BEst Guide - luxuries and amenities

Black Enterprise, June, 2001 by Sherri A. McGee

YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO LUXURIOUS LIVING

Welcome to the first annual "B.E.ST Guide." Living well is an inherent part of our culture. This premier supplement features pages of recommendations on the "best" in ... Style (fashion, fragrance), Wining & Dining, Destinations (spas, luxury vacations, and beach-front mega resorts) and Passions (luxury automobiles, yachting, coin collecting, premium cigars, golf, etc.) and highlights the ways we work. Play. Shop. And simply, how we enjoy the finer things in life.

Economic conditions have never been better for African American consumers. Our earnings increased significantly between 1998 and 1999 from $441 billion to $491 billion; and along the way, the face of America's newest millionaires took on a new hue, too. Our goals are now bigger homes, faster cars, and billion-dollar deals. We've watched our parents play the corporate game, but have decided to forge our own way -- on our own terms.

STYLE

The power of style is in its shorthand declaration of individuality, allowing us to say who we are and what we're about without having to say a word. From an early 1930s Duke Ellington commanding the stage at Harlem's famed Cotton Club in tailored suits and coordinating vests, to Sean Combs commanding runways with his lush, plush, and opulent Sean Jean clothing line, Black male style has always been a defining force in the world of fashion. That means being secure enough to take the best of Prada, a little bit of the Gap, toss in a liberal dose of Jeffrey Banks, and stir. Because those who know are too busy starting trends to simply follow dictates.

For women, fashion's focus is on global warming. A memorable Italian experience is just a likely to be a tour of the Ufizzi or a Sardinian summer as a funky pair of Versace hip-huggers, Dolce & Gabbana python boots, and a Gucci tote picked up during an afternoon at Saks Fifth Avenue. Wherever we go, fashion remains at the top of our must-do list.

BEST OF COUTURE

B. michael, Seventh Avenue's only African-American collections' couturier, is quickly gaining international recognition for his apparel and accessory designs. While b's initial acclaim was through his talents as a millinery designer, he has since developed a loyal following of professional women, international socialites, and worldwide celebrities, including Cate Blanchett, Halle Berry, Nnenna Freelon, and Cindy Blackman. "I am inspired by the woman I dress," comments b.

Recently, during the world famous "Seventh on Sixth" fashion shows in New York, b unveiled his fall 2001 collections, consisting of day and late-day suits and dresses, sexy sophisticated cocktail dresses and ensembles, and glamorous gowns for evening. Available at Saks Fifth Avenue, Lord & Taylor, and select boutiques. Call b michael, N.Y., 212-221-9400

BEST OF FOOTWEAR

Rondonovan, a former engineer, as the builder of fine footwear and accessories. Rondonovan Bespoke, the custom collections, consists of three offerings: the Signatures, the Traditionals, and the Originals. Measurements of each client's feet are taken and used to hand-build his or her footwear in Donovan's small, SOHO workshop. While custom products will remain the company's hallmark, Donovan is currently preparing to introduce his first ready-to-wear collections. Like the custom designs, they will also cater to well-heeled men and women who appreciate style and understand the value of quality. Donovan, who wears a size 15-and-a-half, has created a niche for himself by equally accommodating those within this market segment with "extreme size" needs.

RONDONOVAN BESPOKE, from the signature collection.

Whether the occasion calls for disco-influenced Gucci (from the luggage and saddlery company founded by Guccio Gucci in 1921 that attained legendary status in the '70s and has reemerged as a fashion force under the direction of designer Tom Ford), or the classic '40s feel of Prada, or the timeless look of b michael couture, black America is well aware of its fashion options and won't hesitate to explore, and exploit, them.

BEST SCENTS ...

From Ted Baker, England's foremost designer of quality clothing, comes Ted Baker Skinwear, a modern, yet, classic scent with crisp top notes of bergamot, citrus, and cool oceanic notes of amber and cedarwood. Each stylish glass bottle with aluminum cap and color-coded sleeves, is housed in a hand-stitched Neoprene suit--extraordinary packaging for a far-from-ordinary fragrance. Choose your bottle from five different colors--select your color just like you select your fabulous Ted Baker shirts--for a truly personalized fragrance. Ted Baker Skinwear is now available nationwide at select stores. The line includes a 60ml. and 100ml. Eau de Toilette, 100ml. Aftershave, 200ml. Body Wash and 25ml. Shaving Oil. Priced from $17.50 to $45. Also available is the Ted Baker Woman fragrance, reflecting the Ted Baker Woman's personality. All Ted Baker clothing and fragrances--including Ted Baker Woman & Endurance--are available at the Ted Baker London store on Grand Street in New York City, or at: www.tedbaker.co.uk.