An expertly curated, luxuriously produced compendium of all things Naples, Naples Illustrated brings to life personalities and takes you inside the exclusive homes, parties and interests of the world’s most affluent and influential people.
You had me at hello. And it wasn’t even the holiday season when affability is expected. It was last February at the post office on Goodlette-Frank Road. I was visiting Naples from Florida’s east coast, where I’d lived for decades, and had popped in to mail a package to my niece in North Carolina. A woman in line noticed the address and asked where I was from, and here’s what surprised me: She was interested in the answer. A warm conversation ensued, one that would foretell similar chats after I moved west, and I was intrigued not only by the charm of this city but also by its generosity of spirit. December may be a month of bow-topped boxes and wish lists, but Neapolitans give of themselves all year round—to…
WHAT: The Purple Party WHO: Young professionals in support of ending domestic violence WHERE: Bayfront Inn Fifth Avenue The event had a purple theme because of the color’s tie to domestic violence AWARENESS…
Before dusting off that box of go-to ornaments to trim the tree this month, consider starting a new tradition and create your own yuletide art. Dale Chihuly–trained glass artist Conrad Williams is hosting glassblowing workshops on how to design an ornament or bowl. The Naples-based instructor takes participants through every step of the process, from choosing colors to forming the molten glass with shaping tools and your own breath. The best part? No experience is needed so anyone can be an artist. Classes are one-on-one and open to ages 6 and up. Workshops will be held Thursdays and Saturdays in December at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, with daily classes taking place from December 13 to 22. Space is limited, and cost to attend is $99 per ornament session, $199 per bowl…
Zack McDermott is a public defender, writer, and bipolar gorilla. The author of Gorilla and the Bird: A Memoir of Madness and a Mother’s Love, McDermott is a tragic hero who feels no shame in telling the world about his psychotic breaks, depression, and manic episodes. On the contrary, he candidly recounts being on a subway platform in Brooklyn, shirtless, barefoot, crying, and convinced he was being filmed for a reality television show. Dazed and confused, he was transported to Bellevue Hospital’s locked psychiatric ward, the very same one that housed his insane clients, those deemed unfit to stand trial. With grace and gratitude, he credits his mother, Cindy Cisneros-McGilvrey, for keeping him grounded in reality. “He is my son, and I would never give into the idea that he…
1. Step into the swamp. Master naturalists lead private swamp walks to experience the primitive pull of nature that landscape photographer Clyde Butcher has long found in the Everglades. The one-and-a-half-hour trek begins behind Butcher’s Big Cypress Gallery, which houses his breathtaking River of Grass photography. Come prepared to navigate knee-deep wetlands under the cover of ancient cypress trees. Wear lightweight pants, a long-sleeve shirt, and old sneakers—and don’t forget bug spray, sunscreen, bottled water, and a change of clothes. This outing is a must for adventurers and nature lovers alike. (clydebutcher.com) 2. Spot wildlife by kayak. Pick up a paddle and watch the mangrove forest come to life on the Majestic Mangrove Kayak Eco Tour. Held in the mornings and at sunset, these half-day tours are sure to include…
With the debut of Vogue contributing editor Grace Coddington’s collaboration with Louis Vuitton, the “cat lady” label has become a badge of honor. The collection premiered along with the fashion house’s Cruise 2019 presentation and features clothing, purses, leather accessories, and shoes (available in select stores and online at louisvuitton.com) playfully stamped with Coddington’s Persian cats, Pumpkin and Blanket, as well as LV creative director Nicolas Ghesquière’s dog, Leon. Drawn by Coddington, the illustrations are the ultimate symbol of pride for feline fans. Turn the page for more fun picks.…
