Travel: Town & Country, Sydney's Rockpool

Town & Country, December/January 2010

Neil Perry opens Australia's finest steak house

Courtesy Earl Carter Photography

By Julie Earle-Levine

Twenty years ago, chef Neil Perry made a splash Down Under when he launched his first restaurant, Sydney's Rockpool, a haven of fresh and inventive seafood dishes. Two decades later, Perry has finally opened a second Rockpool in Australia's cultural hub, this time with a focus on steak. Located inside an Art Deco building in the Financial District, the grand Rockpool Bar & Grill Sydney has thirty-foot columns and a soaring atrium.

On a typical weeknight, the ponytailed Perry hops between tables, offering advice to foodies, financial types and stylish travelers. His picks: the smoky, wood-fire-grilled Tasmanian steak, served with horseradish cream, and the aged-Wagyu burger. If you can't snag a seat in the austere dining room, pull up a stool at the bar, where you can witness Perry's team working its magic in the open kitchen while you sample one of the 3,700 wines on the list. 66 Hunter Street; 011-61-2-8078-1900; rockpool.com.

Travel: New York Times, Sydney's Potts Point

Surfacing, New York Times

A Sharper Point in Sydney

Sydney's Potts Point district is drawing a younger crowd with its handsome buildings and new shops and cafes.

By JULIE EARLE-LEVINE

December 20, 2009

FOR decades, Potts Point has enjoyed a reputation as Sydney’s bohemian center. Over the last few years, a new wave of openings has re-established the neighborhood as a destination for the young and beautiful, despite — or maybe because of — its proximity to Kings Cross, an area best known for its prostitutes, strip clubs and tattoo parlors. On Macleay Street, the main artery of Potts Point, gorgeous Art Deco apartment buildings and Victorian terrace houses sit amid new restaurants and cafes where hipsters and celebrities mingle.Sign in to Recommend

“When I first came to Potts Point 15 years ago, there wasn’t anywhere to even have lunch or breakfast,” said Christopher Becker, an owner of Becker Minty, a furnishings and clothing store with two outlets in Potts Point.

Toby’s (Shop 6, 81 Macleay Street; 61-2-8356-9264; www.tobysestate.com.au) is the cafe outpost of a brand that also includes a coffee bean retailer and a barista school. Mothers sip espresso while their toddlers enjoy “babyccinos” (steamed milk without the coffee).

Another brand that has a strong presence in the neighborhood is Fratelli, which offers a retail store, Fratelli Fresh (No. 81; 61-2-9368-6655; www.fratellifresh.com.au), and Café Sopra, a casual restaurant. Diners choose from a daily blackboard menu, with offerings like linguine with lemon, chili and pangrattato (16 Australian dollars, or $14.50 at 1.10 Australian dollars to the U. S. dollar). Later, you can shop for everything from fresh passion fruit to two dozen types of house-made pasta.

The latest addition to the local dining scene is No. 9 (Shop 2, 9 Ward Avenue; 61-2-9331-1399), a popular breakfast and lunch spot that Walter Herman, an interior designer, opened in July. The cafe has the feel of a classical French library, with an electric fireplace and original artwork lining the walls. The menu includes items like the Full Monty breakfast, with organic eggs, bacon, tomatoes, mushrooms and baked beans (16.50 Australian dollars).

For upscale shopping, try Becker Minty (No. 81; 61-2-8356-9999; www.beckerminty.com) and its new branch (corner of Macleay and Greenknowe Avenues; 61-2-8356-9908), with luxury women’s clothing and accessories. On a midsummer visit to the flagship store, some of the more unusual items included five stuffed peacocks (5,650 dollars a peacock) and throws made of Patagonian fox (6,950 dollars).

The neighborhood’s gentrification has brought safer streets, so there’s no need to stay in at night. The Champagne bar Velluto (No. 50; 61-2-935-71100; www.velluto.com.au), where Jason Minty of Becker Minty is a partner, attracts the fashion set in the evening. Order a flute of vintage Krug (70 Australian dollars) alongside a plate of tasty French and Australian cheeses (17 dollars).

All of this has attracted a combination of empty nesters, students and young executives to the neighborhood. “Ten years ago there were no apartments in the 5-to-20-million-dollar range,” said Tony Dowling, a local real estate agent. “Now there are some fantastic new buildings, and still a handful being constructed.” Of course, the polished Potts Point doesn’t come cheap: some studio apartments now command a healthy price of 700,000 Australian dollars.

NW TATTOO MAGAZINE INTERVIEW..

How old were you when you started to tattoo? Who was the first person you tattooed? And what was the tattoo?

I was 17 years old; I tattooed my homeboy's clique on his arm after that I tattooed everyone in his clique.

Do you paint with other media?

Yes. I airbrush on t-shirts at the shop and at some of the best fairs the Northwest has to offer. I also do murals on cars and on walls for nightclubs or businesses that need that custom image to standout from the rest.

I’ve heard you released a flash tattoo set dedicated to Seattle and the surroundings areas? Can you tell me more?

I live here in Seattle and this is where my brother and I opened our first business. I have received mad love and support, so I represent for Seattle!

From the beginning, here in Seattle and in the Northwest I have always gotten requests to do customized original Seattle designs whether for a tattoo, mural or t-shirt design. So I decided to create an original set of tattoo designs that will represent Seattle and the surrounding areas for everyone who is looking for a good Washington, Seattle or northwest tattoo design. And also for people who want to get inspired or expand on them. The flash tattoo set is for sale at our website (www.dzul.com) and at the shop for tattoo artists or anyone who is interested.

Do you paint with other media?

Yes. I airbrush on t-shirts at the shop and at some of the best fairs the Northwest has to offer. I also do murals on cars and on walls for nightclubs or businesses that need that custom image to standout from the rest.

I’ve heard you released a flash tattoo set dedicated to Seattle and the surroundings areas? Can you tell me more?

I live here in Seattle and this is where my brother and I opened our first business. I have received mad love and support, so I represent for Seattle!

From the beginning, here in Seattle and in the Northwest I have always gotten requests to do customized original Seattle designs whether for a tattoo, mural or t-shirt design. So I decided to create an original set of tattoo designs that will represent Seattle and the surrounding areas for everyone who is looking for a good Washington, Seattle or northwest tattoo design. And also for people who want to get inspired or expand on them. The flash tattoo set is for sale at our website (www.dzul.com) and at the shop for tattoo artists or anyone who is interested.

What is the inspiration for your tattoo style and designs?

Some of my inspiration for my design concepts and art style comes from my own personal experience; low-rider and hip-hop Culture, pre-Hispanic influence and the desire to create the best piece of art without any set of boundaries.

Is there anything you would like to say to the people looking into getting a tattoo?

Everyone, make sure you know what you want. The tattoo needs to means something to you because tattoos are forever. And remember if you want to get a top notch tattoo don't expect to pay nothing less than top notch for it. Good tattoos aren't cheap and cheap tattoos aren't good.

Is there a waiting list to get a tattoo?

The waiting list is One week to Three weeks, but the shop is open just about every day for you to come down and tell us about your tattoo and setup the appointment.

How do you decide a price for a tattoo, what features do you consider?

Most of the tattoos I do are custom designs so I don’t charge by the hour because I don’t just trace and tattoo existing designs so I charge by the tattoo piece. There are many different factors for the price of a tattoo. Some of the things that I consider on a piece are the style, the size, where it will be. Whether it is in color or black and grey. Also if it is an existing design or something we have to create from scratch.

What do you recommend someone do, to prepare when they are coming in to get tattooed?

I recommend for them to know what they want, or at least have an idea; that way I can help them to create an original piece.

In your experience, what steps work best for healing a tattoo?

Follow the proper instructions from your artist and make sure you get tattoos from a professional established studio. We provide an aftercare brochure with suggestions for all of our clients.

If you have to describe your artistic style, what would you call it? Can you still achieve different styles of tattoos when they are requested?

It’s really hard to describe an art style. Some of things that influence my work are street lifestyle, graffiti, Chicano culture, and urban style. I specialize in black and gray but I do a lot of styles; traditional, new school, Japanese, and tribal tattoos. What I bring to Seattle is my original take on this culture that can only be put down by artists who have been shaped by that culture, no one is doing this style in Seattle, and that where my originality shines.

You are the only tattoo artist in the shop! Does it get hard on you? How many tattoos have you rattled off in 1 day?

I am the only tattoo artist at the shop. It’s never hard for me because I love what I do and the work that comes with achieving great art. I always make sure that I give enough time on each piece to create the best work. Sometimes I only do one large tattoo a day and I’ve done fifteen small pieces in one day as well.

What stands out to you about the Seattle tattoo scene?

I think the Seattle tattoo scene is very diverse, there are great artists here, and that’s what makes Seattle strong.

Interview by Cristin with Alex (Dzul's frontman for marketing/promotions)

What other things do you do in your spare time?

I provide the marketing and team direction for the Dzul team. I like to explore different art expressions applying that to my art and the way I do things.

What mediums do you use to create art?

I'm a photographer and graphic designer, so I use traditional and digital mediums. One of my favorite mediums is airbrush; I airbrush on t-shirts, cars, just about anything. Any other chance I have, I spend doing photography on tattoos, lifestyle and fashion.

Do you have any special up-coming events?

Every year we do airbrush in 12 to 15 fairs throughout the Northwest.

This summer beyond the fairs I will be doing a special exhibition of photos and art with my brother and Dzul's crew at the shop. The photos will showcase the lifestyle of some of the people who come through the shop to get their tattoos and interesting people that I run into. The exhibition will also showcase original art pieces from my brother and me.

Don't forget to check our calendar for our upcoming fair and events throughout the summer.

How about plans for the future?

One of my goals is to release a Dzul clothing line by the summertime and have a grand opening presentation with a fashion show. The clothing line is going to have Dzul’s original spin and perspective fusing art, fashion and culture, representing our generations’ lifestyles.

Lets talk more about your photography. What unique qualities come from your work? What goals do you have for your photography in the future?

My photography work focuses on tattoos, fashion, and unique lifestyles. I want to capture the images of real people with an interesting character who come to the shop to get work done or some people I meet on a regular basis and showcase them through my work.

One of my goals is to create a book documenting the tattoo lifestyle, and an artistic compilation of my photography.

If I were to walk into your store right now and want an airbrushed t-shirt, how long am I going to wait? Is it expensive? Can I bring you my own items to get airbrushed like my purse or a skateboard?

It depends on the complexity of the design, the assignment and our workload at the time of purchase. We do our best to get the work out fast. It can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour or a few days.

We do custom airbrush; the price will depend on the design, it begins at $15 but the sky is the limit. It really depends on how intricate the design and what we have to do to get it done.

We can airbrush on various surfaces from textiles, wood, ceramics, leather, plastic, metal, and with the right approach we can airbrush on just about anything. We sell different styles and colors of plain t-shirts, tops, and sweaters for men and women but we always encourage everyone to bring their own items, whether it’s your clothes, shoes, skateboard, purse, car; anything that you would like to be airbrushed.

What other services and products does Dzul provide?

We offer custom airbrush, tattoo, piercing, urban apparel and accessories. Pay us a visit, we have so many products to choose from, you will find something unique for you.

What advice could you give to aspiring artists so they can achieve success like you have?

I see extremely talented artists who wait for things to happen and come to them, needless to say that doesn’t work most of the time. My advice to them is to expose their work for people to appreciate it, and to make moves on their own to get the right exposure to achieve success.

Visit the Dzul Website for location and other detailed information, including galleries of all their art, tattoos, airbrush etc.!!

NW TATTOO MAGAZINE INTERVIEW..

How old were you when you started to tattoo? Who was the first person you tattooed? And what was the tattoo?

I was 17 years old; I tattooed my homeboy's clique on his arm after that I tattooed everyone in his clique.

Do you paint with other media?

Yes. I airbrush on t-shirts at the shop and at some of the best fairs the Northwest has to offer. I also do murals on cars and on walls for nightclubs or businesses that need that custom image to standout from the rest.

I’ve heard you released a flash tattoo set dedicated to Seattle and the surroundings areas? Can you tell me more?

I live here in Seattle and this is where my brother and I opened our first business. I have received mad love and support, so I represent for Seattle!

From the beginning, here in Seattle and in the Northwest I have always gotten requests to do customized original Seattle designs whether for a tattoo, mural or t-shirt design. So I decided to create an original set of tattoo designs that will represent Seattle and the surrounding areas for everyone who is looking for a good Washington, Seattle or northwest tattoo design. And also for people who want to get inspired or expand on them. The flash tattoo set is for sale at our website (www.dzul.com) and at the shop for tattoo artists or anyone who is interested.

Do you paint with other media?

Yes. I airbrush on t-shirts at the shop and at some of the best fairs the Northwest has to offer. I also do murals on cars and on walls for nightclubs or businesses that need that custom image to standout from the rest.

I’ve heard you released a flash tattoo set dedicated to Seattle and the surroundings areas? Can you tell me more?

I live here in Seattle and this is where my brother and I opened our first business. I have received mad love and support, so I represent for Seattle!

From the beginning, here in Seattle and in the Northwest I have always gotten requests to do customized original Seattle designs whether for a tattoo, mural or t-shirt design. So I decided to create an original set of tattoo designs that will represent Seattle and the surrounding areas for everyone who is looking for a good Washington, Seattle or northwest tattoo design. And also for people who want to get inspired or expand on them. The flash tattoo set is for sale at our website (www.dzul.com) and at the shop for tattoo artists or anyone who is interested.

What is the inspiration for your tattoo style and designs?

Some of my inspiration for my design concepts and art style comes from my own personal experience; low-rider and hip-hop Culture, pre-Hispanic influence and the desire to create the best piece of art without any set of boundaries.

Is there anything you would like to say to the people looking into getting a tattoo?

Everyone, make sure you know what you want. The tattoo needs to means something to you because tattoos are forever. And remember if you want to get a top notch tattoo don't expect to pay nothing less than top notch for it. Good tattoos aren't cheap and cheap tattoos aren't good.

Is there a waiting list to get a tattoo?

The waiting list is One week to Three weeks, but the shop is open just about every day for you to come down and tell us about your tattoo and setup the appointment.

How do you decide a price for a tattoo, what features do you consider?

Most of the tattoos I do are custom designs so I don’t charge by the hour because I don’t just trace and tattoo existing designs so I charge by the tattoo piece. There are many different factors for the price of a tattoo. Some of the things that I consider on a piece are the style, the size, where it will be. Whether it is in color or black and grey. Also if it is an existing design or something we have to create from scratch.

What do you recommend someone do, to prepare when they are coming in to get tattooed?

I recommend for them to know what they want, or at least have an idea; that way I can help them to create an original piece.

In your experience, what steps work best for healing a tattoo?

Follow the proper instructions from your artist and make sure you get tattoos from a professional established studio. We provide an aftercare brochure with suggestions for all of our clients.

If you have to describe your artistic style, what would you call it? Can you still achieve different styles of tattoos when they are requested?

It’s really hard to describe an art style. Some of things that influence my work are street lifestyle, graffiti, Chicano culture, and urban style. I specialize in black and gray but I do a lot of styles; traditional, new school, Japanese, and tribal tattoos. What I bring to Seattle is my original take on this culture that can only be put down by artists who have been shaped by that culture, no one is doing this style in Seattle, and that where my originality shines.

You are the only tattoo artist in the shop! Does it get hard on you? How many tattoos have you rattled off in 1 day?

I am the only tattoo artist at the shop. It’s never hard for me because I love what I do and the work that comes with achieving great art. I always make sure that I give enough time on each piece to create the best work. Sometimes I only do one large tattoo a day and I’ve done fifteen small pieces in one day as well.

What stands out to you about the Seattle tattoo scene?

I think the Seattle tattoo scene is very diverse, there are great artists here, and that’s what makes Seattle strong.

Interview by Cristin with Alex (Dzul's frontman for marketing/promotions)

What other things do you do in your spare time?

I provide the marketing and team direction for the Dzul team. I like to explore different art expressions applying that to my art and the way I do things.

What mediums do you use to create art?

I'm a photographer and graphic designer, so I use traditional and digital mediums. One of my favorite mediums is airbrush; I airbrush on t-shirts, cars, just about anything. Any other chance I have, I spend doing photography on tattoos, lifestyle and fashion.

Do you have any special up-coming events?

Every year we do airbrush in 12 to 15 fairs throughout the Northwest.

This summer beyond the fairs I will be doing a special exhibition of photos and art with my brother and Dzul's crew at the shop. The photos will showcase the lifestyle of some of the people who come through the shop to get their tattoos and interesting people that I run into. The exhibition will also showcase original art pieces from my brother and me.

Don't forget to check our calendar for our upcoming fair and events throughout the summer.

How about plans for the future?

One of my goals is to release a Dzul clothing line by the summertime and have a grand opening presentation with a fashion show. The clothing line is going to have Dzul’s original spin and perspective fusing art, fashion and culture, representing our generations’ lifestyles.

Lets talk more about your photography. What unique qualities come from your work? What goals do you have for your photography in the future?

My photography work focuses on tattoos, fashion, and unique lifestyles. I want to capture the images of real people with an interesting character who come to the shop to get work done or some people I meet on a regular basis and showcase them through my work.

One of my goals is to create a book documenting the tattoo lifestyle, and an artistic compilation of my photography.

If I were to walk into your store right now and want an airbrushed t-shirt, how long am I going to wait? Is it expensive? Can I bring you my own items to get airbrushed like my purse or a skateboard?

It depends on the complexity of the design, the assignment and our workload at the time of purchase. We do our best to get the work out fast. It can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour or a few days.

We do custom airbrush; the price will depend on the design, it begins at $15 but the sky is the limit. It really depends on how intricate the design and what we have to do to get it done.

We can airbrush on various surfaces from textiles, wood, ceramics, leather, plastic, metal, and with the right approach we can airbrush on just about anything. We sell different styles and colors of plain t-shirts, tops, and sweaters for men and women but we always encourage everyone to bring their own items, whether it’s your clothes, shoes, skateboard, purse, car; anything that you would like to be airbrushed.

What other services and products does Dzul provide?

We offer custom airbrush, tattoo, piercing, urban apparel and accessories. Pay us a visit, we have so many products to choose from, you will find something unique for you.

What advice could you give to aspiring artists so they can achieve success like you have?

I see extremely talented artists who wait for things to happen and come to them, needless to say that doesn’t work most of the time. My advice to them is to expose their work for people to appreciate it, and to make moves on their own to get the right exposure to achieve success.

Visit the Dzul Website for location and other detailed information, including galleries of all their art, tattoos, airbrush etc.!!

UK Vogue: Aby Rosen

UK Vogue, GQ, Tatler, November 2009 issues

Photographed by Trujillo-Paumier


Aby Rosen, the New York City real estate mogul and contemporary art collector has just jetted in from Europe where he has been on holidays.

Standing in his art packed office in the prestigious Lever House (he owns the building) Rosen, 49, takes in the Manhattan skyline. There are many spectacular terraces in New York, but somehow standing on his, with sweeping views of Park Avenue and his landmarked Seagram office building, designed by Ludwig Mies van der Roh feels like looking out at his kingdom. New York is clearly this superstar developer’s playground.

Dressed in all black: black polo shirt, black pants and brown suede loafers, his demeanor is both New York aristocrat and billionaire casual Friday. “I don’t like to wear suits unless I have meetings.”

Rosen’s signature silver hair frames a tan, mostly seriously face that only occasionally relaxes in to a smile, on the subjects of deals, his prolific art collection, and his gorgeous psychiatrist and socialite wife, Samantha Boardman.

Yes, there is a recession of course and property has been hit hard. Some developers in this city are falling by the wayside. At Lever House, which is favoured by hedge fund and financial firms, some tenants are crying for rent reductions, but overall Rosen is feeling optimistic.

“Basically I’m very opportunistic. Whenever the market is down we take control of something. I want to do something with office buildings, hotels, retail.” Shoppers do not know where they are right now,” he adds, noting that even he stopped shopping – briefly - but is back. “I get my shopping fix from art and furniture – 20th century stuff.”

He is also shopping for existing hotels. “"We are looking to buy 10 to 12 assets to rework and rebrand them."

Rosen’s offices, his swank Upper East Side townhouse (and another townhouse he is selling for $75million that would be the most expensive Manhattan property sale) and his Hamptons estate are all showcases for art. Lever House is adorned with Warhols and Basquiats. Rosen admires a recent addition, Marc Newson’s Voronoi Shelf made of white Carrerra marble. At last count, he had more than 450 works. “I’ve always loved art. I love photography and have a huge collection of American art from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. I believe you have to have great art in buildings.”

Rosen, who was born in Frankfurt Germany in 1960, moved to New York in 1987 where he apprenticed at a real estate brokerage firm. He co-founded RFR in 1991, which now has an impressive portfolio of hotels, 21 office buildings and nine residential buildings, mostly in New York. He also has projects in Miami and Tel Aviv.

Not bad for a kid who started working for his father’s small real estate business in Frankfurt when he was 16, while he went to law school.

Rosen has many collaborations with long time friend and hotelier turned developer Ian Schrager, including 40 Bond, a swank residential building, plus the chic Gramercy Park Hotel. Rosen met Schrager in 1991. Rosen was a silent partner in the Delano hotel in Miami. Then 15 years on, they decided to work together again. They are planning two hotels in the area of the High Line on the West Side of Manhattan, bordering the Meatpacking district and Chelsea. Rosen is also working on a Shangri-La hotel project on Lexington and 53rd St, but currently everything is on hold. “No one wants to pull the rigger. I think by spring next year, it will all be a lot better.”

In Miami, he has just finished the W South Beach, a stylish 408-unit condo hotel – every room has beach views –and W’s first property in Miami that he says are selling in spite of a soft market.

His next big project is an entertainment centre in Germany, that will be a residential hotel. “We are doing lots of prototype stuff where I can take something and make it into something new, try to replicate it. Something that can be branded.” He also just opened a business hotel in Frankfurt. “But it’s cool. The city didn’t have that.”

Did Rosen ever think he’d be so successful? “I am really ballsy and very determined, he says. “Greed is the challenge. You don’t want to be carried away by ambition. You know in hindsight the projects you ought to be in, and out of.”

So what does Rosen consider crucial for beautiful residential design? “High quality.” In New York this means uptown layouts, in downtown buildings. “Layouts the way Park Avenue and Fifth Avenue used to be – high ceilings and powder rooms, beautiful bathrooms. “If the apartment ages you still want to have classic. You find great architects and designers.”

The most important room? “Every residence must have very beautiful bathrooms, spacious, marble and well designed. I take a bubble bath every day.”

UK Vogue: IM Pei, The High Priest of Modernism

By Julie Earle-Levine

Photograph by Sacha Waldman

UK Vogue, GQ, Tatler
August 2009


Ieoh Ming Pei, commonly known by his initials, IM, is dressed in an immaculate grey suit, signature tortoise shell glasses magnifying bright eyes. The renowned Chinese-born American architect, who is 92, extends a firm handshake and beams energetically. He is just back from Paris. “They put on a little party for me because it was the 20th year of the Louvre pyramid,” he explains.

Pei’s Grand Louvre glass pyramid project is regarded as one of his greatest achievements. ““It was a very emotional trip for me. Twenty years! “

Pei’s entire life has been a remarkable journey. At 17, he left China for the US where he would study at Harvard and then work as an architect, designing more than 50 buildings, all over the world. As a young architect, he was selected by Jackie Kennedy to design the JFK National Library in Boston. He would later design the East Building of the National Gallery of Art in Washington and earn the Pritzker Prize in 1983. The jury said he had given this century some of its most beautiful interior spaces and exterior forms.

When asked about his career, Pei cites the Louvre and the Museum of Islamic Art in Qatar, that opened last year as among his most important work. But he admits this is a difficult question to ponder in a 70-year-architecture career. “It is like a man with many, many daughters. Which is the prettiest? Which is the one I like best? I can’t say, but these projects are of interest to me and also of great interest to the world.”

The Islamic museum was tipped to be his final project. “Did I say that?’ he laughs. “Well, it is a project I had not expected to do. Now I know more because I really entered into it out of curiosity. It was a wonderful opportunity for me to learn bout Islam, which is a great religion.” The Suzhou Museum, in his hometown in China is also important, he says, since it is where his family comes from.

Any regrets? “I would have liked to have done more houses. I am not known as a house architect but I would have liked to have done more.” In New York, he designed several highly regarded housing projects, including Kips Bay Plaza, and Silver Towers in Greenwich Village, which was recently landmarked.



Im Pei’s latest project, with his son Sandi Pei, is The Centurion, a modern, glass condo building in mid-town Manhattan. Sandi and his brother Didi are also architects and launched their own company, Pei Partnership Architects in 1992, after working in-house with Pei.

Pei’s eyes twinkle when he talks about New York. “I was educated in Massachusetts. I used to say Cambridge and Boston. No longer, it is New York, New York, New York!”

Pei may be a New Yorker, but he is a citizen of the world. Is there anything the last master of high modernist architecture has not yet done, that he’d like to? Pei pauses for a moment and sighs. “I would like to have been a painter. That is my secret.”

www.ppa-ny.com
www.centurioncondominium.com

Grazia: Alexandra Richards

Weekend FT: Nicaragua's Carlos Pellas

By Julie Earle-Levine

Carlos Pellas owns Nicaragua’s Flor de Caña rum distilleries, Toyota and Suzuki motor dealerships, an energy company and banks. The head of one of the country’s wealthiest families, he is descended from Italians who immigrated from the US in the 19th century. A frequent traveller, he has six homes dotted around the world in locations mostly close to the sea, to accommodate his love of fishing. He counts a family weekender in Lake Nicaragua’s “isletas”, reached only by boat with views of lush mountains, as his favourite.

Have you always lived in Nicaragua?

Yes, I was born here. During my early childhood I lived with my parents at our coffee plantation in San Marcos, about a 45-minute drive from Managua. The house was built in 1952 and it resembled the traditional Spanish haciendas. I have the best recollections of those times as there were 16 of us – between my brothers, my sister and cousins – who lived together. There was no TV then, so we rode bicycles and horses, and played board and card games. The home still serves as a weekend retreat for my cousins.

Then you moved to the city?

Yes, we moved to Managua when I was 10. My father built a beautiful house with lacquered Japanese-style doors and gardens with lakes with fish and oriental plants. In 1972 an earthquake destroyed it. I was at a party with my girlfriend, who would later become my wife. The house we were at caught fire. I told her my house was earthquake-proof. She was very concerned for her parents’ home. But it was my house that was destroyed. My parents and sister survived, miraculously. My girlfriend’s parents’ home was intact.

MY FAVOURITE THINGS

Old cards and ancient pots

My boat is customised to make it the perfect fishing machine. It has underwater fishing cameras. I never get tired of looking at the sea. I can spend hours just sitting in the mezzanine waiting for the fish to show.

A coin from Aristotle’s era given to me by my good friend Mike Wood, my roommate at Stanford, as a token of our 35-year friendship.

My top drawer in my closet, where I keep all the cards and notes sent to me by my kids. Frequently I open one and read it again. It brightens the day.

My hammock. I love to lay on it while watching the sunset and enjoying a 12-year old Flor de Caña Centenario.

My Nicaraguan stamp collection. I bought my first stamp 47 years ago, for $1. I own 18 of the first 20 stamps printed in Nicaragua. My collection is probably the only one of its kind in the world.

My pre-Colombian Indian artefact collection. I have more than 100 pieces of ceramic, dating back 1,200-2,000 years.

My wife’s picture when I first met her. Vivian still looks like that first day. It’s an inspiration. We have had three beautiful children together.

What about school?

I went to prep school in Woodside, California. It was my first time away from Nicaragua in a whole new world where I didn’t even understand the language. It was a great experience. Later, I attended Stanford [University], where I obtained my bachelor degree in economics and later on my MBA. During all these years I would come home to Nicaragua at Christmas and in summer, when I would go to the sugar plantation and the Flor de Caña distillery to work. Ironically, summer vacation was harder work than college.

Why is the isletas home your favourite?

It’s beautiful and peaceful. My family owns an island called Abuela Nena’s Island [Grandmother Nena’s Island]. There are mango and coconut trees, a domesticated white heron and two native parrots. My parents built a home that blends with nature in a very special way. It is a ranch that is made from local wood. It’s nice to sit on locally made, wood rocking chairs and hammocks right by the pool. We have another house there, too, which is two storeys with a balcony that overlooks the lake. The island has belonged to us since the early 1930s but it was confiscated by the Sandinistas in the mid-1980s. It was not until the mid-1990s that we got it back and began our building plans. My mother’s idea was to build a place where she and my dad could spend time with their children and grandchildren and enjoy the serenity of the lake and the beautiful view of the colonial city of Granada. That’s what eventually got her to rename the island El Descanso, which means “the resting place”. The views are amazing. On one side of the island you can see the Mombacho volcano and the city. On the other side is Lake Nicaragua, with its two volcanoes that are islands in the middle of it. The lake is so big that in some parts you cannot see where it ends and land begins.

How do you buy one of these islands?

Often by word of mouth. There are more than 360 islands, so sometimes there will be one for sale.

How often do you go to your island?

I try to go whenever I can. It is my favourite place to entertain my most important guests and closest friends who visit from other countries. I also love to spend time there with my children, brothers and nephews.

What about your main residence?

My home in Managua is where I have lived since 1978. It was meant to be a ”transition” home while I built my permanent home. But the Sandinista revolution changed those plans. As our family gradually grew, my wife and I decided not to move. I would best characterise it as a home in the city that makes you feel you are in a private resort in the countryside. It’s full of open spaces and has a pool, a cabana and a tennis court. Many trees are now close to 30 years old, which provide an ambience difficult to duplicate. I also have a beach home in San Juan del Sur, where I love to go on weekends when I am not fishing from my home in Tulemar, Costa Rica. The seven-bedroom house is right on the beach and it has a Caribbean feeling.

And your other homes?

My home in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, is in the middle of a plush rainforest that serves as habitat to three different families of monkeys. The terrace is as high as the top of the trees, which makes you feel like you are flying on top of them. It is secluded and close to the best billfish action in the world. Deep sea fishing has been my passion since I was 13 years old. I have released over 1,500 sailfish and more than 300 marlin. I own a home on the San Juan river, close to an orange plantation where I am a partner. It’s more like a lodge, with great views of the river. My son Eduardo, 22, is the one who enjoys it the most as he is a keen tarpon fisherman. I also have an apartment at the Four Season Residences in Miami. It’s on the 55th floor and has a spectacular view of the port of Miami, the bay and Key Biscayne. My wife Vivian loves it for the privacy – no maids, no drivers, just us.

New York magazine: Murdoch selling North Shore home

Intelligencer: Rupert, Brangelina Beached Here

Julie Earle-Levine
June 5, 2009

(Photo: Courtesy of Prudential)

Rupert and Wendi Murdoch have put Rosehearty, their North Shore summer getaway, on the market for $12.8 million; they just weren’t using it enough, given all their other homes. In the meantime, they’ve been renting it to Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, for more than $100,000 a month. It’s set on around five acres, with eleven bedrooms, seven fireplaces, guest house, and tennis court, on its own stretch of beach, with a dock. A Murdoch rep declined to comment. The broker, Prudential Douglas Elliman’s Dolly Lenz, wouldn’t identify the rental tenants, but noted it’s available for walk-throughs only when they’re out of town—like, say, at Cannes.