Weekends can pass without feeling much different from the rest of the week. You might wake up at the usual hour, eat hurried meals, and spend your free time in the same familiar places. Even though you have time away from work, these routines can make your days off feel like more of the same. If this is your case, a few changes in how you spend your free time can help give your weekends a different rhythm. Here are some ideas to help you get started. Indulge in Your Low-Commitment Hobbies Your favorite low-commitment hobbies might already have a place in your weekday routine but your time for them could be limited. Work responsibilities can leave only short gaps in your schedule for more enjoyable activities, causing you to stop just as you’re beginning to relax. The weekend gives you a chance to stay with those activities a little longer. Since you have more time to spare, you can enjoy these interests without watching the clock as closely. This enables you to appreciate details you might overlook during a brief session. For instance, an uninterrupted afternoon lets you explore Solaire Online gaming titles you might not have had time to try during the week. You can also settle into a story without having to put the book down after one chapter. Dedicating more time to these hobbies can make your weekends more satisfying and give you something to look forward to throughout the week. Engage in Activities That Draw on Skills You Rarely Use at Work Many weekday tasks involve looking at a screen. Whether you’re reviewing documents, answering emails, or joining online meetings, these activities keep your attention on digital information and often involve the same repetitive movements. Doing similar things during the weekend can make your days off feel like an extension of your workweek. A break from screen-based entertainment can help you stop that pattern. Try hands-on activities such as pottery, gardening, and baking as an alternative to spending more of your time in front of a screen. These forms of entertainment let you work with physical materials and create something tangible, offering a welcome change from the digital tasks that fill your workweek. They also engage a different set of skills, which separates them completely from your usual responsibilities. What’s more, you don’t need prior experience to enjoy many of these activities. This enables you to work on small projects with less pressure, so you can learn and have fun at your own pace. Set Aside Time to Pamper Yourself Weekday schedules can make self-care feel like a task to finish before moving on to your next responsibility. Breakfast may be something you eat on the way out, while your evening shower gets squeezed in before bed. The weekend offers room to give these everyday comforts a little more attention. Instead of rushing through these routines, you can take your time and focus on what makes them enjoyable. For example, a leisurely breakfast lets you savor your favorite food and linger over a cup of coffee. Likewise, a long bath or an unhurried skincare routine can make personal care feel more pleasurable. These small indulgences give you a chance to feel cared for without planning an elaborate outing, making an ordinary day at home feel like a treat. Make Plans with People You Rarely See During the Week Your weekday conversations may revolve around tasks, deadlines, and other work concerns. Even casual chats with coworkers can return to something happening at the office, keeping work constantly on your mind. While these interactions are an important part of your professional life, they can make your social life feel closely tied to your job. For this reason, spending time with your friends or relatives gives you a chance to catch up on each other’s lives outside work. Planning a weekend get-together with your loved ones makes room for relationships that receive less attention during a busy week. It also gives you a chance to talk about shared memories and personal interests, putting work concerns aside. These meetups don’t need to be elaborate to feel special. Even a lunch out at a nearby café or window shopping at the mall can lead to conversations about interests and experiences unrelated to your job. Give Yourself Permission to Sleep In The habit of getting up early for work can follow you into the weekend. After several mornings following the same schedule, you may assume that every day should begin just as early. This, however, may make staying in bed feel like you’re losing time you could spend on chores, errands, or personal projects. That mindset can turn your weekends into a race to get things done. Allowing yourself to sleep in can take some pressure off your morning, giving you a break from the need to be productive right away. You don’t need to have a particular reason to spend a little longer in bed. The simple fact that you enjoy it is enough justification. Even just a slightly later start can help you feel more relaxed and put you in a better mood for the day. It can also give you more energy to engage in the activities you’ve planned for the weekend. Familiar habits can make your days off blend into the rest of the week. Even when there’s no work to do, you may follow the same routine and leave little room for anything different. Engaging in activities that offer a change of pace can make your weekends more enjoyable. You can then reach the end of the week feeling refreshed, allowing you to start the next day with a more positive outlook. By ML staff. Images courtesy of Unsplash.

What happens when a Hell’s Kitchen finalist, Chopped champion and longtime South Florida culinary personality brings more than two decades of experience and her most memorable TV dishes under one roof, right here in Miami? You get aAO. This winter, aAO (Against All Odds) (pronounced aye-ooo), a new neighborhood restaurant from nationally recognized chef, entrepreneur and television personality Robyn Almodovar, will open in Miami’s Buena Vista neighborhood. Located at 4204 NW Second Ave., the restaurant marks Almodovar’s first full-service venture, bringing together dishes that have defined her career and the culinary influences of South Florida. “Buena Vista has a strong neighborhood identity while still being connected to the energy of Miami. That felt right for aAO,” said Almodovar. “I envision a Brooklyn neo-soul-inspired restaurant where people can gather, feel at home and connect over food. The menu is personal, and so is the name. aAO reflects my journey and celebrates the hustlers, go-getters and people who keep pushing forward.” The 4,400-square-foot indoor dining room will seat 122 guests, complemented by a bar and lounge accommodating more than 30 guests, with 15 bar stools and additional couch seating for cocktails, bites and conversation. Designed by Michael Tronn, the interiors are developed into “atmospheres.” Each displays its own personality, material expression and emotional character while remaining connected to the restaurant's overarching design language. The result is a room that invites exploration and discovery, blending industrial elements with rich textures, custom furnishings and intimate gathering spaces to offer guests a different experience depending on where they choose to settle. Tronn collaborated closely with Almodovar and aAO Co-Founder Austin Gaines to create a collection of distinct yet interconnected spaces. Wood, concrete and leather anchor the design, complemented by geometric woodwork, caramel and black leather upholstery, reflective accents and layered lighting. Additional design highlights include three elegant arched portals showcasing thoughtfully curated artwork and an intimate 10-seat chef’s table set against a heartfelt gallery wall of family portraits. More than a decorative feature, these photographs pay tribute to the people whose love, support, and dedication helped bring aAO to life, honoring the relationships and shared journey that have shaped the restaurant from the very beginning. Outside, a 1,200-square-foot, 40-seat courtyard will offer alfresco dining beneath the trees, with string lights illuminating the space after sunset. Designed as a lush urban retreat, the garden juxtaposes graffiti-covered concrete and natural wood with tropical greenery and atmospheric lighting. The menu will trace the influences and experiences that have shaped Almodovar’s cooking. Signature dishes will include Beef Wellington, a nod to her time on Hell’s Kitchen, alongside new creations such as grilled octopus with smoked bravas sauce. Weekly programming will give guests additional reasons to gather, including happy hour and Industry Night, an evening dedicated to Miami’s hospitality professionals. As Co-Owner, Founder and Executive Chef, Almodovar brings more than two decades of culinary experience and a passion for creating unforgettable dining experiences. Her food truck and catering company, Palate Party, made history as South Florida’s first female-owned, non-dessert food truck and earned Miami New Times’ Best Food Truck honors in 2013. She has served as executive chef at the historic Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado. Her television career includes wins on Chopped and Cutthroat Kitchen, a finalist finish on Hell’s Kitchen and, most recently, an appearance on 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing. In addition to leading aAO’s culinary vision, Almodovar plays an integral role in overseeing its day-to-day operations, ensuring that every aspect of the guest experience reflects her commitment to exceptional food, genuine hospitality and creativity. Joining Almodovar as Co-Founder is longtime friend Austin Gaines, a Miami-based entrepreneur and hospitality operator best known as a founding partner of New York City’s award-winning Arcane Estate Coffee. “Robyn brings a clear culinary vision, and my role is to help translate that into every part of the guest experience,” said Gaines. “We want the restaurant to feel welcoming, flow naturally between indoors and out and become a place the neighborhood makes its own.” aAO is slated to open in winter 2027 at 4204 NW Second Ave., Miami, FL 33127, creating approximately 50 new jobs. Hours will be 4-11 p.m. every Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday, and 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. The restaurant will be closed Monday and Tuesday. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of aAO.

In this issue of Miami Living, Regina M. Campbell, Esq., managing partner of The Campbell Law Group P.A. (TCLG), based in Coral Gables, Florida, shares valuable insights into navigating complex, high-stakes business disputes involving high-net-worth individuals. From shareholder conflicts and business valuations to protecting confidentiality and reputation, she explores the legal and financial challenges that arise when significant assets and business interests are at stake. What differentiates high net-worth business disputes from standard commercial litigation? High-net-worth business disputes tend to be much more complex because there can be several legal, financial and business issues involved at the same time. I may be looking at sophisticated agreements, multiple business entities, different ownership structures and significant financial exposure within a single dispute. Family members may also have interests in the businesses involved, adding another layer of complexity. The parties are often represented by experienced counsel, and the issues themselves can require extensive financial discovery and expert analysis. Forensic accountants, valuation professionals or other experts may be needed to determine the value of a business or ownership interest, calculate damages, or examine particular transactions. In some matters, even establishing a reasonable value for the claim requires detailed financial analysis. I also consider what the litigation could mean for the business while the case is ongoing. If the parties are still operating a company together, for example, the dispute may affect decision-making and the continued operation of the business. There may also be reputational concerns, substantial legal costs and considerable pressure on the individuals involved, particularly when the outcome could affect the business as well as their personal financial interests. When I assess a dispute like this, I want to understand more than the amount being claimed. I want to know how the businesses are structured, what the agreements say, where the financial exposure lies and what matters most to my client. That gives me a much better basis for determining how we should approach the dispute. How do valuation disagreements impact shareholder or partnership conflicts? Valuation disagreements can quickly escalate an existing shareholder or partnership conflict, particularly when the dispute concerns ownership or control of the business. If one owner wants to leave, another wants to purchase that person’s interest, or the parties already disagree over the direction of the company, the value placed on an ownership interest can have significant financial consequences. The parties may have very different views about what the business is worth. They may also disagree over the valuation method, the assumptions being made or the calculations themselves. Incomplete financial records can make the situation even more difficult, particularly if one party believes important information hasn’t been provided. One of the first things I would look at is the governing documents. Operating agreements, shareholder agreements and buy-sell agreements may set out how an ownership interest should be valued and what process the parties agreed to follow. Those provisions can become very important once a dispute has developed. This is also why I think business owners should give careful thought to valuation provisions when these agreements are prepared. Agreeing on a process while the owners have a good working relationship can reduce uncertainty later if that relationship changes. Once the parties are in a dispute, valuation can affect a potential buyout, settlement discussions and the positions each side takes in the case. I want to understand the financial information behind the valuation, as well as what the parties’ agreements require, before advising my client on the available options. Photo resource Depositphotos What fiduciary duty issues frequently arise in closely held or family-owned enterprises? Family-owned and closely held businesses can present particular challenges because the personal relationships between the owners may overlap with their responsibilities to the company. When a dispute develops, separating those two relationships isn’t always straightforward. I may be looking at disagreements over who controls the company, how company funds have been used, compensation, distributions or access to financial information. Other issues can include self-dealing, excessive compensation, diversion of funds or restricting an owner’s access to books, records, financial statements and bank accounts. Disputes between majority and minority owners can become especially difficult when the parties disagree over who has authority to make certain decisions, or when a family member believes they have been excluded or pushed out of a business in which they have an ownership interest. I would also want to understand whether personal and company finances have been kept separate. If funds have been intermingled or financial arrangements have been handled informally, it can become harder to establish what particular transactions were for and whether they were appropriate. Another question I consider is the role in which the person was acting. Did that person decide as a shareholder, member or owner of the company, or did it arise from the family relationship outside the business? That distinction can be important when assessing a potential fiduciary duty claim. Family members often go into business with a high level of trust, which can lead to less formal arrangements. If the relationship later deteriorates, clear records, defined responsibilities and proper financial controls become particularly important. How can high-profile clients protect confidentiality and reputation during disputes? For high-profile clients, I think confidentiality and reputation need to be considered early. If sensitive information becomes part of a public court filing, it can be very difficult to limit its exposure afterwards. That means thinking carefully about what is filed with the court and what information could become part of the public record. Depending on the circumstances, confidentiality provisions and protective orders may also help protect certain information during the case. I would also consider whether there is an opportunity to resolve the dispute before litigation. Mediation can sometimes allow the parties to address their differences privately before a lawsuit is filed. It won’t be appropriate in every case, but when confidentiality is a significant concern for my client, it is an option worth considering. Reputation also needs to be considered alongside the legal issues. For clients with significant public exposure, having a PR strategy in place may be appropriate. If my client has public relations advisers, I think there should be coordination between the legal and PR teams. A public statement could affect the litigation, while a decision made during litigation could affect the client’s reputation. There can be situations where an aggressive legal position makes sense, but the way it is pursued still requires careful thought. My role is to protect my client’s legal interests while remaining aware of the longer-term business and reputational consequences. What role do forensic accounting and financial experts play in high-asset litigation? Forensic accountants and financial experts can be extremely useful in high-asset litigation because they help us understand what the financial records actually show. Depending on the dispute, I may need an expert to trace money and assets, examine transactions for possible irregularities or reconstruct financial activity from tax returns, general ledgers, credit-card records and other source documents. They can also value a business or ownership interest, assess an individual’s financial net worth, and calculate damages, lost profits, distributions or other financial losses. They can be particularly helpful during financial discovery. When there are years of records to review, an expert can help identify what information is relevant, what additional records may be needed, and whether transactions require further examination. If the other side has retained its own expert, they can also help us assess that analysis and, where appropriate, respond to or rebut the expert’s conclusions. Another important part of their role is explaining complicated financial information in understandable terms. A dispute may involve years of transactions, projections, and calculations, but ultimately we need to explain what those figures show and why they matter. I also don’t think financial experts should necessarily be viewed as people you bring in only when a case is heading to trial. Their work can help me understand the value of a claim, assess potential damages and advise my client about settlement. Having a clearer understanding of the financial issues earlier in the case can make settlement discussions more productive and, in some circumstances, help the parties reach a resolution sooner. How does TCLG strategically approach complex, high-stakes disputes involving significant assets? When a client comes to us with a high-stakes business dispute, I first want to understand what they need to achieve and what they need to protect. The financial exposure is important, but the client’s priorities may also involve control of a company, an ownership interest, confidentiality, reputation or the continued operation of the business. From there, we look closely at the facts. I want to understand how the business is structured, who owns the relevant interests, what agreements are in place and what the financial records show. We also consider whether there are valuation issues and whether a forensic accountant, valuation professional or another expert may be needed. At TCLG, we don’t assume that litigation is always the first step. If negotiation or mediation could produce an appropriate resolution for the client, we will consider that option. Litigation can be expensive, disruptive, and public, and those consequences must be weighed against what the client is trying to accomplish. There are also situations where litigation is necessary. In those cases, we prepare to protect our client’s position while considering the financial, business and reputational issues that may develop alongside the legal claims. With significant assets involved, understanding the financial evidence early can also help us assess the client’s exposure and make informed decisions as the case progresses. My approach is to understand my client’s priorities early and keep those priorities in mind throughout the case. That allows us to make decisions based on what the client is actually trying to achieve and protect. The Campbell Law Group (TCLG) 2121 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Suite 540 Coral Gables, FL 33134 Phone: (305) 460-0145 Fax: (305) 675-3973 tclgfirm.com BY ML Staff. Photos of Regina Campbell by Corporate Headshots Miami.

Anyone familiar with private marinas knows the quiet paradox of superyacht ownership. Multimillion-dollar vessels often sit idle for months, quietly accumulating operating costs while their owners manage crew turnover and unexpected refits. When Mercedes-Maybach set out to bring its heritage to the ocean, it bypassed the conventional shipyard route. Instead of building a bespoke hull for an individual collector, the brand created a private maritime community. Michael Hehn. Photo courtesy of Grace O'Connor. The result is Maybach Ocean Club and its 508-foot flagship, Beyond Horizons. Restricted to 300 members globally, the program replaces solo ownership with guaranteed access, providing four weeks aboard each year without the operational grind. The vessel features just 30 member suites, each measuring roughly 800 square feet with a private balcony, surrounded by 91,500 square feet of quiet common areas. To protect the tranquility on board, tenders and water equipment are stationed on a dedicated 230-foot shadow vessel. Daily life balances fine dining directed by Alain Roux of The Waterside Inn with preventative health programs designed by Swiss wellness pioneer Chenot. Capt. Matthias Bosse. Photo courtesy of Grace O'Connor. Guiding the project are two leaders whose complementary backgrounds define the club’s philosophy. Capt. Matthias Bosse spent more than two decades at the helm of megayachts and commercial expedition vessels. Having managed every facet of open-ocean voyages, he knows how quickly technical logistics and yard work can erode the pleasure of being on the water. His co-founder, Michael Hehn, pairs commercial precision with an intuitive grasp of what high-net-worth members actually value. He recognized that in yachting capitals like Miami, the real prize is effortless access to the Caribbean rather than a deed to an aging asset. In this exclusive interview with Miami Living Magazine, Bosse and Hehn share how they translated Maybach automotive proportions to naval design. They also explain why separating crew logistics onto a shadow vessel protects the guest experience, and why Florida’s most experienced boaters became their earliest supporters. Miami Living (ML): What inspired you to create an invitation-only private club at sea rather than a traditional yacht ownership model? Capt. Matthias Bosse: I spent more than 20 years as captain of Mega Yachts, and many more before that on luxury and expedition cruise ships. On the big private yachts, I saw the same thing again and again. The owners loved life onboard, but not necessarily the responsibilities that came with it: managing crews, overseeing refits, the cost of a yacht that sits empty most of the year while they use it for a few weeks. You never really get to know the crew, and each year you're starting from scratch, even if you charter the same yacht again. And it is very costly. So we asked a simple question. What if 300 people shared one truly exceptional yacht, each with four weeks a year, and what they shared was a community and not only a hull? A club gives you that. You know who you're sailing with, because everyone came through the same admission process. The crew knows you by name. And the yacht can be far larger and better equipped than almost anyone would build for themselves. Ownership hands you the burden. Membership lets you keep the part you actually wanted. ML: How does Beyond Horizons reflect Mercedes-Maybach's design philosophy? Capt. Matthias Bosse: Maybach automobiles have always been designed around the passenger. Think of the rear seat of the car: space, quiet, and materials you want to touch. We tried to take that idea to sea. Beyond Horizons is 508 feet long, and it has just 30 member suites, each around 800 square feet with a private balcony. Around them is roughly 91,500 square feet of public areas. That ratio of space to people, the exceptional generosity of space, is the Mercedes-Maybach philosophy translated from a car to a superyacht. The yacht was conceived together with Mercedes-Benz Design, with the exterior by Dölker + Voges and interiors by Heller Studios. The lines are long and calm. Inside, the focus is on craftsmanship, materials and light. We didn't want a yacht that shouts. We wanted one you'd recognize as Maybach the moment you know what you're looking at. ML: How does the shadow vessel enhance the onboard experience? Capt. Matthias Bosse: On most large yachts, the toys and tenders take space that should belong to the guests. The garage is full, the crew is busy launching and recovering boats, and the swim platform turns into a workshop. We moved all of that onto a second ship. A 230-foot support vessel travels with Beyond Horizons. It carries the tenders, a landing craft, jet skis, Seabobs, eFoils, dive equipment, sailing dinghies and the helicopter hangar. When members wake up, whatever they planned for the day is already in the water. The landing craft can take them onto a beach with no harbor. And because the main yacht doesn't have to carry any of this, it stays quiet and spacious, which is the whole point. There's a practical side too. Members can leave their own things on board between stays, so they don't have to pack their dive gear or golf clubs every time they come. Miami & the Florida Market ML: Why is Miami an important market for Maybach Ocean Club? Michael Hehn: In many ways, Miami is a natural fit for Maybach Ocean Club. It has become one of the world's most relevant meeting points for international entrepreneurs, design, culture and life on the water. There is also a strong private club culture here, and an appreciation for the sense of community and belonging that comes with it. Geography is another advantage. Our winter itineraries will take us through the Caribbean, including St. Barths, the Virgin Islands and Antigua. From Miami, these destinations are just a short flight away, making a week aboard the yacht a natural extension of life here. ML: What makes South Florida's yachting community different from other luxury markets? Michael Hehn: People in South Florida have experience with yachting. That makes them our toughest audience and our best one. Nobody here needs convincing that life at sea is wonderful. What they want to know is whether we've taken the headaches away. When we explain that the crew, the maintenance, the insurance and the logistics are handled, and that all they do is book their weeks, they get it faster than anyone. Family also plays an important role here. Many of the people we speak with would like to bring their children, and our membership is designed to accommodate that. Luxury, Wellness & Innovation ML: How do your partnerships with Chef Alain Roux and Chenot bring together fine dining and wellness? Michael Hehn: With Alain Roux and The Waterside Inn, we have a partner who understands that exceptional cuisine doesn't always have to mean fine dining. Some evenings, our members may want an elaborate tasting menu; on others perhaps just a few beautifully prepared tapas and a glass of wine on deck. What matters is that the quality of the ingredients, the care and the attention to detail are equally exceptional, whatever is on the menu. Chenot brings the wellness side, with a spa and longevity center on board and a program that can start before a member arrives. The interesting part is where the two meet. If your wellness plan says one thing, the kitchen knows about it. The food and the wellbeing program talk to each other, so being healthy on board doesn't feel like a diet. ML: What has been your biggest challenge in bringing this concept to life? Capt. Matthias Bosse: I think the biggest challenge has been introducing a concept that doesn't really have a precedent. Interestingly, people who already own or charter yachts themselves usually recognise the appeal immediately. They know the complexities of yacht ownership and appreciate the opportunity. For others, it takes a closer look to fully appreciate the thinking behind the concept. And that's perhaps the most interesting part of the journey: seeing people realise that we're not simply building another superyacht, but creating an entirely new way to experience a superyacht and a life at sea. By Luiz Porto/ML Staff.

Miami Living speaks with Federico Rossi, Chief Operating Officer of Rossinavi, about the Italian shipyard’s heritage, custom superyachts, and the future of yacht building. In the world of luxury superyachts, individuality has become the ultimate expression of exclusivity. Italian shipbuilder Rossinavi (www.rossinavi.it.) has built its reputation around this philosophy, specializing in one-off, fully custom yachts conceived around the vision, lifestyle, and ambitions of each owner. Unlike series-built vessels, every Rossinavi begins with a blank sheet, allowing designers, naval architects, and engineers to create something entirely original. From the yacht’s architecture and interior spaces to its technical systems and performance capabilities, each element is developed specifically for the project, resulting in a vessel that is never intended to be replicated. Behind this approach is a remarkable combination of traditional Italian craftsmanship and advanced engineering. With roots in metal construction, Rossinavi has developed the technical expertise to transform ambitious concepts into sophisticated yachts ranging from approximately 50 to 80 meters. The shipyard collaborates with internationally recognized designers and naval architects while maintaining close control over engineering, production, and project management. Understanding how an owner intends to experience life at sea is central to the process, whether that means creating expansive entertaining spaces, accommodating different cultural preferences, or developing highly specialized onboard environments. Innovation is equally important to Rossinavi’s identity. The company continues to explore new approaches to electrification, propulsion, energy efficiency, and intelligent onboard management systems. Rather than treating sustainability and technology as separate features, Rossinavi considers how hull design, batteries, power generation, propulsion, and digital monitoring can work together to improve performance and reduce unnecessary energy consumption. Its research-driven approach allows new technologies to be evaluated and integrated according to the unique requirements of each yacht, without compromising the owner’s expectations of comfort, luxury, or performance. Despite its international reputation and increasingly complex projects, Rossinavi remains a family business, with a strong sense of continuity, personal responsibility, and commitment to its heritage. For Federico Rossi, Chief Operating Officer of Rossinavi, the company’s evolution is inseparable from his own life. Having grown up around the shipyard, he has witnessed its transformation into an internationally recognized luxury yacht builder while helping shape its future. In this exclusive interview with Miami Living, Rossi shares the story behind the brand, the challenges of creating truly one-of-a-kind yachts, and the experiences and passions that continue to inspire him. The Story Behind Rossinavi Miami Living: What inspired you to create the Rossinavi brand? Federico Rossi: Rossinavi was born quite spontaneously, rather than from a specific ambition to create a brand. During the financial crisis of 2008, we were building turnkey yachts for other companies. When the market came to a standstill, we found an opportunity to enter it directly with our own yachts, working with clients under our own name. At that point, we needed to give those yachts a brand identity, and that is how Rossinavi was born. The name combines our family surname, Rossi, with navi, the Italian word for ships. You grew up around the shipyard. When did you realize this was the path you wanted to follow? I don’t think I ever had that particular moment of realisation. I often describe it as getting on a train that was moving very slowly. Gradually, it began to accelerate, until it became almost impossible to get off. The company’s growth happened alongside my own, both personally and professionally. Over the years, I worked across different areas of the business and eventually took on the responsibility of guiding it towards internationalisation and shaping it into the company Rossinavi is known as today. We have been through so many different phases, both the company and I, that I have never really felt as though I was doing the same job. Everything has constantly evolved. In a way, the company’s decisions have always been my own decisions too. It may sound strange, but I have always felt that Rossinavi and I were one and the same. What still excites you personally about creating yachts today? What continues to inspire me is the challenge of creating a yacht that remains completely true to its purpose. I believe a yacht should never lose its connection with the sea, with the spirit of yachting or with its traditions. At the same time, it must be able to respond to different ways of living and different interpretations of luxury around the world. Finding that balance between nautical authenticity and the expectations of different cultures is something that still gives me enormous motivation and inspiration. From Vision to Yacht What does the one-off, full-custom approach allow you to create that would not be possible with a series-built yacht? A fully custom yacht allows us to remain at the forefront of design and innovation. It gives us the freedom to create something genuinely contemporary, sometimes even futuristic. The easiest way to explain this is by comparing it with series production. A yacht designed to be reproduced needs to remain commercially relevant for several years. The first or second unit might feel extremely current, but by the time you reach the tenth, fifteenth or twentieth, the market may already have moved on. The product becomes increasingly optimised, but its original concept inevitably belongs to an earlier moment. A full-custom yacht is different. It is designed for the present, and often anticipates what will eventually influence series-built yachts. There is also the question of cultural differences. The way people use their yachts varies enormously around the world. In some cultures, owners prefer fewer cabins and much larger spaces dedicated to entertaining, for example. With a series-built yacht, you often have to adapt an existing layout to accommodate these preferences. With a full-custom yacht, the entire project can be conceived around them from the very beginning. Nothing has to be retrofitted or compromised to fit an existing configuration. Once you meet a new client, what happens next? Can you walk us through the process from the first conversation to delivery? The first meeting is really about getting a sense of each other. To use a slightly animalistic expression, we are almost sniffing each other out. We need to understand whether we can work well together. Once that initial connection is established, we begin developing the project. As we exchange ideas and present the first conceptual proposals, we gradually build a relationship based on understanding and mutual respect. This is also when we begin discussing the owner’s wishes alongside the technical boundaries that a shipyard like Rossinavi must maintain. There are certain things we are simply not prepared to compromise on. For example, we insist on significant redundancy in our onboard systems and on professional-grade equipment. This requires properly sized technical areas, and those requirements must be respected regardless of the design. Once we have established a shared understanding of these principles, the development process becomes progressively more detailed. We begin with broad conceptual sketches, then gradually refine the design until we arrive at a precise representation of the yacht we intend to build. At that point, we start populating the design with all the elements that make the yacht function in reality. On the exterior, this means considering everything from exhaust outlets and anchors to manoeuvring areas, furnishings, seating arrangements and wind protection. Every decision introduces practical considerations that have to be addressed. The same process takes place throughout the interiors, where we progressively define the spaces, furnishings, systems, materials and colours. It is a continuous process of moving from an abstract vision towards something increasingly tangible, until every element has been considered and integrated into the yacht. How long does it typically take to develop and build a fully custom Rossinavi yacht? It depends considerably on the size and complexity of the project. We build yachts ranging from approximately 50 metres to almost 80 metres, and the difference in scale is enormous. In terms of volume, an 80-metre yacht can represent the equivalent of more than four 50-metre yachts. For a yacht of around 50 metres, below 500 GT, with a relatively conventional configuration for its category, the entire process typically takes a little over three years. Larger and more complex projects naturally require a different timeframe. How much can the original idea change between the first meeting and the finished yacht? A great deal. The initial idea is almost like a dream. It is perfect, pure and unconstrained by reality. As the project develops, we gradually begin to rationalise that dream and give it a physical form. Inevitably, this process brings changes. In a more philosophical sense, I see it as the relationship between dreams and life itself. A dream represents an ideal, perfect version of reality. Turning it into something real means finding a way to preserve its essence while making it possible. And tell us about some of your most challenging yacht projects. Every project has brought its own particular challenges, but two very different examples come to mind. One was recreating a yacht from the 1930s. The difficulty was that virtually none of the original components were available on the market anymore. We had to manufacture almost everything ourselves. It may sound surprising, but recreating something from the past can be extraordinarily demanding. At the opposite end of the spectrum, there is our catamaran project, which represents a completely different kind of challenge. It is an extremely high-tech product, looking towards the future. In that case, the difficulty comes from the fact that some of the solutions you need do not yet exist on the market. You have to conceive them, develop them and find ways to make them work. So, in one case, you are trying to recreate something that no longer exists, while in the other, you are creating something that does not exist yet. Both are equally fascinating challenges. What do you think clients often underestimate about building a completely custom yacht? I am not sure that underestimation is quite the right word. I think what clients often experience initially is fear. There is an understandable concern when you are building something that will exist only once. You might wonder how many mistakes a one-off project could carry with it, precisely because it has never been built before. That uncertainty can be intimidating at the beginning. But as the project progresses, clients begin to understand the extraordinary amount of work behind it: the research, the development, the repeated checks, the attention to detail and the creative process. All these stages gradually build confidence. So, in a sense, the experience is the opposite of what you might expect. Rather than starting with very high expectations that reality might eventually disappoint, clients often begin with a degree of uncertainty and gradually develop a much stronger sense of confidence as they see the project take shape. Beyond the Business What is something people might be surprised to learn about you? Perhaps that my background and my approach are much more technical than managerial. My knowledge of the product itself is really what has brought me to where I am today. On a more personal level, I am someone who enjoys moving between extremes. I like sudden changes of pace. When I am working towards a goal, I love working hard. Really hard. I can dedicate an enormous amount of time and energy to achieving something. But once I get there, I also believe in celebrating properly. There is a tremendous sense of personal satisfaction in being able to say, “I’ve earned this.” And when that moment comes, I really know how to have a good time! What do you enjoy doing when you spend time in Miami? Any favorite places or things to do? What I find fascinating about Miami is how much the city has evolved culturally. It has absorbed influences and people from all over the world in a relatively short period of time, and that has made it an incredibly dynamic, almost disruptive place. You can see this energy everywhere, even in the way people express themselves artistically. I enjoy walking around, exploring the more artistic neighbourhoods and interacting with people from different backgrounds. For me, it is not so much about particular places. What I really enjoy about Miami is the people. Do you play any sports? And are you reading any good books or listening to any music you are enjoying right now? For exercise, I practise a lighter form of calisthenics. When it comes to music, I am a big rock enthusiast. I listen to all kinds of music, but rock is definitely what I enjoy most. It is the music I have the most fun with. As for reading, I particularly enjoy non-fiction. I like books that give me the opportunity to learn something new. Lastly, what is your typical morning routine like? When I am at home in Viareggio, I wake up very early and start the day with a full workout. Then I have a very substantial breakfast. I tend to consume a large part of my daily nutrition in the morning, so breakfast is an important part of my routine. After that, I head to the shipyard, and I am usually in the office by around 8:00 or 8:30 a.m. Of course, I travel a great deal, and travelling completely disrupts this routine, especially with different time zones and schedules. So I would say I have a morning routine about 50% of the time. The other 50%, when I am travelling, it pretty much disappears! Learn more at: www.rossinavi.it Instagram: instagram.com/rossinavi Interview by Markin Abras | Photos Rossinavi

Miami has become increasingly fluent in wellness. Training, recovery, longevity, beauty, hospitality, and nightlife now overlap in ways that make wellbeing less of an appointment and more of a lifestyle. JAEMUS is being built for that intersection. Opening in Wynwood in early April 2027, the urban wellness club will bring recovery, movement, hospitality, and social experience together under one roof. The concept is designed for people who already care about how they feel but want a more intuitive way to make recovery part of their week. The idea begins with a familiar behavior: the recovery day. Consumers have embraced cold plunges, sauna, compression, red light, hyperbaric oxygen, and other recovery methods, yet those experiences are still often presented individually. JAEMUS brings greater structure to the category through recommended sequences organized around specific moments and use cases. Its ambition, however, extends beyond what happens between workouts. Recovery Beyond the Workout JAEMUS views recovery as something that can support the many transitions people move through in a day. Someone may arrive after training and need to physically downshift. Another may be coming out of a demanding afternoon before dinner, returning from a flight, preparing for a social evening, or trying to settle into sleep. That broader view allows the same recovery methods to become relevant in different contexts rather than being reserved exclusively for soreness or performance optimization. “People already understand that how they feel changes throughout the day,” said founder and CEO Nicholas Preza. “What has been missing is an easier way to connect those moments with the recovery tools that are already available. We are building JAEMUS so the experience starts with the person and the moment, not with a piece of equipment.” The club’s Protocols will organize compatible recovery and longevity methods into recommended sequences around a defined purpose. Guests will also be able to engage through individual Methods, longer-form Journeys, movement Classes, Bodyworks, Biometric Intelligence, IV services, and a 16-modality offering spanning cold, heat, pressure, light, movement, and oxygen-based recovery. The result is intended to feel less like navigating a menu of machines and more like entering an experience that has already been considered for you. A Club Designed to Be Lived In The social ambition of JAEMUS is reflected just as strongly in the physical space. Miami designer Michael Dolatowski, known for hospitality and wellness concepts including Sana Skin and BeyBey, approached the club less as a collection of treatment rooms and more as a series of environments with different roles throughout a visit. Guests move from an arrival experience that slows the pace of entry, into areas where recovery and guidance become more focused, before reaching Ritual Ground, the club’s communal center. The progression is intended to make the experience feel fluid rather than clinical, while giving social interaction a deliberate place within the recovery journey. The design also reflects a larger idea behind the brand: wellness can be highly considered without feeling overly serious. JAEMUS is meant to be somewhere people want to spend time, not simply somewhere they arrive for a service and immediately leave. “We are interested in what happens when wellness becomes part of someone’s social world,” said co-founder and CMO Kaylin Mally. “People build attachment to places where they feel good, recognize faces, discover something new, and want to come back. We want JAEMUS to have that kind of energy while still delivering a really thoughtful recovery experience.” Movement classes, communal recovery, gatherings, and shared rituals are intended to give members and guests opportunities to interact beyond the treatment itself. From Appointment to Ritual That emphasis on frequency is central to the model. JAEMUS will welcome both members and individual guests, allowing someone to engage around a specific need or establish a more regular relationship with the club. Membership is designed to make repeat use practical while introducing more occasions for recovery throughout the week. For co-founder and COO Dell Sikes, the opportunity is as much about consistency as it is variety. “A great experience should make the next visit obvious,” Sikes said. “If someone understands what they are doing, why they are doing it, and where it fits into their week, it becomes much easier to return. Our job operationally is to make something sophisticated feel simple.” That simplicity is ultimately what JAEMUS hopes will separate it from a recovery market increasingly crowded with tools. The club is not introducing another modality. It is bringing existing methods into a setting where guidance, design, hospitality, and community give them greater context. For Miami, that means a wellness concept that can live alongside the city’s restaurants, studios, hotels, cultural spaces, and social routines rather than apart from them. JAEMUS sees recovery not simply as something to schedule after exertion, but as something that can become part of how people move through the week. And when those experiences are repeated, shared, and anticipated, recovery begins to look less like an appointment and more like ritual. Pre-sales are expected to begin in January, with JAEMUS scheduled to open in Wynwood in early April 2027. Contact Website: jaemus.com Instagram: @jaemusmiami General inquiries: hello@jaemus.com Press contact:Kaylin MallyCo-Founder & CMO, JAEMUSkaylin.mally@jaemus.com About JAEMUS // Boilerplate JAEMUS is an urban wellness club built for the crossings of modern life. Opening in Wynwood, Miami, the club brings recovery and longevity methods, movement, and shared experiences into thoughtfully sequenced, intentionally guided experiences. Through Protocols, Methods, Journeys, Biometric Intelligence, Bodyworks, IV services, and Classes, JAEMUS brings structure to the recovery practices people already know while expanding their relevance beyond physical exertion and into the physical, mental, emotional, and social transitions that shape modern life. By shifting the focus from individual modalities to recommended sequence, use case, and repeatability, JAEMUS is creating a more intuitive, social, and habitual approach to recovery. For more information, visit www.jaemus.com or follow @jaemusmiami on Instagram. Photography Credits: Richard Benscome Creative Direction: RE Creative Agency By ML Staff

A visual identity gives a brand a recognizable presence wherever people encounter it. It includes more than a logo, because typography, color, imagery, packaging, messaging, and physical spaces all shape recognition. A creative agency connects these elements to business goals, customer expectations, and practical use. The result is a brand system that looks consistent, communicates clearly, and remains useful as the business grows. Several capabilities explain how that work creates distinction. Image by DepositPhotos Strategy Turns Ideas Into Direction A creative agency starts by learning how a business operates, what it wants to achieve, and where its current identity falls short. This discovery work gives designers a clear basis for decisions instead of relying on personal preference. A St. Louis creative agency can translate that direction into a visual system that works across websites, printed materials, packaging, campaigns, and physical spaces. Each application should support the same brand idea while fitting its specific setting. Strategy keeps the work connected, so recognition does not depend on one isolated design element. Logo Design Creates Recognition A logo gives people a quick visual reference for a brand. Effective logo design creates a distinct mark that remains clear at different sizes, from a mobile interface to a storefront sign. A creative agency also considers how the logo interacts with type, color, photography, and supporting graphics. This wider system prevents the mark from carrying the entire identity alone. Brand guidelines then define proper spacing, sizing, color use, and placement, helping internal teams and outside partners apply the logo correctly. Typography And Color Shape Perception Typography affects how a message sounds before a reader processes every word. A type system can make a brand appear direct, refined, friendly, technical, or dependable, depending on its forms, spacing, and hierarchy. Color creates another layer of recognition. A defined palette gives designers a consistent set of choices for websites, packaging, presentations, advertisements, and signage. A creative agency tests these choices in real applications, since colors and typefaces must remain legible and effective across screens, paper, and environmental graphics. Packaging Extends Identity To The Shelf Packaging often provides the first physical interaction between a customer and a product. Design must communicate what the product is, who it serves, and why it deserves attention within limited space. A packaging system creates consistency across product sizes and variations. It also gives a business practical rules for labels, containers, retail displays, and online product images. Strategic packaging design connects brand identity with shelf presence, customer expectations, and production requirements. Digital Content Keeps Brands Current A brand identity must work in motion and on screens, where people encounter it quickly. Digital content includes website layouts, social media assets, email graphics, animation, motion design, and campaign materials. A creative agency adapts the identity to each digital environment while keeping its core character. Consistent templates, image treatments, graphic elements, and messaging reduce visual confusion. They also help teams produce new content without starting every project from zero. Physical Spaces Make Identity Tangible Environmental branding carries identity into offices, retail locations, restaurants, and event spaces. Signage, wall graphics, wayfinding, messaging, and branded details guide people while reinforcing what the business stands for. The strongest systems consider the full experience of moving through a space. Text must remain readable, signs must appear where people need direction, and visual elements must work with the architecture. This practical attention turns a location into a clear extension of the brand. Image by Zooey Li / Unsplash Production Protects The Final Result Good concepts lose value when production details are ignored. A creative agency manages the shift from approved designs to finished materials, including print pieces, digital assets, video, photography, animation, and signage. Production planning addresses file preparation, dimensions, materials, color formats, timing, and vendor coordination. These decisions protect consistency across touchpoints. They also reduce avoidable corrections after a design reaches manufacturing, publication, or installation. Consistency Builds Memory Recognition grows when people repeatedly encounter the same visual signals. A brand doesn't need identical layouts everywhere, but it does need stable rules for its logo, colors, type, imagery, voice, and graphic style. Brand guidelines give teams a shared reference for applying those rules. Regular reviews also identify places where the identity has drifted. Updating templates, packaging, or digital assets keeps the system coherent without forcing a complete redesign each time. Conclusion A visual identity becomes useful when strategy, design, and production work together. Logo design creates recognition, typography and color shape perception, packaging connects with buyers, and digital and physical applications carry the system into daily experiences. Businesses should begin by reviewing every major customer touchpoint and recording where the identity feels inconsistent. A creative agency can then prioritize the gaps, define practical guidelines, and build the assets needed for clearer recognition. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of DepositPhotos & Unsplash

At the end of Star Trek: Generations (1994), surveying the wreckage of the crashed USS Enterprise he captained for nearly a decade, Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) muses to his first officer, William Riker (Jonathan Frakes): … time is a companion that goes with us on the journey, reminds us to cherish every moment, because it will never come again. What we leave behind is not as important as how we’ve lived. Smiling, he quips to Riker, “After all, Number One, we’re only mortal.” Passing away last week at 86 years old, we are sadly reminded of that mortality with the death of Sir Patrick Stewart: actor, dramaturge, Shakespearean exemplar, mutant professor, and distinguished Starfleet captain. From humble beginnings Born in Mirfield, England, in 1940, Stewart grew up poor during the worst days of the second world war. He found his calling to theatre as a child, thanks to a keen-eyed English teacher and a copy of Shakespeare’s plays. He left school at 15 to become a working actor in community theatre. His extraordinary talent would lead to a stay at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, membership with the Royal Shakespeare Company, and a host of acclaimed theatre performances. Despite the many screen roles for which Stewart would later be known, his Shakespearean roots are indelibly intertwined with almost every performance he gave. They would also give him – and many of us – something to lighten the load of COVID lockdowns. Stewart used social media in 2020 to read the internet a Shakespearean sonnet each day, later turning his delightful orations into an audiobook. For most, Stewart will best be remembered as a kaleidoscopic titan of film and television. Beginning as a firefighter on the British soap opera Coronation Street in 1967, Stewart’s illustrious screen career spanned more than 50 years and a vast array of roles. To name only a few, he was: a flamboyant interior designer a stoic Atreides weapon master in a screen adaptation of the Dune books the irreverent king of England a foul-mouthed CIA deputy director an enigmatic cult leader, and a megalomaniacal egg-alien overlord. Two key roles From his storied body of work, two roles loom largest. He was the telepathic mutant and academic Charles Xavier of the X-Men film series – a role he played for more than 25 years, including a posthumous appearance in Avengers: Doomsday (released this December). As Professor X, Stewart embodied a beloved superhero with paternal warmth and secretive, calculating intellect. He was an empathetic leader of a team of extraordinary people who had been shunned, threatened and harmed by the world for their differences. One cannot help but think this role enabled Stewart to channel much of his real-life allyship with marginalised queer communities and his support for survivors of domestic violence (which was based on his own childhood experiences). In this role, Stewart acted alongside his long-time friend Sir Ian McKellen, who played the mutant antagonist and master of metal Magneto. Ironically, McKellen had once warned Stewart not to forsake the theatre for the screen, advising that a career in film and television would go nowhere. Stewart and McKellen’s endearing friendship and acclaimed X-Men performances became the stuff of internet legend, particularly when McKellen officiated Stewart’s wedding to US singer Sunny Ozell in 2013. Stewart’s work in Star Trek as Jean-Luc Picard – captain (later admiral) of the USS Enterprise – is equally revered. As Stewart’s first major American television role, he took the captain’s chair in Star Trek: The Next Generation in 1987. He would eventually appear in seven seasons, four theatrical films, and the recent sequel series Star Trek: Picard. Despite initial reservations – including an infamous on-set incident where he stoically told his rambunctious Next Generation colleagues that “we are not here to have fun” – Stewart later embraced the role of Picard. He will be remembered as one of Star Trek’s most acclaimed and legendary performers. As Picard, Stewart created a potent role model in a franchise focused on an inclusive, utopian future. Stewart’s Picard was a respected leader, intergalactic explorer, keen orator, Shakespeare enthusiast, thoughtful diplomat, archaeology aficionado, and prolific tea-drinker – as he and other characters famously said, “tea, Earl Grey, hot”. This captain was an inspiring beacon of hope, curiosity and discovery. He advocated Starfleet ideals of exploration and community, but encouraged his crew – and, by extension, all of us – to seek out knowledge. He urged us all to solve problems with rationality and empathy, and work toward a better future for humanity. An enduring inspiration Like many others who grew up in the 1990s with Picard on the television, I still find the character’s ethos and Stewart’s performance have a profound impact on me as a scholar and educator who strives to live and teach by those ideals. Were it not for the inspiration Picard and Stewart provided me as a child, I may not have become an academic. Stewart lived the kind of important life that Picard would admire, and leaves behind a cherished body of work, as well as a legacy of dedicated social advocacy. Now, he boldly goes where you and I have not gone before. By Chris Comerford, Senior Lecturer in Communication and Media, University of Wollongong. Top photo/Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP

Miami Living brings you a selection of world-class talent dressed in Dior, proving that entertainment’s biggest names know how to make a fashion statement. Founded in Paris in 1946, the legendary French fashion house continues to influence celebrity style through elegance, craftsmanship, and contemporary design. Jonathan Anderson now leads Dior’s women’s, men’s, and haute couture collections, bringing a fresh perspective to its heritage. His first haute couture collection debuted in January 2026, featuring sculptural silhouettes and artistic experimentation. Discover how today’s stars express their personalities through Dior. Celine Dion Céline Dion made her highly anticipated return to the Paris stage in September 2026, wearing custom Dior designs. Following her 2026 concert series, the Canadian superstar is scheduled to return to Paris for ten additional performances in May 2027. Naomi Watts Naomi Watts received the prestigious Donostia Award at the 2026 San Sebastián International Film Festival, recognizing her contributions to cinema. The actress also introduced her film The Housewife and is working on the second season of the legal drama All’s Fair, alongside Kim Kardashian and Glenn Close. Guitarricadelafuente Spanish singer-songwriter Guitarricadelafuente continues to attract international attention with his distinctive blend of folk, flamenco and contemporary pop. Following his 2026 Spanish Leather Tour, the artist remains a rising figure in European music, although no confirmed 2027 concert dates have been announced. Priyanka Chopra Jonas Priyanka Chopra Jonas attended the 2026 LVMH Prize ceremony in Paris, celebrating emerging fashion talent. The actress is also preparing for the 2027 release of Varanasi, an Indian action-adventure film directed by S. S. Rajamouli, while continuing her international film and television career. Jennifer Lawrence Academy Award-winning actress Jennifer Lawrence attended the 2026 LVMH Prize ceremony in Paris, highlighting her ongoing connection with the fashion world. The actress continues to balance major film projects with independent cinema, while details of her upcoming releases remain under development. Rihanna Rihanna continues to make appearances in the fashion world, including at Dior’s Spring 2027 runway presentation in Paris. The singer and entrepreneur remains active with her Fenty businesses, while fans continue to await official news about her next album and future performances. Charlize Theron Charlize Theron continues her humanitarian work through the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project, supporting young people and community-led initiatives in Southern Africa. The Oscar-winning actress remains involved in film production while expanding the impact of her philanthropic organization. Camille Cottin French actress Camille Cottin returned as Andréa Martel in the 2026 Netflix film Dix pour cent, reuniting the cast of the popular series known internationally as Call My Agent!. She also stars in a new adaptation of Les Misérables, continuing her successful career in French and international cinema. Learn more at www.dior.com. By ML staff. Top image: Céline Dion in Dior, Paris, September 2026. Photos/Dior.

A tournament set is working equipment. After several hours, the position should still be easy to read. Pieces ought to stay upright when the pace quickens, and the board cannot crowd the clock or score sheets off the table. Looks count at home, certainly, but everyday handling reveals more than ornament. Five details provide a sensible starting point: proportions, weight, material, contrast and storage. Start with the board and piece proportions Board size should be judged together with the pieces. If the king’s base nearly fills a square, the position looks crowded and pieces become harder to pick up cleanly. If the pieces are too small, the board feels empty and diagonals are less easy to scan. The FIDE equipment standards describe recommended dimensions for competition equipment, providing a sound reference even when a buyer is choosing for a club or home rather than an official event. Do not focus on king height alone. The base diameter determines how comfortably the pieces occupy their squares, while the height and width of pawns affect visual separation in closed positions. When comparing chess boards online, note the square size and overall footprint. A tournament chess board must leave enough table space for a clock, notation sheets and both players’ arms. Weight and balance are different things Weight gives a piece resistance, but balance determines how that weight behaves. A heavy knight with a narrow or uneven base may still tip. A well-balanced piece returns confidently to the board after a move and does not wobble when released. This is most noticeable in rapid and blitz, where players handle the pieces near the clock and cannot constantly correct their placement. Test pieces on the intended surface if possible. Move the knight from the edge toward the centre, castle in one motion and promote a pawn using a spare queen. These ordinary actions reveal more than lifting a king in isolation. Felted bases can soften contact with a wooden board, whereas durable plastic pieces suit frequent club use and transport. Neither material is automatically superior; the setting decides which trade-off matters. Championship-style, studio and club equipment There is no single ideal set because the jobs vary. Championship-style equipment has presence on camera and follows the needs of formal over-the-board play. It makes sense on a dedicated table, for photographed games, or for somebody drawn to the geometry seen at elite events. Studio and home ranges often trade some size for finer materials and a smaller footprint, a useful compromise in a shared room. Club equipment takes another route. A plastic professional chess set and a roll-up or foldable board can tolerate repeated setup, school sessions and travel. Replacement pieces are easier to source, and several boards can be stored together. For an organiser, consistency across ten boards may be more valuable than the finish of one premium set. So “luxury versus cheap” is the wrong comparison. Picture an ordinary week instead: where does the set stay, who plays on it, and how many times is it packed away? A world chess championship chess set can be a good reference for formal proportions and current piece design. In a small apartment, a compact option may win. At a weekly club, hard-wearing tournament equipment usually earns its keep. Where an official design fits Players who want to compare a complete chess set built around modern tournament design can use the World Chess Shop as one reference point. The catalogue separates complete sets, chess boards and chess pieces, so it is possible to compare a matched combination with a custom pairing. That matters because a professional chess board bought alone may not fit pieces already owned. Treat product pages as specifications, not as a verdict. Confirm what is included, then compare dimensions, materials, piece weight, storage and delivery conditions. The best place to buy chess sets is the seller that gives enough information to check those details and provides terms appropriate to the buyer’s location. A chess online store should also make clear whether “set” means pieces only or a board-and-pieces combination. Materials: choose for use, not status Wood feels warm, varies naturally from piece to piece, and lands softly on the board. Humid rooms affect it, however, and a dropped piece may keep the dent. Plastic costs less, stays consistent and copes well with club life. A silicone board travels without fuss and generally settles flat, although its feel divides players. Stone or metal may look magnificent on a shelf; at the clock, extra weight, reflections and unfamiliar outlines can become annoying. For a world championship chess board look, buyers often prefer a flat wooden surface with restrained contrast. Very bright light squares or highly figured grain can compete with the position. Check photographs under neutral light and look at middlegame positions, not only the starting array. Thirty-two pieces on the board reveal whether colour and silhouette remain distinct. A practical inspection checklist Before ordering from a chess set store, record the following measurements and conditions: Square size and total board dimensions. King height and base diameter. Piece material, weighting and base finish. Whether extra queens are included. Space required for a clock and notation. Storage method and expected transport frequency. Return terms in case the proportions or colour differ from expectations. This checklist also helps explain chess set price. Cost can reflect material, labour, design licensing, finish and packaging, but none of those automatically makes a set better for a particular player. A tournament organiser may pay for durability and easy replacement. A home player may value a board that can remain assembled. A collector may care about provenance and condition. Common buying mistakes The first mistake is buying pieces and a board independently without checking scale. The second is choosing by a close-up product photograph that hides the total footprint. The third is assuming “international chess board” or “professional” guarantees a single universal size. Those labels can be useful, but measurements are more reliable. Another mistake is overlooking handling. Tall, slender pieces can look elegant yet feel unstable in speed chess. Extremely heavy pieces may become tiring during analysis sessions in which positions are reset repeatedly. If possible, compare how the full set behaves during an actual game rather than judging each component as an object. Make the final decision from the playing situation Choose the board first when table space is fixed, then match pieces to its square size. Choose the pieces first when a particular design is the priority, then find a board that gives their bases enough room. For club use, add replacement availability to the calculation. For display, consider sunlight, dust and whether the set can stay assembled. Working in that order keeps money directed at features that will actually be used, while appearance remains part of the choice rather than the whole of it. After three hours, a suitable tournament set is still easy to read. Under time pressure it behaves as expected, and on an ordinary day it fits the room where the games take place. By ML Staff. Images generated by OpenAI.

Molteni&C expands its seating collection with Lia, an armchair designed by Copenhagen-based studio GamFratesi that brings together Scandinavian influences and Italian craftsmanship. The design centers on a suspended seat supported by a slender metal frame, giving the chair a lighter visual presence while maintaining a defined structure. Oak introduces warmth to the composition, creating a contrast with the metal elements. One of Lia’s most recognizable details is its curved, scythe-shaped armrests. The form reflects GamFratesi’s approach to combining clean Nordic lines with details rooted in Italian furniture design. Material also plays an important role. The upholstered seat is available in a selection of finishes, allowing the armchair to be adapted to different interiors while adding softness to its wood and metal construction. The result is a piece that balances structure and comfort without relying on excessive ornamentation. Its proportions and combination of materials make Lia suitable for residential living spaces as well as hospitality environments. GamFratesi, founded by Stine Gam and Enrico Fratesi, is known for bringing together Danish design traditions and Italian influences. With Lia, that combination translates into an armchair defined by its suspended construction, curved armrests and restrained use of materials. The Lia armchair and additional information are available through Molteni&C. To learn more visit www.molteni.it By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Molteni&C.

Italian craftsmanship, a design dating back nearly a century, and beautiful silver creations that bring something special to the table. When it comes to entertaining, the smallest details often make the biggest impression. Italian luxury house Buccellati understands this beautifully. Its Caviar Collection brings a celebrated design dating back to the 1930s into the modern home, with handcrafted silver tableware and decorative objects that feel both elegant and surprisingly contemporary. The latest additions to the existing collection include flatware, caviar servers, and a bread plate. The collection takes its name from its signature motif: tiny, rounded silver beads resembling caviar. Originally used in Buccellati’s jewelry and silver creations, the distinctive pattern appears on serving pieces, bowls, trays, candleholders, and other accessories designed to elevate everyday living. Among the most interesting pieces are the creations combining silver with traditional Murano glass. Delicate silver leaves appear to bloom across the transparent surfaces, adding an artistic touch to the collection. It’s a beautiful example of how Buccellati brings together two celebrated Italian traditions: silversmithing and Venetian glassmaking. The Caviar design also has an interesting history. In 1981, Gianmaria Buccellati created the extraordinary Cratere delle Muse, a decorative chalice made with silver, gold, jade, and 200 sapphires. Today, the piece remains part of the Maison’s historical private collection, illustrating just how important this particular motif has been to the Buccellati family. Founded in Milan in 1919 by Mario Buccellati, the Maison is known for its intricate hand-engraving techniques inspired by Renaissance goldsmithing. That dedication to craftsmanship continues throughout the Caviar Collection, where even the smallest objects receive careful attention to detail. With the holiday season approaching, the collection offers wonderful inspiration for entertaining and thoughtful luxury gifting. Whether it’s a beautifully crafted silver serving piece, a Murano glass creation, or an elegant decorative object, these designs are perfect for holiday celebrations, weddings, anniversaries, housewarming gifts, or simply making an everyday occasion feel special. Explore the Buccellati Caviar Collection online or visit Buccellati’s boutique at Bal Harbour Shops. Buccellati Boutique Bal Harbour Shops 9700 Collins Avenue, Suite 123, Bal Harbour, FL 33154 Hours: Monday–Sunday, 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Phone: +1 (305) 866-8686 Website: buccellati.com Instagram: @buccellatimilan U.S. customer service: info.us@buccellati.com Appointments: Available through the official boutique locator By ML Staff. Photos/Buccellati