Home House Magazine by Azzy Asghar

Home House

KASABIAN FRONTMAN TOM MEIGHAN

GOLDEN BOY

A TOUCH OF LUXURY

LOVE OR MONEY

MAGNIFICENT SEVEN

Olympian Colin Jackson

Pop Star Marilyn

CEO Robert Ettinger

Simon Callow

HOME HOUSE 1

WELCOME

s it just me or was this September one of the finest in recent memory? November is upon us and next to the swallows leaving, the most reliable sign that winter is truly approaching is the sight of the Raj tent being carefully removed and stowed away for warmer times next year, to be replaced by her (I think it’s a “her”?) bigger and sturdier cousin, the Winter Marquee. Celebrations of a more festive nature beckon and the Winter Marquee will no doubt be at the epicentre. As the end of the year fast approaches, it’s a good time to reflect on 2016. And what a startling year it has been; voting “out” made Brexit a reality, swiftly followed by an exiting PM and incoming second lady PM. Similarly, a second Wimbledon win for Mr Murray, watched by many of you on the day with bated breath in the Garden, whilst the England football team added balance to such sporting achievement by taking an early bath in the Euros as we sank our sorrows in the Bison Bar. The year was also notable for some momentous departures. Bowie and Prince perhaps the most prominent as well as national comedic treasures Terry Wogan, Caroline Aherne and Ronnie Corbett, who have all graced the House with their presence over the years. In memoriam and celebration of their lives, the Halloween theme couldn’t be anything else other than “Dead Famous” and we enjoyed seeing everyone there on the night. Lest we forget, New Year will be upon us before we know it, so keep a look out for details of the final member’s party of 2016 to be released shortly thereafter. On the subject of parties, no edition of the Home House magazine would be complete without an aide memoire of parties gone by so far in the year. Did you cut a tanned-dash at the Olympia to Rio Summer Party or were you one of the Kings, Queens and Rampant Royals who donned regal splendour to grace the Staircase in April’s party of the same name? Photos and memories can be found within these covers... Fresh art is in residence in the Bison Bar, Gloucester Lounge and Vestibule including a few famous faces - Scarlett Johansson, David Bowie and David Beckham to name just three – see if you can spot them. Finally, we were proud and pleased as always to sponsor another wonderful charity. This year The Adolescent and Children’s Trust drew the focus of our fund raising efforts. TACT was established as a charity to find homes for children and young people and to ensure that any surplus income was reinvested into the organisation to help meet the needs of vulnerable children. After a successful year of fund raising through numerous events and event ticket donations, we will be looking to elect a new charity in 2017 and we will be embarking upon the nomination process early in the New Year. So, a hearty “cheers” to you all for your ongoing support of Home House. Wherever you may be for Christmas (and I sincerely hope it will be in the House), may the season be merry and the New Year be a wonderful one. Good health, good wealth and good luck to you all for 2017.

ANDREW RICHARDSON Managing Director

HOME HOUSE 3

DEAR FELLOW MEMBERS,

CONTENTS HOME HOUSE Homeless Art Dutt’s Ditties

Meet the Neighbours Christmas at Home

At Your Service Stir Crazy

Tea for Two Golf Open

Home Charity

FASHION|BEAUTY 08

Winter Warmers

Treasured Timepieces Beauty Edit

Fiery Fragrances

The best thing about our fantastic Club – I’m now obliged to say ‘apart from our amazing Members’ - is that the fun never seems to stop. And, in the end, isn’t that exactly why you joined Home House in the first place? Still recovering from the debauchery of our ‘Kings, Queens and Rampant Royals’ party and the thankfully, drug-test-free ‘Ode to the Olympics’ gala, we went straight into being scared senseless for Halloween by ‘Dead Famous’ celebs and ghouls (one and the same?!). Still, there’s no time to recover, as thoughts will soon turn to Christmas celebrations and our fabulous ‘New Year’s Eve’ party! All these spectacular events make my team’s lives much easier by giving us endless amazing photographs of our members to fill pages and make the magazine sparkle. Of course, there is so much more than just lovely images in this issue. As homage to our Olympic themed party, we meet fellow member and real life Olympic hero Colin Jackson – a truly nice guy and an inspirational role model. We hit the perfect note in interviews with Tom of Kasabian (who graces our cover) and Marilyn as he makes his big comeback, and, of course, we meet more of our truly fascinating and diverse members. As always, please enjoy the issue and feel free to contact me with any feedback you may have as we work on our next issue to be published in March – after what I hope is a very quick and unseasonably warm winter!

TRAVEL|CARS|LUXURY

56 60

26 34 52 72 76 78

Game of Thrones Travel Tales

Alluring Antigua

Tantalising Texts Gift Guide

Tech Savvy 4 for All

Alfa Romeo

PARTIES 84 90

Kings, Queens and Rampant Royals From Olympia to Rio

Azzy Asghar Publisher

Reece Williams Club Editor

HOME HOUSE MAGAZINE

INTERVIEWS Art Guide Rose Balston

Rock ‘n’ Roll Star Tom Meighan

Theatrical Visionary Melanie Fullbrook

Comeback Star Marilyn

Movie Director Nancy Patton

Naturally Gifted Robert Ettinger

Olympic Medalist Colin Jackson

The Vaults Curator Antonio Mantelli

Remembering Dan Doherty

AZZY ASGHAR Publisher CHRISTINA RAPTIS Editor DORA SCAVELLO Graphic Designer ADVERTISING SALES: 020 7013 0869 T: 020 7731 7747 E: AZZY@EPICUREANLIFE.CO.UK

HOME HOUSE

REECE WILLIAMS Sales & Marketing Director A very grateful thanks to all those who contributed to the production of this magazine – they are too numerous to mention individually. All rights reserved. Nothing within this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without the prior written permission of the Publishers. Although the Publisher has endeavoured to ensure that all information within this issue is correct – prices and details are subject to change. Copyright © 2016 www.thealexandergroup.co.uk

HOME HOUSE 5

Third Time’s a

CHARM C

elebrating people, places and businesses that contribute to making London arguably the best city in the world, The London Lifestyle Awards are the ultimate celebration of what makes it tick. A night dedicated to acknowledging the individuals, and companies that work so hard to make London the City of Dreams.

Also, The London Lifestyle Awards Hall of fame was launched with membership presented to the first six businesses: Taylor Taylor, The Polo Bar, Shaka Zulu, Home House, Pineapple Dance Studio and Third Space. These businesses have been constantly brilliant since the very first year of the London Lifestyle Awards and continue to make an outstanding contribution to the lifestyle of Londoners. Being in the heart of London, Home House is absolutely ecstatic and beyond thrilled to have won the award for ‘London’s Best Member’s Club’ for the third consecutive year! And to be inducted into their Hall of Fame. The award is fantastic recognition from our fellow Londoners and of course, our fabulous members. Thank you and congratulations everyone!

With its liveliness, attractions and renowned hotspots, London attracts people from all over the world, near and far. Hosting some of the very best in entertainment and culture, as well as excellent bars and restaurants, the London Lifestyle Awards recognise all those who have a great presence and influence on the city. On October 3rd the 7th Annual Awards were held at the London Lancaster Hotel, where 600 guests from the world of show business and the lifestyle industry attended. This year, the awards attracted over 180,000 public votes across a shortlist of just over 200 businesses, and twenty one awards were presented. 6

HOME HOUSE

HOMELESS

Thierry Dussac

Art Grama

Paolo Troilo

WE LEARN ABOUT THE BEAUTIFUL ART AROUND OUR HOUSE

HOME HOUSE

RANSOM ART Ransom Art was founded by Mark Ransom in 1990 and is situated on the Pimlico Road in the heart of Chelsea. Ransom is one of Londonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading dealers in contemporary art, photography and design and offers rare and unique photographs and works of art from established names such as, Francis Bacon, Lucian Freud, Andy Warhol, William Scott and Banksy; to the more recently acclaimed artists.

Currently exhibiting in the Bison Bar is Grama, an internationally celebrated painter whose intense female portraits captivate the viewer by establishing a silent dialogue between the subject and the spectator. Grama has taken part in some of the most important international fairs such as Art Miami, Scope Art Fair, and the Moscow Art Fair. Perhaps most significantly, his institutional acknowledgment reached its zenith when he was selected to open the Italian pavilion at the Venice Biennale in 2011.

Paolo Troilo, another acclaimed artist is on display in the Restaurant, abandons the traditional tools of art, utilising his hands over pencils or brushes. Troilo started his career in 2005 and has since exhibited his unique work across the world and in 2011 he was selected for the 54th Biennale di Venezia.

Contemporary artist, Thierry Dussac is on display in the Bison Bar. Dussac is a dandy of modern times with an expressionist brushstroke; it is paradoxically with a lot of modesty and intimacy that Thierry Dussac displays the suffering while instinctively expressing eroticism and death. Dussac sketches, and extracts the quintessence of shapes and the essence of beings, as elusive as they are. T: 020 7259 0220 E: christian@markransom.co.uk

STAIRCASE As visitors make their way from the Bison Bar to the Restaurant in House 19, their journey is enriched with illustrations painstakingly hand-drawn in ink by internationally renowned, postconceptual artist, Thomas Wolski. From a distance, the silhouettes of the quasi-monochromatic artwork seamlessly fill the bright and opulent space that this avantgarde staircase inhabits, yet as you approach closer, something unexpected happens. Delicate filigree drawings leap off the frames, unveiling surprising stories bursting with life and intricacies, similar in spirit to those late-nightcaps-turnedunplanned-revelries that Bison bar is cherished for. The rich imagery serves to delight guests with a pre-dinner feast for the eyes,

whilst their location on the grand staircase is an acute reminder of life’s ephemeral nature and that one must stop to appreciate the finer things.

For Home House members, the minutiae in the artwork serves as further reassurance that in this sanctuary everything has been taken care of, even the steps leading up to an enchanting dinner conversation. Similar to the House’s culture, Wolski’s artwork is “quirky, opulent and cheeky”, so rest assured it won’t weigh its guests down before a meal. Now please take a seat and revel in the pleasures of the moment. Bon appetite, à la Wolski.

VESTIBULE BAR On display in The Vestibule Bar is a curated selection in collaboration with ATLAS Gallery, of rarely seen portraits of David Bowie, taken by American photographer Steve Schapiro. Born in New York in 1934, Steve began taking photographs at the age of 9, and in 1961 embarked on a career as a freelance photographer. He captured key historical moments of the 1960s, working for Life, Vanity Fair, Sports Illustrated, Newsweek, Time and Paris Match amongst others.

In 1974, Schapiro seized upon a rare invitation from David Bowie’s manager for a private photo session with the musician in Los Angeles. ‘From the moment Bowie arrived, we seemed to hit it off. Incredibly intelligent, calm, and filled with ideas, […] we instantly became friends.’

The photo session started at four in the afternoon and went through the night until dawn. Bowie went through countless costume changes, each one seemingly befitting an entirely new and unknown Bowie persona. Most incredible was the costume and doodles of a particular session: Bowie dressed in blue slacks and

HOUSE LOUNGE The Dotmaster is a London artist with a rich body of work that has developed from his initial graffiti painted on the streets of Brighton in the early ‘90s. He takes a sideways look at a populist media with a typically British sense of humour. His work is impeccably detailed – half-tone, stark black and white street works contrast with photo-real stencils.

cropped shirt, painted with diagonal white stripes, and scribbling which appears to be a diagram from the Kabbalah that recently reappeared in the video Lazarus, from the Blackstar album. The results of this collaboration between Bowie and Schapiro produced some of the most iconic album art from the decade, including Station to Station and Low. ATLAS Gallery was founded in 1994 by Director and Owner Ben Burdett. Over the last two decades Atlas has become one of the foremost galleries in London dealing exclusively in fine art photography. T: 020 7224 4192 E: info@atlasgallery.com

Street art’s growing cultural prominence has seen his soughtafter works move from the street into some of the more fabulous interiors around the world, from ski chalets, hotels and villas to private homes. Home House is his latest canvas, featuring The Rude Kids, a series that contrasts the innocence of his daughter’s peer group with the rudeness of the teenagers they are to become. The artist says: “It seemed apt these kids should decorate the walls of the Lounge bar, which was loosely described to me as the ‘naughty corner’”.

He exhibits internationally in locations as diverse as Miami, Dubai, Morocco and Tokyo, as well as across the UK. Invited by Banksy to participate in the hugely successful 'Cans Festival' in the Waterloo tunnels, Dotmaster also appears in the Oscar-nominated film 'Exit Through the Gift Shop'. For enquiries about any of the artwork please contact Philippa Jones: E: philippa@homehouse.co.uk or contact the galleries directly.

Over the years, Dotmaster’s output has included fashion ranges, soft furnishings and toys, as well as a growing catalogue of large scale murals and city-wide interventions.

HOME HOUSE 9

Like We Used To

Rock ‘n’ Rolling 12 HOME HOUSE

COVER STORY English rock band Kasabian have been going strong since forming in 1997 and don’t plan on stopping. The band from Leicester consists of singer Tom Meighan, guitarist and songwriter Serge Pizzorno, bassist Chris Edwards and drummer Ian Matthews. They have released five studio albums, won a Brit Award in 2010 for ‘Best British Group’, won ‘Best Act in the World Today’ at the Q Awards, and headlined at the 2014 Glastonbury Festival. Christina Raptis speaks with the band’s frontman, Tom Meighan to discuss his life, career and what makes Kasabian rock.

Are you working on any new albums or creative projects? Nothing concrete yet. What’s one of your most extravagant purchases? A Spitting Image puppet and I ain’t gonna tell you how much it was. What is your favourite movie? E.T.

How did you form the band? We formed the band in 1997. Everybody was playing guitars and we just clicked.

Where is the best venue you have gigged, and why? The Brixton Academy; because it’s trashy.

Were you all friends before? We all went to the same schools and we knew each other, but we weren’t best buddies.

If you could collaborate with any other artist who would it be, and why? Sergio, my brother.

Have you been a member of any other bands? If so, who? I wasn’t in any other bands before, but I did sing with other people I knew, just for fun.

How have talent shows changed the music industry? It’s got nothing to do with music, it’s just TV.

What is it like to be the frontman for a band like Kasabian? Is there any added pressure? The pressure is all in my head. Being a frontman is my life. Where did the name Kasabian come from? The name is from the Manson Family. The getaway car driver was called Linda Kasabian. How do you find inspiration to keep writing music? We find it from each other and from the music that’s around us at the time. What genre of music did you enjoy listening to when you were a teenager? I was into all sorts; from Hip Hop to Rock to Funk to Blues. What is your favourite song of all time? ‘In My Life’ by The Beatles. It’s just so powerful and wonderful.

What don’t you like about the music business? The fact that somebody can stab you in the back even when you think you know them. What is your favourite song you’ve performed, and why? ’Underdog’ because it generates power. What is the best concert you have attended? Oasis in 1997 at the G-Mex Manchester for the Be Here Now World Tour. If you could perform for anyone in the world who would it be, and why? I would perform for the Queen. It would be massive.

What was your first car? What do you drive now? I don’t drive and never will; too much of a risk! But if I did, it would be the Batmobile. Who is your favourite musician of all time? John Lennon. Who do you think is the most underrated artist? Mickey Finn. Which comedian never fails to make you laugh? Richard Pryor. What is the best city you have ever visited? Rome. How long have you been a member of Home House? I’ve been a member for ten years. Wow! What do you like most about Home House? It’s warm and friendly and a beautiful place. Lovely food. What is your favourite feature of the House? The front door!

What is your favourite music video you’ve starred in? I can’t just pick one; there have been so many good ones. What do you enjoy most about being in a band? The power you have to make people go crazy and enjoy themselves.

HOME HOUSE 13

Northern Lights Resort & Spa Whitehorse, Canada As winter approaches, seize the chance to witness one of the most dazzling natural displays on the planet: the Aurora Borealis. Spend your time in luxurious cabins which offer every comfort, including a spa & wellness centre, complete with an outdoor hot tub, where you can fill your days with pampering before spending your nights marvelling at the wonder of the northern lights from the panoramic terrace. Other local activities include dog-sledding and wildlife tours. A true winter wonderland.

AZZY ASGHAR'S GUIDE OF THE NEWEST LUXURY HOTELS ACROSS THE GLOBE FOR DISCERNING TRAVELLERS.

www.booking.com

Félicité, Seychelles A nature lover’s destination, the unspoiled private island of Félicité is the setting for the newest Six Senses resort – an oasis of serenity. Seamlessly blending the design into the natural beauty of the island, the 652-acre Félicité Island is one of the most dramatically beautiful and unspoiled islands within the Seychelles. The 30 villas and 17 private residences occupy just one third of the island’s land mass - the rest is left to the beauty of nature and wildlife. www.sixsenses.com

SIX SENSES ZIL PASYON CANOPY BY HILTON

Reykjavik, Iceland Centrally located on Hverfisgata Street, a thriving area in the heart of Reykjavik, the Icelandic capital, the city’s artistic flair, thriving culinary scene and backdrop of dramatic volcanic landscapes, is the ideal location for Canopy by Hilton. With local design influences and natural materials used throughout the hotel’s architecture and interiors, guests can experience Icelandic culture - taste Iceland’s famous Omnom chocolate on site, and enjoy water naturally filtered by Icelandic lava – for a truly memorable stay. www.canopybyhilton.com

22 HOME HOUSE

LUX* SOUTH ARI ATOLL

Dhidhoofinolhu, Maldives Set on the island of Dhidhoofinolhu, LUX* South Ari Atoll, sits perched on stilts above a crystal-clear lagoon, where the resort’s 193 private villas reside. The resort’s offering of seven restaurants and five bars showcase inventive Asian flavours, and refined Japanese cuisine. After indulging in the finest cuisines head down to Beach Rouge a dynamic beach club, perfect for dancing away the tropical evenings. www.luxresorts.com

Montréal, Canada Located in the heart of Old Montreal, overlooking the Place Jacques-Cartier, the William Gray Hotel features 127 rooms and suites offering a contrast between history and modernity in a newly constructed eight-floor glass tower. The hotel restaurant, Maggie Oakes features a green wall, which the chefs use for fresh herbs and also a dry-aging meat cooler. For the warmer months, the private terrace will provide an ideal setting for sunset cocktails while you take in the view of Old Montréal. www.hotelwilliamgray.com

WILLIAM GRAY HOTEL BLUMEN HAUS LECH Lech, Austria Soon to be the ultimate Alpine retreat in the Austrian mountains, Blumen Haus Lech will command an outstanding position in the heart of one of the world’s premier ski destinations. With its nine super-suites, fine dining restaurant, indoor infinity pool, high-altitude hypoxic chamber, and contemporary works, Blumen Haus Lech will be an Alpine retreat for year round enjoyment. www.blumenhauslech.com

HOME HOUSE 23

Tanjavur, India A traditional century-old family mansion in Tamil Nadu, Tanjavur is opening for the winter season as a new 38-room boutique hotel – the first luxury offering in Tanjavur and home to the great Living Chola Temples of Tamil Nadu, South India. The property will offer a unique insight into Tanjavur’s rich heritage through a carefully curated range of cultural, architectural, culinary experiences and a vibrant schedule of performance arts. www.svatma.in

SVATMA, TAMIL NADU

YOO2 HOTEL

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Yoo2 Rio will bring original design and local soul to guests. Located in the vibrant Botafogo neighbourhood, guests are at the beating heart of the city, with spectacular views across Guanabara Bay towards Sugar Loaf Mountain and the Christ the Redeemer statue. The hotel incorporates an international flavour, with accents of Brazilian design through murals, tiling, parquet-wall panelling and furniture all adding to the fun, informal atmosphere of Rio’s hottest new hotel. www.yoo2.com/riodejaneiro

MILAIDHOO ISLAND

Milaidhoo, Maldives Set over 13-acres atop the Baa Atoll’s beautiful UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, each of Milaidhoo’s 50 private villas have been designed by a local Maldivian architect. Seamlessly fusing indoor and outdoor living, each villa opens up 180 degrees, inviting the natural elements in. The villas are just a short, barefoot stroll away to three world-class restaurants, incredible water sports, gym, spa, and world-class diving. www.milaidhoo.com

24 HOME HOUSE