Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1543537
OBSESSIONS. DECORATION. SALIENT FACTS. A spen may be famed for its award-winning re s o r t s a n d t o n y members' clubs, but Chalet Alpina — the latest in the portfolio of mega-designer Martin Brudnizki — might just out-dazzle them all. Breaking ground later this year, the Chalet has an enviable location adjacent to Lift One (Aspen's first chair lift in 1946), with enviable ski-in/ski-out accessibility. Los Angeles-based Irongate Group, known for its lifestyle-driven resorts in Hawaii and East Cape, Mexico, has teamed with Aspen-based HayMax (Mollie Aspen) to envision a resort with five-star lodgings and on-site residences, including six expansive Mountain Homes and 26 resort residences. Brooklyn- based Guerin Glass Architects (The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach; Four Seasons Resort and Residences Los Cabos at Costa Palmas) is bringing the concept to life, with a design integrated into the natural landscape. Two relocated and restored chalet buildings will be repurposed as a restaurant and the new Aspen Ski History Museum, run by the Aspen Historical Society, which will preserve and showcase the history of snow sports in the area. Due to unfold over the next few years, Chalet Alpina will also include a full spa, pool, fitness center, private ski shop, and exclusive members' club. To define the resort's aesthetic, its founders enlisted London- and New York-based Brudnizki, who has a stellar reputation for designing hot spots such as Annabel's in London, the Soho Beach House Miami, Hôtel Barrière's Fouquet's Paris, Eden Rock St. Barths, and Splendido, a Belmond Hotel, Portofino. "The inspiration behind the design takes cues from Aspen's history, blending the classic ski destination aesthetic with details that bring a sense of luxury, comfort, fun, and tradition," Brudnizki says. "From the resort to the residences and club spaces, the design weaves together Aspen's enduring legacy with rich, modern layers that offer something unique to the charming mountain village; a space that feels both timeless and transportive." With ski-in/ski-out privileges for residents, hotel guests, and club members, Chalet Alpina may be every jet-setter's favorite new enclave. chaletalpinaaspen.com. Kendall Morgan Slope-Side Chic A Heavy Dose of High Notes at Opera Gallery The new Chalet Alpina resort in Aspen H ouston's newest art space has a tony River Oaks District address. Opera Gallery unveils this month in a prime 3,000-square-foot spot in ROD on Westheimer, directed by Gregory Lahmi, nephew of founder Gilles Dyan, whose dynamic art-biz model of marrying blue-chip marquee names from the secondary market with contemporary talent has proven to be immensely successful. Joining Lahmi as deputy director is the well-connected Kara Przybyl McIver, most recently head of Heritage Auctions' Houston office. A global art enterprise, Opera's locations include New York, Bal Harbour, Miami, Dubai, Beirut, Monaco, Geneva, Hong Kong, Madrid, Seoul, London, and its original galleries in Singapore and Paris, founded in 1994. Opera adds a welcome niche to our town's art ecosystem, showcasing museum-quality works across the spectrum of art history. This month's opening exhibition is packed with offerings embodying movements as disparate as Impressionism, Cubism, Surrealism, and Pop; featured artists include Monet, Picasso, Léger, Chagall, Miró, Matta, Calder, Kusama, Condo, Haring, Indiana, Scharf, and Kehinde Wiley. Side-by-side will be those whom Opera represents — notably, French post-war painter André Brasilier and Spanish icon Manolo Valdés, whose sculptures you'll see holding court in River Oaks District's public spaces. Furniture is another of Opera's high notes: Yves Klein coffee tables (thanks to a partnership with the artist's foundation) and creations by British-Israeli designer Ron Arad, whose inventive pieces have not only shattered auction records, but can be found in the venerable collections of NYC's Met and London's V&A. Grand opening Friday, March 20, 10 am – 6 pm; 4444 Westheimer Road, operagallery.com. Catherine D. Anspon Picasso's Femme de profil dans un fauteuil (III), 1956, at Opera Gallery 24