DJ Irie, born Ian Grocher, may be best known for getting the party going with his unstoppable beats (he is the official DJ of the Miami HEAT and Jamie Foxx) his golf classic to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters has become one of Miami’s favorite fundraising events. In its fifth incarnation, this year’s Irie Weekend is on track to be the most impressive to date, with new activities (including a Sunday pool party), unsurpassed talent, and a full schedule of fun, all to benefit a very worthy cause.

Haute Living Where did you first get the idea for the Irie Golf Weekend?
DJ Irie I spent years helping others with their philanthropic efforts, including Shaquille, Dwyane Wade, and Dan Marino. One day I realized it was time for me to step up for something I believe in and call on others to help me out just like I helped them in the past.

HL Were you involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters in the past?
DJI Yes, but I was never in a place before to raise funds for them. I provided entertainment for the little brothers and little sisters. When I actually got to see first hand the impact that Big Brothers Big Sisters was having on the youngsters’ lives I thought, ‘wow, this needs to be continued.’ It was life changing.

HL When did the event first launch?
DJI The first Irie Weekend was in 2005, and it’s been going strong ever since.

HL What does the weekend entail?
DJI Every year has been kind of different, but there are elements that have been consistent since day one. We always have an opening party and concert on Friday night, usually at one of the South Beach nightclubs. We’ve had some amazing artists come in and donate their time to really kick off the weekend, like Nick Cannon and Fat Joe. Saturday is the actual golf tournament, and athletes, such as Alonzo Mourning, Shaq, and Dwyane Wade, and celebrities come out to perform and play in the tournament. Community leaders also come to support the event.

In the past we held a dinner gala on Saturday night, but this year, we are scaling it back because of the economic climate. We are putting more effort into getting people to come out and show their support, while keeping our costs down as much as possible.

This year, we will throw a pool party on Sunday at the Shore Club, which is a new element. Kevin Rudolf will host the event, and he is also performing at Friday’s opening party.

HL Who else is participating this year?
DJI Confirmed talent includes Shaquille O’Neal, Alonzo Mourning, Dwyane Wade, Kristin Cavallari, Alfonso Ribeiro, Robert Iller, Akin Ayodele, Udonis Haslem, Kevin Rudolf, LMFAO, Antrel Rolle, Chris Kirkpatrick, and Joey Fatone.

HL How much did you raise last year?
DJI $70,000

HL What do you hope to raise this year?
DJI This year we are aiming for $100,000. That would be wonderful.

HL Can you share some exciting tales from past Irie Weekends?
DJI The second Irie Weekend took place right after the HEAT won the World Championship. During Friday night’s opening party at Mansion, HEAT owner Micky Arison and coach Pat Riley-obviously not big club goers-showed up and were on stage doing the “It’s Going Down” dance. People really were blown away.

That year, we also had the Longest Drive competition, and Shaq competed against Lil’ Jordon, the 11-year-old golf phenom. This kid can swing a golf club! Everyone was crowding around, and Shaq whacked it, then Lil’ Jordon hit it farther than Shaq. He got beat by a kid!

And I can’t forget Alfonso Ribeiro and his classic Carlton dance, which is one of the most-watched videos on YouTube. The only place you can see that live is Friday night of Irie Weekend.

HL Do you play during the classic?
DJI I do. I’m out there with my gloves on and my clubs, and I have my own little caddie. I’m good, I’m about to do it up.

HL What is your favorite golf course in the Miami area?
DJI The Miami Beach Golf Club hosts the tournament, and they were my No. 1 choice. Great people, great service, and a great course.

HL How can people become more involved?
DJI A number of ways. Not every event is for everybody; the pool party may not be your cup of tea, or the club might not be for you. But what we do on the golf course is for everyone. You don’t have to play golf. We have people volunteering and fundraising, so feel free to come in and donate. If you won’t be in town and want to do something to contribute, you can call to the office and make a check out directly to the cause.

Who DJ Irie and local athletes and celebrities
What 5th Annual Irie Weekend Celebrity Golf Tournament
When June 26 to 28
Where Miami Beach Golf Club
2301 Alton Rd.
Miami Beach, FL 33140
How $650 singles; $1,750 foursomes (includes celebrity/athlete as 4th golfer)
Why To benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Miami
More info www.IrieWeekend.com
305.986.2325

Just after lunch on April 17, 2009, attorneys Roy Black and Howard Srebnick got the call. It was Clara Foster, the deputy clerk for United States District Judge Donald Graham, who was presiding over the criminal trial of Black and Srebnick’s clients. For seven anxious days, the jury had been deliberating. Finally, they had reached a verdict.

The packed courtroom held its breath as Ms. Foster retrieved the verdict form from the foreperson. She cleared her throat before reading it aloud: “United States versus Helio Castroneves and Katiucia Castroneves. We the jury find the defendants, not guilty!”

The courtroom erupted as the siblings fell into each other’s arms, sobbing for several minutes. For seven long weeks, Helio and his sister Katiucia had been criminal defendants in that courtroom on charges of tax evasion. Now they were free. Their storied life was back on track, but not even Helio’s most fanatical fans could have predicted what happened next.

Whisked out to California on a Penske team jet, Helio finished seventh in the Long Beach Grand Prix after leading the race for several laps. This was an extraordinary feat for a man who had not trained for nearly seven months. But he soon topped that by winning the pole position at Indianapolis and then the 500 itself-the Golden Grail, motor racing’s biggest and most celebrated event.

It had been seven years since he last visited the victory circle at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Surrounded by the beat of the samba drums and chants of his adoring Brazilian fans, after crossing the finish line, he sat quietly in his driver’s seat, his face bowed down in his hands, thinking how close he had come to losing it all. “I think the tears speak for everything,” he says. “Because they were¬ good tears, honest tears, tears of joy.” He then exited the car, and could hear the 400,000 fans in attendance screaming his name as he climbed the fence to salute them.

Helio Castroneves and his family have fought against the odds all of their lives. His father started a pipe company in the small town of Ribeirao Preto, Brazil, and turned it into a successful family business. He also was a motor racing enthusiast who sponsored a makeshift team. While he recognized that he did not possess the talent to be a racecar driver himself, his 10-year old son was born with the gift-and just as importantly, the courage-to be a great driver.

Helio got his start behind the wheel of go-carts, winning the state and national Brazilian championships. Racing is far more expensive than other sports; the cars, engines, and crews cost hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars each year. Helio’s father and mother would have to do what few parents would dare: put it all on the line. They sold all of their property and invested every dollar in financing their son’s dream. His father abandoned his pipe business in order to work full time as Helio’s manager and promoter. His sister Katiucia (known as Kati to friends) cut short her own promising career as a ballerina to join her parents in the endeavor, knocking on doors and cold-calling prospective sponsors. The Castroneves family made the sacrifice and risked it all so that Helio would have his chance at the top. They never wavered in their support of his career. And he never disappointed.

As a teen, Helio traveled the length and breadth of South America winning races. Then it was on to Formula Three in England, Indy Lights in the United States, and finally, the Indy Car Series. When sponsorship money started drying up, Helio again turned to his family. His dad resumed the search for sponsors, and Kati moved to Miami to manage her brother’s affairs.

Just before entering the final race of the 1999 season at Fontana in California, Helio learned that his team was folding. As he was rounding the track, what was racing through his mind was the possibility that Fontana might be his last race. And then the car in front of him flipped over at 240 mph and hit an infield wall. The driver, Greg Moore, died instantly. Moore had just penned a multi-million dollar contract to drive for the legendary Roger Penske the next season.

After the race, Penske asked Helio to replace Moore in a Team Penske car. Shaking off the specter of Moore’s tragic death, Helio accepted. In his first appearance at the Indy 500, Helio won. He repeated his victory the next year, and nearly won three in a row, but finished second to his teammate by a few thousandths of a second.

Helio’s captivating personality and thousand-watt smile (not to mention his paso doble) won him legions of fans and victory in the 2007 season of ABC’s hit show Dancing With The Stars. He was at the top of fame when he collided with the IRS; a federal indictment against him and his sister brought his world crashing into a wall. Knowing they were in the fight of their lives, Helio and Kati enlisted Roy Black and Howard Srebnick to put Helio back in the driver’s seat. The legal eagles led a dream team that included tax expert David Garvin, legal scholar Scott Srebnick, his longtime friend Mark Seiden (who ended up testifying as a defense witness), and tax accountants Carlos Samlut and Noah Fox.

In summation, Black told the story of how two kids from a small town in Brazil had come to the United States to achieve the American dream, not to cheat Uncle Sam. Srebnick described for the jury that little boy with a special gift and immeasurable courage, and a big sister who had dedicated her life to him, always walking in his shadow: “You are the wind beneath his wings, Kati. Yes, you are.”

Many before Helio were unable to survive let alone conquer such an ordeal. But no one ever expected this Hollywood ending: only seven weeks after being acquitted of federal tax evasion charges, Helio just took his third Indy 500 victory-a result far more compelling than the ending of any of this summer’s blockbuster movies. Here, Helio shares with us the harrowing details of his ordeal.

Haute Living Helio, you have been through a lot. Tell us about the range of emotions you have experienced.
Helio Castroneves Well, as you can imagine, there was nothing worse than being accused of a crime that I knew I did not commit. It was especially painful because my sister was also accused. But I had faith in the justice system and that faith proved to be right. To then go to Indianapolis, win the pole and the Indy 500 for a third time, with my sister and parents there to see, wow! Even now it’s hard to believe.

HL What has given you the strength and fortitude to get through all of this?
HC Without a doubt, the support of my family, my friends, and my fans. During the trial, my sister, her husband, and their baby moved in with me, as did my parents. We were together all the time-eating, sleeping and praying together. I appreciated the phone calls of support from my friends at Team Penske, especially Roger Penske and Tim Cindric. I was proud that community leaders Adrienne Arsht and Mark Buoniconti were prepared to testify as character witnesses. It was important that they believed in me. Whenever I would get really anxious, I would read the letters sent by the fans. That was the bright spot of my day. It reminded me that a lot of people were supporting me, and that gave me strength.

HL Speaking of anxiety, compare car racing with dancing on national television. What makes you more nervous?
HC Dancing, for sure! I grew up in racecars, and have been racing ever since I was a little boy. Of course, I get butterflies every time I get into the car, but I am used to it by now. But having to do the cha-cha live on television, now that is anxiety. If it was not for Julianne [Hough] being such a good teacher and dancer, I might have made a fool of myself in front of millions of people.

HL What was it like walking onto Pit Road at the Indy 500 speedway with 400,000 people cheering for you? What were you thinking to yourself when you were racing toward the checkered flag?
HC It was awesome. After all I had been through, I just wanted to go out there and have fun. I was excited to be back on the track again, talking race strategy, hearing phrases like “start your engines” and “pedal to the metal,” instead of “objection, sustained, and overruled.” Once I was strapped into the racecar and the competitive juices started flowing, I could not help but focus on winning. When I crossed the finish line, all I could think about was climbing the fence to salute my fans and thank them for all their support.

HL You are 34 years old, you have won the Indy 500 three times, and you have won Dancing With The Stars. What’s left to accomplish?
HC I have always enjoyed spending time with my family, most recently with my one-year-old nephew. As much as anyone, I appreciate having a family and want to start my own. In the meantime, I will set my sights on a fourth Indy 500 trophy. And a fifth!

By Christina Bohnstengel

Sara Colombo’s new boutique on Lincoln Road offers one-of-a-kind European imports for home décor.

While Miami is a vibrant metropolis pulsating with seemingly everything that the good life has to offer, from an eclectic array of award-winning cuisines to some of the world’s most exclusive luxury shopping venues, for one elite home décor tastemaker, there was still something missing.

“The original inspiration for the opening of Nest was to bring to Miami the things that I like to showcase in my own home, but always had trouble finding here,” explains Sara Colombo, who recently opened interior lifestyle boutique Nest, on Lincoln Road. “I wanted to bring a European style and quality to the clientele in Miami.”

The 2,200-square-foot shop, located between Michigan Avenue and Lenox Avenue, specializes in high-style products for the home presented with that ever-chic and coveted European flair. A classic sycamore buffet, pillows crafted from vintage fabric from the house of Chanel, a bone dining table, and a black lacquer desk with a bronze base and bamboo details are some of the former model’s personal favorites. The desk is a particular standout for Colombo, as it was picked up from one of her favorite artists, Michele Bönan. In addition to lending his talented hand to some of the great design projects in Europe and the States, including Florence’s Ferragamo hotels, the JK Place in Florence and Capri, and the Grosvenor House in Coconut Grove, the Italian architect and interior designer also created a furniture collection for Nest.

Fresh off of a European buying trip this past May, Colombo continually scours the continent for unique items and special gems, but reserves a special affinity for the quality of Italian merchandise. “The craftsmanship of goods made in Italy is truly unique. Aesthetics has always been very important in Italian culture, whether it be in fashion, art, food, or decoration,” she explains. The jetsetting trendspotter travels internationally at least twice a year searching out those inimitable items that will set a home apart from its counterparts. “We don’t carry large volumes of any products and we are constantly changing the look of the store so that we are always offering a diverse selection,” she says, going on to explain how this sentiment is embodied in the name of the chic boutique. “The name originated from the idea that to build a ‘nest’ means, piece by piece, putting things together-things that each individual likes and fits with their style and space. At the end no two ‘nests’ are alike….It is an individual creation.”

Colombo describes the individual creation in her own home as eclectic and modern. “The house itself is quite old and classical in architectural style, but the decór is modern and we have employed the use of many great fabrics. We also have very modern art, which is quite a contrast to the house itself,” she explains.

As a collector, following current events in the art world is a key component in Colombo’s merchandising decisions for Nest. “I like to track what is happening in art in order to have an indication of the trends,” she says. The fashion industry serves as another medium for inspiration. “Home design tends to follow fashion in many ways. If you watch the fashion collections, you can really find many of the same similarities in color and texture that are present in the home decoration. I also read and follow publications for interior design, but really, the best research for me is to travel and see what styles and trends are appearing other places.”

In the short time since Nest opened its doors in October of last year, the response from industry experts has been tremendous. “We have developed very good relationships with some of the most respected interior designers in Miami and New York and their reaction has been nothing but positive. To have them return over and over is really solidifying our place in the market. Their compliments and congratulations are really a wonderful validation.” She works with the professionals creating custom pieces that are tailor-made and not available off the floor. The Nest experts do custom finishes and measurements for furniture as well as custom-design carpets and a large selection of fabrics. Recently they completed a project conceptualizing and supplying all of the accessories for the townhouse models at Epic, the luxury hotel and residence venue that recently opened in downtown Miami.

While earning the respect of industry colleagues is essential, Colombo describes the Nest clientele as two-fold, and the respect of the sophisticated shopper is just as paramount. From its chic Lincoln Road location, the boutique is able to serve the walk-in client who possesses that sense of creativity and eye for quality. “The location was an obvious choice for Nest. There are millions of people each year who visit Lincoln Road, from tourists to Miami residents. There is an energy there that fits well with our brand.”

But for those days when squeezing in a trip to Lincoln Road is not a feasible schedule option, Nest’s online catalogue is expected to launch in approximately six weeks. Nestcasa.com will feature resources for interior designers as well as the ability to complete online purchases.

From big-ticket furniture items to accessories and small gifts, Nest is proving itself to be a welcome addition to the Lincoln Road line up.

By Jeffrey Rackover

To some, diamonds are simply a decorative adornment, something to be worn while attending a black-tie affair. I constantly work to change that perception. A fine diamond is so much more than a simple piece of jewelry; rather, it is an investment in your future. And in these uncertain times, there is no better investment to make than in a diamond.

Even in the challenged economy, if one wanted to cash in on a diamond purchased 20 or 30 years ago, he or she would receive a huge return on their investment, one that is unmatched in virtually every other industry. While prices may be down from their height of $175,000 per carat (in the 10-carat-plus range) of D-flawless diamonds, which are the best of the best, every industry is seeing the affects of the market. Prices may have come down 20 percent, but rest assured, they will soon will soon begin to climb, so there is no better time to purchase a fine diamond than now. In my business, I have helped many take advantage of these prices. In fact, there has been a marked increase in my sales of engagement rings, as men are buying larger stones for their beloveds than they would have been just last year. By purchasing these resilient stones, these lucky couples are investing in their futures in more ways than one.

For the summer, the “classic” look continues. Just as the social trend this season in the Hamptons is for smaller, more intimate gatherings instead of the blow-out bashes of years’ past, the “in” jewelry pieces are smaller, less flashy than last year’s counterparts. Staples, multiple bangles, diamond studs, brilliant-cut cocktail rings: these are all acceptable, regardless of location. If you need to spice it up for a more formal affair, these same pieces transcend from day to night-that is part of the appeal of classic jewelry; it is right for every occasion. Of course, with the summer season comes color: yellow and pink diamonds are the epitome of quiet elegance right now.

Cheers,
Jeffrey Rackover

Jeffrey Rackover
589 5th avenue
New York, NY 10017
212.644.3838

By Jared Margolis

Our philosophy here at Jared M. is to help you cultivate individuality through your wardrobe and create style that articulates your own image. I entered the industry over a decade ago when I realized there was no company offering the complete lifestyle package to the sophisticated gentleman who appreciates the finer things in life. When I began catering to this market, I noticed that both professional athletes and high-powered executives were not getting the service and quality they deserved. Sure, there were tailors selling them poorly fitting suits, but I knew I could offer this niche market so much more.

I began my journey by traveling to Italy more frequently so I could become educated on the finest fabrics and best tailoring techniques in the world. With my newly gained knowledge, I quickly started filling that void in the market by giving my clients the complete wardrobe package. I also realized that a pro-athlete can come in all shapes and sizes, from a 5-foot jockey to a 7-foot center.  Therefore, my clients have evolved from professional athletes to elite and successful men around the world.  We have the experience and skills to dress every body type, and dress it well.

At Jared M. we do more than just tailor custom suits. We are a leading custom designer and manufacturer of finely crafted garments that will handle all aspects of your wardrobe. Everything we offer is hand crafted and modified to exceed your personal needs. It is my passion to inform you about style, fabrics, luxury, and always looking appropriate for any occasion. Recently, we opened our first Miami store, located in Mary Brickell Village, with an aggressive plan to expand into five additional metropolitan cities.

The following styles from the Jared M. Summer 2009 collection are sure to make men look their best through the coming months without sacrificing style to be comfortable during the scorching Miami heat.  So choose a look that suits you and get through this season in style.

Cheers,
Jared Margolis

Jared M.
900 S Miami Ave.
Miami
305.374.0800
www.jaredm.com

By Loren Ridinger

Summer is here and it is getting hot. Many of the trends that we saw for spring are carrying over into these warmer months, but the updates to keep it current are fun and flashy.

Bohemian dresses that drift in the wind, one-shouldered, asymmetrical goddess frocks and poolside caftans are sure to be some of the standout pieces. Of course our favorite designers did not disappoint this season, with Balenciaga, Louis Vuitton, and Lanvin proving once again why their names are on top of every fashionista’s style file watch list. They are crafting designs that remind us why these luxury labels have stood the tests of time, which is their dedication to excellence. As we come to redefine the essence of true luxury we understand that it is about impeccable attention to detail, using the highest quality fabrics, and a talent for sketching and crafting the flattering silhouettes that make us look and feel great.

Hemlines deserve our attention this summer and are a trend with which we can play and have fun. From handkerchief hems to the maxi, floor-length sweeping gowns to the micro minis, there is truly something for everyone from the great fashion houses. In addition to playing with hemlines, another way to ensure that your wardrobe will be ready for summer sizzle is with accessories. The options are endless and are not constricted by any type of conservative rules that we may have adhered to in years past. This summer will definitely be all about the arm candy, and lots of it. Don’t be shy because this season the ruling trend is that when it comes to accessories, the more the better! Whether it be big Tom Ford sunglasses  or Louis Vuitton bangle bracelets, summer accessories are the place to make a statement and demand attention.

When it comes to color trends for the sizzling days and sultry nights, the color of the sun is ruling our wardrobes. Bright and vibrant shades of yellow, from canary to citrine to all shades of the sunrise, can ensure a perky pick up. In addition to all of the vivid hues that emerged in the spring, I have also observed many designers pairing these colorful palettes with black as a base color. This is an easy and convenient way to add some sophistication to any ensemble.

Perhaps the trend that we can have the most fun with during these vacation months is with mixing and matching themes. For example, go for a glam-rock look by pairing studs with rhinestones, or lace with leather. It’s all about having fun this summer and since many of the springtime trends are carrying over, spicing things up with accessories galore is an easy and effective solution.

Now, I would certainly be remiss to talk about summer fashions without mentioning the swimsuit collections, and for this issue I must rave about the new pieces from Herve Leger by Max Azria. The lines of these pieces are truly cut for a woman’s body. They are some of the only suits that really do look better on the body than on the boutique hangers-a rare feat in this sometimes dicey category. I was privileged enough to see a sneak preview of the collection in New York, before it hit the stores and I have to scream it from the rooftops that these suits exude sex appeal and are the most successful attempt in years from a designer to hide the trouble spots while accentuating everything wonderful about the female form. It’s not surprising though. Since coming under the control of Max Azria in 1999, the label has become synonymous with sexiness.

With so many of us choosing to play it safe in the financial sector of our lives in 2009, spicing up the summer wardrobes with hemlines, color and accessories is an easy and exciting feat. There is no need to play it safe with your fashions, as if ever there was a season to go all out and over the top, this one is certainly it.

By Sean Ballent

Camacho Cigars, led by Christian Eiroa, is getting ready to release the strongest smoke on the market.

Christian Eiroa was groomed for success at an early age. A third generation tobacco man, his childhood was spent listening to his father and grandfather discuss the ins and outs of the cigar business. The family has been involved in the art and tradition of cigar making since the early 1900s in Cuba, when Christian’s grandfather, Generoso Eiroa, grew tobacco for the Cuban Tobacco Company.

Generoso’s son, Julio, followed his father into the business, eventually setting up shop in Honduras after the U.S. embargo with Cuba. He founded Caribe Imported Cigars in 1987, a company that dealt with tobacco from farms throughout Central and South America. Though all signs indicated that cigars were Christian’s destiny, he remained steadfast in his conviction that he wasn’t interested in pursuing the family business. With a dream of joining the Air Force or flying Navy jets, Christian opted out of tobacco and instead chose to earn his master’s degree in international business administration from Nova University. It wasn’t until he returned to his birthplace, Honduras, that he finally felt compelled to claim his birthright.

He began the process of learning about leaf growing and cigar production and quickly found that his upbringing had already given him a lifetime of schooling. “I started working with my father when I was 23 years old,” Christian explains, “but that was the last thing I wanted to do. Four or five years later, I realized that from day one, my father was indoctrinating me to be in the business. He was teaching me about moisture, temperature, growing, and the seasons when I was seven and eight years old. A lot of things I ran into when I joined the business in my early 20s were things that he had already taught me when I was young. I knew the answers already. I realized my father had set me up to succeed from day one.”

Christian fell into a rhythm at the factory and found that he thoroughly enjoyed the whole process. After only three years on the production side of the business, Christian had proven his abilities and was appointed as president of the established Camacho Cigars, Inc., which Caribe had acquired in 1995 from the family that founded it three decades prior.

Christian’s business acumen combined with his seemingly inherent knowledge of the cigar industry meant that under his control, the company began to thrive. “It was an exciting time to be in the tobacco business,” says Christian. “The explosive growth meant a lot of my time was needed.” His main focus shifted from production to sourcing tobacco. “I began traveling to all kinds of interesting places, buying tobacco from rural areas in different countries,” he recalls. A mixed bag of experiences, he encountered some seedy places and characters, but led the brand to expansion and global recognition.

In June of 2000, Christian and Julio launched the world’s first authentic Corojo cigar manufactured outside of Cuba, the Camacho Corojo. Hailing from Honduras, where the brand gets most of its tobacco from the family farms, this innovation initiated a trend of a full-bodied, extremely flavorful cigar with little to no aftertaste. “We source about 80 percent of our tobacco from a farm my father owns in Honduras called El Corojo,” Christian explains. “The authentic Corojo seed and the Corojo flavor are what makes our cigars so well known. It’s been developed over generations, and we are the only company to have that seed.” The other 20 percent is sourced from Ecuador, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico.

The strength has become the defining characteristic of the Camacho brand, both in taste and in industry domination. So it is fitting that this summer, Christian is preparing to release what he is touting as the strongest cigar in the world, period. “That’s what the Camacho brand is known for. We make strong cigars, now we’ve got to make the strongest.” This release is set to trump the Camacho Diploma, which is currently the brand’s strongest cigar. It will further cement the Camacho name amongst cigar aficionados as the strongest cigar brand around, both in terms of taste and in industry domination.

Top 5 Camacho Cigars

1. Camacho Corojo
2. Camacho Triple Maduro
3. Camacho 10th Anniversary
4. LegendArio by Camacho
5. Baccarat “The Game”

After more than 100 years, you can finally own a home within William Waldorf Astor’s architectural masterpiece.

Long before there was a Beacon Court, or multi-million-dollar Tribeca lofts, there was one building on West End Avenue that stood tall and proud as the largest and most exclusive apartment building in New York. Named The Apthorp after a close friend of the great William Waldorf Astor, the richest man in the world during the early 20th century, this interpretation of the Pitti Palace was the place to see and be seen in New York. The manifestations of the American Dream and a true sense of promise permeated every street in upper Manhattan. It was the great Gilded Age, where wealth and good fortune combined to create a never-before-seen renaissance of style.

Fast forward to 21st century New York City, where yellow cabs, clean air hybrid electric buses, and a bevy of pedestrians barrel down the Upper West Side streets. The city is now a vertical landscape of massive residential blocks and skyscrapers. But one thing remains the same: The Apthorp’s unmistakable resplendence and sheer presence, stretching from West End Avenue to Broadway and 78th to 79th Streets, taking up a full city block. Through majestic vaulted arches, those passing by still gaze into a massive 12,000-square-foot interior courtyard that is lushly planted with fountains and statues. But what truly sets this piece of New York history apart is its seamless blend of pre-war splendor with the utmost in cutting-edge finishes and appliances-a rare find in any city.

Now undergoing a meticulous restoration, The Apthorp is setting out to reclaim its title as New York’s most prestigious address; modern amenities are being integrated into this turn-of-the-century architectural masterpiece. At the helm of the sales and marketing for these historic condominium homes is Prudential Douglas Elliman. Karen Mansour, Douglas Elliman’s director of sales and marketing, says, “The Apthorp is the preeminent building of the Upper West Side; this is a rare opportunity to own a pre-war, architectural gem of this caliber that’s also a condominium.” When asked to identify the key features that set this building apart from others, Mansour continues, “Nothing about this building is cookie-cutter. All of the units and floor plans are unique; the ceilings soar up to 11 feet, the windows are eight feet high. The volume of space simply stuns visitors. Formal living and dining rooms and grand entry galleries are unheard of in new developments but come standard at The Apthorp. There are only a few buildings in New York that have an inner courtyard, and The Apthorp’s is the most memorable. It just takes your breath away-you feel like you’re in another world!”

To help restore and preserve this landmarked wonder, The Apthorp’s team of developers has enlisted the help of Fernando Papale and Ingrid Birkhofer of BP Architects. “What cannot be restored to its original condition is being expertly reproduced by artisans trained in the unique craft that was typical of the era,” says Birkhofer. This can be seen in plaster ornamentation and Herringbone floors where intricate design details are being painstakingly recreated. In addition, new homes will come equipped with central air conditioning, while powder rooms and bathrooms are enlarged to suit a modern lifestyle. “The fact that we are able to reinstate a magnificent architectural marvel of the ‘New York Golden Age’ and retrofit 21st-century amenities to it without altering or disturbing the architectural language and its value is a true honor to us. There are very few examples, if any, in New York where this challenging approach has been taken,” says Papale. BP Architects are also able to work with new homeowners to create a unique look to their unit. “One of the home buyers is combining two apartments and fitting the bathrooms with sleek, all-glass finishes; it’s the perfect blend of classical and contemporary,” says Papale.

One of the most “haute” homes is 6J-a three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath apartment with northern and southern sun-filled exposures and a garden courtyard view. The home features a formal living room, grand dining room with seven-foot high wainscoting, and a separate library. The residence also boasts three fireplaces (one in each social room), a 22.5-foot-long by 10.5-foot-wide foyer with hand-cut, fully restored mosaic tiles, and superb ornamental detailing throughout, such as carved-wood mantels with plaster details or appliqués. The near 3,100-square-foot residence is offered at $7.5 million.

In all, there are 32 homes-many of which have already been snatched off the market-available in the first offering. These one- to four-bedroom units range in price from $2 million to $15 million. Most homes feature grand foyers with original mosaic tile work combined with modern kitchens and bathrooms and central air-conditioning. Calacatta Gold marble, Nero Marquina, and White Carrara marble finishes seem to effortlessly merge with the period detailing. State-of-the-art kitchens come outfitted with Sub Zero, Wolf, and Miele appliances, while master bedrooms now feature large walk-in closets. All of these trappings come with the priceless perk of owning a piece of New York history perched atop West End Avenue-one of New York’s most prestigious locales.

The Apthorp
Historic Condominium Residences
390 West End Ave.
New York, NY 10024
212.799.2211
www.theapthorp.com