Before you even reach the bright yellow front door of podcaster and DJ Arman Naféei’s Los Angeles home, the mood is set by an exquisitely restored 1980 Fiat 124 Spider 2000, in a grey-green metallic Grigio Fumo. It feels on brand for the “directeur d’ambiance” for clients including Giorgio Armani and Moncler. Inside, Naféei is at the sunny yellow La Marzocco machine making an espresso. He pours water from cult wellness destination and grocery store Erewhon into Svenskt Tenn glasses. “I wanted a mid-century home, with light and space — and beautiful, expansive sunrises,” he says of the one-bedroom, one-bathroom home just off Mulholland Drive, at the edge of the Santa Monica Mountains. Its panoramic views take in the Hollywood Sign, the Griffith Observatory — and the chaotic 101 freeway. Was that the ambience he was after? “I get a sense of the city’s energy,” he smiles.
I grew up outside of Toronto and came to Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia, in 2001 to study architecture – and fell in love with the place. There’s something very special about historic cities like this one, with a scale that you can hold in your hand, surrounded by nature. At the same time, Halifax is very dynamic, with a population of 500,000 and multiple universities. There is always a buzz in the air.
My personal style is eclectic and imaginative. Depending on my mood and the occasion, I might wear contemporary, vintage, masculine or very feminine clothes. If I’m on the rostrum, jackets are everything. My go-to is a navy wool double-breasted YSL jacket with gold buttons – very military-style – and I also love the silver Armani jacket that I wore for the sale of Apex, an 11ft-tall stegosaurus skeleton, in 2024. I always want to be sensitive to the items in the sale – the clothes I wear for a Modern & Contemporary auction are different to those I’ll wear for fossil or manuscript sales. One exception is my hair, which I always wear in a ponytail. When I was auditioning to be an auctioneer at Sotheby’s in 2016, Hugh Hildesley, who was then a senior auctioneer, advised that my hair was hitting the microphone and was a distraction. I’ve tied it up ever since and never have to think about it during a heated auction.
The Sotheby’s star on stage presence, the San Francisco Giants and selling a $45mn stegosaurus.
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My personal style is eclectic and imaginative. Depending on my mood and the occasion, I might wear contemporary, vintage, masculine or very feminine clothes. If I’m on the rostrum, jackets are everything. My go-to is a navy wool double-breasted YSL jacket with gold buttons – very military-style – and I also love the silver Armani jacket that I wore for the sale of Apex, an 11ft-tall stegosaurus skeleton, in 2024. I always want to be sensitive to the items in the sale – the clothes I wear for a Modern & Contemporary auction are different to those I’ll wear for fossil or manuscript sales. One exception is my hair, which I always wear in a ponytail. When I was auditioning to be an auctioneer at Sotheby’s in 2016, Hugh Hildesley, who was then a senior auctioneer, advised that my hair was hitting the microphone and was a distraction. I’ve tied it up ever since and never have to think about it during a heated auction.
I was born and raised in the East Village, not far from the home of Track Star, the online game show I play with people on the street. It stars strangers as well as musicians: I’ve had Lily Allen, Charli XCX and FKA Twigs on. Basically, I play a song and the contestant has to identify the artist who recorded it. The prize money starts at $5 for the first song and doubles with every correct answer until my guest either gets one wrong and loses it all or decides to stop playing. (The cash “prize” is often donated to charity.) Our office is on Great Jones Street, in NoHo, because this area is perfect for casting creative, willing participants who love music trivia.
While travel can feel hectic—not to mention expensive—these days, adventures and relaxing escapes are in higher demand than ever. From design-led properties with a focus on wellness to sumptuous estates in remote winemaking regions, there are offerings for every age and interest. Whether you’re looking for an art-filled escape or an adrenaline-charged break, the time is now to book a summer holiday to remember.
These new (and, in some cases, improved) properties are just
a few of the highlights that are drawing eager travelers abroad next year. From the historic streets of London to the snow-capped peaks of Megève, these are just a few of the hotels and destinations that are guaranteed to make for memorable adventures.
With the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics right around the corner, the the time to plan your trip is now.
On the heels of the successful Paris Olympics, plans for the next Winter Games are well underway. These will be held primarily in and around the dramatic Dolomite mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage– designated range named for the pale dolomite rock that forms striking, craggy peaks and some of the best ski terrain on the planet.
For those interested in a summer holiday in Europe, the time to start planning is right now. With a strong U.S. dollar, increased flight capacity and added routes to smaller cities, the appetite for adventures abroad shows no signs of waning. Here are just a few of the recently—or soon to be—opened hotels across the Continent and in the U.K. From a chic French chateau to a design-led, historic project by British architect Sir David Chipperfield in central London, travelers are spoiled for stylish choice this spring.
With their baroque palaces, grand hotels and storied cultural venues, the Austrian cities of Vienna and Salzburg are perennial favorites for aesthetes and outdoors people alike. With equal parts old-world glamour and cutting-edge art and cuisine, these cities nestled between pristine lakes and mountains
are calling throughout the seasons.
CEO Emilio Carbonera Giani sees positive long-term results thanks to a laissez-faire approach.
After 25 years in the industry, cosmetics titan Bobbi Brown continues to espouse natural beauty.
Special Covid-19 travel considerations: The hotel is following all Covid-19 guidelines for safety and cleanliness, and is open to guests from Wednesday though Saturday night. Cafe Boulud at Blantyre is serving dinner from Wednesday through Sunday and brunch on weekends. Breakfasts are all in-room; lunches are boxed and served poolside or picnic-style on the grounds. Pianist Karèn Tchougourian is not performing this summer. As for area attractions, Tanglewood took its music program online this summer, and while the museums are reopening, it's a smart idea to call ahead before you venture out.
Need some quiet weekend plans away from the action/adventure/machinations of Washington, D.C.? We have a few ideas.
Fathom contributor Christina Ohly found everything she needed for a family-friendly luxury ski vacation under one roof outside Aspen in Snowmass, Colorado.
Daniele Riva, scion of the legendary boat-making family, knows his way around every corner of the lake.
The historic Ice Pavilion in St. Moritz gets an upgrade, courtesy of Pritzker Prize-winner Norman Foster, with new modern, cantilevered sports venues and a world-class restaurant.
In the Berkshires, the easy days of summer—swimming holes, berry patches, meandering hikes through farmland and forests—meet world-class museums and culture festivals in one fantastic, make-everyone-happy family vacation.
