I recently had the honor of celebrating the release of my Spring 2024 Leisure Society "Belle Epoque" Eyewear Collection during an intimate evening in Newport Beach, CA. Inspired by a 2022 visit to Champagne House Laurent Perrier in Epernay, France, the new collection evokes a modern Art Nouveau feel while remaining entirely true to Leisure Society's original design attributes.
The evening consisted of Chef Owner Jimmy Matiz, who has had the pleasure of experiencing food and cultures all around the world for over a decade. In countries like Canada, Thailand, Colombia, and Spain, he cooked for renowned Chefs, Food Critics, and Celebrities. He has also executed events for up to a thousand guests and worked beside renowned Chefs like Michael Mina in San Francisco, lastly refining his skills at El Celler de Can Roca in Spain which has been awarded multiple times as “best restaurant in the world” with three Michelin Stars.
We enjoyed a rare wine tasting and specific dinner pairing by Master Award-Winning Winemaker & Founder Jesse Katz of Aperture Wine, recently awarded the first perfect 100-Point Cabernet Sauvignon in Alexander Valley. Jesse Katz has, in a remarkably short period of time, made himself into one of the most respected wine professionals in California. He was the first winemaker ever to be included in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, a Wine Enthusiast 40 Under 40 Tastemaker, and was named a Wine Spectator “Rising Star.” The vineyard is located in the nouveau and upcoming area of Healdsburg, CA. He has been a good pal of mine for some time now, and having him talk us through some of California's finest and highly acclaimed wines was an incredible treat.
Guests also had the opportunity to indulge and experience the ceremonial tasting ritual from LOUIS XIII Cognac by Private Client Director Ron Newman. First created in 1874, LOUIS XIII is an exquisite blend of up to 1,200 grapes eau-de-vie sourced 100% from Grande Champagne and matured slowly in ancient French oak casks. LOUIS XIII is a rare artifact that is the life achievement of generations of cellar masters.
...And all of this was hosted at the historic and architecturally significant A'maree's, an upscale luxury boutique filled with high fashion, art, home, and fine jewelry from the top tier designers from around the world. The museum-like store is located on the water in Newport Beach. Founded by their mother and now owned by 3 sisters, together they have curated one of the most luxurious fashion stores in the world.
The night was complete with private fittings over champagne from our friends at Legras & Haas. It was an unforgettable experience that was captured beautifully by Christina Wolf and Alexis Conley in the photos shown below.
- Shane Baum
A very special thank you to our partners at JP Morgan Private Bank, Nobelman Magazine, Cheferbly, Legras & Haas, Louis XIII, Aperture Cellars by Jesse Katz, & A’maree’s