The remains of the drunken shrimp had just been cleared, and three couples awaited their dessert at Mr. Chow Beverly Hills when "it got a little tense, recalls one member of the group, a philanthropist and fifth-generation Angelena. The talk had turned to November's Los Angeles mayoral election, between six-term Democratic congresswoman Karen Bass and billionaire real estate developer Rick Caruso. The philanthropist and her husband are ardent Caruso supporters he'd had dinner at Caruso's home earlier in the week and tempers flared when another member of the party, an old-guard agent, cited supposed sins of Caruso's, such as having wanted to get rid of the Original Farmers Market when building the Grove in 2002.
"You don't want to say, "You're wrong. You want to keep it social," says the philanthropist. "Also, should everyone be held responsible for their past sins? I wanted to tell him, 'I know you worked with Harvey Weinstein. You found your moral compass now?"
Today in Los Angeles, the upcoming election is a showdown fit for the screen, with each candidate representing David to the other's Goliath, depending on the storyteller: Caruso, the media-besmirched political outsider who has dedicated his life to the betterment of the city, and Bass, the lifelong public servant who would be the first woman and second Black mayor of Los Angeles, who has to contend with Caruso's self-funded media blitz.
"There is definitely a hesitancy to discuss your mayoral choice in social settings," says a local elected official who hasn't yet endorsed either candidate. "If you're at a dinner party and you're a Karen supporter, people may think you're soft on crime and too woke. If you support Rick [people may think] you're a dilettante. There's a resistance to say which side you're on because of the disdain from the other camp.
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Esta historia es de la edición November 2022 de Town & Country US.
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Come On A My Palazzo - Marcantonio Brandolini grew up within these historic walls, skateboarding through his family's 15th-century Gothic home. Now, from ground floor offices that are more Venice Beach than Doge's Palace, he leads an artisanal incubator that may just save the lagoon from oblivion.
A few years ago, when I was writing a novel about reckless young men in Venice, I stumbled upon a photo online that conjured the spirit of my characters. In it, a scruffy-haired twentysomething sits precariously on the edge of a palazzo rooftop, staring out over the city as if he owns the place. Later I discovered that the young man in that photo wasn’t a random backpacker but Marcantonio Brandolini d’Adda, descendant of one of Venice’s most noble and socially well-connected families. The rooftop on which he’s perched is his family’s majestic 15th-century Gothic palazzo on the Grand Canal. By most definitions, the handsome young man in the photo really does own the place.
That Seat Is Saved - Some couples have a new, must on their invite list, and it isn't who you might expect.
When Marielle Mathe Brookner arrived at FedEx to pick up her wedding invitations, the bride-to-be wasn’t thrilled with their color. “I’m devastated,” she recalls thinking. “I really need to get these out as soon as possible.”Brookner successfully persuaded the retailer to print new copies, but she didn’t let her original invites go to waste. Instead she decided to invite some atypical guests to her November nuptials: Disney, Ben & Jerry’s, and In-NOut Burger, among other brands. She knew Mickey and Minnie Mouse were unlikely to take up room on her seating chart; the 28-year-old realtor “did it mostly for fun.”
Can a Car Have Sprezzatura - The new Maserati convertibles are made for our times.
Sure, we can wax poetic on all of the impressive virtues of the new Maserati GranCabrio Folgore, the first all electric convertible in its class. A canvas top that opens in 14 seconds. Those sumptuous interiors, made from the same quality recycled fabric Prada uses. The range of gorgeous colors (choose from 27, or make it bespoke like an OG). The 818 horsepower that propels it from 0 to 60 in 2.7 seconds, which also makes it the fastest electric convertible in the world right now (fitting, since folgore is Italian for lightning). And that signature Maserati engine roar, specially engineered— and delivered through a state-of-the-art sound system—to mimic the vroom of the Folgore’s gas-powered V6 sister, the Trofeo.
Best Friends Forever...and Ever, and Ever, and Ever - From celebs to finance bros, everyone suddenly seems to think an NAD+ drip is the secret to eternal youth. Could they be right?
In the last couple of years there has been a steady drip (ahem) of content—studies, message board buzz, Huberman Lab podcast episodes—feeding the NAD+ frenzy. “Ever since Jennifer Aniston talked about it being the reason she’s never felt better, it’s been an ‘I’ll have what she’s having’ moment,” says one woman who can best be described as Los Angeles royalty. “But the drips take hours. Snore. I can’t decide if it’s worth it.”
The Etiquette of Dissent - What happens if your candidate loses the election? Fortunately, examples of civilized-and productiveways to handle it abound.
The etiquette of living in dissent thereafter, especially if it goes on for a long time, is another matter. In theory, we are supposed to learn how to be good losers as kids. Athletic leagues give out sportsmanship awards, and institutions like the Scouts try to coach their members toward grace in defeat. Both aim to teach us how to live on the outs, perhaps drawing upon the British public school attitude of let’s-all-pull-together-for-the-empire. (The out-of-power party in the UK is even known as “His Majesty’s Most Loyal Opposition.”) In the American ideal, we metaphorically line up and shake hands after the softball game, and then square off again on another day. In practice, what some people do is accuse the other team of cheating and try to get the umpire fired.
So What's New?
How a 166-year-old jewelry house keeps the world guessing.
You're Right Here
A new collection reminds us that life is a journey worth celebrating, Ideally with diamonds and gold.
For Your Eyes Only
A small wedding has many charms. Here are 27 of them.
People We Like
A few concessions are required (sorry, Uncle Bob!), but a small wedding may be the best way to get exactly what you want.
Our Gift to You
Sunblock and snacks? Nice try. The latest flex is for couples to shower their guests with highly curated, and very pricey, welcome bags.
