Alexis Bittar Jewellery
Lucite love.
FROM THE ARCHIVE: Every one of Bittar’s Lucite designs are meticulously hand sculpted and hand painted (finger painted, so as not to leave unwanted brushstrokes) to uphold his standard of perfection.
Spring 2010
Chris Botti
Top brass.
FROM THE ARCHIVE: In the beginning is the sound, an unearthly, beautiful signature trumpet sound. A sound that blooms warm, velvety, broad, majestic, sure. A sound that can bite when it wants to, can riff molto allegro, but is never icy, never shrill, never crackly. A sound that breathes romance, sophistication, and style.
The Macarons of Pierre Hermé
Colourful creations.
FROM THE ARCHIVE: Everything gets debated in France. Consider the ongoing philosophical discussion about cookies that’s been raging for the last decade or so in the tonier arrondissements of Paris: it’s the war of the macarons.
At Home in Tuscany
Borgo di Vagli, the hamlet between the valleys.
Even in a part of the world renowned for its beauty, Borgo di Vagli stands out. Clinging to the densely wooded hills 20 minutes east of Cortona in Tuscany, the humble 14th-century hamlet has been transformed into an exquisite getaway and residence, a place of rare architectural integrity, transcendent views, and delicious food.
Salvatore Parasuco
Jean-ius.
Salvatore Parasuco has a severe case of the blues—blue jeans, that is. The Montreal magnate talks about his plan to conquer the world of denim one leg at a time.
Made in Canada
Books by Alice Munro and Mavis Gallant.
Measured by breadth and depth, by length of achievement, the two best living story writers in English are Canadians Alice Munro and Mavis Gallant.
On The Road in Maui
Driving to Hana.
The view is magnificent as the plane circles the island. Looking down, I imagine I can see a winding road cutting its way across the volcanic slope. Maui is Hawaii’s loveliest island, in my opinion, and I am en route to experience a singular attraction: the Road to Hana, which has been called one of the most beautiful drives in the world.
Lost in Transplantation
Carmenère at the Viña Carmen Winery in Chile.
There are wine competitions devoted to chardonnay and there are celebrations of zinfandel, but carmenère might be the first grape variety to have an anniversary party.
The Electric Cinema
Boutique viewing.
Proclaiming itself to be the oldest working cinema in Britain, the Electric Cinema is a landmark on Station Street in Birmingham.