One of the more enjoyable Project Lena perks is that we get to interview fantastic and talented designers. This month we are welcoming a special guest to our San Francisco studio–the creator and designer behind the Solitary Man jewelry. We are very excited to get a glimpse into his world, where creativity and inspiration meets execution in fine jewelry metals and craftsmanship.
The Background:
Oleg Sharov’s designs are a lot like the designer himself: fun, fresh, and arresting. Born in Moscow, Russia and now living in sunny Santa Barbara, Calif., Oleg’s love and infatuation with fine art and design started at young age, when his family moved to Europe. He continued his education at Moscow’s top art school and later applied that knowledge to graphic design. But like all creative personalities, his true calling is to create things by hand, express his unique artistic world by giving to us, mortals, pieces of art expressed in his clothing brand 3cp Clothing, clay sculptures and his latest creation–.999 solid silver jewelry pieces. Seeing a designer’s pieces in person is a MUST. I was blown away by the intensity and complexity of Oleg’s silver quality, which doesn’t fully show up in images. The world should watch out for this major talent.
The Q & A:
projectlena: We love the fact that the Solitary Man jewelry pieces each represent something that has a personal meaning to you. Can you tell us how you want your pieces to affect your clients?
OS: I see every piece that I create as art sculptures. Each one is hand molded and hand finished, which gives them all a different look. I want people to see them for what they are, unique and different art pieces. I want my pieces to relate in some way to the person wearing it, be it some odd imperfection, a lighter shade or a darker finish, thus underlining their individuality.
projectlena: Who is Solitary Man?
OS: Solitary Man is within each and everyone of us. It’s the voice inside your head, the gut feeling, the 6th sense.
projectlena: Can you tell us a little more about the design inspiration behind the Solitary Man pieces?
OS: I believe that there are many beautiful things right in front of our eyes that we don’t notice in our everyday lives. Basic objects have beauty in them that people often overlook and take for granted. Taking an ordinary object and putting it into an extraordinary environment to change it’s visual perception is inspiring to me. That’s what I am trying to accomplish with my designs.
projectlena: Tell us about your process. Do you start with the raw materials and noodle with them until you have a direction, or do you envision a design and go source the materials?
OS: The idea usually comes to me from something I see. I then put it down on paper and try to picture what it would look like as a piece of jewelry. I then make a first “prototype” out of clay to get a three dimensional tangible version of my idea. Once I am satisfied with the “prototype” I move forward with it to get it ready to make a silver version. The last step is the polishing/finishing and engraving of my piece. I know it sounds like it’s pretty quick but it really isn’t, it could take from a few days to weeks to get from “prototype” stage to silver. I am very picky and an attention freak! If the feeling about a piece ain’t right, I will not move forward with it.
projectlena: Which do you consider more rewarding, designing for yourself, or designing for others?
OS: In a way I am designing for others because I am selling my jewelry to people. The creative and production process is for me and the product is for you. I put a piece of me into every thing I create trying to touch as many people as I can and share my vision.
projectlena: Where can people find your designs?
OS: To get the latest information on the line people can visit the online store at www.solitarymanjewelry.com or www.facebook.com/solitarymanjewelry. I try to interact with people as much as possible and love feedback and comments from our fans!
projectlena: Where do you want to take your line? What is Solitary Man’s dream?
OS: It would be great to spread the word about the line as much as possible and have people all around the world rocking the unique pieces I create. I would love to collaborate with artists from different countries to create something unique to their culture. For now I’ll settle for US domination!
projectlena: What is your current obsession? Anything new we should know about?
OS: That’s a hard question. I really don’t have obsessions per say. I have certain things I like and dislike. For instance, right now I am reading Keith Richards biography and I am fascinated by his love of music and his life experiences. What an incredibly talented individual with an inhuman drive, I mean the guy has NEVER missed a show! Kind of makes you wonder about what you are doing with your time.
We are looking forward to seeing the Solitary Man jewelry pieces on the pages of Vogue, InStyle, Bazaar, and celebrities internationally. We wish Oleg the best in his creations and we are sure to wear his pieces that speak so close to us too.
To read more from Project Lena, check out their blog at www.projectlena.blogspot.com or visit their Facebook page.
The Napa Valley Vintners (NVV) has recently transformed the once-vacant Jackse Winery to its full splendor and in the process snagged the 2010 Preservation Design Award from the California Preservation Foundation. The restoration of the Jackse Winery also marks the first time in 67-year-old trade organization’s history that it has had a permanent home in Napa Valley.
“Bringing back this historic 1905 all-wooden winery in the heart of the Napa Valley to a LEED-certified headquarters for our association is a dream come true,” said NVV Executive Director Linda Reiff. “We have been working diligently toward finding a permanent home for our group for nearly fifteen years and when we were able to purchase the abandoned winery and preserve some of our region’s history, it made perfect sense.”
There are many reasons why the Jackse Winery was the perfect choice for the NVV. Not only is it one of only a handful of wood-framed winery buildings left in St. Helena but it is also well known for its colorful history. The Jackse Winery was founded in 1905 by Austrian immigrant Stephen Jackse, who would later be one of only a handful of vintners arrested during Prohibition for bootlegging. He was later instrumental in forming the Wine Producers Association and the winery remained in production until 1951.
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Saturday night Lizzie Grubman celebrated her birthday at The Lion with Simon Huck, Mark Turk, Sabrina Levine and me.
On Sunday night Inga and Keith Rubenstein invited a bunch of friends to a Russian birthday celebration at Cipriani Wall Street where Seal performed. Doug Teitelbaum, Vanessa Bismarck, Eric Steiner, Jamie Digman, David Rosenberg, Michelle Herbert, Michelle Rella, Corey Hay, Alex Brito were all there. And dancing on the table was Ramona Singer from The Real Housewives of New York City. At my table were Inga, Keith, Serena Boardman Rosen, Patricia Field, Santiago Gonzalez, Angela Arabov, Jennifer Raines, Monica Mitro and Nigel Curtis. For a Sunday night it was quite an evening!
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What exactly does one have to do, besides own a yacht, to become a member of The San Diego Yacht Club, or the SDYC as it’s called?
First off, know your history. According to facts, this club dates back to 1886, when a group of boating enthusiasts joined together and formed one of the very first, and still one of the uppermost cornerstones, in Americal yachting history. Back then, they didn’t have one designated spot for meeting, they bounced around locations until 1924 where they settled in the Point Loma location they still use today. Since then, it’s grown from a group of die-hard boaters, to an highly organized business based on a dedication to teaching and living by the Corinithian principles of yachting, as stated by their website.
The club operates all year, with no off-season, and has everything from tennis courts, dining rooms, banquet facilities, swimming pools, and of course, a plethora of boats. It’s a fantastic place to become a member, and to do so, one must prove that you have past yachting experience, and a desire to grow that experience and participate in yachting activities. In addition, you must follow a guideline of application submissions including six references from current SDYC members, two sponsors with appropriate membership status, and aside from the other requirements, the applicant may only be requested to join by the sponsors only. In other words, you better know somebody. The SDYC is elite, but for good reason, as they take their club very seriously, and are careful to select people who will continue to participate and thrive in the yachting community.
In addition to the leisure activities, The SDYC also operates the philanthropic program of the San Diego Yacht Club Sailing Foundation , which is a non-profit corporation operating to increase education and promotion of amateur sailing activities, competitions, and all kinds of related maritime education. With an active scholarship and awards program, this foundation is increasing the young interests in all things marine life and sailing related. The SDYC was also recently recognized for their many programs that support the US military. The San Diego Military Advisory Council awarded them reocgnition in December for their continued suuport and dedication to our armed forces. They were honored with the Achievement Award by the Council and were recognized for all they do for active duty servicemen and women in the US, and their families.
The SDYC is an organization this city is very proud of, and many wish to become a member. From their yachting activities, to their philanthropic programs, to their ongoing military support and edcuation, this is a club that is worth it’s standards of admission. Very Haute, SDYC, very Haute indeed.
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That is the true mission of Painkiller, to pair the fraternal ethos of the tiki bar with the concept of an upscale New York lounge, checking the stuffiness and pomp at the door, and allowing guests a bit of escapist pleasure. If you are looking for truly delicious, artfully crafted cocktails, and want to relax and let loose at the same time, Painkiller might be the prescription for you.
Painkiller is located at 49 Essex St. (btw. Hester and Grand St.)
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Bob and Cortney Novogratz give a face-lift to event planners extraordinaire, Robert Isabell, astonishing apartment. They hosted a huge party on Jan. 27 at 16 Minetta Lane to to unveil the refurbished space. The party room was filled with lots of chic people and bold-faced names. Isabell passed away not too long ago and left behind his apartment on Minetta Lane. Throughout his life, Isabell created event celebrations for The White House, The Kennedys, Vogue, Vanity Fair, Heads of States and other top society families, as well as helped influence the famous Studio 54 in New York. Bob and Cortney have decorated the pad and turned it into a must-see-space. They are paying ode to Isabell with their own signature twist.
To checkout more photos of this event, visit Haute Living’s Events Gallery.
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One of my favorite hobbies is reading novels. While this isn’t the most original statement, many people don’t feel this way and would rather spend their time reading a magazine or Twitter. As far as book recommendations go, I am open to suggestions and take pleasure in reading what others have previously enjoyed. An old college professor once suggested that I read, Let the Great World Spin by Clum McCann, and described it in a way I’ll never forget. He said, “Reading this book was like hearing Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Born to Run’ for the very first time.” After considering this boldly stated metaphor, I knew I had to read it.
Even if you’re not a born-and-raised New Yorker, reading Let the Great World Spin will certainly make you feel like you are. McCann uses the Twin Towers as a focal point while he takes you on a New York City adventure, introducing characters from all walks of life. It is the type of book where every detail is significant in order to keep track of the intertwining lifelines between each character, continually leaving you with jaw-dropping realizations. Taking place in the summer of 1974, all facets of New York City from the South Bronx projects to the prostitute-filled Major Deegan Expressway are showcased through divergent yet fitting literary beauty. I also found the nostalgia of the Twin Towers refreshing without the harsh realities of 9/11 coming into play.
Although I would have to suggest a Frank Sinatra song as the backdrop of this novel rather than Bruce Springsteen, it is definitely a one-of-a-kind read. Let the Great World Spin captures the true essence of New York City while touching upon important cultural elements of the city’s past.
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I spoke with my dear friend and visionary, the talented and creative Stefano Rosso and here is our conversation:
Sonia: Stefano, you are responsible for Strategic Brand Alliances of DIESEL and have communicated that you are, “a huge fan of adidas, they inspire me and they were my myth when I was growing up. After the amazing denim collaboration, when DIESEL’S know-how was infused by adidas’ spirit, we are now starting a new chapter of the partnership: the heritage of the two brands will come together applying our spirit on adidas classic kicks!” How exciting!! Stefano, what next?
Stefano: Well the next step on this collaboration will be to develop the next FW11 collection with Adidas… The new shoes will be even better.
Sonia: What is your favorite pair in the collection?
Stefano: I like the Forum high in black leather with the ZIP closure that recalls a leather biker jacket.
Sonia: Your favorite color?
Stefano: I love colors, but for this collaboration the classical black and white options are amazing.
Sonia: What does this collaboration tell us about today?
Stefano: Today the consumers are much more informed and educated on products… I would say that they are almost spoiled!!! Through the internet they can have access to anything they want. I believe that collaborations are a great tool to give them something unique!!
Sonia: What does this strategic partnership mean to you?
Stefano: For me it is a dream coming true. I have always been a fan of adidas and its heritage! The chance to make a product together is unique. Plus, we share common values and mindset, and I hope that this will lead to something even bigger in the future
Sonia: What does the style tell us about fashion now?
Stefano: Many things… Today culture is a mix and match of styles. Differently from 10 years ago when people were living a lifestyle all the way (ex: if you were a punk you lived that way), today you can be a different person every day. So even in fashion styles keep on getting mixed, just think about skaters and rappers wearing tight jeans in a school boy preppy look!!!
Grazie Stefano for sharing your insights…more to come so stay tuned…to be continued…Ciao for now.
XOXO LOVE LOVE LOVE, Sonia
The Legendary Beverly House is sited on approximately 3.7 flat acres atop a private knoll 3 blocks from Sunset Boulevard. With original landscaping by Paul Thiene, entrance gates adjacent a two-story gate house open to a long private driveway ascending one of the city’s longest private drives to a courtyard fountain. Architect Gordon Kaufmann was commissioned by one of Los Angeles most important families to create his legendary masterpiece. Built of terra-cotta stucco, the H-shaped residence exhibits a perfect combination of Spanish and Italian style, with intricately carved ceilings and paneled walls, French doors, balconies, arched ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows, which overlook the famous cascading waterfalls to the pool and the Venetian columns beyond the pool house.
The Beverly House was built by banking executive Milton Getz. Marion Davies bought the property in 1946 for William Randolph Hearst, historical figure and most powerful publishing magnate of the 20th century, who moved there from San Simeon and lived at Beverly House where he spent the remainder of his life.
The main level includes a 50 foot entry hall with loggia, a living room with 22 foot high arched and detailed ceilings, and the famed library with hand carved woodwork and staircase leading to second story wrap-around balcony and bookshelves. The billiard room contains herringbone parquet floors and a massive carved stone fireplace mantle from San Simeon. There is also a formal dining room, breakfast room, and family room with outdoor terrace accommodating up to 400 for sit-down dining.
A garden level contains an art-deco night club, wine cellar, and one of two projection rooms in the residence. Another level contains spa facilities with a gym and massage room. The second story contains double masters, guest suites and staff accommodations. Additional features of Beverly House include a commercial kitchen, owner?s and staff offices, outside staff accommodations, lighted tennis court with indoor bar and media center, guest house above eight car garage, separate security cottage, separate two bedroom apartment and two story gate lodge with kitchenette and four bedrooms.
In addition to hosting John and Jacqueline Kennedy during their honeymoon, Beverly House also played a character in the classic movies “The Godfather” and “The Bodyguard.”
Offered @ $95,000,000
Contact Jeff Hyland @ 310.278.3311 or jeff@hiltonhyland.com. Or visit www.hiltonhyland.com.
Burger aficionados of Los Angeles can rejoice now that the New York-based BLT Restaurant Group has announced the opening of GO Burger Los Angeles, a casual addition to their widely lauded upscale restaurant ventures such as BLT Fish or Prime and Steak. The laid-back atmosphere of the restaurant which boasts a stylized ceiling with burger-inspired words, floor to ceiling windows and a luminous outdoor patio where patrons can sit and bask in the beautiful Southern Californian sunshine is also reflected in the manner in which it was named–the company held an online naming contest open to the public last April.
The epicurean burgers featured on the menu are made from 100 percent black angus beef. Signature burgers include include the UltiMelt which is a burger that is not only enveloped between two grilled cheese sandwiches but also topped with carmalized onions and bacon or the Prime STEAKHOUSE Burger which the menu boasts is a “custom blend of 30-day dry-aged prime beef (brisket, shortribs and sirlion) topped with caramelized onions.” Vegetarians and pescetarians can also rest assured they will have a plethora of options to choose from as items on the menu include the Veggie Falafel Burger and the Salmon Burger with pickled red onions and arugula.
Resolving to whittle your waistline in 2011? Even the most health conscious Angelenos will delight in offerings such as the Grilled Salmon Salad or The Sunset Stripper which is a bunless burger topped with arugula, marinated cherry tomatoes, pickled shallots and olive-cornichon remoulade. “The food we’re putting out at GO Burger is all about quality and variety,” adds BLT Restaurant Group Executive Chef Rodelio Aglibot. “There are burgers and entrees for everyone, from meat aficionados to vegetarians.”
Augmenting the menu is an array of milkshakes and ice cream floats that range from the innocuous Cookie Monster or Black & White to more sinful concoctions like Grandma’s Treat or the Cuba Libre Float, which are respectively a vanilla milkshake made with caramel and Maker’s Mark and an ice cream float comprised of Bacardi Silver Rum, Boylan’s Cane Cola and vanilla ice cream. A full menu of draft and bottled beers, old-fashioned bottle sodas, wine and cocktails will also be available.
GO Burger is located at 6290 Sunset Blvd. and will serve lunch and dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. daily. For more information, please call 323.327.9355 or visit www.bltrestaurants.com.
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Los Angeles
March/April 2012
