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W E A R E P RO U D TO A N N O U N C E

THE KATIE MCLAUGHLIN TEAM We are excited for the talent, heart, and elevated level of service they bring to our brokerage, and we look forward to supporting their continued success here at Dielmann Sotheby’s International Realty.

EXPLORE YOUR REAL ESTATE POSSIBILITIES Katie McLaughlin c. 314.283.8444 katie.mclaughlin@dielmannsir.com

Liz McDonald c. 314.304.4619 liz.mcdonald@dielmannsir.com

A TALE OF TWO LIFESTYLES Clayton Elegance & Country Club Tranquility.

132 North Brentwood Boulevard

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{St. Louis' Finest}

January/February 2026

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Jan/Feb 2026

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on the cover:

C Level is an iconic beachfront restaurant and bar at Aurora Anguilla Resort, located on Rendezvous Bay. Photo by Kris Tamburello, courtesy of Aurora Anguilla Resort.

Anguilla Resort 62 Aurora & Golf Club

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9 15 21 28 33 38 42 44 48 50 54 56 58 62 67 73 74 77 79 81 82 83 84 85 86

Updating a Sweet History A Dream Realized Scharf Art Adding to the Bustle on St. Louis’ Riverfront Greener Pastures Ones to Watch Curves Ahead Vroom Vroom Rooms Cheers to the New Year! Happy in Healdsburg Clutch Players Cupids Choice Highpoint Highlights Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club Fueling Futures Cathedral Basilica A Second Look at the SOPHIs 2025 Sophisticated Celebrations Calendar JFS’ Flourish Science Center’s WONDER: A Quantum Blast Zero Hunger: Doing What Works Little Bit Foundation’s “Together, We’re Unlimited” Food Outreach’s A Tasteful Affair Champions of Hope The 2025 SOPHI Awards

YLANG YLANG SAINT LOUIS

W I S H I N G E V E RYO N E LOV E A N D H A P P I N E S S I N T H E N E W Y E A R .

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PUBLISHER Craig Kaminer Craig@slmag.net EDITOR IN CHIEF Christy Marshall EditorSTL@slmag.net COPY EDITOR Lou Ann Wilcox DIGITAL CONTENT PRODUCER Grayling Holmes digitalSTL@slmag.net ADVERTISING Cortney Vaughn Cortney@slmag.net Rachel Sokolich Rachel@slmag.net ______________________________________________ CONTRIBUTORS Writers Craig Kaminer Christy Marshall Design Jon Feagain Photography Zach Dalin John Lore Alise O’Brien ________________________________________________ SOPHISTICATED LIVING MEDIA Eric Williams Bridget Cottrell Greg Butrum Jason Yann Sophisticated Living® is published by High Net Worth Media, LLC and is independently owned and operated. Sophisticated Living® is a registered trademark of Williams Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Sophisticated Living® is published six times a year. All images and editorial are the property of High Net Worth Media, LLC and cannot be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission. Annual subscription fees are $25.00; please add $5 for subscriptions outside the US. Single copies may be purchased for $5 at select fine retail outlets. Telephone 314-82-SLMAG.

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Arthur Osver, Golden Echo, oil on canvas, 62 x 64 inches, 1999

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From the Publisher

As we welcome a new year, I find myself reflecting not just on the stories we tell in these pages but on the responsibility that comes with telling them. In a world that feels louder, faster and more fractured by the day, the role of the media — truly free, truly impartial media — has never been more essential. It is not merely a professional obligation; it is one of the foundational pillars of democracy itself. A free press is the immune system of a healthy society. It identifies threats, illuminates blind spots and strengthens the public’s ability to make informed decisions. When it functions at its best, journalism helps us rise above fear, rumor and manipulation — forces that have always been the enemies of progress. But today, the environment in which information lives and spreads is unlike anything our nation has ever faced. Trust is more fragile. Facts are more contested. Algorithms deliver tailor-made realities to every screen. And in the noise, it becomes easier for people to disengage entirely, to retreat into echo chambers or to mistake opinion for truth and entertainment for insight. This is why impartial media — transparent in its process, consistent in its standards and firm in its independence — matters more than ever. It checks the powerful. It protects the vulnerable. It provides context in a world drowning in content. And perhaps most importantly, it anchors us to shared truths at a time when common ground seems to be shrinking. We must also remain wary of anyone who seeks to discredit the media wholesale or who demeans those who dedicate their lives to uncovering verifiable truth. History has shown us repeatedly that attempts to weaken public trust in the press are not acts of reform but acts of control. When leaders — whether political, corporate, or cultural — attack the very institutions tasked with holding them accountable, it is a red flag for every citizen. A society that dismisses truth seekers endangers its own freedom. Here at Sophisticated Living St. Louis, we are acutely aware that our platform carries both influence and responsibility. We are not a news organization, but we are deeply invested in the civic and cultural health of the region we call home. Whether we are highlighting architectural achievements, celebrating local entrepreneurs or leaning into the arts that shape our collective spirit, our mission has always been rooted in curiosity, integrity and a sincere belief that good storytelling strengthens community. Being a free and independent publication means we choose what stories to tell — not based on pressure, trends or convenience, but on merit and meaning. It means honoring the truth behind the people and places we feature, not just the polish. And it means holding ourselves to a standard where accuracy, fairness and depth are nonnegotiable. Freedom of the press is not a passive gift. It is a living contract between storytellers and the people they serve. It depends on readers who engage critically, support quality journalism and demand transparency from all who shape public discourse. As we begin 2026, I encourage all of us to recommit to the principles that protect our democracy: open dialogue, civil debate, empathy and shared respect for truth. Let us champion the institutions — large and small — that keep our society informed and accountable. Thank you, as always, for trusting us with your time and attention. We take that trust seriously. And we remain committed to telling the stories that move this city forward.

Craig M. Kaminer, Publisher craig@slmag.net

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Interior Design

a craft, a science, an art form marcia moore design marciamooredesign.com

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UPDATING A SWEET HISTORY

How Bissinger’s and Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Are Scaling a Legacy — All the Way to Nashville, New York and Florida By Craig Kaminer / Photos by John Lore Walk into Bissinger’s Handcrafted Chocolatier and sister company Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Company’s candy kitchen on The Hill in St. Louis and you’ll hear the rhythms of a factory that has never lost the human touch: copper kettles hissing softly, caramel cooling in measured sheets, a chocolatier’s gloved hand guiding a ribbon of tempered couverture into perfect shine. For decades, Bissinger’s — one of the oldest names in American confectionery — and the Abel family’s Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Company have been guardians of that craft. Today, they’re doing something harder: translating handmade heritage into modern growth, with a bold expansion plan that plants the St. Louis chocolate story in two of America’s most competitive arenas — New York City, Nashville and Palm Beach. “My parents started a candy company and, literally, I grew up on the production floor in a candy kitchen, so my brother, sister and I have been working in the business in some fashion since I was 10 years old,” Dan Abel Jr., Chief Chocolate Officer,

says. “The dinner table was the family business. Summers on the line, holidays in shipping, retail weekends, unloading trucks, loading trucks — We all wanted to get involved in the business as we came out of school.” If growth looks inevitable from the outside, it didn’t feel that way inside. “Did we expect it to be at this size at this time?” he asked. “No… it was the pipe dream of a what-if? Every day’s been fun — some stressful — but you forget about the stressful days and wake up the next morning like, ‘I just want to do it again.’” That bias toward the work — learn every station, know every constraint — defined Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate’s culture long before the Bissinger’s acquisition. “There was never a budget to do anything,” Abel says. “We had to find a way to make something happen… [It was] a very tight-run organization.” Today it’s called bootstrapping. “I created the trade show booth. I drove it up. I merchandised it. I worked the booth. I wrote the orders and then I came home and fulfilled them.” slmag.net

Over the last 15 years, the premium chocolate landscape has consolidated. “From when we first met to today, you wouldn’t even recognize it,” Abel adds. “If I identified 20 manufacturers I knew in 2010, there’s two or three left. Everyone else has been swallowed up by private equity or closed or merged.” Where private equity money did take hold, he observed a narrowing: “If they made 50 items, they identified their best five and scaled those… changing the distribution model.” The Abels zagged. “We went to handmade chocolates… handcrafted truffles in bulk and then packaged in gift boxes and seasonal. That’s the business that built everything.” Attempts to automate — decorators, caramel extruders — were sold off. “Every time we get into a pinch point where we can’t produce enough, instead of buying a big line, we buy another small line for a team of three. Now we have nine.” It’s also why Bissinger’s made perfect sense. “When Bissinger’s was for sale they were a handmade operation; we’re a handmade operation,” Abel says. “Obviously, the brand is phenomenal — chocolatier to the king in the 1600s — and we needed to replace a seven-figure customer that had gone bankrupt.” The deal, he admits, was “the most complicated acquisition” he’s done, but the fit was unmistakable. Consumers felt it, too. “When a competitor buys a beloved local brand, the reaction is often fear: they’ll close it, change it,” Abel says. “What most people didn’t know was how many core Bissinger’s team members had already come over to Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate over the years. We were more like the old Bissinger’s than the new Bissinger’s was.” The mandate post-acquisition: Stay hyper-focused on handcraft and keep elevating packaging. 10 slmag.net

At first glance, a heritage catalog program might sound quaint in a world of targeted ads and one-hour delivery. Abel counters with data and devotion. “Bissinger’s still prints, designs and produces seven national catalogs a year. Almost everyone’s getting out of catalogs, but our catalog business continues to grow,” he says. When the Abels took over in mid-2019, they quickly asked, ‘‘When’s the Thanksgiving catalog art going to be done?” I said, “I have no idea how to make a catalog, but let’s figure it out together.” They did — pulling from archives, rehiring a photographer, learning on the fly. The result isn’t a retro indulgence; it’s a conversion engine. “In 2019, we were about 60/40 online to phone. Now it’s 90 percent online, but we’ve tripled the online business.” The phones still ring. “Ten percent of a bigger company is roughly equivalent to the old 40 percent,” he notes, but the catalog drives digital discovery. COVID forced more pivots. “We focused almost 100 percent on direct-to-consumer,” Abel says, while wholesale buyers triaged essentials. Post-pandemic, independent specialty boutiques came roaring back, hungry for distinctive confections. Now, the pendulum is swinging to luxury retail — which sets the stage for Palm Beach, Nashville and New York City. Nashville’s The Mall at Green Hills puts Bissinger’s in front of an affluent, fashion-attentive audience. New York’s Macy’s Herald Square places the brand inside American retail mythology. Both shops are built around four levers: assortment architecture (approachable indulgences up to prestige “hero” boxes), customization (seasonal sleeves and local motifs), live craft moments (guided tastings, hand-finishing demos) and a corporate gifting desk for concierge-level service.

The hospitality piece starts at home. “We opened a café for tourists here for factory tours,” Abel says. “You can stop by the coffee shop, get lunch. We’ll add wine and beer next, then birthday parties, events, and a speakeasy bar.” The goal: turn a 30-minute walk-through into a 90-minute destination. Demand is already there. “We’re at 55,000 tours a year,” he says. “We turn people away and we’re always selling out.” With the expansion, “we can double that [to] bring 100,000 people a year without stressing the facility.” What surprises visitors most? “The number of steps it takes to make a product: caramel cooked in small copper kettles, poured onto tables, cut into perfect squares, lines running very slowly because handcrafted chocolates run slowly,” he says. “Salted caramels sprinkled or striped by hand — hands with gloves, of course.” He jokes about pop-culture expectations. “There should be some machine spinning — like Lucille Ball —but almost every other facility is going that way. We want to go in the opposite direction.” (They even filmed a playful “speed it up” spoof with a Barnes & Noble’s social media team.) Ironically, the catalyst for the coast-to-coast push started at 3:00 a.m. in a St. Louis warehouse the week before Christmas. “My siblings, our head candy maker and I go help pull online orders from 3 a.m. to 5 p.m.,” Abel says. “In the blur of labels, one pattern glowed: Florida. It wasn’t 1/50th of the orders; it was like 20 percent.” Missouri and Illinois led shipments, Florida was next. Palm Beach became the first out-of-market boutique — and a master class in approvals. “We sent samples, a brand deck, had meetings during a six-month process,” he says. Eventually, they got the green light.

Then the wheel began to spin faster. A real estate broker introduced new sites; parents scouted, off-market gems appeared. “We were at zero. Then we were at three.” He laughs at my raised eyebrow. Three? “We’re doing seven: five in Florida and New York and Nashville,” he says, adding they’re “reviewing 10 more.” The measured plan is to commit to 10, then pause to tune the infrastructure. “We’ve been hiring key leadership — recruiting, HR, a director overseeing them — so we find the right people to continue it.” The moment still rattles him. “When we signed Palm Beach, everything went quiet for a second. I was actually stunned and I can never stun myself. And then New York kind of did that to me too.” New York happened in the seams between a presentation and a phone that actually rings. A new director of sales pushed for a Bissinger’s “gold box” presentation to Macy’s. Abel decided to pitch the future — premium boutiques in premium markets — anchored by Palm Beach renderings. Mid-call, the lead buyer paused. “You’re opening in Palm Beach?” Yes. “Why don’t you take our New York store?” Cue another pause. “Excuse me. You have a store in New York?” Sixth floor, Herald Square. Abel told his team, “If the leasing director calls tomorrow, we’ve got something.” By 8 a.m., the call came — with a catch: open by November or it’s 2026. He said yes. “You can’t say no to these things.” Nashville? A similar mix of persistence and serendipity. “I really wanted to be there. They said there’s nothing available.” A map review later, a larger space appeared — double the size — if Bissinger’s could open by Christmas. “Too good a location to sit empty,” the leasing director warned. Another family summit; another leap. slmag.net

The romantic part of chocolate is flavor and shine; the unromantic part is everything else. “Right now, we’re in a chocolate crisis. We’re paying north of $1 million a year more than last year,” Abel says. “We’re floating minimal increases over a couple of years, so we don’t shock the system.” It’s not the first time. Vanilla went from $100 to $350 a gallon in 2019. “Competitors downgraded quality,” Abel says. “Absolutely not for us. “The reason people get lucky, in my opinion, is when you make the product as perfectly as you can every single time,” he says. That readiness also won them contract manufacturing for some major brands. “Instead of cashing in and taking a trip to Hawaii,” they bought state-of-the-art Swiss molding lines and automatic wrappers, a distribution center down the street, a new ERP — compound investments that, by 2018, had them sitting on 55,000 square feet and the capacity to say yes when Bissinger’s surfaced. “Two thousand and nineteen wasn’t why it worked. The previous five years of disciplined, great things were why it worked,” he says. “I still pinch myself.” Bissinger’s has always been a people story — on both sides of the counter. My earliest memories of visiting St. Louis from New York included molasses lollipops stuffed into my bag by my future in-laws. “There was always a Bissinger’s moment” I tell Abel in the factory. He nods. The team still thrills when that moment goes viral. “Andy Cohen posted about our chocolate gooey butter cake 12 slmag.net

with Companion,” he recalls. “I was in the warehouse; suddenly online traffic is going crazy.” Celebrities buy — they keep their names quiet — but the real engine is the family that returns every holiday, the neighbor who brings a gold box to dinner, the new Nashvillian who makes a 12-piece assortment their weekly ritual. It’s easy to romanticize chocolate. Bissinger’s history invites it. But growth is in lease negotiations and HVAC, cool-chain and casework, staffing models and margin math. What makes this St. Louis story different is how each unromantic decision bends back to a romantic ideal: keep the craft visible, slow where it must be slow, generous where it must be generous. “If we had a time machine back to 2008, I don’t think I could do it again,” Abel confesses with a grin. “We had so many amazing opportunities fall into place and we seized the moment. We found the right people, were in the right place at the right time.” Then the part that isn’t luck: “Always make a phenomenal product. Never sacrifice. If chocolate doubles in price, it doubles. We deal with it.” We step onto the factory ramp for a last photo. Somewhere between the copper kettles and a signed lease in Herald Square, St. Louis figured out how to scale what can’t be faked. If you’re near Nashville this season, watch a ribbon get tied, hear the whisper of embossed tissue. If you’re on 34th Street, ride the escalator to six and let a truffle catch the light. The technique is centuries old; the energy is right now. sl

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With the floor-to-ceiling windows, the room is flooded in light. The painting of the horse by George Ward over the mantle was of Cooper Luster, a horse who resided in the homeowner’s neighborhood growing up.

A DREAM REALIZED There was one piece of land she wanted to own. With time, she got it. By Christy Marshall / Photography by Alise O’Brien For more than 40 years, this woman harbored a quiet dream about a particular piece of property in Huntleigh. When she was in her 20s, she asked the owner, Dolph Orthwein, if he’d consider selling her just a small parcel. He was kind about it, and with a big friendly smile, explained that he couldn’t sell any of it. Yet, the yen lingered. “All my life I wanted to live here so I could have my horses close to me” she says. “And it finally happened. I was in my 60s, but it happened.” When she and her husband finally closed on four acres of the property in 2019, they found themselves standing at the threshold of creating something extraordinary. The land overlooks rolling meadows and old polo fields — the kind of bucolic landscape that seems to exist outside of time, even as suburban St. Louis

continues to expand around it. For her who keeps horses and has dedicated much of her life to animal welfare causes, the location was perfect. There was just one nonnegotiable requirement: the house had to include stables. “The barn was really the central thing,” she explains. “We couldn’t build here without it.” What emerged over the next few years is Hunt Country Manor, a 4,000-square-foot English-style brick home with an attached 1,730-square-foot stable that manages to feel both grand and intimately livable. The project brought together architect William D. Cover and interior designer Ken Stückenschneider resulting in a house that would ultimately win recognition in design competitions — but not before the couple went through some false starts. slmag.net

With two corner windows, the powder room is flooded in light. The antique mirror is suspended by a brass chain over a marble-topped console sink. The mural is by Susan Harter.

They’d spent a year working with another architect, but something wasn’t clicking. She had actually interviewed Cover early on before choosing the other firm, and when she called him back a year later to say things weren’t working out, she wondered if he’d take a look at what they’d been struggling with. Ten days after a 45-minute meeting at their Terry Hill Lane home — where they simply walked around the neighborhood pointing out things they liked — Cover came back with 3D renderings and a video. “We loved it immediately,” she recalls. “I swear, I don’t know what we’ve changed from the original plan. More windows. We had more windows but basically we left it as is.” While Cover designed the bones and the exterior elevations, the interior was entirely up to Stückenschneider. “The architect really gave us a blank slate, which was great,” he says. “We went to town with it. We studied every elevation, every angle.” The design team created 3D renderings from multiple viewpoints to help his clients visualize the spaces before construction even began. “I can’t tell you how much that helped,” the homeowner says, though she admits with a laugh that having renderings available actually lengthened the decision-making process rather than shortened it. “You have options to consider. So it’s a deeper decision. But worthwhile. Definitely.” The design brief was deceptively simple: earth tones, elegant but comfortable, and most importantly, a connection between inside and outside. “I really wanted to bring the outside in and the 16 slmag.net

The chandelier was found in an antique shop in Boston. To date, the candles have yet to be lit. The mural is by Susan Harter. The homeowner started collecting the Flora Danica china years ago.

inside out,” she explains. “Because we live out here, we go to the barn, our horses are out there.” This philosophy aligned perfectly with Stückenschneider’s own design sensibility. “That’s a big concept in all my work,” he says. “I remember when I worked in New York, I just thought it was so strange to just go into a Park Avenue apartment and it was all English country house, floral chintz. And then you looked out on the urban landscape that had no connection.” Here, with views of meadows, trees and grazing horses visible from nearly every window, the disconnect would have been criminal. So Stückenschneider created interiors that echo the landscape without mimicking it — a subtle palette of greens, golds, creams and lavenders that shifts with the natural light throughout the day. Hand-painted murals by artist Susan Harter depicting American trees and meadows wrap several rooms, blurring the boundaries between the cultivated interior and the wild exterior. One of the biggest design challenges was creating an open floor plan that would allow the couple to entertain elegantly while maintaining visual and functional connection to the kitchen. “The other house we lived in, the kitchen was on one end, the living room was at another,” the husband explains. “There was just not much gathering space. That’s what we wanted different.” But how do you make a kitchen that can be seen from your formal living spaces without it feeling too utilitarian? Stückenschneider’s solution was to elevate the kitchen to match

The open plan allows for the living room to flow right into the kitchen. The wall of windows lets the homeowners watch their horses. The countertop on the island is heated. The stainless-steel hood and two pendant light fixture were detailed in stainless steel, polished nickel, unlacquered brass, copper and ribbed glass. The cabinetry is by David Schue of McMillan Cabinetmakers.

the elegance of the rest of the home. The result is a light-filled space with limed oak cabinetry, Italian marble countertops, antique smoky mirrors on cabinet fronts and custom pendant lights detailed in stainless steel, polished nickel, unlacquered brass, copper and ribbed glass. Herbs in terracotta pots line the expansive window over the sink. The message is clear: this is not a service area — this is a living space. “It had to be living space,” she confirms. “You elevate the requirements for a room like that.” The attention to detail throughout the house borders on obsessive, but in the best possible way. In the dining room, an 18th-century Irish hand-cut crystal chandelier sparkles above antique English mahogany furniture. Stückenschneider custom designed curving unlacquered brass curtain rods with special hidden stops for the large arched windows, ensuring the Loro Piana linen draperies would fall just so without interrupting views of the countryside beyond. Below, an exquisitely detailed modern floral silk and wool carpet scatters natural motifs around cabochonstudded marble floors. Perhaps nowhere is the home’s theatrical elegance more apparent than in the primary bedroom suite. When the homeowner fell in love with an archival French silk fabric originally designed for Marie Antoinette at the famed Prelle showroom in Paris, Stückenschneider initially wasn’t quite sure what to do with it. The fabric was exuberant — peacock feathers, lilac blossoms,

meandering ribbons, yellow sunflowers, pink roses and pansies all competing for attention. However, “a restrained English approach to French exuberance” resulted in a beautifully detailed baldachin treatment showcasing the amazing floral pattern above a simpler embroidered headboard, he explains in the project description. The bed skirts pick up the greens and golds, complemented by the same tones in the classically paneled walls. Walnut floors anchor the delicate colors and Italian embroidered bed linens complete what Stückenschneider calls “the traditional fantasy.” An Irish Waterford chandelier sparkles above dentil crown moldings, while the adjacent primary bath features the same limed oak cabinetry colors complemented by highly unusual lavender quartzite slabs in the walk-in shower. Throughout the house, Stückenschneider incorporated the couple’s beloved pets into bespoke silk and wool carpet designs. Real candle-lit Georgian Irish crystal chandeliers and antique gilt mirrors bounce daylight off the custom carpets. The great room features wrought iron balustrades, brass grill doors and expertly balanced pilasters. Large arched French door windows were purposefully left bare to maximize the connection to the landscape. The house feels at once brand new and as though it’s been standing for a century — exactly the effect Stückenschneider was after. “Layers upon layers of traditional details such as cabochonstudded marble floors and dentil crown moldings bring old world charm to the new,” he notes. slmag.net

The carpet on the staircase was custom designed and created by Elizabeth Eakins to include the family’s dogs and horses. The view from the windows is of the acres of land surrounding the house.

The wet bar is off to the side of the great room. The walls are limed oak.

18 slmag.net

The floral fabric used replicates the one chosen by Marie Antoinette. The designer and homeowner discovered it at the Prelle showroom in New York. The chandelier is of Irish Waterford.

As for the stables, which were so central to the homeowner’s vision, Cover designed an attached carriage house that manages to be both functional and beautiful, with the same English country manor aesthetic as the main house. She found a picture of a barn and fell in love with it. “I said, this is what I want to build,” she recalls. “And he duplicated it.” The property — which includes the four acres the house sits on plus another four acres with a neighboring barn that gives them eight acres total for grazing — is now home to four horses, American Saddlebred rescues. For the homeowner, who serves on the Humane Society of the United States’ Farm Animal Protection Council and Equine Protection Council, and supports

organizations including PETA, Brooke International and Nine PBS, having the horses so close is essential. After decades of dreaming about living on this particular piece of Huntleigh land, the homeowner finally has her horses, her stables and her thoughtfully designed home that seamlessly connects her to the landscape she’s always loved. The 3D renderings that helped her visualize the space before it was built may have been expensive and lengthened the decision-making process, but she has no regrets. “I think it came together really well,” she says simply, looking out over the meadows where her horses, Frank and Ranger, contentedly graze — the view she waited decades to call her own. sl slmag.net

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COSMIC COLOR COMES TO KRANZBERGVILLE Kenny Scharf and the New Walls Off Washington By Craig Kaminer / Photography by Zach Dalin It’s a rare thing when the art world’s cosmic energy focuses squarely on St. Louis. But in early November, that’s exactly what happened when Kenny Scharf — one of the luminaries of New York’s 1980s East Village art explosion and a close contemporary of Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Andy Warhol — touched down in Midtown to paint a new mural for the Kranzberg Arts Foundation. For a few electrifying days, the alleyways behind Washington Avenue were transformed into something resembling a 1980s downtown NYC studio — spray paint cans clattering, colors

colliding and curious onlookers drawn into the buzz of creativity. Scharf called the mural “Kranzbergville For EVA” — a title that riffs on the nickname for this growing arts corridor and his own boundless optimism: forever, infinite, ever-expanding. “I have a couple prerequisites for the murals I do,” Scharf says. “They have to be public, highly visible and permanent. I don’t charge for them. I do them because I love doing them. It’s a huge stage and a great opportunity. Honestly, sometimes I feel like I should be paying them to let me paint.” slmag.net

Scharf at work on “Kranzbergville For Eva”

That mix of generosity and cosmic humor has defined Scharf ’s career for over four decades. While others chased fame or controversy, he chased joy. His art — equal parts psychedelic cartoon and social commentary — radiates the idea that color, humor and imagination can literally change the world around us. And, at least on Washington Avenue, it has. Scharf ’s work is instantly recognizable: candy-colored aliens, atomic age bubbles, spacey landscapes that blend the optimism of “The Jetsons” with the prehistoric charm of “The Flintstones”. It’s pop culture reimagined through a cosmic kaleidoscope. He traces it back to his childhood in the 1960s, when color television first flickered into American living rooms. “We got our first color TV when I was about seven,” he says. “I was mesmerized — the cartoons, the colors. When I moved to New York as a teenager to be an artist, I chose “The Flintstones” and “The Jetsons” because everyone knew them. They were dear to me, but they also connected people. I wanted to connect, not confuse.” By the early 1980s, Scharf’s graffiti-style street works appeared alongside Haring’s radiant babies and Basquiat’s neo-expressionist scrawls. Together they transformed downtown Manhattan’s derelict walls into a living, breathing gallery. But Scharf ’s philosophy was always different. “Some artists want to be esoteric,” he explains. “I want mystery, but I also want to connect. I don’t want to be inaccessible. I want people — kids, families, whoever — to look at my work and smile, even if they don’t know why.” Over time, those early pop references evolved into his own mythology of invented characters — expressive, teeming faces born from what he calls the “Time splat.” “It’s when the past and the future collide,” he says. “That collision creates chaos and chaos creates creativity — like the beginning of the universe. That’s where my characters live.” 22 slmag.net

Scharf ’s mural in St. Louis, now towering over the eastern end of Midtown’s Grand Center district, is a continuation of that universal vision. It’s his second piece here, following a 2022 mural that immediately became an Instagram magnet and a symbol of renewal for the area. “The first one, across the street, is called ‘Kranzbergville,’” he says. “So, this new one — ‘Kranzbergville for EVA’ — it goes on forever.” He grins as he says it, standing beneath a sunbaked wall filled with galaxies, bubbles and a swirl of faces that seem both extraterrestrial and oddly familiar. Like most of his murals, it’s unsigned. “My work doesn’t need a signature,” he says. “The characters are the signature.” The mural is part of The Walls Off Washington, a dynamic multi-block initiative spearheaded by the Kranzberg Arts Foundation and led by curator Gina Grafos. Over the past five years, the project has brought more than 34 murals — by artists ranging from local legends like Kababi Bayoc to international stars like Nina Chanel Abney and Katherine Bernhardt — to the facades of warehouses and alleys once overlooked. For Scharf, the appeal was immediate. “I really like what they’re doing here,” he says. “I like the people in St. Louis. I feel like I can uplift things here. Everywhere I go, I see boring walls. It doesn’t need to be that way. So, if I can make things look better, why not?” To understand just how transformative these walls have become, you only have to walk them with Gina Grafos, the Kranzberg Arts Foundation’s Director of Visual and Literary Arts. On a bright morning, she walked through a maze of murals, installations and pop-up exhibits that together form one of the most immersive outdoor art experiences in the Midwest. The area, once defined by parking lots and aging brick buildings, now hums with color and life.

“The Walls Off Washington is really the vision of Mary Ann Srenko and the Kranzberg family,” Grafos explains. “It’s about public art — art that instigates curiosity, that makes people who might not feel comfortable walking into a gallery or museum feel welcome. We have works from all over the world, but also a deep commitment to St. Louis artists who have been painting our brick facades for decades.” That balance — global and local, permanent and evolving — defines the project’s ethos. International names attract visitors, but it’s the local artists who give it soul. Grafos rattles off a roll call that reads like a contemporary art honor list: Derrick Adams, Nina Chanel Abney, Carlos Rolon, Shinique Smith, Lady Pink and homegrown stars Kababi Bayoc, Rox Ciles, Brooklyn, Dionna Moore and Maxi Glamour. When she reaches the mural by Bayoc, she pauses. “Kababi’s “Change Is Gonna Come” is one of my favorites,” she says. “It honors the neighborhood and faces north — toward the community that sees it every day. That’s intentional. We wanted to make sure the people who live here feel seen and inspired.” Grafos and her team coordinate everything — from prepping walls and surfaces to securing materials and permissions. They also think deeply about placement and meaning. “When we pick a wall,” she says, “we’re not just thinking about paint. We’re thinking about sightlines, sunlight, how neighbors will experience it. It’s civic artmaking at its best.” It’s impossible to talk about public art in St. Louis without talking about Ken and Nancy Kranzberg, whose philanthropic leadership has redefined the city’s cultural landscape over the past two decades. “The Kranzbergs are the backbone of what’s happening here,” Grafos says. “They’re not just funding art — they’re creating ecosystems for artists to thrive. They’ve given us the freedom to think big, to bring in people like Kenny Scharf, to imagine St. Louis as a global arts destination.”

For the Kranzbergs, art isn’t just an amenity; it’s civic infrastructure. Their philosophy is simple yet radical: If you invest in artists, you invest in the soul of a city. That civic vision also found support from Matt Mercer, the sales director and artists liaison at Lococo Fine Art Publisher. Lococo has collaborated with Scharf for years, producing limited-edition prints and multiples that bring his exuberant world to collectors worldwide. “I was a fan of Kenny’s long before I ever met him,” Mercer recalls. “I studied studio art and back then, the artists you looked up to were Keith Haring, Basquiat and Kenny Scharf. They lived together in the 80s, under the umbrella of Warhol. They were rewriting what art could be.” When Mercer moved to St. Louis and joined Lococo, he saw a chance to connect his hometown with that same creative lineage. “Robert Lococo had already done a benefit print with Kenny,” Mercer says. “I told him, ‘I’d love to meet him.’ We flew to LA, stayed at the Chateau Marmont, took Kenny to lunch and the rest is history. We’ve probably published 15 or 20 editions together since then. The friendship is the best part.” That relationship made Scharf’s arrival in St. Louis even more meaningful. “Having him here is a real honor,” Mercer says. “It’s one thing to publish his work, but it’s another to watch him spray paint a whole wall. What he’s doing here — it’s monumental.” For decades, St. Louis has wrestled with its self-image: a historic city with world-class institutions but a lingering reputation as a “flyover” place between the coasts. Projects like The Walls Off Washington challenge that narrative. “People think we’re a flyover state,” Mercer says. “But once you experience it — like Crystal Bridges in Arkansas — you realize how magnetic it is. Midtown’s growing. The soccer stadium’s drawing crowds. The more we fill these walls with blue-chip artists, the more people notice. It’s happening.” slmag.net

Tools of the trade.

Grafos agrees. “We joke that The Walls Off Washington are St. Louis’ best-kept secret,” she said. “But that’s changing fast. During COVID, artists could safely work outside, masked and keep creating. That’s when we gained momentum. Now we have schools bringing field trips, assisted-living groups doing tours, people exploring with our app or map. It’s becoming a destination.” Events like Music at the Intersection amplify the momentum, drawing thousands of visitors who experience the murals as a living backdrop to St. Louis’ music and culture. “Every event — every time someone posts a selfie in front of a mural — it builds the narrative,” Grafos says. “It tells people this is a place worth visiting, worth celebrating.” Inside The Walls Off Washington complex, art extends beyond the outdoor murals. Sophie’s Artist Lounge doubles as a gallery space, featuring exhibitions like “I Still Love Her”, curated by Chris Blackman in honor of 50 years of women in Hip Hop. There’s also “The Art Yard.”, a flexible event space that hosts performances, markets and installations. Each component feeds into the larger mission: To bring art to the people. The Kranzberg Foundation has seven galleries including Hi-Lo Gallery, The Grandel, Dark Room, Sophie’s and the new Kranzberg Arts Foundation Gallery at the Clark Branch of the St. Louis County Library. “Every one of them creates opportunities for artists — and access for audiences,” Grafos says. “That’s how you change a city.” Outside, she pointed out murals honoring St. Louis icons like Tina Turner, painted by William Burton Jr., and one by Dormir in response to last spring’s tornadoes and a stenciled Josephine Baker series by C215 that celebrates the city’s role in global Black artistry. Nearby, “Lift As You Climb” by Derrick Adams offers a visual metaphor for the community’s upward trajectory. Scharf ’s mural fits right into that constellation — playful, colorful but profoundly human. Even as he jokes about outer space and aliens, his art is grounded in community. In St. Louis, he saw a reflection of what first drew him to the streets of New York: untapped potential, creative risk and people eager to participate. “When neighborhoods come alive through art, everyone benefits,” he says. “Look at Wynwood in Miami. It started because artists made it beautiful. Art brings people in. It makes them care.” 24 slmag.net

Yet he’s also mindful of balance. “When places get commercially successful, the question becomes: ‘Are you helping the artists or are the artists helping you?’” he says. “Ideally, it’s both. Here, it’s pure. It’s about making the city brighter.” During our conversation, Scharf hints at future collaborations — possibly with Katherine Bernhardt, the celebrated St. Louis painter known for her vibrant, pop-infused canvases. “I have big plans,” he says. “Katherine and I relate. She likes characters, I like characters. She’s a strong figure here. If this next big project happens, I want to do it with her.” Such a collaboration would be a full-circle moment for St. Louis, linking the city’s own global art star with one of the original icons of pop-street art. It’s also a testament to what the Kranzbergs and their foundation have built: a place where major artists not only visit but create, collaborate and invest their energy in the community. Standing at the corner of Washington Avenue and Josephine Baker Boulevard, it’s hard not to feel the shift. What was once a quiet stretch of industrial blocks now buzzes with café chatter, camera clicks and bursts of color. A new identity is forming here — one that merges art, architecture and public life into something uniquely St. Louis. And in true Kenny Scharf fashion, there’s humor amid the cosmic grandeur. When I complimented his sun-bleached bucket hat — a swirled pattern that reminded me of Van Gogh — he laughed. “It’s from a guy named Mali at my farmers’ market in LA,” he says. “I don’t wear sunscreen. I just wear hats.” Perhaps what’s most striking about “Kranzbergville For EVA” isn’t its scale or pedigree but its permanence. In a city that sometimes struggles to hold onto momentum, the mural stands as proof that transformation doesn’t always come from billion-dollar projects. Sometimes it’s a wall, a can of spray paint and a belief that color can change everything. As Grafos put it, “Art can change everything — for an individual, for a city. We’re bringing art to the people and that changes the way they see themselves.” Scharf ’s latest cosmic eruption is both a celebration and an invitation — to wander, to look up, to see the world a little brighter. “Kranzbergville Forever,” he calls it. A mural for EVA — and a moment that reminds us that St. Louis, too, can shimmer like a supernova. sl

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ADDING TO THE BUSTLE ON THE ST. LOUIS’ RIVERFRONT A development called Container on Vessel could dramatically change the volume of the area’s river traffic

By Christy Marshall / Photography by John Lore and courtesy of Bi-State Development and the Jefferson County Port Authority At 93, Frank Jacobs still dreams big. The founder of Falcon Products — a company that grew from a one-man operation at Broadway and Franklin to a $300 million enterprise on the New York Stock Exchange — has a bold vision that could restore St. Louis’ position as America’s inland port powerhouse. Several years ago, Jacobs stood up at a Moving Forward St. Louis luncheon with a proposition: Use redesigned barges to turn St. Louis into an ocean port in the middle of America. When he suggested it, everybody applauded. What Jacobs discovered surprised him: St. Louis never really lost its river mojo. We just stopped talking about it. But a vision for what comes next — a project called Container on Vessel — could take an already thriving port system to the next level. The Container on Vessel initiative has a lead developer: American Patriot Holdings, a Florida-based company that’s designed vessels capable of carrying 2,000 containers each. The vision is clear: Instead of shipping products from Asia to Los Angeles or New York and trucking them across the country, unload them at Gulf ports, put them on specially designed vessels and bring them up the Mississippi to St. Louis. “It’s a planned development,” says Mary Lamie, executive vice present of Multimodal Enterprises at Bi-State Development. “So basically, it’s an all-water north-south trade lane that connects the Midwest to the lower Mississippi River and then from there it goes to worldwide destinations.” 28 slmag.net

The Jefferson County Port Authority in Herculaneum will serve as the St. Louis hub. Memphis will be another hub. The vessels would stop at both, distributing containers via truck, rail and smaller vessels that can continue up the Mississippi, Missouri and Illinois rivers. The Jefferson County Port Authority purchased the Herculaneum port in September 2024 for $20 million from Riverview Commerce Park. The port has two docks and 18 acres — enough space to add container handling alongside current bulk cargo operations. On busy days, the port sees upwards of 70 trucks. New equipment installed earlier this year cut barge unloading time from two days to half a day. “Currently at our Herculaneum port, we are bringing in barges and unloading bulk product,” Cyndi Buchheit-Courtway, the Jefferson County Port Administrator, explains. “The Container on Vessel is a completely different ballgame. Our goal is to build a staging area where we could store containers so we can get them out accordingly.” The potential impact extends far beyond the port itself. Farmers could send beef or pork in refrigerated containers to market more quickly and fill containers completely to make more profit. Manufacturing companies bringing freight in would have a new cost-effective option. The economic impact would create jobs, bring dollars through the port system, attract new companies and spur warehouse development.

Frank Jacobs

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Mary Lamie

“I can’t express how much I feel that this would benefit the port and our county as well as Missouri as a whole,” Buchheit-Courtway says. “It would help our farmers, our manufacturing companies and all the people in our communities with jobs, with getting the freight in and out more quickly.” The economics are compelling. The barge industry is one of the cheapest modes of transportation and American Patriot Holdings has estimated this service could reduce shipping costs by 20 to 25 percent. It would also provide an alternative during supply chain disruptions — a lifeline when coastal ports get congested. For Jacobs, whose company imports seven to eight containers monthly, the need is visceral. Supply chain snarls have turned what used to be a week-long journey from California to St. Louis into a four-week ordeal. “For many years it worked like a charm,” he says. “Now it’s a mess. There’s not enough trains, not enough chassis.” The Container on Vessel project is about positioning St. Louis for tomorrow. The project is still in its early phases. American Patriot Holdings needs financing to build the vessels. To get that financing, they are looking for commitments from major shippers — companies like Walmart, Amazon, big-box stores, furniture companies, anyone moving high volumes of containerized cargo. “They are currently working on a feasibility study,” BuchheitCourtway notes. “The biggest thing is obviously the cost, so we have to work on finding investors and customers who will agree to use the product. There are a whole lot of moving parts.” Some shippers have expressed interest, but there’s a chickenand-egg problem: They want the cost savings now, but someone has to commit first to justify building the ships. An economic study 30 slmag.net

currently in the works should provide more concrete data by year’s end. Meanwhile, Memphis has moved aggressively on its own inland port initiatives, adding urgency to St. Louis’ need to act. For Jacobs, the frustration is palpable. After that initial enthusiastic response at Moving Forward St. Louis, momentum stalled. “I’m tired. I’m 93 years old,” Jacobs admits. “I don’t want to go out and tilt at windmills. But this could make St. Louis an ocean port in the middle of the United States.” “I appreciate what Frank had said, as far as we’ve got to revive it,” says Lamie. “My point is we’re actually doing really, really well.” Really, really well turns out to be an understatement. Sitting in her office at 211 North Broadway, Lamie pulls out maps and brochures that tell a story most St. Louisans don’t know. The city that thinks it’s past its prime as a river port? It’s actually the most efficient inland port in the nation, moving two and a half times more tonnage per mile than any other inland port in the country. Within a 15-mile stretch of the Mississippi River — with the Gateway Arch at its center — St. Louis moves more agricultural and fertilizer products by barge than anywhere else on the inland waterway system. Sixteen barge terminals with world-class infrastructure make it happen, earning the region a global brand as “The Agricultural Coast of America.” Louis Dreyfus Company, Consolidated Grain and Barge, Bunge, Cargill, ADM — all global shipping giants — have chosen St. Louis for a reason. Two reasons, actually. First is geography. St. Louis sits at the center of the United States with the most strategic location on the Mississippi River. Unlike ports to the north, St. Louis is ice free and lock free to and from the Gulf of Mexico. Those locks and dams north of the region act like traffic signals, adding time and cost. In winter, the river freezes up there. But St. Louis? Clear sailing.

The Herculaneum Port

The second reason is infrastructure. Four interstates give easy access to the four quadrants of the country. Six Class 1 railroads — national carriers with direct access to coastal ports from Long Beach to Norfolk to Savannah — converge here. That means modal flexibility — the ability to switch from barge to truck to train depending on what makes the most economic sense at any given moment. “If gas prices go down, maybe rather than putting it on a train, I’m going to put it on a truck,” Lamie explains. “If gas prices go up, you still bring it to St. Louis. In a blink of an eye, you’re like, ‘That’s fine. I’m just going to put it on a train.’” The region is growing. Companies like Ingram Barge are investing millions in rail infrastructure at their terminals. There’s surging interest in soybean crushing plants and fertilizer production facilities. The private sector keeps pouring money into port infrastructure because they see continued growth ahead. What’s striking is how these two conversations — Jacobs’ vision for the future and Lamie’s accounting of the present — complement each other. St. Louis isn’t a washed-up river port dreaming of past glory. It’s a flourishing global logistics hub that most residents don’t even know exists. The Container on Vessel initiative isn’t about reviving something dead. It’s about adding another layer to something already thriving. “It’s innovative, it’s forward thinking and it’s futuristic,” Lamie says. “But the St. Louis region, we are a global logistics hub and it’s because of the rail, the barge, the trucking, our international airports and our strategic location on the Mississippi River.” If you want to see it for yourself, Lamie runs monthly riverboat cruises called the Agricultural Coast of America tours. The Gateway Arch riverboat captain narrates the journey,

pointing out the sixteen major barge terminals and explaining how this 15-mile stretch of river connects Midwest farms to dinner tables around the world. When Lamie sends out press releases, she gets national and international coverage. But locally? “That seems to be a pretty well-kept secret from the lay person,” is how one person describes it. The businessman who built his fortune on two simple principles — give customers what they want when they want it and always deliver on your promises — believes the Regional Business Council he founded could champion this cause. The organization comprises 100 CEOs of substantial companies, many involved in international trade. “We need people who are currently involved in moving St. Louis forward,” Jacobs says. “I can represent people who have been importing and exporting for 65 years, but we need doers to step in and get it done.” What’s needed now isn’t revival. It’s recognition — and the will to build on strength. “ The market for containers is getting larger and larger every single day,” Jacobs notes. “St. Louis could go back to being a center of distribution.” Mary Lamie would argue it already is — we just need to start acting like it. Cyndi Buchheit-Courtway at the Jefferson County Port Authority is ready and waiting. The rivers are still flowing. The barges are still moving. The infrastructure is already there. The private sector keeps investing. And now there’s a planned development that could take everything to the next level. Frank Jacobs leans back in his chair, 93 years old but still dreaming. “It’s so obvious,” he says. “We’ve got the structure, got the ports. But it takes somebody to get behind the idea more than me.” sl slmag.net

Photo by Jack Hardy

GREENER PASTURES After a comprehensive renovation, Ireland's Adare Manor, host of the 2027 Ryder Cup, is ready to shine for a global audience. Written by Bridget Cottrell Ireland is a different kind of green. Even Johnny Cash, famously dubbed "The Man in Black," pined for the moorlands and the midlands in his gravelly bass-baritone for the song "Forty Shades of Green." I like to think that the verdancy of the Emerald Isle is Mother Nature's consolation prize for frequent rain and cloud cover, creating a beguiling beauty of a landscape renowned for scores of scenic walking and hiking routes and a passionate golf culture dating back to the mid-19th century The latter will put Ireland at the epicenter of the world golf stage when the 2027 Ryder Cup comes to Adare Manor in County Limerick from September 13-19, marking only the second time the prestigious event has been held in the country. While the lead-up no doubt will be enough to prompt golfers of all abilities to add the storied property to their travel bucket list, one would be remiss in thinking that the Adare Manor's manicured greens are the sole attraction. Current estimates put the number of castles and castle ruins in Ireland at 30,000, second only to France, which has 45,000. And, while it certainly bears all the hallmarks of a castle, Adare Manor, named after the adjacent storybook village, is actually

an opulent family manor house. It sits on an 842-acre parcel of land (just one acre shy of Central Park) with a settlement history dating back to the 12th century. Construction of the manor house commenced in 1832 under the auspices of Lady Caroline Wyndham, who was inspired by the cathedrals of Europe and passionate about Gothic architecture. Interestingly, Caroline's husband, Wyndham Henry Quinn, the second Earl of Dunraven, was a descendant of a modest landowner named Donagh Quinn, who in the 1600s laid the foundation for his family's ascent from humble beginnings to nobility. A great many of the world's castles and great estates seem to share stories of rise and ruin, and Adare Manor is no different. In 1897, Adare Manor hosted the Duke of New York, later King George V, cementing its status as one of Ireland's greatest estates. The expense of maintaining the estate weighed heavily on subsequent generations, and Adare Manor gradually fell into disrepair. In 1982, the seventh Earl, unable to afford its upkeep, sold the property to a group of investors who, five years later, sold it to Tom Kane, a stockbroker from New York City. slmag.net

Adare Manor’s Great Hall, a grand reception area, now serves as the hotel’s lobby. Photo by Paul Lehane

Kane made considerable investments to transform the property into a 62-room luxury hotel. He turned 230 acres over to Robert Trent Jones to create an 18-hole golf course, which went on to host back-to-back Irish Opens in 2007 and 2008, but failed to attract the desired large number of American golfers. Enter JP McManus, described by my airport driver as "a local lad from Limerick." McManus' own ascent from humble laborer in his father's contracting business to a billionaire mirrored Donagh Quinn's rise. He acquired the property in 2015 with the intent of attracting one of golf's most high-profile events, the Ryder Cup, and, in turn, celebrate his hometown before a global audience. A 22-month renovation, employing some 800 workers from mostly local firms, touched every space within the original structure and added a ballroom and a new wing with 41 bedrooms. Just as significant was the remaking of the parkland golf course. McManus retained Tom Fazio, his senior design associate Tom Marzolf, and a team of 150 professionals to reimagine Jones' original course without rerouting any holes. Frequent Irish rain showers will be a non-issue courtesy of a SubAir turf management system, sand-capped fairways and roughs, and more than 50 miles of drainage pipe. As part of Adare Manor's lineup of complimentary activities, on Mondays, guests can tour the final 34 slmag.net

holes of the golf course (and take a shot or two). According to an overview in the in-room newsletter, the par 5, 9th hole is the longest at 633 yards. "It rewards bravery and punishes greed," Andy McMahon, Director of Golf Operations. Even if you're not gaga for Gothic, and its more is better ornamentation, you can't help but appreciate the craftsmanship, particularly in the original section, which is a rare example of a 'Calendar House,' meaning it has 365 leaded windows, 52 ornate chimneys, seven stone pillars, and four towers. Walking to my accommodation in the historic wing, I became a bit concerned when, turning a corner, the ceiling height lowered, temporarily leading me to imagine being squirreled away in an old maid's quarters. As soon as the door opened, my fears vanished at the revelation of the spacious room's vaulted ceiling and tall leadedglass windows overlooking the manicured parterre. A half-wall separated the sleeping area from dual vanities, a deep-soaking tub, and a pair of towering wardrobes. Feeling a bit like Alice, I pushed open a curiouser and curiouser small door, which revealed the water closet with a shower and a modern toile hunting scene wallpaper. In keeping with the rest of the hotel, form and function receive equal billing, creating an ethereal equilibrium that appeases everyone from antique aficionados to technophiles.

Breakfast and afternoon high are served in 132-foot-long Gallery, filled with works of art collected over time by the Dunraven family during tours of Britain and Northern Europe.

Dunraven king stateroom. Photo by Jack Hardy

Bathroom in a Dunraven stateroom. Photo by Jack Hardy

Sitting room in the Lady Caroline Signature Suite. Photo by Jack Hardy

Sitting room in the Lady Augusta Signature Suite. Photo by Jack Hardy

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Infinity pool in the Padel Club. Photo by Paul Lehane

Falconry is one of many on-site pursuits historically befitting a sporting estate. Photo by Bridget Cottrell

Willie Forde has been leading Irish gundog experiences since the mid-1970s.

After decimating the stash of Irish shortbread cookies in my room's complementary snack and refreshment station, I sank into the cloudlike bed for a quick jetlag-busting nap, interrupted by the clippity-clop of horse hooves on the cobblestones beneath my window. My regal repose inspired a self-indulgent moment of imagining myself as a middle-aged Rapunzel, letting down my hair for rescue by a knight in shining armor on horseback. But alas, the dream was short-lived, as the crank windows wouldn't allow me to poke my head out. Not content with simply creating one of the best golf courses in Ireland, McManus also elevated Adare Manor's culinary program. In 2019, the Oak Room, under the direction of Chef Mike Tweedie, became the first-ever Michelin Star restaurant in County Limerick. The candlelit setting is as refined as the tasting menu that celebrates the best of what's local with decadent flourishes. The thoughtfully compiled wine list affords a unique pairing experience, while those who choose to abstain from alcohol can opt for deliberate mocktail pairings. Lady Caroline assuredly possessed a taste for life's finer things, drawing inspiration from Versailles to create The Gallery, a 132-foot-long cathedral-like space with delicate tracery windows and 17th-century Flemish choir stalls. But unlike the "tone-deaf" reputation of Marie Antoinette, during the Irish famine, Lady Caroline established a school of needlework to support local women. Today, a bounteous breakfast buffet and elevated afternoon tea, served on bespoke china designed to match the detail of the ceiling inset, are hosted in the grandiose space. 36 slmag.net

A glass-walled yoga studio in the Padel Club seems to float above the trees. Photo by Paul Lehane

The Carriage House. Photo by Bridget Cottrell

Bespoke draperies fashioned from 18th-century French brocatelle match the opulence of The Drawing Room, which serves morning coffee and light meals and refreshments throughout the day. The subterranean Tack Room is a chic and cozy spot for elevated craft cocktails. Whiskey hounds can arrange a tasting from Adare Manor's library of more than 160 rare bottles procured from around the world. Oenophiles can book a similar experience in the private wine cellar. A short stroll leads to The Carriage House, an impressive space with a greenhouse-like glass-walled dining room overlooking the golf course, a lawn hosting the whimsical "Adare Bear," the largest figurative bronze sculpture ever made in Ireland, and an adjacent walled garden where roses tumble over the granite walls. Here, amid the subtle touches of Art Deco, I enjoyed my idea of a "girl dinner": beef tartare and a Negroni. Slightly further still is Harry Lowes Cottage, a historic stone cottage-turned-chocolaterie named in honor of its last resident. This chocoholic's dream opened in 2024 exclusively for guests. In addition to the most gorgeous retail space, it offers guided chocolate tastings, conducted similarly to a wine tasting, where you learn to discern a coca bean's terroir. With a relatively tiny footprint for an operation that uses two tons of chocolate annually, the kitchen, under the direction of French chocolatier Cedric Rivière, employs state-of-theart technology to go beyond chocolate bars and bonbons to create complex architectural pieces, including a scale replica of the Adare Bear. Just outside the estate's stone walls lies the charming Adare Village, complete with thatched-roof cottages, a community park,

The Oak Room. Photo by Jack Hardy

Exploring colorful confections at Harry Lowes.

In 2020, the Oak Room, under the direction of Chef Mike Tweedie, became the first-ever Michelin Star restaurant in County Limerick.

the ruins of Desmond Castle, the 13th-century Triniarian Abbey, shops from couture (Aoife Mc Namara) to kitsch, and no shortage of pubs, including Pat Collins Bar, Aunty Lena's, and Bill Chawke's Bar. Back on property, Deirdre Moore, Adare Manor's boutique manager, sources luxury sustainable handicrafts and oversees a bespoke collaboration with storied Irish clothing brand Jack Murphy. There is more to Adare Manor than dining, although I could have happily filled my days by consuming my weight in warm Irish soda bread generously lathered with salted butter. Pursuits include those historically befitting a sporting estate—falconry, shooting, carriage rides, archery, fishing—alongside modern interests like Padel. The contemporary and architecturally striking Padel Club opened in 2021 as a center of wellness and recreation. The facility encompasses two custom-built indoor padel courts (the first of their kind in Ireland), a 17m infinity pool with sauna and steam room, a glass-walled yoga studio that seems to float above the trees, a massive fitness room, and a sports simulation room with a swanky lounge for waiting your turn. An absolute highlight of our myriad outdoor activities was the Irish gundog experience with Willie Forde, who founded Adare Country Pursuits in 1975. In addition to being a masterclass in obedience training, Forde dished out plenty of life lessons. "Dogs become self-employed very easily if not trained properly," he said, stressing the importance of consistency, something that applies to both man and beast. It's little surprise that Ireland's lush landscape has given rise to fairies, Leprechauns, and elves. Near the Carriage House, a

The architecturally significant Gallery is adorned with five remarkable stained glass windows designed by Thomas Willement, heraldic artist to King George IV. Photo by Bridget Cottrell.

lovely woodland meditation walk is also a fairy forest, complete with little buildings, miniatures, and signs with poetry. It's also an excellent place for rambunctious kids to burn off some pent-up energy and delight in discovering a menagerie of ogre-like wire sculptures engaging in various hijinks from golf to serving a platter of forest delicacies. Even if you aren't sore from your first padel lesson, as I was, The Spa at Adare Manor — the only outpost of the acclaimed London brand 111Skin in Ireland — is a restorative destination for an hour or an afternoon. The cocoon-like space is a haven for relaxation, with a private pool and infrared sauna, a relaxation room with starrysky illumination, and a unique menu of face and body treatments inspired by ancient Celtic wisdom and its Ogham alphabet. In a place that garners no shortage of superlatives, I appreciated the focused attention to even the most minor details, for instance, the thick stock of the in-room stationery and the custom monogram imprinted on the head of my Guinness. However, amid all the luxurious amenities, time and again I found myself transfixed by the landscape and the simple in-room pleasure of admiring how the clouds cast shadows on the verdant lumps and bumps of the meticulous golf greens, playing out like a time-lapse video. "This charming spot was my home of unclouded happiness for 40 years," wrote Lady Caroline. "May heaven's choice blessings be poured with equal abundance on its present and future possessors." The fair lady would no doubt be pleased to see the joyful legacy of her treasured family assured for generations to come. sl For more information, visit AdareManor.com.

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ONES TO WATCH Moda Productions opens Paris’s most exclusive runways to independent designers Photos courtesy of Moda Productions

Mazini

NÜ CZN

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Alersundi

Aleen Sabbah

Molmauni

JEEVAN

Ragged Romances

Sagio

RAXXY

This past Paris Fashion Week, Hôtel de Maisons, Pozzo di Borgo was abuzz as Moda Productions staged a group SS26 runway of independent designers. Each show represented a single thread of a larger garment that celebrated individuality, craftsmanship, and modern femininity. Sophisticated Living was thrilled to have a frontrow seat to the future of fashion, and a reflection of the creative world Moda intends to build across Europe’s fashion capitals.

SAGIO by Alexander Sagio Living and working in Budapest, Alexander Sagio draws on his background in architecture to create sharply intelligent designs. The SAGIO woman embodies power, sensuality, and a sense of balance—a modern vision built on contrasts: soft yet structured, restrained yet daring. His collection featured architectural minimalism brought to life through fluid tailoring and sculptural silhouettes. Sagio’s ability to blend intellect with allure makes his presentation a study in strength—clean, magnetic, and unforgettable.

Jeevan by Hussain Rehar The designer showcased clean structures and precise linework, highlighting meticulous surface details that reflected both tradition and contemporary influences. The color palette felt both grounded and sophisticated, weaving together cultural richness in a modern, urban style. Each tailored piece exuded a calm confidence, allowing the skill in technique and craft to shine through. The overall effect was an elegant exploration of simplicity and sophistication, in which the quality of craftsmanship conveyed a subtle form of power.

Alersundi by Alejandra Lersundi From Mexico to Paris, Alejandra Lersundi brought glamour with discipline. Her Alersundi Collection shimmered with the elegance of redcarpet heritage, gowns that honored tradition while celebrating the freedom of form. Each look was made-toorder and hand-finished with hours of intricate craftsmanship that translated effortlessly onto the runway. In Paris, Lersundi showed that true sophistication is found in the balance between beauty and intention.

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MAZINI by Maria Mazina Marking its 10th anniversary, Ukrainian label MAZINI delivered an ode to elegance — a masterclass in tailoring and timeless design. Founded by Maria Mazina and guided by brand director Tatiana Prosnitskaya, the brand embodies quiet authority through impeccable fit and natural fabrics. The collection speaks to women who lead with grace and strength, using suiting as soft armor and silhouettes that move seamlessly between the boardroom and the boulevard. MAZINI’s Paris debut was not just a milestone; it was a portrait of resilience, crafted with the precision and spirit of Ukrainian artistry. 40 slmag.net

NÜ CZN by Judy and Nikki Murdock Founded by acclaimed Hollywood makeup artist Judy Murdock alongside her daughter Nicole “Nikki” Murdock, the brand blends cinematic precision with streetwise luxury. Their SS26 collection featured gender-fluid tailoring and upcycled fabrics crafted into bold, expressive silhouettes that moved with confidence and emotion. With its mix of artistry, rebellion, and refinement, NÜ CZN’s Paris debut captured the essence of modern identity and sustainability— transforming raw energy into elevated design and redefining what it means to be a true citizen of style.

Aleen Sabbagh Aleen Sabbagh made a graceful and heartfelt debut, presenting a collection that embodied soulful couture grounded in care and conscience. With a focus on longevity and emotional connection, Aleen’s work redefined what modern luxury means, where sustainability meets sentiment and beauty becomes an act of responsibility. Her SS26 collection was a quiet triumph of refinement and purpose, inviting the audience to see couture not only as fashion but as a living expression of empathy, artistry, and enduring grace.

RAXXY by William Shen The SS26 collection revealed RAXXY’s signature language of structure and sensitivity—where technology meets artistry, and precision breathes with purpose. It was a study in controlled beauty that transformed down-filled design into living sculptures. It is a vision of modern luxury built on intellect, emotion, and craft in perfect equilibrium.

MOLMAUNI x Nuki Cosmetics Molmauni x Nuki presented a moving and poetic debut, revealing a collection that felt like a quiet symphony of strength and grace. The collaboration embodied a duet of gentle power and radiant beauty, where fluid silhouettes were shaped with emotional precision and understated confidence. With luminous fabrics, sculpted lines, and a profoundly human sensibility, Molmauni x Nuki celebrated the woman who remains centered—resilient, expressive, and softly commanding in her own light.

Rosii Nguyen & Ragged Romances Rosii Nguyen and Ragged Romances brought a breath of light and emotion with a collection that reimagined bridalwear through movement, color, and joy. Their presentation unveiled color-lit gowns with layered sheers, painterly dyes, and buoyant tulle that shaped stories into silhouettes. Each piece felt expressive and candid, capturing the spirit of love in flux—playful yet profound, spontaneous yet intentional. The collection radiated a joy-forward energy that transformed tradition into art, offering a vision of modern romance that was as heartfelt as it was luminous. slmag.net

CURVES AHEAD Compiled by Bridget Cottrell

Clockwise from top left: TEJEN Rock Sugar Croissant Pendant (tejen-collection.com). Type Jewelry LEGGO 2.0 Riviere Tennis Necklace (typejewelry.com). Maison Tabbah Aquatica Cuff (tabbah.com). Bondeye Jewelry Kalisa Bracelet (bondeyejewelry.com). Mattia Cielo Bracelet (mattiacielo.com). Tabayer Limited Edition OERA Bracelet (tabayer.com). Walters Faith Thoby Spiral Earrings. Available through Ylang Ylang Jewelers in St. Louis and waltersfaith.com. Opposite page clockwise from top left: Sig Ward Jewelry Infinity Necklace (sigwardjewelry.com). Lagos The Drop Embrace Two-Tone XO Diamond Pendant Necklace. Available through Richter & Phillips Jewelers in Cincinnati, Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis, Schiffman’s Jewelers in Lexington, Diamond Cellar in Nashville, and Lagos.com. Verragio Scallop Necklace. Available through Genesis Diamonds in Nashville and verragio. com. Francesca Villa Fantasia The Mermaid Has Her Cherries Ring (francescavilla.it). Boochier Slinkee Icon Ring (boochier.com). FOPE EKA Collection Flex’It Bracelet with Onyx. Available through Schiffman’s Jewelers in Lexington, Chesterfield Jewelers in St. Louis and fope.com. Mindi Mond New York Celestial Diamond and Tourmaline Detachable Earrings (mindimondnewyork.com). David Yurman Snake Amulet. 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. Marco Bicego Twisted Irregular Hoops. Available in Indianapolis from ReisNichols Jewelers, in Lexington from Schiffman’s Jewelers, in Louisville from Davis Jewelers, in Nashville from Diamond Cellar, in St. Louis from Simon’s Jewelers and Clarkson’s Jewelers, and at us.marcobicego.com. Etiq Jharokha Hoops (etiqdesign.com). Everlee Bezel Wrap Ring. Available through Welling & Co. Jewelers in Cincinnati, Davis Jewelers in Louisville, and everleejewelry.com. Melissa Kaye Large Aria Jane Ring. Available in Indianapolis through Moyer Fine Jewelers and shop.melissakayejewelry.com.

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The indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum reopened in April 2025 after a $60 million renovation.

VROOM VROOM ROOMS A roundup of notable motoring museums around the world. Written by Matthew Cottrell From the sleek lines of a vintage Ferrari to the mighty roar of a muscle car, car museums around the world serve as temples to automotive history, showcasing a captivating blend of engineering, design, and cultural impact. These institutions range from sprawling national collections to specialized, privately-run havens, each offering a unique journey through the evolution of the automobile and its influence on modern society. A visit to these museums provides an immersive experience into the technology, artistry, and heritage that define the world's long-standing love affair with the automobile. United States The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum in Leeds, Alabama (barbermuseum.org ), is the world's largest motorcycle museum, according to Guinness World Records. Situated on the 880-acre Barber Motorsports Park, it houses over 1,800 motorcycles, with more than 1,000 on display at any given time, alongside the world's most extensive collection of Lotus race cars and other vintage race cars. T h e Br um o s C o l l e c ti on i n Ja c k s o nv i l l e , Fl o r i d a (thebrumoscollection.com) focuses on the evolution of the automobile through competition, with a significant emphasis on the legacy of Brumos Racing and Porsche, and on showcasing cars tested in iconic 44 slmag.net

races like Daytona and Sebring. Visitors can explore a wide range of vehicles, including rare open-cockpit racers dating back to 1894, vintage Indianapolis 500 cars, Grand Prix machines, a vast selection of Brumos Porsches. Notable vehicles include Steve McQueen's Porsche 917K from the film Le Mans. A national historic landmark, the 250-acre complex of The Henry Ford in Dearborn, Michigan (thehenryford.org ) offers five distinct attractions, including the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation (home to Rosa Parks' bus and JFK's limousine, among other exhibits), the Ford Rouge Factory Tour, and the Benson Ford Research Center. Located inside the Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum (imsmuseum.org) is fresh off a $60.5 million, 17-month renovation, its first significant renovation in 40 years. The addition of 40,000 square feet of made room for new immersive and dynamic experiences, including seven permanent and three rotating galleries, a new mezzanine dedicated to displaying nonvehicle artifacts, The "Starting Line Experience," an immersive video space showcasing the pageantry leading up to the start of the "500", state-of-the art racing, and a "pit stop challenge" for guests to learn the tools and equipment of the racing trade.

Porsche Museum in Stuttgart, Germany.

Jaguar Gallery at the British Motor Museum in Warwickshire, UK. Photo by Karam Ram The "Driven to Win: Racing in America" exhibit at The Henry Ford museum

BMW Museum in Munich, Germany Aerial view of the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

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Museo Enzo Ferrari in Modena, Italy

Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany

Housed in a converted former bakery, the Lane Motor Museum in Nashville, Tennessee (lanemotormuseum.org), offers a unique and extensive collection of over 500 predominantly European automobiles, with a focus on unusual and innovative designs. Notably, it is one of the few working museums in the U.S. that strives to maintain nearly all its vehicles in running order. For a deeper dive, the museum offers weekend "Vault Tours" of the extensive reserve collection stored in the basement. The LeMay-America's Car Museum in Tacoma, Washington (americascarmuseum.org ), is a 165,000-square-foot, four-level facility that showcases the history and culture of the American automobile. The museum's collection, which includes over 300 cars, trucks, and motorcycles, is based around a core group of vehicles from the private collection of Tacoma businessman Harold LeMay. Located across the street from the only GM assembly plant that builds Corvettes, the 115,000-square-foot National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky (corvettemuseum.org ), provides a chronological journey through all eight generations of the Corvette, from the first 1953 models (C1) to the current mid-engine C8s. More than 80 cars are on display in nostalgic, periodic settings, such as a 1950s-style service station and soda shop. With a striking façade composed of a red aluminum rain screen overlaid with a series of 308 undulating, "angel hair" stainless-steel ribbons, the Petersen Automotive Museum (petersen.org) is an architectural marvel on Los Angeles's famed Miracle Mile. Inside, the museum features over 300 vehicles across 25 galleries, with exhibits organized thematically across three floors. The collection spans the entire history of the automobile, from early horseless carriages and pre-war classics to modern hypercars and alternative-fuel vehicles. 46 slmag.net

August Horch Museum located in Zwickau, Germany.

Musée de l'Automobile, Mulhouse, France. Photo by Alexis Toureau

Europe Housed in the Audi's original factory in Zwickau, Germany, and named to honor the founder of the manufacturing giant that eventually became Audi, the August Horch Museum's permanent collection showcases roughly 160 large exhibits. Vehicles, including early Horch and Audi models, DKW, Wanderer, and the iconic Trabant, are displayed in recreated historical settings that contextualize their place in history. In the heart of Italy's "Motor Valley," the Automobili Lamborghini Museum in Sant'Agata Bolognese (lamborghini.com/ en-en/museum#val-tab) is dedicated to the history, innovation, and iconic models of the brand. Visitors can see a rotating collection of classic and modern supercars, including historical models like the Miura and Countach, as well as recent and one-off vehicles like the Sesto Elemento, Veneno, and Sián. They can also tour the factory production lines and test their skills in a driving simulator. The BMW Museum in Munich (bmw-welt.com/en) is one of the oldest car museums in Germany. The permanent exhibition is split into seven theme-based exhibitions housing nearly 125 original exhibits from over 100 years of BMW Group history. In the Rotunda, temporary exhibitions highlight the company's brands or notable contemporary themes. The BMW Junior Museum offers interactive tours and a selection of workshops on topics such as design, architecture, art, and sustainability. The British Motor Museum in the small village of Gaydon, Warwickshire (britishmotormuseum.co.uk) brings the story of British motoring to life with the world's largest collection of historic British cars, featuring more than 400 vehicles from the classic,

British Motor Museum in Gaydon, Warwickshire

Motorcar Museum of Japan, located in Komatsu City, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan

Musée de l'Automobile, Mulhouse, France. Photo by Alexis Toureau

vintage, and veteran eras. Visitors can explore exhibits on the history of the British motor industry, see iconic movie cars like the FAB1 and the James Bond Land Rover. With over 400 vehicles, the Cité de l'Automobile in Mulhouse, France (musee-automobile.fr/en/), is a national automobile museum renowned for housing the world's most extensive Bugatti collection. Beyond the exhibits, visitors can experience interactive road-safety simulations, a race-car demonstration area, and, for an extra fee, drive classic cars on a private track. Assembled over two generations by the Louwman family, the Louwman Museum in The Hague (louwmanmuseum.nl/en/) owns the world's largest collection of cars built before 1910. It displays some of the earliest patented motorcars, including a Benz Patent-Motorwagen from 1886 and a De Dion Bouton & Trépardoux from 1887. Architect Michael Graves designed the purpose-built structure, which was opened in 2010 by Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands. The unique double-helix structure with two spiral-like ramps guides visitors of the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany, through the nine floors. The museum's interior has no enclosed rooms or straight walls, creating a dynamic flow for all the exhibits, which trace the history of the Mercedes-Benz brand and the automobile industry from its origins in 1886 to the present day. Mark your calendars for May 2026, when the Musée des 24 Heures du Mans (lemans-musee24h.com/en), a motorsport museum located at the famous Circuit de la Sarthe in Le Mans, France, reopens as the M24 museum after undergoing a significant expansion.

The Museo Ferrari in Maranello, Italy (ferrari.com/en-EN/ museums/ferrari-maranello) is dedicated to the history of Ferrari, located near the factory and focusing on iconic road and track cars, as well as the company's motorsport successes. In contrast, the Museo Casa Enzo Ferrari in Modena (ferrari.com/en-EN/museums/enzoferrari-modena) centers on the life of Enzo Ferrari, featuring his birthplace and a futuristic building for temporary exhibitions. While both are Ferrari museums, the Maranello location is the marque's official company museum, showcasing its modern and historic cars. Founded in 1933, the Museo Nazionale dell'Automobile in Turin, Italy (museoauto.com/en/mauto/) is considered one of the world's best car museums. It's collection of nearly 200 cars from over 80 different brands, arranged chronologically and thematically over three floors, tracing the car's evolution from its earliest models to modern concepts. Asia The Motorcar Museum of Japan, located in Komatsu City (motorcarmuseum.jp), is Japan's first and largest automobile museum, housing a vast collection of over 500 vehicles from the 1900s to the 1970s, including many early commercial vehicles that were crucial to Japan's post-war economic recovery. The first dedicated automotive museum in China, the Shanghai Auto Museum, located in Jiading District (shautomuseum.com), it has over 100 cars from around the world, including many classic European models, as well as significant Chinese-made vehicles such as the Hongqi CA770 and the Shanghai SH760A. The museum, notable for the flowing curves of its exterior, sits adjacent to the Shanghai International F1 Circuit, China's first racing complex for Formula 1 cars. sl slmag.net

CHEERS TO THE NEW YEAR! A globetrotting wine expert shares five recent standouts. Written by Vicki Denig Bonjour, Sophisticated Living readers! 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. With each issue, I’ll be sharing five of my top recent wine discoveries with you, in hopes that you’ll enjoy them just as much as I did. Check out this edition’s selection below and be sure to let me know what you think! Follow along on Instagram at @vickidenig/www.vickidenig.com. Hambledon Vineyard Classic Cuvée Brut NV (Hampshire, England – SRP: $49.99) Sparkling wine and the holiday season go hand in hand, though not all that glitters must be Champagne. This year, I was excited to try out this Classic Cuvée Brut from Hambledon Vineyards, located in the heart of Hampshire, England—yes, you read that correctly. While not a traditional winemaking country, England’s cool-climate conditions are highly conducive to growing grapes for sparkling wine production, especially in the wake of global warming. This flagship wine is made from the signature grape trio of Champagne (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier) and is aged for an impressive minimum of three years on the lees prior to release. Elegant and well-balanced, the wine is dominated by flavors of baked apple, citrus, magnolia, and toasty brioche. Pop with fresh seafood or your favorite salty snacks for a seriously satisfying pairing. 48 slmag.net

Domaine Rougeot Bourgogne Côte d'Or Clos des Six Ouvrées 2023 (Burgundy, France – SRP: $64.99) Burgundy is known for producing ethereal wines that promise to age gracefully over time—and this captivating bottle from Domaine Rougeot is no exception. Rooted in Meursault, winemaker PierreHenri Rougeot organically farms 13 hectares of vines in and around this revered Côte de Beaune village. In the cellar, Rougeot beautifully meshes a low-intervention mentality with strong respect for regional tradition, resulting in beguiling wines that leave a lasting impression. Clos des Six Ouvrées is made from 100% Chardonnay cultivated at the base of the hill of Meursault and is fermented with native yeasts in concrete vats before aging for 18 months in French oak barrels. Luxurious and round, the wine’s notes of yellow apple, peach, honeysuckle, and baking spice are balanced by ample amounts of refreshing natural acidity. Pax North Coast Syrah 2023 (California, USA – SRP: $37.99) Pax Mahle is one of the original faces of the ‘New California’ wine movement, one that prioritizes balance and restraint over excessive ripeness and new oak. He moved to California with his wife in 1997 to source wine for Dean & Deluca, though just a few years later, he decided to start his own brand. Over the past 25 years, Pax has inspired

an entire generation of winemakers with his minimalist philosophy, believing that “great wines can only be made from great vineyards.” This varietal Syrah comes from a handful of organically farmed sites across northern California and is vinified with 100% whole cluster prior to aging for 10 months in neutral French oak. Notes of wild berries, cracked black pepper, olive brine, and lavender lead to a long, palate-coating finish; if you tend to gravitate towards wines from the Northern Rhône, this bottle is certain to blow your mind. Giulia Negri Serradenari 'Pian delle Mole' Langhe Nebbiolo 2023 (Piedmont, Italy – SRP: $39.99) Nebbiolo has become one of my favorite grape varieties, and expressions from Langhe are perfect for enjoying as ‘daily drinkers.’ Hailing from Piedmont, these “baby Barolos / Barbarescos” are youthful and bright—and contrary to their older siblings, are almost always suitable for immediate consumption. This bottling from Giulia Negri hails from high-elevation vineyards in the hills of La Morra, which are characterized by cool-climate conditions and marine sediment soils. In the cellar, the wine is fermented with native yeasts and aged for 14 months in a combination of stainlesssteel tanks and large tonneaux. Lifted and aromatic, the wine’s supple palate is driven by notes of sour cherry, cedar, forest floor, and a touch of cooling balsam. Serve slightly chilled for maximum enjoyment!

Bastian Wolber Côte de Nuits-Villages 2023 (Burgundy, France – SRP: $155.00) Although Burgundy is known for its prestigious grand crus and big-name producers, what I find most exciting about the region is its plethora of up-and-coming young winemakers crafting exciting bottles from lesser-known areas—cue Bastian Wolber and the Côte de Nuits-Villages. Born in Germany, Bastian honed his winemaking skills at Domaine Leflaive and Domaine Ganevat before ultimately setting out on his own in 2020. This Côte de Nuits-Villages comes from two parcels (Aux Vignottes, located across the street from the Clos de la Maréchale, and Aux Fauques in Comblanchien) and is vinified with 100% whole clusters with native yeasts prior to aging for 10-18 months in used barrels. Bright and energetic—just like the hands that make it—the wine exudes flavors of wild strawberry, cherry, rose petal, and sweet spice. I enjoyed this bottle at Lei, a new-to-the-scene wine bar in Chinatown from restaurateur Annie Shi; if you find yourself in New York anytime soon, it’s an absolute must-visit. 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.

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The Restaurant at Farmhouse Inn. Photo by John Troxell

HAPPY IN HEALDSBURG Come for the wine, keep coming back for so much more. Written by Bridget Cottrell Some meals are so good, they're worth making a mess of yourself. That was the case at Arandas, the all-day dining spot at boutique hotel 27 North (hotel27north.com), located on the charming square in Healdsburg, California. As soon as I took one bite of their Quesabirria tacos, the warm, rich, savory, and slightly spicy birria consommé dribbled down my wrist, prompting a quick clean-up before quickly diving in for more messy deliciousness. For this visit to the heart of Sonoma's wine country, we enjoyed one moment of culinary decadence after another (along with some outstanding wine). From the pistoriophile's perfect ham and gruyere croissant at Quail & Condor (quailandcondor. com), rivaled only by Parisian pâtisseries; to DIY after-dinner s'mores at Farmhouse Inn (farmhouseinn.com), where we didn't mind sticky fingers courtesy of their homemade marshmallows; a repeat visit to famed vegan restaurant Little Saint (neighbor's with 27 North; littlesainthealdsburg.com), whose culinary plantbased wizardry is flavorful and filling enough to make even the most ardent carnivore eschew their meaty ways for a meal; and sampling our way through a farmer's market, even dry travelers will find there's so much to love about this region. I love Sonoma County—my list of "saved" homes on Zillow (which grows after each trip there) peeks at my pining for a California 50 slmag.net

contemporary lifestyle. Having visited in all four seasons and all types of weather, I firmly believe there's no "wrong" time, as each month offers unique experiences. Summer is ideal for outdoor activities; fall ushers in the busy harvest season; and temperate winter offers fewer crowds for exploring wineries before bud-break on dormant vines heralds the return of spring. In a crowded hospitality market, Foley Entertainment Group has quietly been making significant inroads, most recently acquiring and rebranding the former Hotel Le Mars, a 20-year-old French chateau-inspired property, sited directly on Healdsburg's bustling square. It reopened this past summer as 27 North, offering outsized amenities for a 16-room boutique property. A refreshing watermelontequila cocktail offered at check-in was a primer for a top-notch, finger-licking dinner at Arandas, which serves a solid menu of Mexican staples done exceptionally well. Throughout 27 North, classic French country touches are juxtaposed with contemporary artwork sourced specifically for the property. As the door to our third-floor room opened, I was surprised to discover a stately canopy bed beneath a beam-vaulted ceiling. Placed next to a gas fireplace with a faux limestone hearth, an eightfoot-tall wardrobe with pleated fabric behind the perforated grille on its doors elegantly serves as the room's closet.

The Library at XXVII North. Photo by Anna DaMommio,Hey Honey Photography

Guest room at XXVII North. Photo by Anna DaMommio, Hey Honey Photography

27 North is located in the heart of Healdsburg on its bustling square.

The Tasting Room at Aperture Cellars. Photo by Bridget Cottrell.

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Buildings at Farmhouse Inn are designed to resemble agrarian structures.

Foley Family Wines owns over 25 wineries and distilleries, including both well-known and historic brands in California, Oregon, Washington, and New Zealand, which consistently garner 90+ point scores from reviewers for Wine Enthusiast and Wine Spectator. Guests of Foley-owned properties can participate in a sommelier-led tasting across their portfolio in the elegant library at 27 North, which notably includes Chalk Hill and Roth Estate in Sonoma and Foley-Johnson in nearby Napa. The experience is ideal for oenophiles on a shorter sojourn, offering a comprehensive tour of the terroir sans travel time between wineries. While you can amply fill an afternoon or two perusing the small businesses, including clothing, home and jewelry boutiques, tasting rooms, restaurants, and art galleries that line Healdsburg Square, grab a sandwich to go from Troubadour (troubadourhbg.com), Quail & Condor's sibling, to fuel a day of exploring Sonoma County's 425 wineries spread among 19 different wine areas. This past October, Sonoma County Tourism 52 slmag.net

(sonomacounty.com) launched LOU, an AI tool and personalized trip-planning assistant for visitors. Getting recommendations the old-fashioned way—from the people who live and work in the area—is still our go-to, as is a stop at Aperture Cellars (aperture-cellars.com). Winemaker Jesse Katz was recently named Wine Enthusiast's 2025 Winemaker of the Year, and the estate has been selected for The World's 50 Best Vineyards list, ranking at number 14. Splurge on the "Devil Proof Experience", which offers a private tasting of Malbec and Malbec blends that have earned Katz significant critical acclaim, including multiple 100-point scores from top wine critics. Although it's just a few miles from Healdsburg, Farmhouse Inn, nestled in among towering trees in the Russian River Valley, feels worlds away. A former 19th-century family homestead, the boutique property, also part of Foley Entertainment Group, maintains a homelike appeal with just 25 rooms generously spaced around the wellness barn and garden pool.

King Deluxe Guestroom at Farmhouse Inn. Photo by Jay Graham.

Treatment room in the Wellness Barn at The Farmhouse Inn

The Restaurant at Farmhouse Inn. Photo by Sean Mattimore

The Wellness Barn at Farmhouse Inn

At check-in, guests are invited to pack a goodie sack from the bath bar to take to their room. I opted for a brown-sugar scrub that smelled good enough to eat and chunks of locally made soaps in rainbow hues. All guest rooms and suites, decorated in a modern farmhouse style with slipcovered upholstery and a soothing color palette, are equipped with a steam shower and soaking tub, making an indulgent spa day possible without ever leaving the confines of your suite. The casualness of a plethora of plantings, some with heavy blooms that graze the knees of guests traversing the pea-gravel paths between the various buildings—all designed to resemble agrarian structures with galvanized milk bucket light fixtures and corrugated metal roofing—belies their careful manicuring. Also abundant is the sound of running water, courtesy of rustic fountains and features that enhance the overall aura of tranquility. Sonoma artist Marci Davis was tapped to create striking blackand-white horse murals in the treatment rooms within The Wellness Barn, which sits adjacent to the pool. The holistic spa, with plenty

of alfresco relaxation areas, offers a range of treatments using local, seasonal ingredients and specialized practices, such as a CBD, herbal, and Milk Moon baths and a farm-to-beauty facial that incorporates fruits, herbs, raw honey, goat's milk, and infused olive oil. The Restaurant at Farmhouse Inn, located in the original circa 1879 farmhouse, is a celebration of California cuisine, existing in the rarefied air of fine dining establishments presenting multiple courses that feel indulgent yet still healthy, thanks to the preponderance of locally sourced ingredients, including their onsite Chalk Hill Culinary Gardens. Our dessert course was a showstopper. The ser ver approached our table with a lidded cut-crystal box that opened to reveal a gaggle of white truffles, carefully nestled on a bed of muslin. He proceeded to shave a generous portion of the pungent fungus atop a petite, puck-shaped date cake sitting in a pool of plate-licking caramel sauce. It was fitting finale to a quick trip punctuated by scores of elevated experiences. sl slmag.net

The Dolli Bag by Marina Raphael is the result of a unique partnership between THE DOLLI and acclaimed designer Marina Raphael, celebrating the timeless elegance of old Athens and the bold creativity of young Greek visionaries ($1,500; thedolli.com/shop).

CLUTCHPLAYERS 54 slmag.net

Silvia Furmanovich Marquetry Red Rose clutch ($7,480; SilviaFurmanovich.com) Malone Souliers May Leopard Calf Hair clutch ($1,525; malonesouliers.com)

Cult Gaia Grape clutch ($598), Jamisha gown ($2,498) and Suni choker ($398; cultgaia.com).

Judith Leiber Couture Collection’s Edition Dragon’s Eye Fan handbag ($4,995; judithleiber.com) From Shanghai-based jewelry designer Grace Tang, this bejeweled “Starry Sky” clutch was crafted from hand-textured 18k yellow gold, mined diamonds and hand-cut onyx (price upon request; gracetangfinejewelry)

Anguilla Lola in Gold Alligator from Piper & Skye ($1,890; piperandskye.com)

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CUPID'S CHOICE Compiled by Bridget Cottrell

Clockwise from top left: Renato Cipullo Cupid Ring (renatocipullo.com). Chris Ploof Designs + Anthony Lent Damascus Earrings (chrisploof.com). Jemma Wynne Love Notes Pendant (jemmawynne.com). Temple St. Clair Large Rock Crystal Heart Pendant. Available through Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis, Ylang Ylang in St. Louis and templestclair.com. Eden Presley Love Luck Ring. Available through Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis and edenpresley.com. Opposite page clockwise from top left: Ana Katarina Pierce Your Heart Drop Earrings (anakatarina.com). Bangelle Abacus Valentine Cuff (bangelle.com). Heavenly Vices Love Lock (heavenlyvicesfinejewelry.com). Bee Mine: Elizabeth Locke Cushion Banded Agate Bee Ring. Available through Elleard Heffern Fine Jewelers in St. Louis and elizabethlocke.com. Fred Leighton Circa 1870s Cupid Pendant Earrings (fredleighton.com). Zahn-Z We Clicked Set (zahnzjewelry.com). Dorian Floating Teardrop Engagement Ring by Angie Marei (mareinewyork.com). Shahla Karimi Jewelry Zaha Two-Stone Cushion Curve Engagement Ring (shahlakarimi.com). Claudia Mae Watermelon Tourmaline Heart Earrings (claudiamae.com). Seal & Scribe Two Hearts Together Forever Ring (sealandscribe.com). Lionheart Jewelry Cassandane Multi Heart Charm Bracelet (lionheartjewelry.com). Yvonne Leon Je T’aime Bracelet (yvonneleon.com).

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Eclipse chandelier from Regina Andrew (reginaandrew.com)

Hickory Chair debuted an exclusive collection created in collaboration with Britsh design house Liberty fabrics; the 11 bespoke colorways of its iconic fabrics marry Liberty’s rich heritage in textiles with Hickory Chair’s 114 years of American furniture craftsmanship (hickorychair.com)

HIGH POINT HIGHLIGHTS

Twice a year, more than 75,000 interior designers, architects, and home furnishings buyers coalesce at High Point to take the pulse of the interior design industry as presented by 2,000-plus exhibitors and emerging makers spread across 11 million square feet of showroom space. Leading the way among the discernible trends are organic silhouettes, tactile surfaces, comfort through refinement, rich color palettes, artisan-made pieces, cultural collaborations, sustainability, and burgeoning customization options. While it’s impossible to share everything that commanded our attention, our editors hand-picked a few of their favorites.

Madheke The Charles Serving Credenza (madheke.in)

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Jamie Young Co. Anguilla handcrafted wood chandelier (jamieyoung.com)

Moe’s Home Collection Segment stone dining table and Elise dining chairs (moeshome.com)

The Fleur Collection designed by CLAUDIO BELLINI Studio for Caracole (caracole.com)

The Solenne collection from Brown Jordan (brownjordan.com)

Mayu sconce in Midnight Steel from Fine Art Handcrafted Lighting (finearthl.com)

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Madheke Duma Lounge chair and ottoman (madheke.in)

Ellen Robinson Studio terra-cotta Sea Garden table lamps (ellenrobinsonstudio.com)

From Danao Living, the Dock collection by Claudio Bellini blends sculptural woven panels with solid wood (danaoliving.com)

New England-based plunge pool manufacturer Soake Pools unveiled their Check + Stripe collection. Any of Soake Pools’ five plunge pools can be specified with small checks (8”x8” pattern), large checks (16”x16” pattern), or a chunky 16” stripe. Eleven colorways are available (soakepools.com).

Greenington Wynn solid bamboo writing desk (greenington.com)

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Floating Flowers Blue Wall Covering from Liora Manné’s Lamontage® Collection (lioramanne.com)

Jamie Young Co. Zinnia chandelier (jamieyoung.com)

Jaipur Living’s Majnun rug is hand-knotted and inspired by the Cintamani motif (jaipurliving.com)

Calligaris Edgar Sofa (calligaris.com)

Mr. And Mrs. Howard Benjamin bar cart (sherrilldesigncenter.com)

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Rendezvous Beach

AURORA ANGUILLA RESORT & GOLF CLUB A beachfront property with something for all ages

By Tracy Cottrell / Images courtesy of Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club The word "Caribbean" is rife with vibrant tropical colors and textures, evoking balmy breezes, soft white beaches, temperate waters, and exotic fruit beverages to savor. The island of Anguilla embodies the Caribbean at its finest. Guests of the Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club (auroraanguilla.com), located on one of the most northerly of the Leeward Islands in the Lesser Antilles, are brought to the British Overseas Territory by speedboat, adding a touch of adventure to the abundance of glorious views of surrounding islands, villages, and ports along the way. Upon arrival, it is a brief ride from the port to the Aurora Anguilla, where a welcoming corps of hospitality connoisseurs awaits to greet guests. The abundance of amenities, services, activities, and entertainment at this luxury resort is broad and deep and solely focused on enhancing guests' every experience. Eco-friendly transportation enables guests to access all areas of the resort quickly and easily. Aurora Anguilla is a large resort on more than 300 acres, including two-and-a-half miles of beachfront. The hotel offers a 62 slmag.net

multitude of accommodations, providing guests with just what they need for their dream vacation. The multi-storied Merrywing Tower, in the style of a traditional hotel à la Mies van der Rohe, is a more intimate facility, close to the new Aurora Entertainment Park and a delightfully broad range of activities, including events at the Amphitheatre, a waterpark, an activity center, and 11pickleball courts, the most in the Caribbean. The Merrywing Beach enclave hosts a collection of private suites, as well as multibedroom seafront suites and private estate homes. Many include kitchens for vacationing gourmets and would-be chefs. Merrywing Beach is also home to diverse dining options, including D Richard's Steakhouse, where I went against the grain, opting for a delicious vegetarian entrée made with exquisitely fresh vegetables, grains, and legumes. Enhancing my meal was an unexpectedly beautiful view of the Aurora International Golf Course (an 18-hole, par-72 championship course designed by Greg Norman), illuminated to bring out the vibrant greens and the darkening dusk sky, rendering the scene abstract and painterly.

Aurora International Golf Course

Merrywing Tower

Beachfront Villa Bedroom

Breezes Restaurant

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Hydroponic farm

C Level Bar

Rendezvous Beach is a more private niche, close to the shore and nearby pool, with C Level and Chef's Table restaurants easily accessible. The more casual, open-air C Level is directly on the beach, with front row seats to the ebb and flow of the transparent turquoise sea. Listening to the rush of the waves while enjoying a fresh snapper fillet is a memory underscored by the softness of the breeze and the fluid watercolor landscape of the sky and setting sun. For swimming aficionados, Chef's Table, open for much of the day, is right next to the pool and within walking distance of the beach. The morning breakfast buffet, laden with colorful tropical fruit and freshly baked pastries, never disappoints. Less well known, but equally impressive, is Aurora Anguilla's commitment to sustainability and wellness. Intentional interior design dually minimizes environmental impact while enhancing guests' experience. The onsite hydroponic farm provides a continuous and inspiring supply of fresh fruit and produce for resident chefs. Beyond the luxurious accommodations, excellent dining, and pristine beaches, Aurora Anguilla offers guests access to 64 slmag.net

almost every water sport and vacation activity imaginable. Reveling in the spectacular Caribbean Sea surrounding Anguilla will be the central focus for visitors of all ages. Diving, kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, Hobie Cats, snorkeling, and aqua aerobics are available to every guest and can also add a unique element to weddings, family reunions, milestone birthday celebrations, or annual business meetings. For guests such as newlyweds or families desiring an intimate experience, privacy is readily available. The newly opened Aurora Entertainment Park appeals to children of all ages with a zero-entry swimming pool, lazy river, three thrilling water slides, a kids' splash pad, fullservice cabanas, and a swim-up bar Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club is a sprawling property with diverse accommodations and an abundance of amenities available at any time. Guests transition seamlessly from activity to activity, seeking out the next adventure and joyful event. A strong undercurrent is Aurora Anguilla's sustained, deeply felt, warm, and genuine hospitality that embraces every guest throughout their stay. sl

25% of Ted’s Business in 2025 Was Sold Off-Market Off-Market..

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314.607.5555 | tedwightrealestate.com

dielmannsir.com | 314.725.0009

In Memoriam: Robert A. M. Stern, 1939-2025 Prolific architect, charismatic educator, intellectual author, historic preservationist, inspirational employer, professional mentor, debonair friend.

FUELING FUTURES Operation Food Search and others are fighting an uphill battle to resolve food insecurity By Christy Marshall / Photos courtesy of Operation Food Search The statistic is staggering: Nearly one in three children in the city of St. Louis doesn’t know where their next meal is coming from. Kristin Wild has made it her mission to change that. As CEO of Operation Food Search, she’s leading an organization that’s pushing beyond the traditional food bank model to tackle hunger with both urgency and innovation. And in a city where the food insecurity rate for children far exceeds that of adults, Wild knows that feeding kids isn’t just about filling bellies today. It’s about securing children’s futures. “The sad reality is there is a need,” Wild says. But what sets her apart is what comes next: not resignation, but resolution. Operation Food Search has become something more than a warehouse that distributes food. It’s become a holistic health intervention, an education center and a community connector all rolled into one. The numbers paint a troubling picture. Missouri’s overall food insecurity rate hovers around 15 percent, with Illinois at 13 percent. But drill down to St. Louis specifically and the story is bleaker. St. Louis County’s rate climbs to 17 percent. The city? Nearly 31 percent for children.

Wi l d u n d e r s t a n d s t h a t c h i l d h o o d h u n g e r c a r r i e s consequences that echo far beyond a growling stomach. Kids who don’t eat well don’t learn well. They get sick more often. They fall behind in school. The domino effect from food insecurity can determine the entire trajectory of a child’s life. That’s why Operation Food Search has designed its programs with laser focus on the youngest and most vulnerable. Take Operation Backpack, the organization’s flagship program for kids. When Wild saw the need intensifying, she expanded capacity from 1,600 to 2,400 bags of food distributed through schools each week, partnering with the Little Bit Foundation. It’s a simple concept — a backpack full of food going home with a student on Friday — but the impact is immeasurable. Then there’s the Afterschool ReFuel program and the summer meals program, ensuring that when schools let out for summer, food security doesn’t stop. Wild knows what the research shows: programs that provide consistent, reliable food access to children enable learning, growth and hope. slmag.net

Kristin Wild

But what distinguishes Operation Food Search under Wild’s leadership is how they think about food as medicine, not just sustenance. The organization’s Build Nutrition IQ program brings groups into their teaching facility to learn how to cook budgetfriendly, healthy meals. It’s not enough to hand someone a can of beans; Wild wants to empower people with knowledge about nutrition and cooking skills that lasts a lifetime. Even more innovative is the Nourishing Healthy Starts program, which works with food-insecure pregnant women throughout their pregnancy and 90 days postpartum. Participants receive weekly food resources, nutrition education and are assigned a maternal health advocate who connects them with programs like SNAP and WIC. The goal is healthy pregnancies, healthy babies and breaking the cycle of food insecurity before it starts. A recent pilot study confirmed what Wild already knew — providing adequate nutrition during pregnancy improves health outcomes and actually saves healthcare costs. Food isn’t just food; it’s preventive medicine. The Fresh Rx Prescribing Healthy Futures program takes this concept even further, partnering with St. Louis Children’s Hospital to connect families of adolescents with Type 1 diabetes 68 slmag.net

to weekly meal kit deliveries, consultations with registered dietitians and care management. What makes Operation Food Search different from other food banks — and there are others doing equally important work in the region, including the St. Louis Area Food Bank — is its emphasis on local partnerships and targeted programs. While larger food banks in the Feeding America network receive government commodities and partner with national entities like Walmart, Operation Food Search is supported by local food chains like Schnucks, Dierbergs and Straubs, along with Busch Stadium, STL City and other St. Louis sports institutions. Wild has also pioneered the Metro Market program, essentially a mobile farmers market that drives directly into food deserts in North City and North County. Unlike typical food bank operations, Metro Market charges for food at or below cost, preserving dignity and choice for participants who can use SNAP benefits. During the November crisis period when SNAP benefits were suspended, the organization provided $15 vouchers and has committed $60,000 to ensure families could access fresh produce and healthy options. The organization distributes roughly $32 million worth of food annually through a network of 170 food pantries, shelters

Operation Food Search’s St. Louis Metro Market

and homeless sites. About $29.5 million of that is donated, with Operation Food Search purchasing additional food to supplement and ensure balanced nutrition. It’s a massive logistical operation, but Wild doesn’t just think about pounds of food moved. She thinks about people fed, families strengthened, children thriving. When community need spikes — whether from SNAP benefit disruptions, natural disasters like tornadoes or unexpected crises — Wild and her team respond with both immediate relief and long-term strategy. During recent benefit suspensions, the community rallied: 40 active food drives, record financial donations, longtime donors dramatically increasing their giving and a wave of first-time donors stepped up. Wild’s also not afraid to collaborate. Operation Food Search partners with the St. Louis Area Food Bank, Food Outreach (which serves people with cancer or AIDS), the Integrated Health Network and dozens of other organizations. The recently announced City Food Insecurity Fund brings together multiple players with United Way serving as fiscal agent. Wild knows that no single organization can solve hunger alone. Recognition and support have followed. Congresswoman Cori Bush advocated for a congressional appropriation to support

Operation Food Search’s building renovation. Local political leaders from both parties — Wesley Bell, Ann Wagner, members of the St. Louis County Council — have toured the facility. Wild welcomes the attention because visibility translates to awareness, awareness to action and action to feed children. Looking ahead, Operation Food Search is expanding its Metro Market to year-round service with indoor locations during winter months when fresh food distribution becomes more challenging. They’re deepening partnerships with Greater Health Pharmacy to deliver food alongside prescriptions to seniors with chronic health conditions and transportation challenges. They’re constantly evolving, constantly asking: What else can we do? How else can we help? Kristin Wild doesn’t sugarcoat the situation. The need is real, persistent and heartbreaking. But when you talk to her, you sense something more powerful than statistics: conviction. Conviction that every child deserves regular, nutritious meals. Conviction that food insecurity is solvable if communities commit to solving it. Conviction that her organization isn’t just distributing food — it’s distributing possibility. In a city where one in three children face food insecurity, that conviction is essential. sl slmag.net

INDIVIDUAL AGENT AT JANET MCAFEE REAL ESTATE

Grateful and humbled once again to be the #1 individual agent at Janet McAfee Real Estate. Thank you to my clients, family, and friends for your continued support and confidence in me. Meeting and exceeding your real estate goals remains paramount to my practice. Wishing you all a joyful, successful, and happy New Year!

REACH OUT TO FIND OUT WHAT YOUR HOME IS WORTH

Learn more at julielanerealestate.com julie@julielanerealestate.com | 314.303.6504

janet mcafee inc. I 9889 clayton road I saint louis, missouri 63124 314.997.4800 I www.janetmcafee.com

SINCE 2015, WE HAVE HELPED RAISE MORE THAN $5-MILLION AND GARNERED MUCH NEEDED AWARENESS FOR ST. LOUIS NONPROFITS. ON-LINE DONATIONS | MATCHES WITH CORPORATE DONORS REPORTS ON GIVING TRENDS IN ST. LOUIS | ADVICE FROM DONOR-ADVISED FUNDS

There are more than 19,000 nonprofits in St. Louis. Sophisticated Giving helps them stand out. IN THESE DIVISIVE AND UNPREDICTABLE TIMES, IT IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER THAT WE SUPPORT ST. LOUIS’ NONPROFITS TO ENSURE THEY BOTH SURVIVE AND THRIVE. BY STATING THE ORGANIZATION’S HISTORY, PURPOSE, GOALS, AND NEEDS, ORGANIZATIONS — FROM THE ARTS TO EDUCATION, PUBLIC WELFARE AND FAR BEYOND, YOU CAN LEARN MORE ABOUT THOSE GROUPS WHO ARE HELPING OUR CITY HELP OTHERS. THE STORIES THEY TELL EDUCATE US ON WHAT IS BEING DONE AND WHAT IS STILL NEEDED.

HELP US WRITE ANOTHER STORY TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAVORITE NON-PROFITS SO WE CAN FEATURE THEM IN THE 2025 - 2026 SOPHISTICATED GIVING CHARITY REGISTER. AND PLEASE CONSIDER DONATING SO WE CAN PROFILE AS MANY NONPROFITS AS POSSIBLE AT NO COST TO THE NONPROFITS.

THANK YOU

To help, donate, or get involved, contact Craig Kaminer at 314-363-3333 or craig@slmag.net

THE CATHEDRAL BASILICA OF SAINT LOUIS A 352-Year Journey of Faith, Art and Architecture By Craig Kaminer In his richly illustrated new book, “The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis,” architect and historian John Guenther presents a chronicle spanning more than three and a half centuries. The story begins in 1673, when Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet journeyed down the Mississippi River, setting the stage for the founding of St. Louis and the arrival of Catholicism in the region. From those early missionary roots emerged one of the world’s most extraordinary sacred spaces — an enduring symbol of vision, craftsmanship and devotion. Tracing 352 years of history, Guenther weaves together the narratives of the United States’ growth, the establishment of St. Louis and the evolution of Catholic worship in the Midwest. The book explores each chapter of this remarkable progression — from the Basilica of St. Louis, King of France (the Old Cathedral, 1834) to St. John the Apostle and Evangelist (1860), the ProCathedral (1864–1914) and ultimately the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis (1914–present). Through detailed architectural and structural analyses, Guenther illuminates the design and construction of the Basilica, as well as the artistic and technical mastery behind its breathtaking mosaics — one

of the largest collections in the world. He reveals how generations of artisans, architects and clergy brought to life a sanctuary that stands among the great cathedrals of the world, blending Romanesque and Byzantine influences with American ingenuity. Guenther said, “I gained a deeper appreciation for the dedication, perseverance, artistic skills and process of the designers, artists and craftspeople who created and installed the glass tesserae mosaics from 1915 to 1988 (73 years).” With hundreds of historic images, architectural drawings and photographs, “The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis” offers a visual journey through time. Guenther’s narrative “connects the dots” between exploration and settlement, faith and design, perseverance and creation — demonstrating how vision, determination, collaboration and creativity converged to produce a masterpiece of spiritual and architectural achievement. More than a history, this book is a tribute to human aspiration — a celebration of the people who transformed dreams into stone, glass and mosaic, creating one of the most awe-inspiring testaments to faith and artistry in America. sl slmag.net

A Second Look at the SOPHIs, 2025

Page 75

Page 107

Page 115

Page 116 (HDK, Martin)

Page 116 (Architextures SP)

Historic Preservation First Finalist: Nistenhaus Design, Michael Wyrock

To the finalists and winners of the 2025 SOPHI Awards: We want to apologize. In an ideal world, there would be no need for correctons. Regrettably in our real world, there are. And here they are so we can set the record straight. Thank you. On page 75 In the Rachel Dolan entry, the photographer was Karen Palmer. On page 107 Outdoor Living Space Finalist The correct credits: Architextures SP, Christi Johaningmeyer On page 111 Hospitality The correct credits: Lawrence Group, architect Greg Trost, interior designer Kiera Ferguson

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On page 115 Restaurant or Club Interior Design or Architecture Design The correct credits: Architextures SP, Ashley Buenemann On page 116 Commercial Interior Design or Architecture Design Office The pictures were reversed: The Energizer office should be at the top of the page (HOK) and the bank above Architextures SP. The correct credit there is Veronica Shapiro. The page featuring the finalists in the Historic Preservation category was regrettably omitted. Here they are: First Finalist: Nistenhaus Design, Michael Wyrock Second Finalist: C&M Interiors, Maria Hogrefe

Historic Preservation First Finalist Nistenhaus Design, Michael Wyrock

Historic Preservation Second Finalist C&M Interiors

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The fr e e dom t o c h o o s e yo u r d es tin a tio n. Yo u r J o u r n e y, O u r P r i o r i t y Interested in owning, chartering, or joining our exclusive Charter Shares Membership? Contact St. Louis’ leading private jet company. Your next adventure awaits! SPIRIT OF ST. LOUIS AIRPORT | CHESTERFIELD, MO | 636-735-2222 SPIRITJETS.COM

SOPHISTICATED CELEBRATIONS

Presented by

January 7-14 14-Feb. 8 15-16 17 23

24 27-Feb. 8 31 31 – March 1

“The Outsiders,” fabulousfox.com “Mrs. Krishnan’s Party,” repstl.org John Mulaney: Mister Whatever, stifeltheatre.com The Phil Collins Experience, thepageant.com “Facing Shores” with St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and Saint Louis Dance Theatre at the St. Louis Art Museum, slam.org The Loop Ice Carnival, visitheloop.com “Hell’s Kitchen,” fabulousfox.com “The Wizard of Oz” in concert, St. Louis Symphony, slso.org MOBOT Orchid Show, mobot.org

February 4 Mar. 1 7 12 13 18-Mar. 1 20, 22 20-22 26 27 27 27-March 1 28

“Primary Trust,” repstl.org Spirit of Provident Gala, providentstl.org Saint Louis Ballet’s Annual Gala, stlouisballet.org Mayor’s Mardi Gras Ball, stlmardigras.org “Phantom of the Opera,” fabulousfox.com Mozart’s Magic Flute, slso.org St. Louis Boat and Fishing Show, rjpromotions.com Power of One Gala, Girls on the Run, girlsontherunstlouis.org Autism Speaks 2026 St. Louis Chef Gala, autismspeaks.org “Dancing with the Stars,” stifeltheatre.com Art in Bloom, slam.org Doorways Annual Red Gala, doorwayshousing.org

For more Celebrations and party pics, go to sophisticatedstlouis.com slmag.net

{The World’s Finest}

SOPHISTICATED

TRAVELER The Renaissance Revisited

Join me on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for readers of Sophisticated Living St. Louis. Even if you have been to Florence before, this is a 7- night/ 8-day deep dive into the lives and lifestyles of

Experience the best hotels, restaurants, gelato, private chefs, unique itineraries, guides, scholars, and shopping. Everything is curated by multi-generation Florentines.

and exercise, this trip will exceed every expectation. Our professional photographers will take amazing photos for you to remember the best trip of your life. Please contact me if you have questions or to reserve your spot for the week of:

October 16th-23rd 2026 5-star accommodations: 12,000 per week per person 4-star accommodations: 10,000 per week per person Does not include airfare. Everything else is included.

314-363-3333 craig@slmag.net

FLORENCE Photo credit: Matthew McFarland, mstudio west

Like a Local

Photography by Gara Lacy of Gara Elizabeth Photography

FLOURISH: A NIGHT OF GIVING

The sold-out event took place on September 28 at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center to support the mission of Jewish Family Services (JFS). Nearly 250 people attended and the evening raised $285,000 to help sustain JFS programs that serve families, children and seniors across the St. Louis region. Guests gathered to honor Tim and Julie Stern for their outstanding leadership, volunteerism and commitment to strengthening the St. Louis community. Together, attendees contributed critical funds to sustain JFS’s vital programs, including the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry, helping to alleviate hunger, improve mental health and ensure dignity and stability for neighbors in need. “We are deeply grateful for the generosity and commitment of our honorees, sponsors, donors and the entire community,” said JFS CEO Miriam Seidenfeld. “FLOURISH is a reflection of what’s possible when we come together with compassion and shared purpose to ensure that everyone in our community has the opportunity to thrive.”

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1) Sam Luten, Susie Luten, Steve Green, Ed Macias (Front row, from left) Carol Green, Ed Green, Shari Cohen, Eric Cohen, Tedi Macias 2) Julie Stern, Tim Stern 3) (Back row, from left) Amy Bender-Levy, Rich Levy, Ben Kerner, Howard Rosen, Marissa Rosen (Front row, from left) Todd Siwak, Gianna Jacobson, Aaron Settler, Jill Settler, Betsy Kerner 4) (Back row, from left) Ryan Holtzman, Lisa Deutsch, Jimmy Deutsch, Jennifer Deutsch, Erin Schuver, Susie Horowitz, Jeff Horowitz (Front row, from left) Lori Holtzman, Abby Goldstein, and Michael Goldstein. 5) (From left) FLOURISH Co-Chairs Neil Jaffe and Wendy Jaffe, FLOURISH Honorees Julie Stern and Tim Stern, FLOURISH Co-Chairs Lisa Deutsch and Jimmy Deutsch 6) Emcee Alex Rich 7) (Back row, from left) Nancy Schwartz, Molly Salky, Kenny Salky, Francine Katz (Front row, from left) Rachel Kalina, Tali Katz, Josh Katz, John Weiss, Simon Katz, Janie Roodman Weiss 8) (From left) Danny Flappan, JFS Board Member Kylee Emert, JFS Board of Directors President Megan T. Wilson and Dwayne Meriweather

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“The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements. Past results afford no guarantee of future results and every case is different and must be judged on its own merits.”

Photography by TK

WONDER: A QUANTUM BLAST

Curiosity and community converged as WONDER: A Quantum Blast celebrated St. Louis’ place at the center of science on October 4. Chaired by Mark and Laura Sawyier and emceed by KMOV’s Cory Stark, the event allowed the 230 guests to blend fun with scientific discovery and ignite wonder throughout the evening with transformed museum spaces and live science demonstrations — including a spectacular chemistry presentation by “Molecular Mark” Wrighton, chairman of the Science Center’s Board of Commissioners. By the evening’s conclusion, more than 360,000 had been raised in support of the Science Center’s mission “to inspire everyone to be curious and engaged in science.”

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1) McDonnell family 2) Douglas Sheffield, Tama Sheffield 3) Mark Sawyier, Laura Sawyier 4) Cory Stark 5) Jacqueline Miller, Monique Bynum, Candace Webster 6) Adriana Montano 7) Andy Srenco, Mary Ann Srenco 8) David Kocs, Sally Drake 9) Molecular Mark

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Photography by Erika Pitts

ZERO HUNGER: DOING WHAT WORKS

A capacity crowd turned out on September 18 in support of Meds & Food for Kids’ Haitian-led solution that serves as a model for locally led, sustainable food systems worldwide at MFK’s third annual “Zero Hunger: Doing What Works” forum. Over 200 international leaders, St. Louis innovators and passionate supporters witnessed and celebrated the vision and work required to save children, transform their futures and move our world toward the goal of Zero Hunger. Ambassador Ertharin Cousin, CEO of Food Systems for the Future and former executive director of the World Food Programme, joined MFK CEO Chris Greene, Board President Linda Locke and founder Dr. Patricia Wolff at the podium. They highlighted BOTH the urgent need to produce and deliver lifesaving treatment for malnourished children - AND - the resiliency, joy and hope that live in the hearts of Haitian people. The goal of Zero Hunger: Doing What Works is to raise awareness about solutions for ending hunger in the world. The event raised $96,000 for Meds & Food for Kids.

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1) Dr. Patricia Wolff 2) Alison Ferring 3) Ambassador Ertharin Cousin 4) Jim Bolin, Dr. Will Ross, David Gutmann, Robin Gutmann, Arlene Moore Ross, Renee Peloza, Dr. John Peloza, Villa Jones, Darryl Jones 5) Brady Deaton, Beth Hammock, Anne Deaton 6) Liz Hare, Lauren Nieman, Lisa Humphreys, Chris Greene 7) Anne Bader, Cheryl Campbell, Linda Locke 8) Suzanne Langlois 9) David Olander 10) Mike Owens, Lyda Krewson 11) Kendal Rothschild,Ta Rea Johnson

Photography by Tyler Small

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LITTLE BIT’S “TOGETHER, WE’RE UNLIMITED”

Supporters of The Little Bit Foundation gathered at the historic Chase Park Plaza for the 19th Annual Join the Journey Gala. Together, they embraced the theme “Together, We’re Unlimited” — and proved it by raising more than $725,000 to support The Little Bit Foundation’s mission to empower students and break down barriers to learning. The night began with a lively reception featuring music from Heal Center for the Arts’ student jazz ensemble, followed by a high-energy procession led by the Vashon High School Marching Band and students from Hancock Place School District. Special highlights included the presentation of the Little Bit Spirit Awards, recognition of Little Bit’s Centene Community Grant recipients, and an incredibly moving performance of “Defying Gravity” by COCA students, Safiya Austin-El and Aspen Meyer—a perfect anthem for the limitless potential we see in every student we serve. The evening reflected the region’s solidarity and resilience in times of great need. Miranda Walker Jones, President and CEO, thanked the many supporters who help make Little Bit’s impact possible; “While disaster relief may not be written into our mission, when our students and families are in crisis, we respond. In the wake of the tornado, we went into action as a partner provider, neighbor, and source of hope for the St. Louis region.” St. Louis showed up strong — just as it always does. And as Little Bit continues rebuilding and reimagining what’s possible, they do so hand-in-hand with a community that believes in its children, supports its schools and stands together through every storm.

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1) Dr. Mark Gdowski, Laura Hettiger and Aisha Bowe with Little Bit Spirit Awardees John and Janet Roeder, Miranda Walker Jones, Shelly Williams 2) Stephanie and Keith Williamson with Little Bit President and CEO, Miranda Walker Jones (center) 3) Chris Emert, Lathon Ferguson 4) COCA students Safiya Austin-El and Aspen Meyer performing Defying Gravity 5) Lisa Clark, Karen Lorenzini, Mitzi Foster, Kimberly Sneed, Miranda Walker Jones 6) Dr. Kevin Carl, Anna Trinh, Dr. Joylynn Pruitt-Adams 7) Mike Tangaro, Jim Henry, Lusnail Haberberger, Robin Chestnas, Colleen Stimac 8) Ashley Harris, Alicia Armstrong, Sarah Bowman, Dr. Candace Wakefield, Dr. Joylynn Pruitt-Adams, Chris Emert 9) Jason Bowman, Sarah Bowman, Lauren Rhodes, John Mossatti, Melissa Emerson, Andrew Emerson 10) Ashley Harris

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Photography by Kathie Belfield of Memories Are Forever and Party Roamers

A TASTEFUL AFFAIR

This year’s A Tasteful Affair raised nearly $400,000, the largest amount in the agency’s history. Almost 500 guests gathered at the Ritz-Carlton to celebrate the vital services that Food Outreach has provided to the St. Louis community for the past 37 years. Attendees noshed on food and sipped beverages from 22 culinary and beverage partners, bid on silent and live auction items and danced with DJ Reggie. The funds raised will help support Food Outreach’s mission of providing vital nutritional support to community members living with a chronic illness and food insecurity.

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1) Jessica Bira, Alyson Bira, and Sandra Rounsavall 2) Justin and Jennifer Ryder 3) Good Vibes 4) Amy Hoch Hogenson, Michael Donovan, Craig Marsh 5) Tim Schleinat and Jess Thacker 6) Ben Cooper, Michael Donovan, Julie Lock, Gordon Phillips, Adrian Moore 7) Lauren and Max Karpman 8) Jane and Jerry Garbutt 9) Denise Phelabaum Evans and Jo Ellen Thelen 10) John Schmieder and Julie Lock 11) Cheryl Gee

Photography by EPIC Photography

THE CHAMPIONS OF HOPE

The St. Louis chapter of CEOs Against Cancer is celebrating in a big way after the 10th anniversary of the Champions of Hope Gala raised more than $2 million (and counting!) to fuel the mission of the American Cancer Society. Held on November 8 at The Factory, this sold-out event brought the community together for a night of purpose and unforgettable energy. Event chairs Joe McKee with Paric Holdings Group and David Stokes of Grey Eagle Distributing set the tone for an evening that blended celebration with heartfelt mission moments. Guests traded traditional black tie for their best western glam, enjoyed vibrant food stations and capped the night with a special performance by Brothers Osborne.

1) Collin McPherron, Dan Brennan, Adam Fritz, Larry Bryant, Eric Hallgren and Tim McCabe 2) Adam Fritz with a Budweiser Clydesdale 3) 10 Year ACS Staff Recognition - Kathy Fritz, American Cancer Society Associate Director, Development 4) Andy Simpkins, Brittany Simpkins 5) Event co-chairs Joe McKee and David Stokes 6) Brothers Osborne 7) Erin Polman 8) 2025 Warner Baxter Mission Hero Recipient - Richard and Janet Wile 9) Stephanie Hadfield, Nina Windsor

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Photography by Zach Dalin

THE SOPHI AWARDS 2025

The second floor of St. Louis’ 21c Museum Hotel sparkled and shone on November 5th as the city’s top designers, architects, builders and craftsmen gathered for the second annual SOPHI Awards presentation. The eminent interior designer Marshall Watson, a Kansas City native who now lives in New York, led the evening as the emcee. Another sellout crowd, the group mingled with cocktails before sitting down to a gourmet meal and to hear who won each category. While some familiar names won for a second year in a row, a slew of newbies grabbed the gold as well.

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1) Channning Krichevsky, Craig Kaminer, Maria Hogrefe 2) Alex DeLuca, Ash Leonard. Becca Dauska 3) Tirzah Clerc, Billy Croghan, Paije Croghan, Anna Croghan, Gus Croghan 4) Bridget Melloy 5) Christopher Amburn, Chelsea Smith, Christy Marshall, Konnor Sincox James Allesio 6) Erin Joy 7) Faith Berger 8) Kim Taylor West 9) Katherine Moore, Rebekah Murphy, Craig Kaminer

Photography by Zach Dalin

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10) Karyn Ries, Tim Glebocki, David Ries, Marshall Watson, Icon honoree Alise O’Brien, Denny O’Brien, Jessen O’Brien, Ann Liberman, Michael O’Brien, Celia Hosler 11) Marshall Watson, Craig Kaminer 12) Meghan and Tom Wall 13) Channning Krichevsky, Craig Kaminer, Maria Hogrefe 14) Susan Bower, Craig Kaminer 15) Cate Randazzo, Brian Randazzo 16) Marshall Watson 17) Retta Leritz Tussey, Kate Pohlmann, Aerene Chung Goebel, Martin Goebel 18) Jane Chrisanty, Samantha Beiter, Kiera Ferguson, Jim Shearer, Lisa Morrison, Dana Peck

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