On the cover: At the forefront of medical research fundraising, Christopher Conway is driving the kind of innovation that changes lives—and the landscape of global health.
Photographed by Dave Pluimer
Current Issue
A comprehensive guide to non-profit organizations and philanthropic initiatives in Indianapolis.
Interested in having your charitable organization featured? Contact Jeffrey Cohen at 317.565.4555 | jeff@slmag.net.
Sophisticated Giving Charity Register
Highlights from the March/April 2026 Issue
Josephine Turns One
An intimate French darling comes of age—with music, brunch, and a reason to linger.
Text: Jeffrey Cohen
Photo: Dave Pluimer
Cover Story: Advancing Hope Through Bioscience
Exceeding expectations is the soft brand of Indianapolis. If you know, you know. It’s a good life in our city, in large part because making sure life is good is at the heart of our economy.
Life sciences are core to the mission of our biggest businesses, and foundational to our institutions of higher learning. Indianapolis’ commitment to life sciences is intentional and values based. Health is wealth. Thousands of people in our city are devoted to the pursuit of cures, care, and exploring the next frontiers. Dedicated scientists invest in industry, and generous philanthropists make the difference partnering to push forward.
Text: Christopher Conway, JD
Photo of Christopher Conway by Dave Pluimer
The Lawrence: Where Elegance Meets Legacy
Some venues announce themselves immediately. Others reveal their significance more quietly. The Lawrence, Cunningham Restaurant Group’s newest destination in West Lafayette, belongs firmly in the latter category. Here, a historic barn has been thoughtfully restored to host elegant weddings while also serving as a sophisticated restaurant, where diners can experience the same attention to craft, ambiance, and hospitality every day.
Set in the heart of the city, near Purdue University’s Discovery Park District, The Lawrence feels deeply connected to its surroundings—both intellectually and emotionally. There’s a sense that this space understands where it is and why it matters. That kind of grounding is rare, and it makes all the difference
Text: Jeffrey Cohen / Photo: Dave Pluimer
Here Comes the Sun
The most chic ways to protect your skin this season.
Text: Dr. Melanie Kingsley
Photograph: Dave Pluimer
Sophisticated Celebrations: Presented by Reis-Nichols Jewelers
Sophisticated Celebrations: Presented by Reis-Nichols Jewelers
Text: Caroline Mosey/ Photo: The Siner Photography
Text: Caroline Mosey / Photo: Tandis O’Neal Photography
Text: Caroline Mosey / Photo: Dave Pluimer
Text: Caroline Mosey / Photo: Mia Fiantago Photography
Text: Caroline Mosey / Photo: Megan Noll Photography
Text: Caroline Mosey / Photo: Ashley Ellis Photography
Cultivating Outdoor Luxury
There’s a particular pleasure I feel when approaching a property that wears its beauty lightly—where lawns stretch out with quiet confidence, plantings feel deliberate without being fussy, and everything appears perpetually prepared for an impromptu gardengathering. It’s the unmistakable signature of a landscape shaped by people who understand that luxury isn’t loud. It’s intentional.
That appreciation for thoughtful outdoor living is what led me to spend time with Lowell Rolsky of Pro Care Horticultural Services, whose work I’ve admired for years. What distinguishes Pro Care is not a single dramatic flourish, but a steady, disciplined approach to landscape design, construction, and care—a sense that the land isn’t merely worked on, but genuinely understood.
Text: Jeffrey Bradford
Hoosier Highlights, Presented by VALEO
Where Every Visit Feels Like Home
Some restaurants are simply places to get a meal.Others become part of your life. Nicole Harlan‑Oprisu’s trio—Delicia, Northside Kitchenette, and The Northside Social—falls firmly in the latter category. Each has its own personality, but all share the same warmth, impeccable service, and sense of belonging that make you feel at home the moment you walk in.
Text: Jeffrey Cohen
Dressed for the Spotlight
There are certain names in your Rolodex you don’t circulate freely. Not because they’re secret, but because they’re valuable. Andrew Porter Fine Clothiers has become one of those names—trusted by executives, business owners, and men who understand that howyou present yourself is part of your personal brand.
Andrew Porter is disarmingly warm, the kind of gentleman who greets you like an old friend even if you’ve only just met. There’s no intimidation, no sharp elbows or sharper judgments. Instead, there’s conversation. He listens—really listens—before reaching for a tape measure. The result is clothing that feels intentional and entirely your own, whether you’re stepping into a boardroom, leading a negotiation, or attending an evening where presence matters.
Written by Jeffrey Cohen
Alfresco living, perfected.
There’s a moment every year—usually when the first whiff of lilac hits the air and the last frost finally surrenders—when I start thinking about my outdoor spaces. The patio becomes less of a forgotten concrete expanse and more of a stage waiting for its summer debut. The only question is: what does one wear outdoors these days? Fortunately, the team at Godby Hearth & Home has all the answers, and—spoiler alert—it involves a lot of style, a little luxury, and absolutely zero plastic Adirondacks.
Text: Grace Isaacs
Steak, Reimagined.
A private affair at Ruth Chris’.
Text: Jeffrey Cohen
Photo: Courtesy of Prime Hospitality Group
French Lick
I’ll admit, when someone first suggested a weekend getaway to French Lick, Indiana, I paused. French Lick? It sounded more like a cheeky Parisian euphemism than a luxury destination. But, as I’ve learned repeatedly in my travels (and life), it’s often the places that make you cock your head and grin that end up surprising you the most.
Text: Jeffrey Cohen
Image: Courtesy of French Lick Resort
Mastering the Market
Home trends defining luxury living in 2026
Text: Matt McLaughlin
When we launched Sophisticated Pets in our last issue, I could not have anticipated the outpouring of joy that followed. The photos, the stories, the emails—so many of you showed up in the most generous way, and together you made this inaugural section a true success. Thank you to every reader who shared a glimpse of the animals who bring such character, comfort, and companionship into your lives.
Seeing your pets featured in these pages has been a genuine pleasure. Each submission was a reminder of how naturally animals elevate the everyday. They move through the world with a kind of honesty and presence that feels both grounding and aspirational. Their elegance, quirks, and unmistakable personalities are part of what makes them so endlessly captivating.
Sophisticated Pets, Presented by Emily Hrisomalos, M.D.
Society Calendar: Presented by Reis-Nichols Jewelers
Happenings of note in March & April.
Sophisticated Society, presented by Reis-Nichols Jewelers
When I started publishing this magazine nearly fifteen years ago—armed with optimism, caffeine, and more opinions than experience—I was fortunate to have a mentor. He had been an editor at a publication far larger than this one, and offered advice I’ve never forgotten.
“Don’t waste your column,” he told me. “Readers can already see what’s on page thirty-six. Use your publisher’s note for good. Say something that matters. Let them see you.”
At the time, that felt slightly terrifying. I would have preferred to hide behind beautifully photographed tablescapes and impeccable design. But I listened. And nearly one hundred essays later, here we are.
Text: Jeffrey Cohen
From the Publisher & Editor-In-Chief
Get to know us.
At Sophisticated Living, we are dedicated to and passionate about all the finer things life has to offer. Whether your interests are close to home or in far-flung places. each issue shares highlights of the good life in Indianapolis and beyond.
Jeffrey Cohen, Publisher & Editor-In-Chief
Advertise
Sophisticated Living readers are affluent, educated, capable, and influential consumers. Our award-winning editorial, full-page-only ad format, and unique direct-distribution method give our advertisers ample opportunities to maximize their message in front of the highest-income earners in Indianapolis.
For more information contact Jeffrey Cohen at 317.565.4555 | jeff@slmag.net.
