On the November/December Issue Cover: The Call of the Countryside
For nearly a century and a half, the Iroquois Hunt Club has upheld a sporting tradition grounded in horsemanship, camaraderie, and a heartfelt appreciation for the Bluegrass landscape.
Photo by Tony Bailey
Keeneland Eve
Photos by Daniel Roberts
Friends of Bluegrass Land Conservancy celebrated the 2nd Annual Keeneland Eve with an evening of camaraderie and philanthropy at the Camel Club in Lexington
Brunch & Bubbles
Photos by Daniel Roberts
The Secretariat Center welcomed supporters to its annual Brunch & Bubbles fundraiser on October 11 at Fasig-Tipton in Lexington, celebrating the remarkable versatility of Thoroughbreds and the importance of providing them with meaningful second careers beyond the racetrack.
Ferrick Mason New Collection Launch Party
Ferrick Mason celebrated the launch of its 2026–27 collection with a cocktail reception on October 8 at its new showroom in Versailles.
Photos by Daniel Roberts
Make-A-Wish Luncheon
Keeneland's Fall Meet provided a memorable setting for the 19th annual Make-A-Wish Day on October 8, bringing together young wish recipients, their families, and members of Kentucky's Thoroughbred community. Among the special guests was Linda Pauling, whose son, Chris Greicius, inspired the founding of Make-A-Wish in 1980.
Photos by Daniel Roberts
LAASHOF Gala
On September 19, 2026, the Lexington African American Sports Hall of Fame transformed the Central Bank Center into an exciting stage for its fifth annual Induction Ceremony and Gala. The black-tie event honored the athletes, coaches, officials, teams, and community supporters whose achievements have etched their names into Lexington’s sporting legacy.
Photos by Daniel Roberts
Keeneland Fall Meet
Keeneland's 2026 Fall Meet brought the excitement and pageantry of Thoroughbred racing back to Lexington, welcoming racing enthusiasts, equestrians, and visitors from across the country to one of the Bluegrass region's most beloved autumn traditions. Opening October 2 and continuing through October 24, the 17-day meet featured world-class competition, prestigious stakes races, and the unmistakable atmosphere of a Keeneland afternoon, where impeccably dressed racegoers mingled against a backdrop of changing leaves and the picturesque Kentucky countryside.
Photos by Daniel Roberts
Keeneland Bluegrass International Cup
The Keeneland Bluegrass International Cup celebrated its 20th anniversary on September 11, 2026, bringing together Lexington's equestrian enthusiasts, philanthropists, and community leaders for an evening of world-class polo and elegant entertainment at historic Mt. Brilliant Farm.
Photos by The Malicotes
Every Stitch Tells A Story
The intersection of artistry and storytelling is at the heart of Storied Quilts: The Art of Quilts and the Stories They Tell, on view through December 6 at Lexington’s Headley-Whitney Museum of Art.
Photos by Daniel Roberts
Lexington Leadership Foundation
On October 6, the Lexington Leadership Foundation welcomed community leaders, supporters, and friends to the Central Bank Center for its 2026 Annual Celebration, “Imagine a City.” The event highlighted the foundation’s impact in Lexington and encouraged guests to envision a future guided by faith, compassion, and collaboration.
Photos by Daniel Roberts
Rise from the Ash Bash
Photos by Daniel Roberts
Restoring Hope Gala
Photos by Daniel Roberts
Big in the Bluegrass
Photos by Daniel Roberts
Make-A-Wish Day
Photos by Daniel Roberts
Highlights from the November / December Issue
From the Associate Publisher
On a recent crisp morning with the Iroquois Hunt Club, before the hounds are cast, a silver tray makes its way through the field. Riders lean from their saddles to accept a stirrup cup, a little warmth for the ride ahead, as horses stamp and snort in the chill. For a fleeting moment, the countryside is still. Then a horn sounds, and the timeless pageantry of the hunt unfolds across the Bluegrass. It is a scene as romantic as it is enduring, and one we are delighted to celebrate on our cover.
Text: Lee Milward, lee@slmag.net
The Art of Living Happily
With a spectacular lakeside setting, an inspired mix of traditional elegance and playful personality, and a philosophy that nothing should be too precious to enjoy, designer Benjamin Deaton creates a Lexington home where every day feels like a vacation.
Text: Benjamin Deaton & Bridget Cottrell
Photo by Tracy Beal
Her New York Moment
From childhood dreams stitched together with tissues and handkerchiefs to a career-defining bow in New York, Renee Cunningham has always believed in the possibility of a beautiful dress.
Written by Bridget Cottrell
Photos by Adam Alexander and Kaitlyn Antoniadis Photography
Cover Story: The Call of the Countryside
For nearly a century and a half, the Iroquois Hunt Club has upheld a sporting tradition grounded in horsemanship, camaraderie, and a heartfelt appreciation for the Bluegrass landscape.
Written by Bridget Cotrell
Photography by Tony Bailey
A Legacy of Grace & Giving
For more than six decades, the Blue Grass Charity Ball has brought generations of Lexington families together in a treasured December tradition celebrating young women, community service, and the abiding spirit of philanthropy.
Sophisticated Wedding
From a chance meeting in Lexington to a proposal on the Amalfi Coast, Stapleton Arnold and Dylan Palmer celebrated their love with a wedding weekend steeped in family traditions, Kentucky hospitality, and a few unexpected surprises.
Photos by Meagen Steward Photography
Holiday Entertaining Using Antiques
Looking forward to being the “hostess with the mostess” this holiday season? Look no further than incorporating antiques to help make your tables, servers, and bar carts showstoppers that leave your guests feeling wowed! Use unique one-of-a-kind items or classic pieces with character and patina to elevate your events and set them apart from the crowd.
The holidays are the perfect time to showcase your beautiful tabletop antiques while also highlighting their usefulness. Here are some of the most popular antiques and vintage items that are used for entertaining that will help make your celebrations memorable.
Written and Photographed by Kim Hites
Gathered: Lalique
From dragonflies and delicate ferns to flowers frozen in glass, Jon Carloftis argues that the extraordinary world of Lalique proves that Mother Nature has always been the greatest designer of all.
Written and Photographed by Jon Carloftis
The Lexington Edit
What we’re wearing, wanting, and loving now.
Right: Catherine Regehr T-neck gown ($3,108). Available at Carl Meyers (carlmeyers.com)
A Seat at Ouita’s Table
From cherished family recipes to the art of making guests feel at home, celebrated Kentucky chef Ouita Michel shares the traditions and philosophy that make holiday gatherings meaningful.
Written by Bridget Cottrell
Photography by Talitha Schroeder; Portrait of Ouita Michel by Slade Howard
Timeless By Design
Nashville’s celebrated Antiques & Garden Show returns for its 37th year, celebrating collected interiors, enduring style, and the stories that make a house a home.
Photos by Jessica Amerson and Peyton Hoge, courtesy of the Antiques & Garden Show of Nashville
Last Call: Shannon Latham
Serial entrepreneur Shannon Latham has channeled her boundless creativity and unabashedly maximalist sensibilities into building three children's clothing brands—Little English, Bisby, and 3 Martha’s—while creating a life rich in family, friendships, horses, and adventure. In this month’s “Last Call” feature, the devotee of first-class travel, beautiful wallpaper, and antiques with a story to tell readily admits that restraint is overrated and slowing down doesn't come naturally. Read on to discover what else makes her tick.
Illustration by Katie Morrison
Society Calendar
Happenings of note in November & December
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.
Photo at right by The Malicotes
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
Advertise
Join us around the table. 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 opportunity to maximize their message in front of the highest-income earners in Lexington.
For advertising information, contact Bridget Cottrell, bridget@slmag.net
Connect
Sophisticated Living Lexington
PO Box 1229
Prospect, KY 40059
502.582.6563