Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1516371
SOCCER By Billy Fong. Photography Afritina Coker. W hen PaperCity partnered with Breitling for dinner at the gorgeous Grange Hall, we invited a select group of horologists, as well as our usual social suspects who make an evening chic. The result was both intime and on time. The heritage timepiece company dates to the late 19th century, when Léon Breitling opened his first atelier at Place Neuve 1, Saint-Imier in Switzerland. At this fabled address in the homeland of luxury watch houses, he began to dream, develop, and produce his iconic timepieces. His designs led to patented innovations that gave Breitling its esteemed place in horologists' hearts. In the years since, Breitling has amassed a cult-like following of celebrities — just look at the wrist of your favorite actor on the red carpet or on the sidelines of any sporting event, and you'll often spot a Breitling dial. On this evening, the star of the event — who also graciously co-hosted the dinner — was soccer phenom Kellyn Acosta. I was fortunate to be seated next to him and learned his fascinating backstory: His father and grandmother were born in Japan, which made him eligible to represent the Samurai Blue, their country's soccer team; he grew up in a household with African, Japanese, and Mexican influences; and he's really into food and fashion. He has numerous sports accolades and has played in 21 matches since 2021, marking the most appearances by a USMNT player in a calendar year since 1994. The soccer star launched the Kellyn Acosta Foundation, which raises awareness and funds for disadvantaged or disabled youth in local communities. Acosta believes he can unify communities and help educate future leaders through soccer; his organization builds playing fields around the country to make the sport more accessible. The foundation has partnered with Breitling, which donates a portion of sales in the spirit of a famous sports-film quote: "If you build it, they will come." Watched: Designer Javier Burkle; Mason McCleskey; Alora Truesdell; Devin Odell; philanthropists and all-around jet set couple Natalie and Wilson Chu; Courtney Kerr and her restaurateur husband Kyle Noonan; California transplant and mega-influencer Sharon Lee Clark with husband Max Clark; Alex Weichert; Samantha Wortley; Sarah and Justin Magnuson; Vodi Cook and husband Evan Meagher; Lindsay and Jason Myers; Bree Redwine; Hayley Schindler; Stephanie and Christian Cardenas; Scott Beseda; Dana Schmeisser; Taylor and Jonathan Angulo; Nicholas Aleksander; and, from the Breitling team: Arijeta Breznica and Halim Bulos. STAR KELLYN ACOSTA GATHERS A VIP GROUP FOR AN INTIMATE DINNER WITH BREITLING PAPERCITY PROMOTION Kellyn Acosta Eddie Bañales Jonathan Angulo Fits like a glove Sarah Magnuson Courtney Kerr Breitling dinner mise en scène Alex Weichert Samantha Wortley 36