An invitation was sent to St. Louis for the 2026 Three-Sixty Westport Kentucky Derby Soirée, and with it came an unspoken understanding: one does not simply attend—one arrives properly. What awaited atop the Gold Tower at Westport on May 2nd, was not merely a party, but an interpretation—St. Louis’ answer to the pageantry of Churchill Downs. And it was convincing. The details were intentional. As Lodging Hospitality Management Chairman and CEO Bob O’Loughlin has noted, the intention has been clear: to elevate Westport into a premier destination for both visitors and the local community. On Derby Day, one of the crown jewels in the LHM firmament of properties, Three-Sixty Westport, ran for the roses and brought them home.
On April 26, inside the dignified halls of the Missouri History Museum, approximately 150 figures from the arts and cultural community gathered not simply to honor Joan Lipkin, but to affirm the scope of a career that has long extended beyond any single stage, city, or discipline. The occasion: her receipt of the 2026 Margo Jones Medal—an honor bestowed annually upon one citizen-of-the-theatre nationwide. In its 65-year history, it had never before been presented in St. Louis.
Chairman and CEO of Stifel Ronald J. Kruszewski has branded the financial corporation not only in St. Louis with sports teams such as the Cardinals and Blues, but across the globe. With their Stifel Snow Team they caught in Ron’s words, “lightening in a bottle,” by having the name Stifel on everyone’s lips. On a cold night at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina, Italy racers drop, carried across the mountain is name repeats: Stifel. For Ron, that moment — quiet, global, unmistakable — is the point. In 2026, not only has Stifel branded itself on the jerseys of the St. Louis Blues and the St. Louis Cardinals and above the marquee of the Stifel Theatre, it has gone international. Watch the Sophisticated TV interview and read more about the strategy here.
Each day in America, 12 children die from gun violence. Local photographer Lou Bopp recently reverently entered the rooms of some of those children and took hundreds of photos that were made into an Academy Award winning documentary. The piece, “All the Empty Rooms” is now playing on Netflix. Here, we tell the story of how the documentary came to be.
First recognized as a week-long observance in 1978 and expanded to a full month in 1990, May was chosen to commemorate two key moments: the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the United States in 1843. It is both a celebration and a correction—an acknowledgment of contributions that were too often overlooked. Their professional presence is significant—spanning medicine, finance, engineering, technology, academia, and entrepreneurship. They are physicians, executives, innovators, and business owners whose economic contributions help drive both local and national growth. As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, the importance of this recognition only grows.
There are certain holidays that arrive with obligation—and then there are those that arrive with reverence. Mother's Day belongs, unequivocally, to the latter. In St. Louis, the second Sunday in May is not simply marked; it is curated. It is a day when gratitude is translated into beauty, indulgence, and, increasingly, experience. And for the city’s most discerning families, the question is no longer whether to celebrate—but how exquisitely. Because in St. Louis, as in New York City or Paris, sophistication is not defined by how much is spent—but by how thoughtfully it is given. On Sunday in May, 10, 2026 nothing is more luxurious than getting it exactly right.
There are evenings that flirt with glamour—and then there are evenings that fully surrender to it. On Monday, May 4, 2026, from 5:00 to 9:00 PM, the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis becomes precisely that kind of place: a portal where Midwestern ease meets the intoxicating theater of the Met Gala in New York City. The occasion is The Art of Style—an evening presented by Fashion Group International of St. Louis—and while its invitation is open, its most compelling story is written in the language of VIP. Be there.
If you are reading this, you are the FIRST to see our May/June 2026 issue. In it, we explore how St. Louis continues to leave its imprint on the world stage. Our cover story, “The Rooms That Speak: Lou Bopp and the Art of Photographing Absence,” is a deeply moving piece that will leave a lasting impression on you. It is a poignant look at the creation of a 2026 Oscar-winning documentary by a St. Louis photographer. It is, quite simply, unforgettable. We also take a deep dive into two other St. Louis institutions, the 101-year-old Al’s Restaurant, which was the very definition of fine dining in yesteryear and carries the torch today in St. Louis and beyond. Also read about how Stifel Financial Corporation Chairman and CEO Ronald J. Kruszewski ensures that their brand is carried throughout the nation and the world.
Two resorts in Jackson, Wyoming balance outdoor adventures with indoor pampering — Hotel Yellowstone at Jackson Hole and Teton Mountain Lodge at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Occupying the coveted crest of East Gros Ventre Butte, the adults-only Hotel Yellowstone, is mountain modern, fully capitalizing on seemingly infinite views of the Teton Range with huge expanses of glass. Teton Mountain Lodge offers a serene alpine escape, blending nature's healing power with luxurious amenities, including signature Thai body rituals, a eucalyptus-infused steam room, an infrared sauna, an oxygen bar, and a salt chamber. Both destinations are exceptional getaways.
Aston Martin kicked off its 2026 Experiences program in April. It offers enthusiasts a curated portfolio of exclusive lifestyle and adrenaline-focused track programs, designed to immerse participants in the ultra-luxury world of the iconic British brand. Anchored by the flagship invitation-only ASCEND and UNLEASHED programs, customers and admirers of Aston Martin will have the opportunity to connect with the brand through lighter formats via its Supertours and Supercharged experiences.
A different kind of supermodel hit the red carpet at the Expo Porte de Versailles in the City of Lights this past January. Coinciding with the biannual Paris Haute Couture Week, over four days, the 50th annual Rétromobile drew close to 150,000 motoring enthusiasts to this comprehensive lifestyle motoring event. To mark the milestone, Rétromobile’s official 2026 poster featured BMW’s first Art Car, a BMW 3.0 CSL with graphics designed by Alexander Calder half a century earlier. Since then, BMW has teamed up with an esteemed roster of artists, including Frank Stella, Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, and Jeff Koons, to name a few, whose one-of-a-kind works were displayed alongside one another in one of three sprawling halls at Rétromobile.
Hosted by Stifel Chairman and CEO Ron Kruszewski and Amanda Perkins, more than 400 guests gathered for La Notte Bianca, “White Night in Cortina,” inspired by Cortina d’Ampezzo from the 2026 Winter Olympics. Guests embraced the “all white” theme in glamorous style, turning the night into a dazzling alpine celebration. The record-setting event raised $1.375 million to support the athletes of the Stifel U.S. Ski Team, who mingled with guests throughout the evening.
The Saint Louis Art Museum’s 2025 gala, Elements: The Alchemist’s Garden, on December 6, was inspired by the monumental exhibition “Anselm Kiefer: Becoming the Sea.” The evening, co-chaired by Lisa R. Carnahan and Brooke Ray, celebrated 40 years of the museum gala and featured an immersive dining experience and high-energy after party where elegance and art converged. Proceeds from the event ensure that world-class exhibitions, transformative programs and unparalleled art experiences continue to inspire the community.
The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis hosted their 3rd Annual Holiday Benefit. The event brought community, artistry, and festive spirit together for an unforgettable winter celebration supporting St. Louis theatre. This year’s event welcomed Emmy Award–winning actress Britt Lower — star of Apple TV+’s Severance and a proud Midwestern artist with St. Louis roots — who shared stories from her creative journey and reflected on the power of live theatre. Embracing the theme Home for the Holidays, guests enjoyed performances by Broadway star Taylor Louderman, unique auction experiences and exceptional food and drinks, all contributing to raising more than $300,000 to support The Rep’s educational and community programs, world-class productions, and overall presence in St. Louis’ vibrant arts community.
The Black and White Ball 2025 was a true celebration of St. Louis’ generous heart. It transformed the Four Seasons Ballroom into a celebration of glamour, community and giving back, blending high-fashion moments with unforgettable performances and hometown pride. Nelly, a longtime supporter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, announced that 4-year-old Elijah Gilligan will be going on an all-expense paid trip to Disney World with his family. Nelly also surprised Harris-Stowe State University student Te’Ron Moore with a 4-year full ride scholarship. Ashanti, Busta Rhymes, Doug E. Fresh, Jermaine Dupri, Ozzie Smith, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, and Wesley Bell.
This year marked the museum’s 20th Art in Bloom, the Saint Louis Art Museum’s annual celebration of fresh flowers and fine art. It drew a record-breaking 35,000-plus visitors from February 27 through March 1. The festival featured 30 local floral designers’ interpreting works from the museum’s collection. In addition to the floral arrangements on view, the Art in Bloom weekend included a successful Preview Party, the ticketed Flowers After Hours event, family programs and a drop-in demonstration by Rachel Cho, a New York–based floral designer who created a large-scale installation in Sculpture Hall for the festival. See highlights.
The Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis (CAM) gathered its most brilliant supporters for Spark: CAM's 2026 Gala on Friday, April 17 at the 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis. Spark guests generously raised their paddles during the Fund the Need auction to ensure continued support of beloved CAM programs and resources such as New Art in the Neighborhood, guided tours, youth transportation, Resident Teaching Artist honorariums, Artist Talks, and Family Days. The event generated over $415,000, making it one of the most successful events in CAM’s history—and keeping CAM free and accessible to all.
Twenty nine young women were presented to the Archbishop of St. Louis at the 67th Annual Fleur de Lis Charity Ball on December 27. Held at the Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch, the lavish event raised funds for SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital. To date, the Fleur de Lis has exceeded a total of $3 million in donations. Last year, the hospital provided millions of dollars in free care to children from St. Louis and the surrounding bi-state area.
Known for its extravagance and decadence, Dubai inspires immediate awe and wonder. In its midst sits two hotels in what is sometimes called “the city of gold” — Atlantis The Royal, and Atlantis, The Palm. One will feel nothing but relaxed, sipping an ice-cold spritz atop the 22nd floor as the sun sets over the city of Dubai at The Atlantis. At The Palm, rooms with the undersea views beckon. Renowned chef Gordon Ramsey even located one of his premium restaurants at The Palm. The food and lodging at both is nothing less than extraordinary. Be sure to visit once the Middle East settles again. Well worth the trip.
“Don’t feel sorry for us — invest in us.” In a nutshell, this is what Microfinancing Partners in Africa is all about. On Friday, April 24, supporters of the St. Louis-based organization will gather in the Frontenac Hilton’s ballroom to help those who help themselves in a multitude of countries scattered throughout the continent such as Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Zambia. Beginning at 5pm, the 20th Annual African Gala marks two decades of steadfast commitment to one of the world’s most pressing challenges: extreme poverty.
