M. Penner Magazine: Spring/Summer 2010

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HOUSTON’SULTIMATE STYLE GUIDE

FRESH FASHIONS for Spring

Maserati’s NewGranTurismo

Convertible

How Sean ConneryGot To Be Bond

Nick Faldo’sBeguiling

Irish Greens

Triumph T-Bird:Power To Spare

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AN ENDURING PASSION FOR FABRIC, INNOVATION AND QUALITY SINCE 1910

The COOL EFFECT Fabricrefl ects the sun’s rays

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{ contents }

57

AccessoriesWear your school pride on your sleeve with collegiate cuffl inks. 28

Essentials for MenShirts that fi t perfectly and shoes for putting your best foot forward 32 THE M PENNER INTERVIEW

Søren SandThe Danish designer on his worldly approach to lifestyle fashion 34

ICON

Sean ConneryThe man who made Bond famous is proof that clothes do make the man, and that urbanity can be acquired. 38 Service Directory Your guide to the amenities of the M Penner experience 78

features

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Seduction on Wheels The Maserati GranTurismo delivers it all: Pininfarina looks, performance, comfort and the throatiest engine on the road. ~-~42~-~

M Penner Stories Six loyal M Penner shoppers tell what they fi nd here—and why they keep coming back. ~-~47~-~

And They’re Off! This season’s fresh, exuberant styles are sure bets for looking your best. ~-~55~-~

Clean Getaway These luxury bathrooms provide their owners with the perfect private retreat. ~-~63~-~

T-Bird Rising A British-built motorcycle with American styling, the 2010 Triumph Thunderbird is an instant classic in the cruiser category. ~-~66~-

columnsThe Sporting LifeGolf is just one of the pleasures at Lough Erne, a new world-class resort in Northern Ireland. 70MaltComplex and beautifully balanced, Redbreast is proof that the best Irish whiskey is among the best whiskey anywhere. 74

Finishing TouchThe bright stuff is the right stuff, at the racetrack and everywhere this season. 80

Cover: Magen wears an Audrey Talbott jacquard printed convertible dress/skirt. David wears an Ermenegildo Zegna suit, shirt, tie and pocket square. Lamborghini from Houston Motor Club. Photographed at Sam Houston Race Park by Fulton Davenport.

departmentsInvitation to StyleAhhh, spring! 8

The M Penner GuideThe coolest rides in Houston … Zegna turns 100. … Prep with a French fl air … Playing house with fi ne furniture … Standout seafood at Eddie V’s … and more! 11

Stephen’s SelectsThe season’s must-haves, hand-picked by M Penner’s Women’s Boutique Fashion Director 20

Viva Italia!Cutting-edge fashion and enduring beauty on a trip to where style is born 22

Elements of StyleThe anatomy of a well-made suit 24

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{ invitation to style }

A H H H , S P R I N G !

After one of the coldest and gloomi-

est winters in Houston history, it’s

so exciting to see all the stunning

fl owers and vibrant foliage burst

forth in our wonderful city! Inside our

store, too, you can see and feel the

excitement, as bright colors abound

this season in the fashion world.

Our favorite escape this past

winter was to Italy. M Penner is

proud to have been one of 17

specialty stores from the U.S.

invited as special guests of Esquire

Magazine and the Italian Trade Commission for an exclusive insider’s

view of fashion week in Italy. On pages 22–23, you’ll share some of our

favorite moments as we looked for fabulous new merchandise for you

and immersed ourselves in Italian lifestyle and culture.

Back home, we knew we had the makings of a terrific spring

photo shoot when Sam Houston Race Park, our top-pick location, gave

us the green light and Houston Motor Club agreed to let us use their

coveted cars as props. We had a blast with photographer Fulton

Davenport, who helped us stage our light-hearted interpretation of a

day at the races. “And They’re Off!” begins on page 55. If you haven’t

visited Sam Houston Race Park, we hope our photo feature will inspire

you to take the drive and enjoy a summer concert, watch some good

old horse racing, or have a great office party.

An exciting addition to our magazine this season is the series we

call “M Penner Stories.” Beginning on page 49, you’ll meet six devoted

customers who show off their style and explain how our store fits into

their busy lives.

And, speaking of wonderful people, we are proud to dedicate

this issue of M PENNER Magazine to our incredibly talented sales

staff—Belinda Hillhouse, Butch Lane, Cody Sever, Stephen Skoda

and Whitney Wiggins. Without their dedication, skill and good humor,

we would not have made it through a very challenging year. We all

look forward to seeing you soon at the store.

—KAREN & MURRY PENNER

S n e a k P E E K S

Tie one on!

see page 16

Flower Power

see page 20

1180-06 UPTOWN PARK BLVD., HOUSTON, TX 77056713.527.8200 www.mpenner.com

S t o r e H o u r s MONDAY TO FRIDAY: 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.THURSDAY: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.SATURDAY: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Editorial Director KAREN PENNER

Editor & Publisher MARK DOWDEN

Creative Director AMY A . DOWDEN

Art Director STEPHEN M. V ITARBO

Contributing Editors JENNIFER CENICOLA,

JUL IA C . IRELAND, T IMOTHY KELLEY, LEE

LUSARDI CONNOR, MARIA L ISSANDRELLO,

EVERETT POTTER, PAUL ROGERS

Contributing Photographers DIKKA AFIDICK, FULTON DAVENPORT,

DANIEL SPRINGSTON

Art Associate LAURA CARAMAGNA

Art Assistant PATRICE HORVATH Corporate Editorial Director

RITA GUARNA

Publishing Staff

Associate Publisher SHAE MARCUS

Senior Advertising Account ExecutiveJODI LASALA

Advertising Account ExecutiveSTEPHANIE STAIANO

Regional Sales Director DOUGLAS C . BARKER

Advertising Sales Assistant SABA KAHN

Production Director CHRIST INE HAMEL

Advertising Services DirectorTHOMAS RAGUSA

Senior Art Director, Agency Services KIJOO K IM

Marketing Manager ANDREA STREISFELD

Accounting AGNES ALVES, JESSICA SOLLOWAY

Published by

Chairman CARROLL V. DOWDEN

President MARK DOWDEN

Executive Vice President DEBORAH JONES BARROW

Vice Presidents AMY A . DOWDEN, N IGEL EDELSHAIN, R ITA GUARNA, SHANNON STEITZ

Circulation Director LAUREN MENA

M PENNER Magazine is published twice a year by

Wainscot Media, 110 Summit Avenue, Montvale,NJ

07645, in association with M Penner. This is volume 8,

number 1. Copyright © 2010 by Wainscot Media, LLC. All rights reserved.

Edi tor ia l Contr ibut ions : Write to Editor, M PENNER, 110 Summit Avenue,

Montvale, NJ 07645; telephone 201.782.5730;

email [email protected]. The magazine is not responsible for the return

or loss of unsolicited submissions.

Subscr ip t ion Serv ices :

To change an address or request a subscription,

write to Subscriptions, M PENNER, Circulation

Department, PO Box 1788, Land O Lakes,

FL 34639; telephone 813.996.6579;

email [email protected].

Adver t is ing Inqui r ies : Contact Shae Marcus at 856.797.2227 or

[email protected].

M PENNER

The gang’s all here (left to right): Butch

Layne, Stephen Skoda, Belinda Hillhouse,

Whitney Wiggins and Cody Sever.

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Authentic denim. Handcrafted in California

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{ the m penner guide }

Mercedes goes greenWant to drive a Big Benz, but still be green? Meet the Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid, the world’s fi rst mass-production car with a lithium ion battery. Known as a mild-hybrid, the S400 boosts fuel effi ciency with the assistance of the battery-powered electric motor. The EPA rating for the car is 19 mpg in the city and 26 on the highway. When HybridCars.com tested the S400 on a 150-mile jaunt in Southern Germany, they managed an impressive 29.3 mpg, and that included some stretches on the Autobahn where they let the Benz rip at more than 100 mph.

The other green aspect of the car is its top-rated carbon emissions profi le, which includes zero emissions at stand-still because the engine stops automatically. Weighing only 120 lbs. more than the standard S-Class sedan, the S400 Hybrid offers comparable handling and sure-footedness, with no compromise in cabin volume or cargo space. For a test drive, contact Mercedes-Benz of Sugar Land at 281-207-1500; mbsugarland.com.

Zegna at 100As Ermenegildo Zegna celebrates its centennial, the brand’s luster only grows. Zegna is continually pushing the boundar-ies of fabric technology. And then there is the marvelous clothing itself, with its elegant marriage of traditional tailoring and contempo-rary Italian styling. For ready-to-wear, made-to-measure and couture, M Penner—one of the fi rst stores to represent Zegna in the U.S.—is proud to be Houston’s source for the best Zegna has to offer.

THE MUST-HAVE HANDBAG The identities of George, Gina and Lucy remain a mystery, but the appeal of these whimsical handbags is anything but. This German accessories label, launched just six years ago, quickly became the obsession of young European fashionistas. Now the line is gracing the arms of Hollywood starlets and as well as the shelves of high-end boutiques.

Constructed from a variety of materials—including leather, silk, nylon and canvas—the bags are the ultimate combination of fashionable and functional. They have signature oversized clasps and zippers, and each bag comes equipped with a multitude of pockets and compartments. With adorably quirkly names like Little Sushi and Mos Cowgirl, and vivid colors (like Bubblegum Shrimp and Love Ender purple), these handbags erase the line

between cute and practical. Check out the selection at our store.

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{ them penner guide }

Incotex, maker of luxurious men’s trousers, is

an Italy-based line that’s focused squarely on

the American market. “To start, the customer

in the U.S. has a different body than the one

in Europe or Asia—generally bigger and taller.

We had to completely change the trouser

pattern to make it comfortable for our U.S.

customer,” says Emilio Paschetto, director

of sales for North America for Incotex parent

company Slowear. “Even the fabrics we use are

different—softer and lighter.” These fabrics include

pin corduroys, exclusive lightweight wools and ice

gabardine.

For all their focus on materials and fi t, Incotex

pants don’t neglect style. “We try to be brave and not

be boring with cotton, so we offer fancy colors like

pink, light green, French blue, violet and burgundy,”

Paschetto says. “Often it’s the brightest colors that

sell the best, because this is what our customers

want—they already have lots of our trousers in stone

and khaki.”

And who’s buying these light, bright and super-

comfortable pants? “Our starting client is maybe

around 28, moving up in the world,” says Paschetto.

“Or our customer could be 65, with a healthy life,

very active. All our customers tend to be cultured and

well-traveled.” Whatever the age, Paschetto main-

tains, “once he’s buying us, he doesn’t go back to

other lines.” Try the spring collection of Incotex

trousers for yourself at M Penner.

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Le Prep, C’est ChicPREPPY, SEXY, FRENCH—these describe Vicomte A. to, well, a T. The bright, outdoorsy

line is the brainchild of Arthur de Soultrait (source of the initial “A” in the brand’s title),

who fi rst made his mark at age 23 by creating ties for the French delegation vying to host

the 2012 Olympic Games. Continuing in a sport-related vein, he created a line of polos,

shorts, swimsuits and golf shirts suitable for the active young aristocrat. Vicomte A. has

since expanded to include women’s wear (the polo shirt-inspired dress with a deep V

neck is a must) and accessories. The line is designed, Soultrait says, for “the lifestyle of its

patrons—the sophisticated, stylish and worldly individual.” With anchor stores in Paris

and Palm Beach, Vicomte A. is also available at M Penner.

SAVE THE DATES:fashionista fêtes M Penner is proud to participate in these worthy events:

JUNE 1: PINK NIGHT OUT 2 to benefi t the Pink Ribbons Project, a group dedicated to helping those touched by breast cancer. A cocktail party and fashion show at the Hotel Sorella, followed by a screening of Sex and the City 2 and an unoffi cial “Carrie On” after-party. Visit pinkribbons.org.

SEPTEMBER 10: WINE, WOMEN & SHOES, a glorious mix of shopping and wine-tasting at the Parador, to benefi t All the Way Home, a non-profi t for victims of domestic violence. Visit atwh.org.

“I love designing for spring and sum-mer because the colors are so bright, juicy and fresh,” says jewelry designer

Carol Lipworth, known for her exqui-site, handmade pieces. Lipworth’s spring/summer collection show-cases her uncanny ability to beauti-

fully combine colors, shapes and stones in a way that’s both refi ned and

evocative of the natural world. “This season’s palette, with turquoise and ocean blues, bright greens, hot corals, pinks and reds,

takes me back to my years living in Costa Rica,” she says. With their organic shapes and unique stones,

Lipworth’s works, like the necklace shown here, are defi nitely state-ment jewelry—and the state-ment is that life is good indeed. Visit our store to pick out your own unique piece.

Stone love

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At Jaguar Houston Central, we’re dedicated to providing the best automotive experience possible. For stunning results, take the road to Jaguar Houston Central, easily accessible from every corner of the Houston area. The all new 2011 Jaguar XJ, arriving this Spring.

Jaguar Houston Central7019 Old Katy Road, Houston, TX 77024Phone: (713) 293-6000

jaguarhoustoncentral.com

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THE A-to-Z LISTM Penner features more than 50 designer brands under one roof.

See if you don’t find your favorites in our list below. Then stop by the store for a shopping experience you’ll love.

Agave Denim

AG Jeans

An Ren

Angelo Nardelli

The Art of Shaving

Audrey Talbott

Autumn Cashmere

Beija Flor

Belvest

Boglioli

Canali

Carol Lipworth Designs

Cino

Craig Taylor

D. Exterior

David Lerner

Donald J. Pliner

Elaine Turner

Ermenegildo Zegna

Eton

Etro

Eye Bobs

Farinaz

Finley

Flavio Castellani

Geoff Nicholson

Georg Roth

George Gina & Lucy

Gravati

Hale Bob

Hanro

Hiltl

Hugo Boss

Ike Behar

Incotex

Indies

Jet Lag

Jack Victor

John Varvatos

Julie Peak

Kowboys

Julia Easley

Luciano Barbera

Luigi Bianchi

Mabro

Magnani

Marc Aurel

Martin Dingman

Maui Jim

Mazon

Michael Toschi

Moore & Giles

Nicole Miller

Pantherella

Paul Smith

Peace of Cloth

Rivamonti

Robert Barakett

Robert Talbott

Rodika Zanian

Sand

Schumacher

Scott Kay

Shirt by Shirt

Strenesse

Suzi Roher

Tailor Vintage

V.K. Nagrani

Versace

Vicomte A

Vilebrequin

W. Kleinberg

Wurkin Stiffs

Zanella

Zenfari

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DRIVE, WE SAIDHouston Motor Club was built around your desire to drive your dream car. The private club gives members the keys—literally—to a stunning collection of the world’s most-wanted vehicles. For a one-time membership fee and monthly dues, you could fi nd yourself behind the wheel of a Ferrari, Aston Martin, Porsche, Bentley or Lamborghini—at a fraction of the cost of ownership, and with none of the hassles of storage, mainte-nance or depreciation. Members can expect to enjoy more than 60 driving days per year using a variety of exotic and luxury cars from the club’s fl eet.

There’s more. Membership includes access to the clubitself, located in City Centre. Fine restaurants abound

nearby; after dinner, members can relax in the Grand Havana room, a cigar lovers’ haven. You can uncork a vintage bottle from the wine cellar, play a round of Texas Hold ’em on Poker Night or watch the big game on the club’s mul-tiple plasma TVs. Hold a meeting, host a party,

take the time to de-stress; the club environment is fi lled with opportunities. To get the full scoop, call

713-481-4469, or visit houstonmotorclub.com.

Rivamonti

Eyebobs

High-end rental furniture can come in handy in a variety of ways. Perhaps you’re renting an apartment temporarily but want that homey feel, or you’re still experimenting with your style. Maybe you’re setting up a short-term offi ce that needs to look professional and substantial. Or you’ve already moved out, but need a few rooms “staged” with luxury rental furniture to entice buyers. In any of these situations, renting furniture is a smart alternative to buying.

So, who you gonna call? In Houston, that would be Hoffer Furniture Rental, the largest store of its kind in the world. Their consultants have seen it all and can guide you from design through delivery. For more than 30 years, the company has provid-ed temporary furniture solutions for homes and offi ces, from curio cabinets to credenzas, recliners to refrigerators. Check outhofferfurniture.com and see if they’ve got the right stuff for you.

Get the cino lookAfter more than 20 years designing for some of America’s most successful women’s brands, Cinthia Menolascino launched her

own line, cino, in 2005. Her goal was to design clothing she herself would like to wear—cloth-

ing that is fashion-forward, stylish, feminine and sexy. “The cino look,” she says, “is about an

attitude, not an age.”Menolascino’s creative spirit can be

seen in her use of subtle colors and textured fabrics mixed with vintage, Victorian and military styling. Her signature cino crinkle ruffl e shirt says it all: Chic and classic, vintage but modern, romantic with a rock ’n’ roll edge, it is a “must-have” shirt that fl atters every woman. See the crinkle ruffl e shirt and other staples from cino in the Women’s Boutique at M Penner.

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The Art of THE BOW TIEOnce the domain of the geek and the oldster, the bow tie is back—on the runway, in the offi ce and on the street. Remember: The key to bow-tie cool is to tie it yourself. You can do it! Here’s how:

1. Slide the tie under your collar. Allow one end of the tie to hang about two inches lower than the other end.

2. Bring the longer end across the shorter end.

3, Pass the longer end under the shorter end and upward, forming the fi rst part of the knot. Pull tight to the shirt collar.

4. Form the front loop of the bow by doubling up the shorter, hanging end and placing it across the collar points.

5. Hold the front loop between your index fi nger and thumb. Drop the long end down over the front loop.

6. Pass the hanging end under the front loop. Use your index fi nger to bend the end in the middle (at the widest part), and poke your fi nger through the open part of the knot. Now you have formed the back loop of the bow.

7. Gently pull the bow at both folded ends to tighten the knot. Hint: This is exactly the same knot most people use to tie a shoelace.

8. Adjust to taste. Smooth bow or dimpled? Loose or tight? You don’t want to be too precise; “perfectly imperfect” is the look you’re going for.


Geoff Nicholson’s Italian silk

bow ties give retro prep style

a modern twist.

Our favorite thingsM Penner loves Houston for so manyreasons. Here are a few of our most-admired places, people and things.

FLORISTDavid Brown 1180 Uptown Park Boulevard713-664-0466davidbrownfl owers.com

DRY CLEANERCoronet2211 Westheimer713-526-4623coronetcleaners.com

BAR FOR AMBIANCEMalateste Bar at Hotel Granduca1080 Uptown Park Boulevard713-418-1000granducahouston.com

LUNCH SPOTOlivette at The Houstonian111 North Post Oak Lane713-680-2626houstonian.com

LIMOUSINE SERVICERon [email protected]

INDULGENCEFried Egg Sandwich atMax’s Wine Dive4720 Washington Avenue713-880-8737maxswinedive.com

DESSERTChocolate Souffl é at Tony’s

3755 Richmond Avenue713-622-6778tonyshouston.com

UNIQUE FUNDRAISERDining in the Dark forTaping for the BlindOctober 5th at Hotel ZaZa713-622-2767

tapingfortheblind.org

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Standout Seafood at

Eddie V’s

I’VE BEEN HAVING the, “Which is more important, great food or great service?” debate with myself lately and, while I believe many of us are occasionally willing to forgive a lapse of service for great food (and vice versa), Eddie V’s in City Centre at Town & Country consistently delivers excellence in both. Murry and I dined here recently with a great group of friends—Carol and Steve Lipworth, Reece and Fulton Davenport, and Pam and Neal Tofsky—and had not only an incredible meal, but also perhaps the BEST service I’ve ever had … anywhere.

With his amazingly attentive air, John Tran took care of us as if we were royalty. He masterfully described one mouthwatering dish after another with the passion and pride of only a true foodie. Leaving us helpless to resist his every recommendation, we over-ordered and then over-ate as we enjoyed every delectable morsel and every entertaining minute of our unforgettable evening.From the fi rst Colossal Shrimp with Atomic Horseradish to the last bite of Berry Cobbler, everything was delicious. The true standouts of our gastronomical overdose included:Appetizers: Bacon-Wrapped Gulf Shrimp with Crispy Onion Rings, Wok-Seared & Sliced Pacifi c Ahi with Soba Noodle and Shiitake Stirfry in a Light Soy-Sherry Broth, and Crispy Cashew CalamariEntrees: Chilean Sea Bass with Lemon-White Wine Broth with Garlic and Scallions, Filet of Atlantic Salmon Sauteed with Morel Mushrooms and Chive Polenta, and the off-the-menu Bone-In Filet “carpet bagged” with Batter Fried Oysters and BernaiseSides: Crab Fried Rice, Truffl ed Macaroni & CheeseDessert: Bananas Foster CakeWine: Trefethen Chardonnay and Merlot

And, on a fi nal note: for those of you who fi nd the location a bit G.U. (Geographically Undesirable) as my friend Toni Finger confessed to me on her recent visit, no worries! Eddie V’s’ second Houston location is slated to open next fall on Kirby Drive in West Ave.

Karen & Murry Penner

experience over-the-

top service from John

Tran at Eddie V’s with

Carol and Steve

Lipworth, Pam and

Neal Tofsky, and Reece

and Fulton Davenport.

| BY KAREN PENNER { them penner guide }

EDDIE V’S PRIME SEAFOOD

12848 QUEENSBURY LANE

OPEN DAILY FROM 4 P.M.

832-200-2380

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{ the m penner guide }

Stephen’s SELECTS

GIRLS IN THEIR SUMMER CLOTHES

The bold and the beautifulNothing shows off a great tan like beautiful bright colors. Hugo Boss hits a home run with solid

satin blouses in electric blue, hot pink and tangerine. Draw the eye to your décolleté with Marc

Aurel’s pink ruffl e-front blouse or try Farinaz’s tailored blouses in bright turquoise, pink or

yellow. Daring types might go bright below-the-belt with jean-cut pants in coral or turquoise

from Peace of Cloth or lemon-yellow from Agave. Also trendy this season is neutralizing

your wardrobe and using accessories to show color. Bold bags by George Gina &

Lucy and Carol Lipworth’s turquoise trinkets are guaranteed to add élan.

It’s jean-etic!Don’t bother wondering why it took

so long. … The important thing is that

the fashion world’s newest invention,

jeggings (a combination of jeans and leg-

gings), are here! Offering the casual look

you love and the comfort you crave, these

trompe l’oeil bottoms will put you in the

driver’s seat of enlightened trendsetters.

Or, if you just want a great new

pair of jeans that hugs every one

of your curves, try Beija Flor,

straight from the country that practi-

cally invented curves—Brazil! New to M

Penner, they’re designed to shape and

contour for an ultra-fl attering fi t.

The sexy little slip-onTo pull off an air of effortless chic, look

no further than the new summer dress-

es. These modern one-piece

classics run the gamut from

sleek solid shifts to fl owing

sundresses. You’ll love Nicole Miller’s

purple sheath with ruching strategi-

cally placed to accentuate all the right

curves, as well as Flavio Castellani’s

super sexy white v-neck bodice that

gives way to a hip-hugging magenta

bottom. If you’re in a playful mood, try

Indies’ multi-print dress with fl owing

skirt that swirls seductively with your

every stride.

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2

3

Best bets from the spring 2010 collections, counterclockwise from top, Craig Taylor fl oral blouse, Nicole Miller sheath dress,

Beija Flor jeans, Hale Bob print dress, Carol Lipworth necklace, George Gina & Lucy handbag

Print it!Shrinking violets, take note: You may want

to avoid this season’s hot bold prints because

they’re guaranteed to put every wearer center

stage! It will be like wearing art when you don

Hale Bob’s peasant-style tanks in head-

turning color combos like hot

pink and orange, featuring

damask-like swirls and graphic

accents. If you lean toward a more under-

stated look, consider Audrey Talbott’s

dreamy printed blouses, ruffl ed in all the

right places. Flower children might prefer

Craig Taylor’s pop-art fl oral blouse. No

matter your pick, the result will be

some serious head-turning.

1

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T E X A S L U X U R Y W I T H

Experience the ultimate vacation with this private luxury resort.

A luxury custom home, exquisitely designed with Hill Country

furnishings on 160 acres. Featuring spectacular 180° views of the

Texas Hill Country that must be seen to be believed, this home

is perfect for executive retreats, couples or entertaining.

Begin your day by the pool with coff ee and watching the sunrise.

Enjoy your evenings dining under the stars with dinner prepared

by you or our local chef who caters for intimate or large groups.

Accommodations: House with 2 Casitas, 5 Bedrooms + Loft,

4.5 Baths (Sleeps 10-12)

To view the availability calendar and

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ComfortHomes_RIGHT.indd 145ComfortHomes_RIGHT.indd 145 4/27/10 4:17:18 PM4/27/10 4:17:18 PM

VIVA ITALIA!

Karen Penner and Niccolo Ricci, CEO of Stefano Ricci, pose in the brand’s fl agship showroom in Florence.

Abbondanza: A typical lunch in Tuscany features meat, cheese and more.

Seamstresses hand-stitch suits at the Caruso factory. The work, which requires intense concentration, is performed in perfect silence.

Culatello hams aging at the Antica Corte Pallavicina Relais in Parma

Murry and the inimitable Luciano Barbera

Here’s looking at you: Karen and Murry raise a glass during lunch in ParmaParty ready: At the Pitti Uomo show, Sand displays colorful new clothing.

Karen on stage with models at the Missoni party during fashion week in Milan

This view of the Parma countryside shows one of the ancient farms that produce Prosciutto di Parma and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese—lunchtime staples of the trip.

M Penner was one of 17 specialty stores invited by the Italian Government and Esquire Magazine to visit Italy in January.

We attended the premier fashion market in the world, Pitti Uomo, in Florence; had VIP seats at the best runway shows during fashion week in Milan; visited the Caruso factory (manufacturers of their own brand as well as other top labels including Lanvin and Dior) in Parma; and toured Lanifi cio Zegna, the wool mill where the world-renowned fabrics of Ermenegildo Zegna are created, in Trivero. And when we weren’t touring or shopping for next fall’s offerings at M Penner, we were soaking up everything beautiful, historic and magical about the people, food and culture of Italy.

Here are some of our favorite moments from our incredible trip, with special thanks to Esquire and the Italian Trade Commission. Ciao!

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S P R I N G • S U M M E R 2 0 1 0 / 2 3

A Lanifi cio Zegna guide shows how thistles are still used to produce a fl annel fi nish on fabrics.

This machine spins wool into yarn at Lanifi cio Zegna.

In the Biellese Alps, the Oasi Zegna abuts the mill town of Trivero. In the distance is Monte Rosa, the second highest peak in Europe.

Coming at you: the fi nale of the Ermenegildo Zegna fashion show in Milan. The brand is celebrating its centennial this year.

Proud dads Murry and Ottavio MissoniThe spectacular Duomo in Milan

One of Ermenegildo Zegna’s original notebooks, in which he kept meticulous details of every client order

Murry and Mattia Mondani, one of Esquire’s star European reps.

Karen at dinner in Florence with the staff of Esquire

Murry and Karen chat with Eva Cavalli of Roberto Cavalli.

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Hand-tailored details are the hallmarks of a fi ne jacket—and the keys to superior fi t and durability

{ elements of style }

Anatomy of a WELL-MADE SUIT

Hand-stitched

sleeve lining

Hand stitching assures

that the shoulder and

sleeve fit comfortably

and move with ease.

A well-made jacket

uses hand stitching at

all points of friction,

as the hand stitch is

more pliable than the

machine chain stitch.

Undercollar

A hand-stitched

felt undercollar

with turned tipping

is a centuries-old

tailoring tradition.

Peninsula interior pockets

Internal pockets are framed

with the external fabric to

reinforce the pocket and

secure the treasures kept

therein close to your heart

and chest.

Full canvas construction

A well-tailored jacket is “fully

canvassed” rather than fused:

Between the outer fabric and

the lining is a free-floating,

hand-stitched canvas chest

piece that gives the jacket its

superior drape.

2 4 / S P R I N G • S U M M E R 2 0 1 0

PEN.anatomysuit.indd 24PEN.anatomysuit.indd 24 4/27/10 4:22:29 PM4/27/10 4:22:29 PM

The only Supercar Club in HoustonA limited number of Members sharing the most desirable Supercars

Telephone: 713.481.4469 Email: [email protected]

www.houstonmotorclub.com

A private, members-only Club

Modeled after successful clubs in Europe and the coastal US

Three levels of Membership available

Exclusive access to the Club’s collection of Supercars

Spend more days driving than most owners do

A cost that is less than owning a single vehicle in the collection

An experience like no other

HoustonMotorClub_RIGHT.indd 145HoustonMotorClub_RIGHT.indd 145 4/27/10 12:25:03 PM4/27/10 12:25:03 PM

SPECIAL OFFERS FROM M PENNER

GIFT CERTIFICATEVALID THROUGH JUNE 15, 2010

Must present this certifi cate to receive discount. One certifi cate per customer. May not be used in conjunction with any other offers. Not applicable to previous purchases, sale merchandise, shoes, jewelry, Made-to-Measure or special orders.

$200This offer is good for $200 off a new spring suit, tuxedo, or sportcoat & slacks combination from our regular stock in the men’s department.

CLOTHING



$100This offer is good for $100 off any new spring sportswear purchase totaling $400 or more.

SPORTSWEAR



$100This offer is good for $100 off any new spring furnishings and accessories purchase totaling $400 or more from our regular stock in men’s furnishings including dress shirts, neckwear, pocket squares, belts and socks.

FURNISHINGS & ACCESSORIES



$100This offer is good for $100 off your purchase totaling $400 or more in the women’s boutique.

WOMEN

1180 UPTOWN PARK BLVD.713.527.8200




PEN.coupons.indd 32PEN.coupons.indd 32 4/27/10 3:29:39 PM4/27/10 3:29:39 PM

Discover the flavors of Milan

Hotel Granduca’s exclusive restaurantNorthern Italian cuisine with a French accent

Lunch 11:30 am – 2 pm, Monday – FridayDinner 6 pm – 10 pm, Monday – Saturday

Closed Sundays 1080 Uptown Park Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77056

www.granducahouston.com713.418.1104 for reservations

HotelGranduca_RIGHT.indd 145HotelGranduca_RIGHT.indd 145 4/27/10 11:59:38 AM4/27/10 11:59:38 AM

{ essentials for men }

Wear your school pride on your sleeve with silver-and-enamel cuffl inks

WHYHIDEYOURPRIDE?

We sold out of A&M cuffl inks before this photo was taken, thus the glaring omission.

But no worries: A&M is back in stock, along with dozens of other colleges and

universities. And if we don’t have your alma-mater links in the store, we’ll order

them for you. They make a perfect gift for graduation, Father’s Day and birthdays.

Here we show them paired with jaunty Italian silk pocket squares by Geoff Nicholson.

2 8 / S P R I N G • S U M M E R 2 0 1 0

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An M Penner custom shirt is an adventure in choice and distinction. Your shirt is tailored to your exact measurements

and fashioned to your taste in color, pattern and detail

COLLARS Multiple collar

styles are available, from a

classic point to an English

spread. Collars are all sized

individually to ensure a

perfect fi t!

FABRICS Select from

hundreds of the world’s

most exclusive fabrics,

from casual to elegant

dress, in every color,

texture and style.

CUFFS French cuff,

barrel cuff, one button,

two button, rounded,

angled and squared ...

the choice is yours.

MONOGRAMMING

Choose from a full array of

colors to personalize your shirt.

{ elements of style }

Made to Measure

PEN.madetomeasure.CS3.indd 1 4/28/10 1:01:08 PM

MercedesSugar_RIGHT.indd 145MercedesSugar_RIGHT.indd 145 4/27/10 12:34:50 PM4/27/10 12:34:50 PM

{ essentials for men }

Put your best foot forward in today’s most fashionable shoes

FEET FIRST

Clockwise

from top left,

John Varvatos

Renwick zip boot

in slouchy, oiled

suede, $450; Gravati

Venetian moccasin in cognac,

$550; Gravati suede penny loafer

in tan, $550; Donald J. Pliner suede wash

nubuck slip-on, $225; Ermenegildo Zegna

Couture double monk strap in brown, $995

3 2 / S P R I N G • S U M M E R 2 0 1 0

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{ meet the designer }

Søren Sand

3 4 / S P R I N G • S U M M E R 2 0 1 0

You and your wife Lene founded SAND in 1981.

You must have been very young at the time.

Did you ever do anything else to make a living?

Yes, I began by listening to my dad, who said,

“Do something safe—study economics.” I was

an accountant for four years, but this was not my

route—instead, my passion is to be creative.

Describe your fi rst store.

It was in our hometown of Randers, Denmark.

We used only natural fabrics and made women’s

clothes from scratch in our basement. Thanks

to Lene’s creative vision, those early designs

just flew out of the store, and we knew we had

something special.

ONE OF THE COOLER NEW MENSWEAR LINES at M Penner is SAND. It’s named not for the stuff on

beaches but for its Danish founder, creative director and CEO, Søren P. Sand. Together with his wife

and creative partner Lene, Sand has built a global fashion brand whose enthusiasts range from Duran

Duran to Mrs. David Bowie, the model Iman. At the recent Pitti Uomo show in Florence, M PENNER

sat down with Sand, the man, to discuss his approach to menswear.

Did you imagine at the time that SAND

would become a global fashion brand?

Yes, actually, we did. Lene and I had that dream

from the time we were in college together. She

studied theater set design and had a real flair

for fashion. Denmark is a small country, so we

had to think big. Our ambition from the start

was to create the very best clothing and to

grow internationally.

When did you branch into menswear?

It was 1989. We were quite casual at the time,

and so was our collection. But life changed, and

soon we were creating tailored clothing, dress

shirts, ties and accessories, which became

central to SAND.

To use the terminology of the fashion

industry, SAND is a complete lifestyle

brand: You offer tailored clothing,

sportswear and accessories. And many

of the pieces, it seems, have the

versatility to look right in any setting.

Is that what you aim for?

Absolutely. Many clothing brands are rather

one-dimensional—they are either classic or ca-

sual. At SAND we are good at bridging the gap

between classic and casual. SAND appeals to

well-dressed people who are passionate about

style and looking their best, whether at work or

at leisure.

As designers, what are you and Lene

passionate about?

Fabric is a major passion of ours. We have

always been influenced by Italy and by the best

fabrics. Fabric finishes are very important to us;

we go to great lengths to use the best finishing

processes, so that the fabrics look great and

also have a marvelous hand. Frankly, we are

striving for perfection in everything we do—

fabrics, fits, details, craftsmanship, durability.

What does “the perfect fi t” mean to you?

We design garments with sculptural silhouettes

for a flattering, modern fit, but at the same time

we insist that the garments be functional, wear-

able and comfortable. Style and comfort should

coexist.

You mentioned your focus on design

details. Give me an example.

If you look at one of our Black Label sportcoats,

you’ll notice unexpected combinations—subtle,

distinctive details that make the piece unique

PEN.sand.indd 34PEN.sand.indd 34 4/27/10 3:39:16 PM4/27/10 3:39:16 PM

and fun. For example, you may find contrasting colored

thread used for buttonholes, or sleeve buttons that vary

in color from button to button, or contrasting under-collar

fabric, or a rich, embroidered lining.

Your new collection has some edge to it. These

look like the kind of clothes a person would

want to wear on stage while performing music

or, let’s say, accepting a music award.

Or just going out to listen to music. In a sense, we are

all on stage wherever we go, right? These are clothes for

people who embrace that reality—who want to let their

spirit shine forth and look their best.

SAND is a well-known brand in Europe,

but it’s quite new to the American

market. How is it being received?

Very well. Americans have a bold style

and are more daring in the way they

dress than many Europeans. There’s

some rock-‘n’-roll attitude to

SAND, so it’s not surprising

that the brand is an early hit

in the U.S.

You worked with the late

Helmut Newton, the

famous photographer.

How did that collabora-

tion come about?

Lene and I had always

admired his black-

and-white photos. He

had a great sensibil-

ity—a way of being

provocative without

being offensive.

In 2002, we had

the dream of having

Helmut Newton shoot a

campaign for SAND. He was

living in Monaco at the time. We

simply contacted him and asked.

He was at the height of his

artistic fame. Was it diffi cult

to convince him?

Well, he said, “Send me some

pictures of your clothing.” He loved

what he saw and agreed to do a

campaign. It was shot in Monaco,

mostly on the waterfront. We were

told not to interfere, but within half

an hour he was inviting me to look

through the camera.

He wasn’t temperamental?

No, he was delightful. But he

was what you might call a

character. After the third day

of shooting, he said, “Stay

in Monaco two more days,

and you can have the pic-

tures.” So Lene and I hung

out, and on the appointed day,

we went to see him in a tent on

the beach. He gave us a loupe and left

us alone in the tent with the photos while,

at age 82, he went for a swim. And the

images … they were simply spectacular.

The Newton campaign helped shape the

brand image of SAND.

While your clothes can be quite

colorful, you’ve continued to favor

black-and-white photography.

Yes. We did a black-and-white campaign

with Bryan Adams, the Canadian rocker. His

second career is as a professional photogra-

pher, and he’s very accomplished.

Where do you and Lene work?

In Como, Italy. We opened a new design

studio there in March 2009.

Where do you like to travel when

you’re not working?

We love what we do, so we’re always

working! But we can be productive almost

anywhere, so we do travel for pleasure.

Within Italy, we like the Amalfi coast,

weekends in Capri. … Copenhagen in the

summertime is beautiful. We have a home

in the Swiss Alps, close to Lake Lugarno.

And we also spend a good deal of time in

London; we have a flat in Mayfair.

Now that you’ve made it big, do you

have any thoughts of retiring?

None at all. Lene and I enjoy what we do.

Creating makes us happy, so why think

about doing something else? Look at Gior-

gio Armani, who, past age 75, is still closely

involved with his company. That’s inspira-

tional. We’re going to keep going.

Seen h e r e a r e l o o k s f r om SAND ’s Sp r i n g 2010 c o l l e c t i o n s .

S P R I N G • S U M M E R 2 0 1 0 / 3 5

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Sean Connery on the set of the

1964 fi lm Woman of Straw, in

which he co-starred with Gina

Lollobrigida. In the fi lm, which

came out just after he made it

big as Bond, Connery plotted

to murder his wealthy uncle.

A rare villainous role for him,

it helped cement his sophisti-

cated, sexy image.

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{ icon }

Ask the women in your life about Sean Connery, and odds are

they’ll confirm that they find him irresistible. The man who

uttered the unforgettable line, “The name is Bond … James

Bond” (in 1962’s Dr. No) was voted Sexiest Man of the Century

by People magazine in 1999. Recently, at age 79, the actor

scored 90 percent in “Woman Magnetism” in an online poll.

What’s Sean Connery’s secret? At least to some degree,

he is proof that clothes do make the man, and that urbanity

can be acquired. A foul-mouthed ex-milkman and Mr. Universe

finalist from Edinburgh, Connery was an unlikely choice for

the role of Bond. Producer

Harry Saltzman claimed he

chose Connery for the role

after watching him walk

down the street. But not

only did Ian Fleming him-

self have doubts—he called

Connery a “Glaswegian

truck driver”—so did Dr.

No director Terence Young,

who schooled Connery in

the ways of the well-bred.

Young reputedly made Con-

nery wear a suit around the

clock—even to bed—to get

used to the feel.

And get used to it he

did. Connery exuded style

whether sipping a martini

or facing imminent death

by laser beam. He looks

utterly at ease in the sleek

gray suit (narrow notched

lapels, angled slit pock-

ets) he wore in Dr. No, the

seven-stripe glen plaid he

donned in From Russia with Love, the three-piece (complete

with lapelled waistcoat) made famous in Goldfinger. So com-

fortable has he become with fashion that this spring, for the

eighth year in a row, he hosts the Dressed to Kilt New York

fashion show, created to highlight Scottish designers. And

Louis Vuitton chose him as a style icon for the brand’s ongoing

Core Values campaign.

In the end, it’s not just what Connery wears, but the way

he wears it that makes him the emblem of innate cool. Here is

a man with presence. From his 007 days to The Hunt for Red

October, in roles ranging

from Indiana Jones’ father

to a reclusive professor (in

Finding Forrester), he strikes

the perfect balance of sua-

vity and swagger, charm and

confidence. His shoulders

stay squared, his arms are

held slightly away from his

body, his stance is relaxed.

And as Bond, he exempli-

fies the “dark triad” of traits

study-proven to get the girl:

narcissism, a penchant for

thrill-seeking and an easy

comfort with deceit.

Assuming that in real

life, Connery—Sir Sean since

2000—is no more egotistical

or deceitful than your aver-

age bloke, how then can we

sum up his enduring appeal?

Venerable film critic Pauline

Kael seems to have nailed it:

“Women want to meet him,

and men want to be him.”

SEAN CONNERY

Connery is proof that clothes do make the man, and that urbanity can be acquired.

S P R I N G • S U M M E R 2 0 1 0 / 3 9

PEN.icon.final.indd 39PEN.icon.final.indd 39 4/27/10 3:40:42 PM4/27/10 3:40:42 PM

www.farinaz.com206.244.0500

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U P T O W N PA R K • 7 1 3 - 5 5 2 - 1 2 4 2 • A L S O I N M E M O R I A L C I T Y M A L L

Award-wining

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4 2 / S P R I N G • S U M M E R 2 0 1 0

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With its sophisticated design and superior balance, the GranTurismo owns the

curves—both visually and literally. State-of-the-art suspension means smooth driving

even at high speeds, but the GT also functions as an elegant touring machine.

SeductiononWheels | BY MARIA LISSANDRELLO

The Maserati GranTurismo delivers it all:

Pininfarina looks, performance,

comfort and the throatiest engine

on the road

JUST A GLANCE AT THE MASERATI GRANTURISMO in all its curvy glory tells you

this two-door 2+2 coupé is a modern-day classic. No surprise, given its lineage:

From nose to tail, the car is a stylish paean to its aerodynamic ancestor, the

original 1947 GranTurismo. Known as the AG 1500 GT, that Pininfarina gem was

the first Maserati built for the road, not the raceway, and today’s version fol-

lows suit with bold fenders arching closely around 20-inch wheels, a long nose

with strong V-shaped lines and dramatic wide-set headlights. As for its most

distinctive feature—the trident studding the large concave grille—it arguably

stands as the automotive world’s most elegant emblem.

But looks aren’t the only thing that makes the GranTurismo so damn,

well, sexy: In a 2008 study by British luxury car insurer Hiscox, a whopping

100 percent of female participants had a marked biological response to the

mere sound of Maserati’s V8 engine. Turns out the same sexy snarl that gets

S P R I N G • S U M M E R 2 0 1 0 / 4 3


the GranTurismo going also sends women’s testosterone levels

soaring. (Biology refresher: Women also rely on the “mostly male”

hormone for a libido lift.) In short, firing up the spectacular GT may

be literally the most powerful seduction strategy on earth.

The Trident Marque made the car still throatier last year when it

introduced the GranTurismo S. Engine displacement got bumped from

4.2 liters to 4.7, via added bore and stroke. This change ratcheted the

horses to an ample 440, compared with 405 hp for what is now the

base model.

Maserati also launched an automatic model of the GranTurismo

S in 2009—joining most other high-end makers in a move consid-

ered sacrilegious by some sports-car purists. This is the model we

tested. With a sticker starting at $125,900, it’s mid-priced between

the base model and the “S,” but it has the same larger engine and

gives up none of the performance. In addition to fully automatic

mode (which is surprisingly fluid), the six-speed can be driven in

semi-manual mode. No clutching is required; the gears are changed

via column-mounted paddles (“down” on the left side of the steer-

ing wheel and “up” on the right).

No matter your pick, the 4,000-pound machine performs admira-

bly, whipping around corners, hurtling up hills, braking at will—with-

out lurching, rolling or hesitating in the slightest. Credit goes not

just to the smooth transmission but also to the Skyhook adaptive

suspension system, which makes more than 100 accommodations

per second based on every bump in the road to guarantee a ride that

is at once stable and thrilling.

The true personality of the car emerges in sport mode, with

the simple push of the “sport” button. Flaps in the dual exhaust

open, producing an even throatier thrum when the engine is idling.

Design in the details: This page, in the new GT

Convertible, you can go from enclosed comfort to

the joy of open-top motoring in less than 30 sec-

onds; next page, clockwise, on the GT S Automatic,

each rear light cluster has 96 LEDs; the 4.7-liter

engine sits behind the front axle for superior weight

distribution; the passenger cabin is beautifully ap-

pointed in the owner’s choice of wood and leather.

MAR IA L I SSANDRELLO writes frequently about Italian automobiles,

food and culture.

4 4 / S P R I N G • S U M M E R 2 0 1 0


Under way, there’s an immediate difference in feel: The steering is

tauter—the suspension, too—and the shifts from the gearbox are

quicker. Sport mode rules!

What of comfort? It often yields

to performance in the sports-car

world, but not here. The interior of

the GranTurismo is downright sumptu-

ous. Poltrona Frau and Alcantara (or

peccary) leather seats cradle the body

for the long haul. The leather (avail-

able in 10 colors) snakes around the

door and dash and can be combined

with one of three wood trims—wal-

nut, rosewood and wengé—polished

to your liking. Indeed, with 18 million

color and trim combinations, including

19 exterior colors and six brake-caliper color options, the Gran-

Turismo is one of the most customizable ways to show off your

automotive personality.

New for 2010 is a drophead version

called the GranCabrio, which is sold in

the U.S. as the GranTurismo Convertible.

Unlike the metal-roofed Ferrari California,

the GT Convertible features a cloth roof

that deploys automatically over the four-

seat passenger compartment, a design

that neither adds weight nor sacrifices

space. This is the first four-seat convert-

ible in Maserati history, and it sports the

longest wheel-base of any convertible in

its class. It goes without saying: This is

no ordinary ragtop.

THE MASERATI GRANTURISMO S AUTOMATICAT A GLANCE

BASE PRICE: $125,900

STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS:

| 4.7L V8 ENGINE | 361 LB-FT @ 4,750 RPM

| 6-SPEED AUTOMATIC WITH PADDLE SHIFTER

| 440 BHP @ 7,000 RPM | REAR-WHEEL DRIVE

| BREMBO ABS 4 WHEEL | 12 MPG CITY, 19 MPG HIGHWAY

PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS:

| 0–60 MPH IN 4.8 SECONDS | TOP SPEED: 183 MPH

CLOSEST COMPETITORS:

| BMW M6 | ASTON MARTIN VANTAGE | AUDI R8 | MERCEDES CL550

S P R I N G • S U M M E R 2 0 1 0 / 4 5


SorrentoRISTORANTEH O U S T O N ’ S F I N E S T I T A L I A N R E S T A U R A N T

Sorrento Ristorante has become a favorite of locals and out-of-towners looking for the perfect Italian Restaurant in Houston. You will be impressed by our ambiance, service and, most importantly, our quality Italian food.

4 1 5 W E S T H E I M E R , H O U S T O N T X 7 7 0 0 6 7 1 3 5 2 7 0 6 0 9 W W W. S O R R E N T O H O U S T O N . C O M

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MPe

nner

Stor

iesOur exceptional customers are the real reason we do what we do—and why we enjoy every minute of it

At M Penner, we say our customers are like family, and we mean it. We know them well, and it’s a pleasure to help them look their best. On these pages, some of our favorite people tell what they fi nd special about our store—and why they keep coming back. If you haven’t already, please stop by and let us know what we can do for you!

S P R I N G • S U M M E R 2 0 1 0 / 4 7

PEN.stories.kk.indd 47PEN.stories.kk.indd 47 4/28/10 2:05:21 PM4/28/10 2:05:21 PM

Medical Center Ear, Nose & Throat Associates of Houston

Dr. Michael Kaplan

W H AT I E N J O Y I S B E I N G A B L E T O

C U S T O M I Z E M Y C L O T H E S T O R E F L E C T

M Y P E R S O N A L I T Y. I custom order shoes with

matching belts and Made-to-Measure shirts with collars

specifi cally designed for the width of my ties. All of my shirts

have French cuffs and none have pockets because I don’t

feel there’s a need for a pocket in a man’s shirt anymore.

Zegna makes the fi nest suits, sportcoats and pants I’ve

ever worn, and Gravati is the most amazing shoe company.

With Belinda’s help I ordered a two-tone spectator shoe

in ivory and gray suede and a gray pinpoint suit to match.

The combination is gorgeous. When it comes to clothes,

nothing pleases me more than wearing fi ne fabric—

cashmere, voile or silk that lies on you so nicely you

feel like a king.

The bottom line is that M Penner affords a man

a couture experience—the same degree of style and

attention to detail. It’s as fi ne as any couture store

in Manhattan, I promise you, not to mention their

Saturday brownies are pretty good. Brownies and

cashmere are the ultimate combination for me.

Michael looks elegant in an Ermenegildo Zegna

Couture sportcoat and dress shirt, Ermenegildo

Zegna tie and Robert Talbott pocket square.

4 8 / S P R I N G • S U M M E R 2 0 1 0


{ m penner stories }

Louis MessinaFounder and president, The Messina Group

Louis keeps it simple in

a Boglioli jacket, John

Varvatos Star USA T-shirt,

Georg Roth shirt and

Agave jeans.

B A C K I N T H E D AY , I U S E D

T O D O R O C K S H O W S and things

were more casual. Now I’m primarily

producing pop and country shows. I’ve

got to look good—not like I’m part of the

road crew.

At M Penner, it’s interesting because

they have their very traditional clientele,

their more fl ashy clientele, and then me.

I fall into the “me” category. I like what

I like. They can’t get a fl owered shirt on

me, or anything you need sunglasses to

look at. I don’t want to be louder than the

band, how’s that? I believe in simplicity;

I think a pinstripe suit with a solid color

shirt looks great.

When I fi rst moved to Houston in the

’70s, my dear friend and partner Allen Becker

introduced me to Sonny Penner and I’ve been

shopping at M Penner ever since. Butch has

been my salesperson forever. The store always

has great clothes—Zegna and Paul Smith are a

couple of my favorite brands—and I always feel

comfortable shopping there. If I ever shop some-

where else, I feel like I’m cheating on them.


Director of Development and Communications, Taping For The Blind

Brian Teichman

T H E W O R D “ N O ” I S N ’ T

PA RT O F T H E V O C A B U L A R Y

AT M P E N N E R . I went in and

needed a complete new outfi t selected,

tailored, pressed, and done in two

hours … and it was done in one.

Javier, the head tailor, is a genius.

I was introduced to M Penner

through an organization called CAP

(Citizens for Animal Protection).

The store provided fashions for

one of their fundraisers and that’s

how I met Butch Layne. He’s a

master at what he does. Some-

times, when I ask for something

special, he’ll put his hand on his

chin and walk away. Then he comes

back with exactly what I’m looking for.

Now he knows my closet better than I do.

At M Penner, it’s pretty much one-stop

shopping, from socks to white tie, so if they don’t have it,

you don’t need it. They also have beautiful women’s clothes

and I often fi nd gifts for my mother there.

At the risk of sounding fastidious, I don’t want to be seen

in something somebody else has on; I want to feel special, and

M Penner always has unique items I don’t see at other stores.

When I put on something from M Penner, I know that I’m

wearing some of the best clothing in the entire world.

Brian brightens any scene in a Boglioli jacket,

Etro sportshirt, Geoff Nicholson pocket square,

W. Kleinberg belt and Zanella pants.



Dave SteitzFounder and President, Steitz Partners

THE INDUSTRIES I CONSULT IN RANGE WIDELY—I MAY

START MY MORNING DOWN IN THE SHIP CHANNEL

with a refinery client and later that day meet with executives

at a major hospital.

The clothes M Penner sells are of such high quality and

versatility that, in the morning, I can blend into a casual

environment where everyone is wearing khakis and polo

shirts, and later I can add a jacket and look right at home

in an executive suite. Some of my favorite items are

Luciano Barbera shirts, Robert Barakett polos, Agave

jeans, and anything from Zegna.

I work primarily with Murry. What I like is that

he thinks of things I need but wouldn’t remember

without his suggestion—a shirt that goes with a pair

of slacks, a belt to match a new pair of shoes, the

perfect pocket square to complete an outfi t, or some

other item that I’d otherwise get home without and

say, “Oh shoot, I needed that!”

Even though Murry’s “my guy,” if he’s not avail-

able, I know I can always count on anyone there to

help me—Belinda, Cody, Whitney, anybody. They’re

great that way; they work very well as a team.

Dave is ready for anything in an Ermenegildo

Zegna sportcoat, sportshirt and pants and

Robert Talbott pocket square.

S P R I N G • S U M M E R 2 0 1 0 / 5 1


Anyta & Todd Chen

TODD: ON MY FIRST VISIT TO M PENNER, I WAS

GREETED BY CODY SEVER. Glancing over the offerings, I

think my fi rst remark was something like, “I’m not sure you guys

have anything that fi ts within my budget.” Cody was really

cool about it and just said, “Let me give you a tour of the

store and explain what we have here.”

What impressed me was that Cody seemed most

interested in understanding my goals for my

wardrobe. It has never been just about

selling me something. Of course, he

throws in his own suggestions here

and there to help me expand my

Anyta Chen, model with Page Parkes;Todd Chen, partner, Thompson & Knight

Todd makes a case for classic

tailoring in an Angelo Nardelli

sportcoat and sport shirt,

Incotex pants and Geoff

Nicholson pocket square.

Anyta glows in an An Ren

jacket, Hugo Boss pants and

Carol Lipworth necklace.


horizons. Today, I have a pretty exten-

sive wardrobe of tailored clothing, and

almost all of it came from M Penner. And I

always try to buy something special for Anyta

when I’m indulging myself.

ANYTA: I had tried to drag Todd into

M Penner for a year or so before he fi nally

caved in. He owes me big for this discovery!

For me, M Penner started out as a great

source for clothes to wear for our weekly

date nights. Then I discovered that M

Penner was the perfect source for outfi ts to wear

on modeling go-sees. The image I’m going for

when I’m interviewing or auditioning is chic,

simple and sophisticated.

Todd got a little upset last year when we went

shopping at M Penner for his birthday. I ended up

chatting with Stephen and some other old friends and

trying on dresses instead of doing the whole birthday

shopping drill with Todd. I found this fabulous black

and white dress, and I think to add insult to injury Todd

even bought it for me.

5 2 / S P R I N G • S U M M E R 2 0 1 0


R

TheTastingRoom_RIGHT.indd 145TheTastingRoom_RIGHT.indd 145 4/27/10 12:29:33 PM4/27/10 12:29:33 PM

More people on the edge of more seats.

No one has the capacity to break the rules more than Porsche. And now, thenew Panamera. The legendary sports car driving experience built for four. Thestaggering Porsche power is unmistakably present. As is the relentlessly precisehandling. And with the addition of a second row of executively seated passengers,there’s no end to the rules you can break. Porsche. There is no substitute.

The Panamera. Experience pure Porsche performance for four

©2010 Porsche Cars North America, Inc. Porsche recommends seat belt usage and observance of all traffic laws at all times. Optional equipment shown is extra

Porsche of West Houston(281) 249-470011890 Old Katy Rd.Houston, TX 77079www.porschewesthouston.com

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...AND THEY’REOFF!

This season’s fresh, exuberant styles are sure

bets for looking your bestStyle to cheer about: Magen looks like a winner

in a Flavio Castellani dress while David catches

the action in an Angelo Nardelli sportcoat, Zanella

trousers, Paul Smith exploded plaid shirt, Etro

pocket square and Maui Jim sunglasses.

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Amazing race: Magen is a model fan in a racing red Hale Bob

crochet-and-jersey sundress and George Gina & Lucy handbag,

as Michael (left) and David run for the roses in cool Vilebrequin

linen shirts and print swim trunks.

5 6 / S P R I N G • S U M M E R 2 0 1 0


S P R I N G • S U M M E R 2 0 1 0 / 5 7


5 8 / S P R I N G • S U M M E R 2 0 1 0


FA L L • W I N T E R 2 0 0 9 / 5 9

They came to play, opposite: Michael

(left), surveys the scene in an Ermenegildo

Zegna sportcoat, dress shirt and paisley

tie, Tino Cosma pocket square, Zanella

trousers and Maui Jim sunglasses. David

looks chill in an Ermenegildo Zegna sport-

coat, AG Jeans, John Varvatos Star USA

linen knit top and Scott Kay necklace. The

Aston Martin is from Houston Motor Club.

Equestrian style, this page: Magen

blooms in a Strenesse Blue jacket, Craig

Taylor printed blouse, Etro scarf, AG

Jeans and Julia Easley alligator belt.


Fashion in action, this page: Oblivious to the

two kinds of horsepower at work behind them,

Magen and David only have eyes for each

other. Magen wears a Strenesse jacket, A’nue

Ligne tank and Peace of Cloth trousers. David

looks cool in a Paul Smith printed shirt

and Incotex trousers.

Winner by a pose, opposite: David wears

an Angelo Nardelli sportcoat, Canali shirt,

Incotex pants and Robert Talbott pocket

square, while Magen draws attention in a

Nicole Miller dress. Michael savors victory

in an Etro sportshirt, Zanella jeans and

W. Kleinberg belt.


Photography by

Fulton Davenport at

Sam Houston Race Park

All women’s jewelry by

Carol Lipworth Designs

Cars provided by

Houston Motor Club

Hair and Makeup by

The Perfect Face

S P R I N G • S U M M E R 2 0 1 0 / 6 1


Fifty-15 Westheimer Suite 2208 Galleria, Houston, TX 77056 • T 713.871.0940 • F 713.871.1883 • www.offthewallgallery.com

Located in the Neiman Marcus valet lot facing Post Oak Blvd.

"Waiting for a Glance" oil on canvas 24"x 30"

©20

10Yur

oz

OffTheWall_LEFT.indd 146OffTheWall_LEFT.indd 146 4/28/10 5:36:44 PM4/28/10 5:36:44 PM

These luxury bathrooms provide their owners with the perfect private retreat

P H O T O G RA P H Y BY T I M S T R E E T- P O RT E R

S P R I N G • S U M M E R 2 0 1 0 / 6 3

Eclectic influences: A deep, old-fashioned tin bathtub is

surrounded by heavy red-and-gold drapes, creating the effect

of an alcove. Carefuly chosen details-—lavish drapery trim,

vintage hardware, natural sea sponges-—add visual interest.

CLEAN GETAWAY

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6 4 / S P R I N G • S U M M E R 2 0 1 0

Posh and polished:

A beautifully crafted

antique sideboard houses

a metal sink. Pewter-toned

accessories add to the

room’s masculine appeal.

Opposite, eau naturel:

The stone wall of this

outdoor shower is actually

the back of a bedroom’s

chimney. The wide

Dornbracht showerhead

mimics summer rain,

while the climbing split

leaf philodendron adds a

tropical touch.



66 / S P R I N G • S U M M E R 2 0 1 0

PEN.motorcycle.indd 66PEN.motorcycle.indd 66 4/27/10 4:08:38 PM4/27/10 4:08:38 PM

T-Bird Rising

The 2010 Triumph Thunderbird is an instant classic in the cruiser category

MARLON BRANDO TERRORIZED A SMALL TOWN—and made his bike the ultimate

symbol of rebellion—when he showed up on his 1950 Triumph Thunderbird in

the film The Wild One. Since that time, the Triumph motorcycle brand has had

its ups and downs in the marketplace. But it’s safe to say that, with the reintro-

duction of the Thunderbird this year, the cruiser has regained its iconic status.

Triumph put muscle in this model: Its water-cooled, 1600cc engine puts

out 85 horsepower and 108 foot-pounds of torque. Unique among cruisers, the

engine is a parallel-twin rather than the expected V-twin. And instead of a chain

drive, Triumph uses a belt drive—its first since 1922—to transfer all that torque

from the engine to the wheels. The rap on cruisers is that they don’t handle

well, but the T-Bird, voted Cruiser of the Year by Cycle World magazine, has

earned widespread praise for its acceleration, maneuverability and braking.

And then there’s the matter of looks. British Triumph tapped American design-

er Tim Prentice to craft the appearance of the new T-Bird. The result of the three-

year project is a clean-lined bike—with long exhaust pipes and plenty of chrome, of

course—that highlights the uncluttered engine. The teardrop fuel tank, a defi ning

design detail of any cruiser, is especially fat, curvaceous and just plain beautiful.

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Zanella_LEFT.indd 146Zanella_LEFT.indd 146 4/27/10 12:38:33 PM4/27/10 12:38:33 PM

When you wear the very best, your clothes deserveHouston’s finest dry cleaners - Coronet Fine Dry Cleaning.

2211 Westheimer (just west of S. Shepherd)Houston, Texas 77098

713-526-4623 • www.coronetcleaners.com

Pick-up and Delivery available

Cannoli on your Canali ?

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{ the sporting life }

7 0 / S P R I N G • S U M M E R 2 0 1 0

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WELL BEFORE TIGER WOODS took his indefi nite leave from

professional golf, avid followers of the sport widely

agreed on who was poised to become its next great

star: the gifted young Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy.

In keeping with golf’s global reach, the cap that McIlroy

wears over his bushy hair bears the name of a hotel

group based in Dubai. But on his golf bag, emblazoned

under his name, appears an ad for a destination which

for McIlroy is much closer to home, Lough Erne Golf

Resort (pronounced Lock Earn).

Just as McIlroy is gaining renown, so, too, it seems

safe to say, will this beguiling new getaway in a remote

corner of his native land. The resort sits magnifi cently on

a 600-acre peninsula between two lakes, Lower Lough

Erne and Castle Hume Lough, in County Fermanagh.

Fermanagh (pronounced Fir-MAN-ah) is the

southwestern-most of the six counties that make up

Northern Ireland. Home to just 54,000 people, it is the

least populated county in Ulster and one of the least

populated in all of Ireland. Fermanagh has been largely

known—to the extent that it’s been known at all—for

the opportunities to go fi shing, birding and canoeing

among the 150-plus islands that dot its waterways.

Some of these islands, including Devenish and White,

offer the added appeal of visiting age-old ruins.

Such attractions remain, but golf now beckons

as well. Lough Erne developer Jim Treacy hired Nick

Faldo, the architect, TV commentator and six-time

major champion, to design the resort’s fl agship course.

(Lough Erne also has a modest though scenic second

course, Castle Hume, which was built on the site of

a World War II U.S. Army training camp and which

BY PA U L R O G E R S

Tee Time at Lough ErneThe Faldo Championship Course is just one of the pleasures at this new world-class resort in Northern Ireland

Far and away: Sir Nick Faldo on the 17th hole of the lakeside

course he designed at Lough Erne. It was ranked third in Golf

magazine’s Best New Courses of 2009.

S P R I N G • S U M M E R 2 0 1 0 / 7 1


Treacy acquired as part of the development.) Treacy told Faldo he wanted

to have the fi nest lakeside course in Ireland, urging him to draw inspira-

tion from Loch Lomond Golf Club on the fabled bonnie banks in Scotland.

Given the quality of Ireland’s seaside links, convincing international

travelers to play an inland layout is no small feat. Northern Ireland, after

all, boasts two of the world’s fi nest links, Royal County Down and Royal

Portrush, the latter being the only course outside of Scotland and England

ever to host the British Open (in 1951). Nearer to Lough Erne lie a few

more seaside treasures: County Sligo Golf Club, also known as Rosses

Point; Enniscrone Golf Club; and Donegal Golf Club at Murvagh.

Lough Erne’s Faldo Championship Course, which opened last year,

holds no pretensions of being a links course. Faldo and his design team

eschewed trappings, such as ragged-edged bunkers and tall fescues,

that have been used so commonly on non-links sites in recent years as to

become cliché.

Instead, they fashioned a course very much in keeping with its

bucolic surroundings. The fairways are lush and green. Many of them

fl ow from a central spine on the property down to either the massive

Lower Lough Erne or the much smaller Castle Hume Lough. Some

holes play entirely at the water’s edge, often skirting marshland.

Others nose into the woods.

The Faldo Course does borrow from the classic links in one key

respect: an emphasis on strategy over might. From the back tees, the

par-72 layout may stretch to a lengthy 7,167 yards, but most if not every

hole presents a choice of shots to play.

Take the 565-yard, par-fi ve 16th, which begins a rousing—and

watery—closing stretch. Standing on the elevated tee, the player faces

a decision: Drive up the left side, challenging a large fairway bunker in

hopes of setting up a clear approach to the green, or opt for the safer

route to the right. The second shot poses another question: Go for the

green despite the threat of water to the right and bunkers beyond the

putting surface, or lay up to avoid the trouble. At Lough Erne, says Direc-

tor of Golf Andy Campbell, “it’s not a game of muscle necessarily; you

must plot your way around.”

Another engaging feature is that the course has two four-hole

stretches—one on the front nine, one on the back—that go as follows:

par three, par fi ve, par three, par fi ve. Guy Hockley, the lead architect for

Faldo Design, describes this as a “syncopated rhythm.” The designers

didn’t set out to do this, he says. They discovered while walking the site

that the land lent itself to these rather unusual runs.

No sooner had the course opened than talk began to surface about

Lough Erne’s someday hosting a PGA European Tour event. Thousands

7 2 / S P R I N G • S U M M E R 2 0 1 0


of spectators turned out for an exhibition between McIlroy and fellow

Irishman Padraig Harrington in July 2009. The players arrived by seaplane

and were enthusiastically followed during their match, which McIlroy won

by two strokes.

Lough Erne’s creators knew, however, that it would take more than

a well-designed course to draw serious attention. The conditioning also

would have to be superb, a challenge because of the area’s frequent rain.

So they trucked in tons of sand to cap the fairways and near-roughs to

make them drain better and thus allow for year-round play.

The appeal of Lough Erne also extends well beyond the golf. The

resort offers a luxury experience that carries through to the accommoda-

tions: 120 tastefully appointed guest rooms. Visitors can stay in either a

country manor house or one of 25 full-service two- and three-bedroom

lakeside lodges, several of them designed with cylindrical walls and coni-

cal roofs to evoke an old dovecote on a neighboring property.

The dining, too, is fi rst-rate. Catalina, the resort’s most ambitious

restaurant, has been recognized nationally for its emphasis on local ingre-

dients and authentic Irish cuisine. The Blaney Bar, a more casual option,

offers a grazing menu and an exhaustive collection of Irish whiskeys.

Rounding out the amenities is a state-of-the-art Thai spa.

All of which has helped earn Lough Erne the Automobile Associa-

tion’s (AA) fi rst fi ve-star rating for a hotel in Northern Ireland.

What’s more, it would be an opportunity missed to visit the resort

and fail to explore the islands of Fermanagh. Devenish Island is home to

a hundred-foot-tall round tower believed to date back to the 12th century.

On White Island, treasures include quartzite carvings of tunic-clad church-

men, thought to have been made between 800 and 1000 A.D.

Just how much staying power Lough Erne will have remains to be

seen. But, like McIlroy, who last year notched his fi rst victory as a profes-

sional at age 19, the Faldo Championship Course and the encompassing

resort are each off to an impressive start.

Rock around the lough: clockwise from left, boasting year-round

playing conditions, Lough Erne also prides itself on signature

touches, such as the 101 Irish whiskeys at the Blaney Bar; the

595-yard 6th hole is a par fi ve; an aerial view of the resort.

In construction as well as maintenance, great care is taken to

preserve the environment and natural habitat of swans, red

squirrels and Irish hares. Below, far left, the resort’s “golf team”:

Andy Campbell, Director of Golf, Peter Smyth, Golf Operations

Manager, and Dave Peden, Golf Sales Manager.

PAUL ROGERS is a New York–based writer whose work has appeared in

numerous magazines. He is a former senior editor of Travel + Leisure Golf.

LOUGH ERNE GOLF RESORTEnniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, Northern Ireland

www.loughernegolfresort.com

THE FALDO COURSE Architect: Nick Faldo, 2009. Yardage: 7,167. Par: 72.

GETTING THERE The resort is two hours by car from Belfast International Airport and

two-and-a-half hours from Dublin International Airport. It’s minutes away from the Enniskillen

(St. Angelo) Airport, a private airfield for small planes and helicopters.

S P R I N G • S U M M E R 2 0 1 0 / 7 3


{ malt }

GET YOUR IRISH UP

| BY M A R K D O W D E N

Beautifully balanced and complex beyond reason, Redbreast is proof that the best Irish

whiskey is among the best whiskey anywhere

ALTHOUGH THE IRISH ARE SAID to have invented whiskey,

their product gets little attention in a world of connoisseur-

ship that revolves around Scotch. It’s a pity—and surely

bound to change—because Irish whiskey is enjoying a

renaissance. Forget any preconceptions about Irish be-

ing best used to fl avor coffee. That’s a fi ne use for

Jameson, but it would be a waste to mix Red-

breast, Green Spot or Black Bush with any-

thing other than soft water.

The commercial history of Irish

whiskey follows a curious arc. In

the late 19th and early 20th centu-

ries, Irish outsold Scotch around the

globe. Then the industry was hit by

the double-whammy of Prohibition in

the United States and independence

from the United Kingdom. The break

from the U.K. meant that the far-

fl ung Empire market for Irish whiskey

dried up completely and swung over

to Scotch. Irish production crashed

and never recovered.

By the 1960s, only three distill-

eries remained in Ireland. They were

Jameson, Powers and Cork Distill-

ers, which banded for survival into

the Irish Distillers Group. In 1972,

Bushmills in Northern Ireland joined

the IDG. The members bought into

the strategy of making a product as

unlike Scotch as possible, and so

all Irish whiskey for a time was un-

peated, triple-distilled (Scotch is dis-

Redbreast is a “pure pot still” spirit, the most traditional style of Irish whiskey. Its

distinctive flavor profile is reminiscent of the best Speyside Scotch.

7 4 / S P R I N G • S U M M E R 2 0 1 0

tilled twice), smooth and, many Scotch lovers

would say, bland by comparison.

The IDG closed its three historic distilleries

and in 1975 opened the New Midleton Distillery

in County Cork. Thus there came to be a single

licensed distillery, albeit a massive one, in all of

the republic, plus Old Bushmills in the North.

Today the Midleton facility is owned by Pernod

Ricard (yes, the French control most Irish whis-

key), while Old Bushmills is owned by the other

global beverage giant, Diageo. A third player,

Cooley Distillery, opened in 1987—independent

and Irish-owned, by God! In addition to its plant

in County Louth, Cooley recently reopened the

Old Kilbeggan distillery, which had been shut-

tered for more than half a century.

This brings the number of Irish distilleries

to only four today—compare that to 90 in Scot-

land—but these four are producing an impres-

sive range of whiskey styles. The three main

categories are malt, single grain and pure pot

still, the latter a unique Irish style made from

a mash of malted and unmalted barley. Most

Irish brands are blends, and some combine

two or all three of these styles. Here’s an over-

view of the brandscape:

Midleton Distillery produces Jameson and

Jameson’s premium reserve range (of which

there are currently six expressions), Powers

and Midleton Very Rare, which is vintage-dat-

ed. These brands are all blends of pot still and

grain spirit. Also made at Midleton are Paddy

and Tullamore Dew, which add malt whiskey to

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MARK DOWDEN , a native of Kentucky who was educated at the

University of St. Andrews, is a fan of all whiskey.

TASTING NOTES

REDBREAST 12-YEAR-OLD IRISH WHISKEY

COLOR | Deep amber

NOSE | Spice cake, nuts, sherry, cream soda, meadow fl owers and grass, honey, cherries,

linseed oil, rye-like overtones.

PALATE | Silky mouthfeel, with tastes of ginger cake and treacle sponge, malt, butter, maple

syrup, a hint of cinnamon. It’s simultaneously redolent of a Vermont breakfast and a sticky

English dessert. Sweet but not cloying.

FINISH | Oily, spicy and long, with honey, sherry and licorice.

PRICE | $50

These pot stills at the sprawling Midleton Distillery

produce brands ranging from Jameson to Redbreast.

The old water wheel (right), which dates to 1825

and once provided the power for all distillery opera-

tions, is still turning today. The map below shows the

four extant distilleries in all of Ireland.

7 6 / S P R I N G • S U M M E R 2 0 1 0

the blend, and two pure pot still whiskies, Redbreast 12-year-

old and Green Spot.

Old Bushmills produces triple-distilled malts

under the Bushmills brand (including Black

Bush, which is blended with Midleton

grain whiskey and has a sherried fi nish)

and post-1994 vintages of Knappogue

Castle single malt.

The leading brand from Cooley,

which specializes in reviving old

styles and marks, is Connemara, a

peated single malt that seems un-

Gaelic but in truth harks back to the

golden age of Irish whiskey. Cooley

also makes the superb Tyrconnell

unpeated single malt; Kilbeggan,

a blend; and Greenore, the only

Irish single grain whiskey.

Not long ago, I uncorked

a bottle of Redbreast, the pure

pot still spirit frequently cited

as Ireland’s best. Pure pot still

as a style has a characteristically

oily mouthfeel and a distinctive

fl avor profi le. There’s no mistaking

Redbreast for an American whiskey,

although it is plenty sweet. You might well

peg it for a Speyside Scotch, given the fruit and fl oral notes.

Displaying tremendous complexity on the nose and palate, this whiskey

requires some quiet time (in my case, by the fi reside during a snowstorm)

for one to plumb the developing aromas and tastes.

There is ripe fruit on the nose, some sherry and vanilla, and a resin-

ous, linseed-like tang. I also found a pleasing note of rye spice, although

no rye is used in the mash. Redbreast is positively fat on the tongue. Roll

it around the mouth, and all kinds of fl avors

come welling up—malt, ginger, toffee, even

cinnamon. The fi nish is long and oily,

with a faint licorice tail.

All of this mouth drama comes

as an exceptional value. If you

drink much single-malt Scotch,

you may have noticed that prices

have shot skyward in the past

two years, fi nancial crisis be

damned. Redbreast 12-year-old,

by comparison, is a great deal at

about $50 per bottle. (I should add

that the same is true of some of the

best bourbons.)

Does it get any better? Well,

yes: Redbreast 15-year-old is com-

ing. This older expression, which

was only released once, in very

limited quantities, in Europe, will be

available in the United States this fall.

Meantime, fi nd yourself a bottle

of the 12-year-old and raise a glass to

County Cork’s pure pot still perfectionists.

As they say over there, “Up Cork!”

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713-783-51006100 WESTHEIMER RDHOUSTON, TX 77057www.stogiesofhouston.com

Ask us about our monthly cigar events and cigars for the troops program

O F F E R I N G thousands of premium cigars from dozens of the word’s fi nest brands including:ARTURO FUENTE

ASHTON

C.A.O.

CAMACHO

MONTECRISTO

KRISTOFF

PADRÓN

PERDOMO

ROCKY PATEL

ROMEO Y JULIETA

F E A T U R I N G laser engraving for gifts, cigar accessories, sporting events on 3 plasma TV’s and wireless Internet for our guests.

AN

UNMATCHED

EXPERIENCE

FOR THE

CIGAR

AFICIONADO

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ABUNDANT PARKING

Houston’s a big city and parking is often a challenge. At M Penner

we provide plenty of free parking, right at the front door.

SPECIAL ORDERS

Whether it’s a suit, sportcoat or a pair of shoes, if you

can’t find what you’re looking for, just let us know. We’ll

do our best to find it from one of our many resources.

CLOSET CLEANING Sometimes it’s hard to part with

old friends. We can help. When you shop for your new sea-

sonal wardrobe, our sales associates will come to your home

and let you know which items are worn or out of style, and

suggest how to coordinate your existing clothes with new

additions. We’ll even take your old clothes and donate them

to a local charity on your behalf.

M PENNER GIFT CARDS M Penner gift cards

are available in any denomination and can be purchased at

the store or over the phone. Just give us the word and

we’ll be happy to send them for you as well.

PICTURE THIS

Sure, all of your new clothes look great at the store but

sometimes, once you get home, it’s hard to remember

what goes with what. Just ask and we’ll be happy to

photograph your ensembles.

COMPLIMENTARY ALTERATIONS Our reputation is

sewn into every garment we sell. To make sure you always look

your absolute best, we provide complimentary alterations on all non-

sale items purchased at M Penner. We even perform routine

wardrobe maintenance: Should a button become loose or lost, we’ll

be happy to replace it—-and press your garment—while you wait.

MADE-TO-MEASURE SERVICE

Exceptional fit is essential to impeccable

style. We have a whole room created for

you to design your own suits, sportcoats,

shirts and trousers where we will take

your measurements and help you select

fabrics, styles, buttons, etc. from the

finest companies in the world.

As a family-owned business, we take a lot

of pride in everything we do at M Penner. We

have the finest sales professionals that you

will find anywhere and our experienced tai-

loring staff works diligently to make sure

that you look great. Our commitment to our

customers goes beyond the sale. Service

impacts every part of our business and our

goal is to constantly exceed your expecta-

tions. Here are some of the things we do to

take care of you. Of course, special requests

are always welcome!

EXPERTISEA central part of the

M Penner experience is

superlative service. When

you need expert, individu-

alized attention, you’ll get

it—instantly and for as

long as you want. Our

knowledgeable staff is

well versed in all of the

brands we carry, the

trends of the season and

how to fit every body type.

They stand ready to advise

you on all matters of

wardrobe and accessories.

SHOPPING BY APPOINTMENT Just give us a call and we will

pre-select clothing to meet your needs. Items will be ready to try on upon

your arrival, during or after store hours. Can’t find the time to stop by?

We’ll be happy to come by your home or office.

{ service directory }

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M P E N N E R P E R S O N A L S E R V I C E

BROWNIES ON SATURDAYS

Penner brownies, made from a recipe passed down for

generations, are required at all Penner family events. When

we built the store at Uptown Park we added a kitchen so

we could make them fresh for you every Saturday.

THAT’S A WRAP!

We’re here to make your life a little easier, remember? So,

you pick the gift and we’ll take care of the wrapping on all

non-sale purchases at M Penner. Of course, all you have to

do is ask and we’ll pick the gift out for you, too!

DELIVERY We understand that sometimes it’s a challenge to

get to the store to pick up your alterations. Just let us know when

and where, and we’ll be happy to deliver them to you.

WELCOME TO OUR HOME

From our drink bar to our flat screen TV, we

designed the store to make you feel at home.

Even our Made-to-Measure Room is casual and

comfortable, with its roomy conference table.

PEN.Directory.REV 4/27/10 5:02 PM Page 70

www.abrahamsrugs.com

34 Years ofExcellent Service in Houston

Professional Rug Cleaning andWater Damage Restoration

Rug Appraisals andInsurance Valuation

Damage Report

We Trade Your Rugs

Since 1974

Galleria Area Location5000 Westheimer at Post Oak Blvd.

Houston, Texas 77056713-963-0980 • Mon-Sat 10-6

International Society of AppraisersProfessional

Hand Washing Services

The Decorative Center (To the Trade)5120 Woodway, #6010Houston, Texas 77056

713-622-4444 • Mon-Fri 9-5

Sam Abraham

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Like thoroughbred jockeys everywhere,

the guys at Sam Houston Race Park

are accustomed to wearing a uniform of

brightly colored silks. Here they don the

closest equivalent in street clothes—eye-

popping pullover shirts by Etro, the Italian

fashion house known for its fearless use of

color and pattern.

The polo shirt becomes a party shirt

when rendered in pink, green and other

strong hues, making it the perfect choice

for resort wear, golf, a day at the races or any

sporting occasion that calls for a bold statement.

You can even amp up the attitude by popping the

collar like Eguard and Bobby in the photo.

{ spotlight }

Style Jockeys

Just horsing around: Four veteran jockeys at Sam Houston Race

Park show their colors. Sporting Etro shirts from M Penner are

Eguard Tejera (in pink), Larry Taylor (in blue) and Bobby Walker,

Jr. (in green), while Paul Nolan wears traditional silks.

8 0 / S P R I N G • S U M M E R 2 0 1 0

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MEREDITH O’DONNELL FINE FURNITURE features the finest hand built American and

European furniture available for home and office. Baker, Stickley, Hickory Chair, and

TROSBY designs are all always in stock and on sale. Our licensed and degreed designers can

assist as personal shoppers, finding the best solutions for your interiors. Independent design trade

also welcome. Visit our new location soon at 1751 Post Oak Boulevard to see what’s new!Open to the public and to the trade.

Fine Furniture, Accessories & Rugs

LOCATION 2992 Kirby Drive, Houston, TX 77098 | 713.526.7332 | www.meredithodonnell.com

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Documents

M. Penner Magazine: Spring/Summer 2010