This past December the reining World Snow Polo champions, the Land Rover America’s Polo Cup Team, proved themselves yet again at this years Land Rover sponsored event. “The United States polo team is proud to be here,” said team captain Tareq Salahi. “This is a big weekend and we came to win.” And win they did. They stole the final goal in the last five seconds of the final game against the Roaring Fork Polo Team on the Rio Grande Field. Snow Polo was initially introduced in 1985 in St. Moritz, Aspen, and the tournament is the only one of its kind in the U.S., though some modifications have been made to accommodate both players and ponies alike. The ball is now a resilient red, offering better visibility, and the trusty steeds hooves are shod with special shoes enhancing traction. The luxurious St. Regis Aspen Resort threw a Champagne celebration in honor of the event, and former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and model Michaele Salahi presented awards to the U.S. Champions.

At my house, we have a moratorium on bad economic news. No CNN. No CNBC. No Fox News. Am I suffering from a major case of avoidance? No, quite the contrary. We are aggressively pursuing growth and initiatives in our company that will position us better for the time when the good news slowly begins to outweigh the bad. Just like you are. We are blessed to have clients who continue to love and need us, and job one is to show them how much we appreciate them.

Meanwhile, your Style Ambassador is here with some advice on how to weather the current financial news cycle with composure and success.

It’s time to go back to basics. When times get tough, frivolous, fashion-forward clothing just isn’t appropriate for men. The last thing you want to be doing is projecting an image that says wasteful. At David August, our experience shows that no matter what the business or social climate, well-built, well-worn outfits project an air of power, competence, and leadership-all great characteristics to have on your side when people are in search for the way forward. The point here is that for now, we need to err on the conservative side to be in synch with the general tenor of society.

What are the basics? I’m talking about a smaller, coordinated group of high-quality clothing. That means investing a little to make sure the outfits you’re relying heavily on fit you well. Stick with solid colors. To begin, make sure you have a black, navy, and gray suit. Look for Italian wools that can transition from season to season and that have the potential to wear well. Sound too boring for you, Fashion Forward Thinkers? Well, great plaids and stripes may stand out and look sharp, but they’re also easy to remember. That’s especially important when you’re encountering the same associates multiple times and you need to NOT have them think, “Didn’t he wear that paisley purple coat last time I saw him?”

Start with those three suits, and then make sure you have at least four or five tailored dress shirts for each. You’ll need white, of course, several shades of blue, and even a couple of dark options like navy, black, and gray will be helpful. I’ve talked before about how details combine to create a truly great impression with men’s clothing. That’s especially true about shirts. A fantastically fitting, crisp shirt ups the impact of any outfit. Likewise, the one that you wore to prom and “kinda” still fits has the opposite effect.

Some recent research showed that only about 6 percent of working men in America still wear a tie every day. I argue that more men should, even if it’s not a formal part of the corporate uniform where you work. A tie is a powerful visual cue that says that you are respectful, serious, and that you mean business. In keeping with our back-to-basics theme, I suggest that you acquire medium-width, solid color ties that bracket the general color of your suits and shirts on either side of light and dark. Try to shoot for a dozen. If you like patterns, keep them smaller, tighter, and tasteful please.

Once you have established your arsenal of high quality, great fitting clothes, maintain them. The way a coat hangs and its condition should be carefully considered. Puckering, fabric pulls, and-heaven forbid-spills need to be avoided at all costs. This means that before you walk out the door, if you’ve picked out a suit or sport coat for that day, put it ON, stand in front of the mirror (with the light on preferably) and check yourself out. If you wear glasses, put them on too. Consider the overall image you portray and pay attention to the small details. And if doesn’t pass muster, change it out. Remember this: In business, 80 percent of the impression we leave is how we look, not what we say.

Practice creative combinations. Do you find yourself wearing the same five outfits over and over again? You, my friend, are not alone. I call this “getting-dressed-before-I’ve-had-my-coffee” syndro-me. You get up early, stumble to the shower, try to not forget your personal hygiene routine and then hit the closet. You’re not even dry yet; you’re in no shape to think anything through. Instinctively, you grab for the outfit that the girl in Starbucks complimented you on more than two years ago-a sure winner. That’s how we men think. I suggest you shake things up a bit.

Let me start by saying that many men are really bad at this. At David August, we long ago developed the concept of a wardrobe book for each of our clients. We assign each element a number: suits, shirts, ties, and even shoes. Then we build a matrix that makes it easy to look sharp even if you haven’t had your coffee yet. You can see that Suit No. 3, the black, can work with Shirt Nos. 6, 9, 13, and 27. That combination, in turn is perfectly complemented by Tie Nos. 1, 7, 13, and 42. It’s so easy. Our clients tell us repeatedly that they feel like they have three times as many clothes as they actually do, because they are constantly creating new combinations.

Now there’s some great news. Three times the clothing for the same price!

If you have questions you’d like to see addressed in future issues, e-mail me at haute@davidaugustinc.com.

David August
3140 Airway Ave.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
800-546-SUIT (7848)
www.davidaugustinc.com

He’s the founder and CEO of SBE, which owns several of Southern California’s hottest nightclubs and restaurants, as well as the recently opened SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills. Designed by the legendary Philippe Starck, the 297-room SLS is a collaboration of some of the world’s most dynamic and creative individuals, with a goal of rethinking every aspect of the luxury hotel experience. The hotel features a unique dual lobby concept with an intimate entrance for hotel guests and a public entrance leading into the multi-faceted dining and retail environment by José Andrés called The Bazaar. The space features an array of magical dining and lounge concepts created by the famed Spanish chef, and an innovative “shop without walls” retail concept by Moss, the renowned design purveyor and trailblazer. It’s no wonder that with its December launch, SLS instantly became the must see and must-be-seen-in Los Angeles hotel for the A-plus list. Recently, Nazarian was gracious enough to tell Haute Living more about what we can expect from the West Coast’s King of Cool.

Haute Living: You were selected as one of Los Angeles’ Haute 100, our inaugural list of the most influential and powerful people in the city. What is your reaction?
Sam Nazarian: I’m very honored. It also comes with a sense of responsibility to make sure I maintain such a prestigious selection.

HL: If you had to choose one person, who would you say is the most influential individual in the city? Why?
SN: I could come up with many names for different reasons, but Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has put L.A. into the international conversation. You can feel that big city dynamic again, along with Los Angeles’ very unique multi-cultural identity becoming a source of pride and celebration rather than strife. He’s helped bring back L.A.’s soul.

HL: Can you tell us more about your new property, SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills?
SN: It took me five years to develop the brand, and it’s our interpretation of what the next generation of hospitality is. The SLS redefines lifestyle hospitality and is now the anchor for the SBE platform, linking all of our food, beverage, nightlife, and restaurants for our L.A. base from Santa Monica to downtown. It’s a very high-end luxury asset with a high design component
that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

HL: The dual-lobby is an interesting concept. What is your reasoning behind it?
SN: I realized that as more restaurants and lounges have crowded lobbies, the hotel guest was getting pushed out further and further down on the totem pole. With a private entrance, the SLS guest gets all the amenities, all the service that this level of guest requires and deserves. The other piece, I call it a dual entrance, allows not only for the hotel guests but for the community. In the case of the Bazaar, it’s already turned into the most exciting bar in L.A, along with XIV.

HL: Can you tell me more about the Bazaar.
SN: The Bazaar is something that’s never been done before in a hotel. It’s an integration of a modern day European or Middle Eastern playground, blurring the line between retail and food and beverage-a space to experience 20 different moments. You can have a drink and amazing tapas in jeans and a T-shirt, or you can be immersed in elegance in the private dining room, Sam. It’s a new way of thinking that’s been very well received by our guests. If they want, they can be voyeuristic, or they can be part of the action.

HL: What made you choose Philippe Starck for the hotel’s interiors?
SN: In many ways Philippe defined what we’ve come to know as the boutique hotel world. He’s had a hand in the creation of so many brands around the globe, and he understands our kind of clientele perfectly. Who better than him to define the next generation of boutique hotels, which are more luxury and amenity driven?

HL: Are there additional SLS locations in the works?
SN: Our South Beach property [in Miami] will open in early 2010, and SLS Las Vegas is slated for 2012.

HL: What has been the general reaction since opening?
SN: Both P. Diddy and Jeffrey Katzenberg told me, “If I would build a hotel this is the exact hotel I would design.” When you get two people from completely different perspectives saying the same exact thing, it pretty much says it all.

HL: What made SBE enter into the hospitality realm?
SN: When SBE opened six years ago we saw that there was a white space that needed to be filled.

HL: What is next for SBE?
SN: We’re gearing up for our Katsuya restaurant to open in L.A. Live. We’re under construction in Miami and in pre-development for Vegas for a complete renovation and revitalization of the famed Sahara. We used L.A. as a kind of petri dish, so now SBE can expand into whatever markets are appropriate. Stay tuned.

HL: And for Sam Nazarian?
SN: Enjoy the moment and start a family. You can put that in bold italics!

Philip Anschutz
Category Entrepreneurs
Company AEG
Industry Development
What makes him Haute While he may not reside in southern California, his ownership of Staples Center, the Home Depot Center in Carson, the Kings (NHL), the Galaxy (MLS), and (with Ed Roski) nearly 30 percent of the Lakers, ensures that his presence is felt on a daily basis. His current project, L.A. Live, is making headlines for its impact on the revitalization of downtown.

Judd Apatow and Leslie Mann
Category Power Couples
Industry Film
Company Apatow Productions
What Makes Them Haute Hollywood’s latest prolific writer/director/producer forged a comic empire with 15 movies in the past five years, including the 40-Year-Old Virgin, Knocked Up, and Superbad. She’s his actress muse who gives crucial performances in some of his best works.

George Argyros
Category Billionaires
Industry Real Estate
Company Arnel & Affiliates
What Makes Him Haute He made his fortune by selling and leasing land to oil companies to set up gas stations, and is currently the chairman and CEO for the real estate investment firm that owns and manages 5,200 apartments and 2.5 million square feet of commercial space.

Thomas Barrack
Category Billionaires
Industry Private Investment
Company Colony Capital
What Makes Him Haute In 1991 he founded private international real estate investment firm Colony Capital. Today the firm manages more than $25 billion.

Michael Bay
Category Originators
Industry Film
Company Digital Domain/Platinum Dunes
What Makes Him Haute He’s a mega director whose work includes major blockbusters Bad Boys, The Rock, Armageddon, Pearl Harbor, Bad Boys II, The Island, and Transformers. Collectively, his films have grossed more than $2.6 billion worldwide.

David & Victoria Beckham
Category Power Couples
Industry Soccer/ Promotions
Company L.A. Galaxy
What Makes Them Haute The former Spice Girl and the soccer star made international headlines when they decided to make Los Angeles their home. David can be credited with making soccer haute again in America, while Victoria can be credited with just being haute.

Michael Bedner
Category Entrepreneurs
Industry Hospitality
Company Hirsch Bedner Associates
What Makes Him Haute He’s the CEO and chairman of Hirsch Bedner Associates, a luxury hospitality design firm. Today the firm has completed over 900 projects in 80 different countries, and is currently focusing its efforts in China. Earlier this year the company undertook the $65 million renovation project of Shanghai’s historic Peace Hotel.

Jim Berkus
Category Thinkers
Industry Talent
Company United Talent Agency
What Makes him Haute Berkus is president of the United Talent Agency, one of the world’s largest full-service talent and literary agencies, with a rapidly growing marketing division.

Steve Bing
Category Thinkers
Industry Film
Company Shangri-La Entertainment
What Makes him Haute He’s a successful writer, director, producer, and financier. But where the real estate development heir really makes his mark is as one of the nation’s top donors to Democratic and progressive causes. His reported $49.5 million (at least) donation on behalf of Prop 87, the oil tax initiative, is believed to be a national record for individual spending on a ballot measure.

Ruth & Jake Bloom
Category Power Couples
Industries Arts/Law Bloom
Company Bloom Hergott Diemer Rosenthal LaViolette & Feldman, LLP
What Makes Them Haute He is one of the most influential in the talent law field; she runs the Ruth Bloom Gallery. Together, they have one of the largest collections of contemporary art in the country.

The art of watchmaking, when performed by a worthy craftsman, is a time-honored, complicated tradition that results not only in a functioning timepiece, but an intricate wonder that perplexes even the staunchest watch collectors. In the most complicated timepieces, hundreds, if not thousands, of miniscule parts-some barely visible to the eye-all work together in a way that goes far beyond accurately telling the hours and minutes. Seeing a watchmaker diligently practice his trade is the ultimate enjoyment for a watch connoisseur, but just as is the case with the finest cars, fashions, and cuisine, the best watchmaking houses are firmly planted across the pond.

Although firmly may not be the best choice of words. A. Lange & Söhne, the dynasty responsible for some of horology’s most coveted pieces-both historical and modern-uprooted their finest craftsmen and traveled nearly 6,000 miles to showcase their unmatched talents for Angelenos. This special “House of A. Lange & Söhne” event, which took place at the end of October in the private residence of a famous fashion designer, celebrated what the company refers to as the Saxon Art of Watchmaking. The firm’s American president, Marcia Mazzocchi, and CEO, Fabian Krone, hosted the four-day gathering.

The centerpiece of the event was the manufactory itself; guests were able to follow the creation of a Lange watch close-up, literally looking over the shoulders of the craftsmen as they worked. Guests, which included authorized retailers, customers, and, of course, journalists, were able to try their skills as watchmakers and engravers under the instruction of the Lange experts. While similar events have taken place in Singapore and Tokyo, this marked the House’s first foray in the United States.

Mazzocchi was instrumental in bringing this year’s event to the U.S. While the company’s history dates back to the early 1800s, it wasn’t until recently that it debuted stateside. Mazzocchi felt that the hills near Hollywood were the ideal location for this exclusive gathering. “We chose Los Angeles because it is a beautiful city,” says Mazzocchi. “People here have a lot of knowledge about luxury and about watches.”

The company’s dramatic 160-year history has seen its share of highs and lows. After a soaring start thanks to a focus on fine pocket watches, the company ultimately was crushed after surviving the First World War. On the last day of WWII in 1945, Russian bombers razed the main production workshops in Glashütte, near Dresden, Germany. Three years later, the company was seized by the communist regime and expropriated.

When Germany was reunited in 1990, Walter Lange, the great-grandson of company founder Adolph Lange, returned to Glashütte and reregistered the A. Lange & Söhne brand. The first watches of the new era debuted in 1994, but Mazzocchi explains that at the time Swiss watchmakers were the most highly regarded in the field. “People were very skeptical of the German industry,” she says.

But with the release of the first four watches of this new generation-The Lange 1, the Tourbillion Pour le Mérite, the Arkade, and the Saxonia-the house won over even the most adamant critics. “The Lange 1 took everyone’s breath away,” says Mazzocchi. “It’s asymmetrical, with the hours and the seconds off-synch.” This timepiece has since become Lange’s flagship; it epitomizes the company’s horologic artistry. The outsize date is highly visible, while the solid-silver dial, with an off-center display, indicates the hours, minutes, and seconds. As for the movements, the watchmakers would not accept anything less than a level of perfection that would lead to market domination-not necessarily in terms of numbers but in prestige. The Lange 1’s three-quarter plate made of untreated German silver is decorated with Glashütte ribbing, and edges in the movement are chamfered and polished. Even the surfaces that ordinarily remain concealed to the eye of the beholder are meticulously finished.

The watch elevated the house to the upper echelon of the industry. Since then, the company has been cultivating new high-tech standards. The allure of a Lange is that it’s exclusive and made traditionally. Unlike those brands that focus on being fashion forward, a Lange watch is, in German tradition, one of understated elegance. Its design and construction are subdued, yet entirely distinguishable. “On the street, it is immediately recognizable as a Lange to another connoisseur,” Mazzocchi marvels.

And, like the style, the components are entirely German. “Even the metals are German,” says Mazzocchi. “We use German silver just as in the old days-an alloy of zinc, nickel, and copper.” The key components of all Lange movements are designed, produced, and finished at the Glashütte manufactory. A movement first sees the light of day in the studio of the prototype builders. They craft each new part by hand, a process that takes a great deal of time. After initial assembly, the entire movement is dismantled piece by piece. This cautionary step, unique to Lange, is taken because when the parts are calibrated and adjusted for the first time, microscopic particles can enter the movement, which are then removed before the final assembly.

The attention to detail is the basis of the house’s entire line of exquisite timepieces. Mazzocchi sites the Perpetual, Lange 1, and Datograph as her personal favorites, and at the event, she donned the Datograph, the world’s first chronograph based on the classic column-wheel principle with flyback, precisely jumping minute counter, and patented outsize date. She enjoys the watch not only for its functionality, but also for its bold style. “Women can wear big watches; they are no longer restricted,” she declares.

CEO Krone also sported a Datagraph at the event, although his is the Perpetual version. He tends to anthropomorphize the watches, thinking of them as people with distinct personalities. “It takes so much effort, more than nine months, for this ‘child’ watch to be born,” he explains. “Before that, it takes four or five years to develop. You never know if this child will be able to survive, so while I love all the watches, the newest, smallest child needs the most attention.” So right now, despite the Datagraph Perpetual on his wrist, all of his attention is on the Cabaret Tourbillion.

This new timepiece debuted in Geneva in spring 2008, and it represents a breakthrough in the more than 200-year history of the tourbillion-it’s the first that can be set precisely to the second. This stunning achievement is thanks to a V-shaped arresting spring that allows the tourbillion to be stopped, a previously unaccomplished feat.

The Cabaret Tourbillion, alongside the entire current line, was on display at the House of A. Lange & Söhne, as well as a selection of long-out-of-stock and limited-edition timepieces that are the prized rarities of many auctions. Guests were also treated to an exhibition of a private collection of historic pocket watches and dinner with Clint Eastwood and producer Albert S. Ruddy. The event closed with a private dinner with Adrien Brody, who wore his Datograph Perpetual for the occasion.

The House of Lange gave patrons just a glimpse of the wonders that originate at the company’s Glashütte home. It helped propel Mazzocchi one step closer to her goal of making A. Lange & Söhne the timepiece of choice for America’s elite.

Lately, our macaroni and cheese with truffle oil has been one of the biggest sellers. Pot roast, meatloaf, mashed potatoes, creamed spinach: they’re all really popular right now. Diners are also opting for our exceptionally made roast chickens and potpies; this is the way it’s going to go now. I see a trend developing. I think people are going to get more into farmhouse recipes, but I don’t think they’re going to lose sight of getting healthier.

The raw trend is only going to get stronger as it continues to develop into a market that’s more understandable to the common person. I’ve already seen clear signs of this, so I’m creating sauces and recipes accordingly. I’ve been making a salad with kale, adding avocado, lemon, and nuts, such as almonds. It’s super-nutritious, vitamin intensive, and a cancer fighter. That’s also why I’ve been making kale chips. They’re oddly delicious and crunchy, with an intense dark “green” flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. I simply make a sauce to coat the kale, and put the mixture into a dehydrator. There’s no deep-frying involved, so they make for a great replacement for potato chips.

While I’m also deepening my exploration of sushi, I don’t think we can lose sight of our love for burgers and fries. And there’s nothing wrong with that! Every time I turn around I hear another chef who’s thinking about doing a burger concept. Soon, we’re going to have a zillion burger joints around the world; I’m talking about a lot of big-time chefs who are considering getting into this market. The names would probably surprise you. Little known fact, but there you have it.

I’ve been asked a number of times to do a burger concept restaurant. When I beat Cat Cora on Iron Chef, I did the ultimate hamburger. I took a little bit of smoked applewood bacon sautéed with fresh herbs and chopped up celery leaves, mixed it with ground beef, and put it on a toasted brioche bun with some aged cheddar. To top off it off, I served it with truffle french fries and a vanilla shake. It’s kind of that discreet chic luxury that’s perfect for these times.

Yet, once again, the real deal for me is down-to-earth farmhouse recipes made with organic foods. In times like this, people might start cooking more at home, but I don’t think going out is going to be avoided entirely. People are definitely not going to stop having fun. We all like to have a little more fun when we’re going through these tough situations. We all need entertainment and good times with friends. What I have been noticing is that customers are appreciating and savoring the experience a bit more.

Having said that, we’re kicking off New Year’s Day with a fresh brunch concept at the Palms Place. We’re encouraging people to wear pajamas. Part of the design for this whole concept comes from Rob Wells, George Maloof, and Elizabeth Blau. The ideas, and I have to really thank Rob for many of them, are tremendous. The bartenders are going to be in nurse outfits, intravenously feeding you with any drink you may need after New Year’s Eve. If you’re craving a Bloody Mary, we’ll have an entire buffet devoted to just that, and there will be Bellini and mimosa stations. We’ll have a fruit sushi bar with peanut butter and jelly sushi rolls for kids. Fresh fruits will be carved to order, and we’re also including smoothies, salad bar, peel-and-eat shrimp, a panini bar, a candy bar station, and an anti-oxidant station. It should be incredible.

As a personal aside, I did something really great for Thanksgiving. I’m from Chicago, so I made my way up to Rockford, aka Cheap Trickville, and Rick Nielsen’s guitar vault. He showed me one of his guitars that was played by Jimi Hendrix-a green Stratocaster. We went through just a smidgen of his collection, which is huge. He’s even got a custom-made mandocello, which is pretty wicked. You don’t see a ton of those around. And Criss Angel has made it in to the restaurants a few times, both at the Palms and Cathouse. I really loved his Cirque du Soliel show. When you’re in Vegas, you should check it out. I’m also going to have a new website coming in January. It’ll be about what’s going on in the restaurant and what’s going on in my life. Food wise. Which, of course, is always an adventure.

I have always had an affection for flowers. Even before I became a floral designer, I had fresh flower service in my home, professionally changed every week. Flowers just finish off the décor in a way that nothing else can; they are alive, they add a certain brightness, a happiness, and they are a total luxury. No one has to have flowers in their home, but many of my clients will insist that they must. It’s an interesting paradox.

While I didn’t start out in this field, my background running Gianni Versace’s U.K. operations certainly helped hone my eye for style. After working with the supermodels in the early ’90s, I grew tired of the fashion world and came back to California. As a favor for a friend, I put together some floral arrangements for a party, and the career really snowballed from there. It seems that people could not get enough of my designs. It wasn’t a year later that the Four Seasons Los Angeles, which is known across the globe for its flowers, asked me to open my shop in the hotel. This was not a business I ever thought I would get into, but today, just nine years after creating those first arrangements, Eric Buterbaugh Flower Design can count many of the most prominent members of the city’s top industries as clientele, from movie stars and musicians to all of the Hollywood power players. I’ve worked on some amazing projects over the years, including Paul McCartney’s wedding in Ireland and Princess Beatrice’s 18th birthday at Windsor Castle.

From our shop in the Four Seasons-which is much more of a workshop than your typical flower store-we’re constantly pushing the boundaries in floral design, coming up with new ideas for arrangements. We look at floral design more as an artistic expression, and most arrangements can be viewed as a piece of art. You don’t come here and pick A, B, C, or D out of a book. We take everything into account when making your arrangements, whether for home, weddings, parties, or anything.

So many flower shops just plunk the flowers in a plain glass vase, and while there is a place for that, especially in modern arrangements, I always look at the containers and the flowers as one single unit. When I began in the industry, I covered most of the vases in fabrics, crocodile skin, Swarovski crystals-you name it. It makes the entire arrangement look like one single item, but I don’t think it works for someone’s home service.

And one of my favorite things to do is do a weekly flower service in someone’s home. It’s such a personal experience; each arrangement is made specifically for that one space. When someone asks us to do a weekly service, I go to the estate to get a feel for the environs, to determine where the arrangements should be, how many we should create each week, and the overall style that will fit best with the décor. Sometimes, a simple flower arrangement placed beneath a work of art can bring out the colors in the painting in a way that nothing else can, and it is our job to spot that. Our signature style is clean, modern, and always very luxurious, but the arrangements, whether it’s a traditional home or modern one, always reflect the customer’s personality.

I often work with the client to pick out vases, or I am glad to use what they already have. From there, we have a few options: No. 1, we can create the arrangements at the store and deliver to the house. The flowers from the previous week are removed-vase and all-and the fresh flowers are left in its place. With this option, it helps to have two versions of the same vase. No. 2 is that we create the displays in the client’s home, although this is not my favorite option. It feels rather invasive to have designers clipping away in the kitchen! No. 3, if the client prefers simple arrangements or is very private, as many of our Hollywood patrons are, we can work with someone on staff, like the housekeeper, and teach him or her how to create and maintain the arrangements. We often have staff members down in our studio for floral workshops.

We try to teach staff members what every one of my designers knows: it’s all about the details. We were the first flower shop that used wires under arrangements; now that is common practice. Since many of our clients are in the entertainment business, they notice the smaller details, and those are our favorite customers-those who appreciate the painstaking labor that goes into creating this piece of art that is ultimately discarded after a week. Because, regardless of any insider tips I may give you, all flowers should be replaced once a week.

If someone is outside of the Beverly Hills or L.A. area, I can recommend a local florist, although I do believe we set the standard in the industry across the board. I welcome you to come into our shop to see some of the arrangements firsthand and see what could be displayed in your home each week. There is nothing like consistent flower delivery to ensure that your home is fresh, bright, and welcoming. And when it comes to entertaining, even more flowers are a must! I will be sure to go into that in next month’s column, because, while weekly flower service can make any environment feel alive, for special occasions, flowers can create the perfect, fragrant backdrop for an amazing experience.

Eric Buterbaugh
Four Seasons Los Angeles
300 S. Doheny Dr.
310.247.7120
www.ericbuterbaugh.com

You’re on your way back home, cruising down Wilshire’s “Golden Mile.” Through tinted windows you see beautiful rows of high hedges lining the perimeter of a particular building. Your building. As you turn into it, blissfully removed from prying eyes, you drive up, your car is valet parked, you smile at the doorman, and then stroll through a spectacular two-story domed lobby with a scintillating glass sculpture. As you’re reminded of the tremendous amenities on the ground floor that are always at your disposal, you walk up to your private elevator that whisks you directly into the foyer of your magnificent home.

Sound like an impossible dream in the heart of Los Angeles? Well, not anymore, not with the Carlyle Residences, the new 24-story, 78-premium-unit condominium tower that rises like a mega-luxury beacon at 10776 Wilshire. From Elad Properties, one of the premier luxury residential developers in the world (and the owners of the iconic Plaza Hotel), The Carlyle brings the ultimate in elegant, first-class living smack dab to the center of the City of Angels.

Elad’s goal with its first venture on the West Coast was to create L.A.’s most opulent and outstanding development. “California is underserved when it comes to true luxury, so we sought to fill that niche with this project,” says Thomas Elliott, chief operating officer of Elad Properties West. “Since The Carlyle is the first of many on the West Coast, we chose the finest residential neighborhood for luxury condos. It’s perfectly situated between Beverly Hills and the beaches. That’s why it’s by far the most sought-after development in southern California.”

Elad has hit the bull’s-eye, because everything about the Carlyle screams luxury. Of no small significance, The Carlyle is also the last permitted high-rise on the Wilshire Corridor. Its unique crescent shape was designed by KMD (Kaplan McLaughlin Diaz), the internationally acclaimed architecture firm whose storied residential design vocabulary typically includes maxing out panoramic vistas and natural light. They certainly have done it once again. “KMD developed the crescent configuration that allowed Elad to offer sweeping views from any room in any direction,” says Elliott. “The south facing views are all the way to Pacific Ocean, Century City, and downtown. The north facing views are from Beverly Hills to the Hollywood Hills. Each side is glorious.”

There are three different types of residences: two-bedroom, three-bedroom, and penthouse (2,700, 3,500, and 5,700 square feet respectively). All come complete with the highest level of finishes, including Breccia Oniciata, the highly prized Italian marble, custom Poggenpohl cabinetry, and a full Miele appliance package. Furthermore, Elad has partnered with Audio Command, so owners have the ability to upgrade their homes with various wireless touch panels to control all aspects of interior life: heat, lighting, shades, a/v equipment, even concierge interaction. “We’ve spared no expense,” affirms Elliott. “It’s the best of the best.” In addition to the main units, there are also 20 housekeeping units (350 to 500 square feet) that are available for purchase. These can be utilized for domestic help, as a private office, or as additional facilities for visitors.

With 24-hour white glove concierge service modeled after a five-star hotel, the touch of refinements and amenities is mind-boggling. One of the first you’re likely to see is one of the centerpieces of the design-the aforementioned custom-designed sculpture by renowned glassmaker Dale Chihuly. Hanging from the domed ceiling, the huge glass masterpiece offers an unparalleled aesthetic experience via a remarkable play of light that changes all the time. It’s the perfect symbol for how the Carlyle literally elevates life to new heights.

Other remarkable amenities include: a fitness facility designed by The Sports Club/LA, with an adjacent lap pool; membership to The Regency Club, the premier dining club on the westside; a temperature-controlled wine cellar with customized private storage lockers; a private dining room that owners can utilize for their own purposes; a grand salon event space that can accommodate up to 80 people (replete with a butler’s kitchen); a yoga lawn; and a fully landscaped backyard, with an outdoor gas fireplace.

The Carlyle is also one of the most private and secure high-rise towers in the world. In fact, many around town have even begun labeling the property as “paparazzi-free,” given the elaborate steps taken by Elad to ensure maximum privacy for residents. It’s just one more way that The Carlyle manages to be the epitome of luxurious carefree living.

SPAS
The Spa at Trump Las Vegas

The luxury associated with a Trump Hotel Collection experience is now available in the world of first-class spas: The Spa at Trump.  Founded on the commitment to customize each guest’s experience, the Spa at Trump provides unique treatment choices, many of which include use of gemstone-infused oils. This includes the Purifying Diamonds Massage, which incorporates oils infused with the healing benefits of the rare gemstone. Every guest is provided a Spa Attaché that assists with every step of the journey, from the selection of the robe and custom music to guiding the guest through the signature “Relaxation Path of Experiences.” Treatments that are exclusive to the Strip-side locale include The Vegas Recovery Massage, which uses compression, acupressure, and trigger point release, and The Morning After Eye Cure which helps minimize the effects of nighttime adventures with a healing massage, a re-hydrating mask, and a personalized serum and moisturizer.

2000 Fashion Show Dr.
702.982.0000

HOTELS
The Chairman Suite at the Palazzo

Each suite in the Palazzo Hotel is specifically fashioned with the comfort and convenience of guests in mind, decorated with a distinctly modern European design. But in a hotel that literally takes luxury to new heights by being the tallest on the strip, the most extravagant of the 3,000 suites is sure to make a statement. The 6,367-square-foot, 3-bedroom Chairman Suite includes first-of-its-kind “touch control” shades, abundant flat screen TVs, a fitness area, and media room.  Fine art adorns the walls throughout the sophisticated enclave, which is priced at $20,000 per night. The Jacuzzi and pool patio area overlooks the Palazzo pool deck, and for the guest who loves to be pampered, this exquisite palace includes a spacious marbled bathroom complete with barber chair, vanity area, massage and salon room, and unparalleled room service.

3325 Las Vegas Blvd. S
702.607.7777

RESTAURANT
LAVO at The Palazzo

The new LAVO Restaurant at The Palazzo Resort Hotel and Casino, created by the same masterminds behind TAO Las Vegas and New York, is nothing short of a magnificent, and pays tribute to the seas of the Mediterranean. The focal highlight of LAVO is the innovative menu created by Chef Ludo Lefebvre, renowned executive chef from famed Los Angeles restaurants L’Orangerie and Bastide. The best of the Mediterranean region’s cuisine is delightfully adapted to match Chef Ludo’s signature European gastronomy, and the wood burning oven helps chefs create the city’s most gourmet pies, including the Ultimate Pizza, garnished with a delicate balance of roasted lobster and truffles. Since the September 2008 opening, LAVO has quickly become a favorite spot for Las Vegas elites, thanks to its delectable unique plates and striking atmosphere. Like the menu, the interior pays homage to the Mediterranean and is filled with dark Moroccan woods and intricately carved glass. After savoring a variety of desserts artfully created by Pastry Chef Lynn Hyzer, the adjacent LAVO lounge and nightclub allows diners to continue the LAVO experience into the night.

3325 Las Vegas Blvd. S
702.791.1800

Trump Entertainment Resorts struck a deal with lenders and note holders and now has until January 21 to try negotiating a restructuring of its debt, according to a regulatory filing from the firm this week. Trump had delayed paying a $53.1 million bond interest payment that was due December 1, and the 30-day grace period expired Wednesday. The Atlantic City, N.J.-based firm had hoped to reach a deal to restructure $1.25 billion in bond debt during that period. Trump Entertainment currently owns three casinos in Atlantic City, N.J., but hopes to sell one-the Trump Marina Hotel Casino-by May. Coastal Development LLC has agreed to buy the property for $270 million.

http://www.miamiherald.com/business/story/833433.html