2026 Sophisticated Giving Charity Register
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Highlights from the January/February 2026 issue:
Design Without Borders
Paul Lechleiter taps interior designer Grace Lawson of Bittners as a creative partner for a whole-house renovation in Cincinnati's tony Indian Hill neighborhood.
Text: Bridget Cottrell
Photography: Tony Bailey
State of the Arts
A conversation with Louisville’s leaders in the performing arts.
Above: Standing, L to R: Teddy Abrams, Louisville Orchestra; Matt Wallace, Kentucky Shakespeare; Sarah Bushman, Kentucky Opera; Anthony Krutzkamp & Leslie Smart, Louisville Ballet; Nathaniel Koch, Louisville Orchestra. Sitting, L to R: Amelia Acosta Powell, Actors Theatre; Kim Baker, Kentucky Performing Arts; Emily Tarquin, Actors Theatre. Photo by Tony Bailey
Sexual Health in 2026: Yes, Let’s Talk About It.
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.
From Builder Grade to Custom Made
If you've spent any time perusing real estate listings recently, you know there is no shortage of outdated design hallmarks that persist in suburbia; think bright brass fixtures, honey-colored oak cabinets, recessed TV nooks, and faux finishes, to name a few. When the owners of a similarly styled abode decided it was time for an upgrade, they knew they needed professional guidance, which marked the first time they worked with an interior designer. After a thorough search, they selected Kristen Pawlak, Founder and Lead Designer of KP Designs/Decorating Den Interiors.
Last Call: Dr. Angela Hagan
For the first installment of our Proust-inspired interview, the Executive Director of Louisville Visual Art (LVA) muses about her idea of perfect happiness, being “addicted” to art, and the one talent she’d like to have
Sophisticated Wedding: Blair Langford & Andrew Dixon
Photography by Emma Goble
Society Calendar, Presented by Kentucky Select Properties
Happenings of note in January & February.
Celebrations are better when they’re shared! Think beyond a Facebook or Instagram post by commemorating special events in our Sophisticated Celebrations section. Send your high-resolution images with a brief description to [email protected].
Is there an upcoming event you’d like us to cover? If so, drop us a message below with the details!
Sophisticated Society
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Sophisticated Society 〰️
Photos by MB Flashez
Photos by Chad Henle
Photos by Chad Henle
Photos by Chad Henle
Impact 100
Photos by Weasie Gaines
Seeing You Seeing at Bittners
Photos by Chad Henle
10 Taste Salute
Photos by Chad Henle
Celebrating Land, River & Legacy
Photos by Chad Henle
Holiday Cheer
Photos by Chad Henle
100 Wise Women
Photos by Ashley Stinson
WCL Bourbon & Bites
Photos by Chad Henle
Shine Gala
Photos by Chad Henle
Rocks & Roses
Photos by Chad Henle
Twisted Pink
Photos by Chad Henle
Davis Jewelers x David Yurman
Photos by Chad Henle
Snow Ball
Photos by Chad Henle
During one of our weekly phone calls, my daughter said with exasperation, “Birdge [the name she has called me for as long as I can remember], I had to lose it on one of my friends today when he told me he asked ChatGPT for dating advice.” She added, “And I am not a fan of those AI videos of babies acting out famous movie scenes.” Ouch. I honestly thought she’d think that a baby version of Wallace Shawn’s Vizzini exclaiming “inconceivable”, as funny as I did. We trade video clips back and forth all the time, but any I sent that were made with AI elicited crickets, and now I knew why.
Right: The Irish gundog experience with Willie Forde at Adare Manor is an experience AI can never replace.
Text: Bridget Cottrell - [email protected].
From the Editor-In-Chief
Get to Know Us
Editor-In-Chief
Bridget Cottrell
A co-founder of the company, Bridget is Editor-In-Chief of both the Lexington and Louisville editions in addition to serving 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 takes multiple perspectives into account.
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Sophisticated Living readers are affluent, educated, capable and influential consumers. Our award-winning editorial, full-page only ad format and unique direct-distribution method gives our advertisers ample opportunity to maximize their message in front of the highest income earners in Louisville.
For advertising information contact Bridget Williams - [email protected]
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