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.
I love contrast, which is one of the many things that appeals to me about the Paradise Coast. Whether it’s a swamp buggy parade ambling down a street near multimillion-dollar homes or the world’s most decadent milkshake served alongside a tahini cauliflower salad (I’m talking to you, Lake Park Diner), Naples is resplendent with dichotomy. And that, to me, makes things fun. In this issue, we pay homage not only to the sartorial prowess of five local gentlemen but also to their commitment to career, family, and giving back. Speaking of contradiction, you might think that a corporate titan like Ralph Stayer, owner of Johnsonville Sausage, would be a man of solemn carriage. But put him in a velvet dinner jacket and Ferragamo shades, and he’s all swagger and smiles.…
WOMEN’S FOUNDATION OF COLLIER COUNTY WHAT: Power of the Purse CELEBRATES: The 100th anniversary of women’s right to vote, the ratification of the nineteenth amendment, and the women’s suffrage movement. WHERE: The Ritz-Carlton, Naples NAMI COLLIER COUNTY WHAT: Thirteenth Annual Hope Shines Luncheon SUPPORTS: National Alliance on Mental Illness programs to provide education, support, and advocacy for people affected by mental illness and their families. WHERE: A private club in Naples HARMON-MEEK GALLERY FUND WHAT: Art Inspires Gala SUPPORTS: Children’s arts programs through the Harmon-Meek Gallery Fund at Southwest Florida Community Foundation. WHERE: Naples Sailing & Yacht Club. The event was sponsored by Naples Illustrated. GUADALUPE CENTER WHAT: Patron Party CELEBRATES: Supporters and sponsors of the Guadalupe Center, which seeks to improve the lives of students in Immokalee by fostering…
John Lodge has seen and done it all across his music career. The 74-year-old Englishman is best known as the bassist, singer, and songwriter for the Moody Blues, a legendary band that was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018. But for all the rock memorabilia he’s accumulated, Lodge counts a pair of World War I medals his grandfathers passed down to him as his most-cherished possessions. These keepsakes hint at the reason why he views his involvement with the Celebrity Martini Glass Auction as more than just his civic duty. Lodge, who is participating in the Naplesbased event for the second year, will team up with AC/DC bassist Cliff Williams to auction off a private show in support of CMGA’s primary mission: raising funds to…
National Jewel Day is March 13, an apropos time to ask Jarred Kaplan, managing partner of Provident Jewelry, about what’s hot—and what’s not. Diamonds are still a girl’s best friend, particularly in blue, pink, or a strand of many. Fancy blue diamonds are in demand, while pinks remain as popular as ever. From blueberry to glittering azure to dark grey (think: Hope Diamond), natural blue diamonds are rare, the result of trace amounts of boron. Blue diamonds are second only to red, with a buy-in of $500,000 for a “reasonably sized” one. Last year, a $6.7 million blue diamond ring fetched the highest bid during Christie’s New York Magnificent Jewels auction. In 2015, the 12.03-carat Blue Moon of Josephine became the most expensive diamond or jewel ever sold at auction…
Name: Donna McGinnis Day job: President and CEO of Naples Botanical Garden Passion: Marching bands How it started: I was in the band in high school, and we did a few parades, but the school was so new—my class was the second one to graduate—that we only had T-shirts, not uniforms. I played the clarinet, saxophone, and oboe, and then I stopped after I went to college. But I’ve always just loved marching bands, especially college bands. I went to Washington State University, and they have a great band, but I watch videos of Ohio State all the time. I’ll go on YouTube and watch one of their halftime shows over and over. And bowl games! People think I’m ridiculous, but I really don’t care about the game—just the bands.…
HIS AND HERS While she might prefer Tom Ford’s Métallique ($150 for 50 ml.), with hints of peppercorn, heliotrope, and balsam, he might opt for Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s Gentle Fluidity Gold ($225 for 2.4 fl. oz.), featuring notes of coriander seed, musk, and vanilla. Saks Fifth Avenue, Naples(saksfifthavenue.com) THIS SUD’S FOR YOU The hottest trend in skin and hair care is products made with hemp oil. Try it out in unisex scents such as original and eucalyptus from the Naples Soap Company, available as a sea salt scrub ($38), bath bomb ($8), body oil spray ($22), sake soak ($15), and shampoo bar ($12). Naples Soap Company locations (naplessoap.com) FRAGRANT AND FRENCH Created by historian and perfumier Elisabeth de Feydeau, the Arty Fragrance candle in Potager Royal ($95), made of handmolded…
