhole.com. sl

SPRING COCKTAILS

Let’s set a Spritz Bar!

Written & photographed by Jennifer Brian

Oh, that glorious sunshine! The promise of warmer days is just around the corner, and I could not be more thrilled because that means Spring Cocktails. Hallelujah! This winter, I was inspired to explore fresh takes on mocktails and lower-ABV (alcohol by volume) cocktails, wanting something new that felt like a treat without being heavy or high-proof. It no longer feels like a trend, simply how we all want to move forward- thoughtful about what we are consuming, celebratory without being fussy, and damn tasty. Enter the spritz!

Spritzes have a long history, dating back to the 19th century in Veneto, Italy, when Austrian soldiers added a “splash” (German: “Spritz”) of water to the strong wines of Italy. This segued to adding prosecco or sparkling water, and then Italians began adding bitters to the mix in the early 1920’s. In the 1950’s, the traditional Aperol Spritz was born, soon to become Italy's national cocktail, where it still holds a place of distinction today.

The understated elegance of a spritz speaks to me. It is the quintessential Italian “il dolce far niente” (translated as “the sweetness of doing nothing”, which is more about the joy of unhurried moments and less about couch rotting). It is the stylish, simple art of “Oh, this? I just threw it together,” when you want WOW without all the work. The traditional recipe for a spritz is 3-2-1. Three parts prosecco, two parts liqueur or syrup, one part soda water. Using this simple formula, the possibilities are limitless and governed only by what you like in a cocktail.

With Easter and Mother’s Day just around the corner, setting up a spritz bar is a fun way to get folks involved and give your guests a sure-fire way to drink what they enjoy while being creative and interactive. Experiences involve your guests in the

best of ways, creating moments of connection and cementing the gathering into the “Best Time EVER!” type of event.

A spritz bar can be anything from a collection of a few liqueurs and bottles of prosecco to a crafted mixer station with pre-measured vials in ice, ready to pour. Some suggestions are listed below, but by all means, drink what you love! A few bottles of liqueurs and syrups, a bucket of ice-cold prosecco, and some gorgeous garnishes can turn any gathering into a party. It is also easy to turn a spritz bar into a spirit-free craft beverage bar. Juices or nonalcoholic mixers with any type of sparkling beverage, like flavored fizzy water or Italian sodas, are also a big hit. Let us know what your favorites are. Saluti! sl

Liqueur/Amaro/Syrup Suggestions

• Aperol or Campari (so traditional and delicious)

• Elderflower Liqueur (like St Germain)

• Limoncello (always a favorite)

• Ramazzotti Amaro (caramel, chocolate, dark fruits, plus warm baking spices and just enough bitterness)

• Cynar (bitter artichoke-based aperitivo with deep, earthy notes and enough sweetness to keep you taking another sip)

• Any Make & Muddle mixers (Honey Lavender Elixir and 3 Herb Gracious Grapefruit in particular are home runs)

Garnish Suggestions

• Orange wheels or peel

• Lemon wheels or peel

• Fresh herbs like mint, rosemary, or sage

• Edible flowers

DREAM DRIVES

Aston Martin Experiences offers an immersive journey into luxury, performance and adventure.

Edited by Matthew Cottrell / Photos courtesy of Aston Martin

Kicking off in April, Aston Martin’s 2026 Experiences program offers enthusiasts a curated portfolio of exclusive lifestyle and adrenalinefocused track programs, designed to immerse participants in the ultra-luxury world of the iconic British brand.

Anchored by the flagship invitation-only ASCEND and UNLEASHED programs, customers and admirers of Aston Martin will have the opportunity to connect with the brand through lighter formats via its Supertours and Supercharged experiences.

At the pinnacle of the offerings, the ASCEND lifestyle driving programs are reserved for an elite group of up to 12 couples per 4to 5-night adventure. Combining breathtaking drive routes with unrivalled cultural immersion and privileged access to world-class events, highlights of the ASCEND calendar include:

24 Hours of Le Mans: France (June 11-15, 2026)

Explore the Loire Valley’s grandest Châteaux before diving into the thrill of Le Mans. Meet racing legends and gain behind-the-scenes insights from the Aston Martin THOR race team, whilst viewing the world’s biggest endurance motorsport event, in VIP hospitality from The House of Aston Martin.

The Ultimate James Bond Experience: Italy (September 2026)

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Casino Royale, step into the thrilling world of James Bond. From unforgettable driving adventures to exclusive behind-the-scenes access, this immersive journey will put guests in the footsteps of the world’s most famous secret agent.

Formula 1® in Texas: Austin, USA (October 22-26, 2026)

Experience a stunning journey into Texas Hill Country combined with the sights and sounds of the United States Grand Prix in ultra-luxury style, with exclusive track access and driver meet-and-greets.

Exclusively for owners of Aston Martin limited-edition, trackfocused models, UNLEASHED provides the ultimate hypercar

experience, with access to iconic Formula 1® circuits, including Circuit Paul Ricard in France (April 2026), Red Bull Ring in Austria (May 2026), and Monza in Italy (September 2026). Participants will explore the full potential of their cars under the guidance of championship-winning drivers, with comprehensive technical support and motorsport physiotherapy. After the adrenaline-filled days on track, Aston Martin’s signature luxury takes center stage. Guests will unwind in five-star accommodations, enjoy gourmet dinners hosted by Aston Martin's special guests and connect with fellow track-focused car owners.

Under the Supertours umbrella, lifestyle events include a driving tour in Marrakesh in April, an immersive race weekend at the prestigious Monaco Grand Prix in May, and an ultimate Best of British experience at Goodwood Festival of Speed in July. Also on the agenda is a series of journeys showcasing China’s most breathtaking landscapes, from the coastal serenity of Hainan to the dramatic frontiers of Tibet and the cross-border Guangxi-Vietnam.

Supercharged immersive track events include a day of performance driving at Millbrook Proving Ground with Aston Martin’s elite instructors and track driving at Silverstone’s Stowe Circuit, the home of Aston Martin’s UK development. Other regional programs include a fantastic track day at Monticello, a private country club for automotive enthusiasts in Monticello, New York, in May.

“From the exclusivity of ASCEND to the adrenaline rush of UNLEASHED, each program reflects our unwavering commitment to creating unforgettable memories,” said Finbar McFall, Global Marketing Director at Aston Martin. “Whether it’s cultural discovery, track performance, or the thrill of a scenic drive, there’s something to captivate every Aston Martin aficionado.” sl

For further information on all Aston Martin Experiences, including booking details, available at astonmartin.com/experiences.

SPRINGTIME

Compiled by Bridget Cottrell

Clockwise from top left: Gérald Genta Geneva Time Only is a reimagining of a 1970s design, shown in rose gold with a grained brass dial with a gradient smoked effect. Under the dial is a Zenith Elite GG-005P automatic movement with 50-hour power reserve and a 4Hz frequency (geraldgenta.com). Hublot 43-mm Big Bang Unico Titanium Coal Blue Edition, powered by the Unico Manufacture chronograph flyback caliber, with a three-day power reserve. Available through Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis, and hublot.com. For its homage to the Year of the Horse, Longines launched a special edition of its Master Collection in collaboration with the Peon Art Museum in China, limited to 2,026 pieces worldwide. Available through Richter & Phillips Jewelers in Cincinnati, Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis, Davis Jewelers in Louisville, Schiffman's Jewelers in Lexington, and longines.com. DANIEL ROTH Extra Plat Rose Gold Skeleton with new manually wound calibre DR002SR with newly shaped bridges and plates designed to accommodate an openworked construction (danielroth.com). TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Seafarer with new in-house TH20-04 automatic movement, which has been specifically developed to incorporate the tide indicator function. Available through ReisNichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Davis Jewelers in Louisville, Clarkson Jewelers in St. Louis and tagheuer.com. Hamilton’s new American Classic Intra-matic 40-mm Chronograph H in hunter green draws inspiration from the golden age of late 1960s and early 1970s motorsport. The piece is packaged with a second Milanese steel mesh bracelet with a folding clasp. Available through Richter & Phillips Jewelers in Cincinnati, Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Schiffman’s Jewelers in Lexington, and hamiltonwatch.com. The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona with turquoise blue lacquer dial and bright black counters is fitted on an Oysterflex bracelet. Available through Richter & Phillips Jewelrs in Cincinnati, Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Schiffman’s Jewelers in Lexington, Davis Jewelers in Louisville, Diamond Cellar in Nashville, Simon’s Jewelers in St. Louis and rolex.com. OMEGA Speedmaster Moonwatch in 18K Moonshine Gold, powered by the OMEGA Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 3861. Available through Richter & Phillips Jewelers in Cincinnati, Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis, Schiffman’s Jewelers in Lexington, and omegawatches.com.

I’LL

HAVE WHAT SHE’S HAVING

A globetrotting oenophile shares five of her favorite recent pours.

Written

and

photographed by Vicki Denig

Hi there, Sophisticated Living! My name is Vicki Denig, and I’m a wine and travel journalist, as well as a Certified Specialist of Wine, based between New York and Paris. Over the past year, I’ve become SL’s unofficial wine correspondent, sharing my favorite bottle discoveries from around the globe. Recently, my winter travels took me through France, Switzerland, and northern Italy, where I delightfully indulged in a handful of local wines. I’m excited to share a few of them with you here, along with a few tried-and-true favorites popped (and produced) closer to home. Feel free to follow along on Instagram at @vickidenig or at www.vickidenig.com.

Rex Hill Grande Cuvée Brut 2019

(Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA – SRP: $60.00)

Great sparkling wine is produced right in our backyards here in the USA, and this vintage Grande Cuvée Brut from Rex Hill is one of them. This delicious wine is crafted from an organic/ biodynamic blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and is vinified using the same method used in Champagne (called the méthode champenoise or traditional method), which involves aging the wine on its lees in bottle for an extended period. However, while the legal aging minimum in Champagne is 12 months, this world-class bottle spends an impressive five years aging before release, giving everyone’s favorite French region a serious run for its money. Expect notes of green apple, citrus, and marzipan to lead to a refreshing, saline-tinged finish. I personally popped a bottle without food

simply because the mood for bubbles hit me, but it’d be equally delicious with cheese boards, seafood, or salty potato chips.

Château de Béru Chablis 2021

(Burgundy, France – SRP: $54.99)

Almost everyone has an “I hate Chardonnay” wine drinker in their life, though the sentiment often stems from only having experienced overripe, excessively oaky expressions. For a bottle that promises to change their minds—or at least provide a thoughtprovoking moment—look no further than Chablis. Hailing from northern Burgundy, these crisp, refreshing examples of Chardonnay showcase a whole different side of this often-misunderstood grape, and frequently leave self-proclaimed Chardonnay haters pleasantly surprised. I enjoyed this wine from Château de Béru with a friend on a Friday afternoon in Paris, because truly, what more could one want from a mid-day bottle? Bonus tip: If you’re looking for an all-day spot to pop bottles and enjoy small snacks in between lunch and dinner services in the City of Lights, Le Mary Celeste (lemaryceleste.com) is your best friend (AKA, where this bottle was enjoyed).

La Stoppa Trebbiolo Rosso 2023

(Emilia-Romagna, Italy – SRP: $27.00)

The term “natural wine” has caused a lot of confusion—and unfortunately, unnecessary division—in the world of wine, as there’s no exact definition as to what the term means. However,

most wine professionals will agree that these wines are, at minimum, made from organically farmed grapes, fermented with native (as opposed to cultured) yeasts, and vinified without additives or excessive manipulation. The biggest takeaway I try to remind wine drinkers of is that, despite the category's stereotype of being “funky,” not all wines are. Case in point: this fun and fresh bottle from La Stoppa. Crafted from a blend of 60% Barbera and 40% Bonarda, vinified entirely in steel and concrete (as opposed to oak barrels), this easy-drinking bottle is effortlessly juicy and boasts ample amounts of brisk acidity. It almost reminded me of what a Lambrusco would be without the bubbles—in other words, perfect for pizza, red sauces, or charcuterie boards.

Hermann J. Wiemer Cabernet Franc 2022

(Finger Lakes, New York, USA – SRP: $27.00)

Cabernet Franc was the first grape that really made me fall in love with wine, as I immediately fell under the spell of its signature earthiness and peppery undertones. While most wine drinkers’ inaugural Cab Franc experiences—mine included—generally occur with expressions from the Loire Valley, great expressions are produced across the United States as well. Personally, I tend to gravitate towards bottlings from New York’s Finger Lakes, as the area’s overall cooler climate yields brighter, less ripe expressions than those produced elsewhere. This thought-provoking bottle from Hermann J. Wiemer is made with 20% whole clusters and

aged for 10 months, mostly in stainless steel (approx. 90%) and used oak barrels, resulting in a vibrant, food-friendly wine noted with flavors of black cherry, raspberry, used leather, tobacco, and savory herbs. Enjoy it slightly chilled with cured meats, vegetarian stews, or mushroom-based sauces.

Prunotto Barbaresco 2022

(Piedmont, Italy – SRP: $48.99)

If you’ve been following this column over the past year, you’ll know that my love of Nebbiolo knows no limits—especially when made in Barbaresco. I recently drank this bottle at Ristorante Tullio in Rome (if you love old school Italian spots, definitely add it to your list!) and it was simply fantastic (tullioristorante.it/en). Founded in 1904, Prunotto is a historic winery located in Alba, and is known for its classic expressions of local varieties, including Barbera, Dolcetto, and Nebbiolo. In the glass, the wine pours a beautiful garnet hue, offering flavors of red fruits, rose petal, orange peel, and a hint of cinnamon. While velvety and fruit-forward now, the wine promises to age gracefully in the cellar for at least another 5-10 years—that is, if you have the patience to wait that long! sl

Vicki Denig is a wine / travel journalist based between New York and Paris. Her work regularly appears in various industry publications, including Decanter, Food & Wine, and WineSearcher. In addition to journalism, Vicki also works with a handful of wine-focused clients, including Paris Wine Company, High Road Wine & Spirits, and more. When not writing, she enjoys running, indoor cycling classes, petting dogs, and popping bottles on her rooftop with friends.

Compiled by Bridget Cottrell

Jewelry Celebrating the Year of the Horse HORSE POWER

The Year of the Horse in the Chinese zodiac symbolizes vitality, freedom, speed, and ambition. People born in Horse years are thought to be energetic, independent, and natural leaders who enjoy new challenges. This period is seen as dynamic, encouraging bold action and progress, as shown in the saying Mǎ Dào Chéng Gōng, meaning "instant success" or "success arrives as soon as the horse appears." The energy of the year often leads to quick changes and personal growth for those who act with courage and purpose.

Clockwise from top left: Marie Lichtenberg Bonne Chance Jumbo Charm (marielichtenberg.com). Boochier Jewels Dice Diamond Bangers Charm (boochier.com). top left: Mellerio Fire Horse Talisman (us.mellerio.fr). Heavenly Vices Horseshoe Love Token (heavenlyvicesfinejewelry.com). Anita Ko Lucky Diamond Horse Talisman (anitako.com). Lionheart Legacy Majestic Horse Brooch and Pendant (lionheartjewelry.com). Strength Signet ring from Ana Katarina (anakatarina.com). Seal & Scribe Golden Pony Ring (sealandscribe.com). Jacquie Aiche Carved Agate Horse Cameo Ring (jacquieaiche.com). Sig Ward Horseshoe Ring (sigwardjewelry.com). Claudia Mae Horse Stud Earrings (claudiamae.com). Martha Calva Most Wanted Bag Charm (marthacalvo.com). David Yurman Petrvs® Horse Woven Station Bracelet. Available through Moyer Fine Jewelers and Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Schiffman’s Jewelers in Lexington, Davis Jewelers in Louisville, Diamond Cellar in Nashville, Clarkson Jewelers in St. Louis, and davidyurman.com. Monica Rich Kosann Horseshoe Earrings. Available through Richter & Phillips Jewelers in Cincinnati, Charles Mayer and Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Schiffman’s Jewelers and LV Harkness in Lexington, Clarkson Jewelers and Simons Jewelers in St. Louis, and monicarichkosann.com. Brooke Gregson Diamond horseshoe earrings (brookegregson.com). The Back Vault David Webb Horse Face Brooch (thebackvault.com)

TAKING A BITE AT THE BIG APPLE

In celebration of its 50th year, Rétromobile Paris sets its sights on New York this November.

Written by Matthew Cottrell

A different kind of supermodel hit the red carpet at the Expo Porte de Versailles in the City of Lights this past January. Coinciding with the biannual Paris Haute Couture Week, over four days, the 50th annual Rétromobile drew close to 150,000 motoring enthusiasts to this comprehensive lifestyle motoring event. To mark the milestone, Rétromobile’s official 2026 poster featured BMW’s first Art Car, a BMW 3.0 CSL with graphics designed by Alexander Calder half a century earlier. Since then, BMW has teamed up with an esteemed roster of artists, including Frank Stella, Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, and Jeff Koons, to name a few, whose one-of-a-kind works were displayed alongside one another in one of three sprawling halls at Rétromobile.

Rétromobile organizers also used the anniversary to announce the first Rétromobile New York, scheduled for November 19-22 at the Javits Center. We sat down with Gerard Neveu, the former CEO of the FIA World Endurance Championship and the current CEO and Director of Rétromobile New York, to gain some insight into what classic car fans can expect in the Big Apple. “We are positioning the event as a new pilgrimage for both US-based and international car lovers, bringing together collectors, curators, brands, and lifestyle partners in a setting designed to foster meaningful encounters and spark future collaborations,” explained Neveu.

Expanding the world's most prestigious and largest annual classic car show to the United States, home to the world's largest market for classic cars, was an easy decision. Deciding on the host city

and the date proved a little trickier, with organizers considering Miami and Los Angeles, among others, before opting for New York City the weekend before Thanksgiving. “At this moment, nothing similar to Rétromobile currently exists in the United States,” remarked Neveu, who added that, unlike a concours, a rally event, or a “Cars and Coffee” club meetup, the Rétromobile format is a “complete automotive ecosystem and the most exciting pop-up garage in the world.”

While exact details were limited at press time, the New York edition will follow a similar schedule to the Paris event, with the first few days reserved for VIP guests before opening to the general public. “It’s exciting to provide a wider audience with a rare opportunity to indulge their passion and love for cars,” remarked Neveu. The late November date is intended to make the event the grand finale of the classic car show calendar.

To give us an idea of what to expect in New York, including the level of expertise and motoring star power the event affords, we toured the show floor with Hervé Guyomard, who served as director of the Le Mans circuit from 1971 to 2006. As we walked, the affable Guyomard, whose continued enthusiasm for motorsports is contagious, was frequently stopped by racing fans and former drivers, and he was able to summarize the latter's stats, from placing to the make and model of their cars, with exceptional accuracy. One of my childhood racing heroes, Belgian driver "Jacky" Ickx, was on the show floor, but unfortunately, we didn’t cross paths while touring with Guyomard.

The world of Bugatti was one of four flagship exhibitions, the centerpiece of which was a Bugatti Autorail. Measuring 23 meters long and powered by four engines from the legendary Bugatti Royale, it remains the last surviving example of the 88 produced. In an era of slow steam locomotives, Bugatti’s train reached 140 km/h on the line and set a speed record of 194 km/h. Alongside the Bugatti railcar, the exhibition, organized with the support of the National Automobile Museum in Mulhouse, France, also featured seven unique prototypes created between 1928 and 1956.

As part of a retrospective tracing the world of rallying from the 1960s to the 1990s, a backdrop of immersive scenography, created in partnership with the Gino Macaluso Foundation and with the support of Oreca, Transport Prevost, and Motul, highlighted Lancia Stratos, Audi Quattro, Peugeot 205 Turbo 16, Toyota Celica GT-4,

Renault R5 Turbo, and more, with each embodying a turning point in rallying history. Throughout the event, there were talks and presentations with drivers, engineers, co-drivers, and rally experts who shared their stories, memories, and anecdotes from the races.

An immersive exhibition entitled "Steve McQueen: A Passion for Speed" took visitors on a journey through the world of the King of Cool: his legendary motorcycles, his movie cars, his rare objects, but also the entire culture he inspired.

Two-wheelers were in the spotlight as part of a dedicated Motorcycle Village and the celebration of several significant anniversaries. Visitors discovered the heritage of Royal Enfield, which is celebrating its 125th anniversary, and the iconic brand Triumph. To mark Ducati's 100th anniversary, the Italian manufacturer presented one of the largest spaces ever dedicated to motorcycles at the show.

Gooding Christie’s held its inaugural European sale as Rétromobile’s official auction house, and they join Richard Mille as the first “signature” partners of the New York event. Stanchion ropes separated general admission guests from registered bidders who sipped champagne while perusing 80 exceptional vehicle lots from the world’s most esteemed automotive marques. Competition and track-only Ferraris had a robust presence, led by a 1984 Ferrari 288 GTO (Lot 67) that sold at €9.1 million ($11.1 million), a new high for the model, and a 2018 FXX K Evo (Lot 40) close to €7 million ($8.5 million), a record sale for this track-only variant.

The auction was one of four that took place in Paris during this time, with Ferrari accounting for seven of the ten highestvalue transactions across four major auction houses: Artcurial, Bonhams, RM Sotheby’s, and Gooding Christie’s. The headline-

grabbing gavel came at RM Sotheby’s, where a 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider (Lot 140) sold for just over €14 million ($16.7 million).

When asked to provide additional details about Rétromobile New York programming, Neveu gave a very French reply: “Let’s enjoy a long dinner together before diving into dessert,” meaning they will course out programming information in the months leading up to the event on their website (retromobile.us). Neveu said that while the United States “has enough content for two decades to explore and produce,” his team is remaining “humble” for the New York debut, offering as much square footage as Paris (approximately 400,000) and between 200 and 250 exhibitors. “Our intention is to create an experience with the American market in mind, not a carbon copy of the European experience.” sl

SEINE-SATIONAL

Spring design fairs in Paris point to what’s new and notable in interior design.

Written by Bridget Cottrell

As soon as Pantone announced that “Cloud Dancer” was its Color of the Year, PR agencies flooded my inbox with design boards and product recommendations (including hair color!), attempting to put an interesting spin on what many view as an underwhelming selection. The reaction from the design world was swift, with opinions ranging from “boring” to “serene.”

Joining the chorus of the disenchanted was Sarah Hamon, CEO and Founder of S2H Communications, who wrote in an email announcing the release of her company’s 2026 Trend Book, “What is wrong with white, you might ask? To begin with, if you work in our industries, you know that living in white means choosing nothing. It means not daring, not moving, not being able to express taste on your walls because you’re renting, passing through… So, you draw no boundaries in your home, no zones — like in an asylum — living in endless white. And you never feel better for it… Pantone, which is supposed to accompany its Color of the Year with sociological analysis, seems to have missed the moment when people around the world are craving connection, reassurance, and comfort.”

Hamon’s biting critique represents a sizeable pushback from the design world, who, in 2026, are resolute in championing color (including more nuanced shades of pure white) as a reflection of character. Vibrancy was on full display this past January at the bi-annual Paris design fair Maison & Objet (representing 2,300 brands from more than 60 countries) and Paris Déco Off (referred to as the “Fashion Week for Interiors,” where more than 150 interiors-related brands unveil new fabric, wallcovering, and passementerie collections in their showrooms). Flocking to this global stage, industry leaders can identify the zeitgeist, discover material innovations and new talent, explore the dialogue between tradition and modernity in design, and find unique pieces that lend authenticity to a space.

For 2026, Maison & Objet adopted the theme PAST REVEALS FUTURE, exploring the powerful idea that new forms await invention within the memory of materials, gestures, and cultures. Inspiring the curated exhibitions, thematic itineraries, and trend presentations throughout the fair were four orientations: Metamorphosis, Mutation, Revisited Baroque, and Neo-Folklore.

At Deco Off Casamance offered a graphic exploration influenced by modernism and Art

Tréca Paris opened its Place des Victoires boutique with a dedicated installation created especially for Paris Déco Off. In collaboration with Pierre Frey, three beds were dressed in fabrics selected for the occasion and showcased within a continuous scenography.

was among the new patterns shown by Camengo at Deco Off.

Roset reintroduced Sandra, created by Annie Hiéronimus who was the sole female designer at the company’s design studio when the soft, sculptural sofa was launched in 1975. The new version remains true to Hiéronimus’ original vision – flexible, plush, and endlessly inviting – while integrating Ligne Roset’s unmatched expertise in all-foam seating, including multi-density foams for better support, a built-in lumbar cushion, and an ultralightweight construction that moves easily between spaces.

Organizers of Maison & Objet elected Harry Nuriev, founder of Crosby Studios, which has offices in Paris and New York, as their Designer of the Year. With a body of work ranging from product design to the conception of singular, immersive environments, Nuriev acts as both a design anthropologist and a storyteller of the unexpected.

“Nuriev’s practice lies at the crossroads of art and design, driven by the sensitivity of a designer who questions the overabundance of objects in which we live,” said Franck Millot, Maison & Objet’s Director of Partnership and Special Events, in a release announcing Nuriev’s election. “Harry is also a cosmopolitan creator who has chosen Paris as his home base, following in the footsteps of great figures who enriched the Parisian art and cultural scene. A touch of Diaghilev for the Russian soul, and a bit of Scott Fitzgerald for the extravagance.”

Sophisticated Living was pleased to be part of the festive atmosphere in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés and Rue du Mail/Place

des Victoires neighborhoods generated by a slew of cocktail parties held in permanent and pop-up showrooms as part of Paris Déco Off. A tradition for more than a decade, hundreds of oversized, colorful lampshades served as beacons in the Left and Right Bank neighborhoods, illuminating the textile industry’s creativity and use of sustainable fabrics. As part of the “Festival of Fabrics,” the facades of galleries, showrooms, the Hôtel de l’Industrie, and the storefront of the Bar du Moulin were dressed in lively textiles from the likes of Designers Guild, Thevenon, C&C Milano, and more.

Countless studies have demonstrated the significant impact of interior design on health and mood. The events in Paris evidenced that, in an increasingly chaotic world, beautiful and thoughtful design can create deeply personal, layered, and sustainable sanctuaries that blend well-being with self-expression, whether you’re a Cloud Dancer or someone who prefers to tiptoe through a colorful field of tulips. sl

ROOTED

Sandals Dunn’s River builds on a legacy of hospitality in Jamaica

By Bridget Cottrell

Nuanced and mild, with an extremely pleasant sweetness and an almost total lack of any bitterness. These descriptors could be used to elucidate the flavor of Jamaica’s Blue Mountain coffee or the people of the island themselves, whose resiliency was on full display following the devastation wrought by Hurricane Melissa in October of last year.

Tourism is a cornerstone of the Jamaican economy and a powerful engine for social change. Since 1981, Sandals Resorts (sandals.com), with seven properties in Jamaica, and its non-profit, the Sandals Foundation (established in 2009), have been key drivers in both areas. During a virtual town hall following Hurricane Melissa, Sandals Resorts International’s Executive Chairman Adam Stewart said, “One thing I can tell you is that when we come back, we always come back bigger, better, and stronger.”

Sandals’ staff supported more than 1,000 guests stranded during the storm, noting that team members volunteered to stay on property to ensure guests were cared for and to arrange charter flights to get them home. The company maintained pay and benefits for 100 percent of its staff during the shutdown. Encompassing everything from getting water to families in remote and hard-to-reach areas to

repurposing its corporate hangar for medical evacuations and supply missions and collaborating with hospitals and the World Central Kitchen and Team Rubicon to set up kitchen hubs, the Sandals Foundation distributed more than a million dollars in aid through one of its most far-reaching relief efforts to date.

While Sandals Dunn’s River, situated on Jamaica’s north coast, had been open less than a year when the hurricane struck (it reopened on December 6), the property itself has deep ties to the brand. Adam Stewart’s father, the late Gordon “Butch” Stewart, grew up on the beaches around the former Arawak Hotel in Ocho Rios, which opened as Jamaica’s largest hotel in 1957. As a young boy, Butch even sold fish he’d caught to the kitchen. After acquiring the property in 2020, Butch's emotional ties to the place only deepened as he collaborated with his son, Adam, to reimagine the site, based on the original footprint architect Morris Lapidus drew for the Arawak Hotel. Then, as now, two hotel towers are angled so that the ocean remains the focal point. Jamaican roots are infused into every touchpoint, and in the case of a decades-old banyan tree present in the Arawak era, are literally fixed to the site.

We stayed in a Tufa SkyPool Butler Suite, the first cantilevered suites in Jamaica. Calling it our “aquatic opera box” from which we surveyed the activity below, our glass-fronted plunge pool spanned the length of the oceanfront balcony, creating a striking visual from the ground, and a few moments of mild embarrassment for me when I forgot everyone could see me dancing to a thumping afternoon DJ set.

Another notable premium room category is the Coyaba Swim-Up Rondoval Butler Suites. Nestled into a lush native landscape, in these multi-story suites, you trade sea views for stars with an openair rooftop and a soaking tub for two. Both room types include personal butler service.

The resort features 12 restaurants and 8 additional bars, including swim-up bars. I particularly enjoyed starting my day with a cup of the resort’s own Blue Mountain coffee blendBLUM, both in my room and in the coffeehouse of the same name, where drinks and treats are served in vessels made by local potter David Pinto. Guests can purchase his pieces, along with other regional handiwork, with proceeds going to the Sandals Foundation. Scattered throughout the property are cuisine-

specific restaurants encompassing Italy, France, Asia, Greece, Latin America, and the Caribbean, with spirited décor to match.

If rum is the honey of the Caribbean, then the Dunn’s Rum Club is the hive, where you can enjoy specialty flights and have a mixologist craft a signature drink using more than 30 variations of the Caribbean’s best rum. A popular après dinner spot (where one evening the mixologist created a custom drink colored to match my ensemble), the swanky space boasts space for dancing, billiards, and dominoes. Pair your drink with Caribbean-themed small plates, including Jamaican oxtail sliders.

While many guests appear to be supremely contented lounging by one of five pools or the ocean, there are scores of included land and water sports, including unlimited PADI-certified SCUBA diving. Sandals’ sister company, Caribbean-based Island Routes, founded in 2009, offers more than 500 immersive tours and experiences across nine island destinations, including Antigua, the Bahamas, Barbados, Curaçao, Grenada, Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Turks & Caicos. Through the company’s Private and Bespoke Collection, guests can experience off-the-beaten-path places on land and sea.

In our case, our custom itinerary treated us to an afternoon of culinary bliss with cultural icons and chefs, sisters Michelle and Suzanne Russo (twosistersja.com). Our driver escorted us way up into the verdant hills where, at the terminus of a rocky, unpaved road, the jungled landscape parted to reveal “Rockfield,” a lightly restored Victorian-era Great House with much of its original furniture and artwork, overlooking a vast landscape veiled in mist. For more than three decades, the lively Rousseau Sisters have been among the Caribbean's finest culinary storytellers through their acclaimed restaurants, television shows, and award-winning cookbooks.

“In the seventies and eighties, Jamaica was culture-focused,” remarked Suzanne, adding that she and Michelle are trying to revive that movement through food, crafts and cuisine, using Rockfield as a hub. “Too long the narrative of Jamaica has been curated to be one thing, and we are out to change that by sharing the density, grit, and edge you don’t often get to see,” explained Michelle, who added that they are particularly committed to telling the stories of rural Jamaican female cooks.

Taking a comfortable seat on the verandah, with the elevation and a cool breeze providing relief from the swelter at sea level, we sampled bites of ackee and saltfish, Jamaica’s national dish. It was my first taste of ackee fruit, which, when boiled, takes on a

scrambled-egg—like texture. A lover of spice, I appreciated the addition of Scotch bonnet pepper, a key ingredient in Jamaican cuisine. Michelle said the experience is intended to replicate a “real Jamaican Sunday lunch experience.” We milled about the home and kitchen as lunch preparations were underway, discussing everything from the parallels of Jamaican and American Southern cuisine to the intricacy of jerked meat. I came to understand that the latter is a process (simultaneously smoking, roasting, and steaming) and definitely not just a seasoning mix.

Equally meaningful are the outings offered through the Sandals Foundation. Prior to establishing the foundation in 2009, Butch Stewart “adopted” local schools, funding maintenance and supplies. “Long before philanthropy was considered fashionable, my dad tapped into the needs of our community and carried that torch because it was the right thing to do,” said Adam Stewart. Most recently, the Foundation has been focused on bringing sustainable solar energy to under-resourced Caribbean schools. During our stay, we participated in a “Reading Road Trip” and visited a nearby primary school to distribute supplies we’d brought and spend a few hours interacting with students. It was both uplifting and humbling, and remains my most poignant memory of the trip, and the essence of what, in my opinion, travel should be. sl

SLEEP BEDR HOST BEDR

Derby guests are coming–Fluff the pillows and have the mint juleps ready.

At BEDR, we carry the world’s most coveted luxury brands — Matouk, Sferra, Amalia Home, John Robshaw, Yves Delorme , and more—and we’re the exclusive home of SFERRA luxury mattresses, available only at BEDR Linens.

From crisp, beautiful bedding to sleep-so-good mattresses your guests will talk about, we make Southern hospitality look effortless.

COCKTAILS & CHINOISERIE

Interior designer Jacqueline Gilmore employs the classic hallmarks of Hollywood Regency style to transform a chic Rolling Fields home.

Written by Bridget Cottrell

Interior designer Jacqueline Gilmore, co-owner of Details Interiors, likens her work with a client to delving into a page-turning novel. “You are fully invested in and love the process and feel a little sad when it’s over,” she remarked. Such is the case for a multi-year collaboration in a Rolling Fields home, which has evolved along with the needs of its young, active family.

Much larger than it appears from the street, Gilmore said she first began consulting with the wife, a longtime friend, over a decade ago while working as an interior designer in Nashville. “I encourage my clients to complete one room at a time rather than making smaller changes to multiple spaces, so they have the satisfaction of enjoying a fully ‘finished’ space,” explained Gilmore. She recalled that they “really got to work” once she returned to Louisville; since then, she’s guided the couple through no fewer than three major remodels, including adding a primary suite and enclosing a sun porch. “It’s been so fun working with them because they love the process,” Gilmore said.

The home boasts a fully evolved perspective, heavy on Chinoiserie, which is a defining element of Hollywood Regency style. Elegant Asian motifs and materials, such as bamboo Chippendale furniture, enjoy aesthetic synergy with other Regency hallmarks: glossy finishes, Lucite, bold colors, and metallic accents, creating glamorous yet playful spaces.

Gilmore introduces the predominant aesthetic as soon as one crosses the threshold, where a faux bamboo mirror reflects the candlelight emanating from a pair of blush-colored etched glass hurricanes, nestled between two Imari ginger jars resting atop a serpentine burlwood chest. Overhead is a pagoda-style lantern with a textured gold finish.

Ample windows provide abundant natural light throughout the home. At the front, windows are dressed in cream-colored drapery embellished with wide embroidered trim. The enviable privacy afforded by mature trees negates the need for drapery in the rooms along the back.

The dining room is in what had been the primary bedroom. A vintage rug, part of the wife’s colorful collection, anchors the room and provides the jumping-off point for the overall color scheme. A pair of skirted captains' chairs is embellished with wide centerline Greek key trim. The beaded tendrils of a wood bead chandelier nearly touch a pair of Foo Dogs standing at attention atop the dining table. Above the wainscoting is a subtly patterned grasscloth wallcovering. A dramatic braided rattan pedestal and urn command one corner of the room.

An opening between the dining room and kitchen is outfitted with a custom wet bar on one side and ample storage on the other, eliminating the need for additional furniture in the dining room. The cabinetry features a painstakingly executed high-gloss finish by Fine Paints of Europe. Other defining features of the chic and hardworking alcove include Lucite and brass pulls, a

hammered-brass sink, granite countertops that match the kitchen, an antique-mirror backsplash, and wire mesh in the upper cabinets.

Opposite the foyer from the dining room, the seating area in the formal living room is oriented around the fireplace, one of three on this level. Gilmore said this was the first room she tackled with the homeowners, and it has evolved continually over the years. A pair of spindle armchairs with nautical blue upholstery sits opposite a pair of skirted swivel armchairs with trim in a similar shade of blue. Resting atop burlwood side tables on either side of the custom Bernhardt sofa with Schumacher trim, gold banding on the white lamp bases, and shades is a design element repeated on the kitchen cabinetry, speaking to the high level of attention to every detail.

Designed by Richard Buckler and fabricated by Details’ own fabricators, the kitchen acts as the axis of the first floor. Executed in a combination of painted and matte-finished white

oak, the space is designed to maximize storage and minimize visual clutter, with details like a coffee bar with a finished whiteoak interior and pocket doors. The arch detail of a built-in illuminated China cabinet is repeated on the cabinet doors on either side of the range. The original kitchen cabinets were repurposed for a walk-in pantry.

A former screened porch was enclosed to create a large family room, anchored by an oversized sectional whose hardworking performance upholstery makes it ideal for accommodating the entire family, including their rescue dog, Toast, who is as warm as the afternoon sunlight streaming into the space. Schumacher and Ralph Lauren pillows break up the large expanse of cream upholstery. A favorite because of its durability, Gilmore had their custom leather furniture maker in Texas create the oversized cowhide upholstered ottoman. Affixed to the stone hearth, a rustic reclaimed beam fragment serves as a mantlepiece.

What had been the home’s original dining room is now a cozy bourbon room, completely enveloped in a vibrant blue. Resembling a cozy nook in a chic boutique hotel, four light-brown leather swivel chairs are arranged around a tufted ottoman. An art television surmounting the fireplace leaves the elevated aesthetic uninterrupted.

The primary bedroom addition created a first-floor sanctuary for the adults and a second-floor playroom and bunkroom for the children. Serenely outfitted with an upholstered bed and custom bedding, Chinoiserie elements are incorporated via the armchair upholstery and accessories.

Adding the finishing touch to the first floor, a jewel-box powder room is pretty in pink, with a custom vanity and Chinoiserie-style wallcovering from Schumacher.

Representing over a decade of collaboration, this home is a lively, vibrant reflection of its occupants, rooted in timeless design principles yet able to evolve as the family’s needs and interests change. sl

POMP AND CIRCUMSTANCE

A dynamic mother-daughter duo co-chairing the 2026 Kentucky Derby Museum Ball highlights the event’s lasting, intergenerational appeal.

Written by Bridget Cottrell / Photo by Tony Bailey

At an age when most of us were concerned with coloring in the lines, Michelle Wheeler already knew how to place a winning bet at the track. Her late father, Ken Niemann, Jr., a pharmacist by trade, had a passion for horse racing and breeding (shared by his wife, Sara Sue), so Michelle was comfortable in the hallowed halls and stables of Churchill Downs from a young age. “Two of my dad’s favorite things were Churchill Downs and UK basketball,” said Michelle. Having been to the Kentucky Derby no less than fifty times hasn’t dampened her enthusiasm in the least. “I just love it,” she gushed.

Michelle’s affinity for horse racing was passed on to her daughter, Erin Fogarty, whose face lights up when she recalls “Princess Erin,” the racehorse her grandfather named after her and whom she frequently visited at the backside stables. “I remember that during elementary school field trips to the track and the Derby Museum, I had a real sense of ownership because of it,” Erin said with a laugh.

Mother-daughter synergy is coming together for good as Michelle and Erin are co-chairing the 2026 Kentucky Derby Museum Ball, scheduled for April 24. After she was asked to serve as the event chair, Michelle, who has been a committee member for many years, said that her husband, Mark, was the one who encouraged her to bring Erin on board. “Mark isn’t from Louisville, and the Derby Museum Ball is one of the first events he attended,” said Michelle, adding that it was a perfect introduction to all that she loves about Derby season in Louisville.

The gala’s theme is “Derby Fashion,” a nod to KDM’s newest permanent exhibition of the same name, which draws upon a fashion collection dating back to the 1870s and represents the museum’s most immersive presentation of Derby fashion to date. Located on the ground floor, mannequins in display cases sporting colorful men’s and women’s ensembles are positioned atop a red carpet. The displays will be updated periodically to ensure continued relevance and visual impact. Interactive touchscreens allow visitors to scroll through the archives and learn about fashion over the years, including pieces that are too fragile for public display.

As no discussion of the Kentucky Derby is complete without mentioning hats and fascinators, for 2026, Derby Museum Ballgoers are being asked to pair headwear with their evening gowns. On the following pages, we’ve provided a little inspiration, asking KDM’s Featured Milliners and local designer Melissa Huff of Mad Hatter 502 for pairing suggestions and styling tips. “Think of your hat as the finishing touch,” recommended milliner Jenny Pfanenstiel of Formé Millinery. “It should complete the look rather than compete with it.” Jessica Schickli of Hat Haven concurs, adding, “Proportion is the secret to looking polished, not overwhelmed.”

You can see all five of the Featured Milliners’ work in person as part of a high-energy runway presentation and shopping experience during the Kentucky Derby Museum’s annual Hat Show on March 22. Huff’s pieces can be found at Mamili Boutique in Chenoweth Square sl For

" Proportion is the secret to looking polished,not overwhelmed."

" If your dress is bold or heavily patterned, let your hat be sculptural but refined. A clean silhouette with interesting texture always reads elegant."

" The pink is a perfect complement to the gorgeous bow,and the crystals are so beautiful and sparkly in person and totally elevates any gala look."

" I am all about complimentary shades when styling my looks and encourage all my clients to not focus on having a direct color match. Pick something adjacent to your outfit color on the color wheel.",,

Ramy Brook ramybrook.com

Greta Constantine gretaconstantine.com Image by The Royal Gilbert

" The hat, handbag, jewelry, and shoes should feel cohesive and intentional,working together as a single,well considered ensemble.",,

" If the hat features texture or embellishments,opt for a streamlined gown in a smooth fabric If the dress is intricate, select a more understated hat This balance ensures the overall look remains polished and harmonious.",,

" Utilize your headwear like you would jewelry. Your gown is your hero piece,and choosing a fascinator with a shape or color that enhances the gown will give a polished, elegant look."

" Less is more when it comes to size Think pillboxes, button fascinators, and small floral headbands. These pieces fall in line with the etiquette of a hat without obstructing visibility or getting in the way of conversation."

" Placement matters Angle your hat either to left or right,avoid straight center. Be sure headpiece is well secured and test it before the event to ensure maximum stability and comfort."

" If the dress is minimal or sleek, go bold with feathers, height, or movement. If it s highly embellished,choose cleaner hat lines For a voluminous skirt,a larger hat works beautifully. Pair a medium or asymmetrical fascinator with a slim sheath."

Scan to view this month’s collection of featured properties

SOPHISTICATED SOCIETY

March

7 Breakthrough T1D Louisville Gala, 5:30pm, Seelbach Hilton; breakthrought1d.org

7 An Evening in the Garden, the Speed Art Museum Ball, 6pm; speedmuseum.org

12 4th Annual Hats On for Healing Derby Hat Auction, 5:30pm,The Olmsted; kosair.org/events/hats-on-for-healing

17 SOS Intl. Health & Hope Breakfast, 8am, Mellwood Art Center; soshealthandhope.org

20 Louisville Visual Art Honors Gala, Mellwood Art Center; lvahonors.org

21 Harbor House Feathers & Friends Gala, 6pm, Harbor House; hhlou.org/event/feathers-and-friends-gala-2026/

22 KY Derby Museum Hat Show, 10am; derbymuseum.org

26 KDF Dillard’s Spring Fashion Show, 5pm, Caesar’s Southern IN; discover.kdf.org

28 Fillies Derby Ball, 6pm, Omni Louisville Hote; discover.kdf.org

28 KMAC Couture: ANCESTOR

April

2 Republic Bank Bourbonville, 6:30pm, Ice House; discover.kdf.org

16 Louisville Orchestra: Itzhak Perlman: Cinema Serenade, 5pm; louisvilleorchestra.org

17 They’re Off Luncheon, 11am, Galt House discover.kdf.org

18 Thunder Over Louisville, discover.kdf.org

23 Fascinator Affair at Waterfront Botanical Gardens

24 Kentucky Derby Museum Ball, 6pm; derbymuseum.org

25 The Kentucky Bourby, 6pm, Progress Park; kybourby.com

26 Pegasus Parade; discover.kdf.org

27 Great Bed Races; discover.kdf.org

28 Nor ton Children’s Hospital Foundation Golf Outing, Lake Forest Country Club; nortonchildrens.com/foundation/events/

28,29 KY Derby Museum Biscuits and Bourbon, 10am; derbymuseum.org

29 Shepherd Insurance Great Steamboat Race; discover.kdf.org

29 Louisville Urban League Derby Gala, 6pm, Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Center; bit.ly/DerbyGala26

30 Taste of Derby, KY Intl. Convention Center; derbyexperiences.com

30 Poker for Ponies, Omni Hotel; derbyexperiences.com

ROULER

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Thursday June 4, 2026 6:30 to 10 p.m.

Fleur de Lis Farm

8316 Wolf Pen Branch Road

Prospect, KY 40059

Tickets go on sale

Thursday, March 19, at 9 a.m. at NortonChildrensBourbonAndBowties.com.

General admission: $225

Chefs’ Experience: $400

(limited to 125 people; doors open at 5:30 p.m.)

For more information, call the Norton Children’s Hospital Foundation at (502) 420-4299

The 16th Bourbon & Bowties will honor Penn Edwards, who receives heart care at Norton Children’s. A specialty bow tie created in honor of Penn will be available for purchase at the event. Bow ties are sponsored by River Road Asset Management.

SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE

This sold-out event at 21c Museum Hotel featured live music by the Jerry Tolson Jazz Trio, performances by Kentucky Shakespeare actors, strolling entertainers, tarot readings, poetry buskers from Sarabande Books, raffles, a DJ with dancing, and the announcement of Kentucky Shakespeare’s 66th season.

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ENCHANTED GARDEN GALA

SOPHISTICATED STARS

Written by Joy Yascone Elms MA

Spring’s sweet promise drifts on the breeze, Derby fever is in full swing, and it is time to toast Pisces and Aries birthdays. The March 3rd Lunar Eclipse in Virgo brings a tide of transformation. Saturn, after wandering through Pisces since March 2023, is poised to march into Aries, where it will sculpt destinies until 2028. Meanwhile, Jupiter, the planet of fortune and plenty, awakens on March 10th, 2026, eager to sprinkle each sign with blessings in a vital corner of life. Let’s discover what celestial surprises are in store for you.

(heavenlyvicesfinejewelry.com)

David Yurman Aries Amulet. Available through Davis Jewelers (davisjewelers.com) and davidyurman.com.

your heart lead you to the horse that sparks your imagination.

March 21st to April 19th

Saturn’s journey through Pisces has drawn you inward, urging you to face your shadows and find strength in solitude. Now, as Saturn enters Aries and your 1st house, you are ready to emerge, stepping boldly into a new chapter with renewed clarity and purpose. The March 3rd lunar eclipse in Virgo shines a spotlight on your health and work, opening doors to transformative opportunities or celebrating a hard-won wellness victory. When Jupiter goes direct in Cancer on March 10, 2026, home becomes your sanctuary, filled with momentum and joy. At the Derby, trust the comfort of home and family—especially a parent—to guide your lucky pick.

April 20th to May 20th

Saturn’s recent tests in your social circles may have left friendships feeling strained or your world a bit quieter. As Saturn slips into your 12th house, you enter a season of reflection and inner growth. The Virgo lunar eclipse sparks your 5th house, bringing joyful news about children, a creative epiphany, or a romantic milestone. If things have felt stalled, this eclipse gives them a nudge forward. With Jupiter going direct in your 3rd house, conversations sparkle, writing flows, and a sibling becomes a source of support. At the Derby, your luck is strongest when you bet alongside a sibling or follow a tip that comes through a lively chat.

Sophisticated Stars Astrologist Joy Yascone Elms MA is the author and founder of The Power of Divine Timing; an annual sign by sign guide based on astrological timing helping readers to find and nurture their blessings and starve their challenges! Joy also offers Divine Timing coaching programs that help clients stay accountable to manifesting their goals and dreams based on their personal divine timing. Visit www.thepowerofdivinetiming.com for more info or email Joy at thepowerofdivinetiming@gmail.com. Didn’t see your sign? Head to slmag.net/Louisville to read more.

Last Call Jay Gulick

On his Substack (check it out at @jaygulickwords), the Managing Broker at Kentucky Select Properties, recently wrote, “I don’t produce content. I’m a writer.” For the second installment of our Proust-inspired questionnaire, Gulick shares the book deal that got away and the importance of discretion.

Have you always had an interest in writing? I’ve been writing most of my life. My next-door neighbor growing up in the Cherokee Triangle was Leon Driskell, who was a writer and English professor at UofL. After my parents divorced when I was 9, I wrote a short book for school called Divorce Is about my experience. Leon shared it with his editor in New York. The editor wrote me a letter saying he’d be interested in publishing the book if I’d expand it. I didn’t do it. I guess I was too busy being a kid to realize what a great opportunity it was. Have you been published anywhere else outside of Substack? My Substack is short stories and the occasional essay, but most of my published work has been journalism. When I moved back to Louisville from Arizona after college in the early ‘90s, I was a member of LEO Weekly’s “Six Pack”. There were six of us who rotated writing features and cover stories for the paper. I also published in the Nashville Scene and wrote quite a few pieces for Louisville Magazine.Who are your favorite writers? Gabriel García Márquez, Barbara Kingsolver, James Baldwin, Larry McMurtry, Truman Capote, Wendell Berry, Jim Harrison, Toni Morrison, John Fante, Cormac McCarthy, Mark Helprin and Hunter S. Thompson. And I love Tana French thrillers and Kate Atkinson’s Jackson Brodie detective stories. Is there a book/story that stands out as being particularly impactful to you? Love in the Time of Cholera by García Márquez. I read this when I was falling in love with my wife and I got swept up in the magical realism and sensuality of his prose. Dreamland by Sam Quinones about the opiate epidemic in America’s heartland was riveting and terrified me. Patrick Radden Keefe’s Say Nothing about a mother’s disappearance during The Troubles in 1970’s Northern Ireland is also something I’ve read multiple times. What makes you happiest about your work at Kentucky Select? On the management side, helping our agents solve tough problems that inevitably come up during transactions, and then seeing them be successful. On the sales side, putting together deals with other agents where both the buyers and sellers feel good at the closing table. Also, the community impact we’ve had over twenty-two years through volunteering and financially contributing to many local non-profits. What is your greatest challenge related to work? The constantly changing nature of the industry. In 1994, the year I got my real estate license, new listings were published locally in book form once a week. Today, new listings are added to the Internet from all over the world and appear instantly on your smartphone. Last year, we had to navigate wholesale changes in real estate compensation and now we’re all trying to figure out how AI is going to disrupt our business. Also, I don’t think most people realize how stressful and emotionally demanding residential real estate can be – for clients and agents. Most successful agents I know would also be excellent therapists. Do you have a most memorable real estate transaction? I have many, but I can’t talk about them here. Discretion is one of the most important things I offer my clients. If you could have any other career than your current one, what would it be? A music producer. Music is such an important part of my life, and I think it would be incredibly rewarding to be part of the creative process with artists you admire. If you could live anywhere else, where would it be? The Southwest. I went to college in Tucson, Arizona and my wife attended school in Santa Fe, New Mexico. I love the sunshine, the crisp, high-desert air, the breathtaking landscapes and the stew

of food, music and culture that comes from the blending of Hispanic, Anglo, Native American and Latino traditions. Which artist/historical figure do you most identify with? Sisyphus. I’m more convinced than ever that happiness is directly correlated to one’s ability to find meaning amidst the struggles and absurdity of daily living. What is your idea of perfect happiness? Sipping a cocktail or coffee while reading a great book with a view of the ocean or the mountains in the distance. What is your greatest fear? The possibly irreparable harm being done to our world by insecure men with great wealth and power and no wisdom, compassion or soul. What do you most value in your friends? Integrity and a sense of humor. What is your greatest regret (if you have one)? Not studying abroad in college. Which living person do you most admire? My parents. What is your greatest extravagance? Shoes. Which words or phrases do you most overuse? No worries. Bullshit. Which talent would you most like to have? I would like to be a much better guitar player and fluent in Spanish and French. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I wish I could grow a proper bushy beard. What do you consider your most outstanding achievement? My 28-year marriage to my best friend, Mary Oliver, and raising our sons Oliver and Dylan to be good people. What do you consider the most overrated virtue? Prudence, which I view as fear in a slightly better-looking suit. A life well-lived involves taking risks, which makes me think of Ruth Gordon’s inspiring words to Bud Cort in the 1971 film “Harold and Maude” where she says: “Reach out. Take a chance. Get hurt, even! Play as well as you can…Otherwise, you got nothing to talk about in the locker room.” If you could be reincarnated and could come back as a person or thing, what would it be? Probably my Siberian husky/beagle mix Pancho, who lives far better than anyone else in our family. What is your most treasured possession? A poem my dad wrote for me for my 18th birthday called “On Becoming a Man” and my wedding ring inscribed with “My One and Only Love” which was the first song we danced to at our reception. Who are your heroes in real life? In a country obsessed with celebrities and influencers, the people I consider heroes live their lives with understated dignity and a commitment to helping others. Among them are the single moms who work multiple jobs to keep a roof overhead and put food on the table; the adult children who balance the demands of their own families and careers while caring for elderly parents; and the fortunate kids who tutor or mentor other kids who have grown up in poverty and sometimes under traumatic circumstances. What is your favorite adult beverage? The Vesper martini at Le Relais. A Negroni. Or good tequila, served neat. sl