Italian fashion house Ferragamo is celebrating a noteworthy historical era for a modern push.

The brand’s latest advertising campaign, titled “New Renaissance,” odes its namesake artistic time period in the city of its birth. Made with the cooperation of the famous Uffizi Gallery, home to some of the most famous paintings in the world, the fall/winter 2023 slot showcases all that Florence has to offer.

Firenze and friends

Florence sits at the heart of the new campaign, widely considered to be the center of the Renaissance.

The European city also hosts the Ferragamo headquarters and the beloved mansion of the founder. Drawing a line between a hailed artistic tradition and the luxury brand, Florence serves as the tether between them.

Like the Renaissance, humanism and craftsmanship anchor the fall/winter 2023 visuals.

Thanks to a collaboration with the Uffizi Gallery, the campaign includes a variety of some of the 13th, 14th, 15th and 16th centuries’ most well-known pieces, opening with a model gazing into the camera in front of Giorgio Vasari’s Portrait of Alessandro de Medici, the first duke of Florence. Mr. Vasari, the painter, is considered by most in the Western world to be the first-ever art historian, known for his canonical works that document traditions and shape the field as it is practiced today — he was also the designer of the museum, which used to be offices for the de Medici clan.

The creation and a close-up of the young model’s face are the first to appear on screen, setting the tone for the entire collective. Florence’s Gothic Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore sits within the painting’s left hand side, opposite from the depiction of the de Medici family member — built from 1296 to 1436, the building has become a signature symbol of the Italian hub.

Shigeru Umebayashi’s “2046 Main Theme” plays, sounding distinctively classical with its use of strings, though composed for a film revolving around the literary genre of science fiction.

These meetings of the future and past create a middle ground, where references from history have a place in modernity. The dynamic is not only at play in the campaign, but in the clothing items themselves.

Draped fabrics, metallic shine and jewel tones, beloved in the Renaissance, are paired with fluffy jackets, bodycon fits and contemporary cuts.

The models who don the interconnected styles mingle in a space adorned with the world-renowned painting, gathering around a table topped with pairs of shoes. A photographer sits with his back to the camera, tinkering with his craft, while the rest of them range from singers to creative producers to traditional models.

As the artistic figures slowly congregate around the footwear, the space begins to feel like a workshop, a shared setup between Ferragamo and Renaissance creatives — it should also be noted that Salvatore Ferragamo was a shoemaker from 12 years old onward, which began his fashion career, adding another level of significance to the tabletop items.

With the gallery’s permission, the label also dedicates individual landing pages on its website to a few of the paintings in honor of New Renaissance.

Francesco Granacci’s Giuseppe condotto in prigione is one of them, Ferragamo tying the artwork and its story — which is hashed out on the same page for those who do not know about the narrative — and linking it to a responding outfit from the collection. Purity and nuptial themes grounding the telling of the tale, a long, white, draped dress is shown in front of the classical piece.

Another core painting of the historical era, Annunciazione by Paolo Veronese, is one of the individual works given a spotlight.

The Christian story of the Virgin Mary is told through a modern lens, complemented by a stormy gray trench coat and oversized handbag worn by a male model who poses in front of the canvas.

Giovanni Bellini’s Allegoria sacra is also platformed, which like the other paintings, revives practices from the Greek Golden Age with new perspectives. Ferragamo adds another layer to the series, applying a 21st-century voice to the telling and presentation.

Art at work

Many luxury maisons are turning to history’s creative minds and their projects in helping their modern products shine.

The Renaissance especially has proven to be a fruitful source of advertising for fashion brands, allowing Italian houses particularly to assert heritage and create space in a historically artistic country.

Some are pairing the era’s classical art with contemporary projects, revealing ways that ancient works can still interact with the field (see story), while others are doing similar things to Ferragamo, dropping entire collections that revolve around the treasured time in history.

This has been a specifically popular choice this year in 2023, as Beyoncé embarks on her Renaissance tour, partnering with luxury names to craft clothing and looks for the occasion.

French fashion label Balmain worked with the performer in March, codesigning a collection drawing on Renaissance traditions and the namesake tour’s album (see story). Plated tops, sun motifs and more ended up in the final cut of the array, which like Ferragamo, allowed centuries-old styles to still be a part of the conversation without sacrificing relevance.

This article originally appeared on LuxuryDaily.com.

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Luxury brands have always gone to great lengths to court new customers, and keep current ones, but a large shift is happening in just how they will need to do that.

Affluent consumers, especially women and younger generations, are increasingly relying on a brand’s values and how they become part of that brand’s story and experience when making purchasing decisions.

“There’s a real shift to conscious consumption from conspicuous consumption,” said Tracey Baldwin, senior vice president for luxury lifestyle media sales at The Wall Street Journal, during Luxury Daily’s Women in Luxury event last month.

“It has to matter,” she said. “Consumers in general, but women in particular, are putting their buying power where their belief system is.”

New money

Women and younger generations are entering the luxury marketplace in large numbers.

By 2030, $30 trillion in assets are expected to transfer hands, much of it to women, in the United States alone, where they already control about a third of that.

Luxury consumers will get younger, too, with Gen Z expected to account for 75 percent of luxury purchases by the same year.

Fifty-four percent of luxury homebuyers under 35 are also women, according to a recent Luxury Portfolio International report.

These consumers are coming to expect some sort of personal connection with the brands they choose to support, through the way they are treated while shopping and are folded into the brand “family.”

“One of the exciting transitions in luxury in the last 15 years is they’ve gone from being the know it all, there was a snooty element to it, to a much more engaging hospitality aspect,” said Marie Driscoll, managing director for luxury and fashion at Coresight Research, during the event.

“Part of it is the casualization of our culture, and it’s also the importance of a younger consumer,” she said. “It’s great to see the market flex and be real. We expect a relationship with something.”

Consumers are putting more of an emphasis on the communities they are a part of, and that includes the brands they buy – something long used as a symbol of oneself.

“People really want to feel like they belong,” said Julie Faupel, founder of real estate network REALM, during the event. “I think that it’s something that, as we see this generational shift in wealth, will continue, because it’s something that really resonates with millennials and Gen Z.”

Consumers in the luxury space expect the things they buy, whether that is apparel or tech or real estate, to come from responsible corporate citizens that fit in with their chosen community.

“It’s delivering on all of the things,” Ms. Baldwin said. “Are you sustainable? Are you inclusive? Do you represent me? Because I’m bringing you into my home.”

It is important for luxury brands to be eco-friendly and sustainable, inclusive of different genders, body types and abilities, and to have a responsible supply chain, or at the very least be working towards those goals.

Story time

Brands are taking note.

Loro Piana, for example, recently announced that each item from its “The Gift of Kings” collection will come with a digital certificate allowing consumers to trace the blockchain of the garment from start to finish.

“The other thing we see is the idea of storytelling,” Ms. Baldwin said. “For women, they want to understand the story behind the brand.

“So if we can put the artisans of the brand out there and let the consumers get to know them, that becomes part of the magic of the brand.”

Hermes is a brand that is known for its craftsmanship, and makes sure its marketing reflects that. It does not stray from who it is, retaining its core customers, yet drawing in a new, younger audience by tapping various artists for fresh designs for its signature scarves.

Louis Vuitton, too, has worked with a number of artists that appeal to millennials and Gen Z.

“It’s fun and youthful,” Ms. Driscoll said. And “it attracts people 20 years old to 60 years old.”

Experiencing a brand goes beyond just its story, with consumers wanting to be a part of that story.

Shoppers want to go into stores again – in China, 50 percent of luxury shoppers are in-store, according to Ms. Driscoll. In-store events are becoming more and more important to every luxury brand.

“[It’s] the idea of the community builder and being able to take an experience and package it in a unique way,” Ms. Faupel said.

“Those boutique experiences are drawing people out,” she said. “It’s exciting, it’s different, activating the people you want in a curated way that makes them excited to come and experience whatever you’re selling.”

Even in real estate, Ms. Faupel said, instead of open houses, properties will host a beauty bar or other pop-up experience.

While traditional marketing tactics are still a big part of exposure for luxury brands, younger consumers expect them to be much more than a brand. They must not just reflect a certain lifestyle, but be a real part of their customers’ lives.

“We choose these brands because they look good, they have great quality, they have values, and in some way in making the choice we’re bringing them into our life,” Ms. Driscoll said. “We’re using them in some way to describe who we are.”

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An inaugural event happening in Las Vegas this June is bringing the best wine and spirits in the world together for afficionados and newbies alike to savor.  

The Tasting Alliance, which holds several influential global wine and spirit competitions each year, and ReserveBar, the online marketplace for premium beverages, are partnering up to offer a weekend of tastings, classes and more at the Top Shelf event.

“Since our partnership with The Tasting Alliance began, focused on improving access to the world’s greatest spirits, wine and ready-to-drinks, we have always envisioned putting on an event like Top Shelf,” said Derek Correia, president of ReserveBar.

“This immersive two-day event is the ultimate experience for wine and spirits enthusiasts,” he said.

Best in show

At the heart of Top Shelf is the grand tasting, an opportunity for attendees to sample spirits from numerous brands including The Sassenach, Bulleit, Brother’s Bond, Bacardi Ocho, Iichiko, Rabbit Hole, Lobos 1707, Lagavulin, Heaven Hill, Keeper’s Heart, Laws, Chinola, Penelope Bourbon, Symphony No. 3 Rum, LiveWire Cocktails and Old Hillside.

All of the participating wineries and distilleries have been awarded a gold or double gold designation during a Tasting Alliance competition, which comprises the San Francisco International Wine Competition, San Francisco World Spirits Competition, New York World Wine & Spirits Competition and Singapore World Spirits Competition.

“With double gold and gold medal winners ranging from some of the most renowned international distillers and wineries to small-batch craft producers and boutique wineries, these awards have proven to be game-changers,” said Amanda Blue, president and chief operating officer of The Tasting Alliance.

“Each of these double gold and gold medals is a testament to hard work and a universally recognized indicator of exceptional quality and craftsmanship,” he said.

Competitions are judged blindly and are not open to the public to ensure their integrity.

“Top Shelf is the first event consumers can talk to the judges and find out what they look for in a spirit and get access to brands or categories they may have yet to experience,” Ms. Blue said.

Both consumers and industry professionals will have the opportunity to not only taste the best of the best, but to talk directly with the founders and makers of their favorites, plus mingle with each other amidst live entertainment and food pairings.

VIP ticket holders will get a chance to experience spirits on an even more in-depth level with a series of master classes held throughout the event.

Presenters include Patrón, El Tesoro, Blue Run Craft Spirits, Highland Park Whisky Distillery, the Sake School of America and Widow Jane Distillery.

“Overall, they will aim to provide a comprehensive education on spirits, from production to consumption, with a particular focus on how to savor and appreciate these exquisite beverages,” Ms. Blue said.

The event will top off with a black-tie gala on Saturday night where the “best of” winners in each spirit category will be awarded.

Top Shelf will be held June 16-17 at Resorts World in Las Vegas.

Single-day tickets are $275 for general admission or $375 for VIP, and a VIP weekend pass is $495, available from both ReserveBar and The Tasting Alliance.

“Top Shelf is a fantastic opportunity for aficionados and newcomers alike to immerse themselves in new brands, taste exceptional and, in some cases, incredibly rare products, and do it all amidst the luxury of the Resorts World resort,” Mr. Correia said.

“I can’t wait to share this experience with everyone joining,” he said.

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Raucous parties, poolside lounging and swinging musicians – all signatures of the colorful work by the artist Shag.

Shag’s pieces often use the Palm Springs, California, desert and its famous midcentury homes as a backdrop for scenes imbued with retro vibes and a sense of humor – their bold, graphic style drawing from his background in commercial illustration.

“Both the lifestyle and architecture of Palm Springs are huge influences on my art,” the artist said.

Shag, aka Josh Agle, works as a painter and illustrator in Southern California, and opened the first store dedicated to his work in Palm Springs in 2009. Another store just opened in 2022 in Las Vegas.

Here, Mr. Agle talks with Luxury Portfolio about all things Shag.

How did you get your start as an artist?

I’ve drawn and painted my entire life.

When I was in college studying business, I realized I preferred art, so I changed my major to fine art and then worked as an illustrator and graphic designer in the record industry in Southern California.

At the same time, I was doing my own art on the side and showing in galleries around L.A. Eventually my art overtook my career in the music business and I quit my day job.

I have to ask: where did the name Shag come from?

The name Shag is a contraction of the last two letters of my first name, Josh, and the first two letters of my last name, Agle. I liked the name “Shag” because it evoked many things: carpet, a dance, etc.

You have a very distinctive style. Can you tell us a little bit about the inspirations behind it?

The look of the Shag style was inspired by commercial illustration from the ‘50s and ‘60s, but I updated the color palette based on color theory I learned in college and tried to inject a dose of ironic humor and morbid narrative which wouldn’t have been found in the commercial illustration of the past.

Originally my art was aspirational. I was painting parties I wanted to go to and people I wanted to know.

Eventually, as my career took off, my life began to look like one of my paintings. Now I’m inspired by events and situations from my own life.

You often reference pop culture – movies, television shows, music – in your work. How does it inform your art?

Most of the pop culture references in my art go back directly to my childhood or young adult life. They’re things which had a distinct impact on me and informed my worldview.

As a kid, I stood in line for the very first matinee on the day the first Star Wars movie was released, and that left a huge impression on me. Decades later, I was able to recreate that feeling I had as a kid when I did official Star Wars fine art for Lucasfilm. 

Your pieces are so action-packed. What kinds of stories do they tell?

Most of my paintings are set in the middle of a story arc, at the point where something has already occurred and something else is about to happen.

That’s what makes my art seem action-packed, but I usually don’t answer what came before or what will come after. The viewer has to figure that out or create their own narrative for the piece of art. It’s a technique I’ve used to engage viewers since I first started painting.

Many of the stories in my art are inspired by real-life events or situations, but as an artist, I can embellish and improve those scenes to make a better piece of art.

You call Palm Springs your second home and opened your first store there. What is special about it?

Palm Springs has a unique climate that allows it to be sunny and warm when the rest of Southern California is cold or rainy.

Movie stars built second homes here beginning in the 1930s to take advantage of the sun, and Palm Springs came to epitomize a glamorous, leisurely lifestyle.

That faded in the ‘70s and ‘80s, but by the late ‘90s people were hungry to recreate that thing which had made Palm Springs special.

The midcentury homes were still standing, so people began restoring them and trying to make their own lives resemble that of a Hollywood star from the ‘50s or ‘60s. I was part of that group and couldn’t think of anywhere else I’d rather open my first store.

How is your artwork influenced by Palm Springs?

Both the lifestyle and architecture of Palm Springs are huge influences on my art.

Before it was one of the hip world destinations, I painted Palm Springs as I wished it to be. Over time, as contemporary people rediscovered the city and tried to spend their leisure time recreating the classic midcentury way of life, the city began to look more like my art.

The idealized version of Palm Springs which I painted has been a draw to many people, and when they arrive in the city and see that it is like my art, they undergo a sort of transformation and start looking for real estate so they can live here, too.

For more on Palm Springs’ signature midcentury architecture, read “P.S. we love you” in the fall 2022 issue of Luxury Portfolio magazine.  

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There are plenty of Scotch Whisky lovers, enthusiasts and experts, but some avid drinkers of the spirit reach a higher plane of distilled prestige, being invited into an special society dedicated to Scotch.

The Keepers of the Quaich, based in Edinburgh, Scotland, was founded in 1988 by several of the leading Scotch Whisky distillers with a mission to “celebrate the values and image of Scotch Whisky as the world’s finest and most prestigious distilled spirit.”

Spirit guardians

Today, Keepers of the Quaich has 18 corporate members and inducts a group of new Keepers twice a year – those working in the industry or writing about whisky who have shown an “outstanding commitment” to Scotch Whisky.

Since its inception, the society has been represented in more than 100 countries and has inducted almost 3,000 Keepers.

A few Keepers a year receive an even higher honor, becoming Masters of the Quaich – a rare privilege in the world of whisky.

The society’s private ceremony banquets are held at Blair Castle in the Scottish Highlands, the ancestral home and fortress of the Earls and Dukes of Atholl. Keepers new and old celebrate with a medal ceremony and banquet of local dishes, washed down, of course, with the “water of life.”

The proceedings always feature the Atholl Highlanders, the Duke of Atholl’s private regiment and pipe band, and the Keepers’ enormous sterling silver quaich.

The quaich is a traditional Scottish drinking bowl, held with two hands, that was originally made of wood before graduating to silver. Two-handled versions are used for whisky, and the Keepers’ rendition is 24 inches across.

The society also has its own version of another Scotch tradition: the tartan, which is a woven wool cloth in a plaid pattern representing a specific clan.

The Keepers’ tartan is based on a 17^th-century design in blue, gold and brown. The colors represent the simple ingredients used to make Scotch Whisky – water, barley and peat.

The current head of the “beating heart of the industry” is the Duke of Argyll, its grand master for a two-year term, one of the many patrons of the Keepers who include Scottish dukes, earls, and lords.

Ian Smith of British beverage company Diageo, which owns Scotch Whisky brands such as Johnnie Walker, Buchanan’s and Lagavulin, is the current chairman.

The Keepers of the Quaich can also be found outside of Scotland, with international chapters in Australia, Brazil, Germany, India, the Netherlands, the Nordics, South Africa, Turkey, United Arab Emirates and the United States.

For more on Scotch Whisky, read the article “Peat pull” in the September 2022 issue of Luxury Portfolio magazine.

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Changing up home décor with the seasons is a wonderful way to celebrate each one, perhaps none more festive that the winter holidays.

Joanna Buchanan, designer of an eponymous line of luxe home décor and accessories, creates each of her items with the seasons in mind – Christmastime being a favorite.

“I adore the sparkle and shine that comes with the holidays,” Ms. Buchanan said. “The decorating is as fun as walking around the house with a cup of tea and admiring all your hard work.”

Seasonal shine

Inspired by both her global travels and garden at home, Ms. Buchanan’s tabletop décor, bar accessories such as wine charms, cocktails picks and swizzle sticks, and party-perfect napkin rings and place card holders follow the seasons.

“I love to take inspiration from nature, and those seasons are ever-changing, so I feel our decor should also change seasonally,” she said. “Our homes are our sanctuaries and to refresh our spaces in sync with nature seems totally logical.”

From pastel stone objets to tropical beaded placemats, glittering gemstone bugs and butterflies to frosty snowflake tree ornaments, there is a Joanna Buchanan piece to suit every time of year.

“It’s also fun to be inspired and tell a story – set a mood through your seasonal décor,” Ms. Buchanan said.

Setting a celebratory holiday mood is no exception, something that Ms. Buchanan has enjoyed since childhood thanks to her mother’s love of Christmas decorating and her family’s beloved ornament stash.

“It was such a ritual every year bringing down the ornaments from the attic,” she said. “These were pieces my grandmother and great grandmother had collected whilst traveling in Europe so there was always a story to every piece.”

Now, Ms. Buchanan is creating future heirlooms with her own holiday collections of ornaments and décor.

In addition to adding a few new holiday items to her home each year, she loves using paperwhite flowers and greenery to add a wintry scent to every room.

“I like to create multiple moments around the house so that almost everywhere you look there’s a reminder of the holiday,” Ms. Buchanan said. “I love waking up on a cold, dark morning, lighting all the fairy lights and just enjoying the magic.”

Sparkling soirées

Part of the holiday magic for many includes throwing the perfect holiday bash.

“I like hosting really close to Christmas,” Ms. Buchanan said. “Everyone is really in the mood and it’s exciting to get together before people go away.”

To keep things fun and stress-free for everyone, Ms. Buchanan likes to hold an open house with adults and kids coming and going as they please. A buffet table with cold items allows guests to graze as they come and go without worry about when they will eat.

“I also feel a fabulous bar area is something really important for a party,” Ms. Buchanan said.

“I like to use a lot of colored liquors [which are] almost as important as the taste, vintage silver ice buckets, sun cocktail picks and swizzle sticks and I always have some fresh flowers for a flash of color,” she said.

“And, of course, our stripey bee cocktail shaker set needs to be on permanent standby so anyone can decide to whip up a cocktail if they want.”

Non-alcoholic options for non-drinkers and kids, plus Champagne are also necessities for a real celebration.

Glowing candlelight and Christmas carols add to the atmosphere. Of course, guests must leave with the perfect holiday party favor.

“I like to give everyone a dazzling Christmas ornament when they leave, in memory of a good time,” Ms. Buchanan said.

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Since the horse was first domesticated some 4,000 years ago in the central Eurasian steppe, humans and horses have gone hand and hoof.

While the relationship may have begun as purely utilitarian, nowadays horse enthusiasts are involved in a multitude of equestrian pursuits – from simple trail riding in nature to highly competitive sporting events.

“I think that’s really the beauty of the horse,” said Lee Carter, executive director of the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky.

“You don’t have to go and be an extreme jumper – if you want to be laid back and casual, great, let’s go trail riding,” he said. “There really is something for someone at every level.”

In the saddle

Many horse lovers start out not knowing anything about the animal, but a riding lesson, trail ride or visit to an equestrian center lights the fire.

“There are many ways to get involved, from having riding lessons at a riding school, heading out on a trail ride at a trekking center or, of course, owning a horse for leisure or competition,” said Mark Hayward, press officer for Hartpury University and Hartpury College in Gloucester, United Kingdom, which offer courses in equine science, rider training facilities and host riding competitions.

The Kentucky Horse Park encourages budding horse fans of all ages and levels with both professional competitions and a tourism-centered side of the park that shows visitors the myiad of opportunities in the equestrian world, from amateur to professional.

“We do believe in that connection between people and horses that’s special,” Mr. Carter said. “And then it becomes, what kind of equestrian do I want to be?”

Trail riding is the simplest for hobby riders, although amateurs can get involved in many disciplines from jumping and carriage driving to dressage, Western and even eventing.

Dressage, in which a rider trains a horse to perform a series of specific movements, is a technical sport that will appeal to perfectionists.

Barrel racing, roping and reining bring out a rider’s competitive, sporty side.

Showjumping and endurance riding test the strength of the horse, with eventing a triathlon of dressage, cross-country riding and jumping.

“With so many different professional disciplines, everyone has a different definition of exciting,” Mr. Hayward said.

Stepping up

When riders choose to take it up a notch and get competitive, they have a global community of like-minded equestrians waiting for them.

“It’s large when you begin to think of the number of breeds and disciplines,” Mr. Carter said. “But then it becomes a close-knit group,” within each one.

“You’re going to travel to the same shows, communicate, talk about similar things, so as you get into it you begin to learn more and know people,” he said.

Even competitive equestrian sports are available at many levels, from amateur shows to disciplined professionals who train nonstop.

When it comes to the best of the best, spectators get a thrill from watching riders and their horses master jumps, movements and skills, whether they take the form of precise dressage techniques, graceful jumps or sliding through the dirt for Western reining.

However, three-day eventing is often regarded as one of the most thrilling to watch, given the daunting cross-country phase in which horse and rider take on a set course of solid obstacles ranging from tree trunks to ditches, water complexes to banks, Mr. Hayward said.

“This, combined with the two other phases – dressage and showjumping – helps to create the equestrian triathlon and a true test of horse and rider,” he said.

Heads together

The bond between a horse and rider is key to mastering any equestrian sport and does not come without its challenges. Horses are large, sometimes unpredictable animals that need proper nutrition and care to thrive.

Training, too, comes with huge physical demand and time commitment.

But it is not without its rewards.

“When I see people and the relationship that they build with a horse, that only comes with time,” Mr. Carter said. “It comes from hours and hours of being in a stall with them, brushing them down, caring for them and feeding them.

“It’s a living, breathing thing that you develop that connection with,” he said. “You really do have a companion as you go through it. I think there is that special bond that takes place that’s different from other sports.”

Plus, being around horses has shown to have benefits for mental health, stress relief, anxiety and general wellbeing.

“Horses are, simply put, good for the soul,” Mr. Hayward said.

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Who among us has not thought of hopping aboard a boat and cruising out into the sunset in search of fun and thrills?

Doing so is not as farfetched as it may seem, and those who take up sailing gain the skills to embark on any number of coastal trips in destinations far and wide, seeing them from a new perspective on the water.

“Sailing offers adventure, freedom and the thrill of exploration and discovery,” said Tim Geisler, lead sailing instructor at Nautilus Sailing School, which offers weeklong beginners’ sailing courses against a backdrop of several gorgeous locales.  

“Most of our students yearn for the sense of adventure, escape and unforgettable moments with loved ones,” he says of the decision to sail.

Sail away

Learning to sail may not be the easiest hobby to pick up, but those who take the chance end up with the skills to see the world by water, whether it leads to buying their own boat or chartering and sailing a yacht for a holiday.

“Students are immersed in a whole new world of language, terminology, unfamiliar skills and new concepts, all happening in an unfamiliar environment,” Mr. Geisler said.

“It can be overwhelming, but for flexible, adventurous people that are excited to learn something completely new, they will be rewarded with a once in a lifetime experience,” he said.

Plus, with the right school, the education part can be half the fun.

At Nautilus, newbie sailors live aboard one of the company’s vessels for a week, learning the ropes in Mallorca, Croatia, the Bahamas, Mexico, Tahiti or the Grenadines.

By the end of the week, students can earn multiple American Sailing Association certifications, from Basic Keelboat Sailing and Basic Coastal Cruising to Bareboat Cruising and Catamaran Cruising.

“We firmly believe that people will become confident sailors and successfully be able to embark on their own sailing journeys by living on a sailboat, exploring a beautiful cruising ground and immediately applying all of their new knowledge and skills,” Mr. Geisler said.

Captain and crew

The skills necessary to sail with success include navigation and using electronic charts, anchoring, mooring, docking, steering, running and troubleshooting issues with the engines and other systems on board and, of course, manning the sails – all learned in one of Nautilus’ courses.

“Students will come away knowing how to use and trim the sails for all points of sail, reef the sails in heavy weather and enjoy the thrill of learning to get the yacht from one place to the next on wind power alone,” Mr. Geisler said.

Nautilus sailors-in-training will also get a chance to work all of the various crew positions including the captain or skipper running the crew and ensuring safe operations, the navigator charting the course, the helmsman steering the boat and the trimmers in charge of the sails.

“Every student gets the opportunity to be a ‘captain for a day,’ in charge of everything aboard the boat, from checking all the systems, plotting and navigating a course, delegating responsibilities and ultimately running the boat with the crew’s help to sail to a new destination,” Mr. Geisler said.

After sailing between islands all day, the anchor goes down and the crew gets a break, “whether that means snorkeling a pristine reef, diving for lobster, paddle boarding a lagoon, strolling a deserted beach or grabbing a rum punch at a local beach bar,” Mr. Geisler said. “This is why we sail!”

The journey

Finding adventure is a major reason many take up sailing, and those who complete a live aboard course will be able take themselves on any voyage across the sea they choose, especially with the option to charter their own yacht from over 60 destinations.

“Sailing is an incredible escape and can be the ultimate platform for your adventures and passions,” Mr. Geisler said.

“Sure, you can hire a boat, captain and crew to wait on you, but this does not compare to being able to charter your own yacht, bring your friends and family and be the captain of your own epic adventure.”

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From daquiris, mojitos and margaritas to the classic paloma, Aperol spritz and French 75 to anything that includes lemonade or ends in “fizz,” sunny day drinks are easy to make but require ingredients and supplies that may not always be on hand.  

Having a thoughtfully stocked and ready-to-serve bar, or bar cart if short on space, is a great way to be prepared for impromptu garden parties to toast the summer with friends and family.

“As a great host, you want your bar to look great and functional – a good and inviting bar cart always starts with the essentials,” said Miranda Hodge, digital content producer for ReserveBar, a one-stop online shop for premium spirits and bar accessories.

“We recommend curating a selection of bottles, spirits, mixers and bitters that will inspire you to shake and serve like a true adult and make all of your guests celebrate summer in style,” she said.

Mix it up

First things first, investing in the right barware is a necessity when it comes to crafting the perfect cocktails.

“You must have a bottle opener, a jigger and a shaker,” Ms. Hodge said. “One item to help beat the heat is the ReserveBar Ice Ball Press. Not only does it add pizzazz to your bar cart, but this makes it easy to create a perfect ice sphere in under one minute.”

Another way to add a touch of glam is to start a collection of glasses in all shapes and sizes – mixing and matching is fine and necessary for different types of drinks. Highball, coupe, martini, flutes, snifters and rocks – each glass adds “visual intrigue” and a fun way to serve.

If that is not enough for the aspiring mixologist, “choose a statement piece of flair,” Ms. Hodge said. “Try an elevated ice bucket for those warm summer nights. Hosting for a special occasion? For that extra touch, add an engraved bar message on your favorite bottle, thanks to our engraving service.”

Next, having at least one bottle of each basic liquor is essential to making most requested beverages.

“Make sure to have to have one of each key spirit on your cart: vodka, scotch, bourbon, tequila, gin and rum,” Ms. Hodge said.

Tried and true recommendations from ReserveBar include Belvedre Vodka, Bombay Sapphire Gin and Don Julio Silver tequila. To take it up a notch, the company’s “beyond luxe” picks include Louis XIII cognac and Beluga Epicure vodka.

ReserveBar’s whiskey choices for the cocktail enthusiast are Basil Hayden’s Rye, Nikka Coffee Grain Whisky or Four Roses Single Barrel bourbon. And for something a bit different, Junipero Gin, Diplomatico Rum or OAX Mezcal are great picks.

Bitter taste

No bar is complete without bitters. Ms. Hodge recommends Hella Bitters, good tonic water, ginger beer and vermouth.

“Summer staples: Aperol for your spritzes and rosé – name a better duo,” she said. “Cointreau is a must for the perennial cocktail of the pool season – the frozen margarita. [And] Grand Marnier to make a summer-ready Mai Tai.”

Finally, for the perfect finishing touch, summer-party hosts will need seasonal fruits.

“Fresh is better,” Ms. Hodge said. “Lemons and limes look nice and the fresh fruit juice tastes better than store-bought options.

“The best garnishes are also the ones that are currently in season – think summertime favorites like peaches and watermelon,” she said.

The post Stock up on bar essentials to make summer cocktails a breeze appeared first on Luxury Portfolio International.

Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but mining for them is no friend to the environment or the communities that are affected by them.

Ethical issues with mined diamonds have led to an increasing interest in versions of the timeless gemstones that come from another source – the lab.

“The lab-grown diamond industry is rapidly growing,” said Mona Akhavi, CEO of VRAI, one such producer based in Los Angeles.

“Lab-grown diamonds have not only been praised for their environmental and ethical practices but are becoming the diamond of choice for many in the fashion and entertainment industries, further cementing their place in the diamond industry,” she said.

Engaging gems

In an overall push for sustainability in housing, travel and products, especially amongst millennials, jewelry has not been an exception. The acceptance of manmade diamonds has been steadily increasing, with the sales to match.

According to a MVI Marketing study, 70 percent of millennials said they would consider buying a lab-grown diamond in 2017.

A 2021 survey from The Knot found that almost one in four engagement rings sold had a manmade center stone, up 11 percent over the two years prior.

By March, sales of engagement rings featuring a manmade stone surged 63 percent over the year-ago period in 2021.

“Perceptions around lab-grown diamonds have rapidly changed over the past several years, as consumers continue to increase their spending power and prioritize sustainability in their spending habits,” Ms. Akhavi said.

Murky mining

Naturally occurring diamonds formed millions and billions of years ago about 100 miles below the Earth’s surface in the upper mantle.

The perfect combination of intense heat and pressure allowed carbon atoms to crystallize into diamonds before ancient volcanic eruptions brought them closer to the surface, where humans discovered them and a centuries-long love affair began.

In the 20^th and 21^st centuries, however, numerous ethical concerns have been raised over mined diamonds, from poor working conditions and child labor to environmental destruction to their profits funding war.

“Mined diamonds pass through many hands until they reach the customer, and this convoluted process makes it impossible to understand with certainty their impact on the local communities and the environment that surrounds the diamond mines,” Ms. Akhavi said.

Crystal clear

One solution to these problems that does not involve forgoing diamonds altogether is to manufacture rather than mine them.

Using machines to replicate geology’s diamond-creation process, carbon can be successfully transformed into shining examples of the coveted gems.

The HPHT – high pressure high temperature – process places a diamond “seed,” or small sliver of existing diamond, among graphite carbon and adds 1.5 million pounds per inch of pressure to a temperature of 1500 Celsius.

VRAI uses newer technology, CVD (chemical vapor deposition), that only needs to heat a chamber filled with carbon-rich gas and a diamond seed to 800 Celsius.

“From there, atoms begin to attach to one another and grow, layer by layer, until it is a unique and one-of-a-kind, jewelry-grade gemstone,” Ms. Akhavi said. “Following that process, another small piece of diamond is sliced off and used to repeat the same process all over again for the next diamond.”

Sustainable stones

Going lab-grown bypasses all of the concerns that come with mined diamonds – for every carat VRAI grows, the company saves 143 pounds of carbon dioxide, 2,011 ounces of air pollution and 250 tons of moved earth – and with an end product that has no less sparkle.

“Our lab-grown diamonds are chemically, optically and physically identical to earth-mined diamonds,” Ms. Akhavi said. “The only differences between lab-grown and mined diamonds are provenance and price.”

Lab-grown diamonds do indeed come with a lower price tag: they can be up to 73 percent lower in cost to the consumer.

One potential cost coming out of the lab is that the process of creating diamonds uses a significant amount of energy.

VRAI’s solution is its certified carbon neutral foundry in Wenatchee, Washington, which uses 100 percent renewable hydropower from a nearby river. Plans for expansion have the same requirements.

THANKS TO VRAI and several other diamond growers, the industry’s ethical future looks bright indeed.

According to industry analyst Paul Ziminsky, lab-grown diamond producers are predicted to make $3.9 billion-worth of lab diamonds in 2025, up from the $2 billion in 2021 – a testament to their growing popularity.

“It’s important that VRAI produces ethical and sustainable jewelry to establish a standard of transparency and accountability across the jewelry industry, in which brands prioritize environmentally conscious practices and fair working conditions,” Ms. Akhavi said.

“We hope that VRAI serves as an example of how jewelry brands do not have to sacrifice sustainability for quality or consumer demand.”

Read more about lab-grown diamonds in the latest issue of Luxury Portfolio magazine.

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