Photos by Samantha Jane Beatty
Styling by Kate Stukenberg
Grooming by Tonya Riner for Page Parkes Agency
Models Madison Johnston for Wallflower Management and Jake Atterberry for Page Parkes Agency
Photo assistance by John Lewis
Styling assistance by Molly Jodeit
Men’s styling consulting by Cody Sever
and Whitney Wiggins for M Penner
Shot on location at Hotel Alessandra in Downtown
A moment from 'The House,' choreographed by Nao Kusuzaki
As an audience limited to 30 for each performance is led throughout the house, the stories and secrets of these two amazing women are revealed through movement and spoken word.
“They were true to their values, and words were their main tool,” says Kusuzaki of Jordan and Lee. “They were both strong women who realized their dreams and influenced society in terms of human and civil rights.”
Given the limited amount of square footage within the Yale House, the big challenge for Kusuzaki has been predicting how the audience will react in such cramped quarters. “Some people like to be close, but others might want their space,” says Kusuzaki. Despite such challenges, Heights Ironworks has been a creatively stimulating choice of venue for dance. “It’s quite beautiful,” says Kusuzaki. “I was inspired by the property, and how it’s being used today.”
Navy Blue's branzino (photo by Caroline Fontenot)
The monthly series is for wine- and food-lovers, and the next one is Feb. 12, which means you can duck the Valentine’s Day frenzy by attending. Molly Austad, the sommelier for Navy Blue and Bludorn, takes a deep dive into wine and food pairings and educates guests on wine varietals and the art of tasting wine. Four- or five-course meals and pairings are usually kept a delightful surprise, so it’s a little like opening a box of chocolates.
The superstar sommelier kicked off the four-part monthly wine club dinner series back in October. Her topic for the evening was “How to Sound like a Wine Expert” in an intimate and interactive dinner setting. Tables are set up the private room at Navy Blue, so you won’t have to compete with the main dining restaurant activities. You can be sure that restaurateur-chef Aaron Bludorn will include fresh seafood on the menu!
If you can’t make it Feb. 12, both Navy Blue and Bludorn will offer an a la carte specialty menu Feb. 14, as well as delectable desserts from pastry chef Marie Riddle. Guests also have a chance to add a bountiful bouquet for their significant other or a bottle of Champagne ahead of time.
Molly Austad (photo by Julie Soefer)
Key lime pie (photo by Caroline Fontenot)