Hamilton Spring/Summer 2026

CELEBRATING MORE THAN A CENTURY OF EXPERTISE, INTEGRITY, AND EXCELLENCE

Vitarbo

ASSISTANT

Meehan

CONTRIBUTING

Beringela, Christen Fisher, Donna Rolando

PUBLISHER Lizette Chin

ADVERTISING/PRODUCTION

Boag, Griff Dowden, Christopher Ferrante, Jacquelynn Fischer, Catherine Rosario

ACCOUNTING

Kasie Carleton, Urszula Janeczko, Steven Resnick

PUBLISHED BY Wainscot Media

CHAIRMAN Carroll V. Dowden

PRESIDENT AND CEO Mark Dowden

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENTS

Edward R. Burns, Lizette Chin, Thomas Flannery, Rita Guarna,

VICE PRESIDENTS

Nigel Edelshain, Noelle Heffernan, Maria Regan, Steven Resnick

A.-L. Breguet redefined the art of horology with his inventions. His pursuit of perfection continues to inspire those shaping the future. The new Tradition 7037 celebrates this extraordinary legacy. One invention at a time

SCULPTED CABLE COLLECTION ON EIZA GONZÁLEZ

DEAR FRIENDS,

Welcome to the latest issue of ACCENT magazine, for spring and summer 2026! With the holiday season behind us, and now a couple of months into the new year, we are feeling the wonderful infusion of optimism and energy that often accompanies the change in season, when we’re led away from the gray winter days and into the sunny spring and summer ahead.

So far, it’s been a very busy beginning to our 114th year in business—and we don’t have any plans for slowing down. We’ve already kicked off the spring season in Palm Beach by supporting one of our favorite nonprofits, Hope for Depression Research Foundation, with a special event at our Worth Avenue store, followed by a luncheon at Le Bilboquet restaurant, and with a Hamilton-sponsored team in the organization’s annual Race of Hope (you can check our Instagram for proof that we actually all crossed the finish line). Back in Princeton, we hosted a “sip and snip” cocktail party at Hamilton Home with the Stony Brook Garden Club, where guests learned flower arranging with a master floral designer from our favorite local shop, Viburnum.

Springtime is also when we travel to Geneva, Switzerland, for the annual Watches & Wonders event, to meet with more than 20 of the world’s top brands for a preview of the industry’s most innovative new timepieces and to watch masters of watchmaking at work. It’s a whirlwind trip that allows us to really spend time with our brand partners and industry colleagues from around the globe.

No sooner than we return from Switzerland, preparations begin for yet another exciting (and jam-packed) week of top-tier jewelry and designer collections with not one, but four events in Las Vegas. First, we’re off to The Luxury Show/JCK, followed by The Couture Show/AGTA GemFair, and finally, the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show. It’s an inspiring run of networking, trend-forecasting, and exclusive previews, and we love every second of it.

One thing we know for sure: This issue of ACCENT, full of must-read articles and gorgeous photographic portfolios, will be tucked into our carry-on bags. Please enjoy this copy with our compliments and heartfelt thanks for your continued support. We look forward to seeing you in the Palm Beach and Princeton stores soon!

HANK B. SIEGEL, PRESIDENT AND C.E.O. @HAMILTONCEO

SIEGEL,

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

@HAMILTONNEXTGEN

HAMILTON HAPPENINGS

FROM PALM BEACH TO PRINCETON

ALL ABOARD WITH BREITLING

On Wednesday, November 5, Hamilton Jewelers took to the water for an unforgettable private watch collectors’ event with Swiss luxury watchmaker Breitling.

In celebration of the brand’s latest timepiece collections, invited guests—including social media content creator Walker Ward—boarded the spectacular super-yacht Moonraker, courtesy of Ikonic Yachts, for a scenic sunset cocktail hour, followed by an elegant dinner at the chic West Palm Beach waterfront eatery, Lamarina.

FESTIVE FÊTE, A CURATE BY HAMILTON EVENT

This December, Hamilton Jewelers decked its halls for Festive Fête, a series of interactive and engaging holiday events held in the Palm Beach Gardens and Princeton stores to celebrate the start of the holiday season.

While guests indulged in hot chocolate and viewed one-of-a-kind looks from Hamilton’s favorite designers, they were treated to a variety of experiences in each location, including a live illustrator creating original drawings for guests in Palm Beach, and a visit from American Repertory Ballet dancers from The Nutcracker, a trunk show with Lingua Franca, and custom-embroidered cocktail napkins by Cozy Croissant Embroidery in the Princeton store. A charity Giving Tree also benefited local organizations Princeton Nursery School, HomeFront, and Mercer Street Friends.

UBS HOUSE OF CRAFT AND HODINKEE PRESENT LAURENT FERRIER

On November 13, the Hamilton Jewelers Worth Avenue boutique, in Palm Beach, hosted an exclusive evening presented by UBS House of Craft, in collaboration with Hodinkee and fine watchmaker Laurent Ferrier, in celebration of the craftsmanship of horology.

Invited guests enjoyed a first-access preview of Laurent Ferrier’s newest products and novelty offerings, including never-before-seen historical pieces. Moderated by Laurent Ferrier’s Charles Marin and Hodinkee Deputy Editor Tim Jeffreys, the conversation was accompanied by a cocktail reception and the opportunity for attendees to try on timepieces from the Laurent Ferrier collection and speak with the brand’s master artisans.

TIMEPIECES

THEY’RE BORN TO RUN

THE WRISTWATCHES OWNED BY ROCK SUPERSTAR BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN REVEAL A DEEP APPRECIATION FOR CRAFTSMANSHIP, HERITAGE, AND FUNCTION

What is down-to-earth, jeans-and-T-shirt Bruce Springsteen doing with all those luxury watches? They’re the genuine article, and he can relate. The iconic singer with the blue-collar style has always favored authenticity over flash, whether on stage or off, and that philosophy extends to his wrist. Most fans know Springsteen, who turns 77 in September, for his energetic performances and storyteller songwriting. But horology aficionados have a special reason to celebrate “The Boss”: For all the informality of his usual attire, the man has an impressive, discerning collection of timepieces.

O ne of the most talked-about watches in Springsteen’s rotation is his vintage Heuer Autavia “Orange Boy” chronograph ref. 1163, a rare early-1970s reference prized for its bold orange accents and motorsport pedigree. Springsteen was photographed wearing the Autavia during promotional appearances and behind-the-scenes moments surrounding Bruce Springsteen’s Letter to You, the 2020 Apple TV documentary that offered an intimate look at his creative process. Paired with a brown-leather bund strap, the Autavia perfectly complements his worn-in denim, boots, and understated rock-and-roll uniform.

R olex also plays a role in Springsteen’s collection. He has long favored vintage models, including a Rolex Submariner ref. 1680, distinguished by its red “Submariner” text—a detail cherished by collectors. The watch has appeared on his wrist in archival photos and public outings over the years,

WATCHES TO WATCH

At left: Bruce Springsteen’s vintage Rolex Daytona ref. 6263 is a grail-level chronograph with motorsport DNA. The piece captures speed, precision, and timeless cool——proof that some legends, watches, or musicians, grow only more prized with age.

Center: With its distinctive red Submariner script, the 1999 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee’s vintage Rolex Submariner ref. 1680 is a true tool-watch icon. Much like the Boss’s music, the timepiece is rugged, honest, and built to endure.

At right: The iconic red-and-blue bezel of the Rolex GMT-Master “Pepsi” ref. 16750, paired with a Jubilee bracelet, speaks to a life in motion. A watch made for crossing time zones, it feels especially fitting on the wrist of an artist whose who’s been touring worldwide and throughout the U.S. since the early 1970s.

reinforcing its reputation as a no-nonsense tool watch suited to a life spent touring, traveling, and performing.

A nother standout is Springsteen’s Rolex Daytona ref. 6263, a 1970s chronograph with screw-down pushers and an undeniable motorsport heritage. He was seen wearing the Daytona during a televised appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in 2020. More recently, Springsteen has shown an appreciation for modern interpretations of classic designs. He’s been spotted around New Jersey wearing a Rolex GMT-Master II “Batman,” identifiable by its black-and-blue ceramic bezel. The watch made an appearance during a visit connected with the 2025 Springsteen biopic Deliver Me From Nowhere starring Jeremy Allen White, underscoring its utility as both a contemporary collector’s favorite and a practical companion for crossing time zones.

B eyond Heuer and Rolex, his collection includes pieces like the Tudor Submariner “Snowflake,” beloved for its angular hands and tool-watch appeal, and robust dive watches such as the Panerai Luminor Submersible, further emphasizing Springsteen’s preference for watches with purpose.

W hat unites Springsteen’s collection is not extravagance, but intention. These are watches meant to be worn, lived in and experienced—fitting companions for a musician whose legacy is built on honesty, endurance, and timeless appeal. Like his songs, Springsteen’s watches tell stories that only get better with age.

GETAWAYS

With the arrival of spring and summer, peak wedding season is upon us. Whether you’re an invited guest, part of the wedding party, or in the bridal spotlight, below, we’ve got a few suggestions for making the main events chicly memorable.

THE WEDDING GUEST

/ CEREMONY AT THE COLONY HOTEL

Les Pétales Place Vendôme Rosés

AMERICAN SPIRIT

THE BACHELORETTES

18k

Platinum, purple-pink sapphire, and diamond ring.

Platinum, emerald-cut blue sapphire, and diamond three-stone ring.

Platinum, oval-shape blue sapphire, and diamond ring.

From the Hamilton Rare Gemstone Collection

Prices upon request

JEWELRY

BEYOND CANDY CRUSH

NEED TO SUGAR-COAT THIS SEASON’S BRILLIANTLY AND BOLDLY DESIGNED DIAMOND AND GEMSTONE JEWELRY. THESE CONFECTION-FORWARD PIECES SURE TO SATISFY EVEN THE MOST DISCERNING OF STYLISH SWEET TOOTHS

Prices upon request

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IN YOUR EYES

WHEN IT COMES TO THE DAZZLING DIAMONDS AND EMERALDS IN THIS SEASON’S MOST STRIKING SILHOUETTES, BEAUTY GOES FAR BEYOND THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER

and

Platinum and round-brilliant diamond “line”

Platinum, emerald, and Asscher-cut diamond “line” bracelet.

Platinum and oval-cut diamond “line” bracelet.

Prices upon request

JEWELRY

CELEBRITY BLING

CELEBRITIES HAVE ALWAYS BEEN A SOURCE OF STYLE INSPIRATION, AND NEVER MORE SO THAN WHEN THEY SAY, “I DO.” HERE, NATURAL DIAMOND COUNCIL SPOTLIGHTS THE MOST DAZZLING OF THE A-LIST’S DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RINGS

MILEY CYRUS

When Miley Cyrus and her partner, musician Maxx Morando, attended the global premiere of the film Avatar: Fire and Ash, in December 2025, the couple walked the red carpet together as Cyrus flashed an exciting new accessory on her left ring finger: a cushion-cut diamond engagement ring crafted in a “chunky” 14-karat yellow-gold band by jewelry designer Jacquie Aiche.

TAYLOR SWIFT

After Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce were officially engaged on August 26, Swift posted a carousel of photos featuring she and Travis in a fairytale-like rose garden, with Travis on one knee and a close-up of a spectacular natural diamond engagement ring. Sources posited Swift’s ring to be an approximately 10-carat antique, elongated cushion-cut diamond, set on a hand-engraved, yellow-gold band with a shape that artfully combined vintage elegance and modern sophistication.

ZENDAYA

After meeting on the movie set of Spiderman: Homecoming, in 2016, Zendaya and Tom Holland didn’t confirm their romantic relationship until 2021. However when Zendaya walked the red carpet at the 2025 Golden Globe Awards—— donning an approximately five-carat, elongated cushion-cut natural diamond “east west” ring crafted in a Georgian-style, button-back setting—— it took only a day for sources to confirm the beloved “super” couple’s engagement.

SELENA GOMEZ

Selena Gomez announced her engagement  to Benny Blanco in December 2024 with an Instagram post captioned, “forever begins now,” accompanied by pictures of the actor-singer-entrepreneur showing off an approximately three-carat solitaire marquise-cut natural diamond engagement ring set on a yellow-gold eternity band. Gomez referenced the gem shape in her song “Good for You,” where she likens herself to a “marquise diamond”——a lyrical nod Blanco considered during the ring-design process.

AT THE HELM

by R A N D I F A I R

CHART A COURSE FOR ADVENTURE AND STYLE THIS SEASON WITH THE COMMANDING CRAFTSMANSHIP, QUALITY, AND DESIGN OF THESE LUXURY TIMEPIECES

The 42mm Superocean Heritage B31 Automatic dive watch with a stainless-steel case, three-hand manufacture caliber, ceramic-inlayed bezel, and a blue mesh-rubber strap.

The 44mm Super Chronomat B01 watch in stainless-steel and platinum with a one-fourth second chronograph, 30-minute and 12-hour totalizers, and a black-rubber strap.

Prices upon request

The 40mm Octo Finissimo watch with an extra-thin satin-polished stainless-steel case and integrated bracelet, transparent caseback, and blue-lacquered dial with sunburst finishing, and mechanical manufacture movement.

Price upon request

JAEGER-LECOULTRE

The 42mm Polaris Date sports watch with a stainless-steel double-polished satin-finish case, Super-LumiNova® hour markers and numerals, and an interchangeable green rubber strap with a Clous de Paris motif. Price upon request

CITADELS OF SPORT

IT’S SOCCER TO US, FOOTBALL TO THE WORLD. W HATEVER YOU CALL IT, THE PLACES WHERE THEY’LL PLAY THE WORLD CUP GAMES HAVE A DRAMA ALL THEIR OWN

This summer the world’s most beloved sport will take center stage across North America. With matches hosted in iconic stadiums throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) World Cup will make the continent a vibrant mosaic of culture, competition, and spectacle. For a fleeting moment, these architectural landmarks will become more than just venues. Soccer—known as football globally—brings a unique electricity: the tension before kickoff, the collective breath held before a decisive strike, and the roar that follows a goal. It commands an emotional fluency that transcends language, uniting fans through ritual, rhythm, and reverence for the game, part of something truly universal.

In his latest book, The World Atlas of Football Stadiums: 1,000 Iconic Grounds and Their Stories, British author John Gillard explores legendary arenas—from Estadio Urbano Caldeira in Santos, Brazil to Olympiastadion in Berlin to MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where the World Cup Final takes place July 19. “Stadiums hold so many memories and emotions,” he says, reflecting on the passion found both in the stands and on the pitch. “They bring together communities, harbor rivalries and friendships, create magical moments and heartbreaking losses. No two are ever the same, and each offers something unique, something surprising.”

Though scheduling conflicts may keep him from attending this year’s World Cup, 50-year-old Gillard, who’s watched games in dozens of stadiums, understands the tournament’s enduring power. It lies not only in the battle for a trophy, but also in the atmosphere these stadiums create. For a few extraordinary weeks, they become spaces where sport, culture, and connection converge—reminding us that the most luxurious experience is being part of something truly universal.

Vancouver’s BC Place features a retractable roof supported by cables and is home to the Vancouver Whitecaps of Major League Soccer. It is slated to host seven World Cup matches, including five group stage games, a round-of-32 match, and a round-of-16 contest.

Right: Though the mountain view from Estadio BBVA (nicknamed “El Gigante de Acero” or the “Steel Giant”) in Monterrey, Mexico, is stunning, fans always stay glued to the action on the pitch. Four 2026 World Cup matches will be played at this venue.

MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., has hosted countless sports and entertaining events, but none match the grandeur of the World Cup. Eight tournament matches will be played on the pitch here,

including the

with

be

19.

FITNESS

THE IDEAL RACKET SPORT?

LOVED BY ELITE ATHLETES, A-LISTERS, AND HIGH-PROFILE CLUBS, PADEL IS A GLOBAL PHENOMENON THAT ELEVATES A RALLY INTO A LIFESTYLE STATEMENT—AND MAKES FITNESS FUN

If tennis is the grande dame of racket sports and pickleball its frenzied American cousin, padel occupies a rarified middle ground—social yet sophisticated, accessible yet undeniably chic. Born on the sun-drenched coasts of Mexico in the late 1960s, padel has quietly evolved into one of the fastest-growing sports on the planet. Today it’s a global obsession: a vibrant blend of athleticism, strategy, and social play now embraced by celebrities, luxury clubs, and a new generation of wellness-driven travelers. Its only controversy: pronunciation. Our suggestion: Say “PAH-del” or “puh-DEL,” but resist calling it “paddle.”

Padel’s origin story begins in Acapulco, where Mexican businessman Enrique Corcuera built the first court on his property in 1969. Short, glass-backed walls kept the ball in play, while a smaller enclosure added an element of tactical precision. The innovation caught the attention of his Spanish friends, who brought the game to Marbella, Spain, on the Costa del Sol, where it quickly became a staple of Europe’s resort culture. Spain would go on to transform padel from a coastal curiosity into a national pastime. Today the country boasts thousands of courts and a professional league (Pro Padel League), with padel rivaling soccer in participation. Italy, Sweden, and Middle East countries soon followed, building gleaming, club-like facilities and weaving padel into their luxury leisure lifestyles. More than 35 million people play the sport worldwide, according to the International Padel Federation.

A merica’s racket enthusiasts didn’t take up padel as quickly as their counterparts overseas, but they’re catching up. In the last five years, padel has moved from niche import to emerging trend in markets like Miami, Los Angeles, New York, and Austin. High-end clubs such as Padel Haus in Brooklyn and Wynwood Padel Club in Miami are building dedicated courts; hotel groups like Marriott International are integrating padel into their amenity portfolios; and new luxury complexes—part wellness hub, part social club—are positioning padel as their marquee attraction.

What’s driving the surge? In part, it’s the sport’s irresistible accessibility. Padel is played on a court roughly one-third the size of a tennis court. It’s surrounded by walls that allow

for creative rebound shots reminiscent of squash. The underhand serve encourages longer rallies, while the compact layout rewards anticipation, teamwork, and intelligent shot placement over raw power. The racket is solid (no strings to break), and scoring is nearly identical to tennis. It’s easy enough for beginners to pick up in minutes, yet the challenge of mastering it with strategic depth keeps seasoned athletes hooked. Games are usually doubles-only, which means the energy stays lively and communal—a perfect match for America’s growing appetite for social wellness.

W here tennis demands a wide range of strokes and often favors the strongest players, padel’s genius lies in its inclusivity. Anyone, regardless of age or athletic background, can enjoy a competitive match. That ease of entry, combined with the game’s high rally frequency, produces a startlingly quick sense of improvement, which many players, including several retired pro tennis stars, describe as “instantly addictive.”

“I think it’s going to keep getting bigger and bigger,” two-time Wimbledon winner Andy Murray of Great Britian told CNN Sports. “I think clubs will continue to want to build courts, and there’ll be more demand for it.”

Murray’s a staunch ambassador for the sport—he’s invested in Game4Padel, the largest provider of padel courts in the U.K. Spain’s Rafael Nadal, winner of 22 tennis Grand Slam titles, also has embraced padel, even adding it to the roster at his prestigious sports institution, Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca, Spain.

Padel’s glamorous appeal has reached beyond the pro tennis circuit. A-listers such as actors Eva Longoria and Antonio Banderas play, as do soccer royalty David Beckham and Lionel Messi. Their visibility has helped elevate padel from a resort pastime to a bona fide cultural moment, one that blends fitness, elegance, and social connection.

Padel’s rise reflects a broader shift in how we think about fitness: It’s no longer just about performance, but also about community, experience, and culture. With its sun-soaked origins, elegant sensibility, and deeply social nature, padel feels tailor-made for the luxury lifestyle landscape. It’s effortless, stylish, and—above all—fun.

FROM LEGEND TO LEGACY

THE BUGATTI TOURBILLON HAS ARRIVED, AND IT’S A TRIBUTE TO CRAFTSMANSHIP, PRECISION, AND THE ETERNAL PURSUIT OF BEAUTY

When the curtain rose in 2024, the car world seemed to pause. Whispers had swirled for years: What could possibly follow the outgoing Bugatti Chiron, the modern titan of speed and design? The French manufacturer responded with the Tourbillon, and the silence took on the quality of awe. This wasn’t merely a successor; it was a renaissance.

Two years later, it’s finally available.

Named for the intricate watchmaking mechanism that defies gravity, the hybrid Tourbillon channels the same spirit of mechanical perfection. At its heart beats an all-new, naturally aspirated, 8.3-liter, V16 engine—co-developed with Cosworth, the British auto engineering company—that’s accompanied by three electric motors. Together they deliver a symphonic 1,800 horsepower that propels the vehicle from 0 to 60 in as little as two seconds, engineers say. The top speed is estimated at 277 miles per hour, but industry experts suggest that Bugatti wants to bring the model in line with the now-retired Chiron Super

Sport 300+, which pushed the needle to 304 mph.

Yet the Tourbillon’s drama extends beyond numbers. Its design blends sculpture and science—fluid and curvaceous, yet muscular and unmistakably Bugatti. The artfully designed cockpit is a study in restrained opulence: crystal glass gauges handcrafted by Swiss horologists remain perfectly centered as the steering wheel spins around them. There isn’t a trace of plastic to be found; even the crystal-clear coverings over the instrument cluster and center console are crafted from machined sapphire glass. The Tourbillon is designed to captivate all on its own, yet for drivers who demand a digital lifeline, a discreetly concealed touch screen offers smartphone connectivity.

Only a few hundred examples of this vehicle will ever exist, and each comes with an estimated price tag of around $4.1 million. But for Bugatti’s clientele, ownership means more than mere possession of an automobile. It’s an acceleration into legend—and maybe the reason humankind invented wheels.

FOR MORE THAN A CENTURY, HAMILTON HAS OFFERED ITS CLIENTS EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY, UNPARALLELED EXPERTISE, AND AN EXTRAORDINARY EXPERIENCE WITH EACH AND EVERY VISIT.

CONCIERGE SERVICES

Hamilton is here whenever you need us, through virtual appointments, digital concierge services, shopping available 24/7 via our website, and easy curbside pickup.

REPAIRS & SERVICE

Maintaining your fine jewelry and timepieces is important to ensure a long life and optimal performance. Hamilton’s professionals can help keep your treasures in top form with a full range of assistance.

JEWELRY BUYING

From fine Swiss timepieces and antique and estate pieces, to diamonds, fine jewelry, and gold and platinum, you can confidently have your valuables appraised for sale with Hamilton——a name trusted in the industry for more than a century.

APPRAISALS

Hamilton offers comprehensive appraisal services by professionals who are highly trained in the areas of new, vintage, and antique jewelry and watches.

ENGRAVING

Put a personal touch on your items with our custom engraving service. Our in-house artists will produce a computerized rendering of your engraved design to allow you to envision your creation in its final form.

CUSTOM DESIGNS

Collaborate with our master jewelers to design or reimagine a piece of jewelry that is uniquely yours. The process begins with your ideas and inspiration, and our experts will see your creation through to completion.

SPORTING

A SCOTSMAN’S TOUCH

AT STREAMSONG IN FLORIDA, A NEW COURSE SHOWCASES THE SURFACE-SCULPTING GENIUS OF ARCHITECT

DAVID MCLAY KIDD By ROBERT BERINGELA

Eons ago, what we know today as Central Florida was underwater, and everywhere there were megalodons—shark-like predators so colossal they made great whites look like minnows. When the seas finally receded, the aquatic monsters vanished and terrestrial pursuits took over. By the 1900s, a broad swath of land near the small town of Bowling Green had become the site of a sprawling phosphate-mining operation. The digging and hauling carved up the landscape, leaving behind a heaving canvas of spoil piles and sand ridges that would one day find a more surprising purpose: the foundation for one of the country’s marquee golf destinations.

That destination, Streamsong, opened in 2013 with two courses—Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw’s Red and Tom Doak’s Blue—putting the resort on the map as the most un-Florida of golf resorts, its rumpled, sandy ground bringing a touch of Scotland to the Sunshine State. Among those on hand for the grand opening was Scottish-born golf course architect David McLay Kidd. He had no project there at the time. But as he wandered the property, he felt the familiar tug designers get when a piece of land sparks their imagination. He hoped that someday he might have a chance to work at Streamsong.

That feeling only sharpened in the years that followed, after Streamsong tapped Gil Hanse to build a third course, the Black, then brought Coore and Crenshaw back again to add the Chain, a 19-hole layout composed of par 3s and par 4s. Kidd watched as his fellow architects stamped their signatures across a unique landscape.

“I was itching for the chance to have my work showcased there,” he says. “Right alongside the architects I consider my peers.”

He now has that commission.

Next spring, Kidd will be back at Streamsong to cut the ribbon on the resort’s fifth course. His layout-in-the-making does not yet have a name, but its footprint is clear. It will sit beside the Black and share its clubhouse.

The land was dramatic, but stitching it together coherently proved tricky. The breakthrough came when Kidd reconsidered the three existing warm-up holes by the practice area, designed by Hanse when he built the Black. If you folded them into the routing, he realized, the sequence suddenly opened up.

The course echoes the Red and Blue in its use of the site’s miningsculpted landforms, but its greens are smaller and less severe than those of its counterparts. Kidd’s imprint is unmistakable. He has long championed the ground game—the option to bump shots low and use the wrinkles of the land to one’s advantage—and this design amplifies that philosophy, with wide avenues off the tee, short-grass surrounds, and green complexes that encourage an array of attack lines beyond the aerial route. The layout also features a handful of half-par holes, including reachable par 4s and 5s set in different directions. No matter which way the wind is blowing, Kidd says, “you’re going to get a few chances to try to be a hero.”

Though Kidd first made his name with Bandon Dunes, a light-on-theland design on the Oregon Coast, he didn’t feel bound to minimalism here. The site, after all, had already been extensively manipulated. “We didn’t have to feel bad about messing with Mother Nature because there was nothing that hadn’t been touched already,” he says. He and his team could dig down where necessary, build up where they liked, and sculpt the surfaces without worrying about disturbing a more ancient order.

A ncient, though, is still part of the story. While Kidd and his team were building, they kept turning up evidence of the ocean that once covered the region: megalodon teeth. Scores of them.

One hole on the new course—the par-5 ninth—has a sharply pointed dune that rises in the fairway. Kidd referred to it as a witch’s hat. But on closer inspection, it resembles something else.

“I think we’re going to have to start calling it a ‘shark’s tooth’ instead,” Kidd says.

TIMEPIECES

DESERT RACER

THE TUDOR RANGER IS A PRECISION TIMEPIECE FIT FOR THE DAKAR RALLY IN THE SAND— OR ALMOST ANY OTHER ADVENTURE

By CHRISTEN FISHER

In 1977, Thierry Sabine, a young motorbike racer in the Abidjan-Nice Rally, got lost in the Libyan desert. His compass smashed and wearing only racing gear with minimal supplies, he wandered the desert for three scorching days and two freezing nights, reportedly sucking on rocks to keep his mouth from running dry. Finally, one of the rally organizers and pilots spotted his tracks in the sand and the cross he’d made from those rocks and rescued him. Though severely dehydrated, Sabine was profoundly inspired by the spectacular landscape that almost killed him and moreover determined to share its unfathomable beauty with the racing world.

The following year, on December 26, 1978, Thierry Sabine’s desert racing dream became a reality when more than 170 competitors embarked on the Dakar Rally, a 10,000-kilometer racing adventure from Paris to the Senegalese capital of Dakar. Since then, the Dakar Rally has grown to become the biggest annual rally raid event in the world. The location of the race routes has changed over the years: First it ran from Europe to Africa, then in South America, and finally in the Middle East. Today the Dakar Rally is run entirely in Saudi Arabia, covering vast deserts, rocky plateaus, coastal plains, and rugged mountains, living up to Thierry Sabine’s bold racing vision: “A challenge for those that go. A dream for those that stay behind.”

Tudor is proud to be the official timekeeper of the Dakar Rally and has recently expanded one of its most iconic families of expedition tool watches, the Ranger, to include a new size option as well as a stunning new desert-inspired dial color, “Dune White.”

The origins of the Ranger watch date back to 1929, when Tudor founder Hans Wilsdorf envisioned adding an adventurous aspect to certain watches and so registered the name “Ranger.” Then, in the 1950s, Tudor saw that aspect realized when it sent tool watches—the Oyster Prince—with the British North Greenland Expedition to be evaluated in the field under extreme conditions. Their performance was nothing short of remarkable, putting robustness and technical precision at the heart of the Tudor value system. Whether in the desert or in the wilds of everyday life, today’s Ranger watches continue to uphold those values with style and aplomb.

The Ranger is available in a 39-millimeter and now a 36-millimeter, brushed stainless-steel, satin-finished case with a fixed bezel and a screw-down winding crown adorned by the Tudor rose in relief. Both sizes feature a grained, matte dial in either black or the new “Dune White” with Arabic numerals at 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock and painted hour markers that contrast perfectly with each respective dial color. The arrow-shaped hands, rounded for the hours and angular for the second hand, are characteristic of Ranger aesthetics and contribute to the watch’s exceptional legibility in all conditions.

Powered by the Manufacture Calibres MT5400 in the 36-millimeter and the MT5402 in the 39-millimeter, the Ranger line is designed to ensure robustness, longevity, reliability, and precision. Both movements boast a 70-hour power reserve, making the watch weekend-proof. In other words, the wearer can take the watch off on a Friday evening and put it back on Monday morning without ever having to wind or reset the time. Both sizes are available on either a satin-brushed stainless-steel bracelet with a Tudor T-fit clasp for rapid length adjustment or a single-piece, earth-tone, tri-color strap woven in France on 19th century Jacquard looms by the Julien Faure company. Waterproof to 330 feet, the Ranger line begins at $3,350.

W hether you’re racing through a desert on a motorbike this weekend or dreaming about it while racing your children to soccer practice, consider the Tudor Ranger, a watch robust enough to meet any of life’s challenges.

With a brushed stainless-steel, satin-finished case, arrow-shaped hands and optional Dune White numerals at the 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock positions, the Tudor Ranger is both robust and beautiful and can take its wearer seamlessly from work to weekend.

INDULGENCES

PLYING THE SUNNY SEA

MANY OF THE NEWEST LUXURY YACHTS HARNESS SOLAR POWER TO DELIVER A QUIETER, GREENER, HIPPER—AND SLOWER—CRUISING EXPERIENCE

For years, yachting meant spectacle—roaring engines, towering wakes, and fuel consumption that felt like part of the performance. But a shift is underway, and it’s changing the landscape of luxury on the waves. Today’s most forward-leaning yacht owners are trading diesel thunder for clean lines, quiet electric motors, and sun-soaked decks wrapped in shimmering solar glass. Sustainability, in its newly polished form, has become the newest badge of sophistication.

S olar-powered yachts have matured far beyond the experimental boats of a decade ago. They’re fast becoming status vessels: whisper-quiet, tech-driven, and engineered for owners who want indulgence without ecological guilt.

A SUNLIGHT FINISH

The appeal of solar goes far beyond the environmental story, though that’s certainly part of it. What seduces owners most is the experience. Electric propulsion eliminates the mechanical rumble and vibration that once defined long passages, replacing it with something rare in the yachting world: silence. The absence of fumes, noise, and generator chatter creates a cruising atmosphere so pure that even the most seasoned sailors describe it as transformative.

S olar power also unlocks a new kind of onboard freedom. With solar glass quietly charging high-capacity batteries, owners can run air conditioning, lighting, entertainment suites, refrigeration, and other amenities without constantly checking fuel reserves or firing up a generator. Days slide into nights seamlessly. Some hybrid solar yachts have been known to cruise entire seasons without consuming a drop of diesel, relying instead on smart energy management and steady sunshine.

Designers have embraced this new ethos with enthusiasm. Solar arrays are no longer afterthoughts; they’ve become architectural elements. Jet-black photovoltaic panels are integrated into flybridges and rooftops with a minimalist elegance that complements the sharp, futuristic lines of modern superyachts. The look is clean, sculptural, and unmistakably forward-thinking.

THE ALLURE AND THE LIMITS

Owners are drawn to solar yachting for a mix of reasons: the desire to tread more lightly on the waters they cherish, the promise of lower maintenance costs, and the lure of energy independence especially

during long trips. But they also appreciate the way solar technology elevates onboard living—the sense of autonomy, the feeling of being connected to the elements without sacrificing comfort.

The technology, of course, comes with trade-offs. Solar output depends on weather and latitude, meaning that cruising in cloudier regions or pushing a yacht at higher speeds can challenge even the most advanced battery systems. Long, energy-intensive voyages often still require hybrid backup engines, and the initial cost of integrating solar power into a luxury yacht remains higher than conventional builds. For some owners, the slightly slower, more measured pace of solar cruising demands an adjustment. Yet isn’t that shift in tempo precisely the point—a new rhythm that trades speed for serenity?

STAR POWER

Solar and hybrid yachts have quietly attracted a following among sustainability-minded celebrities and sports icons, including tennis pro Rafael Nadal and Formula 1 racer Fernando Alonso, who see them as a natural extension of an eco-luxe lifestyle. While not all celebrity yachts are fully solar, many incorporate regenerative systems, solar-assist technologies, or hybrid propulsion—moves that signal a broader shift toward conscientious indulgence. In a world where luxury increasingly includes responsibility, solar yachts are becoming a stylish option for thoughtful wealth.

Design houses such as Sunreef Yachts are already sketching the next evolution, incorporating such features as flexible solar skins, ultralight photovoltaic materials, and battery systems that promise longer range. Some envision yachts that operate almost entirely off-grid, pairing solar power with wind turbines and hydrogeneration to create a closed-loop, low-impact floating residence.

The future of yachting isn’t louder, faster, or bigger. It’s smoother, smarter, and sharper. A vessel that glides through the water with barely a whisper says more about modern prestige than a roaring engine ever could. And as more owners embrace this new, sun-powered world, the new signature of status may be as simple as this: moving across the world’s most beautiful seas while leaving almost nothing behind.

LET THERE BE LIGHT

BRITISH PAINTER CHRISTOPHER LE BRUN’S WORK PUSHES THE BOUNDARIES OF PERCEPTION, REVEALING A DYNAMIC INTERPLAY BETWEEN THE TANGIBLE AND THE METAPHYSICAL

There are artists who follow trends, and then there are those who carve out their own unmistakable territory. Emerging from the charged atmosphere of late-1970s London, British painter and sculptor Sir Christopher Le Brun quickly established himself as a force—quietly intense, fiercely thoughtful, and nearly impossible to pigeonhole. Trained at the Slade School of Fine Art and the Chelsea School of Art, he ascended the global art scene with a confidence that carried him to the Venice Biennale and Berlin’s landmark “Zeitgeist” exhibition. It was unmistakable: A singular voice had arrived.

I n 2021, Le Brun was knighted for his services to the arts. Now 75, he still finds painting a physical, intuitive process in which color, light, and memory collide. The results hover between figuration and abstraction, offering glimpses of the familiar before dissolving into luminous fields of sensation. Each canvas feels like a landscape of the mind—layered, enigmatic, and deeply atmospheric.

“Everything around us glows and shines as if with an inner light,” he says in his latest book, Christopher Le Brun: The Speech of Light, Paintings 2013–2024 (Rizzoli New York, 2025), which he co-wrote with art historian Matthew Holman. “Light is physical but intangible. This parallels painting, as we normally experience it, when it is out of the artist’s hands. The delicious paradox is that once brought to life by touch, its surface becomes untouchable. It is painting that is the speech of light, being a language that speaks to us physically but also metaphysically.”

S ome of Le Brun’s major exhibitions have traced this theory, from the expansive “A Sense of Sight” at Beijing’s Red Brick Art Museum to the evocative tones of “Swan Ritual” in New York. Today, his work is found in prestigious collections, including the Tate Modern and Victoria and Albert Museum in London, as well as New York City’s Museum of Modern Art and Metropolitan Museum of Art. Many of his paintings also are featured in The Speech of Light, including those on the following pages.

and other works of art, including “Siren,” oil on canvas, which was completed in 2016 for a private collection in Israel.

This page: Autumn hues such as orange, brown, yellow, and red take over the scene in “Harvest”, painted with oil on canvas in 2022. The painting is now part of a private collection in Singapore.

Opposite page: The detail of “Painting Seen from the Back” shows the artist’s unique perspective. “You see the painting from the front,” Le Brun has said. “I saw the painting from the back, building out toward you, layer upon layer.” The oil on canvas painting was completed in 2024.

Opposite page: Not caught in the past or looking to the future, “Here” is Le Brun’s ode to the present tense. The oil on canvas piece was completed in 2015 and is on display in the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston.

SMOOTH SAILING

WHETHER YOU’RE AT THE HELM WITH YOUR EYES TRAINED ON THE HORIZON OR REVELING IN THE BEAUTY OF YOUR DEEP-BLUE SURROUNDINGS, SETTING A COURSE FOR STYLISH ADVENTURE IS A BREEZE WHEN YOU’RE ACCOMPANIED BY DAZZLING DIAMOND JEWELRY FROM HAMILTON AND THE SOFT, RELAXED ELEGANCE OF THE LATEST FASHIONS. WITH THE MODERN PILOT LOUNGE YACHT AS OUR STATELY VESSEL—COMPLIMENTS OF WORTH AVENUE YACHTS, IN PALM BEACH—WE VIVIDLY IMAGINED OUR LUXE LIFE ON THE OPEN SEAS

Photographs by N I C K M E L E

ALL HANDS ON DECK

ON THE HORIZON

AT THE BOW

OUT OF THE BLUE

GOING ASHORE

Black evening dress by Simkhai. Platinum, 18k yellow gold, and cushion- and round brilliant-cut diamond “chandelier” earrings; 18k yellow gold and diamond “classic” bracelet; platinum and round brilliant-cut diamond “line” bracelet, by Hamilton Jewelers Private Reserve. The 10mm L’Heure du Diamant watch in 18k ethical white gold with a diamond and guilloché mother-of-pearl dial by Chopard.

GREETINGS FROM ASBURY PARK

FROM QUAINT RESORT TO A-LIST RETREAT, WILD AMUSEMENT PARK TO VACANT BOARDWALK, BURGEONING ARTIST COMMUNITY TO ONE OF THE GARDEN STATE’S MOST EXCITING FOOD AND MUSIC SCENES, ASBURY PARK HAS EMBRACED HISTORY’S ROLLER COASTER—AND DOESN’T SHOW ANY SIGNS OF GETTING OFF THE RIDE

Asbury Park’s history has been as rollicking as an afternoon at its historic Palace Amusements. The town was founded in 1871 as a seaside haven and new “promised land” by brush manufacturer and devout Methodist James A. Bradley. After the addition of rail service from Manhattan, dozens of seaside hotels, Victorian cottages, and grand houses of worship, Asbury Park transformed a mere 25 years later into a resort town that drew the glitterati with its glamour, excitement, and beautiful beachfront.

As the Jazz Age roared in, so too did the crowds, streaming through the new Beaux-Arts bookends of the town’s mile-long boardwalk: the Casino to the south, and the Paramount Theatre and connecting Convention Hall to the north—iconic beauties designed by the same architects as New York City’s Grand Central Terminal. Vaudeville acts, big bands, and society galas kept the boardwalk electric well past sunset, and even the Great Depression could not fully dim the town’s effervescent glow; it remained a playground where a nickel might buy a carousel ride and a few hours’ escape from the worries of the world. World War II shifted the rhythm again, but not the pulse. Servicemen from nearby Fort Monmouth packed the hotels and dance floors, and swing music filled the salt air.

In the postwar years, however, changing travel habits and the rise of the suburbs tugged visitors elsewhere, and by the 1960s, the grand dame of the Jersey Shore began to wane. Long-simmering racial tensions between the town’s East and West sides came to a head in the summer of 1970, when a week of rioting left parts of the city in ruins, and became a catalyst for decades of civil unrest and financial decline. Businesses departed, crime accelerated, and the seaside shop-line became a ghost town, leaving a shadowed Asbury that was in stark contrast to its previously vibrant resort image. The town was dubbed “The Dark City” for its literal and metaphorical darkness.

However, at the end of the 1990s, a spark was ignited. Because of the town’s attractively low rents and endurance of its storied history, plucky artists and businesses rolled the dice by investing their creative energy and much-needed funds into the area. As a result, a new era was ushered in, generating a vibrant food, music, and art scene, and the restoration of Asbury’s historical buildings, boardwalk, and beachfront not far behind.

The once “Dark City” is now firmly back in its light. Rated a “Top Beachside Community” in 2025, Asbury Park is a thriving, year-round town that’s a little punk in nature, elegant in its architecture, and soulful in its citizens. The Victorian quaintness has been replaced by a vibrant diversity and a metropolitan vibe with millions of visitors flocking to the town per year. So whether it’s a musical pilgrimage, a foodie weekend with friends, or just a lay-about on the beach you’re looking for, there is something for everyone in Asbury Park.

THE FOOD SCENE

An eclectically delicious food scene has made Asbury Park a culinary destination. Breakfast has been elevated to an art form, with R Bar’s New Orleans–inspired brass brunch, female-owned Cardinal Provisions’s vegan-forward menu, or the in-season offerings at North Eats. If it’s a more casual meal you’re searching for, the popular food truck Johnny’s Pork Roll and Coffee Too, does justice to that most beloved of New Jerseyan delicacies, the pork roll.

Fine dining can be found at The St. Laurent Hotel, where David Viana and Neilly Robinson have teamed up for the restaurant/cocktail dual concept: Judy and Harry’s, named for Robinsons’s parents and where Viana, a three-time James Beard nominee (and Top Chef alum!) is chef. The pair also own and curate Heirloom Kitchen, in Old Bridge, a farm-to-table restaurant and supper club.

If you prefer your dining with a little soul, try Barrio Costero’s next-level Mexican cooking, which includes cocktails crafted by Jamie Dodge, a former bar manager who came up at Elements restaurant, in Princeton. And coming soon is JBJ Soul Kitchen, a nonprofit community restaurant chain founded by New Jersey natives Jon Bon Jovi and wife Dorothea Bongiovi, who recently announced their intention to open an Asbury Park outpost of its “pay-it-forward” model, which offers locally sourced cuisine for the paying and in-need alike.

Unsurprisingly, there’s no shortage of cocktail bars in town, from the quirky Lovesick, the cozy and creative Laylow, and R Bar, whose pretty rooftop is a fan favorite. For adult beverages served straight, no chaser, visit Wild Air Beerworks, a craft brewery known for its German-inspired beers, or Asbury Park Distilling Co., where handcrafted spirits include its much-loved Asbury Park Small Batch Bourbon.

“ASBURY PARK WAS A CITY THAT WAS FALLING APART AND BEAUTIFUL AT THE SAME TIME. THAT CONTRADICTION GAVE IT ITS POETRY.”

Bruce Springsteen

THE MUSIC SCENE

Asbury Park’s music scene might have begun in the Big Band and Jazz eras, when John Philip Sousa, Billie Holiday, and Count Basie frequented the town’s West Side, but it remains a music mecca. There’s little question that its unofficial ambassador is the legendary Bruce Springsteen. Asbury is a running theme throughout The Boss’s musical canon, from Backstreets, which was written while he performed at the historic Stone Pony, to the titular video for his 1987 juggernaut, “Tunnel of Love,” filmed from Carousel to Casino. Springsteen has shown incredible support to the town over the years, surprising fans with frequent performances at local venues, as well as a six-figure donation to the restoration of West Side’s historic Turf Club, giving a much-needed boost to the last of the great Springwood Avenue music clubs.

The famous Stone Pony has remained a constant in this constantly changing city. Since 1974, its programming brings in music lovers year-round, and its Summer Stage is a revered outdoor venue that has featured popular indie acts like The Black Keys and Glass Animals. Music festival Sea.Hear.Now, spearheaded by the same organizers as Austin City Limits and Bonnaroo, caps high season with a two-day event in September. Held at North Beach and Bradley Park, it draws more than 70,000 fans with the likes of Springsteen, Hozier, Foo Fighters, Blink-182, and Lenny Kravitz.

Smaller venues keep the music alive all year long, like the House of Independents, whose name speaks to the emerging and established artists who perform at the heart of Cookman Avenue’s Arts District. A block from the beach is the Wonder Bar, known for its live music, boardwalk fare, and colorful teal exterior, and Asbury Lanes, the reinvigorated bowling alley/live music venue that originally opened in 1960.

HOLLYWOOD COMES TO ASBURY PARK

WITH BEAUTIFUL BEACHES, HISTORIC CITIES, AND A HEFTY FILM TAX CREDIT, NEW JERSEY IS NOW GIVING HOLLYWOOD A RUN FOR ITS MONEY. IT’S NOTHING NEW FOR ASBURY PARK, WHICH HAS BEEN A BACKDROP BELOVED BY FILMMAKERS FOR DECADES.

Long before Netflix re-lit the fuse on New Jersey’s film industry with its new megastudio in Fort Monmouth, Hollywood found inspiration in Asbury Park’s haunting, faded glamour. Woody Allen filmed Stardust Memories both here and in its sister town, Ocean Grove. The crime drama, City by the Sea (starring Robert De Niro) used the town’s then gritty, rundown boardwalk and casino to stand in for Long Beach, NY. Convention Hall was featured in the Oscar-nominated film The Wrestler, as well as dream sequences in the television show The Sopranos

Most recently, the town provided the setting for pivotal scenes in the Bruce Springsteen biopic, Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere starring The Bear’s Jeremy Allen White. Asbury Park circa 1980s came alive at The Stone Pony, the Carousel House, and Frank’s Deli, where owner Joe made a cameo. When White filmed scenes performing at The Stone Pony, Springsteen and his wife Patti Scialfa were there. (White played a Gibson J-200 that Springsteen sent him, the same model he’d used for his album Nebraska.) Said White at a press junket at The Stone Pony of the venue and the town: “It felt very sacred. These spaces, the space we’re in now, I know the history of these rooms.”

9 WAYS TO WELCOME SPRING

FESTIVALS AROUND THE WORLD JOYFULLY USHER WINTER OUT THE DOOR AND CELEBRATE THE WARMER SEASON EVERYBODY LOVES

“Spring,” declared the late comedian Robin Williams, “is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s party!’” And nine places on this planet seem to agree. They have joyous annual festivals to mark this season of renewal and rebirth. Each one is worth putting on your bucket list.

HOLI, INDIA

One of the major festivals of Hinduism, Holi is also known as the Festival of Colors, Love, and Spring. Not only does it usher in that season (usually falling in the middle of March), it also celebrates the triumph of good over evil and the eternal love of Hindu deities Radha and Krishna. Celebrations begin the evening before——called Holika Dahan——when people gather around bonfires for singing, dancing, storytelling, and religious rites. When the next day, Rangwali Holi, dawns, the world becomes awash in beautiful jewel colors. People drench each other with water balloons and water guns filled with dye and smear each other with brightly colored powders called gulal. Each color has a symbolic meaning: red for love, blue for the god Krishna, and green for new beginnings. Groups and friends and family gather in the streets with drums and other instruments to share food and drink (sweet fried pastries such as gujhia are common) and ensure that everyone is happily covered in the hues of the new season.

LAS FALLAS, SPAIN

On Spain’s beautiful east coast, the city of Valencia comes alive for almost all of March with a festival to honor Saint Joseph that combines tradition, satire, and art in a can’t-miss exhibition. Central to Las Fallas are the fallas themselves—spectacular sculptural monuments made of wood and papier-mâché that are placed in the city’s streets and squares for all to admire, portraying everything from fairy-tale characters to modern politicians. Some of these sculptures are towering, and all are created around an agreed-upon theme (which changes every year). They’re also filled with firecrackers. On the festival’s last day, called La Cremà, every falla is set ablaze in an eye-popping, full-city fireworks display. But you’ll have plenty of time to browse them before that happens while you take in parades, streets filled with people wearing traditional garb from different eras of Valencia’s history and playing folk music, vendors and craftsmen working in centuries-old traditions, and some of the very best of Iberian cuisine.

FRÜHLINGSFEST, GERMANY

Munich’s celebration of spring occurs for two weeks in mid-April; locals affectionately call it “Oktoberfest’s little sister.” It even takes place in the Theresienwiese fairground, the spot where that famous autumn celebration originated. Unlike Oktoberfest, which started in the 1800s to celebrate a royal wedding, Frühlingsfest was created in the 1960s to give local craftsmen a chance to show off after the long winter months——and they’re eager to do so. The festivities kick off with a parade of participating breweries and craftsmen, concluding in a ceremonial beer-barrel tapping. From there, you’ll enjoy days of classic and modern amusement-park rides, a sprawling market, a vintage car parade, and traditional music and dancing. The beer is world class, the atmosphere is lively——and the crowds are thinner than those in October, allowing for a more authentic look at the countryside around you.

SECHSELÄUTEN, SWITZERLAND

Literally translated as “the six o’clock ringing of the bells,” this centuries-old tradition in Zürich is built on the idea of burning winter away literally, at least in effigy. Usually set for the third Monday in April, the holiday begins with locals dressed in traditional costumes and attire (including children, who march in a parade). They play music and show off stately horses, beautiful flowers, and handmade flags, and enjoy full banquets for lunch and dinner——and it ends with the Böögg. The Böögg is a figure of a snowman settled on top of a great pyre. As soon as Zürich’s St. Peter church strikes six in the evening, the snowman is set alight. According to local legend, the faster the snowman’s head, which is filled with fireworks, explodes, the better weather there will be in the summer to come. As the fire slowly burns itself out, the party continues around it and spectators cook sausages on the embers long into the night.

INFIORATA, NOTO, ITALY

Petals blanket the street of this Sicilian city on the third Sunday of May. Also called “Baroque Spring,” this cultural event brings together teams of young artists to arrange millions of flower petals on the cobblestones, creating elaborate designs and gorgeous art that is all the more beautiful for being ephemeral. The designs change every year, as does the festival’s theme, but are always inspired by the area’s rich religious, cultural, or artistic history. Each one also represents a perfect marriage of artistic creativity and the beauty of nature. Wander Noto’s city center and take in the riot of colors and scents, and make sure to stop by the art exhibitions, concerts, and tastings, all sure to keep you enthralled and chase away the last bit of winter in the air.

HANAMI FESTIVAL, JAPAN

In early spring, Japan’s sakura (cherry blossoms) and ume (plum) trees open their delicate blooms and paint the countryside and city parks in a dreamy shade of blush. The trees are the stars of this celebration, so the dates vary depending on when peak bloom hits every year. Once it does, outdoor parties start underneath the vibrantly pink trees. People gather together for food, drinks, good company, and to celebrate spring’s beginning in earnest. Even a daytime gathering is jaw-dropping, with sunbeams streaming through the flowers, but those in the evening are something truly special. Called Yozakura, or “night sakura,” it feature paper lanterns hung among the trees, bringing a soft illumination and new beauty to the blossoms. Sake and traditional tea flow freely, and sweet foods are passed around for guests to enjoy. This is also a celebration that spans the country——take in the flowers in Tokyo and Osaka alike.

QINGMING FESTIVAL, CHINA

Occurring yearly on either April 4, 5, or 6, this is one of China’s most important festivals. It’s known as “the tomb-sweeping festival,” and the heart of the celebration is just that: People show respect to their ancestors by cleaning tombs and placing offerings there. Traditional ones include food, tea, or wine, in addition to burning incense or joss paper. (The order of events is important. One first cleans the tomb, then offers the sacrifices, then toasts the deceased, and finally bows in worship.) Afterward, families head to public parks and other scenic places outdoors and fly kites in the shapes of animals or mythical creatures from traditional Chinese folk tales, thereby (it is said) bringing good luck and banishing any lingering misfortune. The traditional food to eat during Qingming is qingtuan, green dumplings made of rice and Chinese mugwort or barley grass.

SONGKRAN WATER FESTIVAL, THAILAND

This Thai New Year celebration is held on and around April 13, and it includes washing the old year away with water to welcome the new season with open arms, if rather damp ones. This celebration has deep roots in Buddhist tradition, and celebrating it often begins with visiting temples and offering food to the monks. Then people pour water on Buddha statues, the young and elderly in a traditional ritual, to bring purification and wash away both sins and bad luck. In recent years, this has evolved into what’s been called “a countrywide water fight,” with young and old alike taking to the streets with bowls and squirt guns to soak each other and chase away the old year. You’ll also find an abundance of cool, sweet foods to indulge in——mango sticky rice, the nation’s favorite dessert, chief among them.

LANTERN FESTIVAL, TAIWAN

This event marks the end of the celebration of Lunar New Year; it’s celebrated all over Asia and beyond, often in early March. However, Taiwan’s Lantern Festival has a particular style. In the rural, northern Pingxi District, the sky fills with thousands of paper lanterns over the course of two days. This district is the only place in the country where it’s totally legal to release these lanterns; the tradition started in the 1800s as a way to signal that a town was safe from bandits. Today people write wishes to the gods on the lanterns——then they’re released at once. They rise into the air together, a glowing and almost living monument to the year ahead, as crowds of people watch and cheer them on from below.

THE SWEET LIFE

TALK ABOUT LA DOLCE VITA. THIS SPRING’S CHICEST LINEN AND SILK FASHIONS AND MOST VISUALLY STUNNING JEWELS—THINK DIAMONDS, TOURMALINE, KUNZITE, TANZANITE, AND PINK SAPPHIRES—RECEIVE SOME DELICIOUS AMBIENCE THANKS TO SWEET ASSISTANCE FROM THE CULINARY ATELIER, LE BILBOQUET MARKET, IN PALM BEACH

SUGAR RUSH

SWEETEST DREAMS

Silk dupioni cropped classic button-up and skirt by Coniglio Palm Beach. 18K white gold, morganite, and diamond “open collar” necklace; 18K white gold, tourmaline, and diamond “halo” lever-back earrings; 18k white gold, emerald-cut tanzanite, and diamond ring; 18k white gold, cushion-cut pink sapphire, and diamond “open” ring; and 18k white gold, emerald-cut kunzite, tanzanite, and diamond ring, by Hamilton Jewelers Private Reserve.

DENNY’S KITCHEN

S A L A D S E A S O N

ACCENT’S CULINARY GURU AND FORMER HAMILTON JEWELERS STYLIST DENNY SIEGEL IS FINDING HER FOOD INSPIRATION IN THE WARMER CLIMES OF PALM BEACH AND BY EMBRACING THE VERSATILITY AND CREATIVITY OF THE SIMPLE AND SIMPLY DELICIOUS SALAD

Spring is in the air, and the salad days are here again—literally! To be honest, the salad days never left as these dishes are a mainstay of my every-day diet, and particularly so during the winter months when I’m craving lightness and brightness in my food. The salads I prefer tend to be simple, satisfying, and light, which are prerequisites for most of my meals. Recently, I’ve gotten some culinary inspiration from two of my favorite eateries and their signature salads: West Palm Beach’s marvelous Lamarina, and the divine Lamarina Chopped salad; and the super Shrimp Louie at The Honor Bar, located at the Royal Poinciana Plaza, in Palm Beach. Here, you’ll find two of my own recipes that showcase elements from these restaurant dishes, including Parmigiano Reggiano and breadcrumbs. And while both of these salads are accompanied by their own dressing, I’ve also included my go-to vinaigrette because it goes beautifully with any combination of greens you can dream up and keeps in the refrigerator for up to a week.

BRUSSELS SPROUT CAESAR SALAD

Serves 4––6

I N G R E D I E N T S:

• 2 lbs. Brussels sprouts, presliced or slice your own

• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

Grated Parmesan cheese

For the dressing:

• 6 Tbs. mayonnaise

• 2 Tbs. water

• ½ cup fresh lemon juice

• ½ tsp. Dijon mustard

• 1 large garlic clove, minced

• 1 Tbs. capers, drained

• 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

• ½ tsp. salt

• 2 ½ Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil

• Ground black pepper

For breadcrumbs:

2 Tbs. unsalted butter

• 2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

• ¼ tsp. garlic powder

D I R E C T I O N S:

1. Preheat oven to 400° F.

2. Toss Brussels sprouts in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through.

3. Toss breadcrumbs in butter, oil, garlic powder, and salt. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, spread out breadcrumbs and toast until browned and crisp.

4. To make the dressing, combine all ingredients in a blender and mix. Season with black pepper to taste.

5. Once cooled, toss Brussels sprouts with dressing; add breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, to taste.

6. Serve warm or cold, as desired.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH, BEET & CHICKEN SALAD

Serves 2––4

I N G R E D I E N T S:

• 1 qt. cubed butternut squash

4 beets, peeled and cubed

• 1 green apple, cored and thinly sliced

• 6 cups arugula

2 cups cooked chicken, cubed (a rotisserie chicken works in a pinch, too)

• Thyme, to taste

1 garlic clove, grated

For the dressing:

• 1 heap Dijon mustard (rounded tablespoon)

• 1 lemon, juiced

• ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 Tbs. maple syrup

D I R E C T I O N S:

1. Preheat oven to 325° F.

2. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, place squash. Sprinkle with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss together and roast for 20 to 30 minutes, or until tender. Let cool and transfer to bowl.

3. Toss beets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Wrap completely in foil, and roast for 20 to 30 minutes, or until fork tender. Once cooled, slice beets and add to bowl.

4. To make the dressing, combine all ingredients and whisk.

5. Add sliced apple to bowl.

6. Add cubed chicken to bowl.

7. Add dressing to bowl, and toss.

8. Serve immediately.

DENNY’S FAVORITE SALAD DRESSING

3/4 cup

E D I E N T S:

garlic clove, finely grated honey

Dijon mustard

llot, finely chopped lemon, juiced cup extra-virgin olive oil and pepper

D I R E C T I O N S:

1. In a container with a tight lid or a glass jar, combine garlic, honey, mustard, shallot, and lemon juice. Close tightly and shake well to mix. Add salt and pepper, and shake again.

2. Add olive oil ¼ cup at a time, shaking very well after each addition, until smooth and emulsified. Taste and add more olive oil, if dressing is too tart.

3. Use immediately or refrigerate up to three weeks.

LOVE STORIES

FROM THE RINGS MARKING A COUPLE’S COMMITMENT TO FINDING THE PERFECT VENUE FOR THE “I DO’S,” SETTING THE SCENE FOR THE MOST IMPORTANT DAYS IN AN ENGAGED COUPLE’S LIFE IS ALL IN THE DETAILS

They say a picture paints a thousand words—and so, too, does the setting for a wedding. Whether the venue is an elegant rooftop with a city skyline in the distance, a serene white-sand beach at sunset, a gothic castle looming high above the moors, or a charmingly simple twinkle-lit backyard, the backdrop for the big day is layered with a significance that goes far beyond its literal coordinates. And in this issue’s “Love Stories,” location is, indeed, everything for the featured couples.

“After taking a trip to Paris to celebrate our engagement, we were inspired by the breathtaking baroque architecture and gilded design,” says Christal, a senior sales advisor at Hamilton Jewelers, of her wedding to entrepreneur Chris. “And we knew we wanted our wedding venue to encapsulate those elements.” Tapping into a shared heritage inspired L’Oréal sourcing buyer Priscilla and her husband, Andrew, owner of a renewable energy construction company. “Our wedding style embraced the charm and atmosphere of Italy,” says Priscilla. “We let the setting speak for itself.” And while the out-of-doors provided the picturesque direction for Viv and Jake’s day, the locale was decidedly closer to home. “We decided Montauk was a beautiful ‘destination’ wedding location that was close yet far enough away that friends and family could enjoy a full weekend with us.” B y J ENNIFER P.

PRISCILLA & ANDREW

HOPEWELL, NJ

ENGAGED: OCTOBER 2024

MARRIED: OCTOBER 2025

Their Backstory:

“I grew up in Montgomery Township, NJ, just a few minutes from downtown Princeton. I was the only girl in my family, with three brothers, but I always loved dressing up and expressing myself. Much of my childhood was spent in the dance studio, where I trained and competed in dance.” | “I grew up in Hopewell, NJ, with deep ties to Princeton where my grandparents lived close to town. I would go to Princeton every Sunday when all of my cousins, aunts, and uncles would get together for Italian meals.”

Their Meet Cute:

“We met online and quickly realized we shared close ties to Princeton, along with a few mutual connections. It made meeting in person feel easy right from the start. Our first date was at Triumph Brewing Company during the holiday season. We ended the night with a stroll around the Christmas tree in Palmer Square, and that was the beginning of everything.”

Their First Impressions:

“What first drew me to Andrew was how polished and put together he was; he carried himself with quiet confidence. He was incredibly easy to talk to, too, and our conversations flowed naturally from the start.” | “Priscilla was very sweet and a little quiet, which immediately stood out to me. I’m a bit on the shy side, as well, so her calm presence felt comfortable and familiar.”

Their Favorite Things:

“Her loyalty. I know without question that she always has my back. There’s something incredibly grounding about that kind of support.” | “What I love most about Andrew is his heart. He cares deeply and shows up fully for the people he loves.”

Their Q.T.:

“We both really love cooking together. Growing up in Italian families, life centered around the dinner table, and that’s something we’ve carried into our own relationship. We also share a love for travel. Since we met, we’ve been to Europe five times and have explored every part of Italy together. We’ve also made it a tradition to celebrate our birthdays in the Bahamas each year since they are only five days apart.”

The Proposal:

“I proposed to Priscilla during a trip to Europe. We started in Zurich, Switzerland, and then made our way through Northern Italy. On the day of the proposal, we spent the morning hiking in the Dolomite Mountains. Later that evening, I planned a private setup on the rooftop of our resort, with the mountains as the backdrop. It was a total surprise: I also arranged for a light display that spelled out, ‘Will you marry me?’ The most memorable part of the proposal was the feeling after she said ‘yes.’ We had a private dinner afterward, which made the whole night even more special.”

The Ring:

“Diane at Hamilton Jewelers had helped me before, with some watches, so I worked with her again, to pick out the perfect engagement ring. I had an idea of the style Priscilla wanted, and Diane took the time to go through each diamond and weigh every detail. In the end, I chose a pear-shape diamond set on a diamond band.”

The Fashion:

“We wanted our wedding looks to be timeless and classic. I chose a romantic all-lace gown, and Andrew wore a white tuxedo jacket, which was both sophisticated and fitting for the setting in Italy.”

The Big Day:

“We were married in Taormina, Italy. Our ceremony took place at a beautiful church in the city center, followed by a reception at a private villa overlooking Mount Etna and Isola Bella. Taormina holds a special place in our hearts because it was the destination of our first big trip together. Coming back to celebrate our wedding there, surrounded by our closest friends and family felt incredibly full circle.”

The Bands:

“We worked with Diane again to choose our wedding bands, which made the process seamless and special. Around the same time, Andrew had been eyeing a Rolex GMT-Master II, and it happened to arrive just before the wedding. I was gifted Andrew’s grandmother’s vintage pearl earrings, which became my ‘something borrowed.’”

Their Song:

“Can’t Help Falling in Love,” by Elvis Presley

The Food:

“We embraced the full Italian experience. We served a traditional multi-course meal. We both love food, and being in Italy, it felt important to honor the authenticity of the cuisine.”

Their First Anniversary:

“We celebrated our first wedding anniversary back where it all began, returning to Italy for vacation, and revisiting the Dolomites.”

Their Greatest Lessons:

“We’ve learned the importance of patience and communication. Marriage has shown us that supporting each other, especially during challenging moments, is what truly strengthens a relationship.”

Their Future:

“We’re most looking forward to starting a family together. We’re currently expecting a baby boy, and this next chapter feels incredibly exciting. Our greatest hope is to continue to build a beautiful life together rooted in love, family, and meaningful traditions.”

CHRISTAL & CHRIS

YARDLEY, PA

ENGAGED: MARCH 2023

MARRIED: SEPTEMBER 2025

Their Backstory:

“We actually grew up 10 minutes away from each other, in Hamilton, NJ, but our paths didn’t cross until later in life. We both grew up in loving, supportive families. Chris spent his childhood playing baseball, while I spent my childhood in competitive dance and cheerleading. We’re alumni of the same high school, although we attended at different times. I pursued Environmental Science at the University of Alabama, while Chris went to Mercer County Community College where he studied Computer Science and Systems Engineering.”

Their Meet Cute:

“It all began when I decided to follow Chris on Instagram, and he messaged me. We officially met for the first time when Chris invited me to a Halloween party. He was dressed as a pirate with a black wig and white contacts, and I went as Beetlejuice— fully committed to the costume including spraying my hair green. It was absolutely love at first sight.”

Their First Impression:

“Christal had my same sense of humor, and it felt like I was talking to someone I’d k nown forever.” | “Chris’s quick wit and sarcasm had me hooked from the start.”

Their Favorite Things:

“I’ve always admired Chris’s intelligence and determination, his dedication to his family and friends, and his ability to always make me laugh. There is never a dull moment with him.” | “The way the smallest things can put the biggest smile on her face. Her determination to get things done no matter what. The closeness she shares with her family, and the way she is with my nieces says everything about her heart.”

Their Q.T.:

“We love going out to eat, trying new places, and discovering hidden gems around our area. Some of our best memories are made sitting at a table, sharing delicious food and talking for hours.”

Their Playlist:

“We love ‘the oldies,’ even though neither of us were alive for it: Ben E. King’s ‘Stand By Me’; ‘My Girl’, by The Temptations; and ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You’, by Frankie Valli.”

The Proposal:

“I asked Christal to marry me at Tyler State Park, in Newtown, PA. We had walked a specific trail there the year before, and there was one spot with a beautiful view, and I knew that was where I wanted to propose. I even walked it first to make sure I didn’t get lost the day of the proposal. I had our families waiting for us at the end of the trail, like paparazzi hiding and taking photos. We ended the night with our families at our favorite pizza place where I had taken her for our second date.” | “It was a total surprise, although I did have a hunch in the moment after I saw a person filming us from a park bench—I later found out it was my sister in disguise! One of the most memorable parts was having our families there; they decorated the covered bridge at end of the trail with roses and champagne.”

The Ring:

“I am surrounded by fine jewelry every day, and it really shaped the way I approached choosing my rings. I wanted my rings to be a representation of my style, but also classic enough to, one day, become family heirlooms. I’ve always been drawn to the Art Deco era of jewelry, and decided on an Asscher-cut three-stone engagement ring. Its symmetry and architectural lines have an old-world elegance I love.”

The Fashion:

“I wanted my dress to be elegant and sophisticated, with vintage inspiration: long sleeve, high neck, open back. When I saw Dana Harel’s “Moe” dress, I immediately knew it was the one. Chris went for classic European with a bespoke Loro Piana tuxedo.”

The Big Day:

“We were married at Elkins Estate in Elkins Park, PA. We went for a timeless, romantic, moody aesthetic using lots of candlelight and white florals and green accents, and we asked all of our guests to wear black tie, too.”

The Bands:

“I wanted a band to complement my engagement ring and went with an emerald-cut eternity band. Chris decided to match my rings and went with a classic platinum comfort fit band.”

Their Life:

“We purchased a home a month before we got married, and we are working on making new memories and traditions with our family and friends there. Also, our wedding gift to each other was getting an English Bulldog. We’ve always shared the same obsession with the breed, and we look forward to enjoying life in our home with Gaston.”

Their First Anniversary:

“We’re planning a trip to Italy to celebrate both our official honeymoon and our first anniversary.”

Their Future:

“To continue to grow together, always supporting and challenging each other. To never take a single moment for granted. To never stop pursuing one another and being each other’s best friend. To one day build a family. To grow old and look back at the life we’ve built and realize we fulfilled everything we wanted to accomplish together.”

VIV & JAKE

ENGAGED: DECEMBER 2023

MARRIED:SEPTEMBER 2025

Their Backstory:

“We both grew up in Northern New Jersey, about 25 minutes from one another (Jake went to Delbarton for high school, and I went to the sister school, Villa Walsh Academy, and we both attended Loyola University Maryland). Jake’s childhood was fun, simple: He spent a lot of time outdoors, traveled for sports, surfed, and hung out with his family which included two yellow labs. My childhood was filled with family time, too. My grandparents on my mother’s side lived with us for most of the year. Then, in the summer, we’d go to Lebanon to visit my dad’s family.”

Their Meet Cute:

“We first met for coffee. It was supposed to be a ‘business meeting,’ but it quickly felt like something more. Although we went to the same university, we never crossed paths. But then Jake reconnected with me after college to potentially work together on a new business venture. After an initial call that lasted too long, and an in-person coffee meeting that seemed more like a date, we knew there was something special between us. Maybe not love at first sight, but intrigue, comfort, and excitement, for sure.”

Their Favorite Things:

“Jake is positive, calm, yet goofy around those he loves and trusts. He’s level-headed and always puts in the effort. He’s extremely family- and friend-oriented, and always makes sure he’s the best version of himself.” | “Viv makes every day brighter and lighter. She’s constantly making me laugh, she loves hard, she has so much empathy and care for others, and is extremely family oriented.”

Their Q.T.:

“We love to go to the beach, and now that we have a dog, it’s even better! We love to listen to music, travel, go to concerts, surf—Jake surfs while I sunbathe—and hike.”

Their Playlist:

“‘Part of Me,’ by Tedeschi Trucks Band (our wedding song); ‘Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl),’ by Looking Glass; ‘Honeybody,’ by Kishi Bashi; and ‘Dixieland Delight,’ by Alabama (one of the first songs we listened to on a date that has been a core song for us to sing together).”

The Proposal:

“Jake made a plan with my close friend and marketing manager, Nim, to get me to shoot a ‘winter whites’ campaign at the beach. It was a beautiful, 50-degree December afternoon, and though Jake and Nim both thought I had no idea, I, in fact, did. I could tell Jake was beyond giddy all week and Nim was acting suspicious. Although I figured it out, I was still in shock and disbelief that it was actually happening, and was so glad I had the time to process it all a couple days leading up to the proposal. On the proposal day, I dressed up—a navy blue base outfit with a white coat—and drove with Nim to the beach. I walked down onto the sand, and Jake led me to a beautifully romantic set-up, just the two of us on an empty beach (along with a photographer). After the proposal, we sat and soaked it all in, and took some photos. I asked Jake if my family was coming because they all live out of state; Jake said unfortunately they were unable to make it. I didn’t think anything of it, but then we got home and walked into the back of the house to the surprise of both of our families!”

The Ring:

“I wanted the most simple and classic solitaire diamond. I told Jake to choose the metal, and he ended up choosing platinum.”

The Fashion:

“It was mainly trial and error, and ordering and returning. I did work with a wedding stylist who was amazing about suggested brands and price points, and bouncing ideas off of, and getting feedback on looks. I really wanted to feel good, like myself, but also unique in a way.”

The Bands:

“Went to Hamilton and tried on everything! It was such a great experience, and we did not feel rushed at all. I fell in love with two bands, and Jake went with a classic gold comfort fit.”

The Big Day:

“We were married at Gurney’s Montauk Resort, in Montauk, NY. We’d been car-camping there for the past five years, a fun end-of-October tradition, and we decided it was a beautiful ‘destination wedding’ location close enough that friends and family could enjoy a full weekend with us. The weather could not have been more perfect, and Friday weddings are so fun! There was no specific theme; classic, elegant, and timeless were our keywords. The food was all farm-to-table and locally sourced. And our wedding planner outdid herself with the dance-floor design; it brought everything together. Truly the entire space was a dream and felt very us.”

The Vows:

“Classic, church ceremony.”

Their First Anniversary: :

“We’d like to celebrate back in Montauk!”

Their Current Mood:

“Training our puppy, spending time at the beach, and traveling.“

Their Greatest Lessons:

“Not to rush the day to day, to be present, to take our time in answering and doing things, to communicate well, and to know that truly nothing is more important in life than health and family.”

Their Future:

“A healthy and happy growing family.”

A HOUSE

OF MAGIC

THE PARIS FASHION MUSEUM LA GALERIE DIOR LAVISHES THE SAME LOVING ATTENTION ON ITS DESIGN AND EXHIBITS AS THE HOUSE OF DIOR HAS ALWAYS GIVEN EACH GARMENT

By VIVIENNE FORSYTH

For those of us who love fashion and see it as an art form, no visit to the French capital is complete without soaking up some of the history of haute couture at the fashion museum La Galerie Dior. The museum opened its doors to the public in 2022 as “a testament to the visionary boldness of Christian Dior and his six successors.”

In a word, La Galerie Dior in Paris is “exquisite.” Housed in the building at 30 Avenue Montaigne where it all started in 1946 (not far from the Champs-Élysées and the Grand Palais), the Galerie is an art museum that celebrates the life’s work and genius of its founder, Christian Dior, and his creative successors: Yves Saint Laurent, Marc Bohan, Gianfranco Ferré, John Galliano, Raf Simons and, since 2016, Maria Grazia Chiuri. Open to the public, the Galerie Dior is as much a masterpiece of design, color, intrigue, and allure as one of the maestro’s haute-couture creations. I was entranced, enchanted, and mesmerized, and left feeling as if I were walking on air.

On entry, a spiral staircase surrounded by a rainbow of color greets the eye. Stretching up three floors, the rainbow is made up of thousands of tiny fashion must-haves—from garments to shoes, handbags, perfume bottles, hats and gloves—each miniature model exquisite in its detail and placement. You are tempted to take the stairs and immerse yourself in this amazing wall of wonder but instead, you are respectfully directed to take the lift to the third floor. At the top, you look down on the rainbow and then enter stage left to begin your journey of discovery. For me it was like going down the rabbit hole with Alice into a wonderland of unexpected surprises, visual feasts, and sheer reverence for clothing the female form.

In its labyrinth of rooms, each one took my breath away. Some are dark caves accentuating the color and crusted embellishments of spectacular gowns; some are spring gardens where the dresses are the flowers—some mirrored, some simply dazzling on their own. Then suddenly, the pièce de résistance, the highlight of your journey through the annals of Paris haute couture, a true masterpiece: three tiers of gorgeous gowns set against a changing backdrop of light and special effects. You sit and are overwhelmed with awe and wonder at the beauty before your eyes. We sat and soaked up the magic and the artistry. Then it came time to walk down through the rainbow, a fitting farewell to the fabulous and fanciful world of fashion we’d just inhabited.

THE MUSEUM

In its many enchanting rooms, the museum showcases Dior’s multiple sources of inspiration from the gardens of his childhood home to a dark treasure trove of sparkling, jewel-encrusted dresses, to his signature H, A, and Y lines and the sumptuous multi-layered ballroom. “Fashion designers offer one of the last refuges of the marvelous,” Christian Dior said in his 1956 book, Dior by Dior “They are, in a way, the masters of dreams.”

THE EXHIBITIONS

La Galerie Dior traces the history of the couture house and its creations from the iconic “New Look” of its first collection in spring-summer 1947 (at left). The “New Look” or “Bar Suit” took the fashion world by storm and won instant international recognition for Christian Dior and his new house of haute couture. The exhibits also change and rotate periodically. On display now through May 3, 2026, is Azzedine Alaïa’s Dior Collection, highlighting the figure of Azzedine Alaïa, a collector and admirer of Christian Dior.

THE FINE WORLD OF FRED

AFTER NINE DECADES OF PRESENTING BOLD, JOYFUL DESIGNS WITH THE HIGHEST STANDARDS OF CRAFTSMANSHIP, FRENCH LUXURY JEWELRY DESIGNER FRED HONORS ITS TITULAR FOUNDER’S LEGACY BY CONTINUING TO SPREAD ITS SIGNATURE SUNSHINE

In the rarefied world of Place Vendôme, in Paris, heritage is measured in centuries and surnames that carry dynastic weight. That’s why the light, bright world of the luxury jewelry line Fred has always felt different— warmer, more joyful, elegant but unserious—which only makes sense for a maison nicknamed “the sunshine jeweler.” And now, 90 years later, Fred remains defined by the same philosophy that guided its founder: Jewelry should feel happy.

When Argentine-born jeweler Fred Samuel opened his boutique at 6 Rue Royale, in Paris, in 1936, the 28-year-old made a deliberate choice to sign the door with his own first name, and only his own first name. Modern, warm, and confident, the move was a defining moment in the brand’s history—the effects of which are still felt today. On his early business cards too, Samuel self-described as a “Moderne Joaillier Créateur” or “Modern Jeweler Creator,” signaling that he intended not merely to sell jewelry, but to redefine it, as well. His pioneering, approachable, avant-garde spirit put color and versatility first in a world long restricted to more traditional mores, even with his background and trained expertise in cultured pearls.

As evidenced by each audacious move, Fred’s is a reputation built on radiance rather than rule-following; to this day, the brand is a lighthearted beacon in an industry that could be accused of an occasional proclivity toward pretentiousness.

And that’s likely due, at least in part, to Samuel’s light, bright upbringing. Born in Buenos Aires in 1908 into a family of jewelers, he grew up surrounded by gemstones and sunlight, with the dancing, shimmering light of Argentina shaping his aesthetic sensibilities early on. Later, in his memoir, he wrote of learning to love stones “that both contained and captured light.” That idea would become the internal compass of the maison.

Optimism, too, was foundational to Fred and remains a core value. Even through the turbulence of World War II, Samuel believed in destiny, signs, and the power of joyful audacity; lucky motifs like four-leaf clovers, tortoises, elephants, nautical knots, infinity symbols, and golden ribbons would weave their way into collections for decades to come.

As evidenced by this collective verve, Fred is anything but stuck in its ways, and that’s especially evident in how the maison designs pieces to move and transform—with the body, to be sure, but also with the times and with life at large.

Opposite

As early as the 1930s, Samuel began to create transformable pieces that would eventually become a hallmark of his work, like brooches that turned into pendants and beyond. That effort crystallized in 1966 with the creation of the iconic Force 10 bracelet, a piece designed by Henri Samuel, Fred’s eldest son. An accomplished sailor, Henri drew inspiration for the bracelet (originally a personal gift for his wife) from marine cables, knots, shackles, and nautical hardware; braided steel met gold in a still-popular design that’s equal parts sporty and refined. Named after Force 10 on the Beaufort wind scale—in other words, a storm or “whole gale”—it symbolizes courage, perseverance, and confidence.

Revolutionar y for the time, it was one of the first high-jewelry pieces to embrace a genderless, athletic aesthetic. Today, Force 10 remains an icon but has evolved into a universe of interchangeable cables and buckles, offering endless variations the wearer is free to customize to their liking.

Another tenet of the brand is its use of color. From the beginning, Samuel’s preoccupation with colored stones set him apart. He gravitated toward citrine for his memories of the late-afternoon glow of Argentinian light, aquamarine to reflect the waters of the Riviera, lapis lazuli, coral, and amethyst, always choosing stones for their vitality and iridescence, not convention. Stones were never static; rather, they were, in Samuel’s words, “repositories of light.”

Gold, too, became a medium of expression. Polished, brushed, or carved, the maison treats gold as a living material, especially as it plays against gems and stones. This philosophy finds expression in collections like Pain de Sucre, where inverted cabochon stones appear in an exuberant palette of gems, from rose quartz to turquoise, London blue topaz to carnelian. This ocean of happy colors is the whole point.

Fred’s devotion to light culminates in extraordinary high jewelry. Cases in point: the 1988 Rainbow set, composed of 42 colored diamonds; the Blue Moon, a 275-carat Ceylon sapphire engineered to transform from tiara to necklace; a 136-carat briolette emerald mounted on the Imperia tiara; and perhaps most legendary of all, the Soleil d’Or—a yellow diamond of more than 100 carats discovered in 1977 and returned to the maison’s heritage collection decades later, inspiring the Soleil d’Or Sunrise collection unveiled in 2025.

Still, for all its excellence and prestige, Fred has never thought too much of itself. Henri Samuel once described the house philosophy as “to craft jewelry seriously, without taking ourselves too seriously,” and that humility and levity is still evident in each piece they produce today. From Paris monument charms to mischievous animal brooches to the gold Fred figures introduced in 1989—tiny, playful personalities including sailors, painters, and skaters—the M.O. of Fred is to embody, rather than proclaim, their untouchable status.

Samuel’s legacy extends beyond design, as the relationships he cultivated—with clients, artists, royalty, and friends—also shaped the spirit of the maison. Known as Monsieur Fred, a jeweler who greeted chauffeurs, concierges, and A-list clients with equal warmth, it only makes sense that he counted the likes of Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco, among his devoted clients. Or that a ruby and diamond necklace worn by Julia Roberts in the film Pretty Woman became cinematic legend, later inspiring an entire collection.

For Fred, jewelry is an encounter, and should be a bright spot in one’s own day as well as the days of others. And it’s an ethos that begins with the founder himself having lived that out. Académie Française member Jean Dutourd wrote of him in the 1992 foreword for A Jeweller’s Memoirs, “Proust, who was fond of the word ‘kindness,’ would have detected the most irrefutable signs of that quality in Fred Samuel. Kindness is apparent in his face and manner, and you sense it is also in his heart.”

In 2026, as Fred celebrates its 90th anniversary, it does so not as a relic, but as a living, breathing house. Now under the artistic leadership of Valérie Samuel—granddaughter of the titular Fred—the brand continues to introduce innovations (like the 36-facet Hero Cut, exclusive to the maison) while remaining faithful to its lineage and to light.

“It is with immense pride that we celebrate the 90th anniversary of our maison,” says C.E.O. Vincent Reynes. “This milestone reflects an invaluable, rich legacy and heritage deeply rooted in the history of jewelry. Behind the name Fred lies the indelible imprint of a visionary man whose first name still resonates in each of our creations. More than a commemoration, this celebration marks the promising start to the next 90 years, which we embrace with passion and determination, true to our founding values.”

Ninety years of optimism, audacity, color, and craftsmanship, yet the name above the door still remains simply Fred. And in a world that often equates luxury with gravity, “the sunshine jeweler” continues to offer something rarer and perhaps even more brilliant: weighty excellence, delivered with a light spirit and a warm heart.

BACK TO THE FUTURE

THIS PRO BELIEVES IN DESIGNING FOR WHAT’S TO COME BASED ON WHAT’S GONE BEFORE

Maybe Shakespeare didn’t use the term “backstory,” but he grasped the concept well. “What’s past,” he wrote, “is prologue.” And Ray Booth gets it too. An interior designer and principal partner at the New York City— based architectural and design firm McAlpine, Booth often draws on clients’ pasts in shaping the homes they’ll reside in for years to come.

W hen a couple in Atlanta’s Morningside neighborhood decided to build a contemporary home, for example, they trusted Booth and his architect partner Bobby McAlpine to take cues from their existing home across the street. What they built was a contemporary mirror of that dwelling, a modern design in crisp, geometric form with a well-windowed ground floor and a band of windows that wraps the upper story.

“Much more goes into the tooling and fine-tuning of a home than meets the eye,” says Booth, “which is why a grasp of the backstory can be so illuminating.”

The designer shares more of his philosophy in his latest book, The Expressive Home (Rizzoli New York, 2025). “Every successful project transcends the process of shaping and selecting individual pieces and parts to cohere into a warm, inviting, life-enhancing residence,” he says. “When this happens, each aspect of the design resonates with all the others, with the client and with the surroundings that have helped shape it.” Sometimes one’s destiny lies just across the street.

This page: The home’s courtyard layout creates a distinctive sense of approach, moving from the front wall and gate through the courtyard and pool area to the loggia. Atlanta’s temperate weather makes this space ideal for outdoor living, comfortably outfitted for dining and lounging. As the main point of entry, the loggia seamlessly connects the home’s architecture with its landscape.

Opposite page: The den shifts to a deeper, more saturated palette, distinguishing it from the rest of the home’s lighter interiors. Used frequently for evening relaxation and television viewing, the space is enriched with layered textures and patterns that heighten its warmth. Artwork by Steve Penley provides a bold visual anchor.

This page: A sandblasted limestone fireplace adds quiet texture to the living room’s layered surfaces. The mottled carpet inspired a cohesive color palette carried through velvet accents, allowing artwork——such as the Roland Kulla above the sofa——to command attention. Vintage cast-iron finials, salvaged from an industrial-era structure, nod to the clients’ appreciation for mid-century design and craft.

Opposite page: The primary bedroom’s limewashed walls introduce texture and depth. Floor-to-ceiling drapery in a matching hue softens the architecture and frames the windows on three sides. A silk-and-wool rug grounds the space with luster and natural pattern, while a seating area at the foot of the bed offers an inviting spot for reading or quiet conversation.

are reprinted with permission from

COCKTAIL HOUR

PRETTY IN PINK

WITH A FUSION OF BERRIES, CITRUS, AND SPARKLE, THIS VIBRANT POUR IS SUMMER STYLE IN A GLASS

RASPBERRY LEMONADE COCKTAIL

Serves 2

INGREDIENTS:

• ½ cup raspberries

• 1 ½ oz. Il Tramonto Limoncello

• 2 oz. gin

• ¾ oz. lemon juice

• ½ oz. simple syrup

• sparkling water

• lemon slice, raspberry, chamomile, for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

1. Divide raspberries into two cocktail glasses and muddle.

2. Add Il Tramonto Limoncello, gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake until chilled.

3. Strain into the two prepared cocktail glasses and top with a splash of sparkling water.

Double Cross Vodka is made for the moment.

Rise to the occasion with one of the finest vodkas in the world.

Diamond filtered for an impeccably clean, distinctively smooth finish.

THE GARDENS MALL

the essence of refined living -

Terri Goldsmith came by her love of jewelry honestly. “From the time I turned eight years old on, my grandmother would take me shopping each year for my birthday. We would select something together, and she always knew how to help me choose something I would wear for a lifetime.” Terri shared her grandmother’s intuition, which has helped her create relationships with hundreds of clients over her 27 years at Hamilton. Now, as senior vice president/director of retail, she is responsible for overseeing the Florida and New Jersey locales and employees. And she still relishes the personal connections with her teams and customers. “I continue to do personal shopping for my clients,” she says. “What I love most about jewelry is leaving an impression on someone that goes beyond the piece, and is about the experience of collecting and celebrating, too.”

PRIVATE RESERVE PLATINUM AND RADIANT-CUT DIAMOND THREE-STONE RING

“Doesn’t everyone deserve that one special ring they’ve always dreamed of? For me, this fits the bill and then some: With its slightly rectangular, colorless diamond and trapezoid accent diamonds on the sides, this ring is timeless and modern all at once.”

18K YELLOW GOLD, MULTICOLOR SAPPHIRE, AND DIAMOND “FRINGE” BRACELET

“This gives the best of both worlds: color and stacking in one gorgeous piece! Dynamic enough to wear on its own, or pair it with your existing gold and diamond bracelets as a colorful finishing touch.”

STYLE EDIT: HJ

18K WHITE

GOLD

VINTAGE-INSPIRED EMERALD, SAPPHIRE, AND DIAMOND RING

“I absolutely love Art Deco. From the first time I saw a piece in my grandmother’s collection, to this day, I find the intricacy of this era so inspiring. Here, the combination of blue and green is timeless particularly with the depth of this amazing Colombian emerald.”

TERRI SPRINGS AHEAD WITH HER FAVORITES FROM T HIS SEASON’S NEWEST FINE-JEWELRY COLLECTIONS

18K YELLOW GOLD AND DIAMOND OVAL-LINK STRETCH BRACELET

“Go bold or go home. This oversize gold bracelet has just the right amount of sparkle to make it pop, yet it’s so effortlessly wearable. The durable stretch feature slides right over your hand so you can just throw it on and go.”

18K WHITE GOLD AND EMERALD-CUT DIAMOND HOOP EARRINGS

“The little earring that could … this pair is the perfect earring for every look. Not too big, not too small, and definitely out of the ordinary.”

INTO THE BLUE

LOOK NO FURTHER THAN THE VIBRANT HUES OF THE DEEPEST OCEAN WATERS TO INSPIRE YOUR HIGH-JEWELRY STYLE THIS SPRING AND SUMMER

JEWELRY

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FROM THE HAMILTON ARCHIVES

In the fall of 1961, a besotted young couple strolled into the Hamilton Jewelers shop on the corner of South Broad and Hanover streets in downtown Trenton, New Jersey, after seeing an ad in the Trenton Evening Times Sunday Edition. Hamilton’s founder, Irving Siegel, and his son, Martin—who’d recently joined the family business—met them at the counter, and discovered the duo was on the hunt for the perfect diamond engagement ring. It wasn’t long before Irving and Martin had expertly led them to the piece that would become a symbol of their unique “happily ever after.” The couple departed with their newfound treasure in hand and awash in the kind of enthusiasm that is contagious, eyes alight with awe over the profundity of the moment and hopeful for all that was to come in their life together.

Although this interaction was de rigueur for Irving and Martin as fine jewelers, nothing could have been further from the truth. The secret to their success was that they knew the exact magnitude of the purchase; they understood from that day forward, that diamond ring would become a cache for the countless memories made over the course of an entire lifetime: the weddings and anniversaries, the births and birthdays, the ceremonies and celebrations, the performances and graduations—and the quieter moments, too. Thousands and thousands of remembrances contained within the many facets of the diamond, for the generations to come.

Ir ving and Martin also knew that those rings might one day find their way back into the store, and so inspired their employees to look forward to these magical moments. Today, Hank and Andrew do the same, when they are presented with these glittering relics (sometimes accompanied by their original box and paperwork). Whether a prong needs to be rebuilt or a ring reimagined into an entirely new setting, the news of an artifact’s arrival travels the halls of Hamilton swiftly, and associates come running to the jeweler’s lab to catch a glimpse (or even take a photo). And while the specifics of the years and miles and emotions of that piece remain a mystery to all but the original owners, the diamond represents something entirely different to us: an official marker and reminder of the time that has passed and the optimism of an untold future ahead.