m. penner: fall/winter 2009
DESCRIPTION
The Fall/Winter 2009 from M. PennerTRANSCRIPT
M PENNER F A L L / W I N T E R 2 0 0 9
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Fall-Winter Fashions TH
E TESLA
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Irresistible Malbecs TH
E MA
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eet Paul S
mith N
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HOUSTONFASHION
YEARS AND COUNTING
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HUGO BOSS FASHIONS INC. Phone +1 212 940 0600 www.hugoboss.comHUGO
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WWW.PAULSMITHUSA.COM
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www.scottk ay.com
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{ contents }
57
Essentials for Men Textures, patterns and the new way to wear a classic pinstripe suit 30
Essentials for WomenShades of gray and pleasing
pops of color 34
Service DirectoryYour guide to the amenities of the M Penner experience 70
Good Company Celebrating Italian fashion in Houston, and the life of M Penner’s founder 72
departments
Invitation to Style“M” is for Morris 12
The M Penner GuideThe artistry of Angelo Nardelli ... one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces ... superior socks ... the best little guesthouse in Texas ... an amazing French restaurant on Lake Conroe ... and more! 17
Stephen’s SelectsBest bets, handpicked by M
Penner’s Women’s Boutique Fashion Director 22
features
38
46
Meet the Designer: Paul SmithThe Englishman describes his playful tailored clothes as “Savile Row meets Mr. Bean.” ~-~ 38 ~-~
Electric GlideIf your experience of electric vehicles is limited to golf carts, the Tesla Roadster just might blow your mind ~-~ 42 ~-~
Escape to the MaldivesTropical glamour and barefoot elegance at Reethi Rah and Cocoa Island ~-~ 46 ~-~
All Play & All WorkThe good times roll when friends and colleagues share a passion for fashion. ~-~ 52 ~-~
columns
The Sporting LifeRevelstoke and Kicking Horse, two of the newer alpine resorts in British Columbia, represent North America’s next frontier of lift-served skiing. 63
GrapeRich and inky, Clos Triguedina, Prince Probus and the New Black Wine are three terrific Malbecs from the Baldès family of Cahors. 66
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femininefreshtailoredfun
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Discover the flavors of Milan
Hotel Granduca’s exclusive restaurantNorthern Italian cuisine with a French accent
Lunch 11:30 am – 2 pm, Monday – FridayDinner 6 pm – 10 pm, Monday – Saturday
Closed Sundays 1080 Uptown Park Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77056
www.granducahouston.com713.418.1104 for reservations
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{ invitation to style }
1 2 / FA L L • W I N T E R 2 0 0 9
“ M ” I S F O R M O R R I S
I met a nice gentleman at a party last weekend,
and he asked me if I was the “M” in M PENNER.
Actually, “M” is for Morris, my father, who started
the business 35 years ago.
I heard the word “maverick” used fre-
quently during the last presidential campaign,
but to me, my dad was a true maverick. In 1974
he decided to open a men’s specialty store in
Houston, procured a small SBA loan for inven-
tory, and did all the carpentry himself because
he couldn’t afford to pay someone else to do
it. He introduced Italian clothes to men in Houston and had the only store in
town featuring exclusively European fashion. People told him he was crazy and
he wouldn’t make it, yet he refused to compromise his vision and, ultimately,
developed a successful niche business. In the words of my friend Jane Weil,
“Sonny taught the ‘cowboys’ of Houston how to dress like gentlemen.”
Dad’s zealous spirit went beyond clever merchandise selection. In the
early years his controversial billboard with the tagline, “One Hell of a Man’s
Store,” really helped to put M PENNER on the map, though some people
thought it too racy (my, how times have changed!). In 1984 he decided to
relocate the store to Kirby Drive. Again, he was strongly advised against such
a risky move and, again, he would not be deterred. During our 22 years on
Kirby, in addition to guiding the business to further growth (not to mention
developing a reputation as one of the most astute retailers in the country), Dad
worked diligently to establish and develop the Upper Kirby District. And when
we moved to Uptown Park, Dad was supportive and excited about this new
chapter in the store’s history.
I’ve had the privilege of working with my dad since 1983, and when he
passed away in September, all I could think of at the time was how much his
absence would be felt around the store.
In the short time between then and now, rather than feeling his absence,
I sense his presence . . . everywhere. From the way we set up displays to the
way we answer the phones . . . so much of everyday life at M PENNER was
built on his vision, hard work and infi nite creativity. I sit at his original desk
and feel close to him as I do my work. When I’m out on the sales fl oor, I hear
myself saying things (as he did) like, “Why is this shirt lying here?” or “Didn’t
anyone notice this piece of thread on the fl oor?” or “Let’s have a good day
today!” When his words pop out of my mouth, I laugh inside, knowing that
it took 20-plus years of training to get them just right. Oh yes, and every day
when I drive up, I see the “M” for Morris above the front door and think of my
father with the fondest of memories.
Thanks, Dad, for the fi rst 35 years—you did good!
—MURRY PENNER
S n e a k P E E K S
Links to love
see page 20
Winter warmer
see page 22
1180-06 UPTOWN PARK BLVD., HOUSTON, TX 77056713.527.8200 www.mpenner.com
S t o r e H o u r s MONDAY TO FRIDAY: 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.THURSDAY: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.SATURDAY: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.SUNDAYS THROUGH DECEMBER: Noon to 5:00 p.m.
Editorial Director KAREN PENNER
Editor & Publisher MARK DOWDEN
Creative Director AMY A . DOWDEN
Art Director STEPHEN M. V ITARBO
Contributing Editors JENNIFER CENICOLA,
JUL IA C . IRELAND, T IMOTHY KELLEY, IAN
KEOWN, MARIA L ISSANDRELLO,
FRANCESCA MOIS IN , EVERETT POTTER
Contributing Photographers FULTON DAVENPORT, DANIEL SPRINGSTON
Art Associate LAURA CARAMAGNA
Art Assistant PATRICE HORVATH Corporate Editorial Director
RITA GUARNA
National Advertising Manager SHAE MARCUS
Advertising Account Executive
STEPHANIE STAIANO
Advertising Sales Assistant
SABA KAHN
Production Manager CHRIST INE HAMEL
Advertising Services Manager
THOMAS RAGUSA
Senior Art Director, Agency Services KIJOO K IM Marketing Manager SEAN GALLAGHER
Marketing Coordinator ELIZABETH MEE
Accounting AGNES ALVES,
MAGDALENA SZARGUT
Published by
Chairman CARROLL V. DOWDEN
President MARK DOWDEN
Executive Vice President JOEL EHRLICH
Vice Presidents AMY A . DOWDEN,
N IGEL EDELSHAIN, R ITA GUARNA,
SHANNON STEITZ , SUZANNE TRON
Regional Sales Director DOUGLAS C . BARKER
Circulation Director LAUREN MENA
M P E N N E R Magazine is published twice a year by Wainscot Media, 110 Summit Avenue, Montvale, NJ 07645, in association with M Penner. Copyright © 2009 by Wainscot Media, LLC. All rights reserved.
Edi tor ia l Contr ibut ions : Write to Editor, M PENNER, 110 Summit Avenue, Montvale, NJ 07645; telephone 201.782.5730; email [email protected]. The magazine is not responsible for the return or loss of unsolicited submissions.
Subscr ip t ion Serv ices :
To change an address or request a subscription, write to Subscriptions, M PENNER, Circulation Department, PO Box 1788, Land O Lakes, FL 34639; telephone 813.996.6579;email [email protected].
Adver t is ing Inqui r ies : Contact Shae Marcus at 856.797.2227 or [email protected].
M PENNER
Correction: Photographic credit to Mike Plank for his invaluable contribution to our photo shoot was inadvertently omitted in the last issue.
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{ the m penner guide }
FA L L • W I N T E R 2 0 0 9 / 1 7
Winking at women’s fashionYou can’t see it in the picture here, but the image on the cover of Avedon Fashion 1944–2000 is printed holo-graphically, so the model literally appears to wink at you as you walk by. This irresistible come-on is just a hint of the visual pleasures within. The lush new book chron-icles the work of Richard Avedon, the most infl uential fashion photographer of all time.
Beginning in the late 1940s, Avedon bucked the convention of stiff, motionless poses by encouraging his models to move and express themselves. He also forged such an intense connection with his subjects that he often left photo shoots embarrassed by the personal details they revealed to him. From Audrey Hepburn to Veruschka to Kate Moss, the book covers all of Avedon’s most iconic fashion models and images.
Style Secret: CINODesigner Cinthia Menolascino specializes in
beguiling contrasts—simple colors rendered in
richly textured fabrics, military-inspired designs
combined with romantic infl uences, rock-and-
roll edge with Edwardian touches. Her cino line,
just three years old, is the culmination of a
long-held dream to design clothes “that I
would wear.” Her target audience: women
who “are passionate about great clothes
that can be worn dressed up or dressed
down.” Find cino’s latest collection for fall
and winter at M Penner.
To wear anywhere:
ANGELO NARDELLIClassic and refi ned, but always with atten-tion to contemporary details—this describes the menswear of Angelo Nardelli 1951, named for the company’s founder and the year of its founding. The fi rm has fl ourished un-der the direction of Angelo’s son, Domenico, but so far the label is relatively unknown in the U.S.—a fact that gives it extra cachet among devotees. With artisan-quality sport-coats, sweaters, pants and ac-cessories, this insider brand also happens to represent great value. To experience
the quality of Angelo Nardelli yourself,
visit M Penner, exclusive stock-ist of the brand
in Texas.
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{ them penner guide }
M Penner was recently honored with an Uptown/Downtown
Achievement Award by leading men’s fashion publication
MR magazine. The award is presented to retailers who’ve
demonstrated extraordinary innovation. “M Penner stays
at the forefront of retail by increasing its contemporary
and sportswear assortments,” said the magazine, citing
the store’s expansion into women’s fashion in 2006 and
its partnerships with local retailers. M Penner also recently
received the Gold Standard award from Esquire magazine,
and Top Men’s Store designation from City Search.
And the winner is ...
Alight in the “piazza”Uptown Park—home to M Penner and 30 other upscale
shops, spas and cafes—has the charm of a thriving
European village. That’s just what world-renowned
real estate developer Giorgio Borlenghi was aiming for
when he designed the center a decade ago. “My desire
was to create not just another shopping center but
something that reflects the urban atmosphere—while at
the same time it is an Italian-style center where people
come to congregate,” says Borlenghi. His dream has
become Houston’s very own “piazza,” complete with
fountains, detailed architecture and lavish landscaping.
Unusual for Houston, shoppers stroll around
Uptown Park rather than drive. Residents of the center’s
two high-rise residences walk their dogs and chat over
Starbucks concoctions; visitors staying at Hotel Gran-
duca sip wine at The Tasting Room. Next time you’re in
the mood to shop or dine in low-stress high style, visit
Uptown Park in the Uptown/Galleria area of Houston,
located on Uptown Park Blvd.
Superior socksVivek Nagrani was not long out of college when
he began his hosiery business in 1999. His
goals: to make a product “truly worthwhile” to
the customer and “to be the best.” His role
model: his maternal grandfather, who had
operated luxury clothing stores in India and
Pakistan, with an emphasis on customer
service. And that’s how the world came to
have V.K. Nagrani men’s hosiery, woven
of the finest cotton by small factories, in
bold, striking designs—and, by all ac-
counts, addictive to men who’ve tried
them. We challenge you to try a few
pairs yourself, and defy you not to
want more.
“I design for women who have a strong sense of style and who enjoy making a statement when they walk into a room,” says jewelry designer Carol Lipworth. Inspired by the natural beauty surrounding her home on Costa Rica’s Pacifi c coast, Lipworth’s designs
make use of copper, gold, gemstones—such as amethysts, rubies, quartz and lapis lazuli—and freshwater pearls, accentuating the materials’ raw, natural shapes. Stop by M Penner to see some of her exquisite pieces, each one handmade and unique.
Romancing the STONES
How never to miss a thing at M PENNERLet’s stay connected! Sign up for our
e-club at www.mpenner.com, and re-
ceive advance notice of special events,
special offers and more. And be sure
to “friend” M Penner on Facebook—
we want to hear from you, too!
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Give the PERFECT GIFT Can’t decide what to buy? Don’t
know the size? A gift card from M
Penner is the ideal solution:
It’s right for friends, family and
business associates, is available
in any denomination you choose, and may
be used for any purchase at M Penner.
The card spends like cash and has no expira-
tion date and no fees. Gift cards may not be
redeemed for cash. We’ll be happy to send
your gift cards to the recipients you select.
To order, simply call us at 713-527-8200. We
accept all major credit cards.
{ them penner guide }
2 0 / FA L L • W I N T E R 2 0 0 9
THE A-to-Z LISTM Penner features more than 50 designer brands under one roof. See if you don’t find your favorites among our list below. Then stop by the store for a shopping experience you’ll love.
Agave Denim
AG Jeans
Alden
An Ren
Angelo Nardelli
Arnold Zimberg
The Art of Shaving
Audrey Talbott
Belvest
Canali
Carol Lipworth Designs
Cino
Cortina
Craig Taylor
D. Exterior
Donald J. Pliner
Donna Degnan
Elaine Turner
Ermenegildo Zegna
Etro
Eye Bobs
Farinaz
Finley
Geoff Nicholson
Gran Sasso
Gravati
Hale Bob
Hanro
Hiltl
Hugo Boss
Ike Behar
Incotex
Indies
Jack Victor
John Varvatos
Jose Luis
Julie Peak
Luciano Barbera
Luigi Bianchi
Maj
Magnani
Martin Dingman
Mason’s
Maui Jim
Mazon
Michael Toschi
Mulholland
Nicole Miller
Pantherella
Paul Smith
Peace of Cloth
Pink Tartan
Rebecca Taylor
Rivamonti
Robert Barakett
Robert Talbott
Rolling Stone
Romano Martegani
Schumacher
Scott Kay
Strenesse
Suzi Roher
V.K. Nagrani
Versace
W. Kleinberg
Würkin Stiffs
Zanella
Scott Kay
Farinaz
GREAT PAGES: Books by local authorsGet inspired this season by two new books by M Penner customers
1. P.S.: Passionate Supporter and Political Spouse, by Andrea
White. The wife of Houston Mayor (and current Senate candi-
date) Bill White, the author says she used to prefer life on the
sidelines. But personal and professional growth, White found,
go hand-in-hand with the passionate support one gives to other
people. Order through Amazon.com; learn more at White’s
blog, passionatesupporter.com.
2. What I Learned About Life When My Husband
Got Fired was co-written under the names Red
and Black by sisters Tina Pennington (Red) and
Mandy Williams (Black). The former was a happy
housewife unhappily surprised by her husband’s
job loss; the latter a well-off, retired-young execu-
tive. Williams, via e-mail and phone, put her sister
through a financial-basics boot camp—and the
book is the entertaining-but-informative result,
complete with worksheets for reader use. Avail-
able at M Penner.
WRIST WATCHSurely the most imaginative silk knot cufflinks
in the world are offered by Würkin Stiffs.
They’ve got dozens of Knotz options inspired
by birthstones, national colors, holidays and
more. Choose a hue for any mood! Each pair
comes in a crystal-clear glass vial with a cork
stopper. Shown here: the Bruce
Banner, from their Super-
heroes collection.
Find them, and
more, at our
store.
Canali
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{ the m penner guide }
Stephen’s SELECTS
THE LOOK FOR FALL & WINTER
Collar Your WorldWhether you complete your fall outfi t
with a cashmere blazer, a trendy jacket
or a fun new pea coat, pay special
attention to the expression of the
collar this season. From the refi ned
peak lapel on Zanella’s red cash-
mere jacket to the playful, exagger-
ated portrait collar on Hugo Boss’s casual
navy blazer, stylish lapels are a defi nite
trend. An Ren’s whimsical jackets call
for big bold collars while just a touch of
trim fi nish off Indies’ delicate sweaters.
Don’t forget to showcase a fabulous
new necklace from Carol Lipworth
along with your gorgeous smile!
Show it OffFrom AG Jeans’ super comfortable jean-leggings to D. Exterior’s stretchy, sexy
high-waisted pencil skirt, form-fi tting pants and skirts show off your curves and
give a fresh look for fall/winter 2009. Match these streamlined bottoms with killer
Suzi Roher belts or fl owy tops for a balanced, feminine fi nish.
Layer it OnAs the temperature (fi nally) dips
in Houston, adding featherweight
layers is the perfect way to be
both comfortable and fashion
forward. Add a superfi ne me-
rino wool vest from Stre-
nesse for that little extra
layer of warmth without adding
bulk, a trendy ombre cardigan
sweater from Paul Smith for pop,
or a beautiful, feminine scarf to
your little black dress to warm up
with a dash of fl ash.
Go for the BoldHale Bob models blazed down the fall
runway in a rainbow of vibrant colors
and multicolored prints.
Neon oranges, cobalt blues,
teals, cranberries and ruby reds bright-
en up any outfi t, while bright pinks
and rich purples are this season’s hot-
test hues. Other showstoppers include
Hugo Boss’s outstanding iridescent hot
pink fi tted blouse and Rivamonti’s su-
per-sized, ultra-fi ne scarves in an array
of fabulous colors. For just a splash of
color, brighten up a neutral outfi t with
a colorful pressed leather handbag
from Elaine Turner.
4
2
3
Best bets from the fall 2009 collections, counter clockwise from top, Zanella; Hale Bob; Paul Smith; AG Jeans; Craig Taylor; Carol Lipworth necklace.
1
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I joined Facebook over the summer and, I must confess, I’ve had
loads of fun reading about all of my “friends’” travels—from Greece and
Italy to Santa Fe, Carmel and, of course, home-away-from home for us
Texans, Aspen and Vail.
Murry and I chose a different strategy for summer entertainment
and went on a search-and-discover mission for fun things to do close
to home. The next time you have a couple of days or a week, consider
these two great Texas destinations for family get-togethers, gastronomi-
cal adventures, or just a great change of scenery.
Over the July 4th weekend, our challenge was how to connect with
close friends and our adult sons in a fun and relaxing place where every-
one could kick back and have a good time together.
We found our answer in Comfort with Mary and Billy Canavan,
Texas homebuilders (and an adorable couple) who have an unbelievable
rental home just waiting for fun-loving guests.
Only a three-and-a-half hour drive from Houston (four if you stop at
Bear Moon Bakery in Boerne to stock up on homemade breads and sin-
ful sweets), this exclusive private home, originally built as the Canavans’
personal residence, rests atop one of the highest hills in Central Texas.
The main house and two adjacent casitas wrap around a crystal-
clear pool and outdoor living area complete with a patio, bar and kitchen
designed for serious entertaining. The magnificence of the beautifully
appointed house is upstaged only by the continuous Hill Country breeze
and endless views of the rustic Texas landscape.
Included in the rental is Mary’s “To-Do List,” filled with sugges-
tions of what to do in and near Comfort. Though we missed the stop
at the Sisterdale Bar “for local flavor,” the July 4th parade in Comfort
that’s “right out of a Norman Rockwell painting,” antiquing, canoeing
and a visit to the Joshua Creek Hunting Club, we did make a trip to the
{ the m penner guide }
CHILLING OUT in COMFORT
| BY KAREN PENNER
Top, the pool has an unbeatable view; center, Mary and Billy
Canavan with Karen and Murry Penner; Josh Penner
on guitar, Ryan Penner on harmonica;
left, Murry dressed for the Texas sun.
PEN.comfort.v6.sv2.indd 28 11/10/09 3:18:01 PM
Hill Top Café in Fredericksburg—a kitschy gas-station-turned-
restaurant replete with live country music, a fantastic collection of
vintage Texas memorabilia and arguably the best food in town.
We also exercised with local fitness instructor Courtney Barkley,
who came to the house and gave us yoga and water aerobics
classes. On one unforgettable evening we hired local chef Theda
Sultenfuss, who prepared a marvelous gourmet dinner for 14 that
started with artichoke tapenade and local spiced pecans on the
patio and finished with chocolate marquise with raspberry coulis
and toasted coconut under the stars.
We swam, read books and played music together. We cooked,
drank wine, and shared stories. But my favorite part of all was sitting in
my lounge chair each morning, steaming cup of fresh-brewed coffee in
hand, feeling the gentle cool-morning breeze on my face, enjoying the
precious stillness all around me and watching the sun rise above the
horizon, beckoning the new day.
To make a reservation at the Canavan House, go to vrbo.com and
enter listing #242739, or call Mary at 830-995-2983.
Clockwise from top left, Sam
Unell, Amanda Waldman; Scott
Hoffer, Murry, Gayle Waldman,
Jeremy Penner; Gayle Hoffer
takes a dip; Steve and Gayle
Waldman; Mark Penner with
Scott; Gayle Hoffer and Karen
Robinson; the group plays mah-
jongg; Karen, Murry and Gayle
Hoffer. Center, Karen at table,
with Janice Penner at her left.
FA L L • W I N T E R 2 0 0 9 / 25
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WHEN I WAS FOUR, I sat cross-legged on the well-worn parquet floor,
slipped my teeny pink-tights-covered toes into my very first pair of bal-
let slippers, and looked proudly at my reflection in the enormous mirror
that spanned the length of the Westbury Dance Studio. It was most
definitely in that “Degas moment” that I knew the performing arts and
I were a perfect fit. What I didn’t know then was that the arts would
forever be a part of my life and hold a special place in my heart.
So when I was asked to donate seats at the table of my next “res-
taurant review” to the Silent Auction for the Houston Grand Opera I said
yes, without hesitation. And when I heard about Chez Roux, the new
French Restaurant on Lake Conroe with the only Michelin-rated chef in
the state of Texas, I knew that was exactly where we were going.
Our outstanding mini-trip began with a weekend stay at La Torretta
Del Lago Resort & Spa which, after a $130 million, two-year renova-
tion, has transformed the old Del Lago Resort into a fabulous escape
for couples and families alike. In addition to the spa, the resort offers a
fi tness center, golf course, tennis center and a multitude of swimming
pools (I think I counted six)—all of it barely an hour’s drive from Houston.
Chez Roux is a freestanding restaurant located just a short walk
from the main hotel. As we made our way to the restaurant, Brian
Thorpe, the high bidder for the dinner, introduced us to his guests, Jen-
nifer Gaines, James Sivco, and Rachel Walton. Our dear friends Nanette
and Barry Putterman joined us as well, making a perfect party of eight.
The restaurant boasts an amazing chef’s table where diners sit
literally inches from the chef. However, the open kitchen is also visible
from the intimate main dining room, where we sat. We couldn’t resist
{ them penner guide }
FOODAS FINE ART
| BY KAREN PENNER
Roux là là: left, a chef plates one of the restaurant’s delectable dishes:
seared wild Alaskan halibut on a bed of fennel, with globe artichokes
and sauce verge. Center, Murry and Karen Penner with renowned chef
Matthew Gray. Chez Roux overlooks scenic Lake Conroe.
2 6 / FA L L • W I N T E R 2 0 0 9
PEN.restreview.v3.sv.indd 26 11/10/09 10:33:52 AM
the temptation to sneak over to the window
a time or two to watch the brilliant kitchen
staff as they masterfully transformed simple
ingredients into beautiful, edible works of art.
Head Sommelier and General Manager
Garret Donovan deftly handled the front of the
house, suggesting wine and food pairings, catering
to our needs and entertaining guests with table-side
service. Meanwhile Chef Matthew Gray ran the
kitchen, creating dish after dish that tantalized the
taste buds and left us wanting more--not because
we were still hungry, but because every dish was
unique and delicious.
The menu changes weekly. If it’s available
when you go, start with the roast Hudson Valley foie gras with duck confit
pastille (we all agreed that’s a lot of words for “amazing”) followed by grilled
salmon with squid ink risotto or the hand-carved Black Angus rib eye with
bernaise and red wine sauce (serves two to three), and a side of the very
yummy cheese soufflé of Texas Gold cheddar with corn kernel cream. I’m a
wine-and-cheese dessert fan myself, but if you have
a sweet tooth, go for the raspberry soufflé with white
chocolate ice cream and raspberry sauce.
CHEZ ROUX
600 LA TORRETTA BLVD., MONTGOMERY
(936) 448-3010
LATORRETTADELLAGORESORTANDSPA.COM
A meal to remember: clockwise from top left,
Brian Thorpe, Rachel Walton and James Sivco;
Barry Putterman anticipates his dessert souffl é;
a selection of artisanal cheeses; seared salmon
with globe artichoke, topped with a soft-poached
duck egg; Karen and Brian; Brian and Jennifer
Gaines; James with Nanette Putterman.
FA L L • W I N T E R 2 0 0 9 / 2 7
PEN.restreview.v3.sv.indd 27 11/9/09 6:09:18 PM
DrAGarcia_Left.indd 2 11/10/09 1:33:27 PM
Agave_Right.indd 1 11/10/09 1:33:57 PM
{ essentials for men }
A put-together look mandates
a mix of textures and patterns—
from herringbone to hammered
metal, from soft wool to silk
Mix WELL
Sportcoat, vest and
slacks by Angelo
Nardelli; Robert
Talbott shirt; Geoff
Nicholson pocket square;
Stefano Corsini belt;
Gravati boots with
socks by V.K. Nagrani;
sunglasses from Maui Jim
PEN.essentials.lc.v1.indd 39 11/11/09 9:58:05 AM
©2009 Cartierw
ww
.car
tier
.com
3966 Westheimer · Highland Village713-622-4411Celebrating 20 Years of Serving Houston
EyeElegance_Right.indd 1 11/9/09 5:22:05 PM
{ essentials for men }
Suit by Belvest;
Robert Talbott
seven-fold tie and
pocket square;
couture shoe by
Ermenegildo Zegna
3 2 / FA L L • W I N T E R 2 0 0 9
A suit gains pizzazz when paired with eye-popping patterns—in a lining, a tie, a pocket square—and rich brown hand-rubbed double monk-strap shoes
Pinstripe POWER
PEN.essentials.lc.v1.indd 40 11/10/09 8:47:17 AM
The only Supercar Club in HoustonA limited number of Members sharing the most desirable Supercars
Telephone: 713.481.4469 Email: [email protected]
www.houstonmotorclub.com
A private, members-only Club
Modeled after successful clubs in Europe and the coastal US
Three levels of Membership available
Exclusive access to the Club’s collection of Supercars
Spend more days driving than most owners do
A cost that is less than owning a single vehicle in the collection
An experience like no other
HoustonMotor_Right.indd 1 11/9/09 5:21:43 PM
{ essentials for women }
Plaid jacket, vest and slacks by
Strenesse; blouse by Farinaz;
Paul Smith paisley scarf;
necklace by Carol Lipworth
Though the palate is neutral, the effect
is anything but dull. The secret: a mix of bold patterns and organic “statement” jewelry
Gorgeous in GRAY
PEN.essentials.lc.v1.indd 44 11/10/09 8:47:40 AM
PelicanProp_Right.indd 1 11/9/09 5:22:55 PM
{ essentials for women }
Pea coat and scarf by Paul Smith;
sleeveless turtleneck from
D. Exterior; Peace of Cloth
pants; Elaine Turner clutch;
necklace by Carol Lipworth
3 6 / FA L L • W I N T E R 2 0 0 9
This season, the forecast calls for pleasing pops of color. Look for bright spots in a pea coat lining, a ribbon-y scarf or a fi re-red clutch
Over the RAINBOW
PEN.essentials.lc.v1.indd 45 11/10/09 8:47:58 AM
You throw the
PaRty,we bring the
PiZazZ!Hand drizzled chocolate covered popcorn,
pretzels, cookies and marshmallows
713-932-0991www.chocolatepizazz.com
perfect for any occasioncorporate gifts are our specialty
we ship and deliver
ChocoPizazz_Right.indd 1 11/10/09 1:09:24 PM
| BY FRANCESCA MOISIN
{ meet the designer }
THE MAN DESCRIBED AS THE MOST SUCCESSFUL designer in British
history never actually planned to work in fashion. Today he is CEO and
chief designer of a company that sells everything from jeans to high-end suits, ac-
cessories to funky furniture in 50 countries. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for
services to the clothing industry—yet this artist received no formal training and admits
he still can’t draw. In fact, until the age of 17, Paul Smith aspired to just one goal: to be a
racing cyclist.
Born on July 5, 1946, in the small town of Beeston, England, Smith remembers
his childhood as “always very comfortable … excellent mum, quirky dad—an always
stable, good relationship.” His older brother and sister were serious students, but Smith
“loathed school” and dropped out at 15. “He was reasonable at art, but that was about
it,” writes longtime friend Richard Williams. “He passed no exams. His mind, a mind that
liked to play, was always running away from the prescribed subject.”
It was Smith’s late father, Harold, a professional cloth merchant and amateur
SAVILE ROW meets MR. BEAN
photographer, who procured for his son his fi rst
serious job: working as an errand boy for a clothing
factory in the neighboring town of Nottingham. Yet
in his book, You Can Find Inspiration in Everything
(*and if you can’t, look again), Smith writes of the
job, “The only thing that appealed to me was that it
was about four miles from home and I could cycle
there and back every day. I had no interest whatso-
ever in their clothes.”
That all changed two years later, following a cy-
cling accident. Unable to see clearly through his nar-
row, black-framed, Buddy Holly sunglasses while
pedaling through Nottingham one afternoon,
Smith smashed into a parked Austen A40, fl ipped
over the car and landed on the road. He broke his
femur, collarbone, nose and two fi ngers, spent
three months recovering in the local hospital
and six more months recuperating at home.
“When I got out of hospital I
discovered the English,” says Smith.
“Before then I’d never really had a social
life outside of cycling.” This period of il-
lumination would form the core of his life’s
work, leading him to create clothes that are
in one sense quintessentially British. The
traditional rules of Old World tailoring are
respected: Every Paul Smith design dis-
plays exquisite craftsmanship and strict
attention to detail. He often uses Harris
tweed or fl annel mixed with Scottish
Fair Isle patterns to create clothes that
are quite simple. “An ideal suit is one
that is not trying too hard,” explains
Smith. “The width of the shoulder
would not be too extreme; the pro-
portion of the pockets, average.”
And yet, out of his cha-
otic, witty, playful mind there also
emerges an element of fancy that
infuses every Paul Smith product with subtle
yet unmistakable fl air. A suit may look sober until
the jacket accidentally blows open and your eye
is suddenly dazzled by a lining of shocking citrus
green. Wallets are made of fi ne Italian leather, yet
decorated in the whimsical candy-stripe pattern for
which he has become iconic. His work has famously
been described as classic with a twist—a combination
of traditional and contemporary, mischief and market-
ability. “I describe it as Savile Row meets Mr. Bean,
personally,” says Smith. “This has been the basis of
my look: taking essentially British items and custom-
Englishman Paul Smith designs classic clothing with a witty, modern twist
3 8 / FA L L • W I N T E R 2 0 0 9
PEN.paulsmithrev.indd 44 11/10/09 12:48:43 PM
izing them—adding unexpected details or colors.”
The people Smith met following his accident fi rst introduced him to
this new world of fashion and art, architecture and music. At a Notting-
ham pub called Bell Inn, they discussed Warhol and the Rolling Stones,
Mondrian and Miles Davis. This was also where Smith met Pauline Denyer,
a Royal College of Art graduate who was working as a fashion teacher. In
1967, when Smith was 21, they moved in together. The two have been a
couple ever since. He describes his wife as “my love and my inspiration.”
“I couldn’t have done any of this without her,” says Smith. “She real-
ized I had all this energy and enthusiasm. She fostered that, channeled it.”
It was Denyer who encouraged Smith to use his life’s savings—£600—to
open a shop, Vêtement Pour Homme, on a shabby back alley in Notting-
ham. At fi rst he sold other people’s clothing, but eventually Smith “got
into design because I couldn’t fi nd what I wanted to sell.” The public
quickly took notice. They came “from all over, to buy clothes from the shop
because they couldn’t get anything like them anywhere else,” says Smith.
“We were a little oasis outside London.”
And from the start, his stores were also homes for curiosities. “Even
back in 1979, in my fi rst small space in Floral Street [London], I had a thin
little cabinet with a glass top, that I had made especially to put things in,
mostly from my holidays,” says Smith.
Today, apart from impeccable clothing and accessories for men, women
and children, Smith’s boutiques in cities like Dubai, Tokyo and Bangalore
might at any moment be piled high with a mad assortment of magazines
from the
1960s, antique
cameras,
toy rabbits,
furniture, Dy-
son vacuum
cleaners,
paintings
and Japanese
gadgets—all of
them for sale. “There might
be a bright red toothbrush next to a
cashmere suit,” he says. “You can come
out having spent three quid or a thousand.”
That, perhaps, sums up Smith’s character best: Despite his many ac-
colades and global successes, he still remains a humble boy from Beeston.
“I’ve sold on the shop fl oor, I’ve typed invoices,” he says. “At some point
I’ve done everything, and I’ve always kept my head above water fi nan-
cially. I don’t think I’m an exceptional designer. I think I’ve always been
consistently good, which I feel is an achievement. I’d really just like to be
remembered as a nice bloke.”
Men’s clothing and accessories by Paul Smith are available at M Penner.
Above, a Paul Smith sneaker and a wallet. Below and far left, looks from the fall/winter 2009 collection.
FRANCESCA MO IS IN writes about travel and fashion.
PEN.paulsmithrev.indd 45 11/10/09 12:49:12 PM
Golden Colorado | 36” w x 48”h | Acrylic/Glass original painting | Artist: Eric Lee
Presteau Studios847-337-0944
www.presteau.com
COMMISSIONS ARE ACCEPTED
“The beauty of Eric Lee’s work lies in the astute blending of hues and colors combined with the artist’s media of choice—acrylic on glass. The colors move as if floating in air, luminous and caressing to the eye. The glass is never glaring, but instead calming and weightless.”
SHERI HAMMOND, ART CONSULTANT
Presteau_Left.indd 2 11/10/09 12:24:20 PM
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42 / FA L L • W I N T E R 2 0 0 9
ElectricGlide
What do you get when you take the body of a LOTUS ELISE and give it a green heart? The TESLA ROADSTER— a PLUG-IN THRILL RIDE that says the future really can BE ELECTRIC!
IT’S NOT JUST GASOLINE and nasty exhaust emissions the
new Tesla Roadster spares the world. As the first high-
performance EV (electric vehicle), it also cuts down on noise
pollution. That’s because the roar characteristic of sports
cars with an internal combustion engine has been tamed
to a barely audible purr by the Silicon Valley upstart. For
some enthusiasts, the quiet can be disconcerting—a turnoff
even—but for the eco-conscious lover of exotic cars, thinking
of this debut model from Tesla Motors as the silent, stealthy
type can be an automotive aphrodisiac. C O N T I N U E D . . .
PEN.autorev.indd 40 11/9/09 12:12:33 PM
Unlike other high-performance cars,
the electric Tesla Roadster is perfectly
at ease cruising low and slow (and
silently) down the boulevard. But press
the accelerator, and you’re rewarded
with an instant surge of power.
| BY MARIA LISSANDRELLO
PEN.autorev.indd 41 11/9/09 12:12:52 PM
MAR IA L I SSANDRELLO writes frequently about automobiles and food.
She is also the librettist for opera composer Christof Bergman.
4 4 / FA L L • W I N T E R 2 0 0 9
If your experience of electric vehicles
is limited to golf carts, the Tesla
Roadster just might blow your mind.
The car will take you smoothly from
0 to 60 mph—or 60 to 120, for that
matter—in less than 4 seconds.
Modeled after the Lotus Elise, the carbon-fiber car weighs
in at 2,700 pounds, 36 percent of it claimed by the battery, or rather
batteries—6,831 of them to be precise. That may be 781 pounds
more than the Elise, but don’t worry—the extra weight doesn’t slow
it down. Quite the contrary. Electric vehicles produce maximum
torque at 0 rpm, so a press of the Tesla Roadster’s accelerator
launches you like a torpedo, pinning your back to the seat. No surprise
the small, sleek car does 0 to 60 in 3.9 seconds. And the relentless
torque means a single-speed transmission is all that’s needed to
get you where you’re going at a rate that outpaces the Lotus. For
sure, with its slot-car handling and Yokohama tires that grip the
road like Velcro, the Tesla Roadster is a blast to drive.
On the flip side, when you take your foot off the accelerator,
the regenerative braking system (which recycles the energy usually
lost through braking) kicks in at once, causing the car to slow before
you’ve even tapped the Brembo brakes. It’s a function that takes
some getting used to and may have you stopping short of stop signs
and red lights.
Of course, before you can put the pedal to the metal, you have
to get into the car—a feat for any driver who’s not lean and lithe.
Like the Lotus, the Tesla sits ultra-low to the ground. Once you man-
age to sling your legs over the door sill and lower yourself into the
narrow bucket seat, you’ll notice it’s none too roomy. The Spartan
cockpit (which is, of course, what the automotive purist wants in a
sports car) pretty much rules out the revolutionary electric vehicle
PEN.autorev.indd 42 11/9/09 12:13:10 PM
as an option for those seeking long-haul comfort.
Then again, the longest distance the Tesla Roadster will take you
on a single charge is 244 miles. What then? It’ll take about three-
and-a-half hours to charge up—at a cost of just $4 to $7, depending
on your local electricity rates. And never having to spend a drop on
gas or oil isn’t the only savings: The car is virtually maintenance-free.
Just think—no oil changes, no mufflers, no timing belts. About the
only thing that can wear out over time is the battery, which means no
worries about mechanical breakdowns.
And here’s another perk: You’ll enjoy a $7,500 Federal tax
credit, not to mention incredible savings on gas. All told, choos-
ing the Tesla could bring savings of $25,000 over an equivalent gas
guzzler—and get you noticed as a sports car enthusiast with a soft
spot for planet Earth.
THE TESLA ROADSTER AT A GLANCE
BASE PRICE: $109,000
STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS:
| MICROPROCESSOR-CONTROLLED LITHIUM-ION BATTERY PACK WITH OVER
100,000-MILE LIFECYCLE | 248 HP @ 7,800 RPM | 200 LB/FT @ 0–6000 RPM | SINGLE-SPEED GEARBOX | 4-WHEEL BREMBO VENTILATED DISC BRAKES WITH ABS | HAND-CRAFTED CARBON FIBER BODY
PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS:
| 0–60 MPH IN 3.9 SECONDS | 244 MILES EPA COMBINED CITY/HIGHWAY | TOP SPEED: 125 MPH | CHARGING: AS LITTLE AS 3.5 HOURS FOR A COMPLETE CYCLE
STANDARD INTERIOR FEATURES:
| HEATED SPORT SEATS WITH INFLATABLE LUMBAR SUPPORT
| TOUCH-SCREEN VEHICLE INFORMATION DISPLAY
| ELECTRIC AIR CONDITIONING AND HEATER
FA L L • W I N T E R 2 0 0 9 / 4 5
Test-driving the TeslaWHEN THE GOOD FOLKS AT VULCAN MOTOR CLUB let me play with their
Tesla Roadster for a day, I learned that the most fun thing about this
vehicle, hands down, is the stunning acceleration. Turn the key in the
“ignition,” or whatever you call it in an electric car, and a “beep” tells
you the motor is on. There’s no engine sound, no vibration. Tap the
accelerator ever so gently, and the car eases into motion like a golf
cart. You could glide quietly down a parade route at 1 mph. But press
down on the pedal, and now you’re Han Solo making the jump to hyper-
space. What’s more, the smooth, silent, instantaneous surge of power
is available at any speed. Going from 60 to 120 is the same as going
from 0 to 60—a thrill that lasts a little less than 4 seconds. Whether
on back roads or the highway, I found myself looking for any opportunity
to unleash a sudden, massive burst of speed.
My Tesla ride was not entirely silent. Besides the hum of the tires
and the whistling wind, I heard a creaking spring that begged for adjust-
ment. But I could forgive imperfections in fit and finish. This was, after
all, the first generation of a brand new automotive marque.
Thanks to its Lotus body, the Tesla Roadster scored big points for
looks. Some guy passed me on the highway, honking, smiling and giving
a thumbs up. I waved back and then smoked him, unable to resist the
pleasure of punching it one more time. —Mark Dowden
To find a Tesla store, visit www.TeslaMotors.com/TeslaStore.
PEN.autorev.indd 43 11/9/09 12:13:29 PM
ESCAPEMALDIVESTO
THE
REETHI RAH and COCOA ISLAND offer two visions of BEACHSIDE PARADISE
THINK DESERT-ISLAND PARADISE, and a variety of tropical images inevitably come to
mind: sandy beaches that are ultra-white and silky under foot, a crystal sea studded
with colorful coral reefs, azure skies, perfect palm trees and, of course, quiet seclusion.
If one destination matches this mental checklist, it’s the Maldives, an island
republic sprawled across 56,000 square miles of the Indian Ocean. The Maldives has
the distinction of being the world’s lowest-lying country; its sandy hillocks rarely reach
more than a few meters above sea level. That’s because the entire country is a constel-
lation of coral reef atolls. Twenty-six atolls comprise 1,192 small islands, only 202
of which are inhabited. Of these, about 90 are resort islands, and of the 90, perhaps
18 are truly special, the location of some of the most rarefi ed resorts anywhere. C O N T I N U E D . . .
PEN.travel.indd 68 11/9/09 12:59:17 PM
FA L L • W I N T E R 2 0 0 9 / 4 7
IMA
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| BY E V E R E T T P O T T E R
The over-water villas
at Reethi Rah offer
thatched-roof elegance
and endless views of
the Indian Ocean.
PEN.travel.indd 69 11/9/09 12:59:29 PM
4 8 / FA L L • W I N T E R 2 0 0 9
Perched over water, the villas at Cocoa Island emphasize barefoot luxury. The resort setting is
more reef than island, as seen in the photo below; snorkeling and diving are prime activities here.
At Reethi Rah (opposite), high ceilings, natural materials and minimalist style distinguish the large
villas. Beachside dining—al fresco, of course—is one of several mealtime options.
While the Maldives has had occasional visitors for millennia—it was a stop on ancient
Persian and Chinese trade routes—it was only in the mid-1990s that tourism took off,
meaning virtually all of the resorts in the Maldives are quite new. The best of these resorts
have a lot in common: Each has luxury villas of unique design. Each has extraordinary coral
reefs lying just offshore, a world of rays, triggerfi sh, clownfi sh and hawksbill turtles. Each
has stellar service and a great spa—because the whole point of a Maldives vacation is to
send you home relaxed, recharged and refreshed. It’s why Donna Karan, Sienna Miller,
Beyoncé Knowles and Sir Paul McCartney are major fans.
But the approach to relaxation varies by resort. Here we present two resorts consis-
tently rated among the best of the best, representing two ends of the relaxation spectrum:
One&Only Reethi Rah makes you comfortable with electronic amenities and glamorous
surroundings, while Cocoa Island epitomizes the concept of “barefoot luxury.”
REETHI RAH
One&Only resorts are the top-tier properties of Butch Kerzner, who developed Atlantis in
the Bahamas and Mohegan Sun in Connecticut. There are just six One&Only resorts world-
wide (the best-known to Americans being Palmilla at the tip of the Baja Peninsula), and
what they share are sophistication without stuffi ness and service that approaches six stars.
Reethi Rah, located on North Malé atoll, is no different. The experience begins at the
airport, where one of the hotel’s high-speed custom yachts (which doubles as a registration
PEN.travel.indd 70 11/9/09 12:59:41 PM
desk) whisks you to the property, one of the few islands in the
Maldives that has been expanded, in this case to six times its
original size. There are 130 large villas, some set on stilts over
the water. The beach villas have outdoor king-sized sun beds
set on private infi nity pools next to the beach.
In a country renowned for its spas, Reethi Rah sets the
bar high. An ESPA spa offers 10 treatment rooms and many ay-
urvedic therapies, not to mention signature treatments like the
ESPA Energy Equalizer with Volcanic Hot Stones. There’s a yoga
pavilion, women-only areas and multi-day Wellness Journeys,
such as the seven-day Holistic Fitness journey.
The choice of restaurants at Reethi Rah is superb. Fanditha
serves Lebanese cuisine on tables placed on the sand as well
as in Arabian-style tents; Tapasake offers Japanese fusion;
Reethi Restaurant has an international menu. And the remote
location is no barrier to gastronomic excellence. Sushi-grade
fi sh is fl own in from Tokyo, free-range lamb from Australia,
strawberries from Belgium. Reethi Rah ranks number 17 for
food—in the world, mind you—on the Condé Nast Traveler Gold
List 2009 of the Best Hotels in the World.
COCOA ISLAND
Cocoa Island has a deceptive simplicity, not unlike that of its
sister Como resort, Parrot Cay, half a world away in the Turks &
Caicos. It’s as if the humble but well-located beach shack has
PEN.travel.indd 71 11/9/09 12:59:57 PM
72 / FA L L • W I N T E R 2 0 0 8
PEN.travel.indd 72 11/9/09 1:00:21 PM
FA L L • W I N T E R 2 0 0 9 / 5 1
been made over with cool urban chic.
Cocoa lies in South Malé atoll, a 35-minute speedboat transfer
from the international airport. Hotelier Christina Ong’s philosophy pre-
vails here, so the property remains a simple islet covered with palms,
wild sea grapes and hibiscus, encircled by a reef with proverbial gin-clear waters.
The resort is small, just 33 rooms, and its architecture unusual. Serpentine
wooden walkways lead out to each accommodation, which is set on stilts, with
baby sharks and reef fi sh circling below. There are rooms, suites, loft suites and
loft villas, the latter with kitchen and private butler. The Dhoni suites are built to
resemble local fi shing boats. Surrounded by water, they actually look like fl oating
boats, but they are fi rmly secured on stilts. Each has a full-length glass wall, giving
you a sweeping view of the Indian Ocean from your bed.
Inside they are airy indeed, with high cathedral ceilings. Bathrooms are huge,
with separate shower and tub. But it’s the natural materials that are standouts.
There are lots of white fabrics, including Frette sheets. The furnishings are wood
and understated, fl oors are teak, and the overall mood rather Zen-like.
Maybe the single biggest reason to choose Cocoa Island is the Shambhala
Retreat, widely considered among the best spas in the Maldives. If you’re pining
for an Abhyanga Ayurvedic massage or a two-hour Como Shambhala Ritual mas-
sage, go for it. After a morning of yoga on the beach, of course. This place has
a massive reputation among devotees of yoga, and some of the world’s leading
instructors hang out here.
Cuisine is a major part of your stay at any Como property, and at the Ufaa
restaurant, which is thatched with alang alang grass, you sit on large sofas and
cushions. You can expect Indian-, Sri Lankan- and Thai-style cuisine, or you can
elect low-fat, organic Como Shambhala cuisine.
At Cocoa Island, you can literally snorkel from your room to reef. And if
you’ve ever contemplated learning to dive, these calm waters would be the place
to begin. There’s even deep sea fi shing and windsurfi ng available as well.
But to capture the true spirit of Cocoa Island, simply take a private boat to a
deserted beach, with champagne, picnic and partner in hand. After all, you don’t
want to overdo it in paradise.
EVERETT POTTER writes frequently about travel to Asia.
PLANNING YOUR TRIP
The best time to visit the Maldives is December through March, the driest months.
Temperature remains steady year-round, averaging 88° F by day and 73° F at night.
ONE&ONLY MALDIVES AT REETHI RAH
Doubles from $860 including breakfast | www.oneandonlyresorts.com
COCOA ISLAND
Doubles from $680, including breakfast | www.cocoaisland.como.bz
Soaring spaces and opulent design mark the spa at Reethi Rah (left). The
resort has no shortage of options for soaking, from swimming pools—seen
above is just one of the 40—to spa treatments (right). Known for gourmet
fare, both Cocoa Island and Reethi Rah fl y in fresh food from the world over.
Below, seared tuna from Cocoa’s Asian-infl uenced menu.
PEN.travel.indd 73 11/9/09 1:00:48 PM
The good times roll when friends and colleagues share a passion for fashion
Everybody’s into the pool:
Belinda Hillhouse lines up her
shot in a Hale Bob dress and
Carol Lipworth jewelry. Brian
Kreps, at left, wears a Luigi
Bianchi three-piece suit and
Ermenegildo Zegna shirt and
tie, accessorized with a Scott
Kay bracelet and V.K. Nagrani
socks. Butch Layne takes his
cue in a Robert Talbott shirt
and sweater and Incotex pants.
All play & all work
5 2 / FA L L • W I N T E R 2 0 0 9
PEN.fashion.indd 52 11/9/09 12:38:39 PM
M PENNER TEAM AND FRIENDS AT THE WONDERFUL HOTEL GRANDUCA IN UPTOWN PARK
PHOTOGRAPHY BY FULTON DAVENPORT | JEWELRY BY CAROL LIPWORTH DESIGNS | HAIR AND MAKEUP BY A PERFECT FACE
FA L L • W I N T E R 2 0 0 9 / 5 3
“Move over, guys . . . let the Katy girl show you how it’s done.” – Belinda Hillhouse
PEN.fashion.indd 53 11/9/09 12:39:07 PM
5 4 / FA L L • W I N T E R 2 0 0 9
Framed by fashion: Carol
Lipworth glows in a Nicole
Miller dress, jewelry of
her own design and
shoes from Lenny e Cia
in Uptown Park. Javier
looks great from head to
polished toe in an Etro
suit, Ermenegildo Zegna
shirt, Robert Talbott tie
and pocket square, and
shoes by Gravati.
“I’m very, very sneaky!” – Javier Aceves
PEN.fashion.indd 54 11/9/09 12:39:20 PM
Silver and bold: Fashion
arbiter Butch Layne wears
an Ermenegildo Zegna
made-to-measure suit and
shirt with a Robert Talbott
tie and Geoff Nicholson
pocket square.
“I’m the fi rst guy to swing a golf
club in the lobby of the Hotel Granduca.”
– Butch Layne
PEN.fashion.indd 55 11/9/09 12:39:32 PM
At home anywhere
in the world: Murry
Penner masters the
moment dressed in
Ermenegildo Zegna
from head to toe.
“Somebody has to be serious around here.” – Murry Penner
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FA L L • W I N T E R 2 0 0 9 / 5 7
Songs in the key of fun: Cody Sever plays around in an
Angelo Nardelli fl annel suit with an Ermenegildo Zegna
shirt, tie and pocket square and bracelet by Scott Kay;
Belinda plays along in a Strenesse jacket and blouse
with Zanella pants and Carol Lipworth jewelry.
“Every girl’s crazy ,bout a
sharp-dressed man.” – Cody Sever, channeling ZZ Top
PEN.fashion.indd 57 11/9/09 5:51:22 PM
Chess mates: Stephen Skoda,
left, doesn’t miss a trick in an
Ermenegildo Zegna cashmere
jacket and slacks, Gran Sasso
mock turtleneck sweater, W.
Kleinberg belt, Donald Pliner
shoes and Scott Kay bracelet.
Brian makes his move in a
Canali sportcoat and shirt,
Geoff Nichelson pocket square,
Ermenegildo Zegna sweater
and shoes and Zanella slacks.
“Check Mate?!” – Stephen Skoda
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Sheer pleasure: Karen
makes the scene in a
D. Exterior top with
Zanella pants and a
Suzi Roher belt.
“Oh, I do love ruffl es and lace!” – Karen Penner
PEN.fashion.indd 59 11/9/09 12:40:25 PM
A toast to the host: Cody, in an Etro shirt and printed velvet
jacket with AG jeans and Bill Lavin belt, gets the scoop
from Women’s Boutique Fashion Director Stephen, who
wears a Jose Louis perforated leather jacket, John Varvatos
shirt and scarf, Agave jeans and W. Kleinberg belt.
“Don’t worry about it . . . Murry’s got the tab!” – Stephen Skoda
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PEN.fashion.indd 60 11/9/09 12:40:47 PM
CarlMoore_Right.indd 1 11/10/09 12:25:08 PM
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Kirans_Left.indd 2 11/10/09 2:39:47 PM
{ the sporting life } BY E V E R E T T P O T T E R
IF YOU’VE EVER BEEN STUCK in ski traffi c on I-70 in Colorado and longed
for a more remote mountain experience, consider heading north to Brit-
ish Columbia—not to the coastal mega-resort of Whistler Blackcomb,
where you risk being bummed out by rain at the base, but to the interior
of B.C., where you’re guaranteed light powder, freedom from crowds,
gorgeous vistas and improved bragging rights when you return home.
The two up-and-coming B.C. resorts generating big buzz are Kicking
Horse and Revelstoke, and they have a lot in common. Both are hard to
get to: Prepare for a long fl ight and a lengthy (but traffi c-free!) mountain
drive. And both are big, demanding mountains, like Jackson Hole or
Snowbird—family destinations, sure, but also places where hard-core
skiers and boarders can really put testosterone levels to the test.
This is skiing’s new frontier, remote mountains that were colonized
by heli-skiing operations and a handful of über-fi t backcountry powder
hounds. Now that they’ve opened as resorts, savvy skiers have discov-
ered that the reward for a long road trip is a heli-skiing experience with-
out the peril or expense of a helicopter, amidst jaw-dropping scenery.
Start with Kicking Horse, which opened in late 2000. You get there
by fl ying to Calgary and then driving two-and-a-half hours along the Trans-
Canada Highway to the mining and timber town of Golden, B.C. Kicking
Horse had humble beginnings as a locals-only area called Whitetooth,
accessed via a gravel road and a single-lane bridge, with a log cabin as a
day lodge. The lone chairlift carried a few hundred skiers a day.
Where is everyone? With endless mountain views, ample powder and freedom
from crowds, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort offers that top-of-the-world feeling.
SKIING 1 MILLION
ACRES, B.C.Revelstoke and Kicking Horse are North America’s new frontier of lift-served skiing
C O N T I N U E D . . .
FA L L • W I N T E R 2 0 0 9 / 6 3
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But then Vancouver architect Oberto Oberti and partner Ballast
Nedam Canada Ltd. arrived and spent $150 million U.S., with another
$100 million scheduled to be spent here by 2010.
What really kick-started Kicking Horse was the installation of the
Golden Eagle Express gondola. Overnight, a 12,000-foot peak in the
Dogtooth Range of the Purcells, the exclusive domain of heli-skiing opera-
tions, became accessible by mere mortals. The gondola gave the resort a
4,133-foot vertical drop, second in Canada only to Whistler Blackcomb.
Take the gondola to the top of CPR Ridge, and you encounter a
near-vertigo-inducing panorama of the jagged Canadian Rockies and
Selkirk Mountains. Kicking Horse’s four dozen marked runs are mere sug-
gestions. Basically, if you can see it, you can ski it. From CPR Ridge and
Redemption Ridge, you can drop in from any of 70 inbound chutes, some
of which are breathtakingly close to vertical. The steep head walls drop
into broad bowls, which funnel down to gladed runs and mogul fi elds.
Exhaustion and exhilaration are partners here. And if you have novices in
your family, note that there is a beginner’s way down from the summit.
The town of Golden will never rival Aspen for amenities, but there
are still some niceties for visitors. Foremost are the Eagle Eye Suites, a
pair of luxury accommodations on the second fl oor of the summit lodge,
which houses the gondola terminal and Eagle Eye Restaurant. The suites
come with butler service, breakfast and dinner for two, lift tickets, a
private guide and fi rst tracks in the morning, all for $950 a night.
Then there’s Revelstoke, which takes “extreme” to greater heights.
The new kid on the block, it opened in late 2007 with a sizeable boast:
Revelstoke claimed that in a few years it would be bigger than Whistler
Blackcomb, currently the largest resort in North America and the setting
for the alpine events of the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Now, Revelstoke is a working rail town with a population of about
8,500 people, hardly a world-class resort. But what gave the brash
boast some heft were the surroundings. Revelstoke is smack dab in the
Monashee Mountains, one of the most legendary heli-skiing grounds. The
Monashees average 500 inches of powder a year—that’s more than 40
feet of snow—and a heli-ski trip here has long been the stuff of dreams.
Suddenly, for the price of a lift ticket, anyone could access these
legendary powder fi elds with a trip up 8,029-foot Mt. Mackenzie. That’s
the resort mountain, heavily treed below, with alpine bowls above. It
amasses an impressive 480 annual inches of light, dry snow yearly, just
shy of the 500-inch mark.
At the beginning of its second season, 2008–09, Revelstoke surpassed
both Whistler and Vail for vertical, boasting 5,620 feet, with 32 trails, four
alpine bowls, four lifts, two gondolas and two quads, all high-speed. The
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EVERETT POTTER , a contributing editor to Ski magazine,
has skied on four continents.
skiable acreage is now 3,031. In short, it’s enormous and getting more so.
What vaults Revelstoke into the potentially great resort category is that
it offers lift-served skiing, snow-cat skiing and heli-skiing, all from the moun-
tain base. Just carry your skis, buy the appropriate pass, and go. No other
mountain in North America can deliver that. The numbers that go along with
it tell the tale: The snow cat gets you to an additional 5,000 acres, while the
heli-skiing option opens up an astonishing 500,000 acres of wilderness.
If Revelstoke has an issue at this point, it’s that it’s too tough for any
but solid intermediate skiers and above. You won’t be pleased if you’re
a novice—not when more than half of the mountain is rated “advanced”
and there are only two green runs. Good skiers test their mettle on that
nearly 5,700-foot vertical, and multi-mile runs like Snow Rodeo and Devil’s
Club can be an endurance challenge. It also helps to be comfortable in
powder, since Revelstoke gets plenty of it.
The other challenge? Getting here. Revelstoke is located six hours from
both Vancouver and Calgary. As for the town, you won’t fi nd the comforts
of Jackson Hole. But the architecture, a mix of Victorian, Queen Anne and
Dutch Revival, is authentically charming, and the backdrop of the Monashee
and Selkirk Mountains is pretty inspiring. Right now, the coolest place to
sleep is the newly opened Nelsen Lodge, a luxury boutique hotel at the base.
The future? The owners claim the skiing could be developed to the
point where Revelstoke would have 6,000 vertical feet and 10,000 skiable
acres, which would make it by far the biggest resort in North America.
The plan is for a four-season resort that in 15 years will have 130 trails,
5,000 lodging units and an 18-hole golf course.
But for now, go and ski this uncrowded hill while it’s still in its infancy.
And if your friends give you a blank stare when you tell them where
you’ve been, that will be a good thing. The secret isn’t out yet.
Heli-cious descent: For skiers who want entire peaks
to themselves, Revelstoke provides helicopter access
to a half-million acres in the Monashee Mountains
(opposite top). And for those who prefer to fi nd
creature comforts at the summit, the lodge atop
Revelstoke’s Mt. Mackenzie fi lls the bill. The gondola
seen at lower left is one of two at the rapidly expand-
ing resort. This page: High above a cloud bank, a
skier raises a cloud of powder at Kicking Horse.
FA L L • W I N T E R 2 0 0 9 / 6 5
KICKING HORSE MOUNTAIN RESORT, B.C.
GETTING THERE: Fly to Calgary, rent a four-wheel-drive vehicle, and then drive two-
and-a-half hours to Golden, B.C.
www.kickinghorseresort.com/winter
REVELSTOKE MOUNTAIN RESORT, B.C.
GETTING THERE: Fly to Vancouver or Calgary, and then rent a four-wheel-drive vehicle
for the six-hour drive. Alternatively, take a flight into regional Kelowna Airport, followed by a
two-and-a-half-hour drive.
www.revelstokemountainresort.com/revelstokemtn
PEN.sporting.indd 87 11/9/09 1:02:27 PM
{ grape }
| BY C Y N T H I A H U R L E Y
IT’S FALL. You can feel it and smell it in the breeze. Ever since
I stepped outside, I’ve been thinking about my earthenware pot
of cassoulet doing a slow bubble on the stove. Is there any meal
better for a day with a little nip in the air? And, being a wine
importer, I’m also thinking about what to uncork with it, but this
is not a real head-scratcher. Cahors, that powerhouse red from
the southwest of France, is far and away my first choice. Great
Cahors is one of the richest and inkiest wines you’ll ever put in
your mouth. And the history of Cahors is as rich as the taste. I’ll
give you just a sip of that.
Cahors is a very old wine town, planted by the Romans, to
the east of Bordeaux. The people of Cahors were making wine
when the Bordelais were still drinking beer. Their wines would
float west along the Lot River to Bordeaux, where the Borde-
lais would extract heavy taxes and sell the wines to markets in
northern Europe.
In his book Wines of South-West France, Paul Strang tells us
that in the 14th century, most of the wine being shipped out of Bor-
deaux was from Quercy, the region of which Cahors is capital. Some
of these very profits allowed the Bordelais to clear their marshy
Medoc vineyards and develop their own winemaking business. The
Bordelais often mixed in the superior Cahors grape juice to add sub-
stance to their then rather amateurish, insipid wines.
One of the most appealing estates you can visit in the Cahors
region is Clos Triguedina. The name comes from the medieval lan-
guage Occitan. “Me trigo de dina” means “I’m longing to dine,”
which is probably what travelers said as they passed through Cahors
on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela.
Custodian of a family tradition dating back to the time of Louis-Philippe,
vintner Jean-Luc Baldès (above, left) puts grapes in a prune oven. Grown in a
sun-kissed Cahors vineyard (top right), grapes are harvested lovingly by hand.
Clos Triguedina: GORGEOUS MALBEC FROM CAHORS
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C O N T I N U E D . . .
PEN.grape.indd 92 11/9/09 12:41:21 PM
THE ART OF
WILLI KISSMER
STEHENDER HALBAKT(BRONZE, 2009)
OFF THE WALL GALLERY5015 WESTHEIMER | SUITE 2208 | HOUSTON, TEXAS 77056
713-871-0940 | OFFTHEWALLGALLERY.COM
OffWall_Right.indd 1 11/10/09 9:51:53 AM
Clos Triguedina makes a wine called Prince Probus
to commemorate the action by the Roman Emperor
Probus in 280, which put the winemakers of Cahors
offi cially back in business after a previous edict had
outlawed winemaking outside Italy. Apparently, grow-
ing wheat was not nearly as interesting as making wine
and that part of their agricultural obligation was being
neglected. The plucky folks from Cahors had largely
ignored the ban, but it was good to be out in the
open again. The wine called Probus is powerful, racy,
silky, harmonious, fi rst-class, and you should probably
drop whatever you are doing and go and buy a bottle or
three. Sorry. It’s easy to get carried away with the taste
of this wine. It is splendid.
Etienne Baldès planted Clos Triguedina in 1830.
Today, Jean-Luc Baldès is the eighth generation to be
in charge of the winery. The domain makes three red
wines I particularly love: Clos Triguedina, which is a
blend of 80% Malbec (known locally and historically as
Auxerrois), 15% Merlot and 5% Tannat; Prince Probus,
which is 100% Malbec; and The New Black Wine (also
100% Malbec), which is made in the style approximat-
ing the way Cahors used to taste in the pre-phylloxera
days. Phylloxera vastatrix is that very nasty sap-sucking
insect that nearly wiped out all the vineyards of France
in the latter 19th century.
In the past, Black Wine was made by baking the
grapes in the oven, pouring them into a saucepan and
then boiling them to remove most of the water. Today’s
Black Wine is made by putting the grapes in a wooden
box with grills on the bottom and blowing in warm air to
shrivel them. The grapes are then pressed, fermented,
and aged in new oak barrels for 18 months. The wine
is dark (although not really black), smoky and delicious.
Uncork some Cahors tonight; it’s the finest expression
of Malbec in the world.
A Scotsman in Côtes du Rhône: McKinlay sold his information
technology business to retire on a vineyard. But the extraordinary
land on the slopes of Mont Ventoux drew him deeper into the new
venture.
CYNTH IA HURLEY is an importer of French wines and
a frequent writer on the subject.
CLOS TRIGUEDINA
TASTE | RICH, DARK, BERRY FLAVORS, SMOKY, SPICY, LONG-LIVED
BEST DRUNK WITH | CASSOULET, RICH STEWS
BEST YEARS | 2005, 2006
PRICE | CLOS TRIGUEDINA: $25, PRINCE PROBUS: $50,
THE NEW BLACK WINE: $60
(Clockwise from left):
Malbec grapes grow in
clusters on the vine,
barrels fi ll a commodious
cellar and vineyard rows
promise tomorrow’s sipping
indulgence under the
supervision of Monsieur et
Madame Baldès.
6 8 / FA L L • W I N T E R 2 0 0 9
PEN.grape.indd 94 11/9/09 12:41:34 PM
SorrentoRISTORANTEH O U S T O N ’ S F I N E S T I T A L I A N R E S T A U R A N T
Sorrento Ristorante has become a favorite of locals and out-of-towners looking for the perfect Italian Restaurant in Houston. You will be impressed by our ambiance, service and, most importantly, our quality Italian food.
4 1 5 W E S T H E I M E R , H O U S T O N T X 7 7 0 0 6 7 1 3 5 2 7 0 6 0 9 W W W. S O R R E N T O H O U S T O N . C O M
Sorrento_Right.indd 1 11/9/09 5:24:44 PM
ABUNDANT PARKING
Houston’s a big city and parking is often a challenge. At M Penner
we provide plenty of free parking, right at the front door.
SPECIAL ORDERS
Whether it’s a suit, sportcoat or a pair of shoes, if you
can’t find what you’re looking for, just let us know. We’ll
do our best to find it from one of our many resources.
CLOSET CLEANING Sometimes it’s hard to part with
old friends. We can help. When you shop for your new sea-
sonal wardrobe, our sales associates will come to your home
and let you know which items are worn or out of style, and
suggest how to coordinate your existing clothes with new
additions. We’ll even take your old clothes and donate them
to a local charity on your behalf.
M PENNER GIFT CARDS M Penner gift cards
are available in any denomination and can be purchased at
the store or over the phone. Just give us the word and
we’ll be happy to send them for you as well.
PICTURE THIS
Sure, all of your new clothes look great at the store but
sometimes, once you get home, it’s hard to remember
what goes with what. Just ask and we’ll be happy to
photograph your ensembles.
COMPLIMENTARY ALTERATIONS Our reputation is
sewn into every garment we sell. To make sure you always look
your absolute best, we provide complimentary alterations on all non-
sale items purchased at M Penner. We even perform routine
wardrobe maintenance: Should a button become loose or lost, we’ll
be happy to replace it—-and press your garment—while you wait.
MADE-TO-MEASURE SERVICE
Exceptional fit is essential to impeccable
style. We have a whole room created for
you to design your own suits, sportcoats,
shirts and trousers where we will take
your measurements and help you select
fabrics, styles, buttons, etc. from the
finest companies in the world.
As a family-owned business, we take a lot
of pride in everything we do at M Penner. We
have the finest sales professionals that you
will find anywhere and our experienced tai-
loring staff works diligently to make sure
that you look great. Our commitment to our
customers goes beyond the sale. Service
impacts every part of our business and our
goal is to constantly exceed your expecta-
tions. Here are some of the things we do to
take care of you. Of course, special requests
are always welcome!
EXPERTISEA central part of the
M Penner experience is
superlative service. When
you need expert, individu-
alized attention, you’ll get
it—instantly and for as
long as you want. Our
knowledgeable staff is
well versed in all of the
brands we carry, the
trends of the season and
how to fit every body type.
They stand ready to advise
you on all matters of
wardrobe and accessories.
SHOPPING BY APPOINTMENT Just give us a call and we will
pre-select clothing to meet your needs. Items will be ready to try on upon
your arrival, during or after store hours. Can’t find the time to stop by?
We’ll be happy to come by your home or office.
{ service directory }
JA
ME
S T
UR
NE
R IL
LU
ST
RA
TIO
N
M P E N N E R P E R S O N A L S E R V I C E
BROWNIES ON SATURDAYS
Penner brownies, made from a recipe passed down for
generations, are required at all Penner family events. When
we built the store at Uptown Park we added a kitchen so
we could make them fresh for you every Saturday.
THAT’S A WRAP!
We’re here to make your life a little easier, remember? So,
you pick the gift and we’ll take care of the wrapping on all
non-sale purchases at M Penner. Of course, all you have to
do is ask and we’ll pick the gift out for you, too!
DELIVERY We understand that sometimes it’s a challenge to
get to the store to pick up your alterations. Just let us know when
and where, and we’ll be happy to deliver them to you.
WELCOME TO OUR HOME
From our drink bar to our flat screen TV, we
designed the store to make you feel at home.
Even our Made-to-Measure Room is casual and
comfortable, with its roomy conference table.
PEN.Directory.REV 11/9/09 3:52 PM Page 70
When you wear the very best, your clothes deserveHouston’s finest dry cleaners - Coronet Fine Dry Cleaning.
2211 Westheimer (just west of S. Shepherd)Houston, Texas 77098
713-526-4623 • www.coronetcleaners.com
Pick-up and Delivery available
Cannoli on your Canali ?
Monday-Friday 7:30am-5:30pm • Saturday 8:00am-12:00pm
Coronet_Right.indd 1 11/10/09 12:27:25 PM
1.
{ good company } Thank you, Houston
In October, M Penner marked its 35th anniversary as the premier purveyor of Italian men’s fashion in Houston. Our month-long celebration began with a cocktail party highlighting our 35-year history and the life of our late founder, Morris Penner, and ended with a wine tasting and fashion event. In between, we hosted charity days and donated over $10,000 to the Buffalo Bayou Partnership, Fresh Arts Coalition, Houston Grand Opera, Houston Urban Debate League, Pink Ribbons Project, Recipe for Success, River Oaks Chamber Orchestra, Taping for the Blind, Tech Corps and The Mission of Yahweh. Special thanks go to The Italian Trade Commission, City Kitchen, Carl Moore Antiques, David Brown Flowers, Dorian Wines, The Tasting Room and, most importantly, our customers and friends for helping to make our celebration so special and meaningful.
PEN.events.v4.lc.indd 2 11/10/09 10:35:16 AM
MEREDITH O’DONNELL FINE FURNITURE features the finest hand built American and
European furniture available for home and office. Baker, Stickley, Hickory Chair, and
TROSBY designs are all always in stock and on sale. Our licensed and degreed designers
can assist as personal shoppers, finding the best solutions for your interiors. Independent
design trade also welcome.Open to the public and to the trade.
Fine Furniture, Accessories & Rugs
LOCATION 2992 Kirby Drive at W. Alabama Street, Houston, TX | 713.526.7332 | www.meredithodonnell.com
MODonnell_Right.indd 1 11/9/09 5:25:33 PM
888.880.3462 | zegna.com
Zenga_C4.indd 1 11/10/09 12:42:56 PM