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Located in a landmark building, The Balfour Hotel celebrates its official opening with a story to tell just steps from the sparkling Atlantic Ocean on the corner of world-famous Ocean Drive and 4th Street in South Beach. The historic property, formerly known as The Lord Balfour Hotel, has acquired new ownership, and undergone a $4 million dollar renovation upgrading the hotel’s public spaces, lobby restaurant and 82 guest rooms and suites spread out over two, Art-Deco style buildings connected by an enchanting courtyard. Designed in 1940 by Anton Skislewicz, an important architect behind Miami Beach’s Art Deco history, The Balfour Hotel caters to design-conscious visitors with a unique style that has an undeniably timeless appeal. The hotel’s original outdoor moniker “Lord Balfour” remains illuminated in cerulean lights evocative of the ocean waves just steps away. The historic charm of its architectural pedigree has been preserved amidst essential renovations delivering the modern-day comforts and technology travelers have become accustomed to. Miami’s Latin influence is also celebrated through subtle and thoughtful design details such as Colombian-style fedora hats and equestrian photography evoking the gaucho spirit. Guests are welcomed by a wrap-around porch with ample outdoor seating and a spacious lobby anchored by the original marble fireplace and terrazzo flooring featuring a confetti of colorful marble, quartz, granite, and glass leading to the lobby bar which beckons guests to sip from a well-crafted, classic cocktail menu. Serving as the hotel’s social hub, the lobby features both restaurant seating and communal lounge seating fostering both a sense of community and intimacy, in addition to a rotating gallery exhibit of emerging talent from local art schools. Steeped in signature mid-century modern style, the lobby is defined by clean lines, organic forms, rattan furniture with plush seating and pops of tropical prints sure to elicit vacation vibes all year round. Connecting The Balfour Hotel’s two buildings is an open courtyard offering an al fresco space for guests to lounge and socialize under the palm trees in the Miami sunshine. An elevated, plunge pool with an underwater window provides the perfect Instagram shot of swimmers behind the glass wall. Terracotta mosaic tiles, chaise lounges and ratan lounge seating invite guests to sunbathe and enjoy the seasonal rotations of refreshers including frozen grapes and fruit smoothies. "Our vision for The Balfour Hotel was to create a relaxing oasis and hidden gem among the buzzing energy synonymous with Miami Beach," explains James Moore, general manager of The Balfour Hotel. "Our impeccably renovated, classic Art Deco property just steps from the beach is ideally situated near South Beach’s world-famous attractions but quietly nestled in the affluent South of Fifth neighborhood, an enclave that offers guests a serene vibe of relaxation and comfortable luxury.” The hotel features 55 standard King rooms, 10 double queen rooms, 16 superior King rooms, and 3 suites, including newly renovated bathrooms, and updated furnishings. Each guest room features walnut furniture, including fluted armoire closets and wooden desks. Each room includes Italian coffee brand Lavazza single-serve pods for Americanos and espressos as well as teas, plush bathrobes, slippers, a clothes steamer, hair dryer, and PURE brand bath amenities. There is complimentary WiFi access for guests throughout the property. On the Top floor, guests can watch the sunset from the hotel’s East and West Sundecks with a total of 1,479 sq. ft. combined. Ideal for group events and small gatherings, the sun deck offers lounge seating with 360-degree views of Miami Beach including the nearby Atlantic Ocean. The restaurant is open from 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. daily for breakfast. The lobby bar is open from 4:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m from Sunday - Thursday, and 4:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The restaurant provides service to the pool, rooftop and beach; the hotel provides two beach chairs to all guests in partnership with Esteban Beach Management, known for exceptional oceanfront service for over 15 years. The Balfour Hotel is now accepting reservations with rates starting at $209.00. Opening offers include the Ocean Sandy Paws and Stay 3 and save 20% off best available rates. Visit thebalfourmiamibeach.com for more information. By ML Staff. Images by The Balfour Hotel

To commemorate OMEGA’s long standing partnership with the Olympic Games, the Miami Design District boutique has been transformed into a special venue, celebrating the spirit of the iconic sporting event. OMEGA has been the Official Timekeeper of the Olympic Games since 1932, and will serve in the role for the 29th time when the competition begins on July 23rd in Japan. Visitors to the boutique in Miami will now have unique access to the occasion through a litany of pop ups and displays. The boutique provides an experiential view of “A Journey Through Time” – an exhibit showcasing OMEGA’s history of timekeeping excellence and relentless pursuit of innovative technology. Upon entering the boutique, visitors are greeted with an abstract display of an original OMEGA starting block before being treated to an underwater view of a swimming race in progress, with sounds from the pool creating a sensory event in the boutique’s elevator. The second floor of the boutique features an immersive experience for visitors to learn about OMEGA’s role as Official Timekeeper, through an array of unique installations that tell the story of their 89 year long history of timekeeping. One such installation is the Vintage Timepiece Exhibition, which includes one of the first starting pistols used by OMEGA. There are also a few eye-catching moments for customers beyond the boutique too. These athlete-inspired surprises will be seen throughout the district, as OMEGA highlights its passion for sport in a truly fun way. The activation will run through until August 29th, giving visitors front row access to this exciting moment in Olympic Games history. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of OMEGA

Miami has always been a city proud of its rich history and diversity while simultaneously embracing innovation to propel the city forward. And this year, history, culture, and the future collide in an exciting celebration of the Magic City’s founding 125 years ago on July 28, 1896. The City of Miami will toast the city’s 125th anniversary with Miami 125, a weeklong festival of food, fun, culture, and innovation. The celebration runs from July 26-31 and features various free and ticketed events that the public is invited to attend. According to Miami’s mayor Francis Suarez, the city’s 125th anniversary provides a tremendous opportunity to honor the city's historic trailblazers while embracing today's social and entrepreneurial innovators who are positioning Miami as a world-class city now and in the future. “I invite all residents of Miami to join me in celebrating Miami’s rich history and cultural diversity as we celebrate the city’s founding 125 years ago,” said Mayor Suarez. “Miami 125 will provide many exciting and fun opportunities for residents to celebrate the Magic City by exploring our history, diversity, cultural venues, parks, and more. This milestone also gives us a time to revisit the past as we look to shape the next hundred years and beyond of Miami’s enduring story.” Featured events in the six-day celebration include: July 26, Miami Innovation Luncheon at the Rusty Pelican July 27, NFT Workshop and local Artist Highlight at the Bakehouse Art Complex July 28, City of Miami 125thAnniversary Celebration at the Perez Art Museum July 30, Little Havana Fridays at Domino Park Plaza July 31, Miami Day at various city locations to include Grove Heritage Day at Coconut Grove’s Village Center and Village West In keeping with the theme of honoring Miami's history while embracing the future, the City of Miami is also recognizing city residents who have had a significant impact on Miami's history and progress. Honorees are: Dr. Enid Curtis Pinkney, notable preservationist, community leader, and humanitarian Arva Moore Parks McCabe, Miami historian, author, and preservationist Dr. Paul S. George, Miami’s lauded resident historian and prolific author and scholar Dr. Dorothy Fields, who has been instrumental in documenting Miami’s African American history through manuscripts and photography. Dr. Marvin Dunn, author, educator, and historian. Larry Gautier, Co-chair, “When Mayor Suarez asked me to co-chair with him representing the founding families of Miami. I jumped at the opportunity. For this celebration, we want to do two things. We want to make sure we honor the past. We also want to embrace the future. We want to make sure the past is connected with the future. We want to do our part to connect the dots, to honor the past while embracing the future.” Sponsorships are also available for the event and can be made through the Dade Heritage Trust, which is serving as the fiscal agent for Miami 125. Contributions can be made online on the Dade Heritage Trust’s website or contact Larry Gautier, Co-Chair City of Miami 125th Anniversary Committee at lgautier@naimiami.com. About Miami 125 Miami 125 is a weeklong celebration of Miami’s 125th anniversary. The event is spearheaded by the City of Miami 125th Anniversary Celebration Committee. It features an exciting schedule of historical, cultural, culinary, and music events celebrating the city's diverse and rich history while embracing Miami's future. To learn more about Miami 125, visit https://mia125.org/. For more information about Miami 125 or for media inquiries, please contact, KeChi Okpala at KeChi@thinkclarke.com or by phone at 954-342-9040. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Miami 125

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) announces the honorees of its 2021 Art+Film Gala. On Saturday, November 6, LACMA will honor Amy Sherald, Kehinde Wiley, and Steven Spielberg. LACMA trustee Eva Chow and actor Leonardo DiCaprio have championed the museum’s film initiatives since 2011, and they continue their efforts as the 2021 Art+Film Gala Co-Chairs. On the occasion of its 100th Anniversary, Gucci continues its invaluable partnership with the museum as the presenting sponsor of the annual event. For the third year, additional support for the gala is provided by Audi. From November 7, 2021 through January 2, 2022, Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama by Amy Sherald and Barack Obama by Kehinde Wiley will be on view at LACMA in the West Coast presentation of The Obama Portraits Tour, organized by the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery. Black American Portraits, a complementary exhibition examining two centuries of Black portraiture drawn from LACMA’s permanent collection, will be on view November 7, 2021 - April 17, 2022. “Art and film are both irreplaceable experiences through which we can better understand ourselves and others, and we are excited to once again bring the worlds of art and film together at this event,” said LACMA CEO and Wallis Annenberg Director Michael Govan. “It is a great privilege for LACMA to honor Amy Sherald and Kehinde Wiley as we welcome the public to the Los Angeles presentation of The Obama Portraits, along with Steven Spielberg, whose masterpieces of cinema continue to shape our culture.” “The Art+Film Gala has been at the center of strengthening the dialogue between art and film in Los Angeles. For our 10th anniversary, we are thrilled to recognize the achievements of artists Amy Sherald and Kehinde Wiley, and filmmaker Steven Spielberg, three brilliant individuals who tell powerful stories through their work,” said Gala Co-Chair Eva Chow. “I am incredibly grateful to Gucci, our longtime partner, for supporting the Art+Film Gala for 10 years and expanding their generosity to support the LACMA presentation of The Obama Portraits and the accompanying exhibition Black American Portraits.” Proceeds from the annual Art+Film Gala go toward underwriting LACMA’s initiative to make film more central to the museum’s curatorial programming, while also funding LACMA’s broader mission. This includes exhibitions, acquisitions, and educational programming that explore the intersection of art and film. 2021 Art+Film Honorees ABOUT AMY SHERALD Amy Sherald (b. 1973, Columbus) documents contemporary African American experience in the United States through arresting, otherworldly figurative paintings. She reengages with the history of photography and portraiture to invite viewers to participate in a more complex debate about accepted notions of race and representation, and to situate Black heritage centrally in American art. Sherald is based in the greater New York (City) area. Sherald received her MFA in painting from Maryland Institute College of Art and BA in painting from Clark-Atlanta University. In 2016, Sherald was the first woman and first African American to ever receive the grand prize in the Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition from the National Portrait Gallery in Washington D.C.; she also received the 2017 Anonymous Was A Woman award; and the 2019 Smithsonian Ingenuity Award; and she received an honorary doctorate from Maryland Institute College of Art in 2021. Sherald’s work is held in public collections such as the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, AR; the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, CA; the Baltimore Museum of Art, Baltimore, MD; Embassy of the United States, Dakar, Senegal; Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Washington, DC; Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery, Washington, DC; and Nasher Museum of Art, Durham, NC. ABOUT KEHINDE WILEY Kehinde Wiley (b. 1977, Los Angeles) is an American artist best known for his portraits that render people of color in the traditional settings of Old Master paintings. Wiley’s work brings art history face-to-face with contemporary culture, using the visual rhetoric of the heroic, the powerful, the majestic, and the sublime to celebrate Black and brown people the artist has met throughout the world. Working in the mediums of painting, sculpture, and video, Wiley’s portraits challenge and reorient art-historical narratives, awakening complex issues that many would prefer remain muted. In 2018 Wiley became the first African-American artist to paint an official U.S. Presidential portrait for the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery. Former U.S. President Barack Obama selected Wiley for this honor. In 2019 Wiley founded Black Rock Senegal, a multidisciplinary artist-in-residence program that invites artists from around the world to live and create work in Dakar, Senegal. Wiley is the recipient of the U.S. Department of State’s Medal of Arts, Harvard University’s W.E.B. Du Bois Medal, and France’s distinction of Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters. He holds a BFA from San Francisco Art Institute, an MFA from Yale University, and honorary doctorates from the Rhode Island School of Design and San Francisco Art Institute. He has held solo exhibitions throughout the United States and internationally and his works are included in the collections of over 50 public institutions around the world. He lives and works in Beijing, Dakar, and New York. ABOUT STEVEN SPIELBERG Steven Spielberg is one of the world's most successful and influential filmmakers, and is currently chairman of Amblin Partners, a corporate descendent of DreamWorks, SKG, which he co-founded in 1994. Among a host of career accolades, he is a three-time Academy Award winner, a Kennedy Center Honoree, a recipient of the Irving G. Thalberg Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015 from President Barack Obama. Spielberg has devoted much of his time and resources to many philanthropic causes. He formed The Righteous Persons Foundation by using all his profits from the release of Schindler’s List, and soon thereafter founded the Survivors of the Shoah Visual History Foundation, which in 2006 became the USC Shoah Foundation – The Institute for Visual History and Education. The Institute has recorded more than 55,000 video testimonies with survivors and other witnesses of the Holocaust and other genocides, and is dedicated to making the testimonies a compelling voice for education and action. In 2021, Spielberg and Kate Capshaw formally launched The Hearthland Foundation, a philanthropic fund to help build a more just, equitable, and connected America. Inspired by the words of the poet Langston Hughes, “O, let America be America again—The land that never has been yet—And yet must be,” Hearthland is founded on the belief that creating a better shared future for our country calls for relationships that cross divides and the moral imagination for what is possible. To that end, the foundation has three overlapping areas of focus: building a shared democracy; telling an honest and generative narrative about this country; and fostering a culture of accompaniment. About LACMA Productions LACMA Productions is an award-winning extension of the museum’s film initiative. Over the last 10 years, along with the establishment of the Art+Film initiative, LACMA has dedicated resources to producing short documentary films on artists including John Baldessari, Ed Ruscha, David Hockney, Barbara Kruger, James Turrell, Robert Irwin, Mark Bradford, Catherine Opie, and Betye Saar. By producing as well as commissioning work from emerging and mid-career filmmakers, the museum has created a series of short documentaries that have earned official selections at some of the leading international film festivals including the Sundance Film Festival, SXSW, DOC NYC, Los Angeles Film Festival, Sheffield Doc/Fest, Full Frame, and AFI DOCS. Past filmmakers include Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman, Lance Accord, Doug Pray, Lucy Walker, Jessica Yu, Pippa Bianco, Lisanne Skyler, Dime Davis, and Sini Anderson. For the 2021 Art+Film Gala, Christine Turner, filmmaker of Betye Saar: Taking Care of Business (2019), returns to make a short film about Kehinde Wiley and Amy Sherald. For more information about the 2021 Art+Film Gala tickets and table sales, contact artandfilm@lacma.org or 323 857-4770. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of LACMA

Filmmakers Rebecca and Josh Tickell, along with music royalty, Julian Lennon, have worked tirelessly to produce the film, Kiss the Ground, an important documentary that premiered on Netflix September 22nd. The film could not come at a better time, when our planet and the living beings that inhabit it are in need of healing on a grand scale. This film takes a close look at our earth’s most powerful unsung hero, our soil. We quite literally cannot live without it. Julian Lennon, the first-born son of late Beatles legend John Lennon and his late first wife, Cynthia Powell Lennon, grew up with the weighty knowledge that his father changed the landscape of popular music forever. His mother was a singer, songwriter and artist in her own right who also went on to make her mark on both British and American popular culture. Julian’s own music career has delivered beautifully composed and vocalized hits like Too Late For Goodbyes, Valotte and Saltwater, an impassioned song about humans’ destruction to our planet. Julian has devoted the majority of his life to humanitarian work with his White Feather Foundation (the white feather is a nod to Lennon’s late father, John), bringing life-saving natural resources to people in developing nations around and doing his part to safeguard our environment. Julian’s latest project is the film, Kiss the Ground, where he came on board as the film’s Executive Producer, ensuring the project had the talent, funding and resources it needed to be seen by as many of us as possible. Filmmakers Rebecca and Josh Tickell are tireless and extraordinarily gifted documentary filmmakers who co-wrote and co-directed Kiss the Ground, and as Rebecca Tickell explains, “Due to COVID-19, never has there been a time on our planet when wellness has been such a priority for so many. When most of us think about wellness we think of our own bodies. It is easy to miss that our wellness is a function of the ecosystem we live in.” “It’s a healthy ecosystem, healthy soil, and healthy food that leads to healthy people,” says Josh. “The inverse is also true, and we are living the proof of that now. If we want to live to our fullest potential as the caretakers of this great garden we call earth, we need better manuals, better narratives, and a better framework for co-existing with our beautiful planet.” With their film, Kiss the Ground, their goal is to tell a new story, which in some ways is an ancient story of how to live in a way that creates the most health for the most people, while also regenerating the ecosystem that sustains us. When I ask the Tickells what Julian’s involvement has brought to their film, they tell me Julian is “a rare human being with magical gifts.” In 2011, Julian serendipitously attended a party that Rebecca and Josh were hosting at the Cannes Film Festival for the premiere of their film, The Big Fix, and remained in touch. “He was so moved by the idea of Kiss the Ground,” Josh beams, “that he came on board as an Executive Producer and has been helping ever since.” In addition to Julian’s work behind the camera, Woody Harrelson, Ian Somerhalder, Patricia and David Arquette, Rosario Dawson, Jason Mraz, Gisele Bundchen and Tom Brady appear in the film. Their collective passion for cultivating a healthier planet is obvious from the moment they each step onto the screen. You came on board as Executive Producer of Kiss the Ground later on in production. Did you learn about the film through your White Feather Foundation? Julian Lennon: I heard about the film through a longtime English friend, Darius Fisher, who is an incredible editor and producer, himself. I knew of some of his previous work with Rebecca and Josh Tickell, and I always loved the stuff that Josh and Rebecca have done. A few years ago, Darius said they were in the early stages of this interesting project called Kiss the Ground and were looking for guidance, support, and sponsorship; whatever I could possibly bring to the table. They showed me some of the earlier footage and immediately I fell in love with the project and wanted to be part of it. In our modern times most of us are quite disconnected from how we get our food. When we think of food insecurity, people equate it with money or the lack thereof. Most people think if they have plenty of money, they will always have plenty of food. Obviously, money is a key element here, but the part of the equation that people are missing is that the true source of our ability to feed ourselves, the true wealth, is in the earth and in our soil, which is currently compromised and proving to be a finite resource. JL: Yes, absolutely. I think 80% or 90% of people don’t realize the value in soil and its health. That is one of the points that comes across in this film. Without healthy soil, we’re all screwed. As they say in the film, there are more organisms in a handful of soil than there are billions of stars in the universe. Trying to get your head around that to start with is a pretty big one, but understanding that biodiversity in our soil and in our food is such an important relationship for us and all living species is key. It’s about understanding and tying that to microclimates and how one thing leads to another. Without one, the other cannot survive. It is a necessity to keep the soil, and your localized soil, as healthy as it possibly can be. It is for the benefit of all. We could talk about this for hours [laughs]. Up through the very early 20th century, human beings had to work much harder for their food. They had to work hard to eat. They had to plant their fruits and vegetables, milk their own cows, raise their own chickens, cultivate their own eggs. As a result, I think they were much more connected to the life cycle and what it takes to feed ourselves. JL: Correct. And a lot of my friends and I now have greenhouses. I’m now growing all my own vegetables. I think a lot of people are really beginning to understand, especially in today’s world where a lot of people are becoming sick, the relationship between health and food. In today’s world you see so many people becoming sick from chemicals that are put, not only into our water, but the run-off from the methods of farming of the last 50 years. These so-called modern farming methods have gone on to destroy so much goodness in the world. A lot of people are finally recognizing the relationship between these chemicals and the way farming is done today, and their own health. The cancer rates are up tenfold, if not one hundred-fold, from what they used to be. I honestly believe it all comes down to what we have been feeding ourselves over the last 50 years, and even before that. I also think a lot of us were not aware of that situation, and I wouldn’t say only governments are to blame, but certain farming cultures were doing this without our knowledge in their farming on such a mass scale. There were two things explained in this film that I didn’t know. One, I thought tilling the land was a good thing. I thought you had to till the land to plant seeds. As it turns out, tilling the land degrades and deteriorates our earth’s soil. Two, I thought dirt and soil were synonymous. After becoming educated from this documentary, I am a bit embarrassed about what I didn’t know, but grateful to learn it. JL: Well, in the film you can see that we are actually educating farmers on how to farm properly again, and to realize that at the end of the day, even with finances coming into play, doing it organically is not only healthier for everybody, but you can make a better buck out of it, and know that you’re doing the right thing for everybody involved. It’s not only for this generation but for generations to come. I’m glad this documentary found a home at Netflix, because Netflix has become this amazing superhighway of information for people. JL: I absolutely agree with that. Netflix is a good home, but it still needs to be seen and still needs to be heard. I have personally felt that there is still a lot of crap out there with some of the documentaries coming forward, that have no clarity to them. What I believe with our film Kiss the Ground is there is absolute clarity and absolute awareness of solutions within our film. With a lot of the documentaries I see these days, they leave you wondering, “Well, what do I do next? What are the answers?” Thankfully, I think this film leaves you with answers as to what we can do to make a difference and have a healthier world and a healthier planet. Let’s talk about composting. There was a part of the film I thought was interesting, where they were showing how in San Francisco, composting has become a way of life for the entire city. Everyone has their compost bins and civil servants collect everyone’s compost along with all other recyclables like plastic and paper. Can you explain exactly what composting is and how people can compost on their own? JL: I’m not a scientist. I’m a layman too [laughs]. Well, from one layman to another [laughs]. From your personal experience… JL: All I do know is that with the breakdown of food, I compost at home, and it helps regenerate the soil and fertilize the soil that I’m using to grow my own food in. How do you compost at home? Share with us how you do that. JL: I have a compost bin [new and used compost bins are available for just about any budget] that all leftover food scraps go into, and that stays in there for a few months at a time. Then I use that as a fertilizer for the food that I’m growing. That’s how it operates and how it has worked for me. It’s fantastic, the way it works. So, you just put the loose scraps of organic food waste into a compost bin, let it sit for a recommended amount of time so that it can break down, and then you add it to your soil? JL: You’ve got it. I’ve only just started getting into all of this myself, since this lovely year started [laughs], so I’m a newbie. All I know is that it works, and it is a good way to move forward chemical-free. I’m also out at a few garden centers these days, which I love to do, and they now have professional compost bins. There are a few I have my eye on. I just need a few moments to dig in and do my research on which ones are the best for my situation. The pro ones make it so easy to compost your food. They’re not an expensive thing to do, and I think if you are going to try and grow your own food in whatever capacity, composting is going to be a much better thing for the overall health of your food, your soil and our planet. I know you are an Executive Producer on this film. However, I’m curious why you didn’t want to be on camera? People should know about the work you do advocating for natural resources all over the world. JL: I never saw myself in the project as such. I came along as a supporter to bring all the elements together. Had we sat down and talked about it, I would have been there in a heartbeat to do it. I was coming in as a friend, as a supporter, and I just didn’t see it from that perspective, in terms of being in the film. For the most part, it was a project where we already had most of its parts filled in. Yes, I could have jumped in there, but it didn’t need me. I don’t think this will be the last film of this kind that I’ll be supporting. So, perhaps next time around. I’m just glad I was able to be there to introduce this to outside sponsors and supporters, and that other producers came on board. One bit of information in the film is that we only have enough healthy and fertile topsoil for about 60 more years of harvesting. That really blew me away. JL: There are absolute changes that we could still implement to turn the negative around on all the environmental and humanitarian issues we face. There are some amazing professionals in this world that are working so hard regardless of political scenarios and governmental problems and trying to turn things around. There are incredible people at hand that really are doing the best they can. Certainly, I would have to say Josh and Rebecca and this film sit at the top of the table, if not at the head of the table, with trying to put forward a positive change for environmental and humanitarian issues moving forward. What is the connection between eating locally grown, organic plant-based food and protecting or regenerating the soil on our planet? JL: A long time ago, I was at a dinner in the UK sitting next to the [Italian] actress Greta Scacchi. At the time I was young and into the pop world, and really hadn’t been involved in environmental issues at all at that stage. But she said to me at the dinner table, “Excuse my French, but why are they serving this fucking Evian water when we could be drinking locally sourced water?!” She really went off on it, and I couldn’t understand what it was all about at first. Then, of course, she went into explaining and she began to change my thinking about all of this. Greta raised the important point, “Why are they shipping bottles of water around the world to other parts of the world?” And just discussing the insanity of it all made sense to me. The cost of it, the pollution of it, alone… we’re talking 30 years ago and I was horrified to learn about that scenario and what it’s doing to our world, not only the soil but the oceans too. That moment made a heavy imprint on me and it’s been a long time now that I just shop locally. I know the butcher, the baker, the candlestick maker in my local areas now. I know everything about where things come from, and it’s all locally orientated. Click below to launch slideshow > How has buying locally changed your life for the better? JL: For my personal experience, I have all kinds of allergies. Certainly, since I have been eating locally grown food and honey, I have not had any of the issues that I had before with allergies or illnesses. You become part of the little universe you inhabit, and I think that’s an important role each of us can play. Obviously, it is more difficult when you’re living in cities. But I also know there are a lot of projects moving forward where in some cities, a lot of buildings are now incorporating the growing of food within interior greenhouses or even rooftops of cities. Some cities are now designing buildings with the idea that they are almost living buildings. There are urban co-op gardens. I know people who have started some. JL: It’s a major s tep forward. I eat what is available when it’s available, locally. For me, that has made a major difference in life and I think this film also is a s tep towards other people understanding how it benefits all of us. I have to ask you the spiritual question that I ask everyone. What do you think you came into this life as Julian Lennon to learn, and what do you think you came here to teach? JL: I would have to say that it’s about compassion and empathy. I obviously have found myself in a very unique position in life, and I’ve had a choice in which direction I could’ve gone in. I believe that really it was my mother, on the spiritual front, who influenced me, through discovering and observing what she went through in her life. It made me a better person, and I wanted to make her proud in anything and everything that I was doing. To do that one needs to be as good a person as one can be. I have obviously taken that on board and that has been a hugely important lesson for me. Because of the choices I have made, I’ve been able to travel around the world, from the standpoint of my photography, and also with the White Feather Foundation. What are some of your past charitable excursions you are most proud of? JL: Oh, going to Ethiopia to see the water wells, going to Colombia and meeting with the Cochise Tribe, which is one of the oldest tribes around. Doing a documentary about the Aboriginals in Australia. Not that I do it to feel good, but I do feel better as a person when I’m trying to do better work and educate people further, whether that’s through music, photography, documentary films, or otherwise. I also feel you cannot shove this stuff down people’s throats. It is about affecting the right balance and causing enough interested people to want to do something about it or want to learn more. I feel I’ve been pretty good at that, whether it’s been through songs like “Saltwater” or through the documentary work, or through my photography. That’s all part of my purpose, I think. It’s passing on the education, the world education that I have learned through the travels of work that I do. Sometimes, especially with the news and the world today, things have become so insular that you forget there is another world out there. What do you hope the audience will take away from watching this film? JL: I hate to be blunt, but i f you kill the soil, you kill yourself. We all depend on each other, f rom the smallest atom to the largest living organisms in this world. We a re all connected. That is what I think people must realize. When you do something, it affects not only you, but everybody else too. Being aware of that allows you to be a b it more understanding in the problems that we face. What can people do in their own community to contribute to the rejuvenation of our earth and our soil? JL: Do everything locally. That is what my takeaway from this film, Kiss the Ground, and this movement would be. Not only on the pollution front and the horrendous stuff we do in the world, but by keeping it local you can keep it clean, and fresh. That is the important takeaway. Photo Credits: Big Picture Ranch, Deborah Anderson for Julian Lennon Images. The new movie Kiss the Ground, premiering September 22nd on Netflix, focuses on soil regeneration and how it can help climate control. Visit KissTheGround.com and follow on Instagram @kissthegroundmovie. You can also join the movement on Instagram @kisstheground. Words & Interview by Allison Kugel. Allison is a syndicated entertainment columnist and author of the memoir, Journaling Fame: A memoir of a life unhinged and on the record. Follow her on Instagram @theallisonkugel and at AllisonKugel.com.

Giorgio Armani, official outfitter of the Italian Olympic team, dresses the athletes for the official opening ceremony of the Games of the XXXII Olympiad, held this evening at the National Olympic Stadium in Tokyo. The athletes of the various disciplines were wearing a special EA7 Emporio Armani uniform for the parade. The outfit was created in white symbolizing purity in sport. The graphics perfectly embody the fusion of the Italian tricolor and the Japanese Rising Sun, both symbols of two faraway countries that share the same values. Inside the jacket is the introductory verse of the Italian National Anthem. "After the immense satisfaction that our athletes have recently given us, I will be following the Olympics with great interest and pride. I am delighted with this renewed collaboration, which confirms my deeply felt connection with sport", said Giorgio Armani. Giorgio Armani dressed the athletes at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Summer Olympics, and the Sochi 2014 and Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics. The garments worn by the Italian Olympic team at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games are on sale in Emporio Armani stores, multi-brand stores, and online. Among the Italian athletes, also the champions testimonials of EA7 Emporio Armani will take part in the Olympics: volleyball players Paola Egonu and Simone Giannelli, tennis player Fabio Fognini, Gabriele Detti for swimming, Giuseppe Vicino and Matteo Lodo for rowing. By ML staff. Image courtesy of Giorgio Armani

K’Alma Spas is thrilled to announce its participation in Miami Spa Month. The spa is located inside the Hotel Victor, located on Ocean Drive in the heart of Miami Beach’s historic Art Deco District. As the brand’s flagship location, and the only full-service spa on Ocean Drive, K’Alma Spa is also the first spa in Miami to incorporate authentic Peruvian crystal healing therapies, offering hotel guests and visitors alike a peaceful respite from the business of daily life. K’Alma Spas Founder Marizza Contreras draws from her Peruvian roots to bring holistic and natural healing practices still honored today by the locale’s Q’ero (Inca) spiritual healers. The K'Alma Spa at the Hotel Victor has a full menu of very unique treatments for Miami Spa Month. . This menu was created specifically for Spa Month and is very untraditional - not like other spa month menus where you just get a massage. Highlights include: Pisco Sour with Sound Healing: Peru's favorite treat is deconstructed to release the healing of its ingredients for a unique treatment that nourishes the skin. Sugar infused cinnamon, lemon and Pisco scrub's away impurities. Combining this treatment with sound healing will give your skin a different vibration. All of the ingredients are from Peru, totally edible and are made onsite. Quinoa Facial: Quinoa, totally edible, is used in this treatment. This is a deep-cleansing facial with a homemade scrub that you can eat! Rich in vitamins, helps treat age spots, reduces fine lines and increases skin elasticity. Kasha Marka: The scientific benefits of this transfer of precious metal combined with a signature ritual. While the body is absorbing the potent anti-aging properties of a golden algae wrap, a gold facial mask transfers its glow. Skin boosted with collagen production and cell renewal. All treatments include the following: Each Spa Month treatment includes a guided meditation with facial massage with crystals. The facial is in partnership with Knesco Masks which have collagen. There will be a crystal healer named Francesca Padron who will lead a special meditation with crystals. She will use Rose quartz, diamond, gold with reiki properties in the mask Guests arrive and get a smudge session with sage and essential oils Walk down the chakra pathway and get to choose a crystal to sit under and channel its energy while getting a foot soak. Each crystal means something different. The spa’s dedication to crystal healing is immediately evident upon entering, where just beyond the foyer’s living green archway lies the Chakra Pathway, a hallway adorned with seven crystal sculptures representing each of the seven chakras. Bea Pila of B. Pila Design Studio and author of Sacred Spaces for Inspired Living is responsible for the interior design, bringing diverse healing concepts together in a harmonious way through her theory of Design Enlightenment. The spa’s zen aesthetic is complemented by a signature scent diffused throughout the spa that is made from a combination of rose turmeric, frankincense and eucalyptus. No detail has been spared in the conceptualization of K’Alma Spa, with only the best of spiritual and holistic ingredients offered. At all times, the spa has two shamans on staff, as well as massage therapists, aestheticians and traditional spa and wellness staff, who have all worked closely with Contreras to gain an understanding of traditional Peruvian healing practices. Upon departure, guests are asked to write down a thought they want to release on a piece of paper and place it in a community bowl. These messages are then burnt in a ritual fire conducted by Contreras and a shaman at the end of every month. K’Alma Spa features six treatment rooms, including couples and hydrotherapy suites, with each room themed according to the healing powers of six crystals historically collected by healers in Peru: Alabaster, Amethyst, Chrysocolla, Clear Quartz, Labradorite, Tektite and Opal. Treatments—which use only Alkaline water—have been designed to nourish, relax and energize. - Images by K'Alma Spa

Bill Hansen Catering & Event Production announces a merger with Eten Catering, a full-service catering and event company in South Florida. The merger brings two South Florida food and events brands together, adding a new level of service to Bill Hansen Catering & Event Production’s 41-year platform as an events vendor in South Florida. The acquisition will expand the brand's presence to an even larger market, specifically on large scale yachts in South Florida. Hansen and Eten will now collaborate under one roof at Hansen’s 8,000-sq. ft. Commissary Kitchen in Opa Locka, FL, while Eten Catering will continue to operate as its own entity. “Eten Catering brings exceptional food and service to event attendees throughout the region,” said Bill Hansen of Bill Hansen Catering & Event Production. “This partnership will allow us at Bill Hansen Catering & Event Production to expand our scope of service to South Florida’s pristine waters through Eten’s established reputation with yacht parties and events in the market, offering global flair, service and top-quality food.” Eten Catering, founded in 2010 by European owners Dirk De Cuyper and Allison Morgan, brings a passion for cooking that reflects Cuyper’s extensive culinary training. Originally from Belgium, Cuyper spent six years training in Classical French and Nouvelle cuisine and pastry. During his career he worked in Michelin-star restaurants throughout Belgium. The Eten Catering brand brings history, tradition, influence and style to each event that it caters, with a strong focus on exceptional food. The brand has serviced a number of events on large-scale yachts in South Florida, including 10 years at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show, offering an unparalleled skill set that Hansen and his team will now have the opportunity to cater to. Both brands will continue to operate as usual, servicing event venues from Palm Beach to the Florida Keys, however the culinary components at both companies will receive modern touches, including new menus for home delivery services. Bill Hansen Catering & Event Production’s menus will continue to be created and curated by corporate executive and culinary mastermind chef Dewey Losasso. “Bill Hansen Catering has been in the area for over 40 years and the brand ingrained in the industry throughout the region,” said Allison Morgan, cofounder of Eten Catering. “We look forward to collaborating with the team at Bill Hansen Catering to create more opportunities for group functions in South Florida.” Both brands will utilize the commissary’s fleet of temperature-controlled vans to offer residential and corporate delivery services for catering throughout South Florida. By ML Staff. Photo Credit: Villa Woodbine, Bill Hansen Catering

Hosts Elizabeth Saltzman and family, DJs Mark Ronson and Tygapaw, and guests including Alexander Roth, Aminatou Sow, Athena Calderone, Bethann Hardison, Chase Sui Wonders, Derek Blasberg, Don Lemon, DeRay Mckesson, Drew Barrymore, Emily Alyn Lind, Evan Mock, Grace Gummer, Gray Sorrenti, Hillary Taymour, Isaac Hindin-Miller, Isolde Brielmaier, Jackson Lewis Lee, Jason Weinberg, Jeremy O. Harris, Kerby Jean-Raymond, KiKi Layne, Kimberly Drew, Lindsey Vonn, Lindsey Jordan (Snail Mail), Michaela Angela Davis, Molly Sims, Oli and Sasha Benz, Pat Schmidt and Quincy Davis, Rachel Zoe, Sanford Biggers, Satchel Lee, Savannah Smith, Selby Drummond, Terence Connors, Tyler Mitchell, Zara Rahim, Zelda Barnz, Zippy Seven, and more. To celebrate the opening of the East Hampton boutique and to mark Gucci’s return to The Hamptons in a permanent capacity, Gucci and Elizabeth Saltzman hosted a private event at the Saltzman family home. The event featured DJ sets by Mark Ronson, marking his return to the stage after nearly two years, and TygaPaw. Guests mingled and played various lawn games, while sipping summer-themed cocktails and local wine from Wölffer, and enjoying local fare from Amber Waves Farm, Bostwick’s Chowder House, Grindstone Coffee & Donuts, and Carvel. This was a 100% fully vaccinated event. Elizabeth Saltzman wore a Gucci brown and gold heart paisley printed canvas kaftan dress with pastel pink rubber sandals with mini Double G detail. Drew Barrymore wore a Gucci Ouverture black and ivory silk shirt with poppy flowers print with a beige and black check wool skirt, black leather platform high heel sandals with brown suede trim and Horsebit chain detail and a brown leather Gucci Diana small bag with bamboo handles, yellow fluo belt and Double G detail. Mark Ronson wore a Gucci Ouverture navy blue fine cotton canvas jacket with Gucci Eschatology label with navy blue fine cotton canvas pants and butter cotton canvas Gucci Tennis 1977 sneakers. Grace Gummer wore a Gucci Ouverture red jersey jacket with white trim and Interlocking G patch with red jersey pants, silver metallic leather mid-heel sandals and a white leather Jackie 1961 small bag with black leather trim and metallic piston closure. Jeremy O. Harris wore a Gucci Ouverture white and turquoise Freya Hartas print silk twill shirt and shorts, black leather sandals with Horsebit detail, a black leather Gucci Diana mini bag with bamboo handles and Double G detail and metal pince-nez round frame glasses. Bethann Hardison wore Gucci Pre-Fall 2020 look 6 platinum fine lurex jacquard piquet crew-neck long sleeve long knit dress with sequins and crystals embroidered collar. KiKi Layne wore Gucci Ouverture look 97 red graphic poppy printed organdy long sleeve long dress with self-fabric bow detail with white leather sandals with gold-toned hardware and chain detail and a blue leather Jackie 1961 mini bag with metallic piston closure. Evan Mock wore Gucci Ouverture look 71 green stone washed heavy cotton crop T-shirt with print detail with dark blue and ivory multicolor eco-washed organic GG jacquard pants, black leather loafers with Interlocking G and Web detail and black acetate oversized round frame sunglasses. Gray Sorrenti wore a Gucci light brown check GG silk crêpe jacquard shirt, python printed leather slingback pumps with Horsebit detail and a black leather Jackie 1961 small bag with metallic piston closure. Emily Alyn Lind wore a Gucci black check GG silk crêpe jacquard shirt with a black GG silk crêpe slip dress with lace trims and a beige GG Supreme canvas Dionysus small bag. Savannah Smith wore Gucci Ouverture look 27 blue and orange multicolor chiffon lamé shirt with all-over arabesque bloom print and bow scarf detail. Chase Sui Wonders wore a Gucci Ouverture green and multicolor viscose lamé waves pique dress with blue leather GG Marmont sandals with all-over sequins and a blue leather Jackie 1961 small bag with metallic piston closure. Zelda Barnz wore a Gucci Fall Winter 2020 – 2021 light blue, green and yellow floral print Gucci Liberty pants with a black chiffon ruffle blouse, white leather and multicolor Screener sneakers with Web detail and cherry brooch detail and a black patent leather Jackie 1961 mini bag with metallic piston closure. Lindsey Vonn wore a Gucci Ouverture white jersey dress with blue trims, white leather belt and white hardware with white GG cotton canvas Gucci Tennis 1977 sneakers. Tygapaw wore a Gucci Ouverture ivory cotton knit polo sweater with web detail with beige GG nylon shorts and white leather and black lug sole Horsebit loafers. Sanford Biggers wore Gucci Ouverture look 87 bordeaux and ivory GG diagonal cotton jacquard polo sweater with off-white cotton drill shorts with patch and white leather Gucci Ace sneakers with Interlocking G patch. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of BFA for Gucci

Sports Illustrated Swimsuit marked its return to Miami Beach with one of its most inclusive runway shows to date during PARAISO Miami Beach at the newly renovated Mondrian Hotel South Beach’s Baia Beach Club on July 10th. Guests gathered at the panoramic pool deck at Baia Beach Club, where the runway was built over the spacious pool, with the beautiful Miami city skyline serving as the ultimate backdrop. The highly anticipated event was sponsored by Cincoro Tequila, VOSA Spirits, and with hair and makeup by Sean Donaldson Hair. Sports Illustrated Swimsuit continues to redefine the cultural conversation around beauty by celebrating a diverse group of women who include professional athletes, entrepreneurs, models, mothers, rookies, and swim search contestants. Its annual Miami runway show which collectively rounds out this remarkable group of authentic and aspirational women- has become the go-to show during swim week in Miami. Sports Illustrated Swimsuit supermodel Jasmine Sanders opened the runway followed by Natalie Mariduena, Kathy Jacobs, Brooks Nader, and Katrina Scott, as well as the 13 Swim Search hopefuls selected from Sports Illustrated Swimsuit’s annual open casting call, accompanied by the surprise appearance of Haley Kalil, co-winner of the first-ever Sports Illustrated open casting call in 2018, modeling swimsuits featured in the annual 2021 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue, hitting stands July 19. Designer brands graced the runway featuring 2022 Resort collections debuting in individual shows during PARAISO Miami Beach, the official platform for swim shows, events, and brand activations in Miami from July 8 to 11. Designers in the show included: Asherah, HAUS OF PINKLEMONADE, Norma Kamali, AEXAE, Matte Collection, Bfyne, ViX Paula Hermanny, Tropic of C, Anna Kosturova, Tori Praver, Toluca Swim, Andi Bagus, Frankies Bikinis, Yandy, Missoni, Ola Vida, Monica Hansen Beachwear, Avis Bendita, Indah, Fisch, TRIANGL, Oh Polly, Lybethras, Sage Swim, Beach Riot, Heavy Manners, Savannah Morrow, Myra Swim, Chloe Rose, Agent Provocateur, Bain de Minuit, The Merger NYC, Nessy Swim, and Lace by Tanaya. For more information, visit Swimsuit.si.com. Follow Sports Illustrated Swimsuit on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Corbis

The Gabriel Miami, Curio Collection by Hilton, announced today the reopening of its 129-key lifestyle high-rise property in the heart of Downtown Miami, offering guests an immersive guide to the Magic City through art, culture, fashion, eclectic gastronomy and exploration — everything that makes Miami a world-class destination. “We are excited to welcome guests back to one of Downtown Miami’s most beloved hotels,” said Vikash Maharaj, General Manager of The Gabriel Miami. “I am so honored to be part of The Gabriel Miami family. As we are greeting our returning guests, our goal is to provide an unforgettable experience, exceptional service and comfortable luxury. Today we are thrilled to create once in a lifetime memories as we reopen our doors.” The Gabriel Miami is located just minutes from the city's vibrant art scene in Wynwood, the Design District, Miami Beach, and it is within walking distance to the FTX Arena (formerly known as the American Airlines Arena). Other nearby attractions include PortMiami, LoanDepot Park (home of the Miami Marlins) and countless dining and cultural attractions, including the Adrienne Arsht Center, Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science and the Pérez Art Museum Miami. The Gabriel Miami is positioned for travelers looking to experience the entertainment of Downtown Miami, as well as business travelers and groups seeking a centralized location near notable venues, organizations, and transportation hubs in the business district. Upon entry through the porte-cochere, guests are greeted by a stylish lobby with warm wood paneling, marble, geometric lighting installations, neutral hardwood floors and regal touches of gold accents. Provocative and eccentric photography by Alberto Van Stokkum is featured throughout the hotel’s public spaces, adding an artistic touch to the property’s design features. The Library Lounge, located on the third floor, features plush seating, distinctive artwork, and a vast selection of books on music, art, film, and culture. Boasting a variety of rooms and suites, The Gabriel Miami offers guests a residential-style layout with plush bedding and expansive living spaces up to 800 sq. ft. featuring calming earth tones of butterscotch, blonde and oak. The well-appointed bathrooms feature oversized soaking tubs and rainfall standing showers. Designed with both leisure and business travelers in mind, the guest rooms provide comfortable luxury with modern design touches and the latest technology innovations. Select rooms feature balconies with outdoor seating, providing the ultimate venue for watching the sunrise over the Miami skyline. The restaurant at The Gabriel Miami is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and serves in-room dining from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Located on the 14th floor, Bella’s Bar is a hidden gem that invites guests to mix and mingle in the open air with unparalleled views of Biscayne Bay and Downtown Miami. Bella’s Bar features a vibrant outdoor scene with lounge music and an expansive menu of signature cocktails, beer, wine, and casual bites. Adjacent to the hotel’s palm-tree-lined sun deck on the 14th floor is a rectangular pool with views of the intracoastal waterway, the Miami Beach skyline, PortMiami and Biscayne Bay, providing guests with the ultimate venue for relaxation and tranquility among the city’s cultural epicenter. The Gabriel Miami is also home to the Dermanova Med Spa & Salon, offering state-of-the-art cosmetic treatments featuring the latest technology and South Florida’s best aestheticians. Notable features include medispa services and traditional massages, facials, and body treatments. With a commitment to wellness, the property offers scheduled yoga classes throughout the week and a 4,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art fitness center that is open 24-hours with views of Biscayne Bay. Amenities include a lap pool, sauna, steam room and jacuzzi. For groups seeking a stylish venue within walking distance to the city’s cultural attractions and growing tech epicenter, The Gabriel Miami offers 10,000 sq. ft. of flexible indoor/outdoor event space, accommodating up to 150. For groups looking to reconnect, the hotel offers a variety of options for team building and brainstorming, adding a level of experience and entertainment to group sessions. In 2020, Hilton CleanStay was introduced, bringing an industry-defining standard of cleanliness and disinfection to hotels worldwide. At The Gabriel Miami, guests can feel comfortable knowing that extra care and attention to detail has been taken through the CleanStay partnership with RB, makers of Lysol® & Dettol®*, to help deliver an even cleaner experience for guests on property. As part of Curio Collection by Hilton, The Gabriel Miami will participate in Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton’s 18 distinct hotel brands. Members who book directly will have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of points and money to book a stay, exclusive member discounts, free standard Wi-Fi and access to the Hilton Honors mobile app. The Gabriel Miami is now accepting reservations with rates starting at $225 per night. Opening specials include the Welcome Back package, offering 20 percent off best available rates. Those who book the package will also receive a welcome drink for two upon arrival. Call 786.577.9700 to book your stay at The Gabriel Miami and visit thegabrielmiami.com for more information. By ML Staff. Images by The Gabriel Miami

The following VIPs wearing Gucci to the "Annette" screening and Opening Ceremony during the 74th Annual Cannes Film Festival on July 6, 2021 in Cannes, France. Lou Doillon wore Gucci Aria look 94 gold and multicolor cady lamé thin strap gown with all-over plissé long skirt and a silver all-over crystal embellished anatomical heart-shaped clutch. Soko wore a Gucci iridescent sequin two piece padded shoulder lace column gown with over-embroidered black lacquered balls on the top with black leather high heel sandals. By ML Staff. Image Courtesy of Getty