Departures Welcomes its Newest Publisher

Departures Editor-in-Chief Richard David Story (left) with new Departures publisher Steven DeLuca

Well wishers packed a New York mid-town restaurant Thursday to welcome Steven DeLuca as the new publisher of Departures magazine. He began overseeing the luxury lifestyle publication in June, replacing Ed Ventimiglia, who announced his retirement in March.

The party in a private room on the second floor at The Lambs Club Restaurant and Bar also served as a fitting backdrop for the release of the periodical’s November/December issue, as the cover photo and fashion spread were photographed inside the sleek space with the art deco flourishes.

The title of the issue, “The Art of Living Now Cool Chic and Classic” matched the 1930s-themed high fashion feature. It may also signal a change of a sort for the publication in this post-recession era, where timeless glamor can be chic and cool as opposed to the frivolous spending and ostentatious displays of wealth that marked the “Naughties” decade. Not coincidentally, it is the first issue led by DeLuca.

From the size and jovial nature of the crowd that crammed into the room on a crisp fall Manhattan night, it appears that luxury, although maybe looking a bit different, is truly making a comeback.

Departures, owned by American Express Publishing, is published seven times per year for American Express Platinum Card and Centurion members.