AFRICA Edition
Chartwell Africa
Gismondi Jewelry
African Film
Chartwell Design
This issue transports readers to our working site and showcases the many faces of Nigeria.
Massimo Gismondi opens up to Chartwell about his inspirations, family heritage and his plans for the future.
Get to grips with African film via ‘Dakar Dreams’ and the legend of the Griot.
A tantalizing new read from Chartwell, bespoke fabrics, Defenders and contemporary designs.
Chartwell Journal 12.
“All my life I have sought the simplicity of a single line.” ANTOINE WATTEAU
Chartwell Journal
Twelfth Edition
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Contents 10
The Griot and African Film
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Mayfair’s Penthouse
12
The Sapeurs of Brazzaville
62
Chartwell Procuring & Purchasing Department
15
The Golden Shears Award 2015
64
Leon Gray
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London to Lagos
66
Lürssen: Family Built Luxury
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Eko Atlantic
70
On your Marques, Get Set For Monaco 2015
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Interview With Diamond Jeweller Thelma West
72
The Tour Odeon
26
Luxury Safari
74
The Much-Awaited Royal Twins of Monaco
32
Blending the Old with the New
76
Think It. Feel It. Do It.
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Whitley Neill
78
A Head for Business
38
Lady Chartwell
80
The Power of Speech
39
Chortle Design
82
Chartwell Journal’s ‘In The Know’
51
Mr. Chartwell
83
Adventurous Experiments
52
Onyeka Ibe
84
Oceana
54
Dreaming of Dakar
85
Mayfair Office Girl
58
There’s Still Nowhere Like It
86
Workspaces With Massimo Gismondi
5
New York stYle
loft living iN the heart of loNdoN
a developmeNt bY alchemi Group
www.sothebysrealty.co.uk
Call 020 7495 9580 London or 01932 708 038 Cobham
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Twelfth Edition
Welcome
If you would like to advertise in the Chartwell Journal, have any editorial content that you feel would benefit our audience or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Welcome to the Twelfth Edition of the Chartwell Journal.
www.chartwell-media.com
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Hello Spring… well haven’t you been missed! I think its safe to say we are all enjoying the rising heads of daffodils and the possibility of picnics and Pimms. Edition 12 is the first Journal of 2015, and the first time Chartwell Media have themed an edition, we hope you enjoy the read.
Grace Sheppard Head of Chartwell Media / Editor in Chief grace.s@chartwell-london.com
This issue Chartwell Media transports our loyal readers to the vibrant and ever-evolving continent of Africa. In honour of our new Chartwell company, Chartwell Africa, we indulge our readers in Luxury Safaris, photography of Sapeurs - the Congo’s most sharply-dressed men, an interview with diamond dealer Thelma West, as well as an insight into African film culture.
Victoria Sheppard Editorial victoria.s@chartwell-london.com
You might have noticed a dashing new publication in the Chartwell Family. Chartwell Estates present ‘Portfolio’ - an insight into some of the most unique properties and opportunities that the world has to offer, as well as interviews with financiers and captains of industry.
Francis Holmes Editorial francis.h@chartwell-london.com
We have also welcomed a new section to the Journal, ‘Chartwell Design.’ With time this feature will develop into its own unique brand and publication. Design plays a huge part in the Chartwell Group of companies and we are keen to keep our readers fingers on the pulse in all aspects of design, from the latest trends to introducing emerging designers and brands.
Harrison Rose Journal Designer harrison.r@chartwell-london.com
Our Summer Edition will burst full of the ‘Best of Britsh’. We are currently working on themes and ideas for late 2015 & early 2016 Journals. If you, your company or any brands that you represent would like to contribute to the Journal, newsletters or online blogs please contact me to discuss further. Please enjoy,
Designed and Published by Chartwell Media www.chartwell-media.com
Every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy of published content. Chartwell Media does not endorse any advertisements or opinions expressed. Chartwell Journal is a registered trademark of Chartwell Media. All rights reserved. No part of Chartwell Journal can be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without written permission of Chartwell Media.
Grace Please do not hesitate to get in touch with us via twitter @chartwellmag, @ladychartwell or email pressoffice@chartwell-london.com with any comments, feedback or suggestions. April 2015
Chartwell Media
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The Team
GRACE SHEPPARD Editor in Chief
VICTORIA SHEPPARD Editorial
FRANCIS HOLMES Editorial
HARRISON ROSE Journal Designer
STANLEY Office Dog
race loves the world of PR and marketing and when she is not overseeing the Chartwell Media Empire she is building a budding wedding planning and events company. Grace has a love for fine dining and is always on the lookout for the world’s finest vegetarian dishes, especially when there is cheese involved. A lover of Gin & Tonic and a great red wine she can usually be found with pen and notebook in one of London’s leading hotels hand sourcing the latest content for her popular Journal. She is also the proud owner of Stanley.
V
ictoria was fundamental in the founding and development of Chartwell Magazine (now Journal) nearly 5 years ago. This issue she has enjoyed putting together a teaser for you of Chartwell’s upcoming new supplement Chartwell Design - with a focus on interior design and architecture around the world. Victoria enjoys travel writing as well as sourcing the latest in openings and offerings at restaurants, hotels and members clubs around the Mayfair area.
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rancis has a background in art history specialising in colour theory and perception. He has written on a variety of subjects including the arts, design and alcohol - subjects in which he is very au fait. Despite plying his trade in property on a day to day basis, Francis continues to keep a keen eye on the art world, when not enjoying his two guilty pleasures - Cardiff City FC and the Welsh Rugby Team. Francis can often be found in Balthazar, Covent Gardens with a copy of George Bernard Shaw.
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arrison has always aimed to bring a creative approach to any situation, whether that was in his early years as a project manager on luxury property renovations or in the boxing ring as an amateur boxer. Currently residing in Monte-Carlo, Monaco, where Harrison’s interests lie between classic cars investments and attending major sports events including world championship boxing and formula 1. He is also proud designer of the Chartwell Journal.
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Contributors
NOVA WOODROW
BEN FOWLER
SUSAN RINGSELL
AGNIESZKA MAKAREWICZ
ova Woodrow comes from a varied writing background having written for several magazines and launching her own award winning magazine aimed at parents of young children. She is a qualified psychotherapist and has written articles on everything from Marketing and PR to looking at how the fear of success can hold you back. Nova writes for her blog called Quitting the 9 to 5 and runs several businesses of her own.
B
enjamin Fowler has an educational background in sociology and psychology, which focused on neuroscience and perception. Since college, he has written online reviews for movies, music and literature, with a particular interest in alternative cinema, the books of Tom Swift and humorists like Terry Pratchett. Years spent in Portugal have led to his interest in old world viticulture and various aspects of winemaking.
S
usan specialises in PR, content writing and events management for the premium advertising sector (brands, publishers, agencies and tech platforms). Having worked in communications for many years, Susan also has a creative writing side. It started as a hobby in 2013, but interest in her work grew quickly. Susan has now written many lifestyle reviews, blogs and magazine articles for premium publishers.
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gnieszka received her Master’s in Interior Architecture from Academy Fine Arts in Warsaw, Poland, a remarkable and fascinating institution where tradition blends with innovation. She expanded her knowledge and passion for architecture at the Mercer College NJ, USA. In 2007, she moved to London where she worked for a number of companies.
aws to meet you; this chocolate cockapoo cutie is Chartwell’s Queen Street office dog. When this pooch isn’t bounding around Berkeley Square or squirrelled away in a snug spot of one of the Shepherd Market’s pubs…. or working hard in the office he can be seen in the cosmopolitan Clapham Old Town, doing his very best to meet and greet anyone and everyone. If you see Sir Stanley around please feel free to say hello #SirStanleyOfMayfair @SirStanley14
Chartwell Journal
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The Griot and African Film
recouping their enormous budgets or receiving critical praise. Hollywood: the town where you fail upwards.
Words by BEN FOWLER
African history and tradition, even in the face of the modern world, is preserved by the intriguing role of the Griot, the title long bestowed upon West African storytellers. These folk historians, whose position as societal leaders due to their advisory role to royalty, are probably most closely analogous to the ancient European bards. Through the mediums of music, dance and poetry they are both vessel and repository of the people’s traditions, weaving an oral tapestry of great knowledge, history and sharp wit, satirizing and commenting on the Africa around them. The modern world provides the Griot with another outlet to reflect their communal experiences, that of filmmaker.
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igital technology and a modern DIY approach taking full advantage of off-the-shelf equipment and straight-to-DVD sales tactics have rapidly stimulated growth in African cinema. Nollywood, the Nigerian film industry, is the second largest film industry in the world in terms of production and the third most valuable, behind only Hollywood and Bollywood, with a $10 billion 2013 revenue. (I always wonder why the Welsh film industry doesn’t call itself Wollywood…) This success is followed closely by the work produced in Ghana, Kenya and South Africa, industries that have spawned many interesting movies. In the case of South Africa, some have made the crossover from African cinema to Hollywood. Directors like Gavin Hood moved from the stunning Johannesburg-set story of a Tsotsi- a street thug- to big budget Hollywood Sci-fi in Ender’s Game and Neill Blomkamp from the South African-filmed apartheid analogy of District 9 to directing Matt Damon in Elysium. Neither of their Hollywood projects
Despite having no part in the invention of cinema and a long period of cinematic history as nothing more than a fantastical backdrop for fake Hollywood fantasies in Tarzan movies, Africa has a cinematic heritage that more than deserves exploration - a rich culture to display and a history shaped by war, political instability and health issues to present. Like the tales of the Griot, African film has a social and political focus - sharply in contrast to the commercial concerns of Hollywood, a focus on the political, economic and cultural domination many African societies live under. Just as the Griot exists as a repository of African oral tradition, African cinema concerns itself with attempting to give African history back to African people, both literally and analogously. The political focus of films like Guelewaar (Senegal, 1993) from founding-father filmmaker Ousmane Sembène, makes for a gripping, state-of-the-nation chess game, as an Islamic and Catholic man die on the same day only for Islamic villagers to traditionally bury the wrong body – that of a dissident killed for opposing foreign aid. A film also concerned with African religion and pride, it builds to an amazing conclusion that challenges anyone who has given money to African charities. Chronicle of the Years of Embers (Algeria, 1975) from Mohammed Lakhdar-Hamina won the 1975 Palme D’Or in Cannes for its highly political tale of an Algerian peasant thrust into the decolonial struggle. The Silences of the Palace (Tunisia, 1994) from Moufida Tlatli, approaches a political context from another direction, telling of a young woman who learns of her mother’s servitude was sexual as well as economic. A dreamlike, yet highly political film told almost exclusively through flashback – a common feature of African film, a continent that seems to be in a state of constant remembrance. Sambizanga (Congo, 1973) is a modern, bold and radical movie that is representative of the more socially inclined African movies, as a woman marches from prison to prison in Angola searching for her husband. Here African cinema addresses feminism and the modern aesthetic. A similarly strong female protagonist features in Hyenas (Senegal, 1992) from punkdirector Djibril Diop Mambéty. Here a jilted woman leaves Africa only to return rich-and half made of gold (yes it is that surreal, and finally addresses the age-old question of what you would do if you were half-made of gold?). She
arrives to a vacuous Africa completely obsessed with soap operas –a fate that presumably makes her golden body seem like less of a problem. It stands as a shocking film from a director vaunted as the African Orson Welles. Returning to the idea of the Griot preserving tradition through preservation of oral tradition, Sarafina! (South Africa, 1992) tells the tale of a daughter so ashamed of her mother’s servitude that she becomes embroiled in riots protesting the introduction of Afrikaans as the teaching language. A people cannot exist it might suggest without a language of their own. The Wind (Mali, 1983) takes a Romeo and Juliet scenario to student protests in its fresco of African life, as the offspring of two very different backgrounds, one modern and military and one magical and tribal, fall in love. The mythic and the modern are often as co-existent in African cinema as they are in Africa itself. The Wind highlights, that despite heavy political and religious concerns, African cinema is not however without its moments of gorgeous imagery or indeed moments of touching quiet sincerity or humor. The Gods Must be Crazy (South Africa, 1980) is a funny and very popular allegory from Jamie Uys, set in Botswana and telling the story of Xi whose band had no idea of the outside world until a bottle of Coca-Cola falls from the sky. Probably a good job it wasn’t set at Christmas or they’d have been hit by the Coca-Cola lorry instead… Otelo Burning (South Africa, 2011) offers a glimpse at black Africans excelling at surfing in the 1980s. The visually stunning Waiting for Happiness (Mauritania, 2002) contains scenes of utter beauty. A good place to finish our exploration is with 1995’s Keita, the Heritage of the Griot. Made in Burkina Faso; one of the world’s poorest countries, but also one of its most cinephile. Director Dani Kouyaté’s own father plays a Griot enthralling a modern boy with mythical stories - in contrast to his Darwinian education. The conflict and resolution between magic and realism experienced by the bright, young boy works as a microsm for today’s Africa and addresses the place of the modern Griot within it. The medium may have changed, but the role, perhaps, has not. A quote from Francis Bebey (author of African Music, A People’s Art) may best explain the role of the Griot in relation to cinema: The Griot knows everything that is going on…He is a living archive of the people’s tradition...
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The Sapeurs of Brazzaville Words by FRANCIS HOLMES
M
orbi at La Sape is an abbreviation based on the phrase Société des Ambianceurs et des Personnes Élégantes (The Society of Ambiance-Makers and Elegant People) a social movement with close ties to dandyism centred in the capital city of the Congo, Brazzaville. Renowned for their impeccably exuberant dress sense and gentlemanly code of conduct, little has been written on this social phenomenon that has captured the attention sartorialists worldwide. Having been intrigued by the Sapeurs, Chartwell sat down with Nicholas Hulley and Nadhja Lassgot tasked with creating the wonderful Guinness series of adverts that shot the Sapeurs directly into the public eye. Keen to understand more about this most colourful and flamboyant of groups we discussed the Sapeurs in greater detail and their role within the Brazzaville community. How did you find out about the “’Sapeurs’ and what attracted you to cover them? As creatives we are always looking out for interesting subcultures and the Sapeurs are a group of people we have known about for a while. The more we worked on the “made of
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more” brief, the more we kept returning to them as great examples. How easy was it to track down the ‘Sapeurs’ for the advert? It was fairly easy to track down the Sapeurs as they are such high profile people in Brazzaville. The real issue was tracking down and casting the best and most charismatic Sapuers. Here we were helped enormously by Hector Mediavilla who directed our documentary. He had worked with them previously and had an extensive network of friendships with them. The ‘Sapeurs’ come from all walks of life including farmers, taxi drivers, carpenters and labourers, ordinary working men. What is it do you think that drives them to dress in such a flamboyant manner? Is there an element of escapism? There is an element of escapism in it, of course. Fundamentally, however, it is self-expression and self-worth. The suits merely reveal the identity of the men inside them. When you become a Sapeur you are not just buying into a set of fashion rules you are also choosing to adopt social rules: non-violence, respect, charity and gentlemanly conduct.
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How easy is it for the gentlemen to procure the items of clothing? Where does it all come from? Most of the Sapeurs aspire to have their clothes imported from the fashion houses in Paris, but this is obviously not always a possibility. They rely on a local designers and getting their own clothes tailored. They also have a large swapping network amongst their friends as they borrow and lend their clothes to build up their own looks. What were the professions of some of the men featured in the advert? Were there any stand out characters? Ferolle who wears the kilt is a policeman in real life. It is a fascinating contrast. Nine to five he wears a police uniform, which of course is used to communicate authority and a rigid set of rules, it is meant to be restrictive and subsume his identity. His kilt is also a uniform but it is used for the opposite effect, to reveal his personality and to break the social conventions. Where there any logistical issues with filming the advert? The biggest challenge was communicating with the Sapuers. They speak French Congolese, which is not 100% French. They had also never been in front of the cameras before. It would be difficult enough to get a large cast of complete amateurs to do exactly what you want but we had the added difficulty of doing it all through about two levels of interpreters. Luckily they all had bucket-loads of charisma and enthusiasm so it all worked out.
How are the ‘Sapeurs’ viewed by the local community? Like any group of people who choose to live such a visible life, there will be detractors. But they also have many admirers. Brazzaville has only recently emerged from civil war and the sight of the Sapeurs is an indication of a return to normality. People welcome that and they love the joy they bring and admire their gentlemanly code of non-violence. The Sapeurs are often invited to weddings and state occasions to liven the atmosphere up.
Do you see yourself working with the Sapeurs again in the future? They are true gentlemen and an absolute pleasure to work with. If we ever have the opportunity to do something with them again we will jump at it.
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The Golden Shears Award 2015 Words by FRANCIS HOLMES
Chartwell was fortunate to be invited to one of the tailoring industry’s most coveted prizes, The Golden Shears Awards which took place earlier this year at The Merchant Taylors Hall. The winner of the biennial event sometimes known as “The Oscars of the Tailoring World” was decided upon by a panel of celebrity judges that included both Betty Jackson and Jodie Kidd.
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or the 2015 award ceremony, the cloister of the hall was magnificently festooned with a specially commissioned installation of dried flowers suspended in yarn. The installation by Rebecca Louise Law is was made in conjunction with Dormeuil, the supplier of luxury cloth very fitting (excuse the pun). The competition is aimed at encouraging and celebrating bright new talent and receives entries from apprentice tailors and students on tailoring courses across the UK. Twenty five shortlisted outfits, judged prior to the event by a panel of technical experts that reads like a whos who of Savile Row , were on display at the Hall for the event. The garments on show combined flamboyance and colour fitted to the highest standards of tailoring in what has become
a rite of passage for the tailors of tomorrow. The winner this year was Joe Holsgrove who was representing and currently serving his apprenticeship at Denman & Goddard. Joe was presented with the prestigious Golden Shears trophy and £2,000 but more importantly the title of a Golden Shears Award winner which is respected amongst the tailors nationwide and carries much clout with it. Merchant Taylors’ Hall provided a fitting setting for the award as the livery company was founded in the 14th Century to protect the interest of the tailors. The original competition stemmed from an desire to seek out the most accomplished tailors in the UK however since the competition’s inception in 1998, the award has focused on supporting education in the industry. The awards are sponsored by the Savile
Row Bespoke Association (SRBA), set up in 2004 as a group of companies dating from 1771 which employ over 2000 people in sales and cloth manufacture. The Association aims to protect and develop the art of handcraft tailoring on the Row. The SRBA are involved in developing training initiatives and an apprenticeship scheme that supports new talent that makes London and the UK the centre of the world for bespoke tailoring. Look out in the next edition of the Chartwell Journal for a more in depth recap of the event and an interview with Simon Cundey the Managing Director of Henry Poole who sat down with Chartwell to discuss the importance of the event and the future of the Row.
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London to Lagos Words by DENIIS MORRIS
As a follow on from our article that was featured in the 9th edition of the Chartwell Journal, at which time we were in discussions to build a multimillion dollar palatial residential villa, located in one of the most expensive areas of Nigeria. Chartwell Africa are now proud to announce that we have successfully concluded discussions in securing the contract for the total design & construction including all FF&E of this luxuriant Nigerian residence.
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he 25,500sqft multi million dollar premises and associated buildings including luxury terrace nestled within 4 tropical acres of water featured landscaped and private gardens. Chartwell Africa are progressing steadily with the project which is now three quarters of the way through the design and development phase. We are now actively mobilized on site, with the commencement of the construction work firmly underway. Chartwell Africa are working closely within the clients remit which has been designed out of our London office with input from associated professionals. The client was keen to encapsulate a strong Lagos influence within the project throughout but keeping to a quality finish traditional of British & Nigerian standards. This is slightly different to the normal design and development projects that Chartwell have historically steered, mainly down to the logistics and coordination that is required for International conditions which has been a challenge that the Chartwell team has risen to with aplomb. The project, as per the clients desire will be actioned by a blend of London and European based supplier’s and contractors, thereby
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offering a truly international flavour. The Chartwell procurement department are fully submerged in their role of sourcing companies for materials necessary for the build. Chartwell Africa recognise that Nigeria is now Africa’s largest economy and a place of rich growth and rapid development. We are eager to be a part of this exciting influx in the construction industry of this vastly growing country and our business plan recognises Nigeria as significant long term region of potential growth. We are currently in consultation with new & pending future clients within Africa. Chartwell Africa is gathering force and momentum by the minute. Keep updated via the Chartwell Journal regarding our further progress in Lagos, Nigeria. Dennis Morris Project Director Chartwell Africa Ltd office@chartwell-africa.com chartwell-africa.com
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Eko Atlantic: From Coastal Erosion to Africa’s Rising Star Words by SUSAN FEARN RINGSELL
The story of Eko Atlantic starts in 2003 when the Lagos State Government went in search of a permanent solution to protect Bar Beach in Victoria Island from the effects of severe coastal erosion, and to safeguard Victoria Island from the threat of flooding.
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n 2006, South Energyx Nigeria Ltd, a construction and civil engineering company, was granted a license by Lagos State to reclaim land from the Atlantic Ocean, to develop infrastructure and to act as the exclusive authority over what is now known as Eko Atlantic or Eko Atlantic City - the planned and currently under construction district of Lagos, Nigeria. This brand new urban
development, a place to live and work, will be the size of the Manhattan district of New York City. Lagos and Eko Atlantic are expected to become the new financial epicentre of West Africa by the year 2020. By that time, Nigeria will be one of the world’s 20 largest economies. Once the Bar Beach shoreline protection project was completed, a two-kilometre-long sea
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its designation as an island within a city. A Downtown District will be encircled by the four areas of the city: Business District, the Marina District, Harbour Lights and Eko Energy Estate - destined to become a densely built-up sector with varying sizes of buildings set in tree-lined streets and elegant squares. Whilst the Ocean Front District will stretch along the Nigerian coastline promising breathtaking vistas over the Atlantic Ocean.
wall was put in place, followed by year-long discussions with Dutch and Chinese experts to develop Eko Atlantic. Contracts were signed and phase one of the land reclamation was underway. Chinese vessels started the dredging process for Eko Atlantic, and in April 2008 an official inauguration attended by the Nigerian President and Lagos State Government took place. By 2010, one million square metres of land had been reclaimed, the Eko Atlantic showroom was officially opened on Victoria Island, and the Great Wall of Lagos reaches a landmark one kilometre. These milestones are quickly followed by the presentation of design concepts from architects to the public and include images of the first residential tower. Once the developers reached 2.8 million square metres, it heralded the completion of the first phase of land reclamation. With the construction of the first access road in 2012, piling starts for the residential towers, and Eko Atlantic’s very first Copa Lagos World Beach Soccer championship is played. Phase two of land reclamation begins, the Great Wall of Lagos reaches three kilometres, and the reclaimed land is now visible from space. In 2013, with Eko Atlantic now at 5,000,000 square metres, a dedication ceremony led by His Excellency President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and former U.S. President Bill Clinton, takes place. The development of a seamless stateof-the-art infrastructure in line with modern
and environmental standards comes next starting with the Eko Boulevard. This eight-lane carriageway is the spine of the Business District, running a full 2 kilometres along the entire length of the Business District, and flanked on both sides by high-rise buildings - similar in size to the Champs-Élysées in Paris or Fifth Avenue in New York. As the centre for finance in Eko Atlantic, the Business District will also feature the addition of Eko Mall, a luxury outlet for retail and commercial use. With the Great Wall of Lagos now extending beyond 4 kilometres and Eko Atlantic’s first buildings are underway. One is a 15 story office tower for the oil sector and the other is the first of 5 residential towers being constructed. By the end of 2014, both residential and commercial tower blocks could be seen from Ahmadu Bello Way on Victoria Island and the Marina on Lagos Island. Interest from investors is strong. In 2015, this new multi-billion dollar Eko Atlantic continues to take shape. As well as the Business District, many more areas are under construction. All planned with the intention of having an international appeal. One such district is Harbour Lights at the western end of the development where its buildings will enjoy relaxed views over the entrance to the Port of Lagos. Adjacent to Harbour Lights is the Marina District, designed to provide homes and a centre for social activities and leisure. Whilst the aptly named Eko Island is situated at the very heart of Eko Atlantic. An ingenious urban design feature surrounded by waterways on all sides - hence
Speaking with journalists in Lagos, David Frame, an Englishman who has lived in Nigeria for over 30 years and the Managing Director of South Energyx Nigeria Limited, said that the company is giving priority to infrastructure development such as road, drainage, power supply and transportation so that there would be connection when all the buildings under construction in the city are completed. The first 15-storey tower in the city is estimated to be ready for occupation in the first quarter of 2016 as the project is in an advance stage of completion. Eko Atlantic will change the face of Africa and will help Lagos State transform itself into megacity status on the world map that will compare with the United Arab Emirates city of Dubai. Financially and commercially, Lagos is the anchor of Nigeria and investors from around the world can see the potential. More than just a city, Eko Atlantic with its coastal location and abundance of natural resource, it is ideally located to become the gateway to Africa.
EX CELLENC E
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AN D
Africa: +44 (0)207 9526366
B E S P O KE
CO N S T RU CT ION
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Chartwell Journal
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An Interview With Diamond Jeweller Thelma West the Only Female Nigerian Diamond Dealer Words by GRACE SHEPPARD
“Buying a diamond is a very personal process.� This is something luxury diamond designer Thelma West knows well. Where most jewellers of her calibre have family connections in the industry, Thelma has built a reputable name for herself through her role as a diamond grader and buyer for the London diamond market.
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Thelma, thank you for spending some time with Chartwell today - we’re very excited to hear your story. As a young female entering a male dominated industry, how did you find your way into the diamond industry? Throughout my childhood, my mother received many presents from my father and most of those gifts were jewellery. On my 16th birthday, my mother gave me a set of jewellery which I still have to this day. Entering the industry was really a bit by chance, but my love of jewellery has always played a special role in my life. And growing up I always had a beautiful connection with diamonds and coloured stones. When I came to the UK from Nigeria to study ‘A’ levels, I got bored and decided to take a gap year and I headed for Antwerp and studied gemmology. I wanted to do something that was not only fun, but was also something I loved. It was all about the gems themselves, and I didn’t learn to make or design jewellery until later. What happened after your year out? After the gap year I was supposed to go back to university in London, but I didn’t return. Why? Because by that time I had fallen in love with Antwerp - the diamond centre of Europe. It’s the back end of the trade, which meant I had met and became friends with so many great people in the industry. After a while, I found a part-time job at a jewellers in the back of a shop, mainly because I didn’t know how to sell jewellery at that time. It turned out to be the best experience for building knowledge with lots of repairs on inexpensive products - this is where I learnt my trade. As a student I had always been interested in science and understood refraction and angles which now fascinated me. From there, I was offered another job at the high end of the industry as a diamond sorter. The work and my role expanded to negotiating prices and buying diamonds. Everyday I was learning and absolutely loved it. You’re from Nigeria, tell us what happened when you left Antwerp from your home town? Having grown up in Nigeria I decided to go back with my new skills and a whole head full of ideas. But to my surprise there was no market for buying diamonds. At the time, Nigerians understood gold better than they did diamonds and only the really elite wanted to purchase diamonds. So I came back to UK looking for work. I was lucky and landed my first job in Hatton Garden as a diamond manager at the tender age of 20.
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How did you start designing your own jewellery? Well, my friends started giving me work and that’s how my brand started. My boss in Hatton Garden said: “Why don’t we open a workshop?” It was another amazing step in my career. Starting with simple pieces like bracelets, studs, and engagement rings - nothing too complicated. Those first pieces influence my work even now. One of my friends was getting engaged to an investment banker who asked me to design his fiancée’s engagement ring. He was extremely happy with my work and he did the simple thing of asking for my business card. From that point on the commissions started rolling in. After four years, it was the right time to move on having been offered a contract with a TV jewellery channel. The items of jewellery that I was dealing with weren’t as good quality as I’d hoped for, but the work was a great step in the right direction and I completed a six month contract. Soon after, my own ambitions took a natural progression into running my own business. I guess you could say I taught myself the skills I needed to run a business, and anything I didn’t know I researched. Where did you setup your first workshop? I went back to Antwerp and set to work making ten pieces a month, which is something I wouldn’t even do now. After some months, I just knew it was time to go back to London and set up there. At first, I was working from home, but soon took on a workshop and office space. To this day, I don’t have a shop front, so I either invite clients to my workshop or I go to their homes. Many clients will fly me out to wherever they are so we can work face to face - it’s always been a very personal business. And most of the time I’m working with people who understand diamonds. A couple of years later they might come back and go for something bigger in the same design or another piece. What attracts a new client to buy from you? I like to educate my clients on the value of diamonds. I believe that wearing diamonds gives a certain confidence and power and also takes away any negativity around you. The place that the diamond has come from or the origin, to me, is more important than the quality. And that’s why I buy every diamond myself, face to face, and never online. I usually know exactly who to reach out to for different items.
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Clients come to me not only for the designs but also as an investment. A great way to invest in diamonds is by choosing ones that come from a mine that is no longer open, simply because the stock is limited. Some of my best clients have come from Russia where there is a market for investing in diamonds. The investment side of the business started off small with just one lady who wanted me to meet her husband. He loves big diamonds and they both love the process of buying diamonds and investing in jewellery design. They make quick decisions and trust me while I am spending money on their behalf. I’ve learnt that you never know where a conversation is going to take you - new countries, new clients and new designs. There’s always a story to tell.
Are your designs always bespoke or do you make ready to wear pieces too? I never used to design pieces without a client, but now I work with Nigerian and African clients who like to have a choice and to buy on the spot. They are less patient than say the Russians who will wait for bespoke pieces. My African clients tend to like a more complex design of which most are bespoke and made from gold. My European clients tend to have a different style again, and prefer a platinum item.
Do you keep any of the diamonds for special pieces? Yes, I do have diamonds which I know exactly what to do with and build a design around it. Sometimes they are so beautiful that time is needed to create a special piece. Once, I had a yellow diamond, just under 7 carats, and kept it for about 8 months. I didn’t know what to do with it. The diamond was so beautiful and so very different that it took me some time to decide what to design and for which client. I showed it to three women, on each occasion something else caught their eye. I decided to leave it in the safe and once a month brought it out just to look at. Each time, trying to see if it was again different this month or if it would say something to me. I never lose faith in a diamond, because I only choose the best for my clients. The yellow emerald cut diamond was eventually turned into a spectacular ring for one of my clients. There’s another time when I found a rare green amethyst stone. I had the stone for a couple of weeks before I knew what I wanted to do with it. At the time Nigeria was 52 and the stone was 52 carats - it made sense to dedicate something to my heritage. I surrounded the stone with 12 carats of white diamonds and hand carved the map of Nigeria into the back of the ring. What type of jewellery is your favourite to work with? I do love to design engagement rings because there’s always a romantic story behind them. But saying that, there is a story with every piece I design. A story to tell and the connections it makes. With engagement rings it’s now popular for a couple to design the ring together. And it doesn’t end there, as many couples come back for an upgraded ring at a later date.
How long does it take to create a bespoke piece? I never outsource the making of any of my own designs because I enjoy the process, I make all items myself and they all come with a lifetime guarantee. So it takes a great deal of time, for example, a ring can take up to four weeks. For clients, I estimate a couple of months just to buy myself some time for sourcing and designing, there’s a lot of work involved. What projects do you have in the pipeline? I have a couple of speaking requests which I’m very proud of. It’s very much a new thing and I think I’ll definitely be doing some rehearsals. I’m also working with my own charity, which is
an education based programme for primary, secondary and university level students in Nigeria. So many students graduate, but then can’t find a job. So we’re trying to build workshops instead, quite possibly a place to learn the jewellery trade and the craftsmanship. The charity is all to do with changing the situation for students who want work and giving Nigerian children and young people the opportunities they deserve. I hope to get the workshop set up in the next couple of years. I also have a very exciting product which I’m working on - it will be a tool for the diamond industry … but that’s all I can say right now. How do you feel about your title: the only Nigerian female diamond dealer in the world? I like it - it gives me a lot of confidence. It has definitely opened doors for me that might otherwise have been closed. One such opportunity is working on the board of a children’s charity. It’s a great compliment to have been asked, and makes me feel extremely proud that I can give something back to Nigeria. www.thelmawest.com
Chartwell Journal
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Luxury Safari Words by FRANCIS HOLMES
Embarking on a Safari experience is a dream excursion that should be on everyone’s bucket list. Where else can you see majestic creatures such as the lion, giraffe or elephant in their natural habitat against the breath-taking backdrop of the vast plains of Africa. However, amid your inner adventurer there is the reality that the great outdoors also comes packaged with unwanted extras such as disease ridden mosquitos, piles of elephant dung and not a chance of a phone signal.
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lthough luxury is not traditionally associated with an African exploration, it can still be a once in a lifetime experience if you are well informed. Chartwell has selected three of the most sought after locations offering a wide variety of the greatest game that Africa is so famous for as well as its stunning scenery. Zarafa Lodge, Botswana Botswana is the famous hunting ground of the king of the jungle, the lion. Here, this mighty creature is still in natural abundance and available for you to see by opting for a safari in the Selinda Reserve in Botswana. Situated within the reserve itself, Zafara Lodge offers a luxurious and unique experience like no other. You will have the opportunity to seek comfort in one of the impressive 1,000 square foot ‘marquis style’ canvas tents, situated under shady canopies of Jackalberry and Red Ivory trees and overlooking the patchwork of savanna’s and flood plains of the Zibadianja Lagoon’s southern shores. The camp is designed with exclusivity and privacy at its core. Along with each canvas tent being luxuriously decorated to a high standard with custom-made furniture, bedrooms, bathrooms and a private verendah surrounding each tent, the Zafira Lodge also offers their guests plunge pools, outdoor lounges and day beds set on the edge of the savanna enabling you a tranquil experience where you can watch the wildlife meet the horizon. From £4,487 pp sleeps four people in two interjoining suites, with exclusive use for 3 nights including flights from UK.
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Mwimba River Lodge If you were to ask any seasoned traveller the best place to safari, Serengeti would be their most obvious choice. Famous for its yearly migration, thousands of wild animals such as the wildebeest and zebra descend upon Serengeti in search of its water source, much to the welcome of the Serengeti lions, cheetahs and leopards who inhabit Serengeti in their thousands. The diverse array of game is excellent all year round due to the 33 freshwater springs located within the reserve. For an intimate experience of nature’s playing fields, head to the Mwiba River Lodge which is situated on the Aruqusinyai River in the south of Serengeti. Here you will find the secluded, sophisticated haven that Mwiba lodges offer set amongst mammoth stone boulders and ancient Coral and Acacia trees. This stunning destination combines both traditional and modern design elements to conjure up a luxurious yet authentic African experience for their guests. Game drives, bush walks and cultural excursions to the local tribespeople village are just a few of the magical experiences that begin at the Mwiba, where a world of adventure awaits. Amid the 51,000 acres of vibrantly lush private wildlife reserve, Mwiba Lodge caters for just 8 double suites at its stunning riverside location. Each room is sumptuously decorated with wide-open layouts, along with bathrooms with large soaking tubs and private outside showers, all with transporting views from the hardwood plank decks. From £3,113 pp for 3 nights all inclusive including flights from the UK .
Namira Plains Camp For the more adventurous traveller seeking a safari, the Namiri (meaning big cat in Swahili) Plains camp is a unique unspoilt experience like no other. Launched in July 2014, the Namira Plains camp was previously used by Frankfurt Zoo for big cat research projects and not open to the general public. However, to the delight of many a safari enthusiast, the Namiri now offers up close access to the Serengeti with just six tents available, offering an intimate experience with the surrounding natural African habitat. Due to it conservationist history, there is an abundance of big cats here offering guests a chance to immerse themselves into the African bush alongside leading Zoologists and Researchers offering unparralled insight into these amazing animals. Guests can expect to experience daily game drives, enjoy sunrise breakfast picnics on top of Soit Le Motonyi rock or sunsets on top of a kopje. With your nearest neighbour over 45 minutes away, you may be excused for thinking that the Namiri Plains belong to you. From £2,525 pp 3 nights including flights from UK. The Luxury Safari Company was set up in 2010 to offer truly 24 hour personal service, safaris which go the extra mile and take clients into new territory with the right people at the right time, and imaginative itineraries. For more information please visit: www.theluxurysafaricompany.com
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Chartwell Journal
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Blending the Old with the New: the South African Wine Industry Words by BEN FOWLER
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ne of the more evocative imageries that surround the wine industry is that of the old and new world divide. The old representing hundreds of years of heritage and tradition, age-old methods passed down from generation to generation dating back to empires studied in history class. The new representing the embrace and influence of cutting-edge technology and methods into the industry, as new frontiers and styles are defined by modern industry. However, between the worlds sits an interesting hybrid of style, one of the most prominent wine-producing countries in the Southern Hemisphere - South Africa. Although considered a new world wine country, more than 350 years have
passed since the Dutch East India Company established a trading station in South Africa for their merchant ships and the South African winemaking story began, so it is often described as bridging the gap between the Old and New. A unique blend of New World winemaking techniques that often has more in common stylistically with their Old World neighbour - its central location positioning it literally, as well as philosophically, between the two eras of the industry. To use the Afrikaans phrase to journey, let us take a reis through some of this intriguing history and geography. The Western Cape is the focus of the South African wine industry; an abundance of
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mountains, valleys and plateaus providing a lush yet rugged landscape allowing winemakers to produce a diverse range of styles. These southern wine lands enjoy a Mediterranean climate provided by the meeting of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans - a perfect mixture of cool, wet winters and warm dry summers. The mountains and valleys form an ideal habitat, channeling sea breezes that cool the vineyards during the warm summer, slowing the ripening process and creating the intense fruit flavors, that are highly regarded in South African wines. In the North, the flat, barren landscape of the Northern Cape and the Kalahari Desert, provides the Orange River region and an example that in winemaking, even the harshest terrain can yield fantastic results. South Africa is home to some of the world’s most beautiful wine producing regions. The spectacular mountains of Franschhoek and Paarl, provide a truly stunning setting to the production of many international varietals. Thousands of tourists flock every year to Stellenbosch, situated close to Cape Town, to enjoy the regions renowned red and white wines and to see some of the finest example of Cape Dutch inspired architecture in the country. The industry’s somewhat paradoxical positioning between old and new is somewhat representative of the country and indeed the continent, as Africa stands in the modern world bringing a tremendous influence of the old world with it. To further the idea of the wine industry as a metaphor for South Africa and the wider Africa, both have a history shaped and setback by political upheaval and disastrous health issues. An outbreak of phylloxera in the late 1800s all but killed off the production from Constance, the country’s oldest region. Later South African wine would fall out of favor internationally following trade sanctions that were placed on the country in the 1980s due to its apartheid policies. Not unlike many aspects of modern South Africa, It was Nelson Mandela who helped with the reinvigoration of the industry: wines from Stellenbosch were served at his 1993 Nobel Peace Prize ceremony dinner in Oslo, Norway, South African wine present at the birth of a new future for the country by providing the toast to an icon who represented the change from the old to the new. Which brings us to the industry today: as the ninth-largest producer of wine in the world, exporting annually around 450 million litres of wine, a thriving business on a global scale, known for its plethora of grape varietals and wine styles that showcase innovation, talent and progress.
Perhaps the country’s signature red variety is Pinotage- a crossing of Pinot Noir and Cinsaut rarely successful outside of South Africa and adding a distinctive personality to a region in the face of new world globalization. It typically produces deep red varietal wines with smoky, bramble and earthy flavors. Many international varieties have also enjoyed success here, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot among them. Although South African Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc have become increasingly popular internationally in recent times, Chenin Blanc is still king in South Africa and is the republic’s most-planted grape. Characterized by versatility; Chenin Blanc produces good natural wines covering the whole spectrum from sweet to dry, as well as sherry and sparkling wine. Its fruitiness finds flavor with a wide range of palates. The South African wine industry has moved with the development of its home through difficult times, standing with one foot in the old world and one in the new. One cannot ignore the analogy to the country itself and to that of Africa as a whole; perhaps the growth of the industry can teach a lesson that one does not need to step entirely out of one’s past in order to succeed in the present and indeed in the future.
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Recommendations Two of the more exclusive South African wines contrasting the old and the new. The Old Rust en Vrede 1694 Classification Red, Stellenbosch $150 Rust en Vrede has established itself as one of South Africa’s premium red wine estates. Full-bodied and complex, and reflecting the uniqueness of the Stellenbosch terroir and a remarkable three hundred year old wine tradition that continues the excellence synonymous with wines produced by Stellenbosch’s private estates. The New The Sadie Family ‘Palladius’ White, Swartland $170 From the relatively new region of the Swartland, fifty kilometers from Cape Town, The 2011 Palladius has an intriguing, complex bouquet, well-balanced with fine acidity. It is well layered with flavor and extremely well focused. Beautiful, and of extremely high quality.
Chartwell Journal
Words by GRACE SHEPPARD
Twelfth Edition
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Whitley Neill: the Heart of Africa Distilled in England Words by GRACE SHEPPARD
A handcrafted dry gin of exceptional quality inspired by the vivid beauty of Africa, and a neverending drive for perfection.
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istilled by Johnny Neill, a direct descendant of Thomas Greenall and the last in a long line of distillers, Whitley Neill brings together eight generations and a life-long love of adventure. The result is an inimitable, award winning gin that skilfully blends and balances rare African botanicals and unusual aromatics, creating an exceptional experience. Most recently, Whitley Neill has won a gold medal at the San Francisco Spirits Competition 2014 and was referenced in The Telegraph Online as one of the five best gins to buy. Johnny Neill, inspired by childhood curiosity and the discovery of a bottle collection sitting under the stairs at his grandmother’s house, was eager to learn more about the mysterious liquid that his family has been distilling since 1762. The fascination with gin and its complex distillation process had begun. Under his grandmother’s expert guidance, he learnt how, by simply infusing the sharpness of juniper berries with a variety of other flavours and aromas, the taste could change dramatically. For Johnny it was an attraction, like an alchemist, and from that moment onwards he was driven to create a blend of gin that captured his passion - exotic and mysterious.
I wanted to create something that utilised all the traditional methods of gin distilling but also something a little different – a gin with contemporary flavours and aromas, hence the South African botanicals.
It was the depth of flavours and aromas that can be derived from Africa. The continent has a mystical feel to it, the sunsets are spectacular and what better to drink when watching the sunset in Africa than a delicious G&T?
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Initially we were distilling individual botanicals in the mini-still and then bringing these all together into a larger juniper-led recipe. It took around 18 months to get the finished product into the bottle.
An adventure in taste, Whitley Neill is slightly softer than more traditional gins and very smooth with rich juniper and citrus, potpourri and exotic spices. Distilled in England, the gin is produced in small batches in England’s oldest copper pot still - endearingly called ‘Constance’ after the master distiller’s late mother. Only the smallest, best part of the distillate, called the ‘heart’, is collected and subsequently becomes Whitley Neill gin.
Johnny has become more and more intrigued by Africa over the years, mainly due to the evocative tales told to him by his African wife. And has always spoken fondly of the African Baobab tree, which is known as the ‘tree of life’ due to its capability of storing water in its wide trunk. This gave Johnny an idea: to distil the tart fruit pulp and release a distinctive citrus flavour, quite unlike any other. To reflect the role the Baobab tree played in the creation of Whitley Neill, he decided to make its roots up silhouette the symbol of the brand. His next botanical was the Physalis Peruviana or Cape Gooseberry as it’s known in South Africa. The flavoursome bitter-sweet berries add a whole new dimension to the aroma. Johnny then took six other carefully selected botanicals to create his own secret recipe, but that’s a whole different story. From the unique blend of botanicals, African inspiration and slow, deliberate distillation, Whitley Neill Gin was born.
The taste and finish of the gin is a long one with a subtle fade of herbs, cocoa and candied lemon peels, while the nose is both citrusy sweet and peppery, with a distinctive floral aroma. “We are steadily growing our global distribution including South Africa, and now sell Whitley Neill in circa 20 countries. I would like to find a Craft spirit importer in the USA and to steadily grow UK and global awareness. I would also like to work on some different expressions for Whitley Neill, with new African botanicals.” Johnny Neill It takes time and skill to carefully consummate the marriage between the crafted concentrate and alcohol to yield a gin with quality. Whitley Neill then blend the purest water with the concentrated spirit, to ensure the wonderful flavours and aromas released by the botanicals remains locked inside each and every bottle. www.whitleyneill.com
Chartwell Journal
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Lady Chartwell The Beauty Room www.chartwell-media.com/ladychartwell pressoffice@chartwell-london.com
South Kensington Club
Tasty Black Diamonds
Ladies of Kensington are rejoicing – a new neighbourhood members club is due to open in the coming months. The new club, which has undergone extensive renovation, will feature a Turkish Hammam, sky lit gym and Watsu pool. South Kensington Club is strictly members only.
As you may know, Lady Chartwell is a keen adventurer. My excitement was uncontainable when I heard about edible black diamonds – and by black diamonds we meant he holy grail of food – Truffles. A little known area called Le Marche in Italy has been hailed as the secret foodie paradise as it is revealed high quantities of truffles were discovered there on Montefiore land. At the same time, first cultivated truffle discovered on UK soil paving way for growing industry. The local area is also renowned for game, wine and olives.
South Kensington Club
Visit www.southkensingtonclub.com for further details.
www.appassionata.com
MYZ Beauty Boutique The fabulous new salon, MYZ Beauty Boutique based Notting Hill has opened its doors! The beautiful Maryam Zandi, young entrepreneur and former floor Manager for Ladies designer wear at Selfridges, has opened the boutique specialising in manicures, pedicures, massages and facials, MYZ also offers a range of revolutionary CACI treatments. Proven to show measurable results after just your first treatment, the CACI system re-educates your facial muscles to firm, lift and tone your skin, and is suitable for both men and women… darlings you’d be silly not to pop in and give it a try. The salon also offers waxing, threading and eyelash extensions as well as a number of specially designed fun mini-treatments for your little ones to keep them entertained should you decide to bring them with you. MYZ Beauty Boutique - 20 Powis Terrace, London W11 1JH. www.myzbeautyboutique.com
Tasty Black Diamonds
Made in The Ivy Made in The Ivy Iconic London eatery The Ivy is spanning its wings even further by opening a more informal sister restaurant on The Kings Road. Opening April 2015, The Ivy Chelsea Garden will offer informal all day dining, with generous outdoor terraces and gardens… Perfect for those long summer days. Booking lines are now open. www.theivychelseagarden.com
MYZ Beauty Boutique
Chartwell Journal
Twelfth Edition
Masseria Petrarolo Rustic Italian Charm After an extensive renovation project Masseria Petrarolo opens its gates to the worlds jet set for a truly relaxed experience. Set deep in the Puglian hills, with panoramic views of rural Italian countryside on one aspect and another the distant industrial funnels of an untouched neighbouring market town. Masseria Petrarolo is a jewel in the crown of small village Petraolo. Dating back to 1689 the beautifully restored property blends modern luxury sympathetically to the rural Italian roots of the Masseria.
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asseria Petrarolo was purchased by a Hong-Kong based Brit, seeking a dream European hideaway. The owner spent several years searching for the property and when it isn’t in use by the owner the farm house is available for private hire bookings. The farm house is the ultimate private retreat for large
groups wanting to immerse themselves in luxury in an unhampered location. The property itself is a maze of rooms and can easily be sectioned off for large parties travelling together, featuring multiple kitchen, dining and relaxing areas. The property features 6 large bedrooms, six with ensuites. The farmhouse is more on par with a boutique hotel for the superior finish and extensive facilities.
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Masseria Petrarolo is set in 30 hectares of land, though the walled courtyard and citrus garden add a protective and intimate environment. Alexander Waterworth was the interior designer behind this project, his previous works have included luxury hotels and private members clubs in London. For this project he used an array of Italian and European antiques married with modern bespoke pieces. There is a clear juxtaposition of new and opulent alongside aged vintage items in the house. Other stand out features include vaulted ceilings, 2 swimming pools, a hammam, three kitchens (including one commercial spec). The landscaped gardens were created by Rachel Lamb (formally of head gardener at San Giuliano, Sicily). Within the grounds is a small chapel – still used by locals for mass – connecting the village with the estate. Included in stays at head gardener at Masseria Petrarolo is a team of chefs and house staff. Whilst there is everything you need to keep you fed and
relaxed within the grounds of Masseria Petrarolo, hiring a car whilst visiting the area is advisable. The nearest town is approximately 15 minutes by car, the local cuisine is fresh, low-key and authentic and appears to be the highlight of local life. Visit masseriapetrarolo.com for further details.
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Chartwell Journal
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Jude Cassidy Bespoke Fabric
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ude Cassidy is an innovator in textile design. Based in Ireland, her work has been featured internationally in luxury hotels and exclusive private residences. Jude’s designs are now -------being picked up by global high-end brands, her innovative and rare craft appreciated by fashion lovers and interior enthusiasts alike. Jude’s ethos for creating her unique designs and yarn blends is “that fabric should not only feel good but beg to be touched.” Inspiration for each new collection is drawn from a variety of sources including
fashion, architecture and drawings. Jude launches an annual collection of innovative fabrics, made on her 150 year old loom in her basement Belfast studio. With a personal approach to her work, Jude’s fabrics can be personally made and commissioned in quantities as little as one metre. Chartwell take a look at some of Jude’s most striking fabrics. www.judecassidy.com
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Making Africa
From now until 13th September 2015, the comtemporary African design exhibition is being showcased at the Vitra Design museum in Germany. The exhibition features work of over 120 artists and designers and illustrates how design influences and partners growth in financial and political industries in Africa. Africa wants to be perceived by the outside world as a ‘first world’ country, whilst still embracing its heritage.
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sing various mediums of design and art entrepreneurs, philosophers and artists want to enlighten Western society on the technological progression within Africa. The exhibition has a vast array of techniques and artistic forms which even include a sculpture of glasses by Kenyan artist Kabiru and photography from Mozambican Mario Macilau. It shows the architecture of Francis Kéré, David Adjaye and Kunlé Adeyemi, remarkable cardboard city models by Bodys Isek Kingelez and animation art by
Robin Rhode, a South African based in Berlin. All of the works presented are underpinned by a quest to address questions of material culture and everyday aesthetics – in short, questions of design. The objects show that design in Africa is understood on a much more inclusive level than in Western societies – and they are proof that this understanding can produce innovative new approaches to design. A comprahensive events schedule will be held throughout the duration of the exhibition, inclusive of seminars, lecutures and short-movies. Among the
PORTFOLIO Chartwell Estates
Rob Hersov
Passion investments
Own your own piece of paradise
La Dolce Vita
I Love NYC
Chairman of Invest Africa gives his views on the potential of the continent
Al Bailey of Seymours Art looks at where else the world’s elite are putting their money
Chartwell Estates offer you your own private island in the Bahamas
We walk you through some of Italy’s finest properties from Lake Como to Tuscany
Without doubt, New York’s finest triplex penthouse available through Chartwell Estates
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London Bordeaux New York
Portgual Bahamas Barbados
Rio de Janeiro
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e are proud to present “Portfolio” – a collection of unique properties of the world from the Caribbean and New York in the Americas to Dubai and South Africa in Africa & the Middle East to some gems here on our doorstep in Europe – Tuscany, The Algarve and of course London. So whether it’s a triplex penthouse close to New York’s Central Park or a villa complete with Golden Visa, a private island in the Bahamas or a Tuscan palazzo we are able to sell you your very own unique property of the world. The map above gives an indication of just some of the locations that we are mandated in. In this, our inaugural issue, a truly world-class supporting cast compliments these amazing pieces of real estate. From Sandy Mitchell of Red Book and Al Bailey of Art Invest imparting their knowledge on interior design and investing in collectibles respectively, to an unapologetically
African-flavoured contribution from Robert Hersov, James Hopkinson and Cobus Visagie all giving their own unique views on investing in the continent. In the meantime what have Chartwell Estates noticed about the market from our Mayfair HQ? With its political and financial stability, together with high-end retail, history and cultural attractions, London remains a unique destination attracting investors, domestic and international, but is this a one-way trajectory ever upwards or can we expect gravity to take effect and see a price correction? We are now above the highs of the bull cycle of 2007 and Prime Central London (PCL) has bucked the trend seen in the rest of the UK due to unreliable global equity markets, exchange rates and the flow of money into safe-haven assets. We think the last point is the main driver behind the strength of PCL, in part as a hedge against euro uncertainty.
Tuscany
Dubai
Hong Kong
Cape Town
The on-going fear of a messy resolution to the euro debt crisis perpetuates this flight to safety but is in no way new. The first time a positive impact on PCL was noted was with the introduction of the euro in 1999, the second the euro debt crisis that started back in 2010. Along with a handful of other global destinations - New York, Singapore, Shanghai and the Caribbean for example - PCL offers a relatively benign tax regime and financial stability that attracts an international clientele. But as with all investments the overall transactional costs must be considered. The impending UK general election and its associated threats of punitive changes in Capital Gains Tax for non-doms and the so-called “Mansion Tax� could just price London out of the picture whilst making other international cities look attractive once more. But in the meantime, forget about the General Election or
Exchange rates correct at time of going to press
even the recent Scottish Referendum – it would appear the most important vote has been the one where Prime Central London property has voted to split from the rest of the UK and for that matter, Europe. Chartwell Estates is a private brokerage and advisory service for UHNWI and their families operating on the discrete acquisition and disposal of property-based assets. Please contact us to learn how we can best help you. For further information contact Chartwell Estates at estates@chartwell-london.com chartwell-estates.com
Risk Averse or Risk Aware? Any international company looking to invest in Africa will be aware of the considerable risks and the need to formulate a robust framework to mitigate them. The endemic corruption, poor corporate governance and the risk of social and political instability make it a challenging environment to do business in but the wealth of natural resources and burgeoning opportunities make it an inviting one.
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n effective security risk framework will play a crucial role in a company’s success on the continent and, in an era when cost optimisation is key, it can also help to minimise unnecessary spending. Africa’s complex operating environments need to be carefully navigated and understood through a detailed, multi-faceted approach that is underscored by local expertise and knowledge of each country and its customs. Assaye Risk’s experience in risk analysis in Africa and beyond has taught us that any risk strategy must be integrated with a strong emphasis on continuous, effective community engagement. Past practice shows that paying lip service to such projects can exacerbate an already tense situation and that
mismanagement can lead to increased hostility toward a foreign company. In many cases the real needs of the community are not understood and therefore cannot be properly met. Locals will have high expectations from the arrival of a foreign investor that will almost inevitably lead to disappointment. The disconnect between the national government and local community is another common cause of friction. All too often a government minister signs away land or other permissions from his office in the capital without adequately understanding or even consulting the local population. Documentation that guarantees a foreign company ownership, while recognised on a national level, is often contested locally. The local population is left feeling disillusioned and resentful toward the company. This ill feeling is often manifested in destructive acts toward said
company forcing it to resort to expensive protective security services for its sites and personnel. This reactive, protective response strategy is neither cost efficient nor wholly effective. A positive, proactive strategy that assesses and addresses problems before they escalate will produce much more solid and durable results. Drawing on our experience working in Africa Assaye Risk has developed a layered approach that can better identify and prevent or mitigate these potential risks. The first step of this approach focuses on the current and emerging strategic risks. This entails a close analysis of the risks posed by political events, possible regulatory change, the level of corruption in the country and the likelihood of reputational damage to foreign operators. Whether the foreign operator is new to Africa or is an established operation the creation of a central hub of understanding that collects, collates and assesses information in relation to these strategic risks is essential. This will ensure that information is properly understood and acted upon in a timely manner, appropriate to the business. Perceptions count in this environment and must be managed. False rumours, spread by word of mouth or social media, can be hard to dispel and have caused countless problems. Being first with the truth and consistent with one’s messages through a proactive and well-managed strategic communications plan must be an important part of this strategy. This hub will also play a crucial role helping a company to manoeuvre through a complicated, nuanced business environment by identifying the key players in the sector and how best to interact with them. It will also help highlight the benefits a project is bringing, or could bring, to the local and national economy. The next stage of the approach concentrates on the overarching operational risks a company might face: • Community License to Operate. Community engagement and support are difficult to achieve but vital to success and must be sustained, persistent and meaningful. • In-Migration. Poverty and the lack of sustainable employment drive people to seek opportunities wherever they can be found. • Land Disputes. Land ownership regulations are often complex and applied inconsistently leading to friction and in some cases, conflict. • Infrastructure. The lack of enabling infrastructure in the critical areas of power provision and transport can significantly affect companies’ development plans and entail considerable additional expense. • Criminality and Corruption. Crime from simple theft to sophisticated fraud is a feature and key operational risk for businesses in Africa. • Terrorism. Isolated yet attractive and lucrative assets in developing countries with weak or ineffectual security architecture may present an attractive target for terrorists as with the 2014 Al
Shabaab attack on the mine in Mandera, Kenya and the 2013 In Amenas gas plant attack in Algeria. This is then followed by a more detailed analysis of a company’s individual assets and operations; how each of these potential threats, or any other more specific ones, might affect them and how best to mitigate them. All these risks require a solution that involves monitoring, managing and understanding the operating environment fully through properly gathered and analysed information. This could include conducting a comprehensive land audit to guarantee that the company’s land rights are officially acknowledged by both the local community and the government, and/or human terrain mapping to understand who the key stakeholders are and what they need to make the project a successful, welcome part of their community. Each location will have its own distinct problems (and solutions) so a detailed, investment specific understanding must inform the development of a holistic risk mitigation strategy. If a suitable strategy is introduced at the inception of an investment or project then the financial loss, lengthy litigation, reputational damage or any of the other potential risks often associated with investing in Africa can be far more easily avoided or managed. However prevention is not always possible and Assaye Risk’s layered approach can also be applied to reversing embedded issues. Investors that have inherited difficulties can use our framework to create a new, more effective and cost efficient risk strategy. Although the problems may be complex with Assaye Risk’s guidance solving them can be simple and often beneficial both to the locals and foreign companies. Once identified and analysed, we help companies unpick past problems one by one and weave the solutions back into the cloth of the community. We recommend a planned, consistent, and persistent policy of engagement in order to engineer the community’s acceptance of the foreign investor. This can only be achieved if all parties are suitably informed of one another’s expectations. Through this policy of engagement paired with informed analysis and an understanding of the operating environment Assaye Risk enables companies to better manage the risks involved when investing in Africa and other emerging markets. Assaye Risk is experienced at understanding a client’s requirements and working to them using the framework explained above to provide initial and then on-going advice and support. Our robust framework ensures that the clients’ investments and projects, together with the operating environment in which they sit, are understood and protected. www.assayerisk.com
TJB Super Yachts Founded in 2012 and proudly independent, TJB Super Yachts is a yacht brokerage founded with one purpose in mind: “To create remarkable experiences”.
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fter many years working in yacht brokerage, TJB Super Yachts felt that the super yacht market was losing its identity and becoming impersonal and overly commercial. They saw that the old-world yachtig values of passion and flair were lacking and, without it, the client experience was losing some of its magic. The team at TJB Super Yachts makes it their mission to ensure your experience in finding and choosing the perfect yacht is a memorable one. They understand the needs of each client are as unique as the yachts they choose to charter or own. TJB Super Yachts works with an established network of yacht owners and yacht seekers from a long career in the yachting industry. This means that whatever your requirements TJB Super Yachts is best placed to find you the perfect yacht; they understand that your time is
precious, so only ever make recommendations that are right for you. St Barths, Caribbean The Caribbean’s answer to the South of France, encompassing all that the Caribbean has to offer; white sandy beaches, turquoise and clear sea, stunning scenery and warm tropical weather. Mixed together with the glamour, class and sophistication of the South of France and Riviera, creating the ultimate in VIP destinations. At no other time is this more evident than New Years Eve, berths on the dock for that one night are so in demand that they are booked 4 months in advance, yachts are also vying for the best spaces out at anchor days before NYE. Boasting 22 beaches, chic and lively bars, top designer shops and boutiques, and world-class restaurants, St Barths really is one of the world’s top locations.
The epicenter of the island is the bustling capital of Gustavia, with its gingerbread style buildings, is a hive of activity. Luxury brands and cocktail bars aplenty, with the world-renowned Nikki Beach and Eden Rock, offering the best cocktails and nightlife, its no wonder this is one of the most sought after destinations for the rich and famous. Cruising on a superyacht offers exclusivity, privacy, access to the lifestyle ashore, together with tranquility of beaches such as Anse du Colombier, the idyllic beach accessible by sea or foot. Every year prestigious events are held, and none are bigger than the St Barths Bucket, a regatta featuring a collection of the worlds biggest, fastest and best sailing yachts. With intense super yacht racing and the famous pursuit race around the island, it’s a phenomenally impressive spectacle. Croatia and the Dalmatian Coast With clear azure blue water, over one thousand islands, inlets and reefs, and a stunning, never ending coastline, Croatia is fast becoming one of the most popular and stand out destinations in the Mediterranean. Just 66 of the 1800 islands along the coast are inhabited, offering variety, from the bustling and vibrant towns like Hvar and Korcula, steeped in history and tradition, to the remote and tranquil Cornati Islands, a vast archipelago of untouched and isolated islands. The perfect way to relax and get away from it all. Hvar in particular has made the superyacht fraternity very welcome. Incorporating culture, food and nightlife, its buzzing and vibrant atmosphere offers something for everyone. Whether swimming off one of its nearby islands and beaches, seeing the sun come up at its famous Carpe Diem club, taking a vineyard trip inland or sky diving, its reputation as the most popular island in Croatia is well deserved. From taking in the UNESCO world heritage site of Dubrovnik, travelling upstream from Sibenik to discover the spectacular waterfalls at Krka, or island hopping up the coast from Miljet as far as Italy, Croatia has much to offer. South Of France The French Riviera, offering glitz, glamour and spectacular scenery. The most popular destination for yacht charters in the Mediterranean, stretching along the French coastline from Iles d’Hyéres to the Italian Border, boasting Azure blue seas, white sandy beaches, and stunning cuisine. The principality of Monaco is built into the sweeping hills that surround the coastline, home to elite events such as the Monaco Grand Prix, it attracts the rich and famous to it’s plethora of designer shops, vibrant bars and top restaurants. A must visit for those wishing to sample some of the best nightlife in the Riviera. West of Monaco and down the coast, are iconic stops such as the peninsula of Cap Ferrat, home to the GrandHotel du Cap Ferrat. Home to one of the most glamorous
hotels in the world, visited by the likes of George Bush and Bill Clinton, it’s a definite stop off for a yacht charter. Two of the most recognizable and famous destinations are Cannes and St Tropez. With white sandy beaches, bistros and bars, together with vibrant atmospheres, they are the top spots for sampling the Riviera lifestyle. From the Baoili bar in Cannes to Nikki Beach or Bar 55 in St Tropez, there are few better places in the world to enjoy the party atmosphere and vibe. Another big draw to St Tropez is the world-renowned regatta Les Voile De St Tropez, which every September attracts some of the world’s top sailing yachts. It’s certainly an impressive spectacle, from racing thoroughbreds, modern performance cruisers to classic yachts. Racing round the cans and coastal races, the bustling atmosphere, visiting spectators, crew and guests all combine to create a fantastic vibe. Corsica The fourth largest island in the Mediterranean, Corsica is steeped in history and culture. Famously the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, with rugged coastlines and stunning scenery, the influences of both French and Italian cultures combine to create a unique mix of charm and class. With glittering bays and quaint fishing villages, it’s a fantastic destination for charter yachts, boasting deep secluded bays and golden beaches. Ajaccio is dotted with sites relating to the Imperial memory of Bonaparte, from his childhood home to seafront statues, museums and street names It’s a great town to wander around, with mellow-toned buildings and buzzing cafes – not to mention its large marina and the Sanguinaires islands, a few kilometers to the west. Perched high on the southern cliffs of Corsica is the picturesque and charming town of Bonifacio, overlooking the waters below, it offers a spectacular vista as you enter its harbor, navigating through a narrow entrance hidden at the foot of its cliffs. With a lively atmosphere and vibe, together with many restaurants and cafes to sample it’s a must visit destination. Sardinia Arguably one of the most popular cruising destinations for charters in the Med, combining the glamour and vibrant life of the South of France, the chic Italian culture and lifestyle to be found in Porto Cervo, alongside the peaceful beauty of the Maddalena Islands. The Maddalena Archipelago, composed of 7 main islands and about 60 smaller islands, offer the splendid beaches and shallow seas with shining turquoise waters to rival those in the Pacific Ocean, perfect for swimming and relaxation. One of the pearls of the Costa Smeralda, Porto Rotondo is a natural paradise with exceptionally clear seas and magnificent beaches. Porto Rotondo town itself is a chic village has a multitude of Haute Couture shops, excellent
restaurants, squares, cafĂŠs and charming streets. Just around the corner is the ever-popular anchorage of Cala Di Volpe, home to the best hotel on the island, white sandy beaches and excellent conditions for some water sports. During the summer Sardinia is a hub for racing and regattas. Holding some of the biggest events in the world. Such as the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup and Perini Navi Cup. From short races to long Coastal races around the off-
lying islands. Home to the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, Porto Cervo is the focal point for the sailing and yachting culture within Sardinia. Oozing class and sophistication, designer boutiques, top restaurants and bars, it’s vibrant atmosphere is easily enjoyed. For any charter enquiries or information, contact the team at TJB Super Yachts +44 (0)201 819 6261 or visit www.tjbsuperyachts.com
TJB Super Yachts is a boutique super yacht brokerage, proudly independent and found with one purpose in mind:
“To create remarkable experiencesâ€? We provide a tailored service to those who are interested in chartering luxury super yachts JO any destination. For further information please contact info@tjbsuperyachts.com Â&#x;ď‚&#x; +44 (0)207 819 6264 Â&#x;ď‚&#x; www.tjbsuperyachts.com
EXC EPT IONAL
P R O P E RT Y
WO R L DW I D E
Chartwell Estates is a Private Brokerage and Advisory Service for UHNW individuals and families. The company operates as a bespoke office for the discreet acquisition or disposal of property-based assets, both privately and off-market. We only deal through established contacts, networking globally with private individuals, families and professional advisors. Through our trusted network we also provide a broad range of specialist advisory and management services that are complimentary to our clienteles’ requirements.
London: +44 (0)207 409 0533
privateoffice@chartwell-london.com
www.chartwell-estates.com
Art and Money: An Introduction to Art Investment by Al Bailey Alongside heavy investment into property and back into global equities markets over the past 24 months, the Cap Gemini / RBC Private Wealth Management World Wealth Report makes comment on the continued interest in Passion Investments by Ultra High-Net Wealth individuals, with “collectibles” accounting for over 10% of portfolios, 85% of which is holding Fine Art and Sculpture. Certainly when we consider the enormous media coverage of the major evening sales, art history is being re-written in the fall of the gavel as world record prices have tumbled with such consistency, that we are running out of superlatives to describe the sale that was and the sale that is yet to come. The Fine Art market is an exciting and vibrant market place, which is equally complex, increasingly opaque and influenced through the influences of “hot” money, investment alongside collectors and connoisseurs creating ebbs and flows across market sectors and regions. What is evident however, increasingly the acquisition of Fine Art has become symbiotic with the notion of investment – a relationship that has often been an uneasy one.
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he notion of this relationship of Art and Money has been the subject and point of discussion within contemporary art for many years. Artists have frequently used money as the material of their artwork; auction houses have frequently used that art to make more money. The most famous is undoubtedly Andy Warhol’s 200 One Dollar Bills, which sold at auction for US$43.7 million in 2009. In this instance however, the work was a silk-screen print of money rather than the cash itself. During the recent Christie’s Contemporary Day Sale in London, the artist Darren Bader pushed this discussion further. Bader’s “sculpture”, entitled [tbd] GBP (Lot 128), consisted solely of the money he could raise for the work of art via the crowdsourcing website Indiegogo. In the video that Bader prepared to entice people to donate money to his work of art he is clear to state that this is “not a scam, it’s not a trick,” and it seems fair enough to take this on face value. After all, the only beneficiary of this work of art was a charity. The winning bidder was able to choose which charity, selected from a pre-determined list, received the crowd-sourced money while also getting a certificate for the work. While there might be a flutter of disappointment that the amount raised fell short of the artist’s hopes (he aimed to raise £310,786, an amount apparently chosen at random) it managed to sell for more money than it was “worth”. Bader raised £10,211 and the piece sold for £12,500. Yet this piece, almost entirely without substance, runs the risk of exemplifying the spirit of Emperor’s New Clothes that can stick to contemporary art. It is very hard to quantify what this is worth outside the moment of bidding and, while that might appear to be a comment by Bader on the market, the circularity of the argument can make the art disappear altogether. Navigating this uneasy relationship between art and money is more important but also harder than ever. Yet as much as the contemporary sector is maligned for conceptual pieces, a lack of understanding and what has driven the artist to create such a work is often overlooked. Moreover, many of the works in this sector, and others, which have started to shape the auction environment are being grounded in a deeper connection with the artwork and the artist’s academic thought than we saw 5 years ago. Record prices for the likes of Barnet Newman for example, with his 1961 canvas entitled Black Fire I, which sold for US$84.17M via Christie’s in May 2014, is hardly a household name. Cy Twombly’s Blackboard pieces are another that have captivated the upper echelons of the contemporary market. We have also seen this trend filter into the Impressionist and Modern sector of the market. Sotheby’s recent Impressionist sale in London was the most successful auction in London ever realising £186.44 million. It achieved this not through any
particular fireworks or special outrider (despite the Monet performing strongly) but by putting together an exceptional group of works, especially the group of works by Monet, valuing them fairly and selling them pretty much mid-estimate every time. In some sense, the surprise was that there was no surprise. There is, however, one lot which deserves special attention: Seurat’s Une baignade, Asnières. This work on paper made £7.8 million against an estimate of £5,000,000–7,000,000. Seurat is not usually an artist automatically associated with the blue-chip, safe-bets, of the art world. He is much less well-known than certain behemoths and yet this drawing is now the record-breaking work of art on paper. It was in perfect condition, the image is very commercial and easily recognisable from the National Gallery’s Bathers at Asnières, as well as being an eye-grabbing image in its own right. The quality of work appears to have been allowed to speak for itself and trump more obvious market forces in this record-breaking auction. Of course the art market is far greater than what transpires at the major evening sales each auction season. There are many great galleries and dealers handling works privately or as representative galleries for the artist. The manner in which the major art fairs have evolved is testament to this and while these fairs have developed into events for the social calendar, the quality and diversity of work being offered is compelling and engaging. Despite the increasing investment-orientated coverage of the art world, we are seeing a return to appreciation of artwork for art’s sake. The fact that many developers specialising in the High-End turn-key residential market are becoming more sophisticated in the artwork they are incorporating into the their developments is in part an acknowledgement to this. Rather than looking at simply decorative objects, many developers are engaging with Advisors and Galleries to provide works, which have a meaningful impact on their environment. This can only be a good thing. It is far beyond anything as crass as buy the house and we’ll throw the Picasso in for free! It is true that Fine Art can be a wonderful investment and genuine means of diversifying an investment portfolio and strategy. With that said, the investment in Fine Art should never take precedence over the artwork itself. As Warren Buffett once said, “It is far better to buy a wonderful company at a fair price than a fair company at a wonderful price”. In simple terms, whether you are a collector, connoisseur, investor or a dabbler, you should focus on the quality of the work at the price point you want to engage. seymoursart.com Photography: Andy Warhol-200 One Dollar Bills
“Keep your love of nature, for that is the true way to understand art better.” VINCENT VAN GOGH
A User’s Guide to Creating a Happy Home - and a Beautiful One. There are three crucial factors to consider when building a home or decorating one, reveals Sandy Mitchell of the RedBook Agency, distilling his firms’ experience into three easy-to-follow steps. You are surely enjoying one of the best feelings known to mankind if you are about to build a new house or decorate one. It is bit a like standing on a high diving board, though. The water below you looks wonderfully inviting yet it is easy to picture what can go wrong. This is the exciting point at which we meet our clients. Then we, Redbook, help them find and select the best possible interior designer, architect or garden designer so they can launch their project knowing they have chosen the ideal creative partners. After working with clients on some 100 projects, we have distilled our experience into this essential guide to success.
1. Choose the best possible talent You will get the best result if you use the finest designers. You would think this hardly needs saying, it sounds so obvious.
Surprisingly, we often hear other ideas: ‘I am thinking of using these architects because they are local’. Or, ‘My friend used this interior designer and liked them so much, I might try the same one’.
It is almost always the case that a wider search for talent will deliver far superior results—if you know where to look. Finding the best talent to suit a particular client is the essence of RedBook’s service. And there is a powerful financial case for using the best creative talent. Most if not all of our clients want their project to increase the value of their home. This is as important to those who plan to enjoy their new property for years after completing their project as it is for others who expect to sell right away. And the surest guarantee of adding value is to use an outstanding creative professional. This matters still more when property markets are soft and buyers are nervous. What distinguishes the best? Excellence of design, detailing and finish.
3. Be decisive Building projects and refurbishments too often take longer and cost more than expected. Take heart. There are many causes of overruns, but one of the most frequent is the easiest to avoid: changing your mind about the design once the building work has begun. The secret here is to take your time getting the designs right—and enjoy this creative process. Then you should ‘freeze’ the design before construction begins so the builders and tradesmen can get on with building without any changes of plan. If you keep these three factors in mind, you are perfectly poised to create a beautiful new house. Now it is time to dive in.
2. Appoint all the creative practices you are going to need at the outset Are you going to need an interior designer as well as an architect? Be sure to appoint both at the very start. Each creative professional’s ideas will feed into and affect the other’s. You will also save a great deal of money, time and trouble if the architect and interior designer work in sync from the outset. When you are creating a garden too, invite the garden designer on board from the start as well. Leaving the garden design until the building works are finished means you will end up living with mud much longer than necessary.
To arrange a compelmentary consultation to discuss your project with Sandy Mitchell, Founder and Director of The RedBook Agency, please call: +44 (0)207 060 6222 sandy@redbookagency.com redbookagency.com
Johnny’s Cay If you are looking to invest in the perfect turnkey island, which can provide stunning and functional properties, along with a sound investment for the future, then look no further than the jewel of the Caribbean, the Bahamas. Within this sought after destination, Chartwell Estates are proud to present the private island of Johnny’s Cay.
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estled against the Sea of Abaco and the Great Abaco Reef, a sea abundant with tropical sea-life and suggested to be the third largest barrier reef system in the World, Johnny’s Cay is the idyllic escape to paradise. Situated alongside Elbow Cay and Man-O-War Cay, Johnny’s Cay is just a 7 minute boat ride from all the conveniences of Hope Town and provides all the necessary utilities direct from the mainland. This amazing island not only offers you private sundrenched white sand beaches with crystal clear seas but also harbours protected pathways surrounded by lush foliage, ensuring easy and relaxing walks around the island. There are two stunning beaches with long stretches of calm and protected deep waters, where you can enjoy all sorts of water sports, while the man-made marina ensures a
safe spot to dock your boat. The offshore reef holds all the wonders of the sea and you are ideally placed for snorkelling and diving to see the wildlife from the deep. The breath-taking accommodation on Johnny’s Cay has been designed and built in traditional Abaco-style. The main residence has two bedrooms, each capturing unrivalled views over the Sea of Abaco and the famed Hope Town Lighthouse, along with a further separate guest house providing accommodation for family and friends. For more information contact estates@chartwell-london.com chartwell-estates.com £4,100,000 $5,995,000 €5,525,000
A peek behind these privileged doors leads to the best Italian heritage has to offer
Italian Heritage
La Dolce Vita
Italy is defined by its centuries of exquisite culture and history. Visitors are drawn from around the world to admire the richness of its architecture and to savour its heritage. Beyond the gaze of most, the grand family estates have provided an oasis of refined privacy for succeeding generations. Italy remains a magnet for the wealthy and discerning from around the world, yet access to the finest properties is not easily achieved.
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hartwell understands your desire to have only the best and we have identified an appropriate Italian expert as our partner. Contessa Allegra Baistrocchi is an Italian aristocrat who has lived internationally yet retained her strong Italian roots. She is a qualified diplomat and a published economist. Her pedigree is impeccable with ambassadors, mathematicians and a pope amongst her influential ancestors. Allegra’s familiarity with the culture and preferences of wealthy international families dovetails seamlessly
with her discreet ability to find the finest heritage homes through the company which she founded, International Heritage. This enables discerning individuals to own a remarkable historic home in Italy. The partnership with Chartwell is a natural fit. International Heritage has access to a wide portfolio of exceptional opportunities where noble families have decided that the time has come for one or two of their properties to pass discreetly to a new owner. Many of the properties confer on their owner access to the society events open only to owners of designated heritage homes.
A perfect example is a grand Tuscan Estate consisting of three wonderful historic properties within 60 hectares of parkland, woodland and olive groves. The estate provides a Medici gatehouse, a 17th century limonaia – traditionally used for storing lemon trees in winter, but today the setting for fashion shows or dinners catering for 500 guests - and the beautiful palladian villa from the 18th century. It is the last sumptuous estate to be discreetly available nestled in the rolling hills of Lucca, birthplace of Puccini. It is the perfect location to entertain, to relax with a glass of Tuscan red wine, or to enjoy the operas, which are performed every day of the year. For some their dream home has always been a castle, complete with ramparts and a drawbridge, where kings have chosen to stay. From its hilltop position, a 10th century tower enables you to survey its 16 hectares of park and vineyard and long views across open tracts of countryside. Within the 5,000 square metres of historic property are a chapel, wine cellar, terraces and courtyards, guest houses, garages and storerooms, a tennis court and a swimming pool. The castle is at the heart of the renowned Piedmont wine-growing region, with its own production of 20,000 bottles each year bringing a whole new meaning to “house wine”. Lake Como has long been sought after by the privileged, dating as far back as Pliny the Younger. Today’s buzz often centres on George Clooney, but more discreetly presidents, sports stars, captains of industry
and the quietly wealthy choose to spend their time there. On the lakeside lies one of the most prestigious and extraordinary frescoed Palazzos, used often for society weddings or simply as a temporary refuge from the pace of everyday life. And if you should ever tire of the attractions of Lake Como then taking a seaplane for a day spent in Venice provides a memorable alternative. The elite clients of International Heritage often have quite specific dreams and Allegra Baistrocchi’s trusted relationships with the most important families in Italy may just result in the ideal property becoming available. Chartwell Estates are very proud to work alongside Allegra and International Heritage as our Italian real estate partners. For further information please contact: allegra.baistrocchi@national-heritage.com or estates@chartwell-london.com
Stamp Duty Land Tax · Inheritance Tax · Annual Tax on Enveloped Dwellings · Capital Gains Tax
PROMPT ACTION NOW could see you speeding away with thousands of pounds in savings
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re-emptive action taken before April could prevent CGT charges happening. Here, David Hannah, founder of Cornerstone Tax, lets you know how – and, he has a great idea for what you could spend your savings on...
pre-emptive action taken before April 2015 will, to the point of almost absolute certainty, prevent the charge from ever arising. This will mean not having to worry about avoiding a change to tax as it will “never have occurred in the first place”.
Changes to Capital Gains Tax (CGT) are fast approaching, with the introduction due in April.
There is no doubt that tax changes are inconvenient. Some current ownership structures were probably intended to avoid the law as it once stood but this is
Many non-UK residents may be tempted to consider waiting until they dispose of their UK residential property to deal with the issue of the UK CGT charge. However, this would be a serious error of judgment. The new CGT charge is effectively “building up” every day you own the property after 5th April. On a £5m London home, based on modest increases in value, this tax charge amounts to the equivalent of a Lamborghini Gallardo for every year of ownership. The UK Government’s attitude to avoidance means that, to an almost certainty, trying to avoid the tax at the time of disposal by means of an artificial scheme will be bound to fail. However,
no longer the case. If the intention was to obtain the maximum pre-tax return from a property then it would be unwise to simply do nothing now. As with all tax matters, it is imperative to seek professional advice and no more so than in this situation, where preventative action can be taken prior to 5th April 2015 to avoid this charge from applying to UK residential assets.
The cost of doing nothing Example: £2.5m property in Central London • Property held by a non-resident individual • Valued April 2025 at £2.5m • Assume CGT rates remain at 28%*
• Growth in value 10% p.a. over 6 years • No further planning is taken on
Scenario 1: Property is sold for £4.429m in 2021 Scenario 2: Owner dies in 2021, leaving property worth £4.429m Capital Gains Tax 28% Scenario 1 – SOLD Scenario 2 – DEATH Our advice**
Inheritance Tax
£540,000
NIL
TOTAL £540,000
£1,771,600
£1,771,600
NIL
NIL
* 2 out of 3 main political parties have pledged to increase CGT to as high as 45% if they win at the next election ** if implemented before April 2015
David Hannah ACA CTA · Principal Consultant 01858 439 033 · DHannah@ctatax.uk.com Tel 01858 439 033 · www.ctatax.uk.com · enquiries@ctatax.uk.com · @cornerstone_tax
TAX ADVICE | BESPOKE PLANNING | MITIGATION
Sunlight Held Together by Water
Owning a vineyard evokes romantic scenes of sipping your own vintage whilst surveying the row upon row of vines on a balmy evening - think back to Ridley Scott’s 2006 movie “A Good Year”. Alternatively the more pragmatic collector might follow the classic rule taught in studies up and down the English public school system: buy 10 cases, lay them down for 10 years, drink and few and sell the rest. Repeat. But there’s a new kid in town that has just blown all of these ideas clean out of the water - enter the Chinese wine connoisseur.
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hina has become the main export market for Bordeaux wines in particular, much to the chagrin of the French. A reported one-hundred Bordeaux châteaux are currently owned by Chinese, with the country now the fifth largest wine consumer globally. In our experience the main interest is around the 10 million euros per domain, with four-fifths of production being exported back to China. Chartwell Estates would be more than happy to guide you through the acquisition of your own vineyard, a process
often deemed time-consuming and complicated. Over the past ten years Chartwell has established in France a wealth of technical knowledge and a vast network of local contacts to assist you in making the decision to purchase/ dispose of your vineyard an easy and informed one. For more information contact estates@chartwell-london.com chartwell-estates.com
shade luxury
www.tuuci.com
t. +31 13 522 0471
e. info@tuuci.eu
Investing in African Real Estate: Q&A with Robert Hersov Robert Hersov is a South African entrepreneur and private investor based in London. He currently serves as Chairman and CEO of Invest Africa, Managing Partner of African Capital Investments, Chairman of the VistaJet Advisory Board and Chairman of Adoreum Partners. Invest Africa is a global private members club with a multi-service platform for access and investment into Africa. The club has 350 members – all of them business leaders at top global organisations, fund managers, private investors and family offices.
Why did you start Invest Africa? Africa is a vast continent with 54 buzzing countries, all bursting with opportunities provided by local entrepreneurs creating fantastic ideas in traditional sectors such as Real Estate, and new-age technology businesses such as mobile banking. 5 years ago these success stories did not warrant attention from money managers but the tide has changed and now subSaharan Africa is receiving decent levels of equity capital, particularly from PE firms. That is one the principle reasons why Invest Africa was established: to source and advise the high net worth / family office investors on those opportunities that offer a fantastic return in markets that are generally misunderstood by the wider investor community. What is the Real Estate opportunity in Africa? The sector is forecasted to provide net annual returns of up to 20% and all dynamics fuelling that growth are fascinating. In residential, a booming middle class, rapid urbanisation and a growing expat community is driving up high-end property prices. This has a trickle down effect into the affordable segment, where activity is robust, particularly in cities like Luanda, where the government is collaborating with the private sector to help fill the massive shortage of housing. We are very excited about the retail space. Not necessarily shopping malls (an area that we believe is getting, would you believe it, over crowded) but more
convenience retail or “mini-malls”, particularly in under serviced second cities. Most countries in Africa still have poor transportation infrastructure and getting across a city can sometimes take a whole day. Convenience malls exploit that unfortunate reality and make shopping accessible and gives flexibility to the consumer. We are putting some of our members into an investment vehicle that aims to do exactly that. They have gathered an unrivalled portfolio of locations, a great group of tenants and will be the market leaders in this space within 5 years. Which country in Africa are you most excited about? We have always been bullish on the DRC. The country is currently in a period of transition but they have a strong group of ‘rising political stars’ that have been trained at tier 1 institutions are highly educated. They are clued up on the benefits of liberal democracy and capitalism and hopefully will rise to the top of the tree. Kinshasa and Lubumbashi are two massive markets; possibilities in these urban hubs are endless providing you team up with the right local partners. We have a strategic partnership with Forum Properties, an African-focused large-scale real estate developer that have an incredible track record in high quality mixedused developments. Their Luano City development In Lubumbashi is the largest real estate project in the region and will transform the city. www.investafrica.com
United Arab Emirates Nurai Abu Dhabi has become a sought after destination for those looking to escape to a peaceful island retreat. Situated on the warm turquoise seas of the Persian Gulf, you will find the white sand coastal beaches of Nurai Island, ideally located and designed with luxury and relaxation in mind. Nurai was developed in partnership with some of the world’s most renowned architects, designers and brands, allowing residents access to all of the Island’s five star amenities including three worldclass restaurants and a private helipad, all just 15 minutes from Abu Dhabi.
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n Nurai you will find your own exclusive haven in the form of the incomparable Water Villa. Decked out in a luxurious contemporary design, the villas boast an impressive internal area of 10,011sqft spread over 2 floors. Designed using the finest materials and advancements in modern technology, the villa boasts the unique features of ceiling to floor windows framing where the sea meets the skies of the United Arab Emirates. Along with the luxury of 4 bedrooms,
5 bathrooms, a gourmet kitchen and a maid’s area, the villa is adorned with a fabulous decked area for unchallenged views of the sunset alongside your swimming pool and your own piece of paradise. For more information contact estates@chartwell-london.com chartwell-estates.com £5,000,000 $7,500,000 €6,800,000
Portugal - Algarve There is a little known gem nestled within the familiar shores of the Algarve. Steeped in history, the unspoilt town of Loule is surrounded by castle walls boasting a 13th Century castle for history lovers amid a maze of narrow cobbled streets.
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estled in an elevated position you will find The Stone House luxury villa. This idyllic country retreat is ideally placed to offer panoramic views close to the heart of the Algarve’s renowned beaches and golf courses. The Stone House is a substantial property offering a 4 bedroomed south-facing villa along with a separate guesthouse and infinity pool. Approached via a well-maintained tarmac road and accessed via electronically operated gates and a video entry system, there is parking for at least four cars. This luxurious property has been designed to cater for the needs and desires of the most discerning holidaymaker. From its impressive heated infinity swimming pool capitalising on the spectacular views surrounding the villa, to the beautiful open-sided pavilion boasting spectacular views of the Portuguese countryside, the villa further incorporates a fabulous brick-built kitchen area and seating for a dozen guests or more. The gardens are beautifully landscaped, well
maintained and benefit from the extensive use of natural stone for retaining walls and steps. The Stone House also comes with the massive benefit of offering the new owners a Golden Visa to Portugal. The Golden Visa programme is a fast track for investors to obtain a fully valid residency permit in Portugal and consequently free access to the vast majority of European countries (Schengen area). Aimed at attracting foreign investment to Portugal,the Golden Visa is a very straightforward and flexible programme, with simple and clear legal requirements. With extremely reduced minimum stay requirements, the Golden Visa is clearly one of the most attractive residency programs for investors in the world. For more information contact estates@chartwell-london.com chartwell-estates.com ÂŁ1,800,000 $2,650,000 â‚Ź2,400,000
Saronsberg A Decade of Wine Excellence – a Lifetime of Commitment Words by NICOLETTE WATERFOR
During the night of 29 September 1969 most of the picturesque little town of Tulbagh and surrounding area was severely damaged by the largest recorded earthquake in South African history. The occasional tremor can still be felt underfoot throughout the valley and it is in this distinctive terroir that Saronsberg has proven the region’s capacity for producing outstanding wines.
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ick van Huyssteen’s dream of building a wine farm led to his acquiring Saronsberg in 2002. In February 2003 a huge part of the farm was destroyed by a devastating fire, which led to the establishing of new vineyards under the watchful eye of newly appointed winemaker Dewaldt Heyns. Saronsberg has a unique diversity of terroir as the farm consists of two distinct parts (originally named Waveren and Welgegund (Die Erf), remnants
of the historical Twee Jonge Gezellen) that stretch from the centre of the valley right up the Saronsberg, the mountain after which the farm was named. The broad disparateness in altitude, aspect, soil type and temperature produces grapes with contrasting characteristics. Replanting of vineyards was carried out to take full advantage of these variations, culminating in terroir-driven wines. Waveren lies across the valley floor. Grapes from this farm form the backbone of the Saronsberg range
because of the more concentrated colour and flavours and firm, tight tannin structure. These characteristics can largely be ascribed to most of the vineyards lying on partially weathered shale soils. Welgegund (Die Erf) lies in the shadow of the Saronsberg, has a higher elevation and is 4 to 5°C cooler than the valley floor. A variety of soil types are found here, sandy loam as well as structured red and yellow clay-loam soils with a varying degree of gravel. The wines produced from these cooler vineyards have more floral notes with greater elegance and form the foundation of our Provenance range, while also serving as blending components in the Saronsberg range. Blending the wines from our different terroirs results in wines with a more layered flavour profile and greater depth. The vineyards are broadly planted in one-hectare blocks while a variety of clones and rootstock combinations are used to further enhance diversity between blending components. With fifteen different cultivars planted on the farm, it is no surprise that blends form an integral part of the Saronsberg portfolio; however, Shiraz remains Saronsberg’s focus – until recently it was the only red varietal bottled on its own. Both the Saronsberg and Provenance Shiraz have proven themselves to be two of the most consistent performers on the South African wine scene. In the design of Saronsberg’s cellar a variety of production facilities and available techniques were
considered, looking to utilise existing technology in an innovative way. Hence practices such as the forcecooling of grapes (the first South African cellar to do so), intensive hand-sorting and the use of gravity during the fermentation process were incorporated. Saronsberg essentially wanted a hands-on cellar that would provide Dewaldt with many options, allowing him to focus on detail while adhering to the original winemaking philosophy. In the Saronsberg range – which consists of a Méthode Cap Classique, a Sauvignon Blanc, a Viognier, a Shiraz, a Rhône-style blend (Full Circle), a Bordeauxstyle blend (Seismic) and a straw wine – this philosophy finds expression in bold wines with powerful fruit components integrated with well-structured tannins. Sourced from the mid-valley region of the farm, the grapes that form the foundation for Saronsberg wines typically offer exceptional flavour and colour concentration. This allows for gentle vinification that maximises the Saronsberg range’s hallmark colour and flavour, without any of the harsh tannins normally associated with over-extraction. Though equal in quality and guided by the same philosophy of fruit-driven elegance, Provenance wines – a Shiraz, a Shiraz Rosé and a Bordeaux-style blend – represent a major departure in style from their Saronsberg counterparts. Reflective of the inherent qualities of their unique origin, these lighter wines – with their finer fruit characters – evidence the true
potential of Saronsberg’s diverse terroir. Currently 22 000 cases, of which 70% are red and 30% white wine cultivars, are produced annually. A total of 51 hectares of vineyards are planted on the two farm portions, supplemented by carefully sourced grapes on some of the wines. Saronsberg, however, offers more than just wine – it offers an experience. The cellar, with its classic Cape Dutch architectural elements, embodies a modern interpretation of the valley’s rich past. The tasting room is avant-garde, with space and light creating an austere interior. The cellar also hosts the Saronsberg Collection, a permanent exhibition of contemporary South African art that suggests an underlying respect for creative expression and unconventional thinking. Artists include Angus Taylor, Colbert Mashile, Diane Victor, Paul du Toit, Norman Catherine, Claudette Schreuder, Rina Stutzer and Walter Battiss. Also keeping watch over the maturation cellar are Farmoo and South Africow from CowParade (the world’s largest public art event). Another attraction this cellar offers are newly renovated, cosy one- or two-bedroom self-catering cottages, fully equipped with their own built in fireplace/BBQ, making it the ideal place to enjoy the breathtaking views of the valley over a glass of awardwinning Saronsberg wine, both in winter and in summer. After a decade of winemaking, Saronsberg is proudly one of South Africa’s finest wine cellars. With a hands-on philosophy and no compromising on quality,
Saronsberg has consistently raked in the awards both locally and internationally over the past decade. It is also this consistency that led to Dewaldt being nominated to the Cape Winemakers Guild, an association of some of the finest winemakers, recognised for their high standards of craftsmanship. “There are very few wines in South Africa that perform exceptionally well year after year. That is what we have established here over the past ten years – wines that do just that!” says Dewaldt.
New York I Love You... The Centurion 33 West 56th Street
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to create the penthouse of your dreams, New York City.
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he Centurion, located in one of Manhattan’s most prestigious neighbourhoods, has been designed by I.M. Pei, the visionary architect behind some of the world’s most imaginative, and iconic structures. Among Pei’s masterpieces are the Pyramid at Le Grand Louvre in Paris and the Four Seasons Hotel in New York. In creating the Centurion, I.M. Pei sought to build on the distinguished heritage of the built environment in New York, further enhancing the city-scape with meticulous detailing using the highest quality materials.
“We describe The Centurion as a bespoke tailor describes his art: a balanced composition of exquisite materials and richly crafted details that will never look old or dated,” said L.C. (Sandi) Pei. “This project was an unprecedented opportunity to design a building as a work of art in a prime area of New York City that pulsates with life.” No other metropolis in the world compares to New York City, the centre of sophisticated, cosmopolitan living. With its illustrious social scene, the finest dining, style, arts and entertainment, New York offers limitless lifestyle choices. “New York is to the nation what the white church spire is to the village - the visible symbol of aspiration and faith, the white plume saying the way is up!” E.B. White
An opportunity exists to purchase one of the three Centurion penthouses or all three as a combined residence at the price of $39,000,000. The options are limitless given the possibility to design the three penthouses to precisely meet your individual requirements. To elaborate - this equates to a super triplex apartment in excess of 9,000sq ft of prime New York Real Estate consisting of ten bedrooms and ten bathrooms. L.C (Sandi) Pei is personally at your disposal to explore this outstanding opportunity. The Centurion is an elegant, exclusive condominium enviably located amid the galleries, luxury merchants, world-class restaurants and hotels of one of Manhattan’s most prestigious and cosmopolitan neighbourhoods. Ideally located at 33 West 56th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, the Centurion is the only ground up condominium project in New York City designed by Pei Partnership Architects and I.M. Pei. From the world famous Museum Mile along Fifth Avenue, the most coveted retail outposts on Madison Avenue and trendy Soho, the eateries along the Meatpacking District, to brilliant performances by internationally acclaimed talent at the Lincoln Centre, the variety of attractions and activities is truly infinite.
With a population of 1.6 million residing in an area of about 34 square-miles, Manhattan represents the epitome of big city life. Brimming with theatres, museums, restaurants, universities, quirky neighbourhoods, and historic attractions, Manhattan is the ideal living choice for those who truly enjoy the urban lifestyle and the culture that comes with it. Chartwell Estates is offering this once in a lifetime opportunity in collaboration with Elisa Marcoi, the UK affiliate agent of New York Residence Inc. – one of the leading (boutique) Real Estate brokerage firms in Manhattan. For this or any other real estate enquiries you may have in New York City we would be pleased to assist you and to accompany you to view The Centurion Condominium and the penthouses. Please contact us at: estates@chartwell-london.com £27,000,000 $39,000,000 €36,000,000
Discoveries from the Den. Brett Gregory-Peake Shares Epistles from Inside the Agency. THE PRINT REVIVAL Some 20 year ago, I arrived at Vogue House for my internship with GQ. At the time, it represented a world of opportunity; access to parties, premieres, designer goods and all kinds of fanciful trappings often idolized by a naïve imagination. Typically, the mirage didn’t indulge reality but some published work did emerge, including an article on carp fishing and a risqué encounter on public transport. Needless to say, the journalism career was short-lived save for some freelance work, replaced instead by a new quest that is now etched in binary code on Linkedin. Two decades on and the world has come full circle, as I’m back in the ‘field of dreams’ as Editor of the Adoreum Magazine and launching our sixth edition. Despite the threat posed to print by the digital age, I have found that the two are actually quite handsome bedfellows. Tablets and mobile devices deliver greater accessibility, convenience and
connectivity to digital publications, where embedded content can be shared and popularised through our cherished social media environments and quickly circulated to a list of believers. Print though is very much alive and more relevant than ever. It’s exciting again, almost rare in a world where everyone is online with access to self-publish tools and cheap creative. We pretty much created our magazine by accident. The moment we printed it, we found our clients wanted one too. Print is back as a mark of excellence. THE POWER OF BRAND In Feb 2013 we pulled off a shoot for a residential development in Mauritius called Royal Park. It was the underdog amongst the competitive set, who were streets ahead in terms of development progress and in some cases aligned with well known brands. We realized the importance of delivering something different and
a style that would position the project in a premium context. We needed to compete in the same category and we needed to deliver brand credibility without the same brand associations. Equipped with clothes kindly lent by Ralph Lauren and photographer Jonathan Glynn Smith, we set off to capture what we had determined by this time was the true essence of Mauritius, and now Royal Park. Thanks to our local production team and a little spontaneity, we pulled together an assortment of toys including a seaplane, a beach buggy and multiple powerboats to create our dream sequence and illustrate the developer’s vision. Two years on and the project is now one of the most successful on the island and developing new phases at pace. Last year we won the Best Development Marketing award for our work. What it illustrated was the power of branding and the storytelling to seduce and sell. The world may have gone through an economic car crash but that hasn’t changed people’s ability to wonder, and believe in something that’s presented appropriately.
landed, there was a small sense of panic and a murmur of discontent. Needless to say, we rubbed down the white board, rolled up our sleeves and pinned a cracking idea to the board. The campaign wrapped, printed off ‘leave-behinds’ in hand and USB armed, we head off for our slot, neatly packed into the end of the day and number seven on the list. We are waiting eagerly for our moment to shine while number six agency finish up. Suddenly, there’s laughter - damn, they’re getting on. Then, through the glass partition, we notice that they are cool, fashion agency types and have been allowed to run over by 45 minutes. Doubt and pressure ensues as you are left to consider, are we funny, are we cool and is the idea any good? As the other agency emerges, there’s a quick moment of judgment and competitive recognition in the 15ft stare. Whatever the result, the old fashioned print roster process keeps you on your toes, generates positive energy and stimulates creativity. It helps of course that we won. We’ll have a few more of those please.
THE RETURN OF THE PITCH ROSTER Last week we received a pitch brief from a leading property brand seeking help to launch their new development. I come from a media agency background where the walls were built through big pitch wins and creative one-liners, therefore this was nothing new. However, today, much of our work comes through word of mouth and recommendation, so when the brief
Brett Gregory-Peake is a Director at Adoreum, an insight driven business development and marketing firm that works with developers and property brands to enhance lead generation and sales. www.adoreum.com
PETER SIMPSON, GUINNESS BREWER
Sub-Sahara Africa (SSA) Is Going ‘Mainstream’ Sub-Saharan Africa is a rapidly growing investment theme and its dynamics will increasingly impact on both developed and other emerging markets. The region is particularly interesting to investors on account of both the demographics, the rate of change of the markets and the low correlation with developed and emerging markets. The May 2000 cover of The Economist carried a picture of Africa titled ‘The Hopeless Continent’. In March 2013 that changed to ‘Africa Rising’ with a feature concluding that the reforms and investment would soon bear fruit. The time is now as the investment is increasingly coming from international investors and with it the technology and transparency of dealing in the markets. Sub-Sahara Africa (SSA) is going ‘mainstream’.
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ub-Saharan Africa is defined in investment terms to exclude the Arab countries of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) which have more developed markets with their own dynamics after the ‘Arab Spring’. ‘Pure SSA’ is normally taken to exclude South Africa, which dwarfs the rest of the region with an equity market capitalisation nearly three times its GDP. Nigeria,
whose economy overtook South Africa last year to become the biggest in Africa at $500bn, has an equity market of only 20% of its GDP. Ghana is 7%, Kenya is 40% and the global average is 87%. There is plenty of ‘room to boom’. The GDP growth rates in SSA are exceptional as 7 of the world’s 10 fastest growing economies are in SSA (IMF). Clearly it’s easier to move that needle from a low base (as
per the debate on Chinese growth at the other end of the spectrum), but that only supports the momentum argument. Furthermore the diversification of that economic growth is pronounced, with Nigeria deriving 80% government revenues from oil whilst Kenya has a consumer-driven economy which has seen the equity market mimic the linear ascent of the S&P in recent years. Low oil prices benefit the East and Southern Africa economies, which are all fuel importers. In 2012 there were an estimated 800 million people living in SSA. The IMF forecast that to more than double to 1.7 billion by 2050. Africa is the second biggest continent in both land mass and population. Half of those people are under 20 years old, compare that to the ageing population in developed countries. With labour costs 2-10% of European, US and Japanese rates, that will help drive increases in productivity. Key metrics including life expectancy, literacy, GDP-percapita rates, economic freedom, corruption metrics, conflict and levels of urbanisation are all improving. Clearly these have not had a uniform basis-change across all of Africa’s 53 nations, as corruption is still a major problem and violence touches too many lives. However more and more countries are successfully making the transition from authoritarian regimes to stable democracies. 30 ruling parties or leaders have been democratically removed by voters from 19912011, compared to only 1 peaceful transition of power from 1960-91. Investment in SSA is happening internally and externally. Foreign direct investment flows (not aid) have had a bigger
impact on financing strong growth with $54bn in 2015 ($37bn in 2012), growing faster than any other region in the world. Debt markets have developed substantially to finance much investment across the continent. The banking sector is particularly developed in Nigeria and Kenya. Infrastructure projects from private equity funds funded by Sovereign Wealth Funds, DFI’s and pension funds have improved power & generation, transport and telecoms networks, but much more is needed. International investors are increasing allocations to equities. A few years ago that investor base was 40% US, 40% European and 20% South African. Now it is increasingly about the US investor as reforms are implemented. SSA ex-SA is estimated to be 1520% of the frontier markets arena and both US hedge funds and pension funds are building positions in anticipation of the ‘next China or India’. The low debt to GDP ratios of the frontier African countries are increasingly attractive. SSA Equities averaged across countries are one of the few areas where prices are still lower than the 2008 peak, yet earnings are higher. The low correlation between SSA equities and other regions helps fund managers reduce volatility of returns and increases the potential investor pool. For more information contact cobus@africamerchantcapital.co.uk www.africamerchantcapital.co.uk
Michael J Christian lived and worked in Europe & Southern Africa, working in the mining industry and then in commodity derivatives before joining Chartwell Estates in 2012. Michael took over the running of Chartwell Estates in 2014 with a view to bringing the highest level of service to its clientele around the world.
Francis Holmes has a background in art history but plies his trade in property on a day to day basis, bringing his design skills to our clients’ projects. Francis continues to keep a keen eye on the art world, when not enjoying his two guilty pleasures Cardiff City FC and the Welsh Rugby Team.
Chartwell Estates is a Private Brokerage and Advisory Service for UHNW individuals and families. The company operates as a bespoke office for the discreet acquisition or disposal of property-based assets, both privately and off-market. We only deal through established contacts, networking globally with private individuals, families and professional advisors. Through our trusted network we also provide a broad range of specialist advisory and management services that are complimentary to our clienteles’ requirements. For enquiries or if you would like to feature or advertise in a future issue of Portfolio please contact privateoffice@chartwell-london.com in the first instant for further information.
Orville Wright taking first flight with brother Wilbur running alongside at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, 17 December 1903. Image credit: WSU/planepix.com
A feW SeleCt peOple HAve beeN gIveN pArt Of tHe WOrlD’S fIrSt AIrCrAft. preSIDeNtS, AStrONAUtS AND ANyONe WItH A bremONt WrIgHt flyer. the bremont Wright flyer is a tribute to the Wright brothers’ famous aircraft. It’s remarkable to look at. but what makes it even more remarkable is that it features actual material from that very first aircraft. the watch also features another first: our first proprietary movement, the bWC/01. the Wright flyer is available now in a limited edition. but it’s unlikely to be available for long.
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guests are curator Okwui Enwezor, photographer Iwan Baan, the founder of Lagos Photo Festival Azu Nwagbogu and designer Cheick Diallo. The exhibition has been years in the making. Over a two-year research period, numerous think tanks and interviews were held in major African cities such as Lagos, Dakar, Cape Town, Cairo and Nairobi. During these sessions, some 70 designers, artists, researchers, architects, gallery owners and curators were consulted. Making Africa – A Continent of Contemporary Design is an exhibition of the Vitra Design Museum and the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao.
For further information visit: design-museum.de Vitra Design Museum Charles-Eames-Str. 2 D-79576 Weil am Rhein T +49.7621.702.3200 F +49.7621.702.3590 info@design-museum.de Visit masseriapetrarolo.com for further details.
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Chartwell Journal
Twelfth Edition
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Presenting Casa Forma From Casa Forma’s London Portfolio
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Chartwell Journal
Twelfth Edition
Chartwell Journal
Twelfth Edition
Paul Smith Meets The Defender
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n iconic British brand - synonymous with style meets a utilitarian staple vehicle Paul Smith meets the Land Rover Defender. This one-of-a-kind bespoke vehicle has a palette of 27 individual colours - many from the signature Paul Smith palette. Smith states “I wanted deep, rich colours, but at the same time, I wanted them to work together yet be surprising.” This model of Defender is out of production from December this year. Seats are a mix of leather
upholstery and fabric. There are several other elements of Paul Smith design thrown into the mix including a branded clock and a bee hand-painted onto the roof, noting “My designs are known for their attention to detail, so I didn’t want this Defender to be any different.” Sadly this vehicle isn’t going into mainstream production or even as a limited edition model.
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Mr. Chartwell www.chartwell-media.com pressoffice@chartwell-london.com
Buffalo Trace Bourbon masterclass at TwoRuba Discernible drinkers, like oneself, will know that all bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon. If you’re tripping up on your tipple knowledge or just want to learn more about the versatility and beauty of bourbon, join Buffalo Trace for an exclusive taste experience at stunning and sophisticated bar and lounge, TwoRuba, Tower Bridge. Buffalo Trace has spent almost 250 years perfecting their craft and creating fine bourbon whiskey with timeless tradition. Running on the first Wednesday of each month, from 6.30pm - you learn about the characteristics of bourbon from one of America’s most established bourbon producers in a masterclass. Settle in for the evening with a welcoming whiskey sour cocktail as you hear about the rich history of Buffalo Trace.
TwoRuba
Guests are invited to taste five different whiskeys within their award-winning range, alongside canapés to complement the flavours found. £20 per person.
SOURCE - the Traveller’s must-have companion
Mr Chartwell acquaints with Clooney’s Tequila
One can now not live without Source, the lifestyle app that can deal with all your lifestyle desires and needs in a matter of minutes. You can tell Source what you want and they will connect you instantly and directly to the industry expert or merchant of the goods or services you require, who will help advise, inspire and manage all of your lifestyle needs and who you can purchase through directly. For instance, if you wish to book a holiday, Source can become your personal travel agent by connecting you straight to their travel expert who quickly learns all of your travel preferences, needs and desires and will find you a holiday that you will love. So if you want a private lodge in the Namib Desert, where every night the stars are visible all the way down to the horizon, or a Tuscan hotel where your children can learn to make their own pizzas for tea, Source can connect you with the tap of a fingertip. What’s more, whilst you are on the app talking to your travel agent, Source can look after all of your other lifestyle requests, so through the app you can organise a dog-sitter while you are away, or fill your fridge for your return, book your taxi’s to the airport or even send a personal shopper out to do those last minute holiday buys for you. Source is set to become the ultimate lifestyle companion for the busy man or woman about town. Membership to Source is priced at £200 per year.
This Spring sees the launch of George Clooney, Rande Gerber and Michael Meldmen’s world renowned Casamigo’s tequila in Selfridges. Translated in Mexican to ‘House of Friends’, the tequilas name is a homage to how the brand was formulated. “We worked on the creation of Casamigos Tequila with our master distiller in Jalisco, Mexico, for years and held many blind tastings until we knew we got it right. We’ve been drinking Casamigos with friends and family for over six years,” says Clooney.
SOURCE www.casamigostequila.com
Pankhurst Pankhurst is a brand one is finding very intriguing at the moment. Most recently this fabulous London barbers have launched their very own product range on Mr Porter. At Pankhurst having your shave or hair styled here is more of an experience than a necessity. Reclining in a bespoke leather Bentley upholstered chair whilst being groomed leaves one feeling truly relaxed and indulged upon departure. The shop has recently moved to Carnaby Street. 10 Newburgh Street, London, W1F 7RN
Clooney’s Tequila www.source-lifestyle.com
Chartwell Journal
Twelfth Edition
Onyeka Ibe Words by FRANCIS HOLMES
Onyeka Ibe initially found success at the tender age of 16 when he was invited to exhibit his work at the National Gallery of Modern Art in Lagos. Born in Eastern Nigeria, Onyeka now lives and works in New York City, and exhibits in galleries worldwide.
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aving graduated in Fine Art from the university of Benin, Nigeria his works bring together elements of his native Africa and combines them with Western influences. His works vary between purely representational depictions and the more abstract pieces. His style though does not change, Ibe’s distinctive palette is reminiscent of Africa’s rich, earthy tones and his treatment of light and colour add a touch of warmth and intimacy. Chartwell sat down with Onyeka to discuss his work,influences, growing up in Nigeria and plans for 2015. How old were you when you decided to pursue art as a profession? For as far back as I can remember, I have always had an interest in art. It also helped that my Dad was an artist as his encouragement fueled my passion for pursuing art as a profession. To what extent do you believe growing up in Nigeria has impacted your work? My work is impacted by my environment as well as my experiences. My Nigerian upbringing is a big part of who I am so in many ways; it’s influenced by that. For example, in my most recent series, I reflect upon my childhood experience of growing up in Eastern Nigeria. The new series draws ideas from the structural element of houses in West African villages and explores the traditional architecture of using low-grade sand and mud for houses. Was there one particular person who mentored you and inspired you to keep pushing ahead with your art education? Over the course of the years, there are many people that have shaped my journey as an artist. One of those people is my Dad, who was also an artist and art teacher. He was my greatest influence and a mentor who fueled my passion for pushing ahead with my art studies. Looking through your portfolio of work, it is evident that there are definite differences in the way you treat light, however the palette and tones you use seem to be consistent – are you reflecting the tones and colours of Nigeria in your work? The color palette brings a painting to life, and I tend to draw upon my African heritage as inspiration. Through the years, I have been pretty consistent in my choice of palettes and tones and often push the needle by exploring with different materials, forms, and lighting.
You have cited Pablo Picasso and Jackson Pollock as great influences on your work in the past. Who do you most admire in the art world and what influences have inspired you to push yourself forward in your artistic endeavour? I am a student of my trade and have a lot of respect and appreciation for many artists. Some of the artists I admire are the “Young British Artists, or YBAs” led by Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin as their evocative works are very inspiring. I also admire the work of El Anatsui, who is one of the most notable African artists working today. His work refocuses our attention to the casual sights of trash within our environment. He converts found materials into a new type of media that lies between sculpture and painting, combining aesthetic traditions from his birth country, Ghana and the global history of abstraction. Do you sit and plan particular ideas for your next set of works or do you find inspiration comes more naturally? Do you already have future projects mapped out? My thought process in producing new work is always evolving and not always predictable. Sometimes inspiration comes from the most unlikely and unexpected places and sometimes it is more planned. You have referred to yourself as a multi-media artist and have worked with “found objects” as one of the preferred mediums you like to work with. Do you see yourself working with “found objects” more in the future or reverting back to more traditional mediums? Throughout my career, I have explored a wide range of ideas and media. Currently, I am more focused on experimenting with found objects as this medium gives me room to experiment with a vast amount of material.
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How would you like the people of Nigeria to view your art? Do you still have particular links with Nigeria or is this something that you would like to explore in the future? I want the people of Nigeria to see my work as one that is ever evolving but rooted in my African heritage. My works are influenced by my experiences, so a large part of that is my African heritage. I also have works that are influenced by my western experience, so those works have a bit of a different flair and technique. Do you think living away from Nigeria, in the long-run will influence your art and the direction you want to go in? I currently live and work in New York City, which is one of the most exciting and diverse cultural landscapes in the world. Having the opportunity to develop my methodology and technique against this backdrop gives me a very interesting and unique perspective. I think my collective experiences as a person and artist will continue to influence and shape the path that I choose to walk. How important do you think a formal art education is for young artists just starting out on their artistic journey? I think it’s good to have some form of formal art education to get a good understanding of the basics and history. While some formal art education is good, it is not a substitute for talent and passion for the trade. Can you tell us what’s in store for you in 2015 and when and where you will be exhibiting? 2015 is already shaping out to be quite exciting and busy as I have a couple of upcoming shows and projects I am working on. My next show is in April at one of my galleries in Connecticut. ibefineart.com
Chartwell Journal
Twelfth Edition
Dreaming of Dakar Words by NOVA WOODROW
When looking for a once in a lifetime adventure you might not automatically think of jumping on a motorbike and heading 2,500 miles across some of the most dangerous and remote areas in the world...but in this issue Chartwell meets two men who, along with their cameraman, did exactly that.
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for me was riding through the desert. I always had this picture in my mind of riding over dunes with nothing else around, no plants, just nothing but sand. That’s how it was, just yellow dunes. D: Do you know that thing where you watch a movie and there’s a sandstorm and you think they must have added effects? Well we really experienced one and it was literally sand until you couldn’t see a thing.
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akar Dreams is the resulting documentary film (and TV series) of what turned out to be a life changing trip to Africa. On this three week trip were celebrity Danny John Jules (famous for his role as the Cat on Red Dwarf and his current role as Dwayne Myers in the BBC’s Death in Paradise) and Motivational speaker and Adventurer Graham Hoskins. Throughout the trip there was a strong focus on supporting the awe inspiring charity that was co-founded by F1 motorbike champion Randy Mamola, Riders for Health. This charity have saved countless lives by providing motorbikes that can take life saving treatment to patients all over the Gambia. Dakar Dreams makes for incredible viewing, what an adventure! What made you decide to do this trip and make a film about it? G: We’d already done a trip through North Africa and the Middle East two years before we made Dakar Dreams. We were sat chatting in a tent and asked each other, if we did another one where would we go? I made the suggestion about trying to follow one of the old Dakar rally routes and it was almost a throw away comment but it stuck. D: It stuck for a long while! G: We both loved North Africa so we said we would do something else there and explore a different part... D: Yes, something a bit more comprehensive ‘The’ Africa trip.
So you followed the Dakar Rally route but not at the same time as the rally, is that right? G: We did a very broad approximation of it. We did a lot on tracks and roads rather than all offroad through the desert. D: To do the Dakar Rally on a bike takes years of experience and training, you can be a biker and do off-road stuff but that is not the same as doing the Dakar Rally. That’s like swimming in a swimming pool and then wanting to swim the English Channel! G: I spent half an hour riding off road yesterday and I was shattered, let alone ten hours a day doing it! D: Dakar Rally is the big boys stuff. Africa is an amazing place, what for you was the lasting memory of the visit? D: The reception of the local people and their generosity definitely. I mean for instance, in Morocco we just walked into a village in the middle of nowhere, there were people making baskets and going about their daily business, ordinary everyday stuff and then we got invited in for a cup of tea... G: which turned into lunch! D: There wasn’t a stitch of furniture in the house, they didn’t appear to have anything, but out came a couple of tiny wooden stools and tea and bread. What they had they shared with us. That was the lasting memory, these guys had nothing but they were willing to share what little they could offer us. G: I’d absolutely agree with that. The other one
So if you were to say that you had encountered any problems, a sandstorm would have been a major one I guess. Did you encounter any other problems on the trip? D: Well you have to remember that this was about a year before the uprisings in all the countries we had just ridden through. So border control was a nerve wrecking experience. Mauritania was especially scary. There was a road block and we turned up to see four strapping young men with AK47’s. G: You are sat at a border and they are filling in your details and checking everything, then they hold their hand out for (what is essentially) a cash bribe whilst the other hand is on a rifle. D: You think at first ‘I’m not paying this guy any money’ but there’s a couple more guys in the background wondering around with their AK47’s, you don’t really want to argue. G: We had some mechanical problems as well... D: Yes my bike had problems in no man’s land in-between Morocco and Mauritania. It’s known as a place you are not supposed to stop. All you can see are burnt out cars that have been blown up by mines and people sneaking around. That’s a place you do not want to break down! We had a clutch go on another bike too and Graham and Tom had to double up on one bike for a leg of the trip...it was pretty hairy to be honest. So did you have a certain amount of knowledge already of mechanics in these situations or did you need to seek help? G: Well we had a tiny bit of knowledge D: Of course the main difference is that in England, if you break a part you nip down the road to the garage, get a new part and job done. In Africa they have to fix everything, not just get a new one. We stopped to get my sensor fixed and this guy gets a spring out of a ball point pen! Then he gets into his car, goes down the road where there is another guy who does soldering, it comes back and it’s not quite working so they go back and forward, in the end it took a whole day! You can see this on the DVD and literally watch darkness fall as we finally get it fixed. On the film you can see three grown men dancing around in a circle celebrating the fact that it’s all done! It was like kids getting Christmas presents, we were so happy at that point.
Chartwell Journal
So the charity that you did the ride for, when you went to visit to see them it must have been an emotional moment, how was that? G: We rode for a couple of hours over hard terrain, red clay like earth and a mixture of jungle and barren land until we arrived at these huts where tiny children were being brought in to be weighed and treated. D: We were on big powerful bikes but the journey to the hospital off road was possibly the hardest bit of the ride. It was mud and then clay and then soft sand. For them it is a day’s work to get there before you have even got to work and they (the people who work for Riders for Health) do that all the time. The charity not only gives them bikes but teaches them how to maintain them, otherwise they just wouldn’t last very long at all. Randy Mamola, who started the charity saw all these bikes in a pile when they went to visit Africa and knew they had to help them maintain the bikes in order to make it work. G: The Gambia is the only place in Africa where everyone has access to health of some sort because of this charity. D: These people would walk such long distances to reach any kind of help, we just don’t even think of having to walk miles to get to a doctor. People can lose their life to something that we just nip to the chemist for here, it’s such a totally different experience. It must have been quite a humbling experience to be there and to see what people go through just to get the medication or care that we all take for granted in the UK. D: Definitely, you get there and you just think, what on earth do I moan about? You get back to England and realise that 90% of the stuff you talk about and hear and the stuff people get stressed out about, it’s so petty. I think everyone should go and do one of those trips because it certainly changed my way of thinking about things. As another biking friend of mine said when I was stressing about something really small, ‘Dan, are you kids healthy?’ and I just froze and stared at him, you think back to the trips and you just think ‘boy, you know what? Half this stuff isn’t worth worrying about’. You realise that there are things that matter, like health and your children and things that don’t. G: The thing that struck me, in terms of the people and how it changes your life and changes your view on things, was that I got home and was still in that place of being smiley, friendly and open with everybody because that’s how every body was with us. You start doing that when you come back here and people just look at you like you are a bit strange! D: It’s funny because when you are there, you are
Twelfth Edition
allegedly in some of the most dangerous places you can be in in the world but they are so kind. Final question for you...I know that you camped out a lot on your trip, there must have been some great camp-fire chats, can you share one of them with us? D: That’s got to be the Magnificent Seven! G: Oh yes! It’s one of these wonderful things that you don’t expect to happen, I took a wrong turn and about a mile down this road there was a big gravel area beside the road with seven bikes there. When we looked closer we could see they were English bikes and it turned out there were seven English men on a jolly around Morocco and we spent the next day and evening with them. We had fantastic fun with them. D: It was amazing, just thinking back to that night and sitting around talking, ten English guys in the middle of Morocco over looking a lake. I built a fire and we were all standing around the fire with Vodka cocktails! Last year I was at a bike show and ran into three of the guys we had met that night. One of them who had been the life and soul of the party was there, we swapped numbers there so we could catch up and tragically just three days later he died of a massive stroke at the age of 52. That was the first time we had revisited that trip and remembered what a great time we had that night and then he died, it was awful. I still have the last text from him the day before he died. G: It was really sad news, I went back to all the footage we had of him during the trip and put together a DVD for his wife so she could see it. We had such a fantastic time.
Precious memories are what these life changing trips are all about and that is an incredibly poignant one, thank you for sharing it with us. To end the interview can I ask you Graham, as the main organiser, a few quick-fire questions: Favourite Bike: My 1997 Honda Fireblade. The place you would most like to live in the world: My house! And finally...in four words, Africa is...? A place everyone should visit, whoops that’s five words, is that ok? I think five words for someone who can organise such worthwhile trips and share them with the world is not enough, but hopefully we have shared just some of your words here and thank you both for your time and boundless energy in telling us all about beautiful Africa and it’s wonderful people. If you missed the amazing TV series ‘Dakar Dreams’, you can purchase the DVD featuring all the fantastic adventures they had on the trip here: adventurebiketv.com
Stamp Duty Land Tax · Inheritance Tax · Annual Tax on Enveloped Dwellings · Capital Gains Tax
PROPERTY TAX HAS CHANGED Non Residents on borrowed time
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ew proposals for non-residents owning UK property have been announced and a summary of the impact is given below.
From April 2015, non UK Residents selling UK residential property will be subject to Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on future sale: • Regardless of value • To gains made after April 2015 • At a CGT rate of up to 28% (see below) Alternatives are available to those already exposed, but action is needed prior to April 2015 to ensure no tax is incurred.
Rates of Tax The government has now published the proposed rates of tax to be charged on non-residents from April 2015. They are: • Individuals – Up to 28% • Trusts – 28% • Companies – 20% Paying the Tax You will only have 30 days to: • Notify HMRC of the Sale • Calculate the Gain • Submit a Return • Pay the Tax Due BUT: If you already submit a UK selfassessment Tax Return, then you can submit your Return and tax calculation: • After the end of the Tax Year (5th April) as normal • Pay the tax on the normal due date (31st January after the Tax Year) With a complex tax regime, the taxation of property investments in the UK has changed significantly in
recent times. Investors should make sure that they obtain the most up to date tax advice on issues relating to real estate. Cornerstone Tax is a proactive tax advisory firm, specialising in property taxation in the UK. We pride ourselves on being at the cutting edge of developments in all areas of property tax including: • Stamp Duty Land Tax • ATED “the Mansion Tax” • Inheritance Tax • Capital Gains Tax
David Hannah ACA CTA · Principal Consultant 01858 439 033 · DHannah@ctatax.uk.com Tel 01858 439 033 · www.ctatax.uk.com · enquiries@ctatax.uk.com · @cornerstone_tax
TAX ADVICE | BESPOKE PLANNING | MITIGATION
Chartwell Journal
Twelfth Edition
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There’s Still Nowhere Like It Words by NICHOLAS ANDREW
Stuck for a bit of dinner party conversation? Not if you mention “London property prices”! You could add that some say on 5 December last year more contracts for the sale of properties in top price bracket areas like Belgravia and Knightsbridge were exchanged than on any day in the past decade. However that day will soon come to be seen as the end of a long period during which buying and holding residential property in the UK was a cheap process compared to the position in many other capital cities and the UK tax changes announced that day, and subsequently, look certain to cause concern as and when owners of London residential houses and apartments realise their extent.
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ost 5 December 2014, purchasers of high-end residential property will pay purchase tax (aka Stamp Duty Land Tax or SDLT) at a much higher rate than previously when its top rate was a flat 4 per cent on all the excess purchase price over £1.5m. Now banded rates apply for cost levels up to £1.5m (which helps buyers of lower priced properties which predominate outside the London region) but, where any of the price now exceeds £1.5m, a flat 12 per cent rate applies thereafter. For example, a £5m apartment now suffers £513,750 of SDLT compared with £200,000 on 5 December – hence the rush that day. Buying residential property in a company is also expensive as SDLT then applies at a flat 15 per cent rate. Turning to other changes announced since 6 April 2015 which impose new tax costs on holding UK residential property, one of the most fundamental is a complete about turn to the current position where a UK non-resident individual disposing of UK residential real estate in his own name is outside the scope
of UK capital gains tax. From 6 April 2015, as well as individual owners finding themselves in the capital gains net, trustee and partnership owners also need to check on their position too. The UK’s Capital Gains Tax (CGT) rate is normally 28 per cent on any material gain. Here the good news is that the gain on which it will be applicable for such existing non-resident holders of real estate is to be calculated as being that arising post 5 April 2015. The obvious message to such owners is to commission one, or preferably two, open market valuations of their properties as at 5 April 2015 as HM Revenue & Customs has an immense database of valuations and a reputation for arguing long and hard about what it often claims are taxpayers’ underestimates! Merely producing a few copies of April 2015 agents’ sale particulars for properties in streets near yours will cut absolutely no ice with HMRC re a sale in say 10 years’ time when you are fixing the 6 April 2015 CGT base value. In the light of this change it should be possible from 6 Apri 2015 for UK non-residents to elect for their UK house or apartment to be their main residence and so be CGT free. The danger here is in substantiating that a London apartment or house really is one’s “main” residence, and particularly if done on the factual basis of actual usage days, as one could then be adjudged a UK tax resident for income tax purposes too. For many non-residents this may well not be an attractive proposition! Traditionally, most UK non-residents “nondoms” purchased UK residential property via a company structure or a company with an overlying trust, thus avoiding the danger of a UK estate/inheritance tax liability on death as happens where UK property is owned personally. However, from 2013 this “envelope” structuring has run into the obstacle of a new annual (and index linked) tax on companies holding properties if, as from 6 April 2015, valued at over £1m (which is to be reduced from 6 April 2016 to £500,000). This tax is called ATED (or the Annual Tax on Enveloped Dwellings) and applies to UK residential property which is neither held to be rented out or developed. The tax cost is now £23,250 p.a. for a £2 - £5m property rising to £218,200 p.a. for a property valued at £20M or more! Furthermore, there is also ATED capital gains tax at 28% applying to gains on a sale, albeit restricted to the gain arising post 5 April 2013 only. Tax avoidance here is simple i.e. do not use corporate ownership for unlet residential properties.The only problem here is that personal ownership of residential property
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leaves an individual exposed to UK inheritance tax at 40 per cent on death (or, sometimes, following a gift) and for those with existing corporate structures in place, especially where offshore loan finance is also involved, there is a risk unless one plans very carefully, that either or both of CGT and SDLT may be triggered in any remodelling of that structure. Prior to summer 2014 loans to a UK resident “non-dom” and secured on offshore income/ gains, were treated in the UK as not being UK taxable as remittances. However, this changed on 4 August 2014 for all new loans whilst all loans existing then will be swept into this category too from 5 April 2016.The other major change from summer 2014 for owners of UK residential property is no longer being permitted to claim a deduction for UK inheritance tax (on death or gift) for loans secured on it if they are held or invested outside the UK. To get a deduction the repayment funding must come from the UK estate itself even if this entails selling UK property to provide it. The complexities resulting from the above tax changes mean that there is no one size fits all solution. Sensible planning can help secure the best of the available structures for you but the overall tax take faced by non-resident owners of UK residential property is almost certain to be higher going forward. Despite the above, London residential real estate continues to offer a range of valuable qualities such as physical security, a liquid market, risk diversification, currency diversification, a sound legal system of title and transfer, access to the most vibrant and sophisticated capital city in the world and ……. brilliant shopping and dining! There is indeed, simply nowhere like it! The above is a precis of complex taxation and legal areas. You must not act on it without first taking specific tax and legal advice tailored to your own personal circumstances. February 2015 nicholasasandrew@yahoo.com
Chartwell Journal
Twelfth Edition
Mayfair’s Penthouse
Chartwell Bespoke are pleased to announce the appointment of a new project in the heart of Mayfair.
Words by PAUL JOHNSTON
The works, due to commence in the second quarter of 2015, comprise the renovation and enhanced fit out of a Penthouse Apartment. The scope of the works includes an extension of the landlords existing lift, new bathrooms, new flooring, windows, bespoke joinery and integrated AV solutions.
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ppointed directly by the Client, Chartwell have been entrusted to assemble the designers and specialist contractors to enhance the property from it’s early 90’s feel to a modern, contemporary classic style. The works will commence once all necessary approvals have been sought. Chartwell will manage all consents, including Planning, License to Alter and Building Regulations approval.
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Renovation in Knightsbridge Chartwell Bespoke have signed a contract to undertake enhancement works on a property located in the heart of Knightsbridge. The existing 4 bedroom apartment format, shall be transformed into a high specification 3 bedroom property. The property owners want to create a more open plan living arrangement, allowing for a more spacious environment, coupled with the use of luxurious materials and latest technologies. Chartwell have been commissioned to commence the project in March 2015 and are in the process of finalizing landlords approvals and Planning Consents. The works will commence promptly with a full strip out of the existing finishes, ready to transform the property into a modern, classic design style. The entire works are scheduled to complete in October 2015.
Chartwell have assembled the designers and in the process of procuring all specialist contractors and long lead orders. Chartwell Bespoke operates in London and UK, and specialize in renovating high-end properties for its discerning Client. Chartwell manages any size property renovation, typically contracts above £500,000. Should you wish to undertake any development, renovation project or property enhancement – make contact with Chartwell Bespoke. Paul Johnston Chartwell Bespoke Director +44(0)207 952 6366 office@chartwell-london.com
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Chartwell Journal
Twelfth Edition
Chartwell Procuring & Purchasing Department Words by LEE SHERMAN
In the midst of many companies is a procurement/purchasing department, involved in the day-to-day smooth running of their particular organisation. The Procurement department may be involved in numerous projects as part of their everyday operations.
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he main role of the procurement/ purchasing department is to acquire all necessary materials needed for production and daily operations for the running of projects. Chartwell Bespoke & Chartwell Africa specialise in highend refurbishment and construction which necessitates the purchasing of some of the finest materials and services across the globe and are therefore always looking for quality suppliers of high end furniture, materials, fittings and bespoke services. Having projects running in some of the finest locations in the UK, Europe and Africa allows for an interesting array of different styles and materials to be sourced, evaluated and purchased. Always interesting, challenging and extremely rewarding when a client has his or her expectations surpassed. Continuous evaluation is a major role of the purchasing arm of any company, here at Chartwell, there has to be a balance of value, and quality of service without ever compromising the high quality finish that the Chartwell companies are renowned for. We send out various packages of a project to tender, this might be for marble, kitchens, lighting, windows etc, we evaluate on quality of item, service and then price factor, quality and service is paramount followed then by price, which has to be competitive. Negotiating is an intrinsic and important part of securing the right items at a competitive price and at the same time making sure that lead times, transportation to site and communication regarding sequence with the Project Director of each project to assure continuity is all aligned. Time factors are crucial to any project being a success or failure. Therefore, accurate purchase
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orders, accounting communication and prompt payments, all combine to allow successful continuation for any project. The purchasing department works in conjunction with the accounts department to handle all paperwork involved in purchasing and delivery of supplies and materials. Following the correct protocols are key in an efficient Procurement department succeeding. A number of points that contribute to accurate and correct compliance include communication, budget approval, the correct sign off for key items when purchasing for a clients specific choice of material or item, and agreed terms in writing. Here at Chartwell, Lee Sherman and his team head up the Chartwell Procurement department and are responsible for all the aforementioned for our London, Europe & Africa projects. Lee and his team are always on the lookout for quality companies to add to our evergrowing database of unique, bespoke, highend suppliers.. We are keen to hear from any Bespoke companies – Please feel free to get in contact via office@chartwell-london.com. Lee Sherman Chartwell +44(0)207 952 6366 office@chartwell-london.com
Chartwell Journal
Twelfth Edition
Leon Gray Words by HELEN JOHNSTON
A Seasoned Project Manager with over 40 years in the industry … Leon Gray first joined Chartwell some two years ago and was here to experience the initial development of the London operation.
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uring his first year at Chartwell, he spearheaded the highly successful transformation of one of Chartwell’s most prestigious London projects - One Hyde Park. The property was completely enhanced in the summer of 2013. Since then, Leon continued to focus primarily on the management of various renovation projects for Chartwell in London. During the summer of 2014, Leon and Chartwell parted ways for what only turned out to be a period of 6 months. An Engineer by profession, he graduated in 1978 and went on to work on civil and infrastructure projects for various London Boroughs. By the early 1990s, he had established his own construction company operating within the M25. During the early part of 2000 he worked on fit out projects for Commercial and residential Clients. Leon Gray, who recently celebrated his 60th Birthday made his return to Chartwell in January 2015. Now back, full of optimism and confidence for the achievements at Chartwell Bespoke during his short absence, he now heads up two renovation projects for Chartwell’s highly prestigious Clients. He is focused on delivery of a high-end residential project in the heart of Belgravia and will also manage a project in Kensington. Chartwell Bespoke Director, Paul Johnston, who first worked with Leon in 2010 says: “Leon is a character, it’s great how he connects with the contractors and the Client, but has Chartwell’s interests in mind at all times. He is 100% reliable and committed. Rightly or wrongly, I can call him on any day and at any time and he answers the phone. I would say he is one of London’s finest Project Managers”. Outside of work, Leon is committed to his family. An avid Tottenham Hotspur fan, he is passionate about football as well as spending many a weekend playing golf.
EX CELLENC E
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B E S P O KE
CO N S T RU CT ION
R E N OVAT I O N
Chartwell Bespoke provides design and build in both residential and commercial sectors within London and the surrounding areas. Chartwell Bespoke have an experienced team based in our New Bond Street office who specialise in, Conceptual Design, Structural Engineering, Project Development, Renovation, Refurbishment, Interior Design, and Property Maintenance.
London: +44 (0)207 952 6366
office@chartwell-london.com
www.chartwell-bespoke.com
Chartwell Journal
Twelfth Edition
L端rssen Family Built Luxury Words by FRANCIS HOLMES
Investing in a yacht can be a dream purchase, perhaps a one-off indulgence for your retired years or a family acquisition in order to travel the world. Whatever your prerogative, becoming a yacht owner should be an enjoyable and satisfactory experience and is also the ideology that luxury shipbuilder L端rssen pride themselves on.
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ounded in 1875, Lürssen is a German family business in its fifth generation of shipbuilding. From their early manufacturing days, they have become market leaders, launching the first motor yacht to the world in 1886 and over the years have notched up numerous accolades including the ‘Motor Yacht of the Year’ award in 2010. Their founding father Friedrich Lürssen described Lürssen as ‘a company leading in quality and performance’ and the Lürssen group today have certainly upheld his vision. The current CEO, Peter Lürssen, was recently interviewed regarding Lürssen’s construction of the luxury yacht Quattroelle,. Peter spoke with pride about how Lürssen involved the input of the family acquiring the Quattroelle. He praised how three generations of the client’s family visited the shipyard during the construction of
their yacht and how it mirrored the family values Lürssen have built their business upon. During their 140 years as shipbuilders, Lürssen has manufactured an estimated 13,000 vessels. This is no mean feat considering Lürssen’s ships are custom-built, ensuring that each customer receives a unique experience. From the offset, Lürssen will place absolute discretion and importance on making the customer’s vision for their yacht into a reality. With their wealth of experience and uncompromising attention to detail, each yacht is given the same high standard of technological and aesthetic quality. It all begins with the client’s thoughts, wishes and dreams and finishes with their realization: a custom-built yacht like no other. The client selects from proposals, developed by internationally leading designers and the
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realization of these ideas remains the top priority. The yacht is built at one of Lürssen’s three shipyards – each specialized in a specific size of vessel – by highly skilled Lürssen craftspeople, technicians, naval architects and specialized engineers. In 2013, Lürssen manufactured Azzam. At 180m long, it became the world’s largest yacht with an impressive top speed of 30 knots. She was manufactured in the record breaking time of under three years. The variety of Lürssen manufactured yachts are a cut above the rest ranging in size from 60m to 180m. Along with their wide range of superyachts, Lürssen has also been paramount in the production of naval ships such as fast patrol boats, frigates, minehunters and fleet support vessels. No other shipyard in international waters has
Chartwell Journal
Twelfth Edition
designed and manufactured anywhere in the region of naval vessels that Lürssen have supplied internationally. The Lürssen brand is set to go from strength to strength having made such a prominent mark on the shipping industry up to now. In the last quarter of 2014 Lürssen delivered three yachts: • •
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The 66 m Ester III is characterized by a very masculine appearance and vertical bow. The 95 m Kismet is built for a repeat client and her external living spaces are numerous and generous and have been laid out for both charter and private use in mind. The 104 m Quantum Blue has a most elegant and graceful exterior design and despite her massive volume she maintains her elegant look.
In 2015 Lürssen will deliver a further two custom-built yachts, one very different from the other, a 91 and a 123 m yacht. With the importance of family values and by putting the customers’ needs first, Lürssen continued success is set to extend. Whether you are an experienced yachtsman or a novice to the sea, Lürssen’s commitment to innovative yacht designs set them apart from their competitors. www.luerssen-yachts.com
CON T I N U I T Y
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Chartwell Maintenance offers a comprehensive service, specifically tailored to client’s requirements. Regular maintenance is essential for the fabric of any building: This includes all aspects of servicing, lifetime renewals, preventative maintenance, inspections and emergency maintenance. With this comprehensive service, clients’ can be confident that their investment is in safe and hands. Dedicated teams oversee all projects, offering a wealth of hard-to-equal expertise and skills, bespoke to requirements and often beyond client expectations.
London: +44 (0)207 409 0549
maintenance@chartwell-london.com
www.chartwell-maintenance.com
Chartwell Journal
Twelfth Edition
On your Marques, Get Set For Monaco 2015 The race is on for the start of Top Marques Monaco 2015. The world’s most exclusive live supercar show, to be held over four days from 16th to 19th April at the Grimaldi Forum - a stunning glass-domed structure on the edge of the Mediterranean. Chartwell Media are delighted to have been reappointed as the media partner for Top Marques supercar show.
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eld annually in heart of Monaco, the capital of innovation and luxury, manufacturers come from all corners of the world including America, Russia, Finland and the UK. Top Marques Monaco in 2015 marks the 12th year in the history of the supercar show, now considered by many in the auto industry to be the unrivalled niche exhibition for unveiling their latest technologies. Manoj Bairstow, Managing Director commented: “More and more supercar manufacturers are choosing the backdrop of Monaco to launch their products over other more established auto shows, and this is testament to the success of Top Marques.” He added: “Top Marques would not be possible, however, without the continuing support of the Principality of Monaco and our patron, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II.” Christophe de Backer, CEO of Edmond de Rothschild Group, one of Europe’s oldest banking institutions and returning for the third consecutive year to Top Marques commented: “We are very excited to be part of this prestigious annual event which shares our ambition for excellence by exposing some of the most state-of-the-art products in the world.” Earlier this year a record breaking 36,000 people visited Top Marques 2014. VIP visitors enjoyed more than 200 test drives on a section of Monaco’s F1 GP circuit, and one of the only events in the world where you can: see it, buy it and drive it. Few details of the supercars to be launched at the show have been revealed, except this teaser image of the Toroidion 1MW Concept, designed and handmade in Finland. The new, innovative, ultimate performance electric power-train is suitable for comfortable daily driving as well as for serious Le Mans racing, where safety and performance comes first. LARTE Design will present the premium electric car Tesla Model S with a re-designed exterior featuring light and strong tuning components made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic, as well as face-lifted interior, new forged large wheels and a unique sound effect. The supercar provides its future owners a great opportunity to
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express their individuality. Despite meeting the highest environmental standards, the supercar offers 691 hp and is said to neither compromise driving fun nor quality. For the USP of this highly-acclaimed show, which will also this year feature the world’s most advanced prototype of the AeroMobil flying car, is that potential buyers can test drive vehicles during the exhibition on a privatized section of the famous Formula 1 Monte Carlo Grand Prix circuit before they sign on the dotted line. The prototype of the AeroMobil will be on display only. Automotive pioneer Henry Ford famously predicted in the 1940s, that it was only a matter of time before a flying car was invented: “Mark my words, combined airplane and motorcar is coming. You may smile, but it will come.” The Slovak team behind who developed the flying car AeroMobil, which launched last October at Vienna’s Pioneers Festival, have chosen Top Marques as the venue to reveal the latest chapter in its ground-breaking story. The first model will be a high-end luxury product combining a high performance car and a full-fledged small aircraft, produced in a limited edition. Expected to be issued with its full airworthiness licence within weeks, can currently reach speeds of up to 160 km/h on the road and once sky-bound accelerates to 200 km/h. The two-seater prototype, which can take off from speeds of about 100km/h, runs on regular fuel and has a range of 800km. We at Chartwell look forward to welcoming you to the 2015 Top Marques supercar show, Monaco. www.topmarquesmonaco.com Tickets can also be purchased via www.grimaldiforum.com
Chartwell Journal
Twelfth Edition
The Tour Odeon Words by VIVIEN ROSE
As Monaco prepares for its first high-rise since the 1980s, the Tour Odeon is a double-skyscraper being constructed by Groupe Marzocco SAM. The sculpted 170 metre double tower will rise to a magnificent 49 storeys - one of the tallest residential towers in Europe.
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he buildings’ aesthetic look and positioning which now blocks the views for the adjacent Beausoleil residents has come under much scrutiny and criticism since the projects inception. Nevertheless the project has continued as planned with construction being finally approved for by the Monegasque Parliament (the ‘Conseil National’) on February the 12th 2009. Completion is anticipated for Spring 2015. The stunning scheme features 70 exceptional apartments, two magnificent 1,200 sqm (12,900 sq ft) sky duplexes and a spectacular 3,400 sqm ( 37,000 sq ft) penthouse arranged over
five floors with a private swimming pool. All of the apartments are located between the 20th and 49th floors and feature floor-to-ceiling glass walls and elegant terraces which offer breathtaking panoramic views over Monaco city and the glistening Mediterranean. The sophisticated interiors by leading interior designer Alberto Pinto are stylish and tasteful – enhancing space and making the most of the tower’s abundance of natural light. The finest natural materials such as marble, bronze and wood have been used throughout – with the very highest interior specification and the latest technology integrated.
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position close to the French border, above Larvotto to the eastern end of the Principality. It is just a few minutes walk from Monaco’s landmark destinations including the Place du Casino, the world famous Hôtel de Paris and Hôtel Hermitage. Monaco boasts no less than five Michelin starred restaurants, Monaco’s famous boulevards, such as Avenue Princess Grace and its Carré d’Or boutiques offer the very best in luxury shopping. www.odeon.mc
A 24/7 dedicated concierge service will be available to ensure residents enjoy a five-star hotel experience on a daily basis. Every possible need has been considered, including a stateof-the-art business centre for residents, an entertainment area with a private movie room and lounge, a chauffeured limousine service and a luxury on-site supermarket. Residents of Tour Odeon will enjoy the ultimate luxury lifestyle. The development includes a wellness centre with private spa suites, a hammam, sauna, Russian bath, a well-equipped gymnasium and a choice of swimming pools. Tour Odeon is ideally situated for experiencing all that Monaco has to offer. It sits in an elevated
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Chartwell Journal
Twelfth Edition
The Much-Awaited Royal Twins of Monaco Make Their Debut Words by VIVIEN ROSE
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n the last edition of the Journal we touched base on the anticipated arrival of the Royal Twins, and in an official statement released 10th December 2014, the Palace informed the people of Monaco and residents of the Principality that “In celebration of the joyous arrival of these two children, and without distinction, forty-two cannon shots (twenty-one for each child) shall be fired from the Fort Antoine and church bells shall ring for fifteen minutes, followed by boat horns.” Monaco declared a public holiday on January 7th to celebrate the birth of twin heirs, Prince Jacques Honore Rainier and Princess Gabriella Therese Marie born the 10th December 2014.
The Royal Palace was illuminated in red and white, to celebrate the arrival of the twins. An official proclamation signed by Albert confirmed the twins’ birth and was displayed at the entrance to the Palace. The babies, made their public debut - from the balcony of the Palais Princier in their parents’ arms.
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Chartwell Journal
Twelfth Edition
Think It. Feel It. Do It. Words by SHIRLEY PALMER
We probably all know people, either at work or in our personal lives, who are really good listeners. No matter what kind of situation we’re in, they always seem to know just what to say – and how to say it – so that we’re not offended or upset. They’re caring and considerate, and even if we don’t find a solution to our problem, we usually leave feeling more hopeful and optimistic.
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eople like this have a high degree of Emotional Intelligence (EI). They know themselves very well, and they’re also able to sense the emotional needs of others.
Over the last decade science has discovered a remarkable amount about the role that emotions play in our lives. Researchers have found that more than Intelligent Quotient (IQ), your emotional awareness and abilities to think, feel and act determine your success and happiness in all walks of life, including relationships. Being aware of your emotions can be difficult; at times it can be overwhelming... You need to be able to step back and see what you are experiencing, accept the emotion and then choose more positive thoughts and behaviours to enhance your level of happiness. The key to accepting your emotions is to do what you need to do despite what you are feeling. Accept and learn from your feelings, but don’t let them run your life. By remaining productive during difficult emotional periods, you are more likely to improve your emotional state than if you do nothing. This is why emotional intelligence is a far better predictor of success in life than IQ. If you’ve got a super high IQ and extremely low control of your emotions, you simply will not manifest your highest potential. Here are eight simple ways to improve your emotional intelligence: 1. Journal. Write down your thoughts and feelings daily it can have a profound and positive effect. 2. Ask yourself: How do I feel today? Check-in with your sense of your overall well being and give yourself a daily score from 0 to 10. Notice if on one day they seem very different and explore why. 3. If you are not sure how you are feeling, ask someone else. From time to time you may be so caught up in your emotions that you cannot assess how you truly feel. Ask someone you really trust, they will notice how you are communicating and coming across to other. You may find the answer both enlightening and surprising. 4. Connect your feelings with your thoughts. Pay attention to your feelings, if something feels a little out of the ordinary allow yourself to
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investigate it and fully understand where it comes from and whether it is true or not. Listen to your body. Ask yourself what that knot in your stomach is about, or the ache in your shoulders. Could it be stress? If so, what from? Noticing butterflies in the stomach – is that a positive feeling? Remember we all have different feelings manifesting in different ways in our bodies, ensure you give yourself time to explore, feel and appreciate them. Tap into your unconscious feelings. One way to
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do this is to pay attention to your dreams. Write brief notes and notice where they have recurring patterns or where they are charged with emotion. Alternatively you can try free thinking, let yourself feel relaxed and allow your thoughts to wander freely, and then watch where they go. Don’t critique your feelings too quickly. Healthy emotions can rise and fall and fade naturally, allow yourself to acknowledge and think them through rather than just dismissing them. Shift your focus. Acknowledge when it is time
to shift your focus from a negative emotion or feeling. It is important to be in the present and not stuck in the emotion. So take some time and tune in to how you feel, register your emotional intelligence and you and your business could be much more successful. Shirley Palmer is CEO of Shirley Palmer International Ltd, which focuses on maximising potential in both businesses and individuals. She is a Transformational
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and Business Coach, Mindset Master, Speaker and Author. She works with CEOs, senior management teams and professionals positively changing the direction of their business and/or personal life. Shirley is running a series of “Discover You” Retreats in Marbella – Spain, Dubai – UAE, and Palm Springs – USA, in May,June and July this year. More details can be found at www.shirleypalmer.com
Chartwell Journal
Twelfth Edition
A Head for Business Words by BEN FOWLER
In the like and share world of social networking the bold-statement-newsbite is king. Immediacy and impact are preferred to depth and balance, functioning as an easily digestible and propagated abridgement that is often passed off as truth without further analysis from the reader. The more dynamic and polemic the headline, the more likely it will go viral. It should be noted here that viral is a fine metaphor. “Virus” hardly suggests a reasoned world-view, rather a singularity of purpose, as contentious as they are contagious. So when several studies in the last few years correlated similar personality trends between surveys of successful entrepreneurs/CEOs and psychopaths, the over-simplified tweets practically hashtagged themselves. These days, it seems, everyone is a news anchor.
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o should wealthy captains of industry start to worry? The most widely used criteria for psychopathology was formed back in 1941, in a world so very different to today, so perhaps we should update the process by merely asking everyone for their bank balances. Unfortunately, they say if you need to count your wealth you are not a millionaire, so this may prove ineffective. But aside from the dangers of viral news-sharing and the bias of tenured academia toward the business world, at best estranged bedfellows, what can we learn from recent attempts to dissect the essence of success? Perhaps a poor choice of words. Let us instead consider the benefits of living by the aphorism to know thyself. One of the correlates made was that of lessons learnt from failures. Here we can see what a difference interpretation can make, psychopaths are notoriously poor at learning from their mistakes, often repeating patterns of behavior despite failures. However, an inability to learn from mistakes is entirely different from the attributes of passion and resilience that are often found highly marked in successful entrepreneurs and CEOs. Let us consider the case of Steve Jobs, a fine example of the idiom “nothing succeeds like failure”. In the 1980s his vision of 3D modelling software that would revolutionize communication and defense led to huge commercial and personal loss, but refusing to give up on his work, he was saved by a small animation department called Pixar, which grew and grew, and was eventually sold to Disney in 2007 for $7.4 billion. The difference between a refusal to give up on a vision and
an inability to learn from mistakes is often a question of time and the ability to adapt that vision as the temporal geography changes, shaping the idea to fit changing times. Indeed, a successful business mind seems to have a spacial and temporal “zoom lens”. A lens that can pan out to larger aspects of a given enterprise, then zoom-in to smaller tasks and goals. Similarly able to focus in on short-term goals, then expanding to work with much larger time frames. Consider that few people now, 33 years later, discuss that when Bill Gates delivered a 2nd hand code he purchased for $25,000 to IBM the entire thing was completely rewritten before it became known as Windows. A sense of decisive timing and the development of a comfort level with uncertainty and ambiguity seem important ingredients in our businessmind distillation. Resilience in the business world is not an inability to learn from failure, but the ability to evolve on our path rather than deal in absolutes, either charging on blindly or surrendering the path altogether. One trait that contrasts with the criteria associated with psychopathology involves how we play with others. A brief consideration of psychopathy in the workplace reveals trends of behavior that revolve around an inability to cooperate with team members in a mutually beneficial environment. A successful, modern business mind however often displays a strong sense of self that is unthreatened by being around talented, driven people who supply skill sets that differ from and compliment their own. The benefits here are obvious. Again interpretation is the key here, a strong sense of
self is not the same as a strong ego. Sir Richard Branson runs Virgin like a venture capitalist fund, with a philosophy of spread the work, spread the wealth. In a true example of knowing thyself, he has often stated that his dyslexia is his greatest attribute, preventing him from micromanaging because, well, he can’t. In a true example of working to your own strengths and letting others work to theirs, his approach is defined by his claim that “If I could read a spreadsheet, I wouldn’t have done anything in life”. Know-how is good, know-who is better. Quick note: Although hearing other voices can be a vital help to you and your team in getting ahead, remember upon hearing imaginary voices in your head it is vital you seek help for the sake of you and your team. Finally, when we consider the importance of the two elements that we have identified, endurance and collaboration, we imply a third- to functionally cooperate effectively over extended periods of time a level of balance is required. Having a balance in your life, giving yourself personal time away from the responsibility of position facilitates the deployment of your other advantageous traits. I’m fairly sure Branson does this by regularly listening to Tubular Bells – hey, whatever works. To compartmentalize and differentiate the person from the job is often a necessary skill; again misinterpretation of this ability can occur. Power requires responsibility; it is what the job imparts on the person. Do not mistake making the hard decisions for a lack of empathy, rather than not being governed by it - conscientiousness is a key personality trait found frequently among the successful. In any case, the ability to learn to switch off, relax and find a level of equilibrium between your working and personal life is probably the best advice for anyone who doesn’t want to fail psychopathological testing. If you are going to do this by checking into a hotel just check it’s not part of that Bates franchise first – the shower facilities are awful..
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Chartwell Journal
Twelfth Edition
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Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.
The Power of Speech Words by VICTORIA SHEPPARD
2015 is the year we celebrate 50 years since the death of the most celebrated Prime Minister in our history - Sir Winston Churchill.
A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.
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oday, Churchill’s infamous quotes are widely used amongst younger generations, on social media, as words of wisdom and by international, influential leaders as inspiration for their own speeches. Before Churchill became our great wartime leader he would tirelessly observe and research great speeches made by former global leaders and even visit the House of Commons to listen to the ‘politician of the day’ speak. Unlike many leaders past and present Churchill wrote all of his own speeches. We take a look back at some of Churchill’s greatest speeches and quotes of all times…. “You ask, what is our aim? I can answer in one word: Victory. Victory at all costs—Victory in spite of all terror—Victory, however long and hard the road may be, for without victory there is no survival.” - House of Commons - May 13th, 1940 “The day may dawn when fair play, love for one’s fellow-men, respect for justice and freedom, will enable tormented generations to march forth serene and triumphant from the hideous epoch in which we have to dwell. Meanwhile, never flinch, never weary, never despair.” - House of Commons - March 1st, 1955
“Even though large tracts of Europe and many old and famous states have fallen or may fall into the grip of the Gestapo and all the odious apparatus of Nazi rule, we shall not flag or fail. We shall go on to the end, we shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender.” - House of Commons - 4th June 1940 Though no date or location of the very famous Churchill quote “If you’re going through hell, keep going” can be found, it is one that has a resounding repetition in today’s society. This is not often in a political context but a phrase commonly used by people in troubling times.
Chartwell Journal
Twelfth Edition
Chartwell Journal’s ‘In The Know’ Events of 2015 London Coral Reefs: Secret Cities of the Sea 27th March - 13th September Natural History Museum Defining Beauty: The Body in Ancient Greek Art 26th March - 5th July British Museum Rowing: The Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race (The BNY Mellon Boat Race) 11th April Putney Bridge (at the start) Duke’s Meadows and Chiswick Bridge (at the finish) Virgin Money London Marathon 26th April The route runs along the south of the Thames and then the north side after crossing the river on Tower Bridge. From Greenwich and Blackheath to Buckingham Palace, runners pass some of the capital’s famous landmarks, including the London Eye and the Tower of London. Rugby: European Challenge Cup and Champions Cup Finals 1st - 2nd May Twickenham Sadium May Fayre and Puppet Festival 10 May 2015 Convent Garden Museums at Night 14th - 16th May Various venues Marcello Lo Giudice 14th-30th May Opera Gallery London Football: FA Cup Final 30th May Wembley Stadium RHS Chelsea Flower Show 19th - 23rd May Royal Hospital Chelsea
Horse-racing: Royal Ascot 16th - 20th June Ascot Racecourse Chestertons Polo in the Park 5th - 7th June Hurlingham Park Trooping the Colour: The Queen’s Birthday Parade 13th June Horse Guards Parade Tennis: Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships 29th June - 12th July Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Club
Monaco Spring Arts Festival 15th March - 14th April Venues include: Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, Opéra de Monte-Carlo, Sporting Monte-Carlo, Oceanographic Museum, Auditorium Rainier III, Galerie Marlborough and the Théâtre des Variétés. Tennis: Monte Carlo Rolex Masters 11th - 19th April Monte Carlo Country Club Monaco Formula One Grand Prix 21st - 24th May Circuit de Monaco, Monte Carlo
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Adventurous Experiments Whitley Neill Gin’s incomparable taste and unforgettable aromas can be experienced in the following signature serves. Inspired by Africa, made in England.
African Sundowner
White Lady
Ingredients 1 shot of Whitley Neill Gin 1 shot of triple sec 2.5 shots of orange juice Topped with soda
Ingredients 2 shots of Whitley Neill Gin 0.5 shot of Triple Sec 1 shot of freshly squeezed lemon juice 10 ml of gomme syrup 1 fresh egg white
Glass Sling Glass Garnish Mint & Grapefruit Method Build over ice
Glass Coupette Garnish Edible Flowers Method Shake all ingredients with ice and fine strain into a chilled glass
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Oceana Hosted at London’s Phillips Auction House, the event supported Oceana, an international organisation focused on protecting the marine habitat and restoring the ocean’s productivity. The evening’s guests enjoyed canapés, a series of marine-inspired cocktails and wine provided by Drinksfusion and Barefoot Wines, and a highoctane fashion show which featured sustainable designers including Christopher Raeburn, ADA + NIK, Rapanui, Juniper Lai, Auria London and Rose Fulbright. Model Daisy Lowe participated in the catwalk show itself, as well as Ben Goldsmith, whilst roles were reversed as model Edie Campbell watched on proudly as boyfriend Otis Ferry walked the catwalk. The evening also saw an exclusive guestappearance from Oceana CEO Andy Sharpless, who spoke about the organisation’s efforts to help make our oceans more biodiverse and abundant, as well as an exciting live auction conducted by Phillips Auctioneer Henry Highley. Stephanie Bilet said: “This event is a unique way to use fashion to support a cause that I believe in. Oceana’s International approach to protecting our oceans is urgently needed, and fashion is a fun way to draw attention to this important work.” Fashions for the Future was made possible by the generous support of the event’s sponsors and underwriters including; Phillips Auction House, Paperless Post, Lagunitas IPA, Drinksfusion, Barefoot Wines and WickerWood. Following Fashions for the Future, guests headed off to 5 Hertford Street for the exclusive after-party. VIP attendees included: Pixie Geldof, Nick Grimshaw, Sir Bob Geldof, Newton Faulkner, Edie Campbell, Daisy Lowe, Gabriella Wilde, Jack Guinness, Sabrina Guinness, Astrid Harbord, Henry Conway, Otis Ferry, Tolula Adeyemi, Brent Hoberman, Ben and Jemima Goldsmith, Ozwald Boateng and Percy Parker. WHEN Thursday 19th March 2015, from 7pm to 11pm WHERE Phillips Auction House, 30 Berkeley Square, London, W1J 6EX
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DINING Spring is upon us Furs at the ready! The rain is calming and spring al-fresco dining beckons. Al fresco is one of my favourites ways to dine. I love nothing more than taking in the Mayfair scenery and of course people watching. I thought that I would take this opportunity to share some of my favourite spring venues with you. French: Le Boudin Blanc & Truc Vert, Italian: Babbo & Cecconi’s, Japanese: Roka, Shisha-ing: Mamounia Lounge, Cigar Terrace: The Arts Club & an all-round favourite: Scott’s Where to be seen: Kitty Fishers, Shepherd Market, W1 www.kittyfishers.com Where to hide: Babbo, Albemarle Street, W1
Mayfair Office Girl
www.babborestaurant.co.uk Where to cocktail: Luggage Room, Duke Street, W1
About Mayfair Office Girl Mayfair Office Girl is a guide to Mayfair including an up to date directory, showcasing real-time news, top tips, reviews and recommendations for Mayfair and the surrounding areas. www.mayfairofficegirl.com
SPOTLIGHT
www.lugguageroom.co.uk
Shepherd Market 5 Hertford Street’s long-awaited opening in 2013 kick started a much needed re-invention of Shepherd Market, which is set to continue with latest opening Kitty Fishers.
GRACE
www.shepherdmarket.co.uk FASHION Classic to concept The british brands are jumping on-board and so should you! Duke St Emporium opened in 2014, Anya Hindmarch opened a temporary mini-mart with complimentary Mr Whippy’s. Dolce & Gabbana also opened their Barber service here in 2013. www.dukestreetemporium.com A new era for Burlington Arcade More international brands are arriving, the longserving British brands including jewellers are depart and more tourists are visiting. Burlington Arcade is undergoing a little reincarnation. Chanel Beauty, La Perla Menswear, Maison Michel and Linley are new to name a few. www.burlington-arcade.co.uk
The Mayfair Bunny My beloved Mayfair Bunny, Grace turns four this year and the last 12 months have been an quite adventure for us both. We are now regulars at Cecconi’s on Sundays, can be found relaxing in the tranquil Brown Hart Gardens and enjoying some retail therapy in Duke Street, South Audley Street and of course Bond Street. Grace has lived an eclectic life so far having resided in the surrounding areas of Mayfair and been fortunate to enjoy the former Harrods Pet Spashe now travels to The Pet Spa, Fulham. More Grace adventures coming soon…
Workspaces With
Massimo Gismondi
Massimo Gismondi is both CEO and the creative force behind Italy’s leading luxury jewellery brand, Gismondi. Massimo has transformed Gismondi into a breath-taking international luxury brand, with stores across Europe. Founded in Genoa in 1754 by Giovanni Battista and Pietro Gismondi, the family-owned business is renowned for its imaginative, contemporary and captivating pieces created with an exquisite attention to detail and design flair. Chartwell sat down with Massimo’s to uncover his creative side, and to learn Gismondi’s Silversmith history, the love he has for his family, clients and local landscape. Albert Einstein famously said that “if a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, then, of what is an empty desk a sign of?” You have a lot going on in your workspace, is it always like that? Yes it is. My work desk reflects my work. Most of the time when I’m creating one of my designs, I always need to have my work books around me, I need to check every detail. Where I’ve already seen one detail I’ll be checking my work books, photos & sketches. Tell us what you’re doing in the image? After deciding on the final drawing, I’m selecting the emeralds, sapphires and diamonds, and positioning them on the sketch. During this test I can double check for the size of the stones and the final layout. Following this we can proceed with the production of the jewellery piece. Did you have a hand in designing your office space? I designed my office myself, small and comfortable. In my opinion too big is too dispersive. I’ve been inspired by all the different offices I have visited around the world not too dissimilar to the ones from which I buy gemstones. In our business is very important to keep close to the client, to feel their emotions meaning the work environments are definitely very important. That’s a very interesting silver ornament on the shelf behind you, what is it? Does it have any sentimental meaning or is it a part of your trade? I love Jewellery and precious stones, but my family heritage goes back 260 years where we started as Silversmith’s. So I have some sentimental reasons for keeping the ornament as it relates to my family identity.
I see you have a sketch of a necklace on your desk, how long will it take you to produce? We dedicate most of the time to designing and prototyping. We change many details during this time. The sketch you refer to of a necklace will take more than 100 hours before we begin to produce it. The production has to be developed step by step. I would estimate that it takes around 500 hours from the first design to when the necklace is ready to sell at our boutique. Your office is based in Portofino an area renowned for its beauty; do you draw any inspiration from the local surroundings? Yes of course. The landscape around Portofino peninsula is really amazing and inspiring. Part of our collections have been inspired by the Portofino colour palette. The contrast between the deep blue sea surrounded by the intense green vegetation is spectacular. This combination of colour can be found in our designs. Usually I find my inspiration from nature and from the people I meet. What is your favourite item of Jewellery to design? Do you enjoy working with any particular gems or materials? I can’t say, I love rare stones and when I develop a design, I’m always thinking of the right solution to valorize them. I’m constantly challenging myself to find new designs to improve the beauty of the stones. The women, wearing my jewellery want to express themselves and I want the jewellery to express them! Who inspires you and how did you get into the industry? I was lucky to have the opportunity to work in the
family business since I was 16. Although at the time I was studying, in my spare time I could often be found in the family store. My inspirations are my wife, my team and the collaborators who have embraced our ambitious project. In my opinion to do my job or to work in the jewellery industry you have to feel it, inhale the workshop air and with that the passion grows; I’m very lucky have inherited my family business. Is there anyone in particular that you would like to collaborate with? Honestly, I already have an amazing team to collaborate with, but I am always excited and open to work with anyone who has an appreciation and love of the industry. Tell us how the trade has changed since you first started? What are the challenges and innovations that affect the industry today? Today’s world is non stop and ever-changing. We have to innovate and challenge ourselves on a constant basis to stay one step ahead of our competitors and customers. What have you got in store for 2015 anything exciting that we need to know about? My dream is to continue to develop Gismondi outside of my city, my country. I would like to introduce our name overseas. We are developing new and exciting proposals, but I cannot reveal too much right now! 2015 will be a year of great news! www.gismondijewellery1754.com
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