John Hardy Debuts First U.S. Flagship And Artisan In Residence Workshop

The Artisan Handcrafted Luxury Jewelry Brand Unveils an Experiential Retail Boutique in New York’s Soho

Luxury jewelry brand John Hardy announces the debut of its first U.S. flagship, situated in New York’s Soho neighborhood. Established in Bali in 1975, John Hardy is dedicated to the creation of ultimate beauty through artisan handcrafted jewelry. The master artisans honor original craft through the perfection of modern design, creating timeless one-of-a-kind pieces that are brilliantly alive. Each of John Hardy’s distinctive collections conveys evocative symbolism and honors the transmission of creative energy from the artist to the wearer. Since inception, the company has been deeply rooted in the essential values of community, artisanship and sustainability.

John Hardy Debuts First U.S. Flagship And Artisan In Residence Workshop. Courtesy of John Hardy (PRNewsFoto/John Hardy

The flagship, which opened November 25, offers a highly differentiated and authentic shopping experience designed to engage all five senses with the myth and magic of Balinese artisanship. The highlight of the flagship is an experiential concept space on the boutique’s second floor, which will serve as a creative sanctuary for artisans and offer consumers immersive experiences.

THE ENCOUNTER: THE ARTISAN IN RESIDENCE

The Residence animates the creative spirit and storied craftsmanship of the John Hardy Jewelry Workshop in Ubud, Bali into a full sensory experience and will be dedicated to hosting artisan master classes, workshops, talks, and installations across dynamic disciplines. The space serves as a real workshop for John Hardy Artisans when in Residence from overseas. The first series will run December 10 – 23 and explore the brand’s signature 8-step jewelry-making process.

THE EXPERIENCE: THE STORY OF TOUCH

The flagship weaves together scent, sound, light and art for a refined reimagining of the John Hardy Jewelry Workshop in Ubud, Bali. It is designed to herald transformative moments and inspire connection.

THE INSPIRATION: MAGIC OF BALI

Designed around a central display, clients are invited to navigate the boutique like the island of Bali itself, walking around its natural edges and exploring tactile moments of inspiration. True to founder John Hardy’s creative vision as an artist and environmental sculptor, the boutique walls showcase powerful collections like a gallery, encouraging guests to interact with every dimension of inspiration. The dynamic contours and exquisite detail of handcrafted jewelry is exhibited with bold authenticity—each piece, a work of art in and of itself.

A lush scent designed to conjure the verdant grounds of the Ubud Workshop transports and transfixes, as store lighting and sound shift throughout the day to evoke the rising and setting of the Balinese sun. All the while, a custom playlist blends nomadic beats and natural soundscapes, invoking the essence of wanderlust.

Signature carved wood details punctuate the space with rich walnut and hammered gold inlays, summoning elements of earthy softness and water reflection. A large-scale art installation hand-carved from teakwood tree root—the sustainable byproduct of production—serves as a dynamic focal point, manifesting creativity and celebrating the uncompromising artistic ethos behind the brand.

THE STYLE: SINGULAR. SUSTAINABLE.

In conceptualizing the space, architectural firm Design Republic sought to celebrate the brand’s heritage and roots in artisan craftsmanship forged by founder John Hardy in 1975. All millwork is custom designed and unique to the store. Natural and locally sourced materials reflect the brand’s commitment to community and artisanship while large jewelry display tables, made from locally sourced black walnut, recall the communal artisan’s table in the Ubud Workshop. Elements such as mirrors etched with the John Hardy chain motif and hammered brass accents, echo the objects of beauty on display.

The open yet immersive design sets the stage for a unique shoulder-to-shoulder selling experience, reminiscent of the warm hospitality in the Workshop. A client services team, robed in custom-designed natural fiber pieces by Balinese artisan brand Biasa, channel the elegance, effortlessness, and exploration of travel. Their style honors the timelessness of the John Hardy brand, serving as an inspiration—and an invitation—to be part of its tradition.

THE LOCATION: SOHO, NEW YORK

The John Hardy Flagship is situated in the heart of Soho’s luxury corridor at 118 Prince Street in a three-story landmark building from the early 1900s. The store will open Mondays through Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m., and Sundays from 12:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. (212-343-9000)

Waterhouse & Dodd Announces A Major Exhibition Of Sculptures And Drawings By Sophie Ryder: “Rising”

Exhibition Dates: December 9, 2016 – January 28, 2017 at 960 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10021

Waterhouse & Dodd, the international dealership with galleries in London and New York, is pleased to announce U.S. representation of Sophie Ryder and her upcoming solo exhibition, “Rising” at their Madison Avenue gallery.

“Lovers on Horseback” by Sophie Ryder 2013 Bronze 23 x 23 x 8 inches Edition of 9 (PRNewsFoto/Waterhouse & Dodd)

Ryder’s work has long been a feature of the British cultural landscape, seen most recently in a magnificent sell-out exhibition at Salisbury Cathedral, which featured a number of her monumental sculptures. Over the last 20 years she has also established an enviable reputation in America, where many clients have acquired both her large outdoor sculptures and smaller works.

The show in New York will be her first exhibition in the U.S. for 10 years. It will be followed by a major three-month show with 8 monumental sculptures and related smaller works at the Ann Norton Sculpture Garden in January 2017.

Sophie Ryder working on “Curled Up No. 2” (PRNewsFoto/Waterhouse & Dodd)

Ryder’s work is instantly recognizable. She has built a personal repertoire of mythological figures and motifs. Tender and self-aware, her hybrid creatures encapsulate mythology’s significance: steeped in cultural symbolism, they nevertheless resonate on an immediate and human level. Two of her most enduring figures, the hare and the Minotaur, are rich in art historical metaphors. The playful hare has long been used as a symbol of fertility and regeneration. Its femininity is often juxtaposed with the masculinity of the Minotaur and a brooding sexual tension exists between the two when paired together.

Ryder’s profound love of animals is emphasized in her depictions of horses and dogs, constant companions in her life as well as her sculpture. Occasionally one discovers found objects, such as children’s toys, embedded in the cast bronzes, which add an autobiographical note and a further layer of narrative depth.

The exhibition will feature small tabletop works priced at under $10,000 as well as larger works.

Columbia Sportswear Launches Collection Inspired by Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

Limited-Edition Jackets Inspired By Characters In The First Standalone Star Wars Story For Sale December 9

Columbia Sportswear has unveiled three limited-edition, high-performance jackets inspired by Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. The collection represents the first movie merchandise collaboration for Columbia and will be available in very limited quantities on www.columbia.com and at select Columbia’s retail locations beginning December 9.

Columbia, the flagship brand of Portland, Oregon-based Columbia Sportswear Company, has been creating innovative apparel, footwear, accessories and equipment for outdoor enthusiasts since 1938. Columbia has become a leading global brand by channeling the company’s passion for the outdoors and innovative spirit into technologies and performance products that keep people warm, dry, cool and protected year-round.

The high-performance jackets, featuring Columbia’s industry-leading technologies, take unique design inspiration from three main Rogue One characters: Sergeant Jyn Erso, Captain Cassian Andor, and the Imperial Death Trooper. Each jacket features special design details connected to the character and their allegiance in the film.

The Columbia team worked closely with Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media throughout this collaboration to ensure that the jackets are an authentic representation for discerning Star Wars fans. Constructed with Columbia’s Tested Tough promise and designed with a deep nod to characters in Rogue One and the overall Star Wars franchise, each jacket will stand up to the cold, wet weather of the winter season. Details on each jacket follow:

 

Inspired by the main character of the film, the Jyn Erso Rebel Jacket features a quilted vest that can be worn separately or layered with the jacket. (MSRP: $400) (Photo: Business Wire)

• Jyn Erso Rebel Jacket: Crafted of stretch twill cotton, Sergeant Jyn Erso’s jacket features rugged leather-look details on the sleeves and throughout the garment. The quilted, insulated vest can be worn separately or layered with the jacket to complete your rebel ensemble, and features genuine leather debossed Rebel Alliance patch. The Jyn ErsoTM Rebel Jacket sells for $400.
  

  Inspired by the key character in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, the Jyn Erso Rebel Jacket features exceptional details. (Photo: Business Wire)

  

  . The Captain Cassian Andor Rebel Jacket features Columbia’s Omni-Heat Reflective technology that reflects the wearer’s body heat in cold conditions. (Photo: Business Wire)

  

  . The Captain Cassian Andor Rebel Jacket features Columbia’s Omni-Heat Reflective technology that reflects the wearer’s body heat in cold conditions. (Photo: Business Wire)

• Captain Cassian Andor Rebel Parka: Built to withstand the harshest conditions, Cassian’s parka features a sherpa lined hood, with detachable faux fur trim detail. Omni-Heat™ Reflective lining reflects body heat back to the wearer, and Omni-Tech™ waterproof breathable fabric keeps you dry and protected. Genuine leather debossed Rebel Alliance patch and premium fabrics pay tribute to this character. The Cassian AndorTM Rebel Parka sells for $500.
  

  The Imperial Death Trooper Jacket is waterproof, fully seam-sealed, and features reflective Imperial Army details to showcase allegiance to the Dark Side. (MSRP: $450) (Photo: Business Wire)

• Imperial Death Trooper Jacket: Waterproof, breathable and fully seam-sealed, the Imperial Death Trooper Rain Jacket is packed with the same features as Columbia’s award-winning OutDry Extreme Diamond Shell Jacket. Reflective Imperial Army shoulder details showcase allegiance to the Dark Side, along with striking design lines and pop color chest zippers that take inspiration from the Death Trooper’s imposing armor. The Imperial Death TrooperTM Jacket sells for $450.

HIV & AIDS in the United States Update: World AIDS Day Letter

The following letter was released by Dr. Jonathan H. Mermin and Dr. Eugene McCray of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention in celebration of World AIDS Day 2016.

December 1 is World AIDS Day, a day to unite in the fight against HIV, support people living with HIV, and honor those who have lost their life. This year’s theme, Leadership. Commitment. Impact., asks each of us to strengthen our commitment to stop HIV using the most up-to-date, evidence-based HIV interventions, prevention tools, and testing options available. In 2015, 39,513 people received a diagnosis of HIV, and over 1.2 million people are living with HIV in the United States.

Recent trends in HIV diagnoses show some promising signs of progress. From 2010 to 2014, the annual number of HIV diagnoses in the United States declined by 9%, driven by declines among heterosexuals and people who inject drugs (PWID). Diagnoses stabilized among gay and bisexual men overall, though trends varied by age, race and ethnicity. African Americans and Latinos continue to be disproportionally affected by HIV, compared with other races and ethnicities.

Despite gains in HIV prevention among PWID, the prescription opioid epidemic and increases in heroin use may threaten this success. PWID are at high risk for HIV and viral hepatitis if they share injection equipment. Today, we have options to help ensure that all PWID have access to prevention services. According to a new edition of CDC’s Vital Signs, released this week,

• PWID account for 9% of HIV diagnoses in the United States, though they make up only 0.3% of the population.
• Last year, only 1 in 4 PWID (in 22 US cities) got all their syringes from sterile sources such as syringe services programs (SSPs) and pharmacies.
• SSPs that are comprehensive not only provide PWID with better access to sterile injection equipment, but also medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorder, HIV and hepatitis testing, and other HIV prevention options like condoms, behavioral interventions, and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP, a daily pill that can prevent HIV).

States and local communities now have the opportunity to use federal funds under some circumstances to support SSPs. CDC guidance is available for partners interested in implementing SSPs, where permitted by local law.

On World AIDS Day and every day, [the] CDC is dedicated to reducing new HIV infections among all populations and improving health outcomes for those who are living with HIV. Current activities include

• Awards of at least $330 million each year since 2012 ($343.7 million in 2015) to health departments to direct resources to the populations and geographic areas of greatest need and prioritize the HIV prevention strategies that will have the greatest impact.

• The Capacity Building Assistance for High-Impact HIV Prevention national program that provides training and technical assistance for health departments, community-based organizations, and health care organizations to help them better address gaps in the HIV continuum of care and provide high-impact prevention to HIV-negative persons.

• The Act Against AIDS initiative that raises awareness about HIV testing and prevention through campaigns and partnerships. For example,

• Let’s Stop HIV Together is a campaign that raises awareness and fights stigma among all Americans and provides stories about people living with HIV.

• Doing It is a national testing and prevention campaign that encourages all adults to know their HIV status and make HIV testing a part of their regular health routine.

• Partnering and Communicating Together (PACT) to Act Against AIDS is a partnership with organizations such as AIDS United and I Choose Life to raise HIV awareness among populations disproportionately affected by HIV.

Thank you for your hard work and commitment to prevent HIV. Through our commitment, collaboration, and coordination, we can continue to reduce HIV incidence for all Americans and help all people with HIV live long, healthy lives.

Sincerely,

Jonathan H. Mermin, MD, MPH

RADM and Assistant Surgeon General, USPHS/Director, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov/nchhstp

Eugene McCray, MD

Director, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov/hiv