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.
Do you have a favorite word? While I can’t possibly narrow it down to one, I’m fond of those with interesting etymologies. I’ll point to an example that’s appropriate for the season, as well as this December issue: “holiday.” According to Merriam-Webster, the word—a derivative of Old English—developed ahead of the twelfth century and meant “holy day,” a signifier (to use Lacanian terms) denoting religious observances and celebrations. During medieval times, the definition expanded, referencing days off from work, which eventually led to the word’s association with general vacationing. As the meaning of holiday has evolved, so too have the ways we experience it. Individuals celebrate December holidays in sundry ways, honoring everything from Christmas to Chanukah to Kwanzaa. Regardless of what people are observing, this month seems to hold…
DESIGN EXCELLENCE WHO: Palm Beach Media Group WHAT: Third annual Seaglass Awards WHERE: Naples Grande Beach Resort DETAILS: This annual event celebrated excellence in architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture throughout Florida, recognizing innovative professionals who contributed to impactful projects over the past year. MEDIA SPONSOR: Florida Design A NIGHT THAT TOUCHED HEARTS WHO: The Brett Boyer Foundation WHAT: Songs to Table WHERE: Stone’s Throw Farm, Naples DETAILS: Mary and Bill Stone hosted Luke Bryan and friends at a beautiful estate farm in honor of Sadie Brett Boyer and the children who continue to fight congenital heart disease. RUN FOR THE KIDS WHO: Fun Time Early Childhood Academy WHAT: Labor Day 5K Run & Walk WHERE: Baker Park, Naples DETAILS: Hosted by Gulf Coast Runners, the 5K Labor Day Run &…
The third annual Grant Thornton Invitational arrives at Tiburón Golf Club and The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón, December 12-14. Qualifying professional female and male golfers will once again compete in the mixed-format golf tournament that offers equal prize money to the champions. Last year’s winning team, Patty Tavatanakit and Jake Knapp, shot 27 under in 189 strokes and split earnings of $1 million from the $4 million purse. Tavatanakit, who is in her sixth season on tour, and Knapp, in his second season, both played college golf at UCLA. A first-time participant in the invitational last year, Knapp shares, “I’ve been looking forward to the Grant Thornton Invitational. Its mixed-team format truly sets this tournament apart, and I’m excited to return to Naples this December so Patty and I can defend…
Naples Beach Club, A Four Seasons Resort made its premiere this fall. The coastal luxury retreat stands on the former site of Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club. The redeveloped resort features approximately 1,000 feet of white-sand beach and affords scenic views of the Gulf. Naples Beach Club is Four Seasons’ first location in Southwest Florida. « “It is so exciting to have our first Florida property on the Gulf Coast,” says Regional Commercial Director Cory Carlson of Naples Beach Club, A Four Seasons Resort. “In Naples, there are so many beautiful hotels, but there’s room for upper-luxury hotel products.” The property features 220 guest rooms and 57 suites, as well as 153 high-end residences. Staff members report a majority of beachside residences have already sold. Golf-side residences are for sale…
For students at Pinecrest Elementary School and Shadowlawn Elementary School, the holidays come early, as Collier Building Industry Association (CBIA) hosts an annual toy drive to give joy to kids in need. Tom Lykos, president of The Lykos Group, says the event reshaped his outlook on the holidays after initially participating in it more than two decades ago. “It’s exactly what I needed after the passing of my brother,” Lykos says. “It really grounded me.” Months of planning go into making the annual event a success. CBIA members collect and buy enough toys for about 1,200 students between the ages of 5 and 12. They also separate the toys by age and gender. The excitement begins just a few weeks before Christmas, when the toys make their safe arrival to…
Shoppers will no longer see any brick-and-mortar D. Lacquaniti stores in downtown Naples. Its owner and creative director, Dominic Lacquaniti, made the decision to go wholesale. Multiple factors influenced the decision, and the aftermath of Hurricane Ian did not help. The luxury shoe designer points to difficulties arising for small business owners in the area. All of Lacquaniti’s shoes are handmade in Italy. Customers can purchase them through the D. Lacquaniti website or by visiting carriers throughout the United States. Around a dozen U.S. stores currently carry the brand. In the Sunshine State, retailers include Envy of Palm Beach in Tequesta, Bella Lucia in Tampa, and The Island Mercantile in Key West. Lacquaniti says his goal is to work with 50 stores by the end of next year. “I’m handpicking…
