On the Cover: The Thrill of the Hunt
An antiquarian muses on the passionate pursuit of pieces inspired by the sporting life.
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Highlights from the January / February 2026 issue:
From the Associate Publisher
There’s something magical about the heart of winter in the Bluegrass. As the start of the new year brings with it the promise of new beginnings and the season's stillness settles in, we’re given an invitation to rest, reflect, and welcome what’s to come. In this same spirit of possibility, I’m thrilled to join Sophisticated Living as Associate Publisher of the Lexington edition.
Lexington is my home, and the opportunity to connect with the businesses, creators, and visionaries who make this city extraordinary feels like a natural extension of everything I love about our city. It’s our privilege to illuminate the designers, tastemakers, proprietors, and culinary artists who define our city’s character—and to share their stories with you.
Cover Story: The Thrill of the Hunt
Imagine slow, cold breathing in the quiet stillness of a quail hunt at dawn or the excitement of barking hounds, horse hoofs striking the ground with the sound of a hunting horn signaling an early morning fox hunt.
This imagery embodies the refined sporting life through various forms of hunting throughout history. When we refer to "the hunt scene" in antiques, it is a literal depiction of hunting in art and objets d'art. Various forms of bird and fox hunting scenes can be found in many different mediums, ranging from artwork (paintings and engravings) to porcelain, bronze, and brass amongst other items.
Much of what we consider the sporting life has its origins in Great Britain from the 16th century onward, before being popularized in the United States in the 19th century. Early British bird-hunting traditions were diverse and strongly shaped by class. Historic pheasant and quail hunting became a cornerstone of British and American sporting traditions.
Text: Kim Hites
Sophisticated Wedding
Samantha Farish + Ross Rosenstein
Photography: Jenny Losee
Sophisticated Wellness
Sexual Health in 2026
My last article declared that menopause is having a moment.
Well, in 2026… it’s sex.
More than 30 years ago, Salt-N-Pepa suggested “Let’s Talk About Sex,” and it felt downright scandalous. Now here we are, decades later, finally having grown-up conversations about it. And thank goodness, because sexual health isn’t frivolous or embarrassing. It’s foundational to overall health.
Yet, I meet people quite often who tell me they still struggle to talk about sexual challenges and end up suffering silently. Or they turn to dubious online peddlers that promise the world and deliver very little.
The National Institutes of Health reports that 43% of women and 31% of men experience sexual dysfunction at some point. But here’s the hopeful part: real, effective solutions exist. We just have to talk about the problems first.
So… let’s talk.
Text: Terri Paige, CEO andt: Co-founder, Medical Transformation Center
The Trove
Our editor’s pics for your winter adventures, from sea to ski.
Photo: Matteau relaxed shirt ($420) and Nineties classic brief ($150; int.matteau-store.com)
A Golden Opportunity
Think about the single thread that connects some of our favorite hospitality experiences, close to home and away, and you’re likely to find commonality in the way these places appeal to all the senses. Signature scents, intriguing and enviable interior design, inventive cuisine, and a sense of welcome that’s as intuitive and genuine as a bear hug from an old friend cements their vaunted stature and beckons us back again and again.
For over a decade, The Apiary has been creating these memorable moments in spades, pivoting with the times with the precision of a point guard to maintain balance and make quick, smart decisions that keep it at the forefront of elevated entertaining in Lexington. Incubated for nearly three years, The Apiary’s newest offering, Golden Skep, is a private membership club that offers a chosen few privileged weekly access to custom-tailored experiences. “It’s an extension of our mission to bring people together to experience authentic connection and build a sense of community,” said Cooper Vaughan, founder of The Apiary.
Text: Bridget Cottrell
Image: Courtesy of The Apiary
Power to the Pattern.
Self-professed maximalist interior designer Isabel Ladd employs her penchant for punchiness within a traditionalist framework.
Text: Bridget Cottrell
Photo: Andrew Kung
Society Calendar
Happenings of note in January, February & March
Is there an event you’d like us to cover or add to our event calendar? Send an email with the details to bridget@slmag.net.
Keeneland Fall Meet
Photos by Daniel Roberts
A Night for the Nest
Photos by Daniel Roberts
An Evening for the CAC of the Bluegrass
Photos by Daniel Roberts
Community Housing Charity Gala
Photos by Daniel Roberts
Lexington African-American Sports Hall of Fame Gala
Photos by Daniel Roberts
Wine & Fries
Photos by Daniel Roberts
A Sweet Reception
Photos by Daniel Roberts
Kentucky Bash
Photos by Daniel Roberts
JASK Gala
Photos by Daniel Roberts
Freedom Fund Gala
Photos by Daniel Roberts
Lexington Rescue Mission Banquet
Photos by Daniel Roberts
Burnt Tavern Bourbon VIP Launch
Photos by Daniel Roberts
The Lexington Open
Photos by Daniel Roberts
T-Rex Races
Photos by Daniel Roberts
Wish Day Lexington
Photos by Daniel Roberts
Lexington Junior League Charity Horse Show
Photos by Daniel Roberts
Keeneland Concours d’Elegance
Photos by Tony Bailey
Disaster Blaster
Photos by Daniel Roberts
Hangar Bash
Photos by Daniel Roberts
Asado
Photos by Victor Sizemore
Maserati Mingle
Photos by Daniel Roberts
Keeneland Spring Meet
Photos by Daniel Roberts
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 Lexington and beyond.
Bridget Cottrell, Editor-In-Chief
A co-founder of the company, Bridget is Editor-In-Chief of both the Lexington and Louisville editions and serves as the editorial director for shared content across all Sophisticated Living issues. Originally intending to become an archaeologist, she transfers her global curiosity into content that considers multiple perspectives.
bridget@slmag.net
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For advertising information, contact Bridget Cottrell, bridget@slmag.net
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