Bal Harbour

P H OTO BY E M M A N U E L S A N C H E Z- M O N S A LV E ( TO P ) ; S A M A N T H A C O H E N ay I suggest a summer mantra? Escape, indulge, repeat. When I thought about the theme of this summer's Special Travel Edition, I first considered what travel isn't (just ticking off the bucket list) and what it is (the feeling of being somewhere else). Travel is about sinking into a new rhythm, a softer schedule, and a life that's just a little more lush. This issue is a celebration of that indulgence in all its forms—from decadent destinations to delicious diversions. As Travel Editor Mark Ellwood so aptly put it when we first discussed the theme: "We all love racing round the world, gobbling up experiences and seeing once-in-a-lifetime places. Sometimes, though, it's important to remind ourselves that the point of travel can be that there's no point at all. It's a time to relax, recharge, and, most importantly, indulge. Travel is a necessity, not a luxury, but that doesn't mean it shouldn't be unashamedly, unabashedly luxurious." With that, we present inspiration from around the globe—from a sensuous guide to the South of France to a fashion-forward Caribbean escape in Grand Cayman, to sun-drenched golf getaways in South Florida and the Hamptons. Our BHS Edit spotlights what to pack and how to wear it, whether you're navigating the French Riviera, heading out West, or weekend-hopping in East Coast summer strongholds. And because no indulgent journey is complete without expert insight, I sat down with Marco Baldassari, cofounder and creative director of Eleventy, to get his take on stylish, smart, and serene travel—how he moves through the world, and what he wears while doing it. Meanwhile, writer Jay Cheshes caught up with celebrated sommelier Daniel Johnnes at La Paulée, where the world's wine enthusiasts convene annually in New York for the most over-the-top "Bring Your Own Burgundy" dinner party. (The format has been so well received that Brunello Cucinelli tapped Johnnes to design a multi-day fete celebrating his own wine, Castello di Solomeo, which will return to that idyllic Umbrian town next year.) Think of this issue as your sun-soaked passport to summer's most irresistible escapes. Pack light, dress well, and above all: just relax. DEBORAH FRANK Editor-in-Chief What characters did you try to embody over the course of this two-day shoot? Did you have a favorite role to play? I really liked getting into the character of this confident, entitled, moneyed woman. That first look where I arrived at the hotel's dock by private charter, and when we were at the restaurant, Blue by Eric Ripert, and the waiter was in the scene, pouring Champagne. And how do you get into the mindset of that role you're playing? Sometimes it's with direction from the photographer or stylist, but I guess it's just something that's embedded in my brain. I've been modeling since I was 14 and I'm 30 now, so I feel like it's just this autopilot takeover. on set After her shoot wrapped at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, model Jessica Strother chatted with us about getting into character, why she loves Rihanna, and a potential future culinary career. Was there something you enjoyed most about working with Emmanuel Sanchez- Monsalve? I had never worked with Emmanuel before, and just loved how chill he was, but could still bring the vibes. He would just break out into dance and pump me up while still working the camera. When you're shooting, is there specific music that really gets you in the mood? I love Rihanna. I feel like if you're trying to do a sexy shoot, or just need to feel extra-confident, Rihanna is my go-to. If it's something more mellow, I love listening to Sade, but if I need to pump it up, then it would be Drake, maybe some throwback '90s or 2000s—like some Britney [Spears], Spice Girls, Christina Aguilera. If you weren't modeling, what would you be doing? I love to cook and bake and have thought about going to culinary school. I feel like I could be a private chef in New York and meet all these different people. Or maybe I could start catering shoots! — SAMANTHA COHEN FROM TOP Strother, wearing a Roberto Cavalli dress, tests out a Moke outside the hotel; Strother in Tom Ford on a boat charter to Rum Point; stylist Moses Moreno's assemblage of Polaroids. Model Jessica Strother shot on location at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, wearing a McQueen gown. Photo by Emmanuel Sanchez-Monsalve; styling by Moses Moreno M notations BALHAR B O U RSH O P S .CO M

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