luxury 12 2008

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Luxury

LIFE&STyLEPALOS VERDES MANHATTAN BEACH HERMOSA BEACH REDONDO BEACH

november/december 2008

PLUS...Artist HAn DAi-Yu

Drive: PorscHe cArrerA

At Home witH mAurice HennessY

In the LUxUry reaL eState SectIon:tHe soutH BAYs Finest Listings

DestinAtion AnD FrActionAL ownersHiP cLuBs

hello

dubaithe newluxurycapital

ultimateholiday giftguide

the

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PRESTIGE AND PERFORMANCE. Each inspired by its own winged Bsymbol, Breitling and Bentley share the same concern for perfection.The same

extreme standards of reliability, precision and authenticity. The same unique

blend of prestige and performance.Whether in the Breitling workshops or in the

Bentley factory in Crewe, cutting-edge technology is placed in the service of

noble traditions. Symbolising this communion of ideals, Breitling participated in

styling the instrumentation of the Bentley Continental models, the most powerful

ever built by Bentley.

EXCLUSIVITY AND TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE. For devotees of finemechanisms, Breitling has created a line of exceptional timepieces named

Breitling forBentley. Representing the culmination of sophisticated aestheticresearch, these wrist instruments mirror the signature features of the famous

British car manufacturer.Dedicated to the automobile world, they incorporate

several exclusive technical characteristics and are propelled by high-performance

motors patiently assembled by watchmakers at the peak of their art.Time is

the ultimate luxury.

www.

breitlingforbentley.com

MARK VI COMPLICATIONS 29

The greatest luxury in life is time.

Savour every second.

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MORGANS JEWELERS

PALOS VERDES

50-C Peninsula Center

(310) 541-2052

TORRANCE

22200 Hawthorne Blvd.

(310) 375-4471

www.m orga nsje weler s.co m

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Editors Letter

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS8

Carte Blanche

NOTAbLES14

Home

VIEW FROM OZ21

The Arts

HAN DAI-YU30

Seen in the South Bay

OUT & AbOUT, PART I...36

Give

PALOS VERDES PENINSULA

LAND CONSERVANCY38

Contents

Luxury

LIFE&STyLE

4 Luxury Life & Style moontidemedia.comNovember/December 2008

43

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Drive

PORSCHE CARRERA43

Feature

ULTIMATE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE49

Interview

MAURICE HENNESSY...65

Seen in the South Bay

OUT & ABOUT, PART II...68

Travel

HELLO, DUBAI73

GALLERY


Contents

Luxury

LIFE&STyLE

The Cellar

DINNER WITH FRIENDS80Dine

HOTEL BEL-AIR

SHADE HOTEL86

Real Estate

DESTINATION AND FRACTIONAL

OWNERSHIP CLUBS103

CodaANONYMOUS114

Cognac

F

112

Guest Ranch

F

18

21

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Rolling Hills Estates

883 Silver Spur Road | 310-541-4262

Beverly Hills

9431 Brighton Way | 310-270-4210

Costa Mesa

South Coast Plaza | 714-549-7880

Santa Barbara

La Cumbre Plaza | 805-682-0894

Fine Linens & Accessories

www.yvesdelorme.com

Featured pattern: Byzance & Eole

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EDITORS LETTER

As a Los Angeles native, I often get the dubious raised eye-

brow when I say how much I look forward to the holidays

spent California. Really? I just cant get enough of changing

leaves back home in the fall, one friend might say. "Nothing

compares to a beautiful white Christmas, nudges another. Im not about to

argue with my transplant collogues that their holiday memories are somehow

less special than my own. Of course theyre not! For example, I love New York

this time of year the lights, the chill in the air, the Rockettes. But theres also

something to be said for the holiday magic right here in town. Why else wouldso many family members from across the country escape the winter chill for

some golden weeks in the glorious SoCal sunshine with their loved ones?

I dig the whole Santa-meets-surf vibe you see in the dcor and meet-and-

greets. I smile when I see the cars buzzing around with the giant menorahs

on their hoods during Hanukkah. I even light up when those Christmas trees

made of twinkling bulbs start popping up on the tops of buildings. Reminds

me of being a kid. And, perhaps, thats one the best things about the holi-

days the nostalgia, the traditions, the innocence they inspire. So, maybe I

am biased when it comes to celebrating in South Bay. Its home. And theres

no place like it.

If youre planning on spending the holidays here, we have plenty of

seasonal suggestion to

keep your days merry

and bright. We start with

our holiday gift guide, the

answer to some of your

biggest shopping needs.

Theres an idea here for everyone, from the athletic to the artistic, from the

fashionable to the foodie. Check out Carte Blanche for a variety of localevents to complete your busy social calendar. If youre planning on hosting

your own gathering, check out Bonnies suggestions of capable chefs, ca-

terers, designers, planners and more to make your party pure magic. In the

spirit of giving, maybe even consider throwing a private fundraiser to benefit

your favorite charity. Welcoming guests into town but no room at the inn?

Take a peek at our recommendations for posh local hotels with both classy

accommodations and notable noshing. And, speaking of class, get to know

one of our favorite luxury leaders, cognac icon Maurice Hennessy, and find

out what hes looking forward to this winter vacation.

All of us at Luxury Life and Style wish you and your family a sparkling

holiday and a prosperous 2009!

Darren Elms Photoby

BradfordRogne,bradfordrogne.c

om.


HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

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3330 Lomita Boulevard, Torrance, California 90505

www.TorranceMemorial.org | 310.325.9110

behind our planned patient tower:

You.At Torrance Memorial Medical Center we believe caring for our community means

caring for its future. Welcome to the Hospital of Tomorrow the next generation of

medical care, for the next generation of patients. Seven stories of modern hospital

design, our new patient Tower anticipates the growing health care needs of our

community with enhanced access to the latest medical technologies and an entirely

new level of patient care.

Home to our new operating rooms, Intensive Care Units, the Lundquist Cardiovascular

Institute, and Burn Center, the new Tower also offers private patient rooms, a healinggarden, lounges and sleeping accommodations for family members. Ample parking

and a convenient entrance make these vital patient services even easier to access.

The new Tower is scheduled for completion in 2014, but advancements are already

underway across our entire campus. We look forward to sharing our progress, and to

meeting your health care needs today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.

First for a Reason.

And the Reason is You.

The inspiration

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2008

Publisher Todd Klawin

Associate Publisher Emily Stewart

Editor Darren Elms

Food & Wine Editor Bonnie Graves

Custom Publishing

Editor Hannah Lee

Managing Editor Jenn Talley

Copy Editor Bryan Fahrbach

Contributing Writers Michele Garber

Elizabeth Hurchalla

Melissa Camilleri Magliola

Kelley SaiaMarlene Stang

Don Weberg

Art Director George Kenton

Graphic Designers Peter Nelson

Gary Zsigo

Contributing

Photographers Weldon Brewster

Brian Thomas Jones

Dan Parsons

Webmaster Peter Nelson

Advertising

Advertising Sales

Representative Barbara Dwyer

310-454-9139

[email protected]

Real Estate Advertising

SalesRepresentative Jared Sayers

Sayers Consulting

310-502-8262

[email protected]

Newsstand Consultant Mark Gateley

[email protected]

Publishing Consultants Terence P. Carroll

Wendy L. Sipple

Sierrastyle Publishing

Partner Michael Van Riette

P.O. Box 3760 Manhattan Beach, CA 90266Tel 310.376.7800 Fax 310.376.0200 www.moontidemedia.com

2008 by Moon Tide Media, LLC. All rights reserved.

Welcome to Luxury Life & Style magazine. You have been selected to receivethis bi-monthly publication as part of our controlled (n/c) circulation program. Webelieve that this magazine will enhance your life and lifestyle and we hope that youenjoy it. Should you decide that you do not wish to receive this publication, pleasesend an email to [email protected], or send regular mail to P.O. Box 3760,Manhattan Beach, CA 90266.

Luxury Life & Style magazine is produced in association with SierrastylePublishing, Inc. Material in this magazine may not be reproduced in any formwithout written consent from the publishers. Any and all submissions to LuxuryLife & Style magazine become the property of Moon Tide Media, LLC and may beused in any media. We reserve the right to edit.

Subscriptions to Luxury Life & Style are available for $24.00 per year. [email protected] for more information.

LuxuryLIFE&STyLE

m a g a z I n E

Luxury Life & Style is printed on recycled paper.


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The Total Merrill brand is used to reer to the broad range o brokerage, investment advisory (including fnancial planning), banking, trust, mortgage, and other fnancial services and products oered by Merrill

Lynch. The nature and degree o advice and assistance provided, the ees charged, and client rights and Merrill Lynchs obligations will dier among these services. Its about achieving life and Total Merrill

(design) are registered service marks o Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. Total Merrill is a service mark o Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. 2008 Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated. Member SIPC.

Jesse M. Rodriquez, CRPCVice President

Wealth Management Advisor

(310) 536-1628

Manhattan Beach Ofce

2301 Rosecrans Avenue

Suite 3150

El Segundo, CA 90245

Visit us at: a.ml.com/Jesse_Rodriquez

Our Financial Advisors can put the

powerful resources of Total MerrillSM

to work for you. Call today.

True wealth is about more than money.

Its about achieving life.

With Total MerrillSM, a Merrill Lynch

Financial Advisor goes beyond the

single dimension o investments andlooks at your fnancial lie in total.

Using a disciplined, time-tested wealth

management process, we work with

you to establish your objectives, set

an appropriate strategy, implement

customized solutions and periodically

review your progress toward specifc

fnancial goals.

Wealth Management process

Education planning

Tax management

Industry leading research

Cash management

Beyond Banking

CMA

Money market accounts

Trusts

Private Family Foundations

InsuranceCharitable giving

Solutions For Business

Business management

Nonproft organizations

Sale strategies

Succession planning

Planning or retirement

Investing in retirement

Managing job transition

Home fnancing

Securities-based

fnancing

Investment products

Managing

concentrated stockManaged money products

Perormance tracking

Statements

Financial Advisor/

Client review

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Dan ParsonsDan Parsons is ManhattanBeach native and technol-

ogy professional with a life-

long love of photography. You

can see more of his work and

learn more about his current

projects on his Web site at

studioDRP.com.

Bonnie GravesOur Food & Wine Editor,

Bonnie has extensive industry

experience having worked

as a sommelier in such leg-

endary restaurants as Jean-

Georges, Union Square Caf

and Spago Beverly Hills.

When not drinking fermented

grape juice, Bonnie enjoys

hiking and is also an accom-

plished poet. Learn more atbonniegraves.com. Bonnie

can be reached at bonnie@

bonniegraves.com.

Marlene StangMarlene is a Los Angeles-

based writer and perfumer

whose favorite pastime is in-

tegrating luxury into everyday

living. Whether its discover-

ing a new fragrance, finding

an out-of-the-way restaurant

thats a hidden treasure or

something as simple as buy-

ing sheets, I guess Im just an

epicurean at heart.

Elizabeth HurchallaElizabeth is a writer and editorwhos written three books as

well as features for Time Out

New York, Cosmopolitan and

BBC Radio. She lives in a tiny

house on the Venice Canals

and just discovered a mallard

nest in her front flower bed. Her

blog, Shindig It!, can be found at

shindigit.wordpress.com.

Michele GarberMichele spends her dayspursuing a career in her

newfound passionwine.

Prior to being bitten by this bug,

the L.A. native had a 13-year

stint as VP of a prestigious

eyewear designer. She has

traveled extensively throughout

Europe and hopes to visit there

again soon, both for the shoes

and the wine. She resides in

Santa Monica.

Melissa CamilleriMagliola

Melissa is a writer and high

school English and AVID

teacher. She has a BA in English

from Saint Mary's College of

California and is a MFA can-

didate at Antioch University.

Currently, she is the nonfiction

editor for the literary compila-

tion, The Splinter Generation.

Her passions include spendingtime with her family, reading,

dancing, teaching, writing and

traveling.

Don WebergDons articles and photography

have appeared in a variety of

automotive publications, and

he has spent his life around all

kinds of cars. Attending nu-

merous auto auctions and club

functions has kept him abreast

of collector and industry trends

in the fast-changing world of

automobilia.

contributors


George KentonAs a child George was en-thralled by early magazines

such asThe Saturday Evening

Post, Colliers and Boys Life.

He has been an art director

for many notable titles such as

Playboy, PSA inflight maga-

zine, Palm Springs Life and

Consumers Digest.

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Photoscourtesyoftheirrespectivecompanies.


carte Blanche

In picturesque Central Switzerland, the five-star Park Hotel Weggis offers guests the utmost in luxury with the Parc & Premium

package. During the four-night stay, guests will enjoy the serenity and exclusivity of the hotels shinning Adara Suites, featuring stunning views of

the majestic Lake Lucerne from every vantage point of the suites and private terraces, including the oversized soaking tubs. The gourmet dining

highlights include a romantic six-course tte--tte dinner in the vaulted cellars of the authentic Vinothek, boasting one of Switzerlands largest

wine collections. Guests will also enjoy specially selected luxurious spa treatments in the hotels extensive Sparkling Wellness spa, including three

hours in a private SPA cottage to relax, rejuvenate and soak in the VIP treatment. phw.com.

Just in time for the holidays, South Bay

Ballet returns to the Marsee Auditorium

at El Camino College Center for the Per-

forming Arts with its unparalleled produc-

tion of The Nutcracker.This enchanting

ballets vibrant costumes, stunning sets, and

the guidance Artistic Director Diane Lauridsen

and Assistant Artistic Director Candice Davis

builds on the traditions of the classic ballet while

adding a special twist. The productions uniquetake on a ballet about ballet and the passion

to dance sets it apart from others. See for

yourself December 20 and 21. For tickets, call

310-329-5345 or visit centerforthearts.org.

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Internationally-renowned chanteuse Celine Dion makes a triumphant return to theU.S. for the first time since her incredibly successful Las Vegas run.The Canadian diva

will sing new songs from the album Taking Chances, as well as several of her most popular

hits. November 29 at the Honda Center in Anaheim and December 2 at STAPLES Center.

For more information, visit celinedion.com.

takingchanceS

how Sweet

it iS

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November/December 2008 moontidemedia.com Luxury Life & Style15

The Peninsula Education Foundation in-

vites you to their annual Autumn Harvest,

a thank you event for major donors and special

friends. This delicious evening will feature a

variety of sumptuous wines, a selection of lo-

cal restaurant food favorites and more. Also,

make sure to meet the winning teachers of the

Chuck Miller Grant. November 20 at Trump

National Golf Course. For more information,

visit pvpef.org.

giving thankS

...............................................

One of Italys preeminent wine produc-

ers, Tenuta dellOrnellaia, is celebrating

their 20th anniversary this year with the

release of the 2005 Ornellaia BolgheriDOC Superiore, the estates flagship

wine. Ornellaias anniversary edition is not

only a significant milestone for the estate but

also for Italian winemaking. Over the past two

decades, Ornellaia helped change the per-

ception of Italian wine among connoisseurs

and collectors by consistently producing wine

of superior quality. The 2005 Ornellaia is a cu-

ve of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot,

14% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot,

which is aged in French oakbarriques for a

period of 18 months. Available at Folio Wine

Company in Napa, foliowine.com.

vintagE aFFaiR

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carte Blanche

Want to escape without the hassle of LAX? Indulge in a little

Shade-cation, the perfect option for Angelenos who want a getaway

without security check-ins, crowds and mini pretzels. Pack light and

check-in to one of Shade Hotels Deluxe Spa Rooms, complete with a

hydrotherapy bath, in-room espresso machine, and luxurious modern

vibe. Located in the heart of Manhattan Beach, you can enjoy all of

the community shops and restaurants with the sand & surf just steps

away. At night, head down to the Zinc Lounge for tasty appetizers

and sample one of their signature cocktails, like the famous Sub-Zero Martini. For reservations, visit them at shadehotel.com or call

866-SHADE77.

Award-winning artist Aapo Pukk, a South Bay resident, will

showcase his portraits and landscapes in Palos Verdes for a

limited time. Born and educated in Western Europe, he has traveled

extensively painting portraits of ordinary people and dignitaries alike. His

landscapes are fluid, filled with light and emotion, his portraits exquisite

heirlooms for future generations. Treat yourself and your family to an

artwork by this accomplished painter. View his work at the Malaga CoveLibrary Gallery in Palos Verdes Estates from December 6 through 31.

For more information on the artist, visit aapopukk.com.

Looking to build a luxury home inspired by the tropicsfrom scratch? Get started with

Bali Built Homes, LLC, a U.S. company based in Hawaii that specializes in tropical luxury

designs.The company imports the highest quality hardwood building materials, custom home

furnishings and accessories from Bali and Asia. The business, which includes a leading Balinese

architect, manufacturing company and interior design group, has helped develop five-star resorts,

villas and spas worldwide. Let them work their magic on your custom dream home. Paradise

found! Find them at balibuilt.com.

................................ BALI HIGH

SoutH BAy LIGHt

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November/December 2008 moontidemedia.comLuxury Life & Style17

Getting into holiday shoppingmode? Why not head over to Plaza

El Segundo and partake in their

wide selection of retail stores. From

Banana Republic to Best Buy, youre

sure to find something for everyone on

your list. While youre there, be sure

to enjoy their holiday events, including

a tree lighting on November 21, and

an afternoon of caroling on December

13. Visit plazaelsegundo.com for more

information.

Looking for a stocking stuffer with good

intentions? Sink your teeth into Divine

Chocolate, a leading Fair Trade maker of thesweet stuff. Kuapa Kokoo has invested its Fair

Trade income in building schools, sinking wells

for clean drinking water to villages, providing

mobile medical clinics for farmers in remote

growing regions, and fostering womens

income generation projects to help women

earn additional income for their families when

the cocoa season is over. Try one of their

delicious, beautifully packaged offerings, like

dark chocolate with mint or heavenly white

chocolate. Visit divinechocolateusa.com for

your nearest retailer.

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gallery

Photosc

ourtesyofAlisalGuestRanch&R

esort.

home onthe range

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Alisal Guest

Ranch & Resort

When nature meets lavish-

ness, true luxury is born.

And the luxury at Alisal Guest

Ranch, nestled in the tiny town

of Solvang in the heart of Santa Barbara

County, is second to none. The resort fea-

tures all of the essentials that ranch-lovers

have come to expect: cattle, horses, cow-

boys, 50 miles of riding trails, unsurpassed

hospitality and more. But what makes Al-

isal truly unique is the high-end amenities

throughout the property. From amazing eats

at the Ranch Room restaurant, courtesy of

Chef Pascal Gode, and the gorgeous lake,

to roomy suites, tennis courts, two 18-hole

golf courses, and a spa and a fitness center,

this posh dude ranch has it all.

What doesnt Alisal have? Televisions,

phones, computers and Internet. Alisal is the

perfect place to unwind and unplug.

Suited for families, couples or a girlfriends

getaway, Alisal provides superior recreation

including riding lessons, fly fishing, line danc-ing, hat making and just about anything your

inner cowboy could desire. The ranch also

offers organized trips such as the Couples

Cowboy Bootcamp, Cowgirl Bootcamp and

a Wine and Roses Romance package. But

whether you arrive as a group, couple or

single, you will leave with memories to last

a lifetime.

The Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort, 1054

Al isal Road, Solvang. 805-686-7700,

alisal.com.

K.S.


ConCept Collaboration ConstruCtion

Redefning the homebuilding and remodeling

approach to suit your expectations and vision.

Corporate Headquarters

17217 South Broadway

Gardena, CA 90248-3117

(888) 542-9473 toll-free

(310) 532-1840 tel(310) 327-1458 fax

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Contractor License #402483

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Art Oriental Rug CompanyImporter Distributor of Fine Rugs New, Used & Antique Short-term Rentals White Glove Service

The South Bays Only Expert Custom Cleaning & Repair

24415 Hawthorne Blvd., Torrance, Ca 90505 [email protected]

Interior Designers Welcome

Call to schedule a private viewing (310) 373-7373

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HOME

Arrive at the home of Jesse and Kaycee Ramirez at any given time of the day and you will immediately be struck by a sense

of quiet that belies the view of the Los Angeles basin below. Situated on a hillside in Palos Verdes, their Tuscan home is

designed to provide one with a sense of both tranquil respite from the hustle and bustle of city life and connectedness to

the Mecca that is Southern California. I am lucky enough to arrive for an evening tour, and my chaotic journey across the 101 and 405

freeways is quickly forgotten as I pull up to their driveway and take in the majestic beauty of a sparkling view of the city at night. On a clear day, this

astounding view encompasses such iconic scenery as The Queens Necklace (otherwise known as Santa Monica Bay), the San Gabriel Mountains,

the Downtown skyline, the Hollywood Sign and The Palos Verdes Country Club directly below.E

the yellowbrick road home mn Sng

Pgp wn bs

November/December 2008 moontidemedia.comluxury life & Stye21

view fromoz

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When the Ramirezes committed to

building their dream home in May of

2002, they had already forged a long-

standing relationship with the Principal

of Douglas J. Leach Architecture.They

had commissioned him to design a Redondo

Beach residence twelve years earlier and were

well acquainted with Leachs great attention to

detail and ability to transform a clients vision

into reality. The 6,800-square-foot Yellowbrick

Road residence is remarkably situated on a

60-foot rise from the front to the rear of the

property line and includes five bedrooms,

six bathrooms, a library, an enclosed BBQ

kitchen, a wine cellar and an eight-seat the-

ater. It is at once palatial and, at the request ofthe Ramirezes two young daughters, not a

museum, affording residents and guests alike

an environment in which to feel completely

at home yet surrounded by awe-inspiring

beauty.

According to Leach, the main challenges

in designing the house were maintaining views

throughout nearly every room in the home, as

well as situating the long and winding driveway

along the rise. It was important to Kaycee that

she be able to see her children playing in the

infinity pool located in the main courtyard from

West Lake #3, mixed media on rice paper


Above: The U-shaped home

opens to a courtyard via triple-

paneled, imported mahogany

French doors.

Right: An elegantly appointed

bedroom.

Far right: A domed foyer features

a luminous chandelier comprised

of glass bulbs.

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Cordone sought to bring color and texture to

the environment without detracting from the

houses considerable stonework or the view,

as well as provide a diverse array of zones in

the yard in which one can enjoy the sense

of occupying a secret garden. Earthenware

pots at the front of the home receive direct

ambient lighting at night, casting compelling

shadows that in and of themselves are like

works of art. Containing such diverse flora and

fauna as kangaroo paws, Australian Teaberry

and Duranta, they hold vibrant shades of red,

yellow, orange, pink and purple plant li fe that

compellingly contrast with the overall earth-

toned hues that dominate both the exteriorand interior of the house.

Two of the most striking elements of the

landscape are the pool area and the path-

ways and gardens that surround the house.

Cordone surrounded the courtyards infinity

pool (designed by Skip Phillips of Questar Pool

and Spa, Inc.) with firebowls that dramatically

merge the elements of fire and water when

they are lit at night. Large terra cotta pots act

as fountains that continuously pour water into

both the pool and the fiber-optically lit trough

just beneath it, creating a soothing sound. The

olfactory sense is also addressed by the land-

scaping, from the iceberg roses, citrus and

apple trees and herbs in the tiered garden off

the kitchen to the stone pathways at the rear

of the house that are lined with lemon thyme

and spearmint-like pennyroyal. To the right

of the house, the stunning natural artistry of

topiary-variety Italian spiral juniper is offset by

a backdrop of Starflower, with vines that form

a wall of green that is punctuated by white

flowers with dramatic purple centers.

From the foyer, one is welcomed into a

space that Kaycee wanted to remind her of

the many world-class hotels she had the op-

portunity to visit in her days as a flight atten-

dant for Continental Airlines. Nicole Blackburn

of Celedon Studios was commissioned to

paint both the dome above it and the niches

and coffers found throughout the foyer and

house. The domes ornate pattern is expertlypainted to resemble inlaid wrought iron, and

from it hangs a large chandelier comprised

of luminous glass bulbs and tears that can

be lowered via a lift for cleaning. A stunningly

crafted tile mosaic on the floor is comprised

of hundreds of individually sandblasted stones

that form a stately medallion design.

The homes first-story floor plan is a testa-

ment to the Ramirezes desire for living spaces

that address their multi-faceted lifestyle. As an

avid grill-master, one of Jesses favorite rooms

is the BBQ kitchen, which features a see-

through fireplace, warming drawers for food

and a plasma TV. An opulent guest bedroom

accommodates visitors, while a glamorous

powder room adjacent to the dining room

features a silver leaf cabinet from Dennees

inside the house, and this is made possible

by virtue of the homes modified U shape and

the triple-paned, imported mahogany French

doors and windows that span its face. The

homes second story is pushed back from

the first, enabling a charming street-level view

of its roof material. Real stone retaining walls,

decking and copper gutters also define the

exterior, imparting a charming Old World au-

thenticity to its Italianate aesthetic.

When hiring contractors for the project,

the Ramirezes commissioned David Cordone

of Absolute Custom Landscape to develop

outdoor areas that appeal to all five senses.


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Above: The expansive kitchen

can host up to 75 people and

features granite countertops andrustic cabinetry.

Right: The Infinity pool.

Far right: The master bedroom

balcony opens to majestic city

views.

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furniture, a silver basin and plaster walls that

are faux-finished to look like they are covered

with wallpaper.The Ramirezes ample theater room

features a wide screen that hovers above a

stage a whimsical detail that was added

for their daughters, Olivia and Sophie, who

have enjoyed using it for impromptu perfor-

mances. Electronic leather seats are arranged

in stadium style for movie-watching enjoy-

ment and also recline to make perfect beds

for the slumber parties that the girls enjoy

hosting. Gracing the walls are memorabilia

commemorating the late Cliff Burton, one of

the founding members of Metallica and the

son of Kaycees stepfather Ray, who along

with Kaycees mother Oneda is yet another

member of this vital household.

The Ramirezes decided to forgo a formal

living room for a great room that is flanked by

a large kitchen and dining areas, having de-

termined that an easy, fluid style of living and

entertaining suits them best. Defining points of

the great room are its 12-foot high ceiling, a

sophisticated yet inviting leather sectional sofa

and a grey marble-topped bar, as well as dec-

orative flourishes that include a wrought ironcandelabra, a mermaid-adorned fire screen

that was once a mantle and a leather-covered

secretary desk that also functions as a game

table. Sensuously dark walnut flooring can

be found here and throughout the house and

leads into a kitchen that can accommodate

as many as 75 guests at a time. Here, a large

seafoam granite island is surrounded by rustic

cabinetry provided by The French Tradition

that serves as a breakfast bar and contains

refrigerated drawers.

The dining room is cave-like and intimate

and is centered by a large mission-style table

that Kaycee purchased from an estate in Santa

Barbara. Hanging above it is an ornate chan-

delier whose clear crystal luminosity is punc-

tuated by topaz- and garnet-hued stones.

Kaycee candidly informs me that she and her

friends spent four hours putting this chandelier

together one champagne-filled New Years

Eve night. Just outside of the dining room are

both a cigar patio and Butlers Pantry, the latter

containing its own dishwasher, sink, warming

drawers and ceramic cookie jars that weremanufactured by the legendary Metlox Pottery

of Manhattan Beach, where Jesses now de-

ceased father worked before he founded the

family business.

The homes second floor can be ac-

cessed via elevator or a two-sided staircase

that curves regally in the foyer and ascends

in a practically straightforward manner on the

other side. On this level, the goal was to cre-

ate spaces that celebrate the individuality of

the households members while also provid-

ing them with privacy, as well as spaces for

communal gathering. The sisters bedrooms

are joined by a youthfully oceanic bathroom

featuring blue and green glass floor tiles and

fossil stone countertops. The rooms, like the

kitchen and upstairs game room, also feature

beams that were reclaimed from an old French

farmhouse.

Upon entering the Master Bedroom and

Bath, one cannot help but imagine having


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stumbled upon a European barons exclusivechateau hideaway, with its spacious balcony,

limestone fireplace, walnut ceiling and luxuri-

ous details that include an iron chandelier,

end tables by Theodore and a large Maitland-

Smith armoire that features a secretary and

the kind of secret compartments that one

would find on a piece of furniture that was very

old and possibly even magical.

Kaycee states that she began conceiv-

ing of the Master Bathroom before any other

part of the house. Itspice de resistance is a

Calacatta Oro marble soaking infinity tub with

an impeccable view of (you guessed it) the en-

tire Los Angeles basin and the ocean. Above

it is a fireplace that is topped with a reclaimed

French beam mantle that is set into stenciled

stucco walls. The shower features steam units

for a full-blown spa experience and is adorned

with honey onyx stones that also decoratethe base of the tub. Acid-washed, non-slip

versions of these stones comprise the bath-

rooms floor. Just outside the separate his andhers toilets is a balcony that provides a view

of the tiered garden that Kaycees mother so

lovingly tends, as well as the closeted hallway

that leads back to the library, game room and

bedroom and bath areas that are used by

Kaycees parents.

As we near the completion of our tour,

Kaycee leads me to a gate that succinctly

represents the eclectic and expansive vision

that shaped the building of her home. It is an

ancient, weathered-looking object, imported

from India and purchased by Kaycee before

she even knew what shed do with it. To hear

her tell it, she approached its purchase as

she did so many of the items in her home

with the knowledge that she would contend

with non-buyers remorse if she walked away

from it and having enough faith to know that

both she and her building and design teamswould lovingly find a way to make it part of the

homes story.


An intimate dining room opens to the cigar patio.

Leach

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The Ultimate Kitchen Designed With You And For You.

Professional assistance from concept to completion,

incorporating distinctive, customized cabinetry

and personalized product selection

Jackie Balint, CKDCertified Kitchen Designer

310-540-4090in the RIVIERA VILLAGE, at 241 Avenida del Norte, Redondo Beach, CA 90277

Open Tuesday Friday 11am5pmSaturday 10am4pm

www.thekitchencollection.com

PhotographybyKenHenry

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the arts

TaoTao #2, charcoal drawing

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As td t Eizaeth Huchaa

From the time I was very young,

I had an interest in drawing. My

mother and I were living in a one-

room place in the country, and I had

no brothers and sisters. While she was work-

ing, I was home alone a lot, even at age three

or four, which isnt unusual in China. Id make

paper sculptures of boats and planes. Or Id

make up my own stories and draw them.

I was a very well behaved child. When my

mother wanted me to stay still, shed put me

inside the lid of a box, and Id just sit there. I knew

what people did and did not want me to do. By

nature, I was very calm. There were lots of other

kids in the neighborhood, but I didnt play withthem often. It wasnt that I was afraid of them.

I just wasnt so good at communicating with

lAborof lovE

Han Dai-Yu on

Life and Art

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Mona Lisa 2007, oil on canvas

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other kids, and I wasnt interested in everyone

chasing each other. It just didnt seem interest-

ing to me. Even today, I dont really like parties

with crowds of people dancing and drinking.

Clfor DremgWhen I was in college in 1989, one of

my close friends went to jail for his in-

volvement in the student protests in Ti-

ananmen Square. Hed wanted a quiet life

teaching, but after he went to jail, there was noway. He changed his name and moved to Bei-

jing, where hes a contemporary artist. Since

hes now considered politically dangerous, it

wouldnt be easy for him to get another job. If

you want to live in China, you have to give up

political issues and just act extremely humble

to everyone. Generally speaking, intellectuals

arent treated with much respect.

I was a professor at the National Academy

of Art, Chinas first official art college, which was

founded in 1928. After a year on sabbatical in

Zurich and Paris, where I was an artist in resi-

dence at Cit International des Arts, I came to

the States as a visiting scholar and an interna-

tional professor in 2002. Now I teach at Loyola

Marymount University, a beautiful campus with

the nicest people in the world. I go back to

China to visit, but I prefer living in California.

I live in a condo with my wife and two kidsin Playa Vista. Sometimes people say, You

know, you could rent a house with a yard, but

in China, the downtown areas are the best and

safest places to live, so my experience has

always been to live in a condo.

Many parts of Asian life are already a part

of life here too, so being in L.A. doesnt feel so

foreign. Here, taking your shoes off when you

go inside is common. People eat sushi. You

see clean, contemporary houses with Japa-

nese gardens. You notice it in the art here too

Latin American, Mexican, Native American,

Japanese, Chinese theres a lot of influence

from different nations.

California feels very open-minded and in-

ternational. The typical East Coast Colonial-

style house, pork barbecue and cheesecake

arent for me.

Drwg CoclsosWhen others look at my work, I want

.................

han Dai-yu.................


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West Lake #1, mixed media on rice paper West Lake #3, mixed media on rice paper

.................

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them to appreciate not just my views on

life but also all the labor that Ive done.Take

Michelangelo he put a lot of hard work into his

murals. Or Picasso you see the huge, strong

strokes and all the energy there. But for some

so-called contemporary artists, its become all

about being a thinker and a talker. Theres less

and less energy, talent and hard work involved.

They just write a lot of artists statements!

The work of art is to create, research and

study. Thats why arts institutions exist today before we throw something away, we need

to see if theres a treasure there. In China, for

example, an uneducated population once

burned and destroyed all traditional art with

revolutionary passion, all because people had

no knowledge, respect or appreciation for

traditional art or culture.

My painting is not just for visual apprecia-

tion. I want it to have cultural significance and

to introduce people to the Chinese artistic tradi-

tion and whats good about Chinese culture. To

me, all of Chinese painting is a kind of drawing.

Chinese painters focus on line, calligraphy and

strokes elements that have more in common

with drawing than with Western painting.

In China, we consider painting or drawing

as a language system. To tell a story in English,

you follow English grammar. Same thing with

Chinese drawing and painting its importantto respect the tradition.

To judge a painting in China, you start with

chi. There has to be a vivid energy passing

through the work something you can just

feel when you have traditional painting training.

Second, you look at how powerful the strokes

are. Its not like charcoal or pencil; youre using

a brush made of hairs, after all. But you pull

your energy through this soft brush. Its a tech-

nical challenge that demands long training in

calligraphy, which is considered just another

type of painting in China. Finally, you look at the

elements of the work the shapes in a painting

should have a relationship with each other.

After many years of practicing art, I have

come to think of it as a type of exercise a

kind of practice in balance, like Chinese Zen.

I do not believe the main purpose of creating

art is to sell it or to gain celebrity; rather, I seeit as a healthy way to improve myself. Only my

artwork truly tells my story.

han dai-yu.................

Photos

courtesy

ofHan

Dai-Yu.

Focus, Creativity and Passion for designing

one of a kind living spaces.

F.E.C. Company Inc. Design / Build Lic: 808932310.901.4705 www.feccompany.biz

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When Bob Ford, Director of

Development for the Pa-

los Verdes Peninsula Land

Conservancy (PVPLC), di-

aled me up with an offer to take a drive

through the habitat, I must admit a littlenaivet on my end. Sure, I had motored

along the Palos Verdes South, even whipped

through on my bike from points above, tak-

ing in the gorgeous ocean on one side and

the rolling hills on the other, often covered

in beautiful yellow mustard. But, had I ever

truly explored those winding paths within the

trees and brush? No. And, this guided tourwas my chance.

Bob, Marketing Manager Amber Heidt


PaLoS VerdeSPeninSuLa LandConSerVanCy

b d elms

Photos

courtesy

ofPVPLC.

call of the wild

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and myself jumped into his small but sturdy Honda and

headed out to a bluff overlooking the vast property. Turns

out its actually a collection of properties, acquired in pieces

over the years, including Three Sisters, Portuguese Bend

and Abalone Cove. Currently, the Conservancy hopes to

connect two of their reserves with a new acquisition, UpperFiliorum. The land hosts areas of coastal sage scrub and

southern cactus scrub habitat and is home to the California

call of the wild

7/28/2019 Luxury 12 2008

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gnatcatcher, a bird on the Endangered Spe-

cies list. Theres also hope for a reintroduction

of the endangered Palos Verdes blue butter-

fly. If they are successful with the acquisition

project, the PVPLC acreage would increase

to 1,400, 40% larger than San Franciscos

Golden Gate Park.

About 15 minutes into our ride, Bob opens

a car gate and drives us onto one of the many

paths that snake through the reserve. He pullsover and shows me a rock, asking me if I no-

tice anything unusual. Sure enough theres a

small skeletal fossil, a souvenir of Palos Verdes

distant past when the area was mostly under

sea level. I also learn all that yellow mustard

plant, now brown and dead in late summer, is

not native to the preserves ecosystem. Pretty,

but not necessarily welcome.

We press on, rolling down narrow dirt pas-

sages that barely accommodate our vehicles

width. Bob notes that the Conservancy has

already taken action to clean out acres of non-native plants in a dedicated effort to restore the

land to its thriving, original glory. But, he added,

theres plenty of work to be done.

Finally making it out to Abalone Cove, we

take a deep breath of Pacific air and look

behind at the territory we just covered. Its a

magnificent site, and one I can now appreci-

ate more after seeing it intimately. From this

distance, Bob points out the land they plan

to bring into the PVPLC family. According

to Liz Kennedy, Executive VP of the Board

of Directors, they are developing plans for apublic campaign to raise $4 million to acquire

the property. This is a unique opportunity for


call of the wild

7/28/2019 Luxury 12 2008

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the community, at last, to complete the Por-

tuguese Bend Preserve, she says.

The Conservancy will make formal an-

nouncements on a capital campaign in the

near future. In the meantime, you can still

make donations to the PVPLC and visit their

Web site at pvplc.org. Bob left me with a book

on the best hikes on the PV Peninsula, a guide

full of interesting facts on wildlife and walking

adventures in our area. Take a stroll out thereyourself and experience this slice of nature we

can proudly call our own.

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P

orsche can get away with what

few other auto manufacturers can

producing basically the same

car over and over again. Stude-

baker tried it, coining itself the common sense

car, but a clever tag couldnt carry the brand

very far. There is something magical about the

911 formula that very few can duplicate. This

season, the Carrera mystifies yet again.For 2009, the 911 receives a subtle facelift

to the front and rear fascias, introducing new

bixenon headlights that swivel, and fog-split-

ting LED daytime running lights and taill ights,

the latter nestled behind new lenses which

are slightly pointier. Thanks to the design of

the new front bumper, engine temperatures

run cooler, and the center radiator has been

eliminated.

Inside, the third generation of Porsche

Communication Management (PCM) debutswith a 6.5-inch LCD touch screen dominating

the center stack. Housing the audio, nav, iPod,


and auxiliary USB port, the new unit is much

more user-friendly than the dial system of yore.

Buyers looking for the ultimate audio can opt

to link all this modernism to a Bose sound

system. They can also sit comfortably with

new optional heated and cooled front seats

and a heated steering wheel, both pushing the

Carrera further into the luxury GT segment and

distancing it from rough-n-ready sports cars.Then again, those dying to own a racecar for

the streets should opt for a GT2 or GT3.

dynamic dj vu2009 PorSche carreraby Dn Wbg

dynamic dj vu

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To ensure that there is a 911 for every bud-

get and driving style, Porsche has produced

no fewer than 15 Carrera variants, beginning

with Carrera, Carrera Cabriolet, Carrera 4, Car-

rera 4 Cabriolet, and Targa 4. Each boasts the

345 horsepower engine, while the 4 denotes

all-wheel drive. The Targa implements a large

sliding glass roof panel to emulate a hardtop-

convertible situation. From the base Carrera

coupe, cabriolet or Targa lineup, Porsche

steps up to the Carrera S family, featuring the

385 horsepower engine. From the S models,

Porsche really turns up the heat with the Turbo

and Turbo Cabriolet (480 horsepower), GT2

(530 horsepower), GT3 (415 horsepower), and

GT3 RS (415 horsepower). And then theres

the seemingly endless list of optional extras for

each. Something for everyone.

Some car aficionados believe that the Car-

rera is the poor mans 911. However, depend-

ing on your requirements, the Carrera could


2009 PorSche carrera

SPecificationS*

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November/December 2008 moontidemedia.comLuxuy L & Syl45

actually be the better choice. The base Car-

rera utilizes a 3.6-liter 6-cylinder that makes

345 horsepower, while the Carrera S costs an

additional $10,000 and cracks the whip with

an all new 3.8-liter, 6-cylinder cranking out 385

horsepower. And the benefits essentially stop

there. The S is quicker to 60 miles per hour,

but by a mere .1 seconds. For an additional

ten grand, buyers get a bigger engine with 40

more horsepower, but what do those 40 po-

nies do under that vented rear hood? Honestly,

its a little hard to say, except that the 3.8-liter

has been reengineered to be lighter, stronger,

and more efficient than its predecessor. But

BoDY:

Material: Steel

Overall Length: 175.63 in.Overall Width: 71.18 in.

Height: 51.57 in.

Wheelbase: 92.52 in.

Curb Weight: 3,075 lbs.

Weight distribution (fr/rr): N/A

MechanicaLS:

Transmission: 6-speed manual/

7-speed automatic

Engine: 3.6-Liter Flat-6 Cylinder

Horsepower: 345

Torque: 288

tireS:

FR: N/A

RR; N/A

PerforMance:

0-62 MPH: 4.7 seconds (manual)/4.5 seconds (PDK)

Top Speed: 180 (manual)/178 (PDK)

*Manufacturer informational claims

dynamic dj vu

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Photos

courtesy

ofPorsche.

is that enough to justify the dough? Buying

a base Carrera frees up money for Carbon

Ceramic Brakes, higher-end interior, sportier

wheels, and limited edition paints that make

your Porsche distinctly yours. And, no matter

what anyone says, there is no such thing as a

poorly performing Porsche in the new millen-

nium. Truly, the Carrera is a performance and

engineering bargain that anyone should be

proud to own despite lacking the signature S

on the rear flank. Fear not, the magic is there.

Porsche has done a fair amount of re-engi-

neering to the 911, and arguably the most sub-

stantial and beneficial work has gone into the

7-speed automatic. Called PDK, for Porsche

Doppelkupplungsgetriebe, or Porsche Double

Clutch Transmission, its pure wizardry. Devel-

oped in conjunction with transmission legend

ZF, the PDK has helped improve performance

while increasing overall fuel efficiency by 15

percent. It shifts with a crispness not normally

associated with autoboxes and is available

with Sport and Sport Plus, allowing even more

rapid shifts, providing slightly quicker 0-60

runs than the manual transmission. Its perfect

for cruising around town, along the coast, or

hitting the tracks for some spirited fun. It also

bolsters safety to a degree. Imagine toddling

along at 65 miles per hour in seventh gear. The

engine is burbling somewhere around 2,500

RPM, and there it is in your rearview mirror,

a pesky Italian sports car barreling down on

you. Plant the accelerator to the floor, and a

switch immediately awakens the beast within

the engine and transmission. Quite easily, the

911 sprints to 70 miles per hour and beyond in

just a couple of seconds, saving both you and

the Italian car from clumsily meeting.

Second to the new PDK, Carrera suspen-

sion and steering geometry have been touched

up to quicken steering responses and improve

road damping and body stability. Porsche has

also taken care to improve its already stel-

lar brakes. All of the above make the Carrera

more athletic, able to carve through canyons

and slip through traffic with scalpel precision.

Above all, these enhancements combine to

make the Carrera more rewarding, exciting

and enjoyable to drive.

Porsche has taken great strides to ensure

that each generation of 911 is better than the

last, and the Carrera has truly benefited in many

ways. With its legendary performance, resale

value, maintenance regimen, build quality, op-

tions and colors galore, and a commitment to

engineering, the Carrera is truly the common

sense sports car.

Test drive yours at Pacific Porsche,

2900 Pacific Coast Highway, Torrance.

310-891-2100, pacific.porschedealer.com.


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An entirely new species of shopping center.

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Plaza El Segundo is located on Sepulveda Blvd, just north of Rosecrans.AntiquaActive Ride Shop AnthropologieAveda Vicara SalonSpa Banana Republic BCBGMAXAZRIAbebe Best BuyBorders Brooks Shoes for KIDS Claudia Milan

Cost Plus World Market Davids Shoe Salon Dicks Sporting Goods Happy SixJ.CrewJoS. A. Bank La Sirena Grill & Cantina Linens-n-Things lululemon athletica m. fredric MAC CosmeticsMarmalade Caf Melt Gelato & Crepe Caf Milan Nails PetSmart pinkberryQ Design Salt Creek Grille Seppe Smith & Hawken Starbucks Sunglass Style Sur La Table Swoozies

Temptress The Counter The Veggie Grill Toy JungleVarga Verizon WirelessWhole Foods Market WrapsodyYogaWorks.

Get the Butterfy Blast. Know whats new, whats happening, whats on sale. Sign up for our email blasts atwww.plazaelsegundo.com.

Open. Airy. Beautifully landscaped. Even the way everythings laid outis out of the ordinary. Instead of a bunch of stores in a box, there are three

distinct sections, each with its own look, its own vibe. And the stores:Some of the hottest names in retailing call Plaza El Segundo home.

We think its because we didnt settle for the commonplace.Something were sure our fellow members of the

human species will nd quite refreshing.

The art of giving

an insightful and rare talent

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Photo

courtesyofitsrespectivecompa

ny.

T that comes naturally toonly an exceptional and blessed few.The phrase indeed makes perfect

sense, for masterful gift giving truly is

a form of art. But fear not if your gift

giving skills lack a certain je ne sais

quoi. Weve once again put together

our annual guide of our favorite,

wonderfully creative, sometimes

practical, often extravagant, and

always luxurious and stylish gifts to

please everyone on your list. For in the

great words of Sir Winston Churchill,

We make a living by what we get. We

make a life by what we give.

Work of ArtMeet the new gold standard. The Sophistica handbag from Ambrosi Abrianna turns heads at every corner. The center cut crocodile

masterpiece comes with a luminous lamiera oro tan and chic oversized design. Each is individually numbered and signed by the

designer. Brava! Retails for $23,300, exclusively through their Manhattan showroom. 212-582-2506, ambrosiabrianna.com.

ultimate

holiday giftguide

the

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The Wild One

Ducatis 1098 R is pure beauty and

performance. A historic model, the

motorcycle is nearly identical to

recent winner of the World Superbike

Championship. Boasting the style

of a legend and the soul of a racer,

the 1098 R embodies the essence

of Ducatis motorcycle culture:

success. MSRP: $39,995. Del Amo

Motorsports, Redondo Beach. 310-

220-2223, ducati.com.


the ultimate holiday gift guide

PhotoscourtesyofDucati.

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Signature Style(upper left) MP6-Green Key,

Michael Perchin Pens. $2,600.

Arg enti Cigars , Holl ywood.

323-462-1473; (upper right)

Rolex GMT master II. $10,350.

Morgans Jewelers, Rolling

Hills Estates. 310-541-2052,

morgansjewelers.com; (lower

right) Vertu Signature Phone.

$36,000. Westime Watches,

Los Angeles. 310-470-1388,

westime.net, or vertu.com.



Photoscourtesyoftheirrespectivecompanies.

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Space OdysseyVirgin Galactic, the worlds first spaceline,

offers you the groundbreaking opportunity

to reach for the stars. Operating its own

privately built spaceships, modeled on the

history-making SpaceShipOne, voyagers

train then depart on the journey of a lifetime.

Let the countdown begin. Flights start

at $200,000. For more information, visit

virgingalactic.com.


Photo

istockphoto.com/DavidMarchal.

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Sail AwayAmerica Luxury Schooner

Private Charter. Price available

upon request. 800-644-3454,

americayacht.com


Sound OffSteinway Model D Music

System. $188,000. SystemsDesign Group, Redondo

Beach. 310-370-8575,

systemsdesigngroup.net.


Upper

rightphotoistockphoto.com/C

eneri.Allotherphotos

courte

syoftheirrespectivecompanies

.

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The Wine ListBottle selections from Food & Wine Editor

Bonnie Graves:

Under $100

Paul Lato Pinot Noir, Suerte

(Solomon Hills Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley

CA - 2005)

Want to catch a rising star? Paul Latos incredibly

expressive pinot noirs are a wonder of finesse,

and prove to me the real potential of the Santa

Maria AVA for producing world-class pinot

noirs. paullatowines.com.

Under $200

Peter Michael Chardonnay, Point Rouge

(Sonoma, CA - 2003)

The pinnacle of chardonnay expression from this

perpetual powerhouse winery, where the Morletbrothers continue to harness Knights Valleys

microclimate with exceptional winemaking

expertise. petermichaelwinery.com.

Between $200-$500

Chteau Loville-Las Cases (St.-Julien, France

- 2005)

One for the cellar I love Loville-Las Cases

and will be excited to see where its interpretation

of the superb 2005 vintage goes on its life

journey. winelibrary.com.

Skys the limit

Domaine de la Romane-Conti, La Tche

(Ctes de Nuits, France - 1990)

One can dream and I dream of owning this wine,

arguably one of the most perfect expressions of

pinot noir ever produced.


Photo

istockphoto.com/HalBergman.

CARPETING HARDWOOD FLOORING CERAMIC TILE KITCHEN & BATH REMODEL

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23837 Hawthorne Blvd., Torrance (between PCH and Lomita, next to Tuesday Morning)

310.375.4545

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Design for Living(above) Jeremiah Lounge

Chair. $4,500; Armature

Television. $14,000. Q Design,

Plaza El Segundo. 310-333-

0794, qdesignstudio.com.

Dressed to Kill(lower left) Black and Blue

Sapphire Cufflinks by John

Hardy. 888-838-3022,

johnhardy.com.

Photo

scourtesyoftheirrespectivecompanies.

Exclusive Fabrics. Personalized Service. Custom Crated.

Let Us Help You Create The Interior Designs Of Your Dreams.

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Window TreatmentsUpholstered Furniture

Balloon & Roman Shades

Designer Woven Wood Shades

Shutters

Bedding

Extensive Library o High End

Fabrics/Trimmings

Upholstery & Slipcovers

For appointments please call:

310-378-0929

24450 Hawthorne Blvd.Torrance CA 90505

www.dfinteriors.com

[email protected]

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Masterpiece TheatreAttend the premier auction events of the globe from the comfort

of your home office. Christies invites you to place a bid, via their

online auction, on one of these remarkable offerings from the Alice

Lawrence and Hillman Family Collections. Lots include: (counter-

clockwise from upper right) Fillette sur un Banc, oil on canvas,

by Edouard Manet; No. 43, oil on canvas, by Mark Rothko and

Exercices spirituels, oil on canvas, by Rene Magritte. Estimates:

$4 to $30 million. Ladies and gentleman, do I have an opening

bid? christies.com.



Photo

scourtesyoftheirrespectiveco

mpanies.

Patients from around the world

realize their dreams of seeing

right here in the South Bay.

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I you are a reader o Luxury Life & Styleyou are part

o an elite group o individuals who have worked hard

and smart or your accomplishments. I you have al-

ways dreamed o enjoying the ruits o your labor with

less dependence on corrective lenses,All Laser LASIK

may be your answer. As in any elective procedure, your

surgeons experience and skill are the most important

actors in assuring you the best results.

Wendell P. Wong, M.D. is one o the most respected

and experienced LASIK surgeons in the world. His pa-

tients come to his South Bay practice rom across the

country and around the globe to realize their dreams

o seeing without their corrective lenses. Since

1981, he has perormed over 26,000 LASIK

procedures. Patients have included over 700

doctors, captains o industry, members o Royal

amilies, and numerous proessional sports and

entertainment gures.

Dr. Wong merged his private practice with TLC

Laser Eye Centers several years ago to have ac-

cess to the nest laser technology available. TheTLC Torrance center in Skypark Medical has not one, but

three state-o-the-art lasers. The Intralase creates a

delicate fap with laser energy instead o using a micro-

surgical blade. TheVISX S4 CustomVue andAllegretto

Wavelight lasers gently custom sculpt the correction to

treat nearsightedness, astigmatism and arsightedness.

In a ew short minutes, you can see the dierence.

www.tlcvision.com/centers/torrance

For a complimentary consultation, call 310-784-2020.

Dr. Wendell P. Wong can change the way you see the world!

Wendell P. Wong, M.D.Medical Director & Chie o LASIK Surgery

TLC Laser Eye Centers

23550 Hawthorne Blvd. Suite 220

Torrance, CA 90505

310-784-2020

800-393-0033

www.tlcvision.com/centers/torrance

Dream of Seeing Without glaSSeS

or ContaCt lenSeS?

Find out about Custom Lasik with Intralase!

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Beauty Secrets(upper right) Indulge Package: Aromatherapy

Massage and Decleor Aroma Expert Facial.

$185. Mollys Skin Care Boutique, Hermosa

Beach. mollysskincare.com, 310-372-5505;

(upper left) 18k pear-shaped, canary yellow

and pink diamond ring. $135,000. Medawars

Jewelers, Rolling Hills Estates. 310-554-0042,

medawarsjewelers.com; (lower left) Goji Berry

Body Set. $35. Murad Spa, El Segundo.

murad.com, 310-726-0470.



Photo

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Ca Che si p f a fee i a cass.

740 Aied Wa E Sed, CA 90245(310) 322-6500 [email protected]

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Sporting Trifecta(upper right) The Kentucky Derby. Louisville,

Kentucky, May 2, 2009; (upper left) The

Masters. Augusta, Georgia, March 9-12,

2009; (bottom left) The Super Bowl. Tampa,

Florida, February 1, 2009. High-end travel

packages with best seats available courtesy

of sportstraveler.net. Prices vary.


Upperrightphotoistockphoto.com/DerekDammann.Upperleftphoto

istockphoto/BlairHoward.Lowerleftphotoistockphoto.com/DoxaD

igital.

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interview

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all in the familya conversation with maurice hennessyb D e

T

o be in the presence of Maurice

Hennessy is not unlike enjoying

a snifter of great cognac warm,

classy and straight up. When we

first shook hands at a Hennessy function in

Los Angeles this summer, the man I met was

not at all the intimidating luxury icon figure-

head one might imagine. Think more genteel

ambassador to a luxury legend. Here was a

man with a passion for cognac elegant, well

spoken and not an ounce pretentious. When

he talks cognac, you want to listen.

While you can say cognac is in his blood,

Maurices knowledge of the business goes

much deeper than the Hennessy name. After

spending his youth in Cognac, France, he

moved on to Paris to study agriculture at the

University of Paris. After a few years abroad

in West Africa, he was invited to join the fam-

ily firm. Early in his career, he worked in the

P.R. Department before spending five years in

London developing the British market.

Since returning to Cognac in 1984, he has

traveled extensively through Europe, Asia and

both North and South America. His relation-

ships worldwide extend from salesforces to

VIPs to cognac consumers. His training pro-

grams and tastings have been instrumental to

the development of the brand.

In Cognac, which he calls home with his

wife, Catherine, and three daughters, he main-

tains his own vineyard, a personal connection

to his family roots and local tradition. He also

speaks four languages, enjoys cooking and

good wines, and has participated in a number

of marathons. Another passion, music, he

often uses to explain the blending processes

of cognac.

Maurice was gracious enough to share

with Luxury Life & Style some of the finer

points on his company, his cognac and his

idea of luxury.

November/December 2008 moontidemedia.com luxury life & stye65

Darren Elms: Hello Maurice It was a plea

a converSation with maurice henneSSy

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Darren Elms: Hello, Maurice. It was a plea-

sure meeting you for the first time earlier this

year. In fact, when we spoke last, you ex-

tended an invitation for me to visit Cognac and

experience the town for myself. I think Ill take

you up on that offer.

Maurice Hennessy:This is the only place

where cognac can be made, and this is where

my family has lived for about 250 years.

DE:An amazing legacy. How does the familybusiness look today as compared to 1765?

MH: The respect for the workforce, the qual-

ity of the cognac, and the consumers are the

same today as they were in 1765. But the

company is, of course, much larger today than

it was when we first started. Hennessy is a

founding member of the Mot Hennessy Louis

Vuitton (LVMH) group the largest maker of

luxury products in the world.

DE:Tell our readers a little about your life in

Cognac. What does Maurice Hennessy like

to do when hes not on the clock?

MH: Outside of work, I like to run my own

vineyard, and insure the quality of the young

eau de vie I will supply to the firm. I also love

rowing on the local river in Cognac. We have

one of the oldest rowing clubs in France. Also,

my wife and I love cooking, entertaining, and

looking after our garden.

DE:Sounds like leisure time well spent. I also

understand you are a frequent traveler. Where

do you and your wife like to spend your vaca-

tion time?

MH:My work allows me to visit many parts of

the world, and in a way, I love staying at home

during my vacations. However, my wife and I

love the South of France, where you have the

wonderful Music Festival during the summer.

DE:As part of the distinguished LVMH group,

Im sure you have exposure to a host of luxury

products and experiences. Are there any par-

ticular luxury brands you admire the most?

MH: I am a customer to some of them from

elegant hotels, to wines, from scents to fash-

ion. However, luxury for me means quality, not

showing off.

DE:I quite agree. At Luxury Life & Style were

frequently informed of wonderful local events

sponsored by your company. Any special

partnerships Hennessy is currently involved

with?

MH:As a long established French brand, Hen-

nessy has partnered with numerous local ac-

tivities including the Classical Music Concert,

Blues Festivals, and many other activities. We

have a very important international opera-

tion with Hennessy Artistry, which promotes

young musicians all over the world. One action

which particularly interests me is the building

of a replica of the frigate Hermione, as it was

during the 18th century, when it carried le Mar-

quis de Lafayette and his army to America.

DE:Speaking of arrivals in America, what

Hennessy cognac special editions can we

anticipate in the near future? Were featuring

the Le Coffre Secrets in our current issue...

its just breathtaking.

MH: Hennessy cognacs have been known

worldwide, and some of them for more than

a century, for the consistency of their qualities.

Our customers like to be able to recognize the

style of the Hennessy they enjoy. However, we

sometimes create special qualities, usually in

very small quantities, and as such, not too pro-

moted. Watch the market to find out more!

DE:Well keep our eyes peeled! Dare I ask,

but do you have a personal favorite in the

Hennessy collection?

MH:All the qualities of Hennessy are well done

and all very good to my liking, although all very

different. I like to compare them to my children

all loveable, but all so different!

DE:Well said. In your expert opinion, how best

to enjoy a glass of cognac?

MH: You can enjoy cognac in many ways,

from the very classical cognac in a snifter to

the traditional cognac and soda or even the

more modern cocktails. Cognac on the rocks

is very enjoyable as well. There is, therefore,

no precise rule, outside the fact that cognac is

a very high quality and elegant drink, and that

it mixes very well.

DE:Maurice, what do you consider the finest

luxury of all?

MH:Having your family around for dinner and

loving every minute of it.

DE:Cheers to that.


Photos

courtesy

ofHennessy.

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OYSTER PERPETUAL

COSMOGRAPH DAYTONA

OFFICIAL ROLEX JEWELER

ROLEX OYSTER PERPETUAL, COSMOGRAPH AND DAYTONA ARE TRADEMARKS.

22200 Hawthorne Blvd.Torrance

310-375-4471

50 Peninsula CenterRolling Hills Estates

310-541-2052


Palos Verdes Concours dElegance

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October 19 - 21

Luxury Life & Style was a proud media sponsor

of the 2008 Palos Verdes Concours dElegance.

Fridays Charity Gala was graciously hosted by Nick

and Rose Colonna at their Tuscan villa in Palos Verdes

Estates. Trump National welcomed the big event on

Sunday with KABCs Dave Kunz presiding as Grand

Marshall. Best in Show was awarded to Anthony

Vincent Zehenni for his 1939 Delage D8-120 Grand Lux.

Beautiful weather and sensational automobile entriesmade this years event a memorable occasion for all.

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VIP Open HouseCelebration of Lazar

D i /B ild

Erin Condren HolidayShopping Party

Some EnchantedEating

A B f A i Sh O b 4

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