Boston Common - Niche Media - A side of Boston that's anything but common.
Issue link: http://digital.greengale.com/i/121906
MARY J. KAKAS Service is a way of life for this Boston matriarch. Part grande dame, part shrewd businesswoman, Mary J. Kakas, 68, has established herself as a force to be reckoned with, holding court as matriarch and president emeritus of Edward F. Kakas & Sons, the 155-year-old family-owned (and oldest in the world) furrier on Newbury Street. Her constant and prolific fundraising has earned her a position on the Rogerson Communities Board of Directors as well as its highest accolade: the Charles E. Rogerson Award for Community Service, in 2005. Super City Block Oil-Free Daily Face Protector SPF 40, Clinique ($21). Macy's, 450 Washington St., 617-357-3000; macys.com. Parure de Lumière Foundation in 02 Beige Clair, Guerlain ($59). Saks Fifth Avenue, The Shops at Prudential Center, 617-262-8500; saks.com. Luminous Intense Lip Colour in 95 Enjouée, Chanel ($34). Saks Fifth Avenue, SEE ABOVE. Luminous Hairspray Strong, Moroccanoil ($23). James Joseph Salon, 30 Newbury St., 617-266-7222; jamesjosephsalon.com. FASHION: Venetian red shimmer cowl-neck gown, St. John ($1,495). Saks Fifth Avenue, SEE ABOVE. Sapphire and diamond earrings (price on request) and full cut sapphires with white diamonds necklace, Shreve, Crump & Low's Precious Jewel Collection ($75,000). 39 Newbury St., 617-2679100; shrevecrumpandlow.com. Golodoni Medallion bracelet with diamonds in 18k yellow gold, Tiffany & Co. ($100,000). Copley Place, 617-353-0222; tiffany.com. Crossover cuff, David Yurman ($1,550). Copley Place, 617-236-8777; davidyurman.com. Ring, Kakas's own PHOTOGRAPH BY TK; ILLUSTRATION BY TK I never leave the house without: Applying Super City Block by Clinique. It's the first thing I do after I brush my teeth. No one would ever guess that: I was a Clairol model in the '60s. Signature scent: I've been wearing Thierry Mugler's Angel since it debuted in the US in 1993. Living woman I most admire: Jane Fonda because of her age and beauty, and Hillary Rodham Clinton for her intelligence, perseverance, and toughness. Most valuable quality in a woman: A giving heart. Best piece of advice I've ever received: My father always used to say, "Service to others is the rent we pay for our room here on earth." I only wish more people thought that way. Proudest accomplishment: I worked very hard to mold my two sons into good, kind citizens with philanthropy in their hearts. On tough love: I refused to allow my children to charge at the Boston Yacht Club. I made them pack their lunches, and they had to ride their bikes when they went to the New England Conservatory. Boston is my home because: It's very polished and cultured. We call Boston the Athens of America. On aging gracefully: It's an art and a skill. The way to age gracefully is to take a little bit more makeup off each year. This year I'm dropping the concealer. Go-to beauty brands: I've been wearing deep coral Chanel lipstick for about 35 years. Cause closest to my heart: Rogerson Communities. 102 BOSTONCOMMON-MAGAZINE.COM 098-103_BC_F_Beauties_LSpring13.indd 102 4/10/13 5:25 PM