Sophisticated Living SOPHI Awards 2024
The “Oscars” of the architectural, building, and interior design industries took place on November 6th, and what a night it was. As they say in movie parlance, “That’s a Wrap!” In the grand banquet room of the posh and historic 21c Museum hotel, cars lined up for the valet, attendees climbed the colorful “Fallen Fruit” staircase up to the 21c museum areas. Servers passed delicious hors d’oeuvres. Guests supped craft cocktails, top-shelf bourbons, fine wines, and all manner of libations while mingling with the tony crowd. A tingle was in the air as the time was approaching to find out who would walk away with a coveted SOPHI. Wait no more… Read on to see who won and the work that earned their trophies.
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A Sophisticated Guide to Holiday Season 2024
Soon, and very soon. The stockings will be hung by the chimney with care. The eight candles on the menorah will be lit. The seven candles of the principles of Kwanzaa will burn. Carolers will fill the sidewalks and malls with melodies hearkening the season and filling hearts with joy. Shoppers will fill the stores and keyboards will be afire filling retail coffers with cash to keep our economy humming and gifts-a-flowing. No matter how you choose to observe it, it’s time to celebrate the season of mirth. Following are some sophisticated ways in which you can celebrate what most consider the best time of the year. Learn more here.
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Queen for a Stay
Take a holiday along with us to sister properties 45 Park Lane and The Dorchester in London's posh Mayfair district bordering Hyde Park. They provide guests with distinct interpretations of the royal treatment. In 2011, 45 Park Lane was given an extreme makeover inside and out to become a suitable sibling to its sister, The Dorchester, one of London's most iconic hotels since it opened in 1931. See and learn more here.
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Why Sell Now?
The St. Louis real estate market is strong. Of course, there are many distractions that cause one to worry if they are making the right real estate decision for their future. No one has a crystal ball. But, selling right now in most instances is a sound choice. Purchasing your next home is a sound choice. Make sure you consult a professional Realtor to help guide you through the minutia of contracts, negotiations, municipal and legal aspects of every deal. Realtor Julie Lane gives advice on why you might consider selling now.
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Celebrate Gobble Gobble Day with Ease and Style
Gobble Gobble season is upon us. With about two weeks left until feast day, many are making plans for Thanksgiving, which takes place this year on Thursday, November 28th. Some choose traditional sit down meals at home, while others choose to dine out, order in, or carry out. According to a November 2023 Popmenu survey, about half of Americans plan to eat out on Thanksgiving, with 17% dining in and 32% ordering takeout or delivery. Whichever way you choose, we’ve got some ways to make the crescendo of your fall season sing.
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“Excellence, Relevance and Extraordinary Experience”
The Repertory of St. Louis embarks on a new era with star-studded leadership. Artistic Director Kate Bergstrom, and Managing Director Danny Williams comprise the new dynamite duo heading up the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis. The pair has only worked together for a few months, yet have accomplished much. In addition to the 900-seat Main Stage Emerson Studio Theater, a new black box space seating 125 beneath the Main Stage, opened in October. Under their leadership, the 2024/25 season is sure to fill those seats. Read more here.
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Living and Breathing Timber
Since 2011, Goebel & Co. has been producing the finest forms of luxury furniture with wood from all over the world, including Missouri. His chairs and tables, credenzas and coffee tables can be found in all corners of the globe. You can pick up one of his cutting boards at a handful of boutiques in Ladue, but somewhere in northern Zambia is a black walnut throne which he happened to make for Her High Chieftainess, Melambeka of the Lamba tribe, back in 2020. Learn more here about his craftsmanship and unique pieces.
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This November the Gateway Outdoor Summit Explores More Access to Outdoor Recreation
The Gateway Outdoor Summit returns in November with nationally recognized speakers and a new grant program designed to jumpstart community-focused outdoor recreation projects. The summit is a part of an expanded 2024 Gateway Outdoor Expo weekend. The expo, to be held on Saturday and Sunday, November 23-24 at the St. Charles Convention Center, is an annual consumer show that features more than 200 exhibit booths from outdoor retailers and service providers, fun kids’ activities, product demos, show specials, food and drinks, and other attractions. Learn more.
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Veterans Day Celebrated in St. Louis with Parade and Wreath-Laying Ceremony
St. Louisans are invited to honor Veterans and military service members at the 41st Annual St. Louis Regional Veterans Day Observance in Downtown St. Louis on Saturday, November 9. This special parade and ceremony celebrates the bravery and dedication of those who have served the nation, and all are welcome to join the festivities and express their gratitude. Learn more.
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Winterfest - A Beloved St. Louis Tradition - Comes Back for the Holidays
On November 23, Gateway Arch Park Foundation opens the ninth annual Winterfest to guests, transforming Kiener Plaza into an enchanting winter spectacle against the backdrop of the iconic Gateway Arch. This beloved holiday season celebration promises a magical experience for visitors of all ages in the heart of Downtown St. Louis. Learn more.
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Human Rights Campaign Gala 2024 Celebrates People, Purpose, and Progress in Inspirational Evening
On Saturday, October 26th, Lococo Art Publisher’s Matt Mercer had the privilege of attending the Annual Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Gala. The fundraising dinner’s goal was to help fuel the work for LGBTQ+ equality, and to gather together in solidarity. In addition to his table of ten, hundreds of supporters filled the ballroom of downtown’s tony Hyatt Regency Hotel. The gathering was there to celebrate this year’s mission, PEOPLE, PURPOSE, PROGRESS. The event raised thousands of dollars in support of HRC’s mission – to support, protect and defend every member of the community. Read more.
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History Museum and Delmar Loop Help Bring Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Celebration to Life
Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is a beloved Latinx cultural tradition celebrated this year in St. Louis on Saturday, November 2nd and Sunday, November 3rd. During this time, Mexicans build ‘ofrendas,’ altars adorned with marigold flowers, candles, sugar skulls, and the favorite foods and drinks of their deceased loved ones. The purpose is to welcome back the spirits of the departed, bridging the gap between the living and the dead. This year the Missouri History Museum and Delmar Loop are recognizing Día de los Muertos with two separate celebrations that bring the recognition of the Day of the Dead to life. Learn more here.
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Halloween Made Easier for Children with Sensory Issues
Front steps fill with pumpkins, jack-o’-lanterns glow with flickering light, and kids — just like Halloween enthusiasts everywhere — eagerly prepare for the festivities. For many of us, Halloween is a cherished tradition filled with costumes, candy and laughter. Yet for neurodivergent children, Halloween can be challenging. Since the whole world is celebrating, it is important that sensory-challenged children feel included in the holiday. Pathways.org, a resource for parents and healthcare professionals that offers free tools for child development, can help. Learn more.
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Bibliotaph…
Autumn is the perfect time to slow down, build a fire, grab some apple cider and sit down for a good read. Here are some Sophisticated Living recommendations. And since your stoves and ovens will soon be heating up for the holidays, we’ve got some books you may want to pick up to make sure you put your best foot forward during this coming season of mirth. Perhaps you are a bibliotaph yourself. If so, sample of our selections.
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Fall Wedding Food and Venue Choice Reflect Sophisticated Taste Levels for Discriminating Couples
Fall is peak wedding season and for many the most romantic time of year — after all, it’s the day when couples “tie their eternal knot” of love. Everything must be perfect. The dress. The tux. The flowers. The venue. The reception. And the food. Yes, the food. The food at the reception says it all. Discover a stylish wedding venue many of St. Louis’ elite are talking about and recommending. Discover Vicia, a place that reflects sophisticated taste levels. Read more.
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Fall Into Luxury
It’s autumn in St. Louis. As the days of Fall 2024 dwindle down to the precious few, the leaves are finally transforming. They are unmasking. The cooler nights we are having are changing the fall foliage into vivid reds, yellows, and oranges — the signatures of the season. Seize the season. Wrap yourself in it and savor each luxurious drop of it. Celebrate the season — the time of year where humid-free warm days give way to chilly nights. Wrap yourself in sophisticated splendor this year. Here are a few decadently autumnal ways in which you can.
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Explosive Interview Set to Begin 2024 St. Louis Jewish Book Festival on Nov 2
The St. Louis Jewish Book Festival is set to begin Saturday, November 2 with an explosive interview with Mickey Bergman about his book, In The Shadows: True Stories of High-Stakes Negotiations To Free Americans Captured Abroad. Learn more here about the 2024 festival.
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Northwestern Mutual Clayton's "Cocktails for a Cure" Fills a $110,000 Glass for Alex’s Lemonade Stand’s Cancer Research
Looking Back on 2024 as Sophisticated Living St. Louis Soon Turns the Page to Year Number 12
Can you believe it? 2024 will soon be a memory and we will turn the page to a new calendar year. As Sophisticated Living St. Louis soon writes a new chapter as we celebrate the anniversary of 12 years in publication, let’s take a moment to look at each of our 2024 cover stories.
As the year comes to a close soon, as always, Craig and the entire team at Sophisticated Living St. Louis wishes you the best, as for almost 12 years we live up to our motto – bringing you “St. Louis’ Finest.”
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My Story From One Side to The Other
Our owner and publisher, Craig Kaminer, was recently interviewed on the St. Louis Bucket List Show. Watch the full interview here. It’s a good one that explores his career from PR guru where he pitched stories and crafted integrated marketing campaigns for clients ranging from the emerging to the Fortune 100, to being on the other side of the fence where high-profile movers and shakers who cater to the luxury lifestyle. Now, on the precipice of a dozen years of owning the magazine, Sophisticated Living is the #1 pre-eminent source for EVERYTHING luxury in St. Louis and beyond.
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