WEPOWER is teaming up with 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis to launch a curated collection of goods that creates new opportunities for local entrepreneurs. Over the next year, 21c will feature WEPOWER Accelerator businesses in their gift shop, fi ve businesses at a time, rotating every six months. Details here.

Nestled into an alpine valley with complementary castles perched atop Lake Alpsee on opposing hillsides, it's hard to imagine a more storybook setting than the Bavarian town of Schwangau near Füssen in Allgäu. Annually, nearly two million visitors queue up to peek at the ornately furnished state rooms of Hohenschwangau Castle. Take a trip with us to see AMERON Neuschwanstein Alpsee Resort & Spa, a Disney confection come to life. 

No one actually needs a one-off vibrant yellow Rolls Royce Spectre, or a Twilight Purple Cullinan II. Still, for those with the wherewithal to purchase one of these half-million-dollar-plus bespoke odes to luxury, it sure is fun to know that the sky is the limit for customization. Rolls Royce remains relevant by keeping its white-gloved hands rooted in its heritage. Learn more about the legendary ultimate golden-age luxury car.

After a 2-year hiatus, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra is returning to the newly-renovated Powell Symphony Hall in the Grand Arts District in Midtown St. Louis. Just announced is the programming for its milestone 146th season — the first season in the Jack C. Taylor Music Center following the $140 million expansion and renovation. The season begins with the orchestra’s annual concert in Forest Park on September 17 with the inaugural public concerts in the SLSO’s Midtown venue on September 26-28. Get every detail here.

The St. Louis Shakespeare Festival is thrilled to unveil its landmark 25th anniversary season. It starts with its 25th Anniversary Gala Celebration on May 15th, featuring a one-night-only performance by Tony-Award-nominee and Grammy Award-winner Patrick Page. It continues with Hamlet at Shakespeare Glen in Forest Park in May and June. It also features a groundbreaking collaboration with the Saint Louis Zoo in July. Learn about the season’s more than 100 productions that culminate with Shakespeare in the Streets in September 2025.

Taking The Luxury Gold "Spain and Portugal Travel in Style," tour involves visiting nine cities in two countries for a two-week adventure. The trip is nothing short of luxurious. From the time you’re picked up from St. Louis in a town car, you travel first class. You stay in five-star hotels, the food is divine, you get private tours of the sites and cities, and every possible detail is handled by the tour concierge. Take a journey here and experience true luxury travel gold.

This February, Museum of Illusions St. Louis is setting the stage for an unforgettable date night—whether you’re swooning over someone special, dreaming of a meet-cute, laughing with your besties or making memories with the whole family. Featuring interactive exhibits that play tricks on the eye and themed activities designed to spread the love, it’s the perfect spot to get lost in the magic of the moment. Museum of Illusions’ Valentine’s Day programming runs from February 14-16. Learn more.

Crown Center for Senior Living, a non-profit affordable senior living and neighborhood community hub, recently celebrated the completion of the first phase of its construction project with a grand re-opening. During the event, attendees were also able to view more than 60 pieces of art donated by Michael Staenberg from his personal collection to be used throughout the new activity center, Staenberg Commons. Learn more.

Work & Leisure, Tenacious Eats and The Improv Shop cordially invites you to “The Reception,” the most unforgettable, laugh-out-loud event that you’ve ever attended. It takes place this Valentine’s weekend. This elevated dining experience is an immersive wedding experience perfect for the “weekend of love” both Friday February 14th and Saturday February 15th. Enjoy dinner and a show while watching first-rate comedy with the one or ones you love. Or come by yourself and mingle with other singles. More information here.

The Missouri History Museum’s African American History Initiative (AAHI) will be honoring Black History Month in February with a series of events in celebration of Black History Month at the Missouri History Museum. These events are part of the African American History Initiative (AAHI), which strives to promote stories that explore various aspects of the African American experience such as race, music, disability, and geneology.

This year, the Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis (TWSTL) makes history. It kicks off its tenth year of filling the senses of fans and followers with the works of the Pulitzer-Prize winning playwright and toast of the St. Louis theatrical world, the inimitable Tennessee Williams. Dubbed the TEN for TENN Anniversary Season, the St. Louis Metro area and beyond will witness the brilliant legacy of what many consider to be America’s greatest playwright with a series of events slated through Fall 2025. Learn more here.

The season of love is here. Valentine’s Day this year is on Friday, February 14th, and for many that’s just the beginning of a weekend when one can say, “I love you, let me count the ways.” Whether you celebrate the day of hearts itself, or if cupid’s arrow strikes your heart during the entire month of February, we’ve got you covered at Sophisticated Living. Here, we have compiled a list of things to share with that special someone in your life. Coupled, single, whatever. There’s sure to be something that will tickle your fancy as you scroll our list during this season when Cupid tickles fancies.

Aperture Cellars Winery & Vineyards champions a range of expressive Bordeaux style wines from Sonoma County’s premier cool-climate Bordeaux varietal vineyard sites. Its holdings encompass over 200 acres in six distinct vineyards. See the vineyards and tasting room through the eye of renown photographer Alex Katz at his son’s vineyards. Learn how vineyard owner Jesse Katz grew up to make wine that one can almost taste through the aperture of a photographer’s lens.

On the heels of being nominated in USA Today as one of the best Open Air Museum’s in the nation, St. Louis’ own National Museum of Transportation was vandalized causing $20,000 in damages. Vandals painted graffiti on two historic trolley artifacts. These trolleys are used in daily operation providing rides for guests during the operating season. The museum is putting out an urgent call to the community to help restore this nationally recognized local treasure. Details here.

At month’s end, get ready for a new way to play darts and enjoy upscale St. Louis nightlife. Flight Club is set to open in Clayton then. State of Play Hospitality is bringing Flight Club, its upscale, tech-enabled Social Darts® concept, to town. Inspired by the rich British heritage of darts, Social Darts marries history with technology and captures friends that play on camera enjoying the game in a stunning, tony atmosphere. Featuring creative craft cocktails and upscale cuisine, what happens in Flight Club won’t stay in Flight Club, rather it will soon be the talk of the town. Learn more.

After relocating from the East coast and buying a house on a corner lot in St. Louis’ historic Central West End, and initially listing it, the homeowners thought again. The house exuded the charms of the turn of the century, but needed a total redo to bring it into the 21st century. Read more here about how the “dream team” of Julie Baur of Baur INTERIORS, architect Susan Bower of Bower Leet Design and Matt Markway of Markway Construction came together to renovate the home from top to bottom, and make it a home that they could love.

On Saturday, February 8, hundreds of people in St. Louis will brave the cold in just their undies during Cupid’s Undie Run, the nation’s largest pantless party and mile(ish) run for charity.  The festivities start at noon downtown at Ballpark Village. The run is just the tip of the iceberg, since it is only a “brief” mile. Organizers describe the event this way, “Party, mile run, party. Help us #EndNF by running a mile in your skivvies for charity.” Last year the event raised close to $100,000. Learn more here.

It is said that it takes a village to make a society strong. Our town showed its solidarity with the most vulnerable as they gathered to raise the roof with generosity at The World’s Fair Pavilion in Forest Park. The Baubles & Bow Ties Gala benefited The Women’s Safe House of St. Louis. In an effort to break the cycle of intimate partner violence that plagues women, thousands of dollars were raised. Many more are needed to keep the sanctuary moving forward. Learn more.

The Missouri History Museum will celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Legacy with a weekend of learning, connection and community for all ages. The celebration starts Friday, January 17th, and culminates on the national holiday, Monday, January 20th. Programing is part of the African American History Initiative’s on-going work to explore the African American experience throughout the region. Dr. King would have been 96 years old in 2025. Learn more here,

On January 25th, a day of frosty fun with ice sculptures, live performances, and a dazzling drone show awaits winter lovers in the heart of the Delmar Loop. The 18th Annual Loop Ice Carnival is set to embrace the winter chill from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM in the historic Delmar Loop that day. See for yourself why this is a must-do event to fully experience winter in St. Louis.

Cara Starke sailed into to St. Louis from preeminent East coast arts organizations and now captains the ship at the Pulitzer. After 10 years as the Pulitzer Arts Foundation’s executive director, she and it have begun to blur. Her beautiful hair has turned the exact same color as the Pulitzer’s dove-gray walls and her affect is as peaceful as the stunning modernist space she moves through. Learn more here about her journey and its impact upon the storied Pulitzer.

St. Louis native, Incarnate Word Academy, WNBA superstar are a few of the words that describe Napheesa “Phee” Collier. She is now soaring to new heights as the co-founder of a new professional women’s league named Unrivaled. This new league will allow female players to earn money in the offseason while being able to stay in the United States rather than travel abroad. Read more here about her journey.

The Gateway Foundation is accepting applications for the 2025 Gyo Obata Fellowship. The Fellowship honors the life and legacy of Wash U alum Gyo Obata, one of the most accomplished and influential architects of his generation. The fellowship’s purpose is to create new opportunities for students from backgrounds underrepresented in public arts administration and the community at large. Learn more here about his legacy and how to apply.

Keith Alper’s life reads like the ultimate entrepreneurial success story, shaped by relentless ambition, creativity and an unwavering commitment to his community. As his first company, CPG Agency, prepares to celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2025, his influence on the marketing community keeps growing. Since 2009, his Nitrous Effect Company has made an indelible imprint on the Fortune 500 firms in St. Louis and beyond. Take a journey with us on his storied career.

St. Louis has long been a city of culinary traditions, rich with its toasted ravioli, gooey butter cake and deep loyalty to local favorites. Yet over the past two decades, a revolution has redefined dining in the Gateway City. At the heart of this transformation stands Gerard Craft, a James Beard Award-winning chef who not only elevated the city’s restaurant scene but also positioned St. Louis as a national food destination. Learn why here.

Be stunned by the breathtaking vocals of Belinda Davids on Thursday, January 23rd at The Factory in the District in Chesterfield. Davids has been seen on “Britain’s Got Talent,” “Showtime at the Apollo” and winner of the BBC’s “Even Better Than the Real Thing.” The two-hour international production will fill you with joy, nostalgia and wonderment as it takes you on a heartfelt journey through all of Whitney Houston’s greatest hits including “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” “I Will Always Love You,” and more.

Clementine's Naughty & Nice Ice Creamery is launching a "Vegan" takeover on January 1st, 2025. The month of January is known as "Vegan-uary" and is a national movement for those wanting to try a plant-based lifestyle. Clementine's will have over a dozen vegan flavors on the rail for guests to enjoy, including brand new flavors like Ozark Cabin, Salty Caramel Ember, Peanut Butter Cup and Mangonada. Available at all eight locations as well as nationwide shipping. Learn more.

As 2024 closes, we again have a blank slate upon which to write new chapters in our lives. At galas we will gather. Our city we will enjoy. Travels we will take. Life we will savor. Welcome to 2025. Here in the pages of this, our first issue of the new year, we have again reached our aim that we have brought to your doorstep, laptops, cells, and social media for over a dozen years — to once again bring you a sampling of the brilliant colors that make our city and our world shine and be a lustrous place in which to thrive. Enjoy the read. And Happy New Year!

Ignite your 2025 Friday nights with a visit to Third Degree Glass in the Delmar Maker District. Experience live glassblowing demonstrations, a flame working demo, hands-on kiln experience, premium craft cocktails & full bar, live music, raffles, food from Urban Eats vendors, and rotating seasonal activities. Details here about the first two Third Friday events of 2025.

The new. The now. The notable in the world of luxury motoring for 2025 is here for your perusal. We have compiled a “scholarly” list. Here of the best of the best. See and read all about them.