BEAMS PLUS With Flynn McGarry & Amanda Burkett

Limited editionBEAMS PLUSwith Flynn McGarry
& Amanda BurkettWe asked chef Flynn McGarry and stylist Amanda Burkett to put these new
heritage-inspired pieces from Japan’s BEAMS PLUS to the test. We met the
couple in NYC’s Flower District, where they chose arrangements for Flynn’s
Lower East Side restaurant Gem, and newly opened Gem Wine.

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Flynn in the BEAMS PLUS camp-collar shirt, heritage cotton tee
and Classic Relaxed-fit pleated chino.

“
Growing up in California made
me very attached to nature.
Moving to New York and
experiencing a different
climate has made me focus a lot
more on seasonality in my
ingredients—and my daily life.
„
—Flynn

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“Every morning I’m either at the flower market or the farmers market. The restaurant
is going entirely vegetarian for the next six months. There’s so much produce available,
so instead of just making room for it, we focus the menu on it.”
—Flynn

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Flynn in the BEAMS PLUS multistripe tee, Classic Straight-fit jean and Camden loafers.
Amanda in the BEAMS PLUS striped cardigan sweater, slub cotton tee and women’s
high-rise ’90s classic straight jean.

“
I think of my personal style as being similar to
the restaurant and wine bar. It’s all meant to be
casual, flexible and comfortable.
„
—Flynn

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Q&A
with Flynn

How do you approach seasonal cooking in New York?FM: I think it’s so special to live and cook by the seasons here. Living in California, I didn’t feel that distinction between how you live in January as opposed to July. It’s not just the food that changes with the seasons, but the way you live your life.

What are you most excited about with your new wine bar?FM: The nicest thing is that it’s so flexible. I go to Europe every summer, and my favorite part is sitting at a wine bar that spills into the street. We wanted Gem Wine to have that feeling too. The food is similar to Gem but less formal—it’s more like what I make at home…and the kitchen is about the same size as my apartment.

Do you have any summer wine recommendations?FM: I’m a really big fan of Austrian winemakers like Franz Strohmeier, Pittnauer and Sepp Muster. I think their approach to low-intervention wine-making is really specific and delicious.

What’s an easy recipe to bring to a dinner party?FM: In the summer I make a salad that always looks beautiful. Take a large, really ripe tomato and a peach or nectarine and cut them into chunks. Toss with some flaky salt, sherry vinegar, olive oil and lots of basil and let it sit for about 20 minutes. The salad is perfect, plus there’s juice for dipping bread.

Q&A
with Amanda

What’s your favorite part about being a stylist?AB: One of the best things is working with creative, talented people, and I’ve had great people lifting me up from the beginning. I graduated from NYU last year and studied art theory and contemporary art. I recently started working at Bode. I like that they know other designers and the history of clothes, and still stay true to themselves.

How would you describe your style?AB: I like American heritage that’s a little preppy and a little off. I dress pretty simply and add one element of jewelry to each outfit. I have a silver ring that I wear every day—it goes with everything.

How do you style men’s clothes in a way that feels personal to you?AB: I add a hair bow or smaller purse, a red lip, something feminine. Sizing can be tricky—you want things to fit, but it can look good when they’re big too. BEAMS PLUS actually works really well for me.