Folio.YVR ☆ Issue 13 ☆ 2020 ☆ Luxury Lifestyle Magazine ☆ Vancouver, BC

folio.yvr
ISSUE #13
Winter 2020/21

ann goldberg // w hite flow er // oil on canvas // 24x 36
001

005 nova stevens
013 ann goldberg
021 pasotti ombrelli
029 j ack ie k ai ellis
037 sunzen art gallery
045 nick cave v fazioli
052 villa eyrie resort
054 current tax i
061 alpina restaurant
067 vi motorsport circuit
075 coachw erk s restoration
087 j pg x mmfa x msub
091 contributor credits

ann goldberg // pink flamingos // oil on canvas // 40x 60
003

05
NOVA STEVENS:
BEHOLD THE BLACK QUEEN

spring 2021 collection // catherine regehr
007

When it comes to racial disparity,
stereotyping and inequality in the beauty
pageant industry or helping previously
incarcerated youths get back on their feet,
Nova Stevens is fighting for what she believes in
and doing it on her terms.
It has been an intense year for Nova. Amidst the
George Floyd protests, she became a prominent
activist for Black Lives Matter in Vancouver.
Along with activist Shamika Mitchell, Nova
organized the Freedom March in June 2020, which
saw over 15,000 people protesting racism and police
brutality while celebrating Juneteenth. Following the
march's success, the duo organized other marches
and events in support of Black Lives Matter within
the city's downtown. Both were instrumental in
lobbying for Mayor Kennedy Stewart to declare
August 1 as Emancipation Day in Vancouver.

Heavy is Her Crown
09
In October, Nova was crowned Miss Universe
Canada 2020. Hard work and determination
placed the glittering crown upon the head of the
second Black woman to win the title in 30
years?the first being Montreal's Juliette Powell
in 1989. Thirty-one years have passed since that
crowning, and Nova is not about to be
remembered as the second?it must be much
bigger than that.
Taking to social media after the win, Nova
remarked on what her victory represented in such
a multicultural country. "I am Canadian and a
Black woman," she said. "As I stand before you, I
want you to see me as a Black woman. Yes, I
want you to see colour. Seeing colour does not
make you racist; instead, it allows you to see the
struggles experienced by people of colour." She
touched on the victims of police brutality and
hate crimes and left an enduring message of
hope for the future. "I ask that you diversify your
surroundings because when you do that, it
creates a better understanding! Know that hate is
taught; therefore, we can unlearn it."
Over the next year, her duties as Miss Universe
Canada will expand her platform, but she has
no plans to withdraw from the organizations
passionate about supporting. Nova is an
advocate for Toronto's Keep6ix, which offers
resources to incarcerated youth and assistance
transitioning back into society, One Girl Can
education charity, and Feed it Forward, which
works with producers to redirect food waste to
people who need it.

011
Nova was born in Kenya to parents who were fleeing
the conflict of the Second Sudanese Civil War. At age
six, she and a cousin were sent to Canada for safety
and lived with family between Alberta and Ontario. This
is how it was until the age of 15 when she moved out
and initiated a career with her first modelling and acting
gigs in Vancouver and New York.
In 2014, Nova entered her first Miss Universe Canada
pageant sporting a weave with straight hair. Returning in
2018, she decided to focus on her authentic self,
wearing her hair naturally.
While the crown eluded her, change wa
pageant world when the 2019 Miss Uni
South Africa's Zozibini Tunzi. Now sh
African girl with African features and th
answer tough questions in front of an a
win. It was game-changing. Nova knew
better time for her to try again, and wit
of Miss Universe Canada in 2020, she i
on her pursuits and will be shining brigh
Miss Universe 2021!

A Strength of Character
"I find strength from the many times I've fallen
because each time I've gotten up and learned."
2020 has proved to be the brutal reckoning that the
world needed to spotlight systemic racism, not only in
fashion and modelling but in all industries. Even
though Nova's career has created so many
experiences of note, there was an incredibly
memorable one. She recalls, "I was in Milan one
season and attended a Vogue Italia party where I got
to see supermodels like Naomi Campbell. I've looked
up to Naomi since I was a very young girl."
But with the positive comes the negative, as she also
recalls snide and often-times brutal comments from
casting directors and having to do her makeup
because on-shoot artists are not trained to work with
darker skin tones. Even with an increased focus on
diversity by major fashion houses, there continue to
be numerous barriers that persons of colour face
daily.
s apparent in the
iverse winner was
e knew that an
e wherewithal to
udience could
there was no
h her crowning
s not letting up
tly on stage at
To a world fighting with itself, Nova reminds all that
she is not going anywhere. She is unfazed by the
ongoing battles and shouts in a powerfully authentic
voice, "I want to be remembered for challenging the
status quo of what is considered beautiful. Remember
me as someone who has fearlessly used her voice to
fight for racial equality. Remember me as a warrior
who has peacefully fought for the rights of people of
colour. Lastly, as an inspiration to people of colour
who have been told, the colour of their skin is a
hindrance. I say to you; it is a badge of honour, so you
wear it with pride."

013
ANN GOLDBERG:
A CAKE I S A CAKE I S A CAKE

pendulum gallery // hsbc building // vancouver, bc
The world of artist Ann Goldberg is up-close and personal.
Through the most refined strokes, she turns the every
day items into a hyper-realistic masterpiece. Pieces so
convincing that you may find your mouth watering at her
latest collection ? Cake: A Modern Marie Antoinette. An
exhibition which stretches the audience?s imagination and
blurs the line between reality and the world that exists on her
canvases.
At the centre of this exhibition is a marvellous interpretation of
Marie Antoinette, which took six months to complete. A
commissioned piece, the portrait is presented in the Dutch
Baroque style and is lush with blooms, from wildflowers to
ornamental cabbage, butterflies that flutter about the skirting,
and a modern-day Marie at the centre complete with long flowing
highlighted locks, lipstick, and manicured nails.
In the accompanying exhibition essay, Julia Trojanowski MFA
described this central image of Marie as a ?Vanitas featuring
wilting flowers, insects, symbolic objects alluding to the material
wealth and the passage of time" which invites the viewer to
meditate on ?their mortality and of the worthiness of world goods
and pleasure.?
015

previous page: cake at the serpentine london / 2020 /
oil on canvas / 24x36
left: ms antoinette / 2019 / oil on canvas / 48x72
above: bouquet of ranunculus / 2020 / oil on canvas /
48x48

ThePendulumGallery
While the Cake exhibition debuted during the pandemic at the
Pendulum Gallery, Goldberg was not about to let this delicious
exhibit be ignored. ?I wasn?t sure the exhibition would happen as
I watched the COVID-19 numbers rise, but the gallery curator
Chris Keatley assured me we would find a way to make it
happen.?
The exhibition space worked exceptionally well during the
pandemic, with the gallery?s large open space viewable to the
public 24-hours a day. Paintings were equipped with sensors to
deter theft, and visitors were able to mask-up, enter, and enjoy
the space comfortably. The additional advantage of being across
from the historic and prestigious Vancouver Art Gallery meant
attendance was much higher as art aficionados could easily visit
both locations.
TheOrigin of An Artist
017
Goldberg?s artistic style is influenced by her education
background. Before committing to art full-time, she achieved a
degree in mathematics and fine arts and then studied and
practiced as an architect in Vancouver for ten years. From
these precision-focused disciplines comes an artistic exactness
that captures qualities that might otherwise be brushed aside
with a single stroke.
She draws inspiration from German photo-realist artist
Gerhardt Richter and Canadian Indigenous painter Norval
Morrisseau. Critics often consider her to be today?s answer to
Mary Pratt, the Canadian photorealistic still-life painter who
blazed a trail for female artists, especially in the arena of making
objects around the house look extraordinary.
Goldberg is a career artist having worked for years with the
Winsor Gallery and is now represented by Calgary?s
Gibson Art Gallery.
Her focus lies entirely on finding the most striking version of
everyday objects around her, especially observing and
translating the importance of light on the focused item?this is
the core idea of Goldberg?s style.
above: pink cupcake in sidney / 2019 / oil
24x36
She practices hyperrealism by taking hundreds
high-resolution digital photographs, then edits
selects the best for aspects like vivid colours o
particularly striking beam of light. The final oil
becomes so bolder than real life, or ?a handma
reproduction of something that has been repro
mechanically,? she explains.

on canvas /
of
and
r a
painting
de
duced

A Promiseof a Future
Like many creatives, Goldberg finds the
pandemic inspiring. While many find isolation
a negative experience, one to be shunned
and lamented about, Goldberg has
experienced feelings of pride at how
Canadians responded to the pandemic.
Painting is notoriously a solitary undertaking,
so for her, solitude is embraced as part of
the process but is she is empathetic to those
to whom being alone is alienating.
It would be easy to say that Goldberg?s w
is simply the celebration of beautiful obje
while highlighting the distortions that mak
their appearance shift as the world aroun
them changes?but that would be lazy.
With her next exhibition projected to be in
couple of years, one must acknowledge th
detailed thought process, the extensive
research, and the final presentation as be
complex.
Every stroke of Goldberg?s brush represe
many hours, perhaps even days, of menta
and physical investment and those who
commission works from her, feel it within
019

ork
cts
e
d
a
e
ing
nts
l
.
far left: pearls i / 2020 / oil on canvas / 12x12
left: ann goldberg with pearls ii / 2020 / oil on canvas / 12x12
above: white peonies / 2020 / oil on canvas / 48x48

021
PASOTTI OMBRELLI :
A FANTASTI CAL WEAPON AGAI NST THE
WEATHER

via roma, castellucchio, italy
P
roudly bearing the 'Made in Italy' label,
Pasotti makes the world's finest umbrellas,
each reflective of the skill and endurance of
the company artisans.
From his office in Castellucchio, Italy, Nicola
Begotti reflects on the history of the family business
and how an umbrella, a mere personal accessory,
plays such a vital role in the wardrobe of many.
Pasotti Ombrelli was founded in 1956 by Nicola?s
grandmother Ernesta Pasotti. A woman of spirit, she
left her position at an umbrella factory in Milan with a
vision to create exquisitely crafted umbrellas for
those who wished to stand apart from the crowd.
In 2020, her grandchildren Nicola and Andre Begotti
are guiding and growing the brand through
international distribution through hand-selected
boutiques and offering a bespoke service to the
wealthy who collaborate on creating incredible pieces.
023

Design Beyond Comparison
025
One such order is still fresh in Nicola?s mind as he
shares a story of 80 umbrellas created, through
a collaboration with a major jewellery company,
as guest gifts at a Royal Family wedding in ?an
Arab country.? With an $8M budget, each
umbrella was layered with the most sumptuous
silky lace and imbued with gold and diamonds.
The first style was a lattice with emeralds and
the other a raindrop filigree with sapphires.
Pasotti umbrellas are historically unique with a
design that comes in two parts. The first is the
meticulously sculpted handles at the end of
shafts, made from materials like bamboo and
chestnut. The handles are incredibly varied and
include a highly desirable array of animals,
mythical creatures, and decorative objects that
will make it impossible to own only one!
The umbrella canopy is another area where
owners can display their personality to stand
apart or conversely blend in with the crowd of
black, navy, and gray. For those looking for
something more distinctive, the Women's Lux
collection includes canopies of gorgeous printed
petals and floral patterns, golden chains,
animal prints, and geometric shapes all
matched with intricate jewelled handles.
Stories abound of clients and celebrities who
have gained a newfound appreciation for the
elevated accessories. Nicola shared that many
clients stitch their phone numbers into the
umbrella canopy so those who find them will
rightfully return them.

Pasotti has such a close relationship with
those who purchase their products they
operate without a formal return policy. ?We
do not feel comfortable writing such things.
We treat every customer as unique and
special. It doesn?t matter if the umbrella is
new, one year old, or 10-years old, we
always find a solution for them.?
One such customer is luxury entrepreneur
Kevin Sung who had an unfortunate
incident at a local fine dining establishment
where somebody heavily damaged his
beloved Pasotti Knuckleduster.

027
?In that moment, upon discovering it, I completely understood why the
women in my life are so possessive and protective of their designer
handbags. All I could think was if this is not repairable, then it would
be rest-in-peace my friend.? Of course, Kevin's umbrella is being
readied for shipping to Italy, where it will be assessed because that is
what Pasotti promises.
Collectors of Pasotti pieces included Meryl Streep (owner of three
umbrellas), Jennifer Lopez (On the Floor music video), Madonna
(Swarovski Crystals Walking Stick), and Johnny Depp and Sean Paul
opting for variations of the Luxury Swarovski Skull canes.

Pasotti on theWest Coast
Pasotti is stocked in top boutiques in over
75 countries worldwide, and in Vancouver find
them at Secret Location Concept Store.
Founder and Creative Director Carey Hulshof
shares, ?We chose Pasotti for Secret Location
because of the undeniable quality. It is apparent
when you see and pick each umbrella up. Not to
mention the heritage of the company, and that
it is completely made in Italy.? She continued,
?We also have a very positive working
relationship with Pasotti, and they allow our
clients to customize their products ? providing
our clientele with a truly one-of-a-kind piece
they can often use in our beautiful rainy city.?
Even with a much shorter events calendar in
2021, Nicola says that Pasotti will definitely
showcase at Pitti Uomo in Florence and the
Maison & Objet in Paris, both rescheduled for
2021. ?Skipping a season is bad not only for
business but for how we are used to doing
business. I am the commercial director for the
company, so I travel a lot worldwide, and I miss
our customers, my trips, and Tokyo!?
True luxury lovers who find themselves in
Vancouver in the rainy season should definitely
consider visiting Secret Location and add a
Pasotti to their wardrobe. More than a mere
accessory, it is a timely statement of style.

29
JACKI E KAI ELLI S:
A LI FE OF HER OWN CREATI ON

vancouver, bc & paris, france
031

T
here is a dream that lives through
story-telling, of a vivacious and driven young
woman who leaves it all behind to begin a new
life, a true life, in Paris, France.
Once there, the young woman thrives and becomes
cosmopolitan. She never forgets the fast-paced
western city life, and occasionally returns to share her
adventures and life?s truths with the next generation
of adventurous women.
Jackie Kai Ellis is such a woman. Vancouver-born
and holding a residence here and in Paris, she is a
woman with soul and without cliché, who has turned
her actions and musings into a source of inspiration
for an international audience.

A Focus on Authenticity
Jackie is an outlier in a digital world where you can
find design and beauty in your hand at a moment?s
notice - but is questionable as to whether this a
genuinely authentic vision or one that is fleeting in
nature. The work that she does is equal parts enduring
and natural, focusing on craft and the understanding
that anything worth enjoying is one that takes time.
Jackie is a woman who has accomplished much in a
relatively short period of time. Early on she ventured
over to France, to attend the Ecole Gastronomique
Bellouet Conseil pastry school, and returned many
times with her business - The Paris Tours - which
delighted ticket-holders with a tasting tour of the best
pâtisseries in the city.
A Memoir of Note
Her ability to capture moments and emotions has
resulted in a bestselling memoir The Measure of My
Powers: A Memoir of Food, Misery, and Paris. This
book takes a vulnerable and personal look into the
darkest years of her life and an eventual impetus for
her decision to begin exploring food, France, and a life
that gave her joy. Her story invites readers to join her
as she embarked on a path to overcoming fears and
doubts.
033

APTLa Fayetteis Revealed
Her Parisian home is located just off the Canal St. Martin, in the
artsy 10th arrondissement, which she bought in 2017 after selling
her award-winning and much lauded Beaucoup Bakery & Cafe to
siblings Betty and Jacky Hung. At first sight, the cluttered
apartment was in a state of disrepair because its former owner had
done little in the way of renovations since the 1940's!
Jackie envisioned a chic and cozy space and proceeded to knock
down walls to showcase the unit?s large square-footage, which is
uncommon among Paris?s notoriously pint-sized flats. Other
treasures demanded to be reborn?a marble fireplace, herringbone
wooden flooring, and room mouldings. Like an elegantly carved
wooden bed frame, many of her prized pieces were picked-up from
sellers on ?French Craigslist?Le Bon Coin.
The result is a home that was meant to be shared. Just as her
open kitchen allowed her to keep guests entertained while
preparing a meal from the bounty of the Parisian markets, her
influence led to the apartment being profiled in Architectural
Digest, House & Home, Real Living, and Curbed. It even
demanded a name and was christened APT La Fayette.
JKEx Flax Sleep
APT La Fayette has become a physical space for inspiration and a
space to build her creative consultancy while working with brands.
Recently, she entered into a collaboration with Canadian bedding
company Flax Sleep that resulted in the Cuisine Collection by
APT of kitchen-ready linens.
035

The homewares collection includes items straight from
Jackie?s kitchen (market bags, a chef?s apron, dish
towels, and cocktail napkins) with inspiration drawing
from the experiences of long evenings around her
Parisian dinner table.
Longing for a glimpse into this world? When Jackie is
in Vancouver, APT La Fayette is available through
Airbnb.
How wonderful would it be if at this very moment
there is a young woman on her laptop, dreaming of a
new life, who stumbles upon the listing, and clicks?
The results could be magical!

037
REI NCARNATI ON:
ANTI QUE JAPANESE KETTLES & KI NTSUGI

420 how e street, vancouver, bc
039
When you walk into the
Sunzen Art Gallery on
Howe Street, be prepared to
enter a capsule of diverse
artistic collections of old and new.
Situated steps from downtown
designer boutiques and exclusive
members-only clubs, the gallery offers
a cultural space displaying high-end
art, furniture, and traditional Pu?erh tea
ceremonies.
This season, the gallery explores a new
frontier with its exhibition
REINCARNATION: The Second Life
of Antique Japanese Kettles.
Featuring a collection of over 60
antique Japanese kettles, a curation of
bonsai, and intricately repaired kintsugi
art pieces, the Sunzen has created an
exhibit focused on craftsmanship and
purposeful design.

Vessels for Creating Warmth
The kettles originated from the Edo period
under the Shogunate rule, which occurred
from 1603 to 1867. The vessels were created
by a class of craftsmen that commonly
moonlighted as poets and painters, explaining
the intricate designs of landscapes, flowers,
and human figures, that adorn them.
Strikingly gorgeous, the kettles carry weight in
what they have represented over their lifetime,
both as art and as a representation of life
during a bygone era.
Co-curator Lin Li explains, ?They are not only
a tool but a spirit, that interact and
communicate with people who use them.? The
sound emitted by the kettle?s lid during boiling
is ?matsukaze?, or the sound of the ?wind
through the pine trees.?A timeless example
of art imitating the most peaceful moments of
life.
Part of this exhibit?s purpose is to explore the
concept of loss. Antique kettles are common in
Japanese households and are safely tucked
into glass cabinets while their mass-produced
cousins are in use daily.
041
Even though people are respectful of the value
in their antiques, the relationship between
them and the object is inherently risky. This
tenuous relationship brings the Second Life of
the pieces into focus - the idea is not to view
them as a relic from a time gone by but a
reminder to shorten the distance between
craftsmanship and everyday life.

Connection Through Restoration
Aside from the kettles, the exhibit also showcases Kintsugi,
which is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery pieces with
golden lacquer.
On display are pieces by Naoko Fukumaru. Born in Japan to a
third-generation antique auction house family, she grew up
surrounded by fine arts and antiques and began to experiment
with broken objects early, a passion she built into a career.
Fukumaru graduated from England?s West Dean College in 2000
with a post-graduate diploma in Ceramics, Glass and Related
Materials Conservation and Restoration, which led her to more
than two decades of working as a professional ceramic and glass
conservator at multiple esteemed institutions.
Incredibly, Fukumaru has been involved in significant restoration,
conservation and fabrication projects, including The Last
Supper by Leonard da Vinci, The Tomb of Tutankhamen in
Egypt, Caravaggio and Veronese paintings, The Thinker by
Rodin, murals by Diego Rivera, and projects for Yoko Ono and
Anish Kapoor.
Reflection on a Curation
Before departing the calm of the Sunzen Gallery, take a moment
to think about the curious objects within the space that were
specifically chosen to transport you to a long-ago place in time.
043
Congratulations to co-curators Lin Li and Viahsta Yuan, who
created a safe bubble of history amidst the glass office towers
of our city?s core with this exhibition. It is a true refuge and an
experience that calls for peaceful reflection.

045
NI CK CAVExFAZI OLI :
A MODERN DAY PARABLE OF PASSI ON

alex andra palace, london, uk
047
T
his story began with a simple question from
Andrew and posted on The Red Hand Files
and how it played out has become legendary
in two diverse worlds of fans.
First, we must step into the shadows to the
brooding, complex, and emotional world of
Australian singer/songwriter Nick Cave.
Second, the universe of elite pianists and
the exquisite instruments they regard as
extensions of their souls.
Question fromAndrew
The piano you played for Idiot Prayer was
magnificent. Was it a personal instrument, or
is this just the kind of thing people put in
front of one when they go places?
ANDREW, BELLINGHAM, USA
ResponsefromNick
Dear Andrew,
The piano I played at Alexandra Palace
was a Fazioli. There were limited pianos I
could access during lockdown. There was,
however, a Fazioli. I had never played one
before but Dom Monks, the guy who
recorded the Alexandra Palace performance,
highly recommended this piano. The moment
I sat down at the Fazioli, its warm, soft,
nuanced sound spoke to me like no piano
had spoken to me before. I was swept away
by its extraordinary tonal range. It whispered
to me. It roared at me. It was the most
beautiful instrument I had ever played.

On a Zoom call to my manager I mentioned how
much I loved the Fazioli. I reminded him that I still
have the same nasty little Chinese upright I have
had for over thirty years. I explained that I was
sixty-three years old and suggested that perhaps
it was time I got a nice piano. I said to my
manager ? I just love that Fazioli.
Now, one of the things you may or may not know
about being a famous musician is that companies
give you shit for free. The more famous you are,
the more shit you get ? you just have to wear
one of their t-shirts or a branded cap or
something. Being the principled individual that I
am, of course, I have never sponsored a musical
instrument (in that respect, I am virtually alone in
my field) but I just loved that Fazioli.
So I said to my manager ? Time to sell my soul.
Time to make a call and get me a Fazioli.
My manager said ? Consider it done!
So, the next day my manager rings up Fazioli,
who have their headquarters in Sacile, in the
Province of Pordenone, near Venice and an Italian
woman answers the phone.
My manager says ? I represent the great artist
Nick Cave and I am wondering if I could get a free
Fazioli (or something like that).
The Italian woman says ? L?acttore?
My manager says ? What?
She says ? The actor?
My manager says ? No, Cave. Cave.
And she says ? Nick what?
My manager says ? Nick Cave.
She says ? Nick Cave? Who issa Nick Cave?
My manager says ? Well, he is arguably the
greatest songwriter of his time. He is one of the
cornerstones of modern music. He is a national
treasure. He is adored by millions. Italians love
him.
She says ? Who are you? What you want?
My manager says ? Um, a free piano.
And she hangs up.
A couple of days later I?m on another Zoom call
with my manager, and he is looking a bit cagey
and I say ? How did it go with Fazioli? Did you
get me a free Fazioli?
And my manager says ? Well, it seems like they
have a rather inflexible policy around giving away
£200,000 pianos to people they?ve never heard
of.
And I say ? Dude, are you my fucking manager or
what? I just love that Fazioli!
So the next day my manager rings back Fazioli
and the same woman answers the phone and my
manager says ? Look it?s Nick Cave?s manager
again, can I speak to Mr Fazioli.
And the woman says ? No.
And my manager says ? Listen, my fucking job?s
on the line here.
And she hangs up.
* * * *
So, Andrew, I agree ? the Fazioli is a glorious
piano. Magnificent, as you say. As Herbie
Hancock said about his Fazioli ? that ?one note
announces the celebration of the freedom and
creativity of the human spirit?. This is true. The
Fazioli is warm and delicate and remarkably
subtle, but has a deep, strong heart. It is full of
angel tears and il sangue dei santi and
encompasses the universe. It is a dream
piano.And yet I wait for the day a giant removal
van will pull up outside my house, my manager
hanging out the passenger window, wearing a
t-shirt with a piano on it, and a big smile on his
face, screaming ?Fazioli!?
Until then my little Chinese upright grins at me
from the corner of my room. I walk over and sit
down and I begin to play.
Love, Nick

We were curious about what happened with Nick Cave.
Do Fazioli Pianoforti pianos have the ability to convert
pianists on the spot? Vancouver's Manuel Bernaschek
(Showcase Pianos), is the world?s top Fazioli dealer,
and he says that this is absolutely true and shared this
story.
?The world?s top interpreter of Bach music - Angela
Hewitt - was rehearsing at a store in London at the
same time as a 6- foot Fazioli was being delivered to
the store. Curious, she sat down at the piano and fell in
love with it ? and while the movers were still there, she
asked them to pick up the piano and deliver it directly
to her home. Angela now has three Fazioli, one each in
her homes in London, Italy, and Canada.?
This story resonates with so many because it reads like
an Urban Legend, but we know it is real as Nick Cave
wrote and shared it with his fans. Manuel found the
situation incredibly humorous and says, ?I think most
people think asking Fazioli Pianoforti for a free piano is
like asking Yamaha for a free piano - so when his fans
heard that Fazioli was not going to give him a free
piano, they thought it was just a matter of convincing
them. What fans do not realize is that Yamaha has $2B
in sales every year and manufactures approximately
100 pianos a day. In contrast, Fazioli has $20M in
sales and only produces 100 pianos a year. Giving
away a free piano to someone is just not a possibility
for them ? it is not a matter of convincing them that
the subject is worthy."
Hats off to the fans of Nick Cave for their belief and
diligence in trying to secure a Fazioli for free for him.
Although not successful, there is a Fazioli in the Cave
home, as evidenced by a single Instastory posted on his
partner Susie?s Instagram four months ago and shared
on reddit subthread.
049 043

051
VI LLA EYRI E GETAWAY:
FROM FERRY TO MOUNTAI N TOP RESORT

CURRENT TAXI : 100%
SUSTAI NABLE TESLA FLEET

current tax i, victoria and area
053
From the deck of a BC Ferry, the
blowing wind is glorious as it shares
the scents and sounds of the ocean
that surrounds us. As we approach the
shore, a voice on the loudspeaker announces
arrival at Swartz Bay. We hurriedly get the
electronics tucked away, put a fresh mask on,
and begin our descent to disembark.
Waiting for us is a freshly washed and detailed
Current Taxi, a Tesla Model X, and a smiling
driver. With their Uber-like app, we tapped in our
trip details when boarding in Tsawwassen, and
90-minutes later, we are putting our suitcases in
the trunk.
If you are seeking a comfortable, environmentally
friendly way to get around on Vancouver
Island? Current Taxi is the premium car service
provider in Victoria and the surrounding area,
serving Sidney, Saanich, Langford, Esquimalt,
and Sooke, with all-electric Tesla vehicles.

Along theMalahat
THE DRIVE - current tax i
Current Taxi's founder Dale Conway has a
vision for the company, which began in
Kelowna with two cars and a handful of
employees. Current Taxi now has 17
vehicles on the road, 100 employees, and
the drive to grow the fleet to 90 by 2024.
Conway and his team are 100% committed
to providing outstanding service, offering the
convenience of an Uber- like app, and
bringing a higher standard of taxi service to
Victoria at the same rates as their
competitors, while also being a more
environmentally friendly option.
From the historic Fairmont Empress's gilded
doors to the Malahat, our driver answered
questions, pointed out landmarks, and spoke
about the city's history and current events.
One of the most picturesque and requested
drives by visitors to Vancouver Island is
along the Malahat, which is stunning in late
summer as autumn begins to turn the leaves
and fog rolls in to blanket the Saanich Inlet.
Named after the Malahat First Nation, this
rugged region of heavy forest and cliffs is
one of the most beautiful roadways in the
world, with viewpoints providing scenic
vistas of Saanich Inlet, the Saanich
Peninsula, Salt Spring Island, and the BC
Gulf Islands in the distance.
055

Nestled into the mountainside is
Villa Eyrie, a Tuscan-inspired
40-room resort that is known
internationally as one of the top
BC getaway locations for those seeking a
peaceful and relaxing experience. As our
Current Taxi pulled off Malahat Drive, we
passed a beautifully lush pond with lily pads,
a classic fountain, and delighted the view of
Finlayson Arm in the early afternoon sun.
The dark water was smooth and unbroken by
boat traffic. Birds were calling to each other,
and, in the rocks, amongst the wildflowers, a
small garter snake peeped out at us. We had
arrived, and it was so much to take in.
At an altitude of 1,156-feet, Villa Eyrie
boasts Lake Como-inspired rooms and
amenities, purposely spaced to ensure
privacy from villa to villa.
057

THE ROOM - villa cielo penthouse // villa eyrie
059
Our reservation was for Villa Cielo, which features
prominently in the Simply Spectacular annual
fundraiser for the David Foster Foundation.
In 2019, the 4-day luxury opportunity raised $1.4M
for families of children going through a life-saving
organ transplant process. The event was held at
the end of July with host Ben Mulroney, special
guests Katharine McPhee, American Idol winner
Ruben Studdard, Juno award winner Trevor
Guthrie, and others.
Our penthouse suite was perfectly positioned to
watch the sunrise and set, from the incredibly
comfortable bed with pillow-top mattresses. Even
though it was not cold enough to require the
fireplace, nothing stopped us from turning it on and
throwing open the patio doors to let in the cool
night air!
At a spacious 718-square-fe
penthouse had a 270-degree
Finlayson Arm, Mount Bake
Mountains.
The spa-inspired six-piece ba
vanity and double-headed rai
oversized soaker tub with pic
for coastal views while enjoy
vegan and cruelty-free items
Skin Care. This certified vega
brand, along with the option o
linens, provided an extra leve
Due to the pandemic, housek
offer turndown or stayover s
understandable. Staff at the
their way to ensure our stay
possible.

et, the stunning
panoramic view of
r, and the Olympic
throom had a double
inforest shower. The
ture window allowed
ing the scent-neutral
from LATHER Natural
n and cruelty-free
f non-down bed
l of comfort.
eeping was unable to
ervice, which is
resort went out of
was as 'normal' as

061
A
t the heart of the Villa Eyrie Resort,
Alpina Restaurant is open for breakfast,
lunch, and dinner 7-days a week, satisfying
guests with an incredible menu of locally
sourced and foraged ingredients. The resort has
cultivated a strong relationship with the farms and
vineyards within the Cowichan Valley and throughout
the island to offer an outstanding array of fresh
ingredients, including wine, beer, cider, and spirits.
A trio of culinary leaders helms the kitchen:
Michelin-trained Executive Chef Mario Gross, Pastry
Chef Matthias Conradi, and Executive Sous Chef
Andreas Wechselberger. All three share a Germanic
heritage, and given the spectacular mountaintop location,
it was only natural for the menu to reflect this. The
resulting ?Alpine Cuisine?reaps accolades and online
reviews are flush with diners voicing their experiences?
excellence.
Complementing the menu is a curation of over
2,000- labels in their wine cellar with an extensive
selection of BC best wines, including Unsworth and
Averill Creek from the burgeoning Cowichan Valley,
the Okanagan Valley (Summerhill, Cedar Creek,
Mission Hill), and Similkameen Valley (Hester Creek,
Burrowing Owl, Le Vieux Pin).

The wines chosen for inclusion were
selected not only for taste but also for
exclusivity. Strict criteria ensured that
each was to be among the best
depiction of its respective winery and
that no bottle was easily found in
traditional retail outlets. Included is a
limited assortment of wines from the
sub-alpine regions of Austria, France,
Italy, and Germany.

THE BRUNCH - alpina restaurant
063

...11am
Brunch began with bubbly mimosae and a
deconstructed PB&J with fresh berries, dehydrated
peanut dust, and peanut butter.
Next was a wooden slab with more than a generous
course of avocado toast and salad. This was not a
typical Vancouver café toast! Constructed with
house-made sourdough rye, a refreshing pineapple
cherry tomato chutney, pea sprouts and topped with
crisped quinoa.
Accompanying the toast was a layered savoury
vegetable dish with a base of pureed beets, topped
with sauteed zucchini, roasted potatoes, crispy
Vancouver Island mushrooms, mixed greens, and a silky
dressing.
Our appetites sated; we rode with Current Taxi to the
Vancouver Island Motorsport Circuit outside
Duncan. After an informative tour of the facility, a
ride-along in a duo of canary yellow sportscars was a
fantastic introduction to the sport of racing.
...6pm
Dressed and ready for dinner, we ventured down the
mountain to Alpina Restaurant. A chilled bottle of
Quinta da Devesa awaited. Poured, it was elegant in
the glass. A golden straw colour with a soft tropical
nose (Mandarin orange, floral apricot, gently toasted
oak), a dry acidity followed by silky mouthfeel. It was
an incredible pairing with our first course, a miso broth
with poached Vancouver Island mushrooms and
tempura tofu.
The main course was fluffy beet gnocchi with
poached pear, grapes, walnuts, cashew blue cheese on
a bed of arugula. We requested an add-on of hummus
and the housemade sourdough rye and devoured every
crumb. Dessert was a delectable chocolate quinoa cake
smothered in local berries, chocolate sauce, and a
dollop of raspberry sorbet. Heavenly!

065

Located only 25 minutes north of downtown Victoria, this
magnificent mountainside retreat is unlike any other in the world.
Villa Eyrie features world-class dining at Alpina Restaurant and
relaxation at the Tuscan Spa.
Perfect for romantic getaways into the tranquil wilderness of
Vancouver Island.
Visit their website for availability, COVID- 19 updates, special
events, and seasonal menu updates.

067
VANCOUVER I SLAND
MOTORSPORT CI RCUI T:
A PLAYGROUND FOR DRI VI NG ENTHUSI ASTS

THE RA CE - vancouver island motorsport circuit
H
ave you noticed that humans are obsessed
with going fast? Whenever a speed record is
broken, someone steps up and announces that
they will go even faster. It is a compulsion that
leads to excitement, danger, and risk.
Science tells us that biologically speaking, driving fast
is accompanied by an adrenaline surge, which results
in a jump in blood pressure and heart rate. It is that
rush that explains it all and makes it all the more
exciting!
It is no secret that west coast Canada enjoys a high
population of luxury, super- and hyper-cars. On
Vancouver Island, there is a perfect place for owners
to drive them without distraction.
069

Among thePines is a Hidden Gem
Nestled in the Cowichan Valley?s beautiful rolling hills, The
GAIN Group has created the Vancouver Island Motorsport
Circuit. Just outside of Duncan, this motorsport playground is a
meeting place for a community of driving enthusiasts and related
businesses.
This course will challenge even the most skilled driver with its
19-turns. This 2.3-kilometre road circuit has breathtaking
elevation changes of up to 11.5%. With up to five different track
configurations and Canada?s only year-round motorsport circuit,
this first-class operation has everything needed to host
incredible adrenaline-driven events.
Designed by a Legendary Track Architect
The circuit was realized by Formula 1 German engineer
Hermann Tilke, who is best known for being one of the top
Formula 1 and Moto GP circuit designers in the world. Tilke has
worked in the motorsport business for over 30-years and is best
knowns for his radical overhauls of the European circuits, such as
the Hockenheimring, Circuit de Catalunya, Nürburgring, and
Fuji Speedway in Japan.
In the last decade, he designed the new Circuit of the Americas
in Austin, Texas, the Sochi Autodrom which hosted its first
race in 2014 with the debut of Russia in F1, Kuwait Motor
Town which opened officially in 2019 and the Hanoi Street
Circuit, which was set for April of 2020 but cancelled due to
COVID-19.
Tilke?s passion is to create the best tracks globally, and nowhere
is this more evident than the detailed design work created for
Vancouver Island Motorsport Circuit.
071

Excitement for All Levels of Drivers
Whether you are a novice looking for an adventure at a
motorsport circuit or an experienced driver hoping to
hone performance driving skills, the VI Motorsport
Circuit offers multiple Driving Experiences, plus Wet
Weather Training, and a series of Driving Tours.
Specialized packages include the Tour D?Italia, A Taste
of Germany, and Classic Car Tour. The latter comes
with an overnight package at Villa Eyrie Resort.
Before your day begins, all drivers are advised to comply
with the 4- Part Preparation Guide, ensuring the driver
and vehicle perform at their best. Recommended are a
vehicle inspection in the week previous, good sleep the
night before, and no alcohol on the day-of. There is a
zero-tolerance policy for alcohol and non-compliance with
posted on-site sanitization protocols.
073
Suggested attire is comfortable, weather-appropriate,
with flexible sole shoes with good traction, sunglasses,
and a helmet (available for rent).

Vancouver Island Motorsport Circuit has earned its reputation
for being best in the business and providing an adventure that
everyone can get excited about. Whether you are driving or
watching from the Paddock Lounge, your experience will be
one-of-a-kind in Canada.
The GAIN Group's attention to detail in developing a world-class
track has not gone unnoticed, with visitors flying in from around
the world to this beautiful and exciting west coast facility.
* It is requested that you consult their website for availability until
resumption of regular hours is possible.

075
COACHWERKS RESTORATI ON:
THE MAESTROS OF VI NTAGE MERCEDES

THE RESTORA TION - coachw erk s
077
In the heart of Victoria?s Hillside
warehouse district, on a quiet street, is a
large white building, without signage. This
lean exterior belies the vibrant energy of the
interior of Coachwerks Restoration.
Known worldwide for taking on ambitious projects
that other garages might not touch due to lack of
resources and skills, Coachwerks succeeds without
advertising, relying on word-of-mouth to bring in
new challenges. In fact, this west coast automobile
restoration company has garages double-stacked
with client vehicles, each ready for their turn on
the work floor.
Aclaimed for Mercedes Mastery
Situated in a pristine 30,000- square- foot
complex, Coachwerks offers a full line of services
from factory authorized and trained maintenance
work to documented nut and bolt, rotisserie, and
Concours level restorations.
Manager Dale Hargraves oversees a team of
talented and fully factory-trained craftsmen.
Every morning employees clock-in, to work on
what may ultimately take years to complete, the
prized possession of someone who understands
the art of automobiles. Hargreaves promises that
his team will deliver a car that looks not only
sensational but performs as good or better than
the day it left the factory.
An Ambitious Amalgamation
Rudi Koniczek of Rudi & Co ? the 300SL guru
and industry legend ? along with Michael Grams
of renowned Coachwerks Automotive
Restoration are well-known for being the leaders
of two teams of automotive restoration artisans.
They collaborated for over 20-years as
independent companies and are responsible for
the nut and bolt restorations of over 100
Mercedes- Benz 300SLs and numerous other
significant European and North American
masterpieces. In 2017, they were united under
The GAIN Group banner.
At the beginning of our tour, Hargreaves explains
what a shock the post-amalgamation transition
was. ?It was quite a change for us who came from
this little restoration shop, which was literally out
in the woods, to this complex. We walked in and
thought how on earth are we going to fill this and
here we are three years later, going we need more
room.?
The depth of knowledge these two teams
represent in the restoration world equates to
decades of uncountable hours in restoration
experience of pre- and post- war European
sports cars.
Coachwerks specializes in Mercedes-Benz 300SL
and Porsche but features an extensive portfolio
that includes marquee brands such as Packard,
Talbot Lagot, Lagonda, Jaguar, Ferrari,
Bugatti, Avions Voisin, Austin- Healey, Aston
Martin, Alfa Romeo, to name but a few.

079
If TheseWalls Could Talk
Many legendary vehicles have come through
the garage, such as Pierre Trudeau?s 1960
Mercedes 300 SL for restoration and the
1965 Rolls Royce Phantom V touring
limousine formerly owned by John Lennon.
The vehicle was once used to transit Lennon
and the rest of the Beatles to Buckingham
Palace to receive their Member of the British
Empire medals from Queen Elizabeth II and
has been part of the Royal BC Museum
collection for over 20-years.
For those who love a ?rare car found in barn?
story, Coachwerks has one of their own. Rudi
tracked a 1955 Mercedes 300SL gullwing to
a garage in Santa Monica. It had one owner,
who was in his late 80?s and had received the
car as a gift for graduation but, after the
transmission failed in 1971, never repaired or
put it on the road again. Only 29 of these
magnificent vehicles were built. Restored they
fetch a stunning $7M to $10M. A rare find with
an incredible story!

081
TheGAINGroupFostering Community
Coachwerks is owned by The GAIN Group, which has
evolved over the past decade from two automobile
dealerships to fifteen businesses today. Dealerships which
now include respected brands like Alfa Romeo,
Mercedes- AMG, Audi, BMW, Maserati, Porsche, and
Volvo.
In 2018, The GAIN Group acquired two local restoration
companies ? Rudi & Company and Coachwerks
Automotive Restorations ? and rebranded them as
Coachwerks Restoration. Together, they have set a new
benchmark within the classic automotive world of
restorations comparable to the best in the world. Also,
under The GAIN Group umbrella is the Villa Eyrie Resort,
the Vancouver Island Motorsport Circuit, and the
Cowichan River Lodge.
Company partner Peter Trzewik and Marketing Director
Cindy Mui have their hands full with operations 7-days a
week, but that does not deter them from committing to
the people of the Island. Over the years, they have
created long-lasting relationships within the community
and continue to support an ever-widening group of
charities.
Proudly supporting 28 different local arts, culture, and
health-related organizations, The GAIN Group also
gives time to the efforts of organizations such as the
David Foster Foundation and Tour de Rock.
In summer 2019, the group produced the inaugural
Vancouver Island Concours d?Elegance held on a
splendidly sunny day at the prestigious Shawnigan Lake
School. An array of 250 rare, antique, and in mint
condition automobiles were competing for various titles.
By end-of-day, the event donated over $185K to the
David Foster Foundation and the Cowichan Valley
Hospital Foundation!

We
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083

Adding toYour Collection?
believe the hottest car for sale in the current
chwerks inventory is a 2006 Ferrari F430 with
10-kilometres. The asking price is $225K, and this
icle is touted as one of the last true ?drivers?
aris, and certainly one of the most desirable on the
ket today. The F 430 6-speed manual is sure to
a Formula 1 inspired experience with every
ng. A 483 horsepower engine perfectly paired with
e pedals and a gated shifter ensures a feast for the
ses that can turn even the most routine drive into
motion-filled dash to the finish line.
e Ferrari is too ?new?for you, consider the Porsche
1500 Pre- A in silver metallic on green leather
rior offered at a reasonable $435K. The 356-model
the stage for all Porsche to come. It was light,
ble, low and sleek.
Not aggressive enough? How about this spectacular
1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS? Refinished in 2015
Camaro Synergy Green metallic paint with black Rally
stripes with a beautiful set of 14? Rally wheels, this
beast is a perfect blend of old and new and only $55K.
Coachwerks is an elite group of some of the world?s
finest technicians and restoration specialists who
believe there is nothing greater than taking a classic
automobile in any state of decline or disrepair and
restoring it ? every part, every curve and every stitch
? to its original, magical splendour.

085

museum of contemporary art in belgrade, serbia
087

JPG x MMFA x MSUB:
LOVE I S LOVE:
WEDDI NG BLI SS FOR ALL
A LA JEAN PAUL GAULTI ER
089
Jean Paul Gaultier's haute couture wedding
dresses continue to spread love around the
world, this time in Europe. The Montreal
Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) is proud to
announce the premiere of Love Is Love:
Wedding Bliss For All à la Jean Paul Gaultier
at the Museum of Contemporary Art in
Belgrade (MSUB), Serbia, where it will be on
display until March 2021. Designed, produced
and circulated by the MMFA in collaboration with
Maison Jean Paul Gaultier, the exhibition
already attracted more than 250,000 visitors
during its run at the Centro Cultural Kirchner
in Buenos Aires in 2018 and at the MMFA in
2017.
"Now, more than ever, I feel this exhibition is
important for the strong social message of
freedom, tolerance and resilience it delivers. This
premiere also marks the end of his haute couture
career and celebrates how during fifty years, he
showed his creative and provocative work with
humour, that revealed a humanist vision of
society as he embraced all cultures and
subcultures without any taboos or judgment to
portray us as we are only one, beyond fashion,"
said exhibition curator Thierry- Maxime Loriot.
Love Is Love: Wedding Bliss For All à la Jean
Paul Gaultier showcases the French couturier's
matrimonial designs for couples of all genders
and all orientations. The bold silhouettes and
refined craftsmanship of the remarkable pieces
on display reflect the genius of an extraordinary
creator and the virtuosity of his couture
workshops.
The Belgrade edition of the exhibition features
38 couture and prêt-à-porter bridal dresses and
outfits created by Gaultier between 1991 and
2020, including eight pieces from his final haute
couture collection for spring-summer 2020,
entitled Fifty years? Get out of here! This
collection marked the designer's official
retirement after 50 years in the fashion industry.
After his farewell couture show in Paris, Gaultier
left Maison Jean Paul Gaultier to pursue other
artistic projects.

editor-in-chief / publisher's message
#TBT
It was a few months ago that I first noticed it happening.
Increasingly, friends and associates were putting up # tbt
posts on days that were not Thursday. At first, I
laughed and sent a LOL but then realized that I was
doing it too. Our day-to-day markers of time had slipped
away. Gone were Monday staff meetings, Friday night
cocktails, and Sunday brunch.
By the time September rolled up and cruised by, days
weren't differentiating themselves, and soon every day
was Thursday. Thursday had always been that fun day
on social when we shared a memory of what we were
doing a month ago, a year ago, even ten years ago.
With the pandemic, we were forced to stop exploring and
experiencing the world around us. Day after day, life was
the same, the news was the same, and we decided that
it was important to relive those moments through a
simple # tbt, to remind ourselves we are still alive, still
relevant.
With this last issue of Folio.YVR for 2020, I decided to
do a 2017 # tbt for my portrait.
I remember the thrill of choosing this W
evening dress and the Sophia Webster
stilettos from The Room at The Bay.
beautiful home in Point Grey and sitti
as Gwen of Belle and Rebel Beauty
second layer of lashes to complete the
Kuna Lu shot three quick set-ups aga
Fazioli, and we were done. The excite
lingers, and I cannot wait to create mo
this one, very soon.
Despite all the uncertainty of this new
will continue to share the west coast l
embrace social innovation, and shine t
personalities who are keeping our wor
well-dressed, entertained, and intriguin
Let's be cheerful as New Year's Eve a
although we won't be looking spectacu
Concierge extravaganza, we can enjo
bubbles and spirits in the safety of ou
getting rained on!
091

ayne Clark
angel-winged
Driving to a
ng on a high-stool
patiently added a
retro eye.
inst the white
ment of that day
re moments like
normal, Folio.YVR
uxury lifestyle,
he spotlight on the
ld interesting,
g.
pproaches, and
lar at a Social
y our favourite
r homes without

093

Publisher/ Editor- in- Chief
Helen Siwak, EcoLuxLuv Comms
Content Contributor: Coleman Pete
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS:
FRONT COVER: FREDERICO NERO/ NOVA STEVENS
001-004: ANN GOLDBERG
005-012: IAN LANTERMAN / CATHERINE REGEHR
013-020: ANN GOLDBERG
021-028: PASOTTI OMBRELLI
029-036: JACKIE KAI ELLIS / FLAX SLEEP
037-044: SUNZEN ART GALLERY
045-050: NICK CAVE / IDIOT PRAYER
051-052: HELEN SIWAK
053-054: CURRENT TAXI
053-059: HELEN SIWAK
059-060: VILLA EYRIE RESORT
061-086: HELEN SIWAK
087-090: BOJANA JANJIC / MMFA
091-092: KUNA LU / KUNA PHOTOGRAPHY
GWEN PERKINS / BELLE AND REBEL BEAUTY
MANUEL BERNASCHEK / SHOWCASE PIANOS
093-094: JACKIE KAI ELLIS / FLAX SLEEP
All rights reserved. No part of the material protected by this
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Communications.
FOLIO.YVR does not accept any responsibilities for incorrect
information as all information is deemed to be accurate as of
date of publishing.
FOLIO.YVR does not accept unsolicited materials.
FOLIO.YVR is published monthly by EcoLuxLuv Communications
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Comms titles should be directed to the publisher via email:
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