Six months ago, when we first started planning this one-year anniversary issue, I started thinking about the irrefutable success that venerable fashion houses and design firms are currently enjoying in our culture. I began asking myself, what makes an icon? The answers came fast, flooding me with examples from every corner of the design and culinary worlds. Part of it is history of course and level of craftsmanship, but the most interesting aspect to me became the designers and people behind these highly revered brands. All of these individuals bring such passion to their craft that even when their labels are relatively young, the respect and influence they command in their fields is awe inspiring. Witness Darioush Khaledi of Darioush winery in Napa. Senior Foodie Editor, Steve Paulovich visited the winery several times and found their hospitality enchanting and their wines to be among the finest. Steve also visited Berkeley's eVe Restaurant where the Laramies, the charismatic husband and wife chefs and co-owners, are as delightful as the dishes they create.

In Style de Luxe, Victoria Scavo spoke with Gump's Jewelry Merchandise Manager Serena Ramsey about pearls, jade, colored gemstones and keeping the legendary Gump's jewelry legacy alive.

In World Class Shopping, I interviewed accessories designers Richard Lambertson and John Truex who recently launched the Tiffany Leather Collection for Tiffany & Co. Infused with the Tiffany heritage; these fabulous bags are modern yet destined to become family heirlooms.

This past few months kept me very busy, so when I was invited to see why the original Golden Door Spa stands in a class of it's own, I jumped at the chance to spend a week there. My experience is documented in Globettroter and I can definitely understand why guests return to this amazing resort year after year. Some upwards of 100 times!

A lot of great designers have passed away or shut down their houses. Two of my personal favorites are Christian Lacroix and GianFranco Ferre. Luckily for all of us, a few stores are making it their priority to keep the flame burning for these iconic designers. In Fashion, Jillian Sorgini writes about three of the best vintage stores in the United States. She focused on Pilgrim in New York, Decades in Los Angeles and Sui Generis in San Francisco.

Fashion designers have always held a special place in my heart. Having spent two years in design school myself, I appreciate the hard work and time that goes into making a collection. We put the spotlight on four fashion labels: Black Fleece and Loden Dager for men and Tess Giberson and Bibhu Mohapatra for women. These young fashion houses are already making their mark in the fashion world and we are excited to watch them grow. We chose Mohapatra's cocoon, Blue Iris mink coat for the cover for two reasons. The holidays are here which got us thinking about a white Christmas and the timeless beauty of a fur is something we find iconic.

Happy Holidays!

-Victor Vargas, Editor in Chief