Life Magazines (London editions) September 2018

Chelsea’s newest resident Timothy Oulton opens its worldwide flagship store at Bluebird.

FROM THE

T

EDITOR

he first vehicle to bear the Porsche name was registered on June 8, 1948: It was the 356 “No.1” Roadster. This is the day on which the Porsche brand was born. And purchased by a woman called Jolanda Tschudi, of Switzerland.

PAD LONDON, the internationally acclaimed fair for art and design, returns for its 12th edition next month. Set in the vibrant heart of Mayfair, PAD London is the capital’s leading fair for design, decorative arts and 20th century art.

The London Restaurant Festival (LRF) in partnership with American Express® returns for its 10th year this October. With a star-studded line-up of some of the world’s top chefs jetting into London to celebrate, as ever LRF will take place in restaurants, welcoming over 50,000 people into over 400 restaurants across the capital.

Brides the Show is back! Once again, the UK’s number one best-selling bridal magazine is coming to life in 2018 at Olympia so get the dates in your diary and expect a weekend packed full of glorious wedding inspiration.

The Harrods Tea Room is the new all-day dining concept on the 4th Floor of the iconic department store. Open from 10am-9pm it offers the finest food from the Food Halls in a beautifully designed room.

The iconic Ritz hotel in London has become the first owner of the brandnew Rolls-Royce Phantom Extended Wheelbase. The Rolls-Royce of Rolls- Royces, is the authoritative statement of modern luxury. The £500,000 fully customised vehicle was built by hand to the prestigious hotel’s brand design at the manufacturer’s headquarters in Goodwood, Sussex.

Faye Manning Editor

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Editor Faye Manning ••••• Editorial Assistant Katie Miller ••••• Sub Editor Nicholas Peter ••••• Fashion Editor Lara Accison ••••• Design & Production Lisa Wade ••••• senior business development manager Vanessa Lane ••••• ACCOUNT MANAGERS Nicola Drew, Lisa Westerman Anita Hill ••••• ACCOUNTS Kathy Manning, Andree Georgiou ••••• Directors Rory Smith, Patrick Smith

CONTENTS EVENTS

11

LUXURY WEDDING GUIDE

81

We put fantastic local businesses and exciting events in the spotlight each month, plus enjoy food and drink in the local area and investigate beautiful homes and properties From gifts to venues, we’ve got the big day covered

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE

115

WINTER travel & SKI GUIDE

163

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

191

HOUSE & GARDEN

235

The finest independent schools in the UK

Whether you want to hit the slopes or the beach this winter, we’ve got it covered Fashion, health and beauty news to keep you looking and feeling your best A collection of London’s finest interior companies

LOFTS, BASEMENTS & CONVERSIONS GUIDE

281

The ultimate guide to extending and converting your London home

0844 800 8439

www.thelifemagazines.com

LOCAL BOUTIQUES &

EVENTS – We put fantastic local businesses and exciting events in the spotlight each month – i m a g e : TH E HARRODS T E A ROO M S

FEATURE

ROLL INTO THE RITZ!

T

he iconic Ritz hotel in London has become the first owner of the brandnew Rolls-Royce Phantom Extended Wheelbase. The Rolls-Royce of RollsRoyce’s, is the authoritative statement of modern luxury.

The £500,000 fully customised vehicle was built by hand to the prestigious hotel’s brand design at the manufacturer’s headquarters in Goodwood, Sussex.

With its commanding silhouette and striking chrome detailing, the motorcar is bespoke Ritz blue and features moccasin leather interiors with monogrammed navy blue carpets and seat piping with unique headrests embroidered with the blue Ritz lion. To add further luxury there are heated massage seats, two TV screens, built in complimentary Wi-Fi and a hidden champagne compartment complete with flutes, And for those who prefer some privacy the windows are set slightly forward so you can see out without being seen. The motorcar provides the quietest cabin Rolls-Royce has ever created with an incomparably spacious suite, enhanced by discreet technology.

A complimentary one-way airport transfer in The Ritz-Rolls Royce Phantom is offered to all guests staying in one of the hotel’s four signature suites.* The first and only hotel to have received a Royal

12 SEPTEMBER 2018

“The £500,000 fully customised vehicle was built by hand”

Warrant from His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales. And as an exclusive service to hotel guests, the chauffeur-driven luxury vehicle is also available to hire for £600 for a one-way London airport transfer.

Perfectly located in the heart of London’s West End, The Ritz is moments from the finest shopping destinations in the capital, including the luxury designer brands of Bond Street and Regent Street and the unique and quintessentially British boutiques of Jermyn Street. So whether you are going to a meeting or taking advantage of exploring London and its hidden gems, you can hire the Ritz Rolls-Royce for £300 an hour. *Suites at the Ritz start from £1,795 per night for the Piccadilly Suite.

To make a booking or for more information please contact enquire@theritzlondon.com or telephone +44 (0) 20 7493 8181. www.theritzlondon.com

FEATURE

ANNOUNCE THE OPENING OF

‘THE HARRODS TEA ROOMS’

‘T “It offers the finest food from the Food Halls”

14 SEPTEMBER 2018

he Harrods Tea Rooms’ is the new all-day dining concept on the 4th Floor of the iconic department store.

Open from 10am-9pm it offers the finest food from the Food Halls in a beautifully designed room.

Upon entry to the new restaurant, guests are welcomed by an indulgent Cake Table showcasing the finest cakes & pastries created by Head Pastry Chef, Alistair Birt. Visitors can choose from an array of delicious tarts, loafs and seasonal cakes perfectly paired with a pot of Harrods tea or a freshly roasted coffee. An impeccable range of breakfast items are available including Harrods signature sourdough, fresh baked croissant with Harrods jams or toasted english tea cakes, all freshly made in the Roastery & Bake Hall by master baker, Lance Gardner.

For those looking for an indulgent afternoon tea, the team of Harrods experts have crafted an exceptional spin on the traditional tea with beautifully presented open-faced sandwiches including Harrods smoked scottish salmon with lemon and salmon mousse or roast beef and horseradish with pickles and watercress.

The selection of sandwiches showcase Harrods dedication to providing food with seasonality and provenance with dishes including a Norfolk black leg chicken club sandwich with crispy smoked bacon

and Burford brown egg mayo or smoked chalk stream trout with pickled cucumber, horseradish and watercress. The signature King George sandwich was created after searching the archives for inspiration.

This delicious combination of salt beef, pickles and sweet mustard was first created for King George V when he was newly crowned back in 1913.

The Harrods Tea Rooms have also introduced a carefully curated menu led by Executive Head Chef, Andy Cook and Executive Head of Food Innovation, April Preston. Preston details the provenance and seasonality of the newly designed menu saying, “We’re thrilled to welcome the launch of The Harrods Tea Rooms with a brand new offering created by our exceptional Harrods Chefs.

The menu is an exciting showcase of Harrods excellence with each dish crafted from ingredients sourced from the historic food halls.”

Discerning guests can enjoy a wide variety of savoury dishes from lunch through to supper at The Harrods Tea Rooms choosing from the dish of the day or a selection of favourites including dover sole meuniere, Barbers cheddar and potato scotch pie, or 32 day dry aged Josper grilled minute steak.

The Harrods Tea Rooms is open for full-service breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner from 10am-9pm every day. www.harrods.com. Follow at @Harrods #HarrodsFood

events

presents

NICK GENTRY and SEO YOUNG-DEOK Human Connection 14 - 28 September 2018

O

pera Gallery is proud to present Human Connection, a joint exhibition featuring the acclaimed artists Nick Gentry (UK) and Seo Young-Deok (South Korea). Both artists share an affinity with creating figurative works from found objects; Nick paints portraits on top of obsolete technological materials such as VHS cassettes and floppy disks that contain people’s memories, while Seo renders large-scale hyper-realistic sculptures of the human body from bicycle chains.

The exhibition will feature Nick Gentry’s portraits of women painted onto floppy disks and fragmented CDs. The once iconic and recognisable forms (CDs) are shattered into thousands of tiny fragments. The resin glues the segments together and suspends these pieces in a holographic freezeframe of time. Nick uses obsolete materials to put them back in the spotlight, so we can comprehend how quickly technology is progressing. Nick Gentry’s materials are sourced directly from members of the public in a ‘social art’ project. This open working practice is a fundamental starting point of each of his new works and allows for shared histories to become part of a collective identity.

Seo’s sculptures deliver epic narrations of humanity and modernity where stories are only inferred by the mere expressions of their bodies rather than the context of their surroundings. Seo’s

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work is mainly concerned with the fragmented world we live in, especially capturing the anxieties of the younger generation. This is embodied in a series of sculptures with torn limbs and viscerally burned human torsos that reflects the pain, suffering and decay from the experience of his family’s generation working in Korea’s industrialisation era. Seo’s use of iron bicycle chains is a link to the material that has been critical to the development of the modern world and Korea’s manufacturing industry.

For more details visit www.operagallery.com/ london. Opera Gallery, 134 New Bond Street, London W1S 2TF. Opening hours: Mon-Sat: 10am - 7pm. Sun: 12pm - 5pm

“Both artists share an affinity with creating figurative works from found objects”

EVENTS

Justin Rose to host Sky Sports British Masters 2018

T

at Walton Heath

he Olympic Champion has chosen Walton Heath Golf Club in Walton-on-the-Hill, Surrey, as the venue for the tournament taking place between 11-14 October. “The British Masters is a tournament that is special to me, having won it in 2002,” said Rose. “Walton Heath is a golf course I really, really enjoy playing, in fact I love it. It has got teeth, but it is traditional and hopefully the players will really enjoy it. We will assemble a strong field and will hopefully get some good weather, so it should be an amazing tournament.”

“Walton Heath is a golf course I really, really enjoy playing” It has been confirmed that Tommy Fleetwood will also be joining the star-studded field this year.

Fleetwood, the reigning Race to Dubai champion, is enjoying another impressive campaign on the European Tour as he bids to retain his title.

In January, he defended his Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship presented by EDGA crown and last month he recorded his best finish in a Major Championship, finishing runner up to Brooks Koepka in the US Open.

“I’m really excited to return to the British Masters and join Justin as he hosts this year’s event,” says Fleetwood. “I’ve enjoyed playing in this event previously and have done pretty well in it. Walton Heath is a wonderful golf course and I think it will be a great venue for the British Masters.”

Also joining the tournament are Eddie Pepperell, Paul Dunne, Martin Kaymer, Thongchai Jaidee, 20 SEPTEMBER 2018

Matthew Fitzpatrick, Shane Lowry, Chris Wood, Ross Fisher, Graeme McDowell, Alexander Levy, Haotong Li, Thomas Bjørn, Lucas Bjerregaard and Andrew “Beef ” Johnston.

There are a number of exciting new additions to this year’s event, including: • Grandstands – Offering the best seats in the house, overlooking the 1st tee and 18th green.

Grandstand tickets for the weekend are available to book online now!

• Sky Zone – Where you can see the celebs and the stars show what they’re made of - join the crowd and you could be live on TV! • Kids Zone – Take a break while the kids run wild and enjoy soft play and other activities.

• Food & Drink – Choose from the spectator village, 12th green or 18th hole public areas for a well-deserved pit stop.

David Newlands, Chairman of Walton Heath, said: “Walton Heath Golf Club is honoured to have been selected by the European Tour, thereby extending the club’s long and distinguished record of staging professional and amateur events of the highest quality. Our traditional heathland courses are amongst the finest in the world, and we are confident that the players, spectators and a global television audience will greatly enjoy the tournament.”

For more details and to purchase tickets visit www.britishmastersgolf.com For information on Official Hospitality and VIP Packages, email hospitality@europeantour.com or call 01344 840681.

Clockwise From Top Left: Wide Bunker Heather; Justin Rose; Tommy Fleetwood; Alan Shearer and Les Ferdinand at the 2017 Pro Am

EVENTS

VISITOR EXPERIENCE at

F

FOCUS/18

or six days, Focus/18 at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour is the design event for excellence. Welcoming visitors from around the globe, the dynamic programme offers more than 100 experiential sessions that bring design ideas to life. This year, a new work by international artist Moritz Waldemeyer has been specially commissioned for the show.

‘Journey of Colour’ by Moritz Waldemeyer Love colour? Celebrate its positive power with a new installation offering an unforgettable, immersive experience of light, colour and movement. Taking inspiration from coronas, the crown-like appearance around the sun during an eclipse, advanced LED technology will light up a kaleidoscope of colourways as visitors move back and forth along a 12-metre walkway. Highly interactive, visitors can choose their favourite colours which can be projected as specific auras.

London-based, Waldemeyer’s studio is driven by playful experimentation, developed through forging links between technology, art, fashion and design.

This approach has resulted in creative collaborations in the past with leading names including U2, Rihanna, Versace, Jamiroquai, Cirque de Soleil and Philip Treacy.

More Highlights: Be inspired by the latest collaborations and design directions in the showrooms. Visitors can get the inside track at talks, demonstrations, workshops and discovery tours; meet established makers, emerging 22 SEPTEMBER 2018

THE DETAILS Focus/18 is a Design Destination at London Design Festival.

With its undisputed momentum, Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour continues to evolve and develop with its singular, confident approach.

Opening times Trade preview: 16 – 18 September 2018 All welcome: 19 – 21 September 2018 10am – 6pm Free entrance For pre-registration and further details visit www.dcch.co.uk or call 020 7225 9166 Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour, London SW10 0XE Social Media @designcentrech, #Focus18AtDCCH

innovators and skilled artisans and connect with influencers and tastemakers from 120 showrooms and 600+ international brands. There is courtesy transport as well as stylish places to eat and drink.

This wealth of experience is extraordinary and, what’s more it is a free resource for every visitor.

Conversations in Design Visitors can get top level insights at a carefully curated programme of talks and panel discussions on the main stage with influential figures as well as rising stars. They include highly respected interior designers Veere Greeney and Nina Campbell; US talent Timothy Corrigan; designer Allegra Hicks in conversation with photographer Miguel Flores Vianna, as well as sought-after names Fran Hickman, David Bentheim and Karen Howes who will share their stories, ideas and creative vision.

These sessions are ticketed.

Colour Workshops A series of workshops will focus on Focus/18’s key theme of colour, exploring how it informs our design aesthetic, both consciously and subconsciously. Sanderson will host a psychology of colour workshop in the Style Library showroom, discussing the transformative power that colour has on emotions and how we feel in a space. More to come…

COVER STORY

STORIED LIVING

Chelsea’s Newest Resident Timothy Oulton Opens its Worldwide Flagship Store at Bluebird

“B

e Relevant or Be Dead.” That’s the mantra of British antiques dealer turned furniture designer Timothy Oulton, whose eponymous company proudly opened its new worldwide flagship gallery this month, at the historic Bluebird Garage on the King’s Road, Chelsea. Packed with drama and romance, the daring furniture and interior company’s new home is epic sensory overload; a manifesto expression of everything it stands for: heritage, innovation, creativity and hospitality.

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The story of Timothy Oulton started back in 1976 with a small antiques shop, owned by Tim’s dad. Profoundly influenced by his love of antiques, his father’s military background, and an inherent affection for British heritage, Tim created an authentic, visionary brand with the deepest integrity and a passion to deliver extraordinary experiences.

Handcrafted with only the best traditional techniques and fabrications, each Timothy Oulton piece in his furniture collection is inspired by the past, but reconceived from a modern perspective, producing uniquely authentic collections, which push the boundaries of furniture design.

“We want to bring something very special to Bluebird, and to Chelsea” With over 40 galleries around the world, Timothy Oulton already has three London locations including at Harrods and Heal’s, but the new 670m2 (7200 sq ft) flagship at Bluebird is its first standalone gallery in the capital, and shares the ground floor with the iconic Bluebird Café. Inside, a unique realm of creativity awaits. The Victorian era collides with a 1960s anti-establishment streak in a portfolio of different ‘worlds’ including the glamorous Age of Elegance, urban slick Metro, eclectic Beat Generation, laid-back Loft Living, and tranquil Coastal Drift.

A separate space creates a showcase for Timothy Oulton’s Noble Souls, the world’s first sofa collection handmade with only 100% natural vegetable-dyed linens using ancient dyeing techniques, and promising to create a realm of sensorial, social and cultural reconnection in any home.

The space is also replete with distinctive hallmarks of the Timothy Oulton philosophy, with a bold nod to every major influence of Tim Oulton’s approach to design. A selection of antiques from Rare by Oulton, procured and curated by Tim, speaks of his early days and ongoing involvement in the antiques trade, and includes part of one of the world’s largest collections of customised Louis Vuitton trunks. A giant fish tank housing a Yellow Submarine, plays on Tim’s endless fascinations. A wall draped with 20 hand-finished leather hides, offered in the collection, is in keeping with Tim’s passion for authentic materials and traditional craftsmanship. There’s Apollo, a custom designed ‘spaceship’, showcased at this year’s Milan Design Week, referencing Timothy Oulton Studio and its capability in delivering customized experience-led hospitality projects, which include the awardwinning boutique hotel Glazebrook House, nestled in the Devon countryside. And finally, as if as an anchor, a talismanic 1.7 tonne rock crystal, millions of years old, stands as testimony to the beauty of raw, natural materials.

The seasoned Timothy Oulton team at Bluebird is ready to offer an array of services, and is headed

up by Ms Alessandra Raia, and Ms Nikita Noviello, who is dedicated to supporting the needs of interior design clients. So whether you’re seeking a personal tour of the collection, selecting a customized leather bag from the Bespoke collection, searching for a statement piece of furniture or lighting, or wanting to furnish a whole room (or house!) with the expert guidance of Timothy Oulton’s Room Planning service, the team is ready to help. And even if you have in mind a bigger project that requires the design and construction expertise of Timothy Oulton Studio, the team at Bluebird is a great place to start.

And of course, in keeping with the brand’s deep ethos of hospitality, and its quest to revive the lost art of hosting, the gallery offers a storied backdrop for hosted events and private dinners, positioning the venue as an exciting new hub for the local community.

Tim Oulton says, “It’s a special place, and we want to bring something very special to Bluebird, and to Chelsea. Inviting people into our home has always been at the core of our ethos, so we’re passionate that the gallery at Bluebird shows our home at its absolute best, and is not only a great furniture destination but it’s also a place to host and connect with people.”

The opening of the Chelsea gallery is the latest expression of the company which has been evolving since 2008, marking 10 years since its first opening in Los Angeles. Present in some of the world’s great cities including New York, Amsterdam, Hong Kong, Sydney, New Delhi, Moscow, and London, Timothy Oulton invites you to come and enjoy a glass of champagne, and take a look.

Discover Timothy Oulton at Bluebird, G/F, 350 King’s Road, Chelsea. Open 7 days a week.

Visit timothyoulton.com for more info or call the gallery on 020 3150 2024.

SEPTEMBER 2018 25

FEATURE

PaintingSkye

The iconic Isle of Skye, sitting on the western fringe of the British Isles and exposed to wild Atlantic weather, is remote, breathtakingly beautiful and home to professional artist William Swann.

I

n describing his work, William states “For me, painting is about making an emotional connection with a particular place, being moved by the extraordinary play of light on the sea and the landscape.” In developing his approach to painting Skye, together with the neighbouring Knoydart and The “Small Isles” of Eigg, Rum, Muck and Canna, William took his canvases out in all weathers. “For me, the integrity I want for my work demanded that I stand in front of my subjects, exposed to the weather to feel the blast of wind and rain.” William uses his plein air studies to build larger works that communicate the scale of his subjects.

Eleven years ago, William worked in the charitable sector, travelling to some of the world’s most dangerous places, including Afghanistan, Pakistan, the Middle East, North Africa and Central America. He says “I have always painted, but after seeing the impact of war, earthquake and extreme poverty, returning to Scotland makes me realise what a privilege it is to be able to live and work here. There is no doubt that my experiences overseas influence my work which people say has a deeply spiritual feel to it.” Building on his initial training and later experience with professional societies, William has developed a personal and easily recognised painting style. He notes “All artists have to develop their own working methods and although some formal education can help in getting started, it is only continual practice that enables you

26 SEPTEMBER 2018

to express yourself fluently in paint.” William makes extensive use of a painting knife. “I first picked up a painting knife when I was 16 years old. It just became a natural extension of my hand. Although more difficult initially than brushes (which I also use), a knife allows me to work quickly and is great for capturing the sea.”

William and his wife Ruth manage their art business in partnership. “Working in such a location means that we have to be creative, not just in the paintings, but in marketing too. These days, the internet and direct marketing are important.”

For William, galleries still have a role to play in promoting artists, but he believes the future lies in artists being able to engage directly with art collectors, through studio visits and on-line exhibitions.

William’s studio on Skye’s Sleat peninsula can be visited by prior arrangement. Full details are available on his website www.wjswann-art.com and he can be contacted on info@wjswann-art.com

FEATURE

LANDMARK PROJECT IN TRAFALGAR SQUARE Created by award-winning artist & designer ES Devlin L

18-23 September 2018, Trafalgar Square

ondon Design Festival has announced a new Landmark Project for 2018: Please Feed The Lions, located in Trafalgar Square.

Please Feed The Lions is an interactive sculpture by award-winning artist and designer Es Devlin.

Devlin is known for her innovative projectionmapped sculptures that fuse light, music and technology.

Set to take the London square by storm, the project incorporates machine learning, explores the parameters of design and AI, and follows a year-long collaboration with Google Arts & Culture which will also create an online exhibition so people all over the world can view and experience this ground-breaking sculpture. The project is supported by digital commissioning body The Space as part of its work to ensure the broadest access to the arts through digital technologies.

Cast in 1867, the four monumental lions in Trafalgar Square have been sitting as silent British icons at the base of Nelson’s Column for the past 150 years. Overnight on Monday 17 September, a fifth fluorescent red lion will join the pride, facing northwards towards the National Gallery.

The new lion will not be silent: it will ROAR! This lion roars poetry: and the words it roars will be up to the public to decide! Everyone is invited to ‘feed the lion’: and this lion only eats words.

By daylight, the ever-evolving collective poem will be shown on LED embedded in the mouth of the new lion. By night, the poem will be projectionmapped over the lion and onto Nelson’s Column itself: a beacon of streaming text inviting others to join in and add their voice.

28 SEPTEMBER 2018

Es Devlin says: The British design guru Sir John Sorrell nudged me as we walked through Trafalgar Square this time last year.

He said: “Landseer never wanted those lions to look so passive: he proposed a much more animated stance, but Queen Victoria found it too shocking.” The thought lodged in my mind. What if we could invest the lion with a diversely crowd-sourced collective poetic voice?”

Es Devlin’s recent solo exhibitions include MASK at Somerset House 2018, EGG at the XI Gallery in New York 2018, The Singing Tree at the V&A 2017 and PoemPortraits at the Serpentine Gallery 2017. Her stage sculptures include collaborations with Beyonce, Kanye West, U2, Adele, The Royal Opera House, The National Theatre and the London and Rio Olympic Ceremonies.

Devlin’s work has received multiple awards including 3 Olivier Awards, Evening Standard, Critics’ Circle. She has been made honorary fellow of UAL and named OBE in the Queens Honours list 2015. Devlin was awarded the Panerai London Design Medal for innovation and excellence in design throughout her practice.

For more details and to see Es Devlin’s other work visit www.esdevlin.com

SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram @esdevlin email info@esdevlinstudio.com

#LDF18 www.londondesignfestival.com twitter.com/L_D_F facebook.com/ LondonDesignFestival Instagram.com/L_D_F_official

Original Art Deco, Mid-Century Modern and British-design posters

See uS At the DeCOrAtive AntiqueS & textileS FAir, BAtterSeA PArk, 2-7 OCtOBer

At Twentieth Century Posters, we only sell original, vintage, posters. All our stock is hand-picked by owner and design historian David Bownes to ensure quality and authenticity.

Whether you’re looking for an original piece of design history for home decoration, a unique gift, or an investment opportunity, we can help you find the perfect poster.

We also undertake searches for special posters and offer a framing and worldwide delivery service.

Tel: 07718 064 205 email: info@twentiethcenturyposters.com www.twentiethcenturyposters.com Follow us on Twitter: @C20thPosters

EVENTS

Ed Butcher. Vintage 30 Kokeshi dolls from 1940s -70s, each individually carved and hand-painted £2,350 for the collection

The Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair

M

ore than 160 dealers from across the UK and Europe congregate at this important time in the design calendar to offer a fabulous array of antiques, works of art and decorative objects dating from the 17th century to around 1970. Art, from the ancient to the contemporary, is also an important element of the Fair.

Fine examples of every interior style are on sale, from early country oak and Queen Anne furniture to post-war modernism and works by Memphis Group designers. Whether you are furnishing a bijoux ‘fifties flat or a splendid Georgian residence, each element of decoration necessary for a perfect finish can be found at The Decorative Fair.

The Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair aims to

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show visitors how period decoration might be used in their own homes, and at each event, a themed Foyer Stand at the entrance to the Fair creates a vibrant, commercially-styled ‘look’ focusing on an aspect or period of design offered by specialist exhibitors. Using dealers stock, this Autumn the Foyer Stand will demonstrate the influence of Japonisme on European interiors.

From the 1850s when Japan opened its ports after 200 years as a closed country, Japanese art and objects flooded in to Europe. Japan’s artistic styles - in prints, lacquerware, carvings, ceramics - influenced many Western artists and designers: the Impressionists, the Arts & Crafts and Aesthetic Movements, the Glasgow School and Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Liberty stores in London and the originators of Art Nouveau styles across the Continent.

Since the mid-20th century Japanese design has had a strong influence on minimalism. All works displayed in the Foyer Stand will be for sale. Expect to find examples of Art Nouveau, Glasgow School and Aesthetic Period furniture; Lalique, Daum and Gallé glass from France; European decorative tiles and ceramics; Liberty ware, and period works of art.

The Fair is easily accessible from Chelsea, Sloane Square and Knightsbridge using the free shuttle service from outside the Sloane Square Hotel.

Delicious food at The Kitchen is available all day up on the Mezzanine (don’t miss the home-made cakes) or treat yourself to a cocktail or glass of champagne. On-site packing and shipping services are available (UK and international).

The Decorative is the only major arts fair to welcome well-behaved dogs (on leads) so take a walk in Battersea Park and bring your dog when you shop!

THE DETAILS Admission: £10.00 at the door (catalogue gives re-admission throughout the week) For more details, opening times and to join the mailing list for free tickets visit www.decorativefair.com Battersea Evolution, Battersea Park, SW11 Enquiries: +44 (0)20 7616 9327 or fairs@decorativefair.com The_Decorative_Fair #decorativefair @decorativefair The Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair 2019 Dates Winter Fair: 22-27 January Spring Fair: 9-14 April Autumn Fair: 1-6 October

Woodham-Smith Ltd. A pair of Austrian secessionist large-scale mahogany bergères. Austria circa 1900, £6500

Darnley Fine Art: Portrait of Angela Blundell by Herbert James Gunn (1893-1964), c1920s

Autumn edition, 2-7 October 2018, Battersea Park, Japonisme and Its Influence on European Interiors

FEATURE EVENTS

Complete casting announced for

Stephen Sondheim and George Furth’s musical

COMPANY Directed by Marianne Elliott

Jonathan Bailey

M

arianne Elliott directs COMPANY, Stephen Sondheim and George Furth’s legendary musical comedy about life, love and marriage.

At Bobbie’s (Rosalie Craig) 35th birthday party all her friends are wondering why isn’t she married?

Why can’t she find the right man and Why can’t she settle down and have a family? Featuring Stephen Sondheim’s award winning songs Company, You Could Drive a Person Crazy, The Ladies Who Lunch, Side by Side and the iconic Being Alive.

Marianne Elliott, Artistic Director of Elliott & Harper Productions, a company she founded in 2016 with producer Chris Harper, was awarded an OBE in the 2018 Queen’s Birthday Honour’s List for her services to theatre. Elliott is the first woman in Broadway history to win two Tony Awards for Best Director and her recent Broadway transfer of Tony Kushner’s Angels in America received the 2018 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play.

Rosalie Craig recently completed a run of Jez Butterworth’s award-winning play, The Ferryman at the Gielgud Theatre. Other theatre credits include: Marianne Elliott’s production of The Light Princess, for which she won the Evening Standard Award for Best Actress in a Musical and was nominated for an Olivier Award.

Patti LuPone, who performed Don’t Cry for me Argentina at the Grammy’s this year returns to London to make her first appearance in a West End musical for over 25 years with this production of Company.

Patti LuPone

THE DETAILS

Mel Giedroyc and Gavin Spokes

A ground-breaking new gender swapped production of the Sondheim musical.

Gielgud Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, London Previews from 26 September 2018 Opening Night 17 October 2018

The cast of Company in rehearsals (all photos by Helen Maybanks)

Mel Giedroyc recently co-presented The Great British Bake Off for the BBC alongside her longtime comic partner Sue Perkins, co-presented Let It Shine with Graham Norton and Gary Barlow and commentates for the BBC at Eurovision.

Starring Rosalie Craig as Bobbie, Patti LuPone as Joanne, Mel Giedroyc as Sarah, Jonathan Bailey as Jamie, George Blagden as PJ, Ashley Campbell as Peter, Richard Fleeshman as Andy, Alex Gaumond as Paul, Richard Henders as David, Ben Lewis as Larry, Daisy Maywood as Susan, Jennifer Saayeng as Jenny, Matthew Seadon-Young as Theo and Gavin Spokes as Harry.

32 SEPTEMBER 2018

EVENTS FEATURE

A LONG-TERM VISION FOR THE HARLEQUINS NEIGHBOURHOOD A new vibrant community destination at The Twickenham Stoop, with a state-of-the-art stadium at its heart.

H

arlequins has been part of the local community for over a century and a resident at The Stoop for the last 54 years. We are proud to call Richmond

our home.

While our 1st Team plays in the most competitive and watched league, and our burgeoning Harlequins Ladies go from strength to strength, people and the community have always been at the heart of our Club and it is our work and contributions off the field, specifically through the Harlequins Foundation, that help define who we are.

The Harlequins Foundation was established in 2015 to give focus to the Club’s social responsibilities, and uses the power of sport to support individuals and communities to change lives and fulfil their potential.

Over the past five years nearly 2,000 participants

34 SEPTEMBER 2018

THE DETAILS To find out more and sign-up for updates on the upcoming public consultation, visit: www.QuinsVision.co.uk or email: Vision@Quins.co.uk. To find out more about the Harlequins Foundation visit www.harlequins.foundation

have benefited from Project Rugby, targeting low-socio economic, disability and minority ethnic groups across London, and our regular community camps have delivered comprehensive rugby programmes to over 7,000 local children. In 2017/18 alone we reached around 900 school-age participants through the flagship Mental Health initiative ‘METTLE’ and we were delighted to welcome 300 participants at our Girls Festival for the record breaking Harlequins Ladies vs Richmond match in March 2018.

We are immensely proud of these initiatives, however we know that we can always to do more.

Our requirement to upgrade our famous home the Twickenham Stoop, coupled with Harlequins relentless spirit and unwavering ambition, provides an excellent opportunity to do even more for our communities, creating a fantastic new mixed-use community destination that can be enjoyed by all on matchdays and non-matchdays alike.

This is a hugely important and exciting opportunity for Richmond and our Club and, working closely with our neighbours, supporters, Richmond Council and our partners, one we are committed to getting right.

EVENTS

Pitter patter down to the Cabbages and Frocks market for

Dog Day Afternoon Saturday 13th October 2018, 11am-5pm, Marylebone Village

S

camper down to the Cabbages and Frocks market in Marylebone village for another special DOG DAY AFTERNOON. A high point of the day will be the Good Boy Dog School headed by Dima who will be putting on a new display with his doggy dance partners George and Teddy at 12 noon and 2pm.

Previously Dima and George have been seen on Britain’s Got talent. George, who is a wow with the ladies, upstaged lady Gaga on Comic relief. A winning duo, not to be missed!

Competitions from 2.30pm running order below, each takes approx. 10 mins “A bit of ruff ” for mixed breeds • Waggy tail • The Prettiest Bitch • Most Handsome Male • Miniatures & toy breeds • New kid on the block - Best puppy • Oldies but goodies • Best in show On the doggy side, look out for the latest in canine couture and doggy accessories from Make Them Roar who offer a handpicked selection of one-of-a-kind pet interiors and accessories from the hottest independent brands from around the world, including dog hammocks, fake fur blankets and wooden dog bed caves.

Hoop n Loop offers pet embroidered bespoke items which can be created using photos of your pet that will be embroidered onto garments of your choice including jumpers, t-shirts, tote bags or cushions.

36 SEPTEMBER 2018

For the active dog, Reg & Bob will have their full range of collars and leads in vibrant colours ideal for splashing in puddles or tearing through woodland, hardwearing and washable.

Make sure to visit the Ulula London stand who have just launched a new pet therapy range this September for dogs & cats. The 3 scented candles range include Paws & Relax which is calming and balancing. Paws 4 Stress to reduce anxiety and depression. Paws 2 Play, which promotes focus and mental clarity.

Take a look at Ellery Bow, Canny curators of canine kit, who have a range of dog snoods in vibrant colours with matching scarves for humans and gorgeous hounds tooth blankets all made in the UK. You may also want to pamper your pet with their award-winning natural dog shampoos.

While watching the doggy competitions munch on a falafel wrap or French crepe followed by a cappuccino. Fashion stalls will also be there in abundance on the 13st of October, including Bantam Knits whose colorful range of illustrated accessories includes cushions, aprons and tea towels but also cashmere wrist warmers and snoods excellent for dog walking on cold mornings. Don’t miss Gabriela Rose’s tweed tailored jackets and coats in Autumn shades.

Meet our distinguished dog trainer Rob Alleyne, author of the book “The troubled-free dog” who has been the behavioural trainer on the BBC3 series Dog Borstal.

Don’t miss out, you may go home with prizes, rosettes and purchases for you and your pet. Either way we guarantee a fun filled day out! www.cabbagesandfrocks.co.uk

THE DETAILS Competitions 2.30pm onwards Competition Judges: Chamois Rose-Wood of the Independent Rob Alleyne of Dog Owners club and seen on BBC3 “Dog Borstal” The Good Boy Dog School display will be on at 12noon & 2pm

Cabbages & Frocks is open every Saturday 11-5pm 0207 794 1636 07956 282 532 Facebook: Cabbages and frocks market Twitter: @cabbagesfrocks / Instagram: cabbagesandfrocks St Marylebone Parish Church grounds, Marylebone High Street W1U 5BA, (opp. Conran Shop) Tube: Baker Street

Ivy and Duke offer a fabulous range of luxurious, memory foam dog beds handcrafted in the UK using waterproof and high quality fabrics.

Not only will they look stylish in your home but they are durable and robust.

Visit us at www.ivyandduke.co.uk to browse our full range of dog beds.

To receIVe 10% DIscoUNT Use coDe: LIfe10

EVENTS FEATURE

‘Back to School’ M

arie Brown, a member of Wimbledon Village Stables, is looking forward to September when her children go back to school. Unlike most parents, this isn’t for the peace and quiet but so that she can go back to school too. Marie said “I’m going back to my riding school, on my favourite horse, Havana.

I’m not a practising lawyer anymore, I’m a practising horse rider!”

Marie rode as a child and grew up with horses in South Africa. “Horses had such a positive impact on my life” Marie recalls. After relocating from South Africa to London with her husband and two sons Marie wondered if she would be able to continue to enjoy her favourite pastime. Marie first heard about the stables when she moved to London and worked in the City, she visited the stables and checked it out before becoming a member. “I was immediately impressed” she remembers. “Becoming a member was the best thing I’ve done, I absolutely love it!”

Wimbledon Village Stables is also home to the miniature shetland pony, The Fantastic Mr Fudge.

Fudge is not ridden but is available to members’ children to take out for walks, learn to groom and to handle responsibly. Marie’s boys, 4 and 6, have enjoyed learning how to look after a pony and have developed a love of horses like their mum. Over the summer holidays, the family spent a month in France and the children spent their time squabbling over who likes Fudge best and wondering when they get to see him again! Marie admits she has been yearning to get back to the stables too, “I absolutely miss not being able to go to the stables while I’m away” she says. Marie truly values the time spent out on Wimbledon Common and the opportunity to learn and develop her skills. Finally, Marie says fondly “I appreciate the beauty and strength of the horses, plus I adore the amazing team, who run such a slick operation.”

Way to go Marie…

If you would like to look at becoming a member too, for further information please visit www.wvstables.com or call 0208 946 8579. www.wvstables.com. www.equicise.co.uk.

0208 946 8579

38 SEPTEMBER 2018

EVENTS

H&H CLASSICS announces 1929 Bentley 4.5 litre

‘Le Mans’ style tourer for sale by auction About H&H H&H was founded by Simon Hope in 1993 as a specialist auction house dedicated solely to the sale of collectors’ motorcars and motorcycles. 25 years on the company can boast a continuous trading history which exceeds that of most UK rivals. Staffed by hands-on enthusiasts with over 600 years combined experience, its specialist valuers are among the most knowledgeable in the industry.

H &H has had the pleasure of handling everything from 1890s London to Brighton runners through to 1990s Formula 1 cars, not to mention a variety of iconic motorcycles and holds a considerable number of World Record auction prices.

H&H holds regular sales at the Imperial War Museum Duxford in Cambridgeshire, National Motorcycle Museum in the West Midlands and Pavilion Gardens, Buxton in Derbyshire

40 SEPTEMBER 2018

T

17th October 2018 at IWM Duxford

his car was supplied new to the man who not only bankrolled four out of Bentley’s five Le Mans 24-hour victories during the vintage era but also achieved three of them. The greatest ‘Bentley Boy’ Woolf Barnato.

He was also nicknamed ‘Mr 100%’ by the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, organisers of the Le Mans 24-hours because of his unmatched starts-to-wins ratio.

As Chairman and majority shareholder of Bentley Motors, Barnato had his absolute pick of the company’s luxury vehicles. One of just two normally aspirated 4.5 litre cars that he took delivery of (the other, ‘YH 3196’ no longer exists in its original form), ‘GU 1927’ represents a concrete link to the man who saved one of Britain’s greatest marques.

H&H Classics is one of just five classic car auctioneers to sell a car for more than $10m – and they are bringing the 1929 Bentley to the Imperial War Museum, Duxford this October. It is estimated to sell for between £750,000 - £850,000.

You could be in possession of a piece of incredible history and nostalgia ahead of Bentley’s Centenary Celebrations in 2019.

Pleasingly retaining its original registration number ‘GU 1927’ (issued March 1929), the Bentley has been extensively recommissioned by the vendor. As well as an engine overhaul, the 4.5 litre has benefited from attention to its steering, brakes and suspension plus careful drivetrain alignment / balancing. The fettling has costs tens of thousands of pounds and taken hundreds of hours. The result is a W.O. Bentley with a pleasingly gentle patina and in rude mechanical health.

W.O. Bentley spoke of Woolf ‘Babe’ Barnato with great admiration saying, “The best driver we ever had and, I consider, the best British driver of his day. One who never made a mistake and always

obeyed orders . . . He won Le Mans three times running, an achievement no one else has equalled.

He was a formidable man, behind a glass of whisky, behind a driving wheel, and behind a boardroom table. He enjoyed himself with Bentley Motors, enjoyed the racing and the status it brought him in the public eye. In spite of 1931, and the bankruptcy, ‘Babe’ and I never quarrelled’ Damian Jones, Head of Sales for H&H Classics, says: “This is one of those cars that it is almost impossible to put a value on given its history. But for its owner pumping money into Bentley, the company may now be just a dim memory instead of being one of the world’s leading luxury brands.

And then there is the glamour of the gilded Barnato name. This is a must buy for anyone who has a passion for Bentley.”

Viewing Tuesday 16th October 2018 from 126pm & Wednesday 17th October 2018 from 9am.

Sale Day Wednesday 17th October 2018 at 1pm.

For further information please contact H&H Classics on 01925 210035 or email Julian Roup at info@bendigopr.co.uk. www.handh.co.uk

FEATURE

70 years of Porsche 1948-2018

“In the beginning I looked around and could not find quite the car I dreamed of. So I decided to build it myself.”

– Ferry Porsche

“His vision at that time embodied all of the values that still define the brand to this day”

T

he first vehicle to bear the Porsche name was registered on June 8, 1948: It was the 356 “No.1” Roadster. This is the day on which the Porsche brand was born. And purchased by a woman called Jolanda Tschudi, of Switzerland .

The Type 356 turned Ferry Porsche’s dream of a sports car into a reality. “His vision at that time embodied all of the values that still define the brand to this day”, said Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG. “Tradition is a commitment. Without our tradition and without our core values, we would not be where we are today”, explained Blume. “We have the solid technological expertise, creative employees and unique team spirit.

We have what it takes to ensure that the Porsche brand continues to fascinate.”

The successor model to the 356, the Porsche 911 designed by Ferry Porsche’s son Ferdinand Alexander, finally gave the company its breakthrough as one of the leading manufacturers of sports cars in the world, both from a technical and a design perspective.

The Porsche 911, presented to the global public for the first time in 1963, has now been built over a million times. “Although the 911 has been

42 SEPTEMBER 2018

Above, left: 1967 Porsche 911R Above, right: The First Porsche 911 in 1963 Below: The 1948 356 No 1 Roadster, Ferdinand and Ferry Porsche with Exterior Designer Erwin Komenda

consistently developed in the intervening decades and enhanced many times over with new, innovative technologies, no other vehicle has managed to retain its original essence in the same way as the 911”, says Blume. “As the centrepiece of the brand, the 911 has become the sports car of dreams, winning the collective heart of enthusiasts all over the world.”

In 1966 presented as the ‘Safety Cabriolet’, the Porsche 911 Targa was launched. And the

Porsche Cayman R

as a concept study for the 21st century sports car. The Boxster Spyder was a radical return to the origins of the roadster: two seats, enhanced performance, no room for incidentals. Marking 2013, the 918 Spyder set a Nürburgring lap record: the first road-approved car to complete a lap in under 7 minutes - 6 minutes and 57 seconds to be precise - shaving 14 seconds off the previous record.

2017 was definitely a year to celebrate: the onemillionth 911 rolled off the production line - a style icon and the unmistakeable face and heart of the Porsche brand.

Fast. Puristic. Emotive. For the past 70 years, the Porsche brand has been synonymous with sports car construction at the very highest level. www.porsche.com The one millionth 911 sold in 2017

following year the Porsche 911 R was built for use in motorsport. Weighing 800 kg, it had a 6-cylinder, naturally-aspirated and horizontallyopposed engine producing 154 kW (210 PS), making it incredibly fast.

In 1972 The Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 was launched as the sporty leading model of the 911 range. And in 1975 at the height of the oil crisis, Porsche presented the first 911 Turbo – the world’s first production sports car with exhaust turbocharger and pressure regulator. And in 1977 conceived as the successor to the 911, the Porsche 928 broke new ground in terms of technology and design. It was powered by a light-metal alloy

Celebrating 70 years of Porsche, The 911 Speedster Concept

The one millionth Porsche rolled off the assembly line on 15th July 1996.

V8 engine.

The one millionth Porsche rolled off the assembly line on 15th July 1996. And to leave the 20th century in style the 911 series was rounded off with an exceptional sporty version, the 911 GT3.

Celebrating the new millennium, Porsche displayed its high-performance Carrera GT sports car at the Louvre in Paris and in 2002, presented its third car line: the sporty, off-road Cayenne SUV. Series production of the Carrera GT commenced in 2003 and by 2006, 1,270 units of the fast (up to 330 km/h) high-performance sports car had been built.

At the Geneva Motor Show 2010, Porsche presented the 918 Spyder high-performance hybrid

1972 Porsche Carrera RS

SEPTEMBER 2018 43

FEATURE

FORTNUM’S X FRANK 2018 presents unseen work by Modern British Artist

F

ortnum & Mason are continuing their annual artistic collaboration Fortnum’s X Frank 2018 until 20th October, with eminent art collector, Frank Cohen, presenting a rich body of work by British landscape artist, John Virtue.

Frank Cohen is one of the world’s most influential and prolific collectors of British and international contemporary art. Previous notable exhibitions have included: a significant collection of Modern British masterpieces from the Frank Cohen Collection that went on display at Chatsworth House’s New Gallery in Spring 2012; a collection of recent works from China, India and Japan entitled ‘Facing East’ that was on display at Manchester Art Gallery in Spring 2010.

John Virtue is one of the most distinguished painters working today in the UK. He was awarded the post of Associate Artist at the National Gallery and this will be the first time since his 2005 National Gallery show that such an extensive oeuvre of works has been seen in London. Fortnum’s X Frank 2018 (FXF18) sees 70 large-scale monochromatic works by Virtue placed across the floors of the luxury London store, in the heart of Piccadilly.

Having trained at the Slade School of Fine Art, Virtue’s practice is continually informed by natural environments and his geographical moving from Lancashire to Devon, to London, and now to Norfolk.

The artist’s idiosyncratic black and white canvases, created using a mix of white acrylic paint, black ink and shellac, provides a provocative juxtaposition among the iconic Fortnum’s colours and gilt.

The works chosen include abstract landscapes that challenge the viewer to see beyond the paint to make out landmark sites, such as London’s St Paul’s Cathedral, London Eye and The Gherkin.

FXF18 is curated by Robert Upstone, former Director at the Fine Art Society, which he joined in 2010 from Tate Britain where he was Head of

44 SEPTEMBER 2018

Ewan Venters, CEO Fortnum & Mason John Virtue, Artist, Frank Cohen, Art Collector in front of Landscape No. 174

Landscape No 664

JOHN VIRTUE EXHIBITION

Modern British Art. The collaboration is taking place as the global art world descends on London for the prestigious Frieze Art Fair, also coinciding with London Design Festival.

Fortnum’s has a long-standing commitment to the arts, supporting generations of artists and designers through its connections with the Royal Academy, the Royal College of Art, the Slade School of Fine Art and the Bloomsbury Group, alongside Fortnum’s own distinguished collection.

“Fortnum & Mason is about creating a sense of pleasure, and while we focus on things that taste amazing, art enhances the sensory pleasure of the store and creates an intellectual pleasure for those that enjoy it. With Frank’s astute collectors eye and Robert’s impeccable curation, we are able to challenge and inspire our customers as they move throughout the store. As a British, family business, it seems a perfect fit to have John Virtue’s incredible landscapes and seascapes exhibited in our home throughout one of the busiest months in London’s art calendar.” Ewan Venters, CEO Fortnum & Mason. www.fortnumandmason.com

“Fortnum’s has a long-standing commitment to the arts, supporting generations of artists and designers through its connections with the Royal Academy, the Royal College of Art, the Slade School of Fine Art and the Bloomsbury Group, alongside Fortnum’s own distinguished collection”

The feel-good factor M

eet feel-good, happy artist Charlotte Anna Reed. She took her hobby and love of painting bright joyful art and made it into her full time career 5 years ago- and hasn’t looked back! Painting from her studio in Hampshire she uses a mixture of ink, oil and acrylic to create her compositions.

Charlotte is currently working on lots of commissions for lovely clients and busy prepping to sell happy art at The Handmade Fair at Hampton Court Palace on Sept 14th-16th 2018. Follow her art journey on Instagram @charlotteannareed and you can buy or request a custom piece of art at her website shop. www.charlotteannareed.bigcartel.com

EVENTS

London Fashion Week Festival 20 – 23 September, The Store X, 180 Strand, WC2R

LUXE For an exclusive front row experience, treat yourself to LUXE or LUXE Plus tickets and be part of the glamour. Enjoy complimentary prosecco and canapés in the LUXE Lounge before heading to your front-row seats at the Trend Catwalk.

Hear from Lucy Walker, Fashion Editor at Glamour in an exclusive style talk. Pick up your limited edition designer tote filled with gifts and make use of the exclusive till and shopping concierge service whilst you relax in the Lounge.

L

ondon Fashion Week Festival is the ultimate fashion experience and it is back!

Home to official London Fashion Week designer catwalk shows, inspiring talks by industry experts and a curated shopping experience. Taking place at The Store X on Strand, you can expect front row seats at live catwalk shows, an incredible line-up boasting exclusive experiences, handpicked talks and features, wellness treatments and secret gigs.

Plus, snap up this season’s exclusive designer tote bag by Molly Goddard. Designed for the show it’s limited edition and included with silver, gold and LUXE tickets.

Catwalks Take your front row seat at this season’s Designer Catwalk shows from some of London Fashion Week’s favourite talents including Bobby Abley, Georgia Hardinge and Mother of Pearl. and discover the key trends for Autumn/Winter 2018.

Shopping Shop from up to 150 of the most coveted British and international brands, ranging from exciting new under-the-radar brands through to established heritage designers, all at show exclusive prices.

Brands include: Aurora London, Charlotte Simone, Lily and Lionel, Linda Farrow, Jamie Wei Huang, Jovonna London, The Ragged Priest, Tilly Sveaas, and Rosie Fortescue Jewellery.

46 SEPTEMBER 2018

Talks This is your chance to ask your fashion heroes how they made it in the business. Book your place on the programme of talks which includes Careers in Fashion, The Power of Digital Influence with Niomi Smart, Erica Davies on Creating a Home with Personality, Azzedine Alaïa: The Couturier, Katherine Hamnett, SheerLuxe The Show Live, and Who What Wear & Byrdie on Living Your Best Instagram Life, and more.

Feeling indulgent? The LUXE Plus ticket offers a prosecco reception with CEO of the British Fashion Council, Caroline Rush, an intimate Q&A with a London Fashion Week designer plus front row seats in the designer catwalk.

Tickets for LUXE and LUXE Plus sessions are limited so book in advance to secure your seat.

For more details visit www. londonfashionweekfestival.com The Store X, 180 Strand, London WC2R 1EA

EVENTS

Tutton & Young present

MADE LONDON : MARYLEBONE THE DESIGN AND CRAFT FAIR

M

ade London: Marylebone is an annual contemporary craft and design fair featuring a handpicked selection of top contemporary designer-makers.

Now in its sixth year, the fair runs for 4 days from Thursday 18- Sunday 21 October 2018.

Tutton and Young have invited applications from artists working throughout the UK and have handpicked more than 100 exhibitors to showcase and sell a diverse selection of textiles, fashion accessories, clothes, metalwork, jewellery, ceramics, mixed media art, beautifully worked wood and handcrafted furniture – a huge range of gorgeous things for the home and for you.

The makers themselves are on hand to meet visitors and discuss inspirations, design processes and future projects. Get your Christmas shopping underway and be spoilt for choice from the handpicked collections on offer.

One Marylebone is a stunning setting for all the original work, a Grade 1 listed former church designed by Sir John Soane. It’s ultra convenient being opposite Great Portland Street tube station.

The café will also be serving delicious coffee, lunch, snacks and drinks throughout the day for that wellearned pit stop.

Although an extremely difficult task, we’ve chosen a selection of the designer/ makers selling their work at MADE London to give you a taste of the wide choice of lovely goods on offer.

Latimeria metal Poetry in metal is how Latimeria describe their beautiful cutlery and serving wear. Their salad servers are fit for a queen!

Sam Walker ceramics We love Sam Walker’s handmade patterned ceramics 48 SEPTEMBER 2018

for their sense of fun and personality. Made from flat slabs of clay and decorated with slip they are bursting with individual character.

Alison Dupernex textiles Alison’s aim is to make a work of art to wear, with the choice of colour and yarn texture being the vital magic components. Snuggle up in one of her beautiful scarves.

“The makers themselves are on hand to meet visitors and discuss inspirations, design processes and future projects” Top left: Chair by Hugh Miller Top right: Latermeria Above: Ring by Sarah Pulvertaft Below: Snowberry scarf by Alison Dupernex Bottom right: Sam Walker

Sarah Pulvertaft jewellery Sarah uses traditional techniques to make silver and gold jewellery in her Oxfordshire workshop. We adore her sequinned rings!

Hugh Miller wood Hugh Miller is a designer and applied artist specialising in studio furniture in wood. His ultra-elegant work is made in British elm, Japanese bamboo, brass, and Japanese Sumi ink.

Tickets are £5 until September 30th (£10 afterwards and on the door) Tickets for the Private View taking place on Thursday 18 October from 6-9pm are £20.00 Browse the work at leisure over a glass of wine and enjoy the live band. www.madelondon-marylebone.co.uk

EVENTS

Totally Thames 2018 Until Sunday 30 September 2018

Dixie Queen

Image: Gabor Gergley

‘professional’ rowers, the decline of the docks and a fast-changing capital.

Mother Danube: Mon 24 – Sat 29 Sep

T

Theworld’s oldest boat race. Credit hydar dewachi

otally Thames’ fantastic annual season of over 100 events celebrating the River Thames is back for the whole of September.

This year’s programme looks at the river as an inspiration and source of creativity connecting London to other cities around the world.

It celebrates the heritage of our river and illuminates the long-standing traditions and unique stories the river holds. Totally Thames gives Londoners and visitors the opportunity to take part in a programme of arts, culture, heritage and active events.

The World’s Oldest Boat Race Guildhall Yard, Aldermanbury EC2V 7HH until Monday 24 September 2018 The Race for Doggett’s Coat and Badge is the world’s oldest continually competed sporting event started in 1715. This incredible rowing race is competed in every year by apprentice river workers on the Thames. This year, Totally Thames delves into this tradition passed down through generations of Thames watermen, exploring its rich heritage in a series of outdoor exhibitions.

Using recorded oral histories, photographic portraits by Hydar Dewachi, and 100 years of archive material made publicly accessible for the first time, The race brings to life this hidden history at the heart of London. It encompasses stories of family pride and rivalry and the passion that kept Doggett’s race alive through two World Wars, a schism between ‘gentlemen amateur’ and 50 SEPTEMBER 2018

The R.A.P. Party: Wed 12 Sep, 7.30pm In Conversation with Ben Aaronovitch: Mon 3 Sep, 6pm At various locations literary events are inspired by the river, will explore its social, cultural and historic role as a source of inspiration for writers. Mother Danube sees a week of free performances with storyteller Sally Pomme Clayton and musician Emma Clare.

Inua Ellams brings an exhilarating live literature event in The R.A.P Party aboard the beautiful Dixie Queen to sail down the Thames. Featuring a stellar line-up of spoken word artists performing poems inspired by hip hop culture whilst a DJ plays a kaleidoscope of tracks for a laid back, poetryinfused nostalgic boat party.

“Totally Thames gives Londoners and visitors the opportunity to take part in a programme of arts, culture, heritage and active events”

THE DETAILS For further details visit www.totallythames.org or call 020 7928 8998 Social Media @TotallyThames #TotallyThames Totally Thames takes places at locations across London, up and down the 42-mile stretch of the Thames

Bascule Chamber Concerts South Bascule Chamber, Tower Bridge, Tower Bridge Road, SE1 2UP Thurs 20 – Sun 23 Sep, various times Composer and curator Iain Chambers returns to fill the atmospheric subterranean Victorian space in Tower Bridge with a brand-new programme, including commissioned spoken word performances and an immersive sound walk exploring London’s greatest hidden space. The concerts will feature music, vocal and poetry works from the Marian Consort, Tabla player Kuljit Bhamra and storyteller Rae Levine.

Image: Marian Consort

WEDDINGS EVENTS

Matthew Chambers, Sand Group, 2018, photo credit Matthew Chambers.

Courtesy Gallery Mouvements Modernes

PAD LONDON

ANNOUNCES 2018 LINE-UP

Achille Salvagni., Papillia Armchair 2018. Limited edition of 20 pieces. Courtesy of Achille Salvagni.

1–7 October 2018, Berkeley Square, Mayfair

P

AD LONDON, the internationally acclaimed fair for art and design, returns for its 12th edition next month. Set in the vibrant heart of Mayfair, PAD London is the capital’s leading fair for design, decorative arts and 20th century art.

This year’s London edition introduces a magnificent showcase of works staged by 68 leading galleries. Ten new international galleries will make their debut at PAD London this year.

Highlights include

• Italian designer Achille Salvagni presents an elegant display inspired by Marie-Laure de Noailles’ signature eclecticism, mixing cultures and genres.

• Archaeologist Veta Stefanidou Tsoukala brings a refined selection of art and design wonders evocative of the classical forms of Greek antiquity.

• Parisian ceramicist Karen Swami features her poetic minimal vases inspired by traditional Japanese stoneware.

Collectible jewellery has gained huge momentum at international art fairs, a genre supported by PAD since its inception in 2007.

For this edition PAD London will broaden its offering with new specialist galleries.

• French designer Lorenz Bäumer, former Artistic Director for high jewellery at Louis Vuitton and creator of emblematic collections for Chanel, exhibits whimsical architectural pieces that marry

Ingrid Donat, Banc Tribal 2014. Bronze Leather. Limited Edition. Courtesy of Carpenters Workshop Gallery

52 SEPTEMBER 2018

his education as an engineer and his passion for poetry, nature and colour.

• Lebanese designer Walid Akkad offers minimal yet opulent jewels reflecting his quest for timeless beauty and impeccable craftsmanship.

• Glenn Spiro, master British jeweller and former Christie’s expert, unveils his spectacular designs inspired by nature.

Contemporary design galleries choose PAD London again to unveil brand new works by emerging and established designers.

• Carpenters Workshop Gallery devises an immersive solo exhibition with new works by sculptural furniture designer Ingrid Donat.

• Gosserez brings an exciting array of up-andcoming designers pushing the boundaries of materials.

• Peter Petrou introduces an enticing cabinet of curiosities with new works by Irish designer Sasha Sykes.

The PAD London Prize returns with a prestigious panel of judges co-presided over by Yana Peel and Francis Sultana.

Three awards will be presented in the following categories: Best Contemporary Design, Best 20th Century Design and Best Stand.

Tony Cragg, Red Square, 2007. Painted bronze.

Courtesy of 18 Davies Street.

For more details and to purchase tickets visit www.pad-fairs.com or call +33 (0)1 53 30 85 20.

PAD London, Berkeley Square, Mayfair, London W1, 1-7 October 2018. Follow @padartdesign on Instagram and Twitter. #PADLondon

FEATURE

Perfect Bags

for Men

Founded in London, Stubble & Co produce high-quality products for men and encourage a life of travel and adventure.

They launched in 2017 and have gone on to sell 1000’s of their handcrafted bags to over 50 countries. We caught up with founder Ben Watkiss to find out more about the brand and his plans for the future.

these two things right, then I’m convinced the brand will go from strength to strength.

I love your logo, can you tell us more about this?

Our logo is inspired by the high-quality stitching on our bags, as well as the mountains, which we have always loved and reflects a sense of adventure.

I met my wife through a mutual love for skiing and have enjoyed many holidays in the mountains together. This combined with our passion for the sea and city life, meant we wanted to create products that could be used for every adventure: work, the gym, overnight trips and weekends away #forthosewhotravel.

When did you come up with the idea for Stubble & Co? After 10 years working in management consulting, spending most weeks on the road, I’d been through my fair share of bags. Having continually struggled to find the perfect man bag; one that could be used for short business trips, going to the gym, commuting to work and visiting friends, they either broke easily or had a premium price tag. It seemed only natural to design my perfect bag.

What was your motivation for turning it into a business?

I was sat on a traditional sailboat in the Philippines and had that moment of realisation, I loved my job, but wasn’t prepared to be office bound for the remainder of my working years. I wanted to create a life where I could travel more, spend more time with family, and grow a business to be proud of. I believed there was a gap in the market for affordable high-quality men’s bags, and was ready to invest everything to make my dream a reality.

How did you launch Stubble & Co? After 18 months of research and planning, we launched our perfect everyday bag for men on the crowdfunding site Kickstarter in March 2017. It was a crazy day as we hit our goal in only 12 hours, and went on to sell 870 bags across 38 countries. This gave the funding required to go into production and commence selling bags through our website.

Why do you think you can make Stubble & Co a long-term success?

The founding value of Stubble & Co was to never compromise on quality, whether that be our products or our customer service. We’re committed to developing the most durable, functional and stylish products for men. If we continue to get

54 SEPTEMBER 2018

What’s next for Stubble & Co? We’re really excited to introduce the Stubble & Co BACKPACK this October! For the weekday commuter and weekend explorer, it’s crafted with durable waterproofed canvas, thoughtfully designed to put practicality and functionality first. You can register on our website (www.stubbleandco.com) to be the first to hear about its launch and exclusive offers. www.stubbleandco.com

EVENTS

PAINT

LONDON!

P

opUp Painting & Events Ltd run painting experiences like no other!

They are themed social painting events, all artist led, where adults can enjoy unleashing their creativity in a fun environment.

Perfect for friends, family, meeting new people or even team building, their mission has been to bring art out of the classroom and gallery and into the places people meet on an daily basis.

You will be guided step by step by a practicing artist, while you drink, paint and create your way to becoming an artist for the night!

PopUp Painting invites you to an enjoyable and unique evening - wine glass in one hand, paintbrush in the other!

Each experience includes: • All art supplies – including paint, brushes, apron • Guidance from a qualified and practicing artist (but feel free to go off-piste!)

• A themed playlist to immerse you in your experience • A guaranteed like on Instagram if you share your pics with #popuppainting Here are just some of the events coming up so you can paint the town red! Or any colour you wish!

CANVAS & COCKTAILS, STRAND Saturday 29 September, 7.30pm – 10pm, £35.99 Your event at MELONDON will be themed around Annie Dalton‘s modern take on Van Gogh‘s iconic Starry Night painting. Cocktail in one hand, paintbrush in the other – create your own inspiration on canvas to take home! A free house cocktail or soft drink alternative is included.

PAINTING & PROSECCO, SOUTH BANK Friday 5 October, 7.30pm – 10pm, £39.99 Your event at Brasserie Blanc will be themed around the iconic Starry Night over the Rhone

by Vincent Van Gogh. Vincent Van Gogh‘s work is characterised by his bold brushstrokes and expressive use of colour – perfect to play with! Two free glasses of Prosecco or soft drink alternative is included!

PAINT LIKE BANKSY WITH WINE, LONDON BRIDGE Thursday 11 October, 7.30pm – 10pm, £29.99 Your event at The Horniman at Hays will be 56 SEPTEMBER 2018

themed around Charlotte Ellinas‘s Banksy inspired Umbrella Girl painting. As no one knows Banksy‘s true identity, go to the event and pretend you’re the real thing! A free glass of wine or soft drink alternative is included.

PAINT LONDON WITH WINE, LONDON BRIDGE Thursday 18th October, 7.30pm – 10pm, £29.99 Your event at The Horniman at Hays will be themed around Wyland Tondelier‘s super London painting! Paint your own favourite London landmark or your house! A free glass of wine or soft drink alternative is included

PAINT THE SINGING BUTLER WITH WINE, KENSINGTON Saturday 20 October, 7.30pm – 10pm, £29.99 Your event at The Britannia will be themed Britain’s most sold contemporary painting by Jack Vettriano – The Singing Butler! Sing along to the music whilst you paint this idyllic scene. A free glass of wine or soft drink alternative is included

PAINT THE SCREAM FOR HALLOWEEN, FARRINGDON Wednesday 31 October, 7.30pm – 10pm Your event at The Castle will be themed around Edvard Munch‘s iconic The Scream painting – perfect for Halloween!

For a full list of events visit www.popuppainting.com. Tickets are purchased via Eventbrite with a direct link from each event

EVENTS

Diana: Her Fashion Story at Kensington Palace Until 28 February 2019

Image © Patrick Demarchelier; Below: Kensington Palace

Trace the evolution of the Princess’s style, from the demure, romantic outfits of her first public appearances, to the glamour, elegance and confidence of her later life

F

rom her earliest royal engagements, everything Diana wore was closely scrutinised. In this elegant exhibition at her former London home, Diana’s relationship with her favourite designers will be explored through a display of some of their original fashion sketches created just for the Princess.

The exhibition highlights how she navigated her unique position in the public eye: learning to use her image to engage and inspire people, and to champion the causes she cared about.

Eleri Lynn, curator of ‘Diana: Her Fashion Story’, said, ‘Diana, Princess of Wales, was one of the most photographed women in the world, and every fashion choice she made was closely scrutinised. Our exhibition explores the story of a young woman who had to quickly learn the rules of royal and diplomatic dressing, who in the process put the spotlight on the British fashion industry and designers.’

Don’t miss this extraordinary collection of garments, ranging from the chic Catherine Walker suits that made up Diana’s ‘working wardrobe’ and glamorous evening wear including the iconic velvet gown famously worn at the White House when the Princess danced with John Travolta. Follow the Princess’s relationship with her favourite designers

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“Diana, Princess of Wales, was one of the most photographed women in the world”

through a display of their original fashion sketches, created for her during the design process and discover her remarkable fashion story. industry and designers.’

This extraordinary collection includes: • The chic Catherine Walker suits that made up Diana’s ‘working wardrobe’ • The iconic velvet gown famously worn at the White House when the Princess danced with John Travolta.

• A blue tartan Emanuel suit, worn by the Princess on an official visit to Venice in the 1980s - a rare survival of the Princess’s daywear, and only recently rediscovered and acquired by Historic Royal Palaces at auction.

• The flak vest, denim shirt and Armani chinos selected for her high-profile visit to the landmine fields of Angola in 1997 will form the centrepiece of the exhibition until November 2018.

• The pink Bellville Sassoon suit worn by the Princess to board the train for her honeymoon There are many neverbefore displayed outfits including a sumptuous Victor Edelstein evening gown worn for an official portrait by Terence Donovan.

You can trace the evolution of the Princess’s style, from the demure, romantic outfits of her first public appearances, to the glamour, elegance and confidence of her later life.

WWW.STORMWINDOWS.CO.UK

EVENTS

Little Greene

The Conran Shop

MARYLEBONE DESIGN DISTRICT MAKES DEBUT AT THE

LONDON DESIGN FESTIVAL 2018

O

ne of central London’s most celebrated and distinctive areas will host its own design district during the London Design Festival 2018.

Marylebone’s attractive Georgian streets, packed with characterful period buildings, provides space and inspiration for an impressive collection of design retailers, galleries and workshops. From interiors to millinery, jewellery to furniture, this established area boasts some serious creative credentials, both internationally famous brands and smaller, independent studios and boutiques.

Many well-known retailers and design shops in Marylebone will become partners of the district, hosting workshops, demonstrations and launches, with the official kick-off around Marylebone’s festival day on Wednesday 19 September.

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Here is a selection of just some of the confirmed activities so far:

bridges to hand tools, as well as the high-quality tableware for which David Mellor is best known.

SELFRIDGES & CO

LITTLE GREENE

400 Oxford Street W1A 1AB Selfridges’ LDF edit of ‘conscious creators’ is part of the store’s ongoing sustainability scheme that includes Buying Better, Inspiring Change and Project Ocean. Design-led, sustainable home accessories and kitchenware, include cushions made from recycled material, drinking glasses made from smashed phone cases, and beautifully made bamboo toothbrushes and cups.

3 New Cavendish Street W1G 8UX Celebrating the new Green Colour Card in collaboration with the National Trust, Little Greene will host a series of Colour Consultancy workshops.

Revealing 31 colours, each shade has a story to tell.

Designers and home enthusiasts alike are invited to be one of the first to see the colour palette of historical greens unveiled.

CONRAN SHOP & CARL HANSEN & SON

66 Portland Place W1B 1AD This exhibition celebrates 25 years of Urban Splash, exploring this innovative architects’ award-winning projects. Urban Splash has won over 40 RIBA Awards, from Small Projects to the Stirling Prize Shortlist and cover refurbishment and new-build on residential, leisure and commercial schemes. This touring exhibition, co-curated with RIBA North, explores the practice’s award-winning projects in the context they were created and against the specific challenges and opportunities of the day.

For further details visit www.marylebonedesigndistrict.com.

Instagram @MaryleboneDesignDistrict

55 Marylebone High St W1U 5HS In celebration of the deep blue hue of the Conran Shop’s identity, furniture manufacturer Carl Hansen & Søn will champion the Danish collective’s renowned designs. Exclusive editions will take front and centre in the store’s windows.

DAVID MELLOR 14 New Cavendish Street W1G 8UW A closer look at the breadth of work still being produced away from the public eye by this versatile design firm. From state gifts to street furniture,

RIBA

EVENTS

NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY

MICHAEL JACKSON: ON THE WALL Until 21 October 2018. Sponsored by BOSS and Sony Music

THE DETAILS Michael Jackson: On the Wall is produced with the co-operation of the Michael Jackson Estate.

Tickets with donation from £17.50 - £22 Tickets without donation from £15.50 - £20 Under 12s are free and family tickets are available.

Tickets are subject to availability on a first come, first served basis and can be booked online or in person at the Gallery.

Proof of age is required. www.npg.org.uk National Portrait Gallery St Martin’s Place London WC2H 0HE

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M

ichael Jackson: On the Wall at The National Portrait Gallery explores how Michael Jackson has inspired some of the leading names in contemporary art.

Curated by Dr Nicholas Cullinan, Director of the National Portrait Gallery, this major exhibition opened to coincide with what would have been Michael Jackson’s 60th birthday on 29th August 2018.

Jackson was one of the most influential cultural figures to come out of the 20th century and his legacy still continues. His significance is widely acknowledged when it comes to music, videos, dance, choreography and fashion, but his impact on contemporary art is an untold story; one that has not been recognised with an international loan exhibition such as this.

Almost a decade after his death, Jackson’s legacy is as strong as ever: his record sales, now in excess of one billion, continue to grow; his short films are still watched; and his enormous fan base remains loyal. His impact and fame show no signs of diminishing and the questions raised by him as a social phenomenon are still relevant.

In addition to breaking records for the most albums sold, awards won, philanthropic achievements and cultural barriers overturned, Michael Jackson has become the most depicted cultural figure in visual art since Andy Warhol first used his image in 1982.

For the first time, Michael Jackson: On the Wall brings together the works of almost 50 of these artists, drawn from public and private collections worldwide, including new works made especially for

the exhibition.

The 48 artists featured are: Rita Ackerman, Njideka Akunyili Crosby, Emma Amos, Lyle Ashton Harris, Dara Birnbaum, Candice Breitz, Appau Jnr Boakye-Yiadom, Monster Chetwynd, Michael CraigMartin, Dexter Dalwood, Graham Dolphin, Mark Flood, Isa Genzken, Michael Gitttes, Todd Gray, Maggi Hambling, David Hammons, Keith Haring, Jonathan Horowitz, Gary Hume, Rashid Johnson, Isaac Julien, Johannes Kahrs, KAWS, David LaChapelle, Louise Lawler, Klara Liden, Glenn Ligon, Sam Lipp, Isaac Lythgoe, Paul McCarthy, Rodney McMillian, Dawn Mellor, Dan Mihaltianu, Lorraine O’Grady, Catherine Opie, Yan Pei Ming, Grayson Perry, Paul Pfeiffer, Faith Ringgold, Michael Robinson, Mark Ryden, Susan SmithPinelo, Donald Urquhart, Kehinde Wiley, Hank Willis Thomas, Andy Warhol and Jordan Wolfson.

The exhibition asks why so many contemporary artists have been drawn to Jackson as a subject and why he continues to loom so large in our collective cultural imagination, and the continued interest in him as a major cultural figure.

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“Rae: As a Nurse, I’ve Seen It All. I Am Ready to Help” Oil on Canvas, 183cm x 152cm 2017.

Broad strokes, bold shapes, rich texture create form; reflect the emotion of our times while exposing the figure’s true character. Gesture, posturing, & larger-than-life scale provide insight on inner emotions & outer truths; bring the obligation of being human into the conversation.

Leslie Plato Smith was educated at University of California Santa Barbara, Tulane University, University of California Berkeley. Her “Who Are We?” Series is at the 2018 Venice Biennale www.palazzomora.org

www.LesliePlatoSmith.com

EVENTS

Rooms as Portraits Centre, L-R: Lot 173 Irving Penn (1917-2009) Three Poppies, Arab Chief, New York, 1969 Estimate: GBP £50,000 – £80,000; Lot 51: A Pair of Louis XVI Ormolu – Mounted Chinese Gilt and Black Lacquer and Vernis Martin Commodes by Maurice Bernard Evald Circa 1770, Partially re-mounted Estimate: GBP £100,000 – £150,000

MICHAEL S. SMITH

Christie’s have announced a collection sale of interiors featuring the work of Michael S. Smith, interior designer to an A-list clientele including Steven Spielberg, George Clooney and the Obamas.

Comprising interiors from private residences situated in London, New York and Los Angeles, the auctions represent the breadth of Smith’s talents, incorporating his curatorial knowledge, multicultural sensibility and his discerning eye to create distinct environments.

64 SEPTEMBER 2018

S

mith, 54, is a California-based interior designer whose impressive portfolio ranges from California Colonial to Jazz Age Revival. The first collection, Eaton Square, London, will be offered on 12th September in London and the second, A Tale of Two Cities, New York & Los Angeles on 26th September in New York.

The auctions will offer a range of decorative and fine art reflective of Michael S. Smith’s aesthetic – a seamless blend of the classic English country house, with European style and American modernism. The two auctions will feature Old Masters, 19th Century and Impressionist paintings, Modern British and Post-War and Contemporary Art, as well as English and European furniture, 20th Century Design, Islamic and Asian works of art and Antiquities.

Michael’s CV is formidable. The California native graduated from the Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles, studied at the V&A in London and worked with the legendary classicist John Saladino in New York before opening his own firm at the age of 24. Now, a quarter of a century later, he designs furniture, fixtures, fabrics and fragrance, and has penned four books for Rizzoli.

The Earl of Snowdon, Christie’s Honorary Chairman Europe & UK, Middle East, Russia & India, comments: I have always been impressed and inspired by Michael’s way of working. His energy, enthusiasm and easy charm mixed with his order, sense of style and good taste make him the most important interior designer of clients searching for

comfort and gracious living. I particularly admire his work as he reflects the clients’ personality and works in their art collections seamlessly to the schemes.”

Interested bidders can hear Michael S. Smith in conversation on the topic of ‘Colour’ during Christie’s Late on Monday 10th September, it is free and open to all, starting at 6pm www.christies.com/lates Christie’s, the world’s oldest fine art auctioneer, has sold fine art, furniture, jewelry and wine since James Christie conducted the first sale in London on 5 December 1766. Ever since Christie’s has continued to provide the perfect backdrop for the sales of the world’s finest collections and greatest works of art before their auction.

8 King Street, St. James’s, London SW1Y 6QT. Tel: +44 (0)20 7839 9060. www.christies.com

Lot 20: Léon Joseph Florentin Bonnat (French, 1833-1922) Samson’s Youth 1891 Estimate: GBP £250,000 – £350,000

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FOOD & DRINK

10 YEARS OF LONDON RESTAURANT FESTIVAL: Celebrate london’s international restaurant scene with world’s top chefs

T

he London Restaurant Festival (LRF) in partnership with American Express® returns for its 10th year this October.

With a star-studded line-up of some of the world’s top chefs jetting into London to celebrate, as ever LRF will take place in restaurants, welcoming over 50,000 people into over 400 restaurants across the capital.

This year will centre around the international nature of London’s restaurant industry with some of the most exciting chefs in the capital.

Each of the ‘Top Ten Cuisines’ will be represented by some of the world’s best chefs, including Bill Granger, Michelin-starred husband and wife Dylan Jones and Duangporn ‘Bo’ Songvisava from Bo.Lan

“LRF’s Tasting Menus, will see 20 menus exclusively created for the Festival”

66 SEPTEMBER 2018

in Bangkok who will team up with som saa, and one of the world’s most decorated female chefs AnneSophie Pic who holds seven Michelin-stars and will be hosting a dinner at La Dame De Pic. Galician Chef Javier Olleros will cook alongside Nieves Barragan Mohacho at Sabor, whilst Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino from Lima’s Malabar will champion the food of the Amazon alongside Martin Morales at Peruvian restaurant, Ceviche.

LRF’s Tasting Menus, will see 20 menus exclusively created for the Festival, which this year feature chef-hosted events for the first time including Ben Chapman at Kiln (recently voted the UK’s Best Restaurant in the 2018 National Restaurant Awards), Monica Galetti at Mere, and Adam Handling at The

Frog. Alongside this, there will be a unique pop-up; Hertzstück™ Dining Room, where guests are invited to explore the future of dining through a sensory, theatrical tasting menu.

“A series of events will celebrate Thailand’s culinary scene and the impact it has had in London” A series of events will celebrate Thailand’s culinary scene and the impact it has had in London. Tasting Menus will run throughout the month at the likes of Som Saa, Kiln and Greyhound Café, as well as a Gourmet Odyssey visiting three of London’s top Thai restaurants. There will also be an opportunity to win a trip to Thailand, with Thai Airways International, Amazing Thailand and Hyatt hotels.

This year, the Ultimate Gastronomic Weekends will include an overnight stay at one of two 5-star, London hotels (Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill and Andaz London Liverpool Street) and a series of chef-led events and dining experiences.

Returning better than ever, the first weekend will feature five famous chefs - Michel Roux Jr, Melissa Hemsley, Francesco Mazzei, Vivek Singh and Wright Brother’s Richard Kirkwood. The second, a Michelin-packed weekend, will feature five Michelinstarred restaurants, including Club Gascon, City

Social and Angler before renowned 2 MichelinStarred chef Claude Bosi hosts a special lunch at Bibendum.

There are several brand new events for LRF 2018, including: Eat Art, fusing two of London’s great passions with an exclusive private view and dinner at the Saatchi Gallery; Eat Talk, delving into the minds of some of the industry’s bestknown names including the legendary Pierre Koffmann, Andrew Wong and Michelin-starred husband and wife team James Knappett and Sandia Chang. Celebrating the quintessentially British obsession, luxury tea brand Newby Teas will also join the festival with a series of LRF Tea Tasting Masterclasses plus exclusive Curator Tours of their prized Chitra Collection – the world’s largest private museum of historic teawares.

Restaurant-Hopping Tours, an LRF staple, will see diners discover some of London’s most exciting food neighbourhoods by enjoying five different restaurants in the area. From Chelsea’s charming Pavilion Road, to St James’s and Regent Street, and the newly revamped Battersea Power Station, guests will enjoy a course at five restaurants within the neighbourhood, with drinks from the likes of Remy Martin, Zonin Prosecco, City of London Gin and paired wines selected by Chalié Richards wines.

Devonshire Square will return this year along with Estrella Galicia’s Tapas Tour, and a spin around St Katharine Docks showcasing its restaurants along the water’s edge.

THE DETAILS LRF 2018 now has over 60 events during the course of October.

For tickets and further information on this year’s festival please visit www.ticketmaster.co.uk/lrf @londonrestaurantfestival @LRF2018 #EatOctober

Top left: Bibendum; Top, left to right: Angler Restaurant, Moorgate, City Social; Circles, From Top: Club Gascon; Michel Roux Jnr.; Som Saa

SEPTEMBER 2018 67

FOOD & DRINK

BATTERSEA POWER STATION JOINS LONDON RESTAURANT FESTIVAL’S

T

10TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

he capital’s newest riverside food and drink destination will be taking part with special tasting menus, world-renowned chefs and gastronomic delights, showcasing the best of the British and international cuisines now available at Circus West Village.

Situated on the banks of the River Thames, Circus West Village is the first chapter in the regeneration of Battersea Power Station and is now home to a selection of restaurants, cafes, bars and businesses.

The new riverside destination will be the location for many London Restaurant Festival events, including the Ultimate Gastronomic Weekend, which takes place from 6-7 October. The weekend begins with a four-course lunch hosted by Michel Roux Jr followed by a private book signing and canapés with Melissa Hemsley.

On Sunday, after breakfast at the 5* Hyatt Regency, the gastronomic tour meets for a champagne reception and a visit to three top restaurants at Circus West Village. They will be hosted by renowned chefs Vivek Singh from Cinnamon Kitchen, Richard Kirkwood from Wright Brothers and Francesco Mazzei from Fiume.

Across the month, Top Ten Cuisines, exclusive to American Express card members, celebrates the top cuisines that have helped shape London’s food scene. On 17 October, Vivek Singh will host a fourcourse dinner at Cinnamon Kitchen and Francesco Mazzei the same at Fiume.

Vagabond, one of the UK’s first urban wineries offering 100 wines by the glass and seasonal food and Tonkotsu, an authentic Japanese restaurant known for its ramen and noodles, will both be offering tasting menus on 18 and 30 October respectively at Circus West Village.

If you want to sample the best that different restaurants have to offer in one day then a Restaurant Hopping Tour is for you. Visit Vagabond, Cinnamon Kitchen, Mother, a pizzeria from Copenhagen, and No 29 Power Station West a relaxed bar and restaurant at Circus West Village on 27 October and enjoy a course at each one.

In addition, Boom Cycle is hosting a class exclusively for Restaurant Hopping Tour guests at 10:30am ahead of the event, which includes a Ren Clean Skincare goodie bag.

For tickets and further information please visit www.ticketmaster.co.uk/lrf. @londonrestaurantfestival. @LRF2018. #EatOctober

68 SEPTEMBER 2018

This image: Wright Brothers; left: Michel Roux Jr. Cinnamon Kitchen

Tonkotsu Circus West Village

FOOD & DRINK

London Cocktail Week is Back with a Bang!

1-7 October 2018

R

aise a glass to toast the return of the world’s biggest cocktail festival in the cocktail capital of the world. London Cocktail Week is back for its 9th year and promises to be even bigger and better!

To accommodate the growing number of visitors, the team has moved the heart of the festival, The Cocktail Village, to The Old Truman Brewery on Brick Lane. This year’s festival pass holders will be treated to FREE entry, giving those with a passion for a mixed drink even easier access to signature cocktails from some of the world’s best bars.

A first for 2018, London Cocktail Week are also offering VIP packages with fast track entry to The Cocktail Village, a free drink, and access to special VIP only areas. Festival passes are just £10, drinks enthusiasts can soak up the city’s delectable spirits, enjoy pop-up cocktail bars, unlimited £6 cocktails, parties and more.

Brought to life by the team at DrinkUp.London, the festival celebrates the spirit of the city’s cocktail scene by giving festival pass holders access to an outstanding collection of London’s award-winning bars, bartenders and cocktail culture.

The Cocktail Village is at the heart of London Cocktail Week, bringing an unmissable collection of signature cocktails from some of the world’s best bartenders all served up for £6. The new site on Brick Lane will play host to three spaces jam-packed with all of the best creative cocktails the capital has to offer from the biggest names in drinks. This year there will also be a new space showcasing smaller and exciting emerging brands from all around the UK. Visitors can expect to see more pop-up cocktail bars and bigger experiences, as well as delicious street food. New for this year, The Cocktail Experiments will also give guests the chance to learn about the craft of cocktail-making and how to create the perfect version of their favourite cocktail.

Don’t miss a drop of the action by downloading the free DrinkUp.London app. Festival goers will

have access to the whole festival at the palm of their hands, no wristbands needed! The app shows each bar’s signature drink and users can search for bars to visit by area or type. The personalised photograph allows all festival pass owners to simply flash their digital pass for fast and easy access to £6 signature cocktails all week long.

In addition to The Cocktail Village, London Cocktail Week is also made up of a timetable of unmissable parties, masterclasses and supper clubs suitable for everyone, from amateur to expert, as well as the renowned self-guided Cocktail Tours.

More than 300 of the best bars across the capital will welcome cocktail lovers in to enjoy specially created cocktails for £6 to any festival pass holder, with venues encouraged to offer a lower-alcohol option, as well as a non-alcoholic option for £4, alongside their signature serve to promote the growing trend for mindful drinking.

THE DETAILS For more information about London Cocktail Week and DrinkUp.London, please visit: www.drinkup.london/ cocktailweek.

DrinkUp.London Instagram: @drinkupldn. #londoncocktailweek #LCW #LCW18

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FOOD & DRINK

45 JERMYN ST. BRINGS THE FINEST GROUSE TO ST JAMES’S

A

Feast on a trio of exceptional game dishes to celebrate the season

utumn brings a host of new dishes to the menu of destination restaurant 45 Jermyn St. showcasing the very best in seasonal ingredients. Step inside the award-winning dining room in the heart of St. James’s to sample delicious, Autumnal plates showcasing grouse season at its best.

45 Jermyn St. diners will be treated to an exclusive new menu of tender game in its finest form. Known for its celebration of modern London dining and showcasing the finest seasonal ingredients, the restaurant has sourced the best quality, farmed meat - from the Lammermuir Hills in the Scottish Boarders - and brought it to plate in the capital in both traditional and contemporary guises.

Traditionalists can dine on Roasted Young Grouse served with game chips and bread sauce, and accompanied by a mini cottage pie which sees the legs of grouse, duck and pheasant stewed to make a sumptuous side.

An ingenious and lovingly crafted Grouse & Foie Gras Pie sees one breast of game and foie gras cooked to perfection and encased in thick, beautifully glazed pastry. This is served with a blackberry and shallot chutney - to compliment the richness of the meat - and with a malt gravy poured over it.

Inspired by the Head Chef ’s travels, when a tikka dish stirred him to explore new horizons of grouse cooking, the final, show stopping dish of Tikka 72 SEPTEMBER 2018

Spiced Grouse concludes this limited edition menu.

Game breasts are glazed in grouse jus and coated with a tikka paste of garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, turmeric and garam masala. This unexpected combination sees the richness of the meat soften with the infusion of spice. Puffed white rice and pomegranate seeds are tossed across this stunning meat which sits alongside red lentils and a dollop of yoghurt. The final flourish is a samosa of game and spring onion.

Diners can enjoy these stunning seasonal dishes with a choice of expertly handpicked wines from 45 Jermyn St.’s extensive list. Recommendations include crisp white Château Musar (Lebanon 1999) to accomapany with the tikka dish and a deep Bordeaux from Saint-Émilion to pair with the pie.

THE DETAILS The 45 Jermyn St. grouse menu starts from £24.50 and will be served from lunch service until mid-October 2018 45 Jermyn St. Corner of Jermyn Street and Duke Street, London, SW1 6DN www.45jermynst.com

PROPERTY

The London Homebuilding & Renovating Show returns to ExCeL Idealcombi Windows & Doors

21 - 23 September 2018

T

Richard Gadsby

74 SEPTEMBER 2018

he London Homebuilding & Renovating Show returns to ExCeL this month, sponsored for the first time by Checkatrade, the directory of recommended and trusted tradesmen. The show is also sponsored by Nethouseprices, that provides free access to the latest house prices for England and Wales.

The Show will offer self-builders and renovators the chance to discover innovative products from over 360 specialist brands. They will also have access to over 45 free seminars and masterclasses and over 750 advice sessions on a wide range of sectors including architecture; kitchens; bathrooms; ventilation; lighting; doors and windows.

There will be free advice on any issues with a multitude of resources for every project…all under one roof. In addition, real case studies will be available on site, so visitors can discuss similar challenges they’re facing.

On the Saturday, consumers can hold 15-minute discussions with celebrity TV property experts including Charlie Luxton, sustainable architectural designer and presenter of Channel 4’s ‘Best Laid Plans’ and Julia Kendell, interior design expert for BBC’s ‘DIY SOS The Build’ and ITV’s ’60 Minute Makeover’.

Attendees can discuss their building plans with an array of property experts in the ‘Ask the Expert’ area sponsored by Internorm, Europe’s leading window brand. Here visitors can hold free consultations with eight residential property specialists via interactive sessions. The experts

include Michael Holmes (director of content and product development for Homebuilding & Renovating magazine); Bob Branscombe (chartered surveyor and builder); Chris Reeves (legal expert and a chartered builder and lawyer); Mariana Pedroso (interior design expert and architect); Allan Corfield (self-build expert) and Sally Tagg (planning expert) Show-goers can also explore the ‘Ask the Builder’ area and meet members of the Federation of Master Builders and the ‘Ask the Architect’ area will be welcoming over 15 experienced architects from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) to assist consumers in achieving their dream home.

There will be live presentations in the ‘Tricks of the Trade’ section hosted by experienced tradespeople who will provide information on how to save money on everyday DIY jobs undertaken around the house.

The mobile app will provide visitors with a personalised experience, guiding them through their day. This will include information on all the features at the show so they don’t miss a thing! In addition, an interactive timetable will display the times and locations of all seminars and masterclasses, as well as alerting the user on any exclusive offers from exhibitors.

Standard tickets are £12 in advance or £18 on the door, children under 16 go free).

For more details, visit www.homebuildingshow.co.uk/london or call the ticket hotline on 0871 231 0824 (calls cost 13p per minute plus network extras).

Olymp ia, 1st November (11am – 5pm) & 2nd N ovember 2018 (11-4pm)

Join us at this year’s Luxury Property Show to view stunning properties for sale from around the world and visit our free of charge seminar sessions providing expert insight into buying luxury properties overseas. Whether you are looking for a scenic real estate in the French countryside, a city apartment in New York, or a luxurious beachfront home in Spain, we will be showcasing the most celebrated real estate from around the world and you are sure to find your perfect match.

Exhibitors include Spanish Property in the Sun, RE/ MAX Collection, Intero – A Berkshire Hathaway Affiliate, Mayfair International Realty and Alteo Properties

Register your interest in the event at www.theluxurypropertyshow.com/register-to-visit

PROPERTY

Don’t Move, Improve I

f you need more space or just fancy a change, there’s no need to sell up – why not extend? Lawrence Rankin, Founder & CEO of property building and renovation platform NuVuw.com shares his advice.

move up!

A loft conversion could increase the value of your home by as much as 20%. With minimal disruption, you can create space for an extra bedroom or bathroom. Most loft conversions can be completed within permitted development as long as there are no changes to the roof profile, you follow building regulations and you are not in a conservation area.

Your loft height will need to measure at least 2.3m to be suitable.

For a bedroom, ensure you will be able to easily move around. For a bathroom, make sure your existing boiler will be able to cope with the extra pressure to feed hot and cold water up an extra level, as well as any additional support you may need for a fully filled bath. Consider Velux-style windows that follow the profile of the roof, as opposed to Dormer windows, which will probably require planning permission. Bear in mind that accessing the loft may require you to take some space from another room, and remember that you will need to upgrade your insulation, too.

spread out There are typically three types of extension: a rear extension covers the full width of the back of the property; a side return extension makes use of the often-unused area to the side; and a. wrapped extension runs along the side elevation and the back. The most common extension is a single storey to the rear of the home. With many older properties comprising individual rooms, this can combine areas (such as a kitchen and dining room) to offer a more light-filled and open-plan space that’s better suited to the homeowners’ personalities and living requirements.

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“A loft conversion could increase the value of your home by as much as 20%”

Many extensions will fall within permitted development rules as long as the size complies with the regulations, which can be found at planningportal.co.uk. Engaging an architect early in the design process will ensure your extension performs as expected and, when you are looking to reconfigure rooms or remove walls, you will also need a structural engineer. Blending period with a modern twist continues to be popular, with the use of bi-fold doors and, more recently, invisible frame sliding doors that will open up the space to allow for an indoor-outdoor living feel.

Use NuVuw.com to capture your ideas, model them easily using the 3D design tools and search for specialists who can make your dream a reality.

Take the stress out of property development

LUXURY WEDDING GUIDE – From gifts to venues, we’ve got the big day covered – i m a g e : BRID E S TH E SHO W

WEDDINGS

[ SHO P P ING ]

weddings “Bespoke design, show-stopping wedding display or delicate hand-tied bouquet – Interflora expert florists go to great length”

PRETTY PIN UP These pretty, handcrafted flower hair pins add a romantic touch to brides and bridesmaids’ wedding day hair styles. Each individual pin features six ivory flowers, set in the centre with Swarovski crystals in Vitrail for extra sparkle; and flanked by hand beaded silver leaves, this pin adds a subtle touch of pretty when worn alone, and full on romanticism when worn in clusters. £30 Each; www.andsotoshop.com

FLORAL INSPIRATIONS The Interflora Wedding Collection is a great place to start searching for inspiration, with a vast collection of wedding flowers already online, find ideas for hand-crafted arrangements along with the expert Interflora florists who are ready to make the entire day yours, from romantic bouquets and buttonholes to arrangements and displays. Bespoke design, showstopping wedding display or delicate hand-tied bouquet – Interflora expert florists go to great lengths to transform cut flowers into exquisite arrangements. With so many shades, textures, styles and designs, fine wedding flowers add natural beauty to any wedding. www.interflora.co.uk

WE LOVE These Garda wedding invitations by Ruby Blue Weddings are absolutely stunning, and include a choice of vellum cover or wax seal. www.rubyblueweddings.co.uk

A silk wedding veil can make a dramatic difference transforming the simplest dress into a stunning Bridal outfit. This gorgeous bespoke single tier silk tulle wedding veil from Ann Guise is edged with French Chantilly lace. Handmade to order. www.silkveil.com Photograph courtesy of Eleise Theuer www.eleisetheuerphotography.com

SAFE KEEPING A pretty Porcelain Indian silk douppion cushion decorated with a 1920’s white Jacquard with embroidery and trapunto in gold French ribbon, with two letter-pressed cards and envelopes and a pen. Present the rings at your ceremony and keep your vows, poems or love messages close. £160, www.mybilletdoux.com 84 SEPTEMBER 2018

Beautifully BESPOKE

WEDDINGS

Brides The Show 2018!

21 – 23 September, Olympia. A weekend packed full of glorious wedding inspiration!

B

rides the Show is back! Once again, the UK’s number one best-selling bridal magazine is coming to life in 2018 at Olympia so get the dates in your diary and expect a weekend packed full of glorious wedding inspiration.

Now in its seventh season, you’ll gain direct access to the entire Brides team - the very people who style the fashion stories, create their lavish reception shoots, design their glossy covers and work on every bespoke element that goes into the kind of stylish wedding design they are known for.

Have a chat with them about all your planning dilemmas: from the venue to the honeymoon, they will always be on hand to give advice. And don’t forget to book a seat at one of the beautifully styled bridal catwalk shows…

This year, Brides Fashion Director Bryony Toogood is creating a magical ‘Dreamland’ space where fairytale, fantasy and fashion go hand-inhand. Expect ethereal décor as standard: fantastical floristry to delicate laser-cut paper work, oversized blossom clouds and towering trees, balloons and butterflies, ribbons, rainbows, fairies and fields of flowers.

Oh, and the gowns to match of course! Be it a floor-sweeping number, a picture-perfect princess style, simple chic shift or form fitting fishtail with all the exquisite fabrics and details you can imagine.

Afterwards why not start crafting your way to a stunning day in one of our expert sessions or join a DIY décor workshop?

“We’ve always got show-stopping, unique content for you to see. Past events have included a couture exhibition with world-renowned designer

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Giles Deacon, plus the chance to meet famous photographers - in 2017, Matt Porteous, Pippa Middleton’s wedding photographer, made an exclusive appearance to meet readers. And at our very first show, we curated a one-of-kind Iconic Wedding Dress exhibition where legendary gowns were flown in from celebrities around the world.

For 2018, we’re working on bringing you some seriously exciting ideas, so get ready to be wowed.

And remember, we carefully select our exhibitors and partners to bring you the very best in the business, so you’re in expert hands every step of the way. All you have to do is book those tickets!”

– Jade Beer, Editor, Brides Magazine

THE DETAILS Book tickets to the show from just £15 Show opening times: Friday 21st September: 12pm – 6pm Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd September: 10am – 5pm

Tickets are on sale at SeeTickets.com VIP tickets - £55 with exclusive access to the VIP Lounge, priority VIP seats for The Brides Catwalk, a glass of bubbly, a luxury goodie bag and more! www.bridesmagazine.co.uk/event/ brides-the-show

WEDDINGS

NATURAL BEAUTY:

Stunning Floral design from petal & wild Josephine Stevens speaks to Alana Watts, Owner and Floral Designer of Petal and Wild.

The company specialises in wild, pretty and romantic wedding floral design covering, London, Essex and surrounding areas Tell me a bit about yourself and your company.

I’ve always been creative and loved the outdoors.

As a child I’d spend hours outside in the garden helping my parents prune the roses and plant tulip bulbs. I trained at Italia Conti Academy of theatrical arts and performed in West End shows as a singer/ dancer for a number of years. I was frequently sent the most beautiful bouquets during the run from a florist stand outside the theatre on Seven Dials. Once I left the theatre world I struggled to find something that gave me the same passion.

By chance a leaflet was popped through my door advertising a floristry course at my local university which caught my attention. I enrolled and am delighted to say it reignited my creative fire and reminded me how much I love working with natural materials. It was totally fate looking out for me and I’ve never looked back.

I created Petal and Wild flowers to appeal to the bride who wants something completely unique and elegant on their wedding day. My style is romantic and natural, like flowers just picked from a country garden. I enjoy working with a loose brief so I can really be creative and design something stunning and enchanting for the big day.

Where do you get inspiration from?

I get inspiration from so many sources, including the natural beauty of the English countryside.

Pinterest and Instagram are great online tools too as they give you access to amazing floral designs from around the world.

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What is your favourite part of being a wedding florist?

I love the early morning trips to Covent Garden Flower market shopping for my blooms and the excitement to see what’s new in and what is in season.

I also love seeing the bride’s reaction to her flowers on the wedding morning. It’s such a wonderful feeling after months of planning to know you’ve been a part of making someone’s special day look beautiful.

What plans do you have in the future?

More weddings and more beautiful flowers! I’ve got some gorgeous weddings booked for next year at amazing venues, it’s a privilege and I’m very grateful to work with such lovely brides. www.petalandwild.co.uk; 07976 881505

top tips for brides Let your florist know your budget from the very start.

It’s much easier to advise on designs and flowers to achieve the look you are after if we have this information. If you love expensive flowers such as peonies, ask your florist to use them in your bouquet and find a more economical substitute for the table flowers if your budget will not stretch.

Ask your florist to choose flowers that are in season, it doesn’t mean they are necessarily cheaper but means they are better quality and at their best. It will also help to encompass the time year you have chosen to get married in.

Choose a few larger arrangements, rather than lots of smaller vases or jars if you really want to make an impact on your wedding day.

Pedestal arrangements and pew ends can be re-used from the ceremony and repositioned in the reception area afterwards to help make the most of your flowers.

Top left & centre: Irena K Photography.

Top right & left: Helen Elliott Photography / Venue - The Old Parish Rooms, Essex

Armonia understands the challenges you face as you go about planning the live entertainment for your special day.

So, when it comes to securing sound advice, support and the guidance that you need; you can rely on Armonia’s expert Music Consultants (who are passionate about helping clients create the perfect ambience).

Dedication, organisation & flexibility are a priority for Armonia, we aim to ensure that your personal planning journey is nothing less than exciting, effortless and empowering. And finally, our equivocal promise; you will have total peace of mind, remain stress free and save valuable time.

Call us on 033 3011 8222 or visit www.armoniamusicconsultancy.co.uk to find out how Armonia can help make your special day memorable.

WEDDINGS

CUT THE

CAKE

From icing techniques to towering tiers: a look at how wedding cakes have changed over the years.

WORDS: Liz Connor, Press Association

W

hile some look forward to seeing the dress, the emotional speeches or the drunken dad dancing, one of the real highlights of today’s weddings is digging into the cake.

The ritual of the wedding cake in this country can be traced back to medieval times, where cakes were stacked as high as possible for the bride and groom to kiss over. A successful kiss meant they were guaranteed a prosperous life together.

Traditionally, we still think of couples jointly cutting into old-fashioned fruit cakes - with lashings of white icing, a splash of something alcoholic and plastic bride and groom figurines. But today’s edible creations are works of art in their own right; featuring watercolour flocking, gold leaf applique and exotic ingredients from far-flung destinations.

If Pinterest is anything to go by, 2018 is all about having a dessert that sums up the mood of the couple’s big day, and just about anything can inspire your personalised design, from a shared love of doughnuts to your favourite floral blooms.

Here, we dig into a slice of history and take a look back at some of the trends that have defined the humble wedding cake over the decades.

The 1950s The decade that gave us Elvis, a new Queen and the baby boom was a big turning point for weddings.

Food rationing ended after World War II, which meant that cakes could be more detailed and ornate than previous years. The affordability of plastic also saw a boom in the traditional bride and groom toppers that many couples still opt for today, while bakers had more freedom to experiment with piping and floral decorations. “Modern couples today would probably be surprised by how little wedding cakes differed for many years,” says Hamish Shephard, founder of Bridebook (bridebook.co.uk).

“Compared to the show-stopping cake styles that dominate weddings today, the wedding cakes of the past were a more reserved and traditional affair, with fruit cake bases and standard white royal icing.”

Above: a drip cake, popular in 2018.

Left: Comedian Bob Monkhouse on set for his new film,”Carry on Sergeant”, at Pinewood Studios, Buckinghamshire, in 1958. His film bride is the lovely Shirley Eaton. (PA Photo/PA Archive)

“The wedding cakes of the past were a more reserved and traditional affair”

The 1960s “The 60s were all about big,” says Shepherd. “Big hair, big cars and big weddings too.” Influenced by celebrity nuptials like Elvis and Priscilla Presley who opted for a six-level apricot sponge cake for their marriage at the Aladdin Hotel in 1967 - bakers used plastic pillars to precariously pile extra tiers onto their bakes, helping them to reach dizzying new heights. “This was the start of the showstopper wedding cake,” says Shepherd.”But although the cakes were tall and tiered, fruit cake was still the common choice. Its sturdiness allowed for 90 SEPTEMBER 2018

Above: Roger Moore with his bide, actress Luisa Mattioli, at their wedding reception at the Royal Garden Hotel, London, in 1969. His film bride is the lovely Shirley Eaton. (PA Photo/PA Archive)

WEDDINGS

stacking several tiers on top of one another, and the long life of the cake also meant nothing went to waste.”

Above, left: Warrant Officer David Dodd (30) an instructor at the Army School of Catering put the finishing touches to Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips wedding cake in Aldershot, 1973 Above, right: The official royal wedding cake for Diana Spencer and Prince Charles made by the Royal Navy’s Cookery School 5ft High and 255 lbs, in 1981

The 1970s The Seventies is often referred to as a golden age for music, film and fashion - and it was for wedding cakes too. “Once tall cakes had their moment, decoration and styling became more of a feature,” says Shephard. Bakers concentrated on sugar flowers, hand-painted details and intricate piping in pastel hues, as well as arranging fresh flowers on top and around the cakes. Those with an ample enough budget even had miniature fountains erected around their wedding desserts, or decorative stairs leading from the top tiers to the presentation table below.

“Almond paste, with its ability to be moulded and shaped into beautiful florals, became a staple,” says Shephard. “Couples began using their cakes to express their personal styles too, with the much loved yellow and brown tones of the Seventies often making an appearance.”

The 2000s The Noughties saw the start of a major cupcake craze in the US that found its way onto the dessert tables at many weddings across the pond. Some couples artfully arranged them around their wedding cake, while others did away with a traditional iced bake and opted for American-style cupcake towers instead. Couples also veered from the stodgy British fruitcake, preferring to serve more experimental flavours like red velvet and chocolate cupcakes.

“The start of the Noughties saw the first move away from wedding cakes and towards ‘alternative cakes’,” says Shepard. “The rise of the ‘Pinterest wedding’ means that wedding trends move at lightning speed, each year bringing its new ‘it’ statement. Whether it’s a doughnut wall, a cheese tower, or personalised cupcakes, couples are able to add personality and break tradition in ways they never have before.”

The 1980s An estimated 750 million people tuned in to watch the royal wedding of 1981, eager to watch Lady Diana Spencer become the Princess of Wales. She had an undeniable influence on the fashions of the time, and brides were keen to mimic details from her big day - from her David and Elizabeth Emanuel wedding dress to her five-tier, hexagonshaped wedding cake. “The Eighties saw the first real break from tradition with a completely new style,” says Shephard. “Charles and Diana’s cake is easily the most famous and weddings across the world emulated the new and striking hexagonal style. Having flat edges as opposed to rounded allows for more decoration and statement accents; in Charles and Diana’s case, plenty of room for their coat of arms.”

The 1990s Novelty cake toppers, heart-shaped bakes and lashings of lavender icing - “Nothing was too much 92 SEPTEMBER 2018

in the Nineties,” says Shephard. Pastel-coloured sugared almonds were a popular party favour, with couples opting to place them around their cake for a decorative touch. “The era of course saw all sorts of new and exciting wedding cake styles,” says Shephard. “More complex features, that some may cringe at today, were a staple, like miniature fountains on the cakes and complex architectural arrangements.”

The 2010s

Centre: A cake popular in the 1990s Above: A cupcake cake, popular in the 2000s

Naked cakes, drip cakes, artisan cheese wheels... there are pretty much no rules around what your wedding cake should look or taste like today. There’s been a significant rise of textures, paint splatters, watercolour and brushstroke effects, making cakes more artistic than ever before. Metallic colours such as silver and rose gold are still very on-trend, as are geometric and marble designs. “The introduction of Instagram changed the game for weddings and wedding cakes,” says Shephard. “The rising pressure to have an ‘Instagrammable’ wedding has meant that decoration has gone above and beyond. “Specialist wedding cake makers are more skilled and artistically talented than ever before, with stunning watercolour, geode and drip cakes becoming a musthave for the millennial wedding.”

LBWG18

WEDDINGS

ANN GUISE SAYS:

VEILS BY ANN GUISE A

nn Guise designs and creates exclusive, ethereal, silk tulle wedding veils for brides from all over the world, using only the best quality silk fabric, lace and decoration. She is the only designer specialising solely in bespoke silk wedding veils. A silk wedding veil can make a dramatic difference, transforming the simplest dress into a stunning bridal outfit. Each veil is professionally designed and hand made to order. It can be hand beaded with Swarovski pearls or crystals, scattered with Swarovski diamante, edged with silk ribbon, French lace or stunning bespoke hand embroidery. Her silk creations are carefully designed in consultation with the bride throughout creating a unique family heirloom.

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Ann graduated in Fashion and Textile Design from the highly regarded Harrow School of Art London, now University of Westminster, alongside well known names as David and Elizabeth Emanuel.

On graduating Ann was offered employment in the Costume Department at BBC TV London. After 4 years she moved to the Costume department at BBC Cardiff where she was nominated for a prestigious BAFTA Cymru award for best Costume Design.

After 14 years with the BBC Ann decided to offer her talent to the general public. She ran a successful couture Bridal Design Studio using sumptuous silk fabrics. Her standards are the highest, in fact she was awarded Fellowship of the Chartered Society of designers, extremely rare in the Fashion sector.

All of Ann’s creations are in pure silk fabric sourced direct from the manufacturer. Her silk tulle is woven using the same techniques as used in the early 1800s. She creates a limited quantity of exclusive silk wedding veils, each year, all professionally designed and meticulously hand made to your individual requirements using only the very best quality silk fabric, French lace and custom embroidery. She is the only bridal veil designer specialising solely in designing and hand crafting beautiful top quality, bespoke silk bridal veils. www.silkveil.com

“I design and hand make exclusive, luxurious, silk wedding veils from 100% silk tulle fabric and French lace, for brides all over the world. Each of my luxurious bespoke silk wedding veils is professionally designed and hand made to order so that each Bride can have a special veil to compliment their beautiful wedding gown. I pay meticulous attention to detail using only the best quality silk fabric, lace and custom embroidery.

I am fully trained, qualified and an expert in my field. My silk veils are individually hand crafted and not mass produced. I use only the best quality materials, and being a perfectionist I pay attention to getting the smallest details just right.If you would like a free sample of my crisp and soft silk tulle please contact me. I am always happy to give free advice regardless of whether you order a Bridal veil from me or not. My silk wedding veils can be shipped worldwide including the USA and Australia, so regardless of where you live you can have a silk wedding veil made especially for you. Due to the bespoke nature of my work, I create a limited amount of silk tulle wedding veils each year.

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WEDDINGS

Bath’s Historic Venues Roman Baths & Pump Room • Assembly Rooms • Victoria Art Gallery • Guildhall

Amy Sanders Photography

Lee Niel Photography

R

ecognised as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Bath is the only city in Britain to enjoy UNESCO World Heritage status. It is the perfect location for a wedding, with its stylish combination of beautiful architecture, breath-taking scenery and luxurious accommodation. Only 90 minutes from London, Bath is both an exceptional and accessible city.

Bath’s Historic Venues are integral to the city’s history and include some of the country’s most iconic buildings: Roman Baths & Pump Room Situated at the heart of the World Heritage site, the Roman Baths and Pump Room was voted Best Historic Wedding Venue in the 2017 UK Wedding Awards, and is without doubt one of the most distinctive and unique buildings in the country.

Not only is there nothing like it in the world, it also provides a fantastic opportunity to be married in the open air but remain under cover, safe from the unpredictable British weather. What could be more romantic than exchanging your vows next to the torchlit, steaming waters of the Great Bath in one of our Sunrise or Sunset ceremonies?

The Great Bath is continuously filled with hot flowing water which rises up bubbling from deep underground, warmed by the heat of the earth’s core. Surrounding this bath is 2000 year old paving, where couples can exchange their vows amid the flickering torchlight and rising steam. Beyond the classical statues on the Terrace above, Bath Abbey will be illuminated whilst guests can gather and enjoy a stunning and atmospheric wedding.

The grand Pump Room, built in the 1790s was the focal point of Georgian society and Jane Austen observed people and fashions from within the building. This elegant room is a perfect location

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THE DETAILS

Bath’s Historic Venues: Pump Room, Stall Street, Bath, BA1 1LZ bath_venues@bathnes.gov.uk 01225 477786 bathvenues.co.uk/life www.facebook.com/ BathsHistoricVenues @bathvenues (twitter) @bathshistoricvenues (instagram)

Amy Sanders Photography

to continue celebrations, with a seated wedding breakfast and dancing. There is a choice of rooms, and the venue can cater for intimate groups as well as much larger wedding parties for up to 200 guests.

Assembly Rooms The Assembly Rooms is one of Bath’s most prestigious venues and has been at the heart of the city’s social life since the 18th century. Voted Best City Wedding Venue in the UK Wedding awards 2017, the venue houses stunning crystal chandeliers, impressive architecture and everything necessary for a stylish city wedding. There are four inter connecting rooms of varying size providing versatile space for weddings with 50-300 guests.

Searcys, our esteemed in-house caterer at the Pump Room and Assembly Rooms, have an enviable reputation. Since 1847, they have been one of the UK’s most prestigious catering companies.

With a passion for quality and an ability to execute an event to the very highest standards, they have developed a world-famous reputation for catering and hospitality at their iconic, exclusive venues which include Blenheim Palace, the Gherkin and St Pancras Grand.

“I know everyone says it’s the best day of their lives, but it was and this is down to the beautiful venue, amazing staff and perfect food. You don’t deliver a wedding; you deliver an experience of a lifetime!”

M&J Photography

– Gemma Davidson Wedding ceremonies and receptions can also take place in the Guildhall and Victoria Art Gallery, both in the heart of Bath.

For further information about all of our venues, visit our website: www.bathvenues.co.uk/life.

WEDDINGS

The Speech and the Suit

H

ere comes the groom! Even the most modern of weddings can often feel like it’s all about the bride, but now Debrett’s, the authority on modern wedding etiquette, is offering bespoke services for the bridegroom and his best man. They will ensure that you fulfil your two primary responsibilities – looking good and giving a brilliant speech – with confidence and style.

The two courses can be taken together over a full day or separately as half-day courses. An additional guest (usher, father or father-in-law-to-be) can be included.

The Speech Rupert Wesson, academy director and public speaking expert at Debrett’s, will deliver an intensive two-hour session on speech-giving for the bridegroom and up to two others. The workshop will focus on the content of the speech, mastering nerves, timing, humour, and using aids such as a microphone and notes. It will also cover traditional toasts, thank-yous and the order of speeches.

2 hour sessions available.

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The Suit Men’s style expert Tim Lord will work with the bridegroom and up to two others to style and source the perfect outfit for his wedding day.

Whether you’re choosing traditional morning dress, a lounge suit or an alternative, Tim will accompany you to a selection of his favourite men’s outfitters on Savile Row and advise on the best cut, cloth, pattern and style to suit you and your budget. He will encourage you to try on a range of options to incorporate elements that are most meaningful and personal to the individual and to the couple. The session will help you to find a wedding outfit that best complements your personality and style, while covering the finer points of tailoring and men’s style 4 hour sessions available.

Tim Lord is a highly experienced stylist and personal style consultant whose clients have included Jude Law, Keith Richards, Michael Fassbender, Alex James, James Bay, Mumford & Sons and Jack Guinness. His work has been featured in a range of publications including GQ, Esquire and Men’s Health.

THE DETAILS Please enquire for pricing and more information: email OllyWalker@debretts.co.uk or telephone Debrett’s on 0203 705 2210. www.debretts.com

WEDDINGS

Connaught Village Wedding Fair Ritva Westenius

L

uxury retail quarter Connaught Village, is the perfect place for everything you need for your own luxury wedding.

The village is home to a mix of exclusive, independent retailers where you can try out the services prior to your wedding at designer boutiques, delicious restaurants and cafés, the cheesemonger, the wine cellars and hair and beauty specialists.

Start your day with a coffee in brand new boutique café, Saint Aymes. Also a chocolatier you can buy their delicious British-made chocolate that features 23ct gold as wedding treats to impress your guests.

Move on to Medicetics, a relaxing state-of-the-art clinic where you can enjoy a relaxing HydraFacial to give your skin a boost before your big day. Then stop for lunch at one of the many restaurants to sample your wedding food. With many world cuisines such as Italian, Indian, Persian, Argentinian and more…you will be spoilt for choice.

Impress your guests with an alternative wedding cake. The cheesecake from Buchanans Cheesemonger is practical but visually impressive.

Buchanans offers a free consultation to discuss the many varieties you can select for each tier to ensure you and your spouse both have your cake and eat it.

Some women say that the wedding dress is one of the most important parts of the wedding planning.

Award-winning bridal store Ritva Westenius offers the most beautiful wedding gowns and is the perfect place to explore the elegance and simplicity of the Royal Ballet-influenced designs by talented designer and owner Chenca. Renowned fashion designer,

100 SEPTEMBER 2018

Eliza Jane Howell

“Choosing the perfect engagement and wedding ring is equally important” Gill Harvey also presents her successful bridal and occasion wear at Eliza Jane Howell. Having been voted Best Bridal Designer for the last two years running in the UK Wedding Awards, and won Best British Bridal Designer in the British Wedding Awards, Gill’s luxurious collections are exquisite. Choosing the perfect engagement and wedding ring is equally important. De Roemer offers a fantastic selection of engagement rings with diamonds, emeralds and pearls.

Browse their collection in-store and with their expert guidance you will take away something truly original.

Trial your hair and makeup at Fé Hair & Beauty where they offer free consultations (if the bride goes on to book with them for their wedding). The salon strives to ensure that the bride-to-be feels confident on the day.

No speech would be complete without a toast.

Enjoy some wine tasting at Connaught Cellars where owner, David Farber, has vast experience in wine management and tastes 5,000 wines a year.

Importing and sourcing champagnes and wines, David will be sure to help you find affordable, yet delicious drinks for your special day. www.connaught-village.co.uk; Instagram: @ConnaughtVillage; Twitter: @ConnaughtVil; Facebook: Connaught Village

Buchanans Cheesemonger Wedding Cake

UHMA

wedding dresses

We specialise in handmade and customised unique dresses so there will never be two brides with the same dress.

We use stunning high quality fabrics with special little details and clean lines.

Our dresses are made in Portugal and are beautifully comfortable and light so you can dance all night. www.uhmastore.com

Fox Wedding Cars and Limousines Established over 20 years .Catering for your Special Day for Luxury Travel Areas covered: London, Surrey, Sussex, Middlesex, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Berkshire, Kent, Essex Wedding Cars, Including Latest White Rolls Royce Phantom VIII, White Series 2, Rolls Royce Phantom, Vintage Cars and limousines for Hen and Stag parties

Wedding Cars or Fleet 0208 406 3758 or 0844 856 5466 info@foxlimousines.co.uk www.foxlimousines.co.uk

WEDDINGS

Leeds Castle, Exclusively Yours Be King and Queen for a day when you take over Leeds Castle in Kent for your wedding celebrations

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ncircled by the still waters of its historic moat, the magnificent Leeds Castle in Kent is an elegant venue set amidst 500 acres of parkland and formal gardens. It is just over an hour away from London and offers luxurious onsite accommodation for you and your guests, making it the perfect venue for your wedding day.

With nine centuries of history, the Castle has a roll call of previous royal owners and was even once owned by King Henry VIII and his queen Catherine of Aragon. In the early 20th century, the last private owner Lady Baillie hosted glamourous parties at the Castle for high society guests visiting from London, including the Kennedys and Charlie Chaplin.

Today, you can take over the Castle and all its luxurious bedrooms, with the option to book the entire Castle Island, the adjacent Maiden’s Tower and walled garden, as well as the croquet lawn in front of the Castle. Say ‘I Do’ in the elegant Ceremony Room adjoining the book-lined Library, ideal for Champagne drinks receptions and enjoy your wedding breakfast in the Henry VIII Banqueting Hall, with impressive views across the moat.

Leeds Castle offers a number of other venues also available for exclusive hire. The most recent to open its doors is the newly restored Battel Hall – a beautiful 14th century country house on the edge of the estate. Nestled in secluded gardens, the manor offers complete privacy, yet is still only a short walk from the Castle and all it has to offer. For smaller, more intimate weddings, couples can marry in the oak-paneled ceremony room, before moving into the welcoming drawing room and De Gournay morning room. In the warmer months, couples can be married under a romantic old English Bower and celebrate with up to 100 guests on the marquee terrace beside enchanting wisteria vines. Battel Hall boasts five individually decorated en-suite bedrooms and wedding packages include a 3-night stay for up to 14 people, Friday to Monday.

Clockwise from top right: Wisteria Bedroom, Battel Hall,; Castle Banqueting Hall; Castle Ceremony Room; Floristry Display at the Castle Entrance

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Other venues include the Fairfax Barn overlooking the Castle moat, suitable for bigger parties of up to 200 guests; but for those who would prefer an intimate setting still with all the romance of the Castle Island, choose the Maiden’s Tower, a 16th century venue offering its own private garden.

Wedding packages at Leeds Castle include everything you could wish for when planning your wedding: from dedicated wedding co-ordinators and experienced caterers, to the in-house floristry team led by the RHS award-winning Louise Roots. Don’t miss the chance to visit Leeds Castle’s Wedding Showcase on Tuesday 18th or Wednesday 19th September 2018. View the Castle rooms beautifully dressed in floral finery with the coincident Festival of Flowers, and be one of the first to view the new and exclusive Battel Hall.

Appointments will be available to you on either of the two days from 4pm – 9pm. Please call the team on 01622 767877 to book or visit www.leeds-castle.com/weddings for more information.

“With nine centuries of history, the Castle has a roll call of previous royal owners”

WEDDINGS

The National Wedding Shows 2018 Olympia London 21-23 September • ExCeL London 13-14 October

Photo: Louise Bjorling

“The breathtaking Catwalk Shows will bring the latest bridal trends to life on the runway”

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Photo: Louise Bjorling

he UK’s Biggest Wedding Show is back!

All you need for your perfect day…

With top experts specialising in everything from stunning dresses to sparkling accessories, exquisite flowers to mouthwatering cakes and exciting entertainment to idyllic venues, The National Wedding Show is the ultimate destination for shopping, inspiration and wedding planning.

The breathtaking Catwalk Shows will bring the latest bridal trends to life on the runway, showcasing collections from the nation’s hottest designers, retailers and boutiques. Whilst the bridal dresses are the obvious showstoppers, you’ll also see beautiful make-up looks, a variety of on-trend hairstyles, shoes to fall in love with and even inspiration for bouquets and other accessories!

Browse the collections from the nation’s finest - you can try on as many dresses as you like with no appointment necessary! Bridesmaids and the Mother-of-the-Bride will also be spoilt for choice with an array of elegant dresses available.

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Get the groomsmen together and make your way to the Grooms’ Room at Olympia – hosted by Cad & Dandy you will find independent labels offering everything from bespoke tailoring to accessories.

Visit the Inspiration Lab and pick up tips from craft experts on how to add a personal touch to your wedding day. From designing your own floral headdress to learning calligraphy, these skills could come in handy everywhere from your hen do to writing your thank you notes. There are free DIY wedding workshops too!

Get advice from the experts! The team at hitched.co.uk have curated talks with top wedding suppliers sharing essential wedding planning guidance at The Hitched Wedding Planning Platform.

Head to The Hitched Wedding Planning Platform where experts can answer your queries and ease your wedding worries. From venues viewpoints, to budget and time keeping must-dos, the exclusive panel are on hand to help, so come prepared with your questions!

You can also chat with dedicated travel experts and create your ultimate honeymoon or wedding abroad in The TUI Wedding Travel Lounge at the ExCeL show in October.

Take a break with a glass of fizz at The Champagne bar - the place to celebrate and enjoy a drink to toast to a fabulous day of wedding planning at the UK’s biggest and best wedding show.

Enjoy a day of luxury with the VIP experience!

Benefits include:

Photo: Catharine Noble Photography

• A VIP goody bag • A raspberry-infused gin & tonic courtesy of Manchester Gin • The latest issues of Confetti magazine • Seating at the Catwalk Show • Fast-track entrance to the show • Exclusive access to the VIP lounge • Book your tickets today and enjoy the perfect wedding planning day out…

Book your tickets at www.nationalweddingshow.co.uk Use promotion code LONDONLIFE to save on the price of your ticket!

WEDDINGS

Planning your dream wedding?

Where to start…

Congratulations on your engagement! Once you have named the date and are ready to start planning for your big day, here are some helpful tips to guide you through the initial steps

TALK TO YOUR PARTNER

SELECT A THEME

Have a conversation about what you and your partner want. Do you wish to have a huge, grand affair or something small and intimate? Do you want to be married in a church, registry office or on the beach in an exotic destination? This conversation will be the foundation for everything else. It will be one of your first conquests as an engaged couple.

A theme could be a colour, a style or an era. Once you have that theme it will make it easier to decide between different options going forward.

START A SCRAPBOOK OR MOOD BOARD Whenever you see something you like, add it to the collection. It could be a hair style, a dream dress or simply a colour swatch. It will help you to visualise what you would like your day to look like and can also be an easy way to eliminate ideas along the way.

START SCOUTING LOCATIONS Do you want the ceremony and reception to be at the same venue? A beachy wedding, somewhere in the forest or a modern and chic venue? The options are limitless, so choose what works for the both of you. Once you have found the perfect location, you can pay the initial deposit to secure the date. You also need to decide whether you want a sit-down meal or a buffet.

SET A BUDGET You might want the lavish, extravagant event you dreamed of since you were a child, but it is always sensible to set a budget however high.

THINK ABOUT YOUR BRIDAL PARTY Bridesmaids, maid of honour, the best man, flower girls and page boys. How many? And who? Think carefully as to who you would like in your party, without upsetting anyone.

START THINKING ABOUT YOUR DRESS Go into wedding dress shopping with an open mind. You might love a photo of a dress in a magazine only to try it on and not feel comfortable in it. Give every style a try, you could be surprised which cut flatters and gives you that wow factor! It can be an exhausting process, so only shop for as long as you are enjoying it or break it up over a few trips to make sure it doesn’t become a chore.

CAPTURING THE DAY Look around for professional photographers with a portfolio that suits the style you like. It’s a good idea to meet them, often photographers will be there long before the first guest arrives and won’t leave your side until the last guest leaves, so it’s essential that you get on well.

THE CAKE AND THE CARS Recommendations for your wedding cake would be ideal, but most wedding cake makers should be able to provide a small sample to help you decide. As for the cars, would you prefer a limo or a horse drawn carriage?

Travel in style with what suits you.

START A GUEST LIST This will be an organic document that will change many times during your planning process, so don’t be too quick to lock it in. Factors like venue capacity, access and ability to travel and cost will all come into play . Write everyone down at first and then you can work with your partner to refine it closer to the time to send out invitations.

ENTERTAINMENT Would you prefer a live band, or a DJ? or both? If you can get recommendations it would be valuable.

If not, you need to see them in action before you book them! You might also want to add some entertainment to keep children amused, while you and your guests can enjoy the celebrations without having to worry too much about bored or misbehaving little ones. Remember, this is you and your partner’s day to celebrate your love for one another, so don’t worry too much about pleasing everybody else.

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INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE SEPTEMBER 2018

THE FINEST INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS IN THE UK

EDUC ATION

Music at Merchant Taylors’ School Director of Music Simon Couldridge writes of how music is integral to all facets of life at Merchant Taylors’.

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e are keen to ensure as many of our pupils as possible participate in school music. At one end of the scale boys joining the school at 11 are all given the opportunity to receive individual trial lessons on an orchestral instrument with some of our 23 visiting music teachers, whilst at the other, some of the more advanced musicians attend the junior departments of the Royal Academy of Music and Royal College of Music and go on to win Choral and Organ Scholarships at Oxbridge colleges.

With nearly 300 instrumental or singing lessons taught each week, and close to half the school participating in performing music throughout the academic year, there is a lot to reflect upon.

An informal concert series provides the ideal platform for solo and small group performances.

A recent informal concert programme featured a sublime performance of Bach’s Toccata in D major, followed by the Merchants of Groove playing Alligator Boogaloo. This typically eclectic juxtaposition is part of what makes music at Merchant Taylors’ so vibrant and exciting.

There are 22 ensembles and bands, from the Junior Percussion Ensemble to the Symphony Orchestra, the Guitar Ensemble to the Concert Band, and the Sinfonia String Orchestra to Taylors’ Brass. There are also three jazz bands which play modern jazz and rehearse weekly to prepare for regular performances.

Singing is hugely important at Merchant Taylors’.

Whether it is the 140-strong Choir leading the singing at St Paul’s Cathedral for the Triennial Service, the Chamber Choir performing at the Carol Service or the a cappella Vocal Group shining in concerts at the Merchant Taylors’ Hall in the City, our choristers play a full part in major school events.

Parents also have the opportunity to sing with the School Choir annually as part of the Choral Society,

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which has recently performed works including Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms, Puccini’s Messa di Gloria, and Rutter’s Gloria.

Music Scholars enjoy regular visits to concerts and recitals in London, and internationally renowned musicians visit the school to work with the boys and give recitals. Recent visitors include Bob Chilcott (OMT) and Clive Carroll. The Chamber Choir and Chamber Orchestra embark upon biennial music tours that give the boys opportunities to perform around the world, most recently to Belgium, Austria, the USA, Spain and the Czech Republic.

Musical composition is also gaining greater prevalence with the recent expansion of music technology facilities. The two music technology suites, combined with the recording facility in the Recital Hall, have generated a real buzz around the department and helped enhance the position of music at the heart of the school. www.mtsn.org.uk

“With nearly 300 instrumental or singing lessons taught each week, and close to half the school participating in performing music throughout the academic year, there is a lot to reflect upon”

EDUC ATION

The Prep School philosophy reimagined Head of Sydenham High Prep, Claire Boyd, discusses the need to prepare pupils for more than just the 11+

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uccessful schools do not rest on their laurels. They are always asking: What else?

What now? How can we provide the best possible experience for the children in our care? Valuing tradition and heritage, alongside a commitment to innovation and creativity, allows schools to evolve authentically. At Sydenham High School we have over 130 years’ experience of providing a first-class education for girls.

Since our inception in 1887, our school motto, “Fear nothing”, has created a passion for renewal, reinvention and adventure.

From September 2018 we are taking this pioneering spirit forward with us as we launch Sydenham High Prep. No strangers to educating fearless girls from the age of 4 upwards, we are excited to announce a reimagining of how we deliver excellence and opportunity for our younger girls. Building on our success and popularity as a school with a difference, Sydenham High Prep School authentically and consistently ensures each and every girl is prepared for the world of tomorrow.

Rather than solely a commitment to 11+ preparation, our Prep School commitment is to prepare our girls for every aspect of life beyond the school gates: academic, social and emotional.

Meaningful Relationships & Personalised Experiences Happiness has the biggest impact on performance and development. Our staff are highly committed 118 SEPTEMBER 2018

and motivated; their number one priority is to ensure they carefully understand each girl they teach. Building positive relationships allows our staff to get the best rom our girls as learners, priding themselves on being able to tailor the pupil experience to ensure aspirations are high, pastoral care is impeccable and expectations are exceeded.

Expert & Specialist Teaching Our provision is characterised by specialist teaching from Pre-Prep through to Upper Prep. Our expert teachers work in high quality facilities and develop their provision for the needs of the girls, cultivating specific skill acquisition and a culture of innovation from the very beginning of a child’s learning journey. Specialist teaching in Upper Prep (Y5 & Y6) for Computing, Science and Classical Studies - alongside our 11+ Preparation Programme - enhances the high quality provision in place for Music, PE, Art and Design and Languages offered lower down the school. This provides a powerful springboard to excellence.

Bespoke Curriculum Our CONNECT+ curriculum is entirely bespoke to Sydenham High Prep, delivering a variety of rich and varied thematic approaches to learning.

Anchored in a clear commitment to providing a strong awareness and understanding of one’s own thought processes, best practice in meta-cognition development underpins our approach to teaching and learning. Our girls work collaboratively to

Code club

Outdoor classroom

“Our Prep School commitment is to prepare our girls for every aspect of life beyond the school gates: academic, social and emotional”

build up the knowledge and understanding to work innovatively, creatively and critically; ways of working that our children will need when shaping their future pathways.

Discovery zone

Science class

Unrivalled Co-Curricular Programme Our co-curricular offering brims with opportunities for our girls to immerse themselves in a wealth of activities. Our school is a hive of activity before and after school, as well during lunch and break times.

Our co-curricular programme not only allows our girls to try something a little out of the ordinary such as architecture, fencing or philosophy but it also the space to refine skills in sports, music, art and all aspects of STEM. Adventurous trips to France, the Jurassic Coast and the ski slopes of Austria give our girls opportunities to become more independent and resilient. Furthermore, being part of the Girls’ Day School Trust, a family of 25 schools, also affords us access to a range of exclusive events and resources including Sports Rallies, Digital Leader Hackathons, as well as mathematics and science conferences.

To see where the magic begins, come and visit us!

Whole School Open Day Saturday 15 September 2018, 9am - 1pm Our website lists all open events for entry at Reception through to Sixth Form

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EDUC ATION

The outdoor classroom Mrs Caroline Hulme-McKibbin is the new Head at Kensington Prep School GDST in Fulham. She explains the importance of the outdoor classroom

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f you ask children what they enjoy at school it’s almost always something outside.

Leaning to ride a bike, going ponddipping, or spotting caterpillars in the playground.

The early years foundation stage, which sets standards for children up until the age of five, places a strong emphasis on the importance and value of daily outdoor experiences for learning and development – but it shouldn’t stop there. Outdoor learning should be woven into the curriculum for children of all ages. Older children benefit hugely from exploring and learning in an outdoor environment, whether they are Year 5 pupils foraging for natural materials in a science lesson and creating a skeleton out of twigs and leaves to learn about the parts of the body or Year 3 pupils learning their times tables in maths by doing dance steps and raps outside.

Outdoor visits and activities at Kensington Prep School include visiting the Herbarium at Kew Gardens to learn about Charles Darwin, visiting the historic Fulham Palace to gain more knowledge of local history and within the school grounds, planting and developing an urban garden. Our pupils really value their outside time – they get so much satisfaction in caring for plants and seeing them grow. I was the same at their age. My favourite childhood pastime was playing under the willow tree in the garden. I used to build elaborate dens inside and I indulged my curiosity by experimenting with natural materials to create sculptures and concoct herbal “potions”.

In addition to allowing children plenty of space for physical activity and freedom, the outdoor classroom is vital in encouraging independent learners – children with inquisitive minds and the confidence to explore. Importantly, the outdoor

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classroom is not the same as a playground.

It’s a learning zone that should be as richly and thoughtfully equipped as an indoor classroom.

Outdoor play supports children’s problem-solving skills and nurtures their creativity, as well as providing rich opportunities for developing imagination, inventiveness and resourcefulness. Children really benefit from learning to take notice of the natural world, the weather and the seasons.

“Our pupils really value their outside time – they get so much satisfaction in caring for plants and seeing them grow” Many schools like Kensington Prep organise residential trips when pupils get a taste of the outdoor life and sleep under canvas, leaving all their usual luxuries in life behind. As part of the Year 4 ‘Bushcraft’ trip they learn how to make a camp fire, and skills such as archery and first aid. Learning outside helps them to understand and respect the awe and wonder of nature and to recognise the interdependence of humans, plants and life cycles.

There is a wealth of evidence to show that children of all ages who are exposed to outdoor experiences are better able to solve problems and cooperate with others and have higher self-esteem and confidence as a result. Our vision at Kensington Prep School is to equip our pupils for their future lives and the outdoor learning experiences we offer them are an integral part of this.

Kensington Prep is regarded as one of the best prep schools in the country winning praise for its outstanding academic standards, nurturing atmosphere and ground-breaking facilities. Entry at all levels is selective by assessment. Registration for 4+ entry for September 2019 closes 28th September 2018. www.kensingtonprep.gdst.net

EDUC ATION

Every child deserves to be inspired ‘If in 20 years from now one of my pupils says, ‘Mr Hodge, he made a difference’, then I will have achieved my goal’.

– Michael Hodge, headmaster of Prospect House School

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hinking back, most of us can name that one teacher who was inspirational (mine was called Mr Wessels). Unlike many other teachers, he listened to me and he made me feel my opinions mattered. As a result of his encouragement and contagious enthusiasm, my light-bulb moments came thick and fast. This resulted in my life-long love of learning and my desire to share knowledge with others. Mr Wessels’s example taught me far more about being a good teacher than any other professional training I later undertook.

Teaching is so much more than imparting knowledge. To ignite a child’s curiosity, teachers must first build relationships with their pupils, understanding what makes each child tick and developing a mutual level of trust.

Children are naturally inquisitive and it is through questioning that they gain a deeper understanding, which ultimately drives their desire to learn. But if a child lacks the self-confidence to speak up, many of their questions remain unanswered. What a wasted opportunity this represents.

It is our responsibility to create a learning environment where children feel free to raise their hand to ask a question or voice an opinion, safe in the knowledge this will lead to supportive discussion not derisive criticism.

The positive impact of recognising and rewarding success can never be underestimated.

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Regardless of a child’s ability, every small success leads to greater selfbelief, nurturing a confident ‘can do’ attitude.

Every child learns in a different way and we need to adapt our resources and teaching methods to respond to each individual’s learning styles.

It is the teacher’s responsibility to identify where each individual pupil is in their learning and target their needs.

In today’s environment where everything is immediate, and people are used to instant gratification, my staff and I believe in teaching children the value of perseverance and resilience and giving them the right skills to utilise these qualities when things feel difficult.

We arm our pupils with the skills to navigate through this modern world; to teach them how to work both collaboratively and on their own, to solve problems and to communicate effectively. These are all essential life skills. This forms the backbone to our teaching, be it in computer coding lessons, constructing a go-kart or navigating a dinghy in the Isle of Wight.

As teachers we also need constantly to improve and update the way we educate. At Prospect House, we evaluate our own teaching methods continuously, investigating new educational thinking and initiatives. Classrooms should be alive with discussion and activities, not rooms where one person is speaking and the rest are quietly listening.

When walking around our school, I expect to see the children engaged, teachers working with groups or individuals, questions being asked, and interesting discussions taking place with everyone participating.

As the headmaster of Prospect House, in addition to the teaching of the children, I am tasked with the responsibility to develop and guide the next generation of teachers: the two go hand in hand. It is my aim to help each of our teachers to be brilliant practitioners. A great teacher makes a huge difference to a child’s life and it is our responsibility to be great: it is what makes our profession so rewarding.

In the words of William Arthur Ward ‘The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains.

The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.’ Amen to that.”

To see Prospect House’s ethos in action, please ring Emily Porter on 020 8246 4897 to book a place at the next open morning on Saturday 6 October 2018 at 9.30am-12 noon.

EDUC ATION

Excellence, Challenge & Community Wetherby Senior is an academically selective 11-18 all- boys’ independent school located in the heart of Marylebone.

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stablished in 2014, it blends the traditions of Wetherby School and Wetherby Preparatory School with a modern and global outlook. Boys enter at Year 7 or Year 9 and are expected to join the Sixth Form, before they transition to top universities in the UK and abroad.

Wetherby has a reputation for excellence, challenge and community. At Wetherby Senior,

“Wetherby has a reputation for excellence, challenge and community” boys learn that excellence stems from effort and perseverance and that learning how to learn is the best preparation for the future.

The boys participate in a wide range of sports with competitive fixtures at the school’s sport grounds: Ealing Trailfinders. Many more take part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s award, join music ensembles and perform on the stage.

Headmaster Seth Bolderow, who joined the

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school a year ago, is celebrating the first set of GCSE results, the opening of the Sixth Form Centre in Marylebone Lane and the expansion of the school’s science facilities at nearby Hannah House, in Manchester Street.

The school’s Open Day is on 6th October 2018.

For more information, to register for the open day or to visit the school: Tel: 020 7535 3530 or Email: registrar@wetherbysenior.co.uk.

Wetherby Senior School, 100 Marylebone Lane, London, W1U 2QU

EDUC ATION

A first class education for girls J ames Allen’s Girls’ School (JAGS) provides first class education to girls aged 4-18 in South London - with a strong focus on developing personal and professional skills to prepare them for adulthood.

Key to its success is the ability attract a diverse mix of pupils that reflect the South London neighbourhood. Their generous financial assistance packages make the school accessible to girls from all economic backgrounds.

Academic performance is consistently strong and the school regularly features highly in national results tables. Pupils thrive in the STEM subjects and deliver impressive grades in languages ranging from French to Japanese.

But the opportunities at JAGS go much further than academic achievements. The girls have many opportunities to excel at sports courtesy of extensive playing fields and a sports complex that includes a swimming pool, climbing wall and astro pitches.

A professionally designed theatre gives those who want to develop their artistic talents the chance to study drama and perform on stage. The girls can also unleash their energy in a vibrant music department that holds performances throughout the year. From the next school year the music department will be based in the new Community Music Centre which features a 500 seat auditorium with professional standard sound and lighting equipment and 15 practice rooms.

Pupil welfare is paramount and JAGS has a dedicated team of pastoral staff including teachers, nurses, CAMHS counsellor, youthworker, and a School Chaplain School trips in the UK and around the world provide further opportunities to enhance academic learning and broaden life skills. Recent trips include volunteering at a school in a Ugandan slum, performing concerts during a music tour of Italy and an Art trip to New York.

Giving back to the community is an important part of JAGS’s ethos. It has built learning partnerships with neighbouring state schools and the girls regularly volunteer for local community groups. Many pupils also give their time at weekends to mentor local children in JAGS’s Saturday Literacy Scheme.

Proud of its success but with its feet on the ground, JAGS is here for the benefit of its pupils and neighbours. www.jags.org.uk

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Prep & Senior school 144 East Dulwich Grove London SE22 8TE Tel: 0208 693 1181 Pre-Prep school 2 Dulwich Village London SE21 7AL Tel: 020 8693 3465

EDUC ATION

A unique and

tailor-made education

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hitgift is situated in a beautiful and historic park. A Whitgift education is unique and exceptionally tailor-made, offering a variety of pathways to qualifications, including A Levels, Pre U, the International Baccalaureate and BTEC, with a bilingual section for native French speakers.

Exchanges, visits and scholarship programmes are in place with more than 25 countries worldwide.

Whitgift is regularly ranked amongst the country’s top schools for achievement; new records are regularly set.

Exceptional pastoral care is at the foundation of the School’s provision, and each pupil, along with their parents, are guaranteed a friendly face to turn to for advice and guidance.

Whitgift’s record in sport is exceptional and at the forefront of achievement nationally, with more than 130 national sports titles won in the past five years. More than 40 sports are available at Whitgift, including modern pentathlon, golf, judo and cycling.

Many boys represent their country in a wide variety of sports, or go on to pursue a career at the highest level.

An exciting Performing Arts programme is offered by the School, with first-class musicals and plays performed regularly. Orchestras and choirs tour internationally, and play at major venues, including the Royal Albert Hall, Royal Festival Hall, Cadogan Hall, Goodwood House, and the Royal Pavilion, Brighton. The School enjoys close links with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, enabling pupils to learn side-by-side with professional musicians.

Co-curricular activities at Whitgift feature more than 80 clubs and societies, as diverse as the 132 SEPTEMBER 2018

Apiarian Society, Animal Club, Debating Society, Remote Control Car Club, STEM Club, Archery and Karate. In addition, Outdoor Education – offering sailing, wakeboarding, skiing, mountain biking and more – introduces boys to new and exciting activities. The School also gives boys the chance to enter into the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, highly regarded by admissions tutors and employers alike. Furthermore, Whitgift has a well-established Combined Cadet Force, containing elements of all three services - Army, RAF and Royal Navy - and one of the oldest Corps of Drums in the country.

The School’s Boarding House is superblyequipped, and offers full, weekly and flexi-boarding to boys aged 13-18. Boarders have cutting-edge IT equipment, private study areas, en-suite bathrooms, and spacious, communal social areas with kitchen facilities.

Whitgift offers generous scholarships and bursaries.

Whitgift School, Haling Park, South Croydon CR2 6YT. www.whitgift.co.uk. +44 (0)20 8633 9935. admissions@whitgift.co.uk

EDUC ATION

Escape to the Country?

Why a boarding school in Hertfordshire might be just the ticket for busy London families…

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nly 20 miles north of London, Haileybury, one of the UK’s leading co-educational boarding and day schools, is nestled in 500 acres of playing fields and woodland with unrivalled facilities. Here, pupils can stretch their legs, open their lungs, and fill their minds, free from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Dr Laura Pugsley, Head of Lower School (Years 7 and 8), talks passionately about the family friendly approach to boarding life at Haileybury which allows pupils to enjoy the best of both worlds; a busy, active and healthy school life during the week and relaxed, quality family time at the weekend.

Pupils at Haileybury settle in quickly and experience all the benefits that Haileybury has to offer, without feeling overwhelmed. Dr Pugsley says, ‘‘Pastoral care sits at the heart of all that we do and our dedicated and experienced team of tutors, matrons and boarding house staff work tirelessly to support and nurture the girls and boys in our care’’.

In the Lower School there is a dedicated boarding house, just for year 7 and 8 pupils, allowing the staff to focus on the needs of this age group as they make the transition from prep or primary schools. An innovative Lower School curriculum includes a bespoke Wellbeing course with lessons in positive psychology, mindfulness and traditional PHSE. Our clear mobile phone policy educates pupils in e-safety, and limits screen time during the day, and at night.

Easily accessible from London and the Home Counties, Haileybury welcomes the involvement of

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parents and families in their children’s education.

Whether they are supporting from the side- lines of a sports fixture or attending concerts and productions, parents are able to take an active role in their child’s school life. 70% of the pupils are boarders, and London based pupils have the option to go home after their Saturday commitments and enjoy a relaxed weekend together with their families.

There is even a new Sunday evening bus route from London to Haileybury from September 2018, so no need for parents to chauffeur their children back to school, for the start of the week.

Haileybury School, Hertford, Herts SG13 7NU. 01922 706200

‘‘Pastoral care sits at the heart of all that we do and our dedicated and experienced team of tutors, matrons and boarding house staff work tirelessly to support and nurture the girls and boys in our care’’

EDUC ATION

125 YEARS of EXCELLENCE:

THE STUDY PREPARATORY SCHOOL results at 11+. 2018 has been another record year for senior school offers and scholarships, with an impressive 39 scholarships offered across academic, sports, music and drama. This brings the total of scholarships offered over the last 5 years to an impressive 135.

To underscore the excellence of the school’s creative offer, it has been awarded the prestigious Artsmark Gold Award for the third time; in 2009, in 2012 and again in 2018. As a Gold Artsmark school, Arts Council England recognises the school’s commitment to the creative development of all its girls.

The School is going from strength to strength and is also looking ahead to the future, with many exciting plans to continuously improve its facilities and to further develop its reputation for excellence in educating girls.

For details of how to visit the school, call 020 8947 6969 or visit the website: www.thestudyprep.co.uk

The Study Preparatory School celebrates its 125 birthday, with a number of events to celebrate this landmark year.

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he school invited its alumnae back for celebratory parties at its newly refurbished Spencer House site this summer; the whole school came together for a special Thanksgiving service; as well as a Victorian themed birthday party for all the girls to enjoy. The Study is rightly proud of its rich history and heritage, and the alumnae events illustrated how many of the Study’s “old girls”, a few having been at the school during the Second World War, have fond and happy memories of their time.

The Study, a proudly non-selective successful prep school for girls, is based on two picturesque sites adjacent to Wimbledon Common and is renowned both for its creativity and its excellent

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“The Study is rightly proud of its rich history and heritage”

EDUC ATION

Step into the most exciting school in England “We have had four children through the public school system and I think that Hurtwood House is the only one which has really delivered what it promised”

A

lthough it has all the facilities of a typical public school, Hurtwood House specialises exclusively in the sixth form and the age range 16-18. Changing schools at 16 opens up a whole new world of fresh experiences and challenges and provides the perfect steppingstone between school and university.

Hurtwood House is young, exciting and dynamic and, most importantly of all, it is exceptionally creative with drama, media, art, textiles, dance, music and singing to die for.

Famous former students include Oscar-winner Hans Zimmer (music for Gladiator, Rain Main, Lion King) and Golden Globe winner Emily Blunt (The Devil Wears Prada, Gideon’s Daughter) and watch out for Hollywood hot-tip Jack Huston (Factory Girl). Zara Brownless (winner of the first Young Apprentice). But marvellous as the performing and creative arts are, this school is definitely not a one-trick pony. It also caters for the budding entrepreneur, doctor, lawyer, architect, etc etc etc with a range of subjects which, though less eyecatching, are no less successful and inspirational.

Small wonder, then, that the world is beating a path to Hurtwood’s door, and one of the first things to strike visitors is that it has a completely different “campus” feel about it – not like school at all. That’s because there are no juniors – everybody here is 16+ and they all join after they have taken their GCSE’s.

In many ways, it defies definition - more public school than sixth form college, but smaller and less institutional – more boutique than department store.

At the moment it’s in a class of its own but one suspects that one day soon there will be more schools like this, because five years is a long time 138 SEPTEMBER 2018

to be in one public school, and so many boys and girls are now ready at 16 for a fresh challenge and a more stimulating life. A lot of parents agree wholeheartedly. As one satisfied customer puts it: “We have had four children through the public school system and I think that Hurtwood House is the only one which has really delivered what it promised.”

Indeed, Hurtwood has a file of letters as thick as your arm from grateful parents, and clearly what they appreciate most is that Hurtwood has given their children the confidence to cope with anything in life and has fired up their enthusiasm. “Her mind was turned on,” says one, “and her appetite for learning is voracious. I want you to know that you lit the fuse.”

Who could ask for anything more?

THE DETAILS Hurtwood House, Holmbury St Mary, Nr Dorking, Surrey RH5 6NU Tel: 01483 279000 www.hurtwoodhouse.com

EDUC ATION

Join the club at

Parsons Green Prep A

t Parsons Green Prep there are many different after-school clubs to enrich the lives of the children at the school and help with their personal development.

The aim is to enhance the formal curriculum and offer opportunities for children to develop new skills and attitudes that will help shape their character and values in years to come. Fulham & Putney Life takes a look at five of their best.

Creative Coders In a world of ever-advancing technology, coding is becoming an important language that allows students to become confident digital citizens. This club lets children explore coding languages, such as Python and JavaScript and use these to navigate new worlds or design and create their own.

Young Scientists This is a fun, creative and energetic STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) group. Recent activities have included designing and building a Formula 1 racing car, debugging programs on the computers and building 3D skyscrapers using marshmallows and spaghetti. Needless to say, most of the marshmallow structures did not survive the session.

e2 Young Engineers’ Lego club This club makes STEM tangible and playful. The children build motorised Lego models such as a 140 SEPTEMBER 2018

steamroller or a windmill, which show principles like kinetic/potential/elastic energy, different kinds of transmission, and centrifugal/centripetal force, in moving action.

StageKool This club teaches confidence and coordination using performance skills, improvisation and drama games whilst having huge amounts of fun. Every child is a star and gets the chance to play a role in various scenes and musical numbers, no matter what their experience or ability. Each week pupils learn songs and dance along with scripts and scenes from plays and musicals, giving them a chance to develop performance skills and characterisation.

Yoga Express Yoga is excellent for mindfulness and mental wellbeing and it is helping to teach children to look after themselves in preparation for an increasingly complex and pressurised world. The school’s Yoga Express club teaches a variety of poses based on animals and nature. Each class has a theme as the children put together imaginative sequences to explore movement in yoga practice.

Parsons Green Prep School, 1 Fulham Park Road, London, SW6 4LJ, Tel: 020 7371 9009. www.parsonsgreenprep.co.uk. Follow on Twitter at @pgpschoollondon and Facebook at @ParsonsGreenPrep.

OPEN DAY The school’s next Open Day is on Saturday 6 October 2018 at 9.30am. Please contact Admissions on 0207 610 8085 or at admissions@ parsonsgreenprep.co.uk or visit www.parsonsgreenprep.co.uk.

Our next Open Morning is on Saturday 15th September 2018 from 9am until 12 noon. www.dulwichpreplondon.org admissions@dulwichpreplondon.org

EDUC ATION

A London School that nurtures the creative alongside the academic L

eading Marylebone-based independent school, Portland Place School is investing heavily in changes which will transform its educational offering, creating an unrivalled centre of creative, academic, sporting and technological excellence in the heart of London.

The school is currently introducing both new and upgraded specialist facilities and bespoke spaces in its drive to offer a second-to-none environment and much coveted opportunities for its pupils.

The recently announced investment includes the creation of a new studio to benefit their Graphics, Photography, Film and Media department, and a new flexible workshop space for superior Creative Arts provision, allowing for a more integrated offer, specifically through Art & Design where students will be able to work and submit their projects in a variety of media – 3D Design, Fine Art, Textiles, Graphics, Photography.

Portland Place is also building a contemporary dining facility and developing a larger multifunctional performance area.

Moreover, as part of a drive to “tech enable” teaching in many subjects taught at the school, Portland Place will also be supplying iPads to students in Years 6 - 8, with a tablet model for older students to follow.

Notably, to consolidate its offering further and continue in drive to attract and develop talented pupils, the school has also extended its scholarship programme, offering a host of very appealing Sport, Music, Drama and Art scholarships from Year 7 upwards. Applications for scholarships are welcomed from September 2018 for the 2019/2020

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academic year.

Portland Place School is a leading independent co-educational school which was founded as an alternative to the intense, large, examinations focused independent day schools. The school ethos is to be small, nurturing and be relaxed, encouraging and enabling pupils to achieve their very best academically, with space to develop and express their creativity and athleticism.

For more information on the school or the scholarship programme call 020 7307 8700 or visit www.portland-place.co.uk.

“The school is currently introducing both new and upgraded specialist facilities and bespoke spaces”

EDUC ATION

The GOLD Standard

Fairley House School, described by the Sunday Times as the ‘Gold Standard’, is London’s leading day school for children with Specific Learning Difficulties

London’s leading day school for for specific learning difficulties 020 7976 5456 fairleyhouse.org.uk 148 SEPTEMBER 2018

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ddressing the needs of children from the age of five, who require assistance due to dyslexia and dyspraxia, the school has a staff/ pupil ratio of 1:3.5 and the average stay at the school is between two to three years.

Children then return to mainstream schooling with a new ‘can do’ attitude. Fairley House now offers Key Stage 4. This enables pupils to carry on their education in an environment that ensures that their

needs are fully met. While our intention is to enable your child to re-join mainstream education as quickly as possible, our provision now offers the possibility of remaining in our school to undertake the first major examinations that a pupil will face.

Many of our alumni have enjoyed great success at GCSE and A-Level and they have progressed to top universities and have successful careers in a range of professions.

EDUC ATION

The importance of letting children make their own decisions WORDS: Mrs Philippa Cawthorne.

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s parents we willingly take on the responsibility of every aspect of our baby’s well-being from the moment they are born. Their reliance on us is

absolute.

Over many months to come, basic skills such as learning to hold and eat from a spoon are acquired through repeated effort (and a good deal of mess!).

If we came to the rescue every time food failed to make it to our baby’s mouth, we’d be spoon-feeding them forever more.

A recent study of 400 children over eight years* revealed that toddlers with the most controlling mothers had poorer social skills and academic performance at the age of ten; and that excessive adult intervention can result in passive, unmotivated and anxious young people deprived of the longterm ability to make their own decisions.

There is a growing body of evidence that children need to be able to make their own choices, even if they aren’t always the ‘right’ ones. For example, nagging children to do homework may be doing them more harm than good. If you allow them to choose not to do their homework, they have to go to school and face the consequences: a lesson in itself.

“There is a growing body of evidence that children need to be able to make their own choices” At Bassett House we believe children learn more effectively when they are encouraged to do things for themselves, to think creatively and form their own ideas.

A ‘can do’ attitude and growth mindset are in Bassett’s DNA. If you were to say ‘I can’t do that’ to one of our pupils they would inevitably bellow back ‘I can’t do that YET.’ This mantra has become a shorthand for understanding that resilience and perseverance pay off. It is embedded in every aspect of school life from our curriculum, classroom, staffroom and sports fields to the playground and outside-school activities.

Throughout the school you will see our Tree of Mastery. This features our school mascot Bassett Bear facing a challenge, engaging with it, persevering when the going gets tough then successfully climbing to the top of the tree having mastered the challenge.

Our children are encouraged to do their own research, argue their own points of view and problem-solve rather than learning by rote. They discover their opinion matters and feel free to step out of their comfort zone when faced with new challenges.

Outside the classroom, our wide range of clubs, 150 SEPTEMBER 2018

enrichment activities and residential trips allow children to push their boundaries and let their imaginations soar beyond the confines of the familiar.

The development of leadership and teambuilding skills are encouraged with a host of club activities such as sports, orienteering, martial arts and drama, whilst experiences such as rigging a boat, cooking on a campfire and building shelters in the wild are the character-building stuff our residential trips are made of.

Of course our first priority is to keep children safe. We don’t condone complete freedom of choice and advocate common sense, non-negotiable boundaries. As you’d expect, they learn being disruptive in class or unkind to a classmate is unacceptable.

Overall if you consider how many things your child has control over, you may be surprised how few real decisions they get to make. We encourage you to ask your child if there are things they’d like to be in charge of. Young children could be allowed to choose which clothes to wear and older ones have more of a say in their after-school activities, or have input into their senior school choices.

We adults can help children to make the right decision by discussing the pros and cons of each choice. We can point out it’s a good idea to have a Plan B if their decision turns out to be the wrong one.

Whilst it is understandable for us to want to smooth the path for a child and help them every step of the way, we need to remember they should be allowed to find out for themselves and learn by their mistakes. Much like we did. *The Thriving Child by Dr William Stixrud and Ned Johnson is published by Penguin Life.

The next open day is 5 October 2018, 9.30-11. To book a place please call Thalia Demetriades 020 8969 0313. 60 Bassett Road, W10 6JP www.bassetths.org.uk

EDUC ATION

Inspiring brilliant futures at Rosemead Prep School

“S

uccess can come in many forms, many shapes and sizes. And depending on your age can mean many different things and have a very different importance.

It could be individual success such as managing to do up your top button on your shirt, or learning to tie your shoelaces, overcoming that tricky spelling, riding a bicycle for the first time without falling over or your first day at school.

Or success as a collective, thinking of Rosemead Prep’s outstanding success in the sporting arena with our national representation in swimming, football and athletics, or in art with our consistent regional and national accolades. And the success that our Year 6 leaver’s feel, gaining their exceptional places at the Senior Schools of their choice, and having the ability to leave us with confidence and ambition.

Every single child in the school will change within this year. Not just in looks and height, but in their maturity, self-confidence, academic progress and the opportunities that they have taken up.

But one thing that doesn’t change for them is their uncompromising enjoyment of being at school – at Rosemead Prep School. You only have to be in my place most mornings as they stream through the gates with the smiles and kind words of welcome to know that. It certainly puts you into a positive frame of mind for the day having that experience – I would recommend it to anyone.

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I am a firm believer in taking opportunities when they arise and urge all children to take that approach. You make your own future by the choices that you make and the opportunities that you take, or don’t take.

And that is something that I believe Rosemead Prep is all about, a school of opportunities. There to be taken. Whether that be an opportunity to represent the school at sport, take a residential holiday with your friends, see your children perform, sing, swim or run. An opportunity can be offered but it is the decision to take it that makes all the difference.

Who knows what lies around the corner, when that opportunity may arise again should you not take it? Don’t have regrets, grasp everything with both hands. At Rosemead we are proud to be ‘Inspiring Brilliant Futures’, so take the opportunity to visit us and be part of our success.

Phil Soutar, Headmaster

THE DETAILS For further details contact Debbie Louks-Middleton, Admissions Registrar on 020 8670 5865 or email admissions@rosemeadprepschool. org.uk.

Rosemead Preparatory School & Nursery 70 Thurlow Park Road London SE21 8HZ Tel: 020 8670 5865 www.rosemeadprepschool.org.uk

EDUC ATION

Different by Design A

t LWS, students are happy and confident! They have a strong sense of who they are and a high level of self-esteem as part of their school experience – not in spite of it!

Creating an environment at school that is too competitive (where children are continually challenged to ‘keep up’ or ‘be better’ than their peers) sets up some pupils to feel anxious, that their achievements are never quite good enough.

The Principals at LWS believe that managing anxiety can mean that children use their emotional and psychological resources to deal with the ensuing issues relating to anxiety (worrying they’re not trying hard enough despite their best efforts, not being perfect or meeting the demands of others – leading to a sense that they are not pleasing someone).

Stress makes children less available for the task at hand – LEARNING! At LWS, pupils are challenged at their personal level and make positive progress at their own pace where they feel good about what they are achieving.

ALL children are supported to constantly strive to learn more (there is always more to learn), rather than feel they constantly have to ‘be better’! Pupils have a clear sense of who they are, what they need to learn as part of healthy challenge, and how to get there.

What you won’t find is children beset by a feeling of failure due to finding themselves lagging behind on star charts published on the classroom wall, or placed educationally in a pecking order, and you won’t find children who are out on their ear if they don’t manage the curriculum.

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What you will find is: 1. Students responding well to healthy challenges because they see it as part of their personal learning journey.

2. Students learning to manage disappointment by developing tenacity to not give up 3. Students learning, through the value of mistakes, to take risks.

There is no ‘over-testing’! Students gain automatic entry to the LWS Secondary School without the need for ‘entrance examinations’.

New students are invited in for a try-out day before being offered a place.

Age range: 4 months to 16 years.

Lloyd Williamson Schools, 12 Telford Road, London W10 5SH. 020 8962 0345. admin@lws.org.uk. www.lloydwilliamson.co.uk

“At LWS, pupils are challenged at their personal level and make positive progress at their own pace”

EDUC ATION

WHAT IS MODERN BOARDING? Introduction to Modern Boarding, Royal Society, London SW1, October 10th.

Register now for a free place For those who are unsure as to what a dedicated boarding community might be like, Cranleigh School will host an introduction to Modern Boarding at the Royal Society, London SW1 on October 10th.

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o board or not to board is a big decision for any family to make. Although boarding environments can offer an excellent solution to the difficulties of juggling two demanding careers, working parents can still feel pressured to keep their children at home. The old image of bleak dormitories and cold showers still persists, but the traditional boarding environment is very much changed.

Modern boarding is now all about choice and variety, with full, weekly and flexi boarding all on offer. Weekly boarding, where children go home with parents after matches on Saturdays, can offer a useful option to families juggling two careers. The decision over boarding should be one that families make together, visiting as many schools as possible to ensure the choice is right.

The most important thing that boarding offers

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children is time. A parent’s decision to allow a son or daughter to spend so much time away can really only be justified by the fulfilment of their lives at school. Full boarding gives greater time in the evenings and weekends for pupils to be involved in a wide-range of interests with the aim of becoming more well-rounded characters.

Boarding gives teachers the time to develop deeper trust and partnership and boarders really make the most of their school day. Rather than being stuck in a car commuting to school they are out on the pitches and in the studios rehearsing, or attending evening lectures from visiting speakers or simply hanging out with friends in the boarding house. Such a boarding experience will ensure that pupils leave as confident, independent, personable, well-rounded, adaptable and caring young people who are equipped to make the most of their talents. www.cranleigh.org

The evening will feature talks from: Grace Moody Smith, Director of The Good Schools Guide Education Consultants; Jan Shilling, Education Consultant formerly with the Independent Schools Council; and Neil Brooks, Headmaster at Cranleigh Prep School, as well as Martin Reader in his role as Chair of the BSA. This event is open to parents and prep schools who are interested to know more about what boarding can offer, whether they are considering Cranleigh or another boarding school. The evening will commence with drinks and bowlfood at 6.30pm, followed by some short presentations and a Q&A session.

There will be an opportunity for more questions over drinks following the presentations, with a gathered audience of parents, current boarding parents and pupils, Housemasters and Housemistresses.

Tickets are free but as places are limited booking is essential via jrc@cranleigh.org

EDUC ATION

TOP ACHIEVERS AT ALLEYN’S

Alleyn’s Headmaster, Dr Gary Savage, said: “This is, quite simply, a fantastic set of results for our entire community; for our boys and girls, their families and for our inspirational staff. We are truly delighted with the pupils’ achievements, and recognise the commitment and hard work that has brought them about. As we look ahead to our 400th anniversary in 2019, these brilliant results show once again just what can be achieved by boys and girls in a caring, holistic, co-educational environment in which all our pupils learn and grow together.”

A historical milestone

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utumn may be here, but staff and pupils at leading co-educational school Alleyn’s are heading back into the classroom for the new academic year with a spring in

their step.

Not only does the School have some outstanding public examination results to celebrate; but it also has a significant anniversary milestone coming up in 2019.

Top-notch achievements Over the summer, boys and girls achieved fantastic A level results, continuing the School’s tradition of exceptional attainment. 36% of all grades awarded were at A*, and 74% were at A* or A. 91% of grades were A*, A or B, and 25 individual students gained at least 3 A* grades or better. An impressive 83 individual students received at least 3 A* or A grades.

Alleyn’s is one of the UK’s best regarded coeducational day schools, and accordingly both boys and girls performed exceptionally well, with the vast majority progressing to their first-choice university destinations. Even as public examinations become more challenging, the 2018 A level results are amongst the highest ever posted by the School, and include its second-highest ever set of A* grades.

It was the same story for the GCSE cohort, who broke school records in a year that saw a nationwide transition towards a new numerical grading scale. 73% of all grades awarded were at A* or the numerical equivalent 9 or 8, and 92% of all grades awarded were at A* or A, 9, 8 or 7. 75 individual pupils gained 9 or more A*, 9 or 8 grades, and over half of all grades were at the new, top numerical level 9.

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“Alleyn’s is one of the UK’s best regarded coeducational day schools, and accordingly both boys and girls performed exceptionally well”

Alleyn’s, which was one of the first schools of its kind to become fully educational, back in 1976, will celebrate the 400th anniversary of Edward Alleyn’s College of God’s Gift in 2019. Later this year the School plans to announce a full programme of events and activities, both to commemorate the milestone and to raise significant funds for its bursary pool.

Experience Alleyn’s The School is running a number of open days over the next few months for prospective pupils and parents to get a taste of life at Alleyn’s. Small group tours may be possible subject to availability.

For more information, visit the Admissions section of the Alleyn’s website: www.alleyns.org.uk.

LUXURY

WINTER TRAVEL

& SKI GUIDE

– Whether you want to hit the slopes or the beach this winter, we’ve got it covered – i m a g e : TH E LU X UR Y TRAV E L F AIR

WINTER TRAVEL & SKI GUIDE

Skin Care tips

before you hit the slopes

While many may opt for a tropical getaway, snow bunnies are busy booking their ski trips.

T

here’s lots to look forward to - brisk mountain air, hitting the slopes, sipping on hot chocolate and of course the apresski! But before you get excited about packing your favourite coldweather accessories, focus on adjusting your beauty routine. Winter – and specifically, skiing conditions - submit your skin to a crop of concerns you’ve likely never thought of, like awkward sunburns, frostbite, and extreme dehydration.

Here are some complexion solutions so you can hit the slopes with glowing (not ruddy!) skin Take a stronger sunscreen. Did you know that the closer you get to the mountain’s summit, the more UV you’re exposed to? You get six to eight percent extra UV intensity per every thousand feet, so it’s important to use an SPF of at least 50.

Apply Vaseline to exposed skin to protect against frostbite. Vaseline acts as an insulator, meaning it will keep your body heat trapped behind the balm instead of seeping out through your skin, leaving it at risk.

Protect your neck (and chin). After smoothing on your sunscreen, add an extra layer to this area of your body. The sunlight bouncing off the snowy slopes increases your UV exposure by 40 percent!

Wrap yourself up in a scarf for extra sun protection.

Avoid hot showers. While you may be chilly after

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“Don’t forget to drink water! No matter how many times you’ve heard this, it’s worth repeating: consuming plenty of H2O will hydrate your complexion from the inside out”

a long day outdoors, go for a quick, warm shower instead of a luxuriously steamy one. Scalding water strips your skin of its natural oils, leaving you parched.

Cut back on alcohol. A hot toddy at the chalet sounds great, but limit yourself to just one. Alcohol is extremely dehydrating, especially at high altitudes.

Don’t forget to drink water! No matter how many times you’ve heard this, it’s worth repeating: consuming plenty of H2O will hydrate your complexion from the inside out.

And pack your products carefully. This is the reason we never stash our favourite beauty items in our checked luggage: high altitude can cause packaging to pop open. Make sure all lids and caps are screwed on extra tight to avoid making a mess in your kit. Follow these guidelines and you can glow in the snow!

WINTER TRAVEL & SKI GUIDE

Marvel of the words: Karen Bowerman, Press Association

I

don’t know how it happened, but having popped off to powder my nose, I’m now dancing in delight, with a stranger in paradise.

I’m in the Maldives in the Indian Ocean, a country which offers the ultimate in laidback luxury.

It has pristine sands, turquoise lagoons and tropical fish that sparkle and shimmer in the sea.

So it may seem odd that I’m about to rave over my resort’s restrooms, which is where I’m presently dancing. But they’re such a joyous discovery – with their sea-dappled walls, wacky music, whales’ tails, photo booth, and life-sized pictures of Kate Moss-style mermaids – they represent to me, the beginning of a love affair. Not with the guy that I bumped into and jived and joked with, but with LUX South Ari Atoll, a resort which – although this sounds well nigh impossible – offers more than just the Maldives.

But I’ll come back to that, later.

The Maldives is a chain of 26 atolls, 700km southwest of Sri Lanka. The southern isles include Hulhule, home to the international airport in the capital, Male, and Dhidhoofinolhu, where you’ll find LUX South Ari Atoll.

As we approach, by seaplane, the view is stunning: palm-covered islands, each with a cyanblue halo, float like lily pads on a sapphire sea.

Our pilot, wearing flip flops, brings us down. We glide to a halt across the glassy water. At the jetty, staff wave and shout, ‘Welcome’.

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Maldives

Within minutes, I feel like a glamorous castaway.

Our villa, with its palm thatch and courtyard pool, opens onto a powdery, milk-white beach; two loungers, framed by coconut trees, face the ocean.

My husband and I go for a dip, enjoy a rose-pink sunset, and watch the night sky flood with stars.

The next morning we’re sitting, in dazzling sunshine, on the roof of a dhoni, a traditional Maldivian fishing boat, scanning the sea for shadows; I seem to spot them everywhere.

But Tina, LUX South Ari Atoll’s marine biologist, knows what to look for - a shape she describes as belonging to “the biggest smile in the ocean”.

We’re searching for (harmless) whale sharks, the largest fish in the world; the biggest recorded is 12.65m long and 21.5tons. White Sands Reef, just minutes from our resort, is one of best places to find them.

Incredibly, we’re in luck...

“He’s coming towards us!” Tina shouts. “Quick!

Get in!” We grab our fins and jump into the sea.

Moments later, a flattened head emerges from the shadows; you can’t miss the colossal “smile”.

The shark’s 4m long, a juvenile. I swim beside it for quite a few minutes, keeping my distance, but close enough to feel part of its world. The spotted giant cruises against the current, sweeping the water for food. Then it disappears, ghost-like, into the deep.

Another day, while snorkelling, I spot a green turtle diving below. Its patterned shell glints in the

sunlight, as if a huge emerald has been lost at sea.

Where the reef drops away, I come across parrotfish, powder blue surgeonfish and a shoal of black and white pennant coralfish that sink and rise with the waves.

I hold my breath and notice munching sounds; it’s a lilac and lime parrotfish, nibbling at dead coral as it cleans the reef. Occasionally, it excretes a cloud of sand. “Kids love it when I tell them they’re walking on parrotfish poop,” Tina says as we return to the shore.

LUX South Ari Atoll is one of the largest resort islands in the Maldives, at almost 2km long. A sandy lane runs the length of it, through palms and frangipani flowers. Beachside restaurants, bars and pools are hidden in the trees.

At one end is the lagoon, the crystal clear water lined with brightly-colored bean bags. We sit at the bar, a smart take on a laidback surf-shack, and listen to reggae with a bottle of rose from the resort’s exclusive Scrucap selection.

A glance at the menu tempts us to try something.

We delight in a salmon and red snapper carpaccio and the freshest tuna tartare we’ve tasted.

Everyone we chat to comments on the food; it is, without doubt, superb. At East Market, an Asian market-style buffet built over the water, we wander among sacks of rice and baskets of beans, to stalls of steaming dim sum and cook-to-order curries and stir fries.

A joke with chef Pong leads to my husband cooking his own Thai green curry, ladling in coconut milk and flavouring it with fresh lemon grass. Pong, very generously, proclaims it’s “the best he’s ever tried”.

On the sunset side of the island is Beach Rouge, with a beach club vibe, white furniture and red cushions. My twice-cooked octopus is so tasty, I

choose it again during our stay, while the kulhimas (traditional fish curry) served on the terrace at the Senses restaurant, is as fresh as the breeze that wafts in from the sea.

But it’s the resort’s little touches that excite me most, adding fun, flair and an element of surprise to this sunny island hideaway.

There’s the red, thatch-roofed phone box inviting you to phone home for free, wooden carts in little clearings offering fresh coconut and bottled water, Sanih’s ice-cream parlour with its home-made waffle cones, the open air cinema (where my husband, in jest, asks for popcorn, and the reply is “Certainly, sir”) and the cups of rich, island-roasted coffee, with whale sharks patterning the foam.

And then there’s the giant banyan tree which, in a nod to local custom (and to encourage donations for community projects), is the resort’s Tree of Wishes.

Red ribbons flutter from its branches. On each of them, a guest has written their heart’s desire: ‘I wish I was a fairy princess’, ‘I wish to be a marine biologist’ and ‘We wish for lovely memories of the Maldives’ they declare.

We spend our last two days in an extremely stylish overwater villa, with a nautical feel, a private pool and steps leading into the lagoon.

It’s the perfect place for lingering; there again, so is the spa. We go for a couple’s massage but within seconds, my husband’s asleep.

I leave him snoozing and slip into the pool. The sky turns peach, the sand glows gold and the hum of the departing seaplane reminds me we’ll be on it tomorrow. But for now, my wish is to wallow in paradise.

They say the whale shark has the biggest smile in the Maldives – me, I’m not so sure.

Karen Bowerman was a guest of LUX South Ari Atoll (www.luxresorts.com).

“We’re searching for (harmless) whale sharks, the largest fish in the world; the biggest recorded is 12.65m long and 21.5tons”

SEPTEMBER 2018 167

WINTER TRAVEL & SKI GUIDE

How can I keep my children safe on the ski slopes?

Parents main concern is the safety of their children on the piste.

All ski schools have a minimum of one instructor per group of only eight children, on average. Families who would like to experience skiing off piste should learn with an experienced instructor. You should never ski on your own off piste and if you did want to take your children off piste you should ensure they are of a high standard, and have an understanding of the snow conditions and an awareness of avalanche danger, and are carrying the correct safety equipment.”

“It’s very difficult to teach your own children to ski”

What to take on the piste with you?

Skiing burns a lot of energy so ensure you take snacks for all the family out with you for the day.

Take a back pack when skiing with the family. If there is one time you can feel guilt free about giving children sugar and chocolate it’s when you are skiing, because you know they are going to burn it straight off. Always ski with water as well, its thirsty work skiing all day.

Ski schools in France are offered to children from five years old, and ski schools in Austria are from four years old. Encourage children to get on the slopes at a young age. This depends on the child though when leaving them in a ski school, if the child doesn’t mind being left alone and they tend to get on with other children.

Skiing as a family for the first time Skiing as a family and taking the little ones for the first time can be a daunting experience as there are so many things to consider…

1: Choose a family-friendly resort that has a good selection of nursery slopes available – some resorts 168 SEPTEMBER 2018

don’t have these, and you don’t really want to be teaching your kids to ski for the first time on a busy run with other skiers whizzing by.

2: Consider your kids ability and what size of resort is suitable for their level. You don’t want them heading across the mountain and ending up in another country – which is possible in a number of resorts!

3: Ensure that the hotel/resort you are staying in is easily accessible to the slopes. If not, you’ll have to carry all the family’s equipment to and from the hotel and the pistes. Lugging your own skis and poles, as well as the children’s kit is not fun.

4: It’s very difficult to teach your own children to ski – even if you are a very capable skier. Kids tend to be more receptive to someone else teaching them so put them in a reputable ski school which means your children can keep progressing to even greater thrills in complete safety.

5: Don’t give young kids ski poles. They don’t need them, they’ll probably lose them and when learning, the poles will just be a distraction to learning technique with the skis.

Mesmerizing scenery, Luxurious, Adventurous, Unique Year Round Plan your perfect tailor made holiday in Iceland with Personal Service from local travel experts.

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WINTER TRAVEL & SKI GUIDE

The Telegraph’s Alpine Festival celebrates its 45th Anniversary 25th – 28th October 2018, Battersea Park

T

he Telegraph Ski & Snowboard Festival is returning to Battersea Evolution with even more attractions and entertainment, evolving from a show into a “Festival” for all ages to celebrate the winter season ahead!

What first began in 1973 with only a handful of exhibitors and some expert talks, has since grown into a spectacular Alpine Festival filled with après themed street food and bar areas, live music and entertainment, all the latest apparel and technical equipment and the world’s best ski resorts.

The Telegraph team are excited to launch new attractions including dog sledding while favourites such as the ice rink, the ‘Mount Battersea’ slope and the street food market will be given a refresh for an overall elevated experience.

Taking place over half-term, visitors can expect plenty of games and activities for kids including an Arts & Crafts Zone, Face Painting, and a line-up of children’s entertainers. The only one of its kind in the UK and all new for 2018, the Snow+Rock Climbing Wall brings fun for all the family, experienced climbers or first-timers!

New for 2018 the Festival will be hosting London’s largest indoor ski centre, Chel-Ski Slope, where visitors will have the opportunity to brush up on their existing skills or take their first steps into the fun-fuelled world of skiing or snowboarding!

In the heart of the Mountain Village, a vintage Ferris Wheel will provide the best aerial views of the action on Mount Battersea where the British Ski & Snowboard Team will be soaring into the air, demonstrating tricks performed at the recent Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang.

An exceptional comedy line-up and the

170 SEPTEMBER 2018

premium dining area in ‘The Lodge’ will provide an opportunity to unwind after a few hours spent shopping for all of the latest ski and snow gear. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or out of your depth, you can visit the Travel Genius Bar where one of the Telegraph Experts will help you plan your ideal Winter holiday with one of the many resorts from Whistler to Val D’isere.

“We are incredibly excited about what the 2018 event has to offer this year! It is filled to the brim with new and inspiring content that should appeal to everyone from our avid skiers, after-dark festival goers and right through to those just starting out and perfectly complements the re-brand of the event to a festival!” says Samantha Pearce, Head of Marketing for the event.

Stay tuned as The Telegraph Ski & Snowboard Festival continues to announce further attractions and line-ups, for the must-see-and-do event of the season.

Advanced tickets on sale now.

Visit www.skiandsnowboard.co.uk for further details.

“It is filled to the brim with new and inspiring content that should appeal to everyone”

WINTER TRAVEL & SKI GUIDE

This winter’s hottest

Holiday Destinations With the cold months of UK winter upon us, we all dream of warm and sunny climates. If you’re looking to escape the bitter, cold weather and indulge in some winter sun, you’ll want to check out some of these destinations and leave the cold behind you.

COSTA RICA

With a coastline facing both the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean, Costa Rica is an ideal destination for some winter sun. Misty waterfalls, rugged rainforest, exotic wildlife, deserted beaches and adventures abound. Try kayaking, white water rafting or scuba diving, or simply sit back and relax.

MOZAMBIQUE The Quirimbas archipelago off the coast of northern Mozambique mingles 34 islands, many of which are uninhabited, with the Indian Ocean. Sand bars, coral reefs and mangroves make this area rich with marine life, and snorkelling and sea-kayaking are ideal pursuits.

BORACAY, PHILIPPINES Surfers have been keeping Boracay their little secret for years, but a new airport on the island means Boracay is now easier to get to. Less than an hour from capital Manila, and quieter than some of the larger islands, Boracay has endless stretches of white sand beaches, and a new hotel designed by Philippe Starck and John Hitchcox make this the perfect time to go.

INDIA If you’ve seen the film of The Jungle Book, starring Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson, you might want to visit India. Writer Rudyard Kipling was inspired by the Madhya Pradesh landscape in central India where you can try and spot a wild Bengal tiger for yourself in one of the area’s national parks.

172 SEPTEMBER 2018

SEYCHELLES Long known for their breathtaking beach beauty and opulent marine life, the 115 islands of the Seychelles provide postcardperfect solace from a dismal winter. With six marine national parks protecting turtles, spinner dolphins and over a thousand fish species, it is a scuba diver’s dream.

NEPAL Warm weather and clear skies make winter the ideal time to take in the incredible mountain vistas of Annapurna and Everest on a trekking holiday.

Visit the Kathmandu Valley, which has the largest concentration of UNESCO heritage sites in the world, many of which had to undergo serious restoration projects after earthquake damage. There are also many picturesque villages to visit along the way.

A Top Gear South America

4x4 adventure

D

ropping from 16,000ft on an impossibly narrow ribbon of track clinging to the mountain, we arrive late at the remote outpost of Leymabamba, lying between the Andes and the fringes of the Amazon jungle. The museum is closing, there are no other visitors, but the keeper happily lets us in.

On display are the contents of Chachapoyan and Inca burial chambers discovered in a cliff face by gold hunting grave robbers.

The museum keeper flicks the lights on. There, staring back, are some 200 mummies, all over 500 years old. Tied in their foetal positions, some are still in embroidered bags, with gaping eyes in skulls, and bony fingers covered in shrivelled skin.

Adriana von Hagen, the archaeological journalist who helped set up the museum next door, now owns the delightful Hummingbird Lodge, and served us a delicious dinner that evening.

This kind of one off experience is what makes

Peru Safari the go to specialist for a bespoke Peruvian adventure well off the beaten tourist path.

Crossing the Huascarán National Park our 4x4 vehicles would take our group of 6 explorers away from the tourist hotspots of Cusco and Machu Picchu deep into Northern Peru, from coastal deserts to rainforests, via snowy mountain passes; and from the present day deep into the past.

Our expedition leader, a genial former Lancashire Police Officer had warned us to expect something between Top Gear and Raiders of the Lost Ark when we left Lima at the wheel of 4x4’s.

If Peru and Adventure are on your wish list, look no further….

Patrick Walsh travelled to Peru with Peru Safari www.perusafari.com Guided self-drive adventures to Machu Picchu start at £3,980pp and BA fly direct from Gatwick to Lima.

Call 07522 776160 for details or e mail info@perusafari.com

SEPTEMBER 2018 173

WINTER TRAVEL & SKI GUIDE

FAMILY HOLIDAYS WITH CLARIAN CHALETS

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ooking for the ultimate antidote to hectic London life? Ski holidays are setting themselves apart as the dream family vacation.

A week of fresh air and fun lets kids enjoy the great outdoors and discover there is so much more to life than iPads and PlayStations. From babies and toddlers sledging and making snowmen to teenagers challenging their skills in the snowparks, there are options for all ages and abilities.

Clarian Chalets understands the importance of family holidays and making it easy for guests. The driver takes children from the chalet door to the ski school meeting point, children’s welcome packs keep them entertained while adults settle in and unwind. Creating a balance of family quality time as well as an opportunity for parents to hit the slopes, or relax on a mountain terrace with a long lunch and a beautiful view.

This is what holidays are all about. Before you can blink, your children will be outskiing you, leaving fond memories in their tracks.

Pick the resort…

There are frequent flights from London to Geneva, operating at sociable times from all the airports.

From Geneva the Portes du Soleil is just a short 174 SEPTEMBER 2018

hop by private transfer. Châtel and the other main resorts (including Morzine and Avoriaz) hold the Famillie Plus Award, but Châtel also stands out for its charming village character.

Châtel remains a traditional Alpine farming village as well as a lively ski resort in winter, well known among generations of skiers. It is gradually being discovered by the wider skiing fraternity and should be top of anyone’s skiing ‘bucket list’.

Chocolate-box alpine architecture, no large tour operators and Savoyard cuisine to die for, Châtel resort ticks all the boxes.

Pick the accommodation…

Holidays are for the parents as well as children.

Independent luxury chalets offer accommodation to satisfy the needs of frazzled parents seeking the perfect holiday experience.

Skis are brought to the chalet for fitting, gourmet food created by the Chef, overflowing wine cellars, roaring fires, childcare and concierge services. Sit back and let the experts at Clarian Chalets weave some magic into your holiday!

For more details contact Clare at Clarian Chalets at info@clarianchalets.com or by ringing 0131 285 5645. www.clarianchalets.com

Luxury stays in Zermatt Brand new to Zermatt this season is the fully refurbished Penthouse Zen, situated adjacent to Chalet Zen in the same discreet location just 100m from the piste and main lift up to the Zermatt glacier. With uninterrupted views of the Matterhorn, Penthouse Zen provides access to all Zermatt and Cervinia ski areas yet is merely a short stroll into the village.

The Penthouse can accommodate 6 guests in 3 en-suite double bedrooms whilst the chalet accommodates 8+2 in 5 bedrooms. Both the Chalet and Penthouse come equipped with jacuzzi and steam showers.

Daily cleaning and a mid-week linen change is included, making Penthouse Zen the perfect choice for guests needing housekeeping but preferring to take advantage of Zermatt ‘s wonderfully varied restaurants, bars and night life. Or combine the Chalet and Penthouse if your party is larger than 10 guests or if you are looking for full board accommodation and care as provided by the Chalet’s Manager and Chef.

Chalet Zen

Penthouse

For booking enquires at either or both privately owned homes please contact: Info@chalet-zen.com or +41 (0)79 916 1372 www.chalet-zen.com

WINTER TRAVEL & SKI GUIDE

EXCEPTIONAL VILLAS, EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL DESTINATIONS W ith insider access to the world’s best luxury villas, Edge Retreats offers the finest properties in exclusive holiday locations. Their team of travel tastemakers has hand-selected the best villas for any occasion, from the most ultraluxurious properties and chic yet child-friendly villas to corporate retreats.

UNIQUE EXPERIENCES They are dedicated to creating extraordinary experiences from their collection of lavish designer villas, chateaux and chalets as well as private islands.

They will also tailor your trip to the finest detail.

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ADDITIONAL SERVICES Bespoke personal concierge services come as standard ranging from private chefs, nannies, and yacht chartering.

Choose from Edge Retreats’ vast range of the world’s finest luxury villas or let your personal luxury travel consultant hand-select the perfect property for you - saving you time and effort.

176 SEPTEMBER 2018

I: @edgeretreats F: @Edgeretreats T: @edgeretreats

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ExcEptional luxury villas worldwidE HandpickEd portfolio curatEd by our travEl tastEmakErs accEss to off markEt ExclusivE privatE villas Choose from our vast range of the world’s finest luxury villas or let your personal luxury travel consultant hand-select the perfect property for you. www.edgeretreats.com • london +44 203 355 6077 • new york +1 (646) 9188230 @edgeretreats

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WINTER TRAVEL & SKI GUIDE

Which

ski resort to choose?

If you are looking for the best ski resorts with the best slopes in Europe, we have selected those that really will take you to new heights!

Fresh mountain air, wide-open spaces and stunning views… not to mention après-ski! You no doubt understand the allure of the mountains, and may want to start planning your next snowy adventure.

Val Thorens

Val Thorens is the highest resort in Europe (at an altitude of 2,300 metres) and the highest point of the largest ski area in the world, the 3 Vallées (600 kilometres of interconnected runs).

It’s a New World resort that combines the best of skiing with the best of atmospheres so that each holidaymaker feels unique and enjoys their very own Val Tho experience! Reinventing enjoyment to give its guests the best possible holiday is Val Thorens’ credo. Val Thorens is a sporty, innovative, ski in- ski out car-free resort, built in pure mountain style.

Gstaad - The combination of the special experiences for which Gstaad is so famous is unrivalled. It cannot be found anywhere else and makes Gstaad the ‘last paradise in a crazy world’ The prestige value of the brand Gstaad comes top of the list. The internationally renowned 178 SEPTEMBER 2018

brandwhich is associated with luxury and high society creates a value that resonates far beyond the actual main target group.

Alpe d’Huez is a true paradise for those who love snow and the great outdoors. The Winter/ Summer sports resort is well known for its very sunny climate. The village sits perched on a full south facing plateau at 1860m altitude in the Grandes Rousses mountain range. The ski area called ‘Alpe d’Huez grand domaine Ski’ links up to the resort villages of Auris-en-Oisans, Huez, OzenOisans, Vaujany, Villard-Reculas, La Garde and Le Freney. Its summit, the Pic Blanc is 3,330 metres at its highest point and offers an exceptional panorama stretching over one fifth of French territory. The resort is endowed with facilities that harmonise with the natural features of the resort to offer holiday

Gstaad

“The prestige value of the brand Gstaad comes top of the list”

makers a whole host of indoor/ outdoor, sports and cultural activities.

La Plagne is a family winter sports and summer resort located in the French Alps between 1250 and 3250 metres. For over 50 years, the destination has become internationally renowned for its huge ski area with 225 kilometres of runs for all levels of skier. The atmosphere and architecture are diverse and recount over 50 years of the history of winter sports!

St. François Longchamp is nestled on the mountainside between 1450m and 1650m altitude.

The resort welcomes you to an exceptional setting, protected between the Mont Blanc mountain range on the north and the Pic l’Etendard on the south.

Children, couples or tribes, everyone can find their place at Saint François Longchamp. Between four season sledge, dog sled riding, ski lessons for the toddlers or thrilling descents of the ski slopes in the “Snakegliss”(group sledging) at nightfall, or moments of relaxation in the Balneotherapy Centre for the parents. At Saint François Longchamp and its surroundings you can explore or practice in peace Nordic skiing or snowshoeing.

Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc Over the past few years the resort has undergone a facelift. The Belle Epoque architecture has regained its splendour and the village its original charm. Dominated by the Mont-Blanc range, the Evasion Mont-Blanc ski area, the third largest in France, has been extended to the centre of the resort. This winter Saint-Gervais revives the magic of the night, increasing its evening activities outdoors: skiing, ski touring, snowshoeing etc. A new dimension that procures a change of bearings, a feeling of heightened speed and the awakening of senses.

Saalbach Hinterglemm - Welcome to Austria’s largest ski resort: 270 piste kilometres and 70 modern lifts are waiting. Ski-In/Ski-Out on wellgroomed slopes and masses of powder fascinate skiers, snowboarders and offpiste fans. Perfectly shaped funparks attract freeskiers. Over 50 cosy mountain huts serve local specialities.

Kitzbühel - the most legendary sports destination in the Alps: this self-confident slogan stands for a town that effortlessly combines tradition with sophistication. The legendary Hahnenkamm, a long sporting tradition and pioneering ventures in Alpine golf and winter sports have all contributed to Kitzbühel’s worldwide reputation. Today Kitzbühel remains a place of contrasts, where rustic Tyrolean guesthouses rub shoulders with international designer boutiques.

Visitors can experience Kitzbühel in many ways, from the alleyways in the medieval old town and the breathtaking pistes to the town’s elegant hotels and scenic hiking trails.

Kitzbühel (Photo: Markus Mitterer)

Baqueira Beret is a complete resort, divided in 3 areas: Beret, Baqueira, and Bonaigua with their respective characteristics, a network of modern installations and carefully maintained pistes, will satisfy all skiers. Beret is ideal for beginners and families. You’ll have easy access to all amenities, its pistes are very wide and of moderate inclination.

Although, paradoxically, it is there that the permanent Stadium hosting competitions of high level is located.

Saalbach Hinterglemm

Åre in Sweden is Northern Europe´s largest and most advanced and diverse alpine sport resort, with skiing and a wide variety of other sports and activities to suit every possible preference and level of skill. There is everything from aweinspiring black pistes and highly challenging off-piste slopes to an abundance of easy skiing for children and beginners. Åre and adjacent Duved also offer world-class slopes for snowboarding, telemark and carving. Extreme adventures such as heli-skiing are also available.

Åre

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WINTER TRAVEL & SKI GUIDE

Escape To The Country Getaway to the historic harbour town of Fowey, a beautiful haven on the southern Cornish coast.

Cornwall’s best kept secret, in Fowey there really is something for everyone.

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W

hether your perfect holiday involves winter walks along the spectacular Cornish coastline or snuggling up in front of a roaring log fire in a local pub. Or enjoy a cosy rural retreat where you can make the most of the countryside in full autumnal bloom.

Already dreaming of the summer? Why not plan a trip with walks along the beautiful Cornish coast, enjoy the sights from the water in a ferry across the harbour or relish a sunny picnic in the scenic Cornish countryside?

Fowey Cottages is proud to offer some of the

finest holiday cottages in and around Fowey. A family owned business based in the heart of the town, Fowey Cottages offer a range of properties suited to every holiday, whatever the season.

From stylish townhouses overlooking Fowey harbour, charming seaside retreats or cosy country cottages just outside the main town, there really is something for every holiday.

So if you are planning your next escape to the country, Fowey Cottages is guaranteed to have the property for you. www.foweycottages.com

WINTER TRAVEL & SKI GUIDE

Tailor-make your dream escape at The Luxury Travel Fair 1st – 4th November 2018, Olympia

T

he Luxury Travel Fair, presented by Condé Nast Traveller, offers an unrivalled collection of the most immersive and tailor-made, luxury travel experiences on the market.

The Fair boasts up to 80 leading and specialist tour operators who will be on hand to shake up your senses with unexplored landscape and natural wonders you never knew existed! Honeymooners, families, single travellers, retirees and anyone looking for a once in a lifetime experience, can plan their dream trips, whatever they desire!

There’s something for everyone – whether it’s sensational experiences that are out of the ordinary, epic adventures, relaxing retreats or a journey of discovery for individual fulfilment. Consult the best in the industry face-to-face as your personal advisors guide you on where to stay, when to go and the finest activities and eateries on your arrival.

Visitors can also enjoy specialist travel talks from well-known personalities and experts in the Traveller’s Tales Theatre, before winding down to toast their travel plans over a glass or two of bubbles in the elegant Louis Roederer Champagne Bar.

Highlights of The Luxury Travel Fair also include: • Exclusive fair offers and competitions from a unique collection of boutique brands • Special dining experience in Mosimann’s exclusive restaurant • The ability to discover an unrivalled collection of independent boutiques, designer-makers and artisan producers at the co-located Spirit of Christmas Fair The Luxury Travel Fair will also feature a unique Sketch for Survival exhibition in honour of the Fair’s official charity partner, Real World Conservation Trust, part of the Explorers against Extinction Campaign.

Over 300 famous names and artists from 22 different countries have taken 26 minutes to sketch 184 SEPTEMBER 2018

There’s something for everyone – whether it’s sensational experiences that are out of the ordinary, epic adventures, relaxing retreats or a journey of discovery for individual fulfilment.

pictures of animals – to recognise the unbelievable fact that one African elephant is poached for its tusk every 26 minutes.

Celebrity supporters whose work will be on display include Mary Berry, Frederick Forsyth, Dame Judi Dench, Nick Park, Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Stephen Fry and Dame Helen Mirren. Visitors will be invited to donate for the cause of raising awareness of fighting wildlife crime and helping the survival of animals threatened by extinction.

Catherine Thake, Fair Director of The Luxury Travel Fair says: “At this year’s Fair you’ll be able to discover the definitive collection of high-end travel experiences. You’ll have the chance to meet experts from all corners of the globe, create your bespoke travel itinerary for your dream getaway and learn about the latest travel trends from leading luxury brands. Uncover exclusive resorts and unique boutique hotels, first-class concierge companies, undiscovered destinations and original once-in-alifetime travel experience – all under one roof at the prestigious Olympia London.”

The Luxury Travel Fair will be running at Olympia London alongside The Spirit of Christmas which is held Monday 29th October until Sunday 4th November.

For more details and to purchase tickets visit www.luxurytravelfair.com

WINTER TRAVEL & SKI GUIDE

Luxury stays in Greece

F

ive-star luxury. Child friendly. Private Beach. À la carte restaurants overseen

by Michelin-starred chefs. Exceptional service; Ikos Resorts have redefined all-inclusive holidays with their Infinite Lifestyle concept, bringing a new era of hospitality to the Mediterranean. Following the success of Ikos Oceania and Ikos Olivia launched three years ago and voted number 1 and number 3 best allinclusives in the world by TripAdvisor, this year saw the opening of Ikos Dassia in Corfu, and in May 2019 the brand new Ikos Aria will be opening its doors in Kos. Whether you are seeking total relaxation or an active family holiday, Ikos Resorts won’t disappoint.

All four resorts offer a range of activities to keep you and your young ones busy. From tennis and beach badminton to aqua aerobics and yoga, you’ll be spoilt for choice. You can also take a course at the sailing academy, scuba dive or enjoy a private boat tour. If you wish to spend some romantic time with your partner whilst your children are kept entertained in the OFSTED standard crèche and kids’ clubs, then all the resorts allow for uninterrupted quality time in their ‘Quiet Zones’.

What really sets Ikos apart from all other allinclusive offerings are the exquisite dining options throughout the day. You will find sumptuous buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as à la carte menus that are prepared by Michelinstarred chefs and are complemented by an array of fine wines. The experienced Ikos sommeliers will guide you through an extensive selection of local and international wines found in the state of the art cellars. And you don’t even have to ‘eat in’ every evening as Ikos offer a ‘Dine Out’ experience.

Selected local restaurants close to each resort serves a tempting choice of traditional Greek dishes, all part of the all-inclusive experience.

Other perks include 24-hour room service, beachside and poolside waiter service as well as West End style shows to keep you and all the family entertained throughout the evening. If that doesn’t

186 SEPTEMBER 2018

appeal, enjoy a relaxing drink in one of the superb bars. Branded spirits even in your mini bar are all included.

Deluxe Collection guests can benefit from added extras such a Deluxe Concierge service as well as exclusive pool and beach areas, Anne Semonin spa treatments and even a romantic dinner set on the beach.

IKOS OCEANIA The first member of the Ikos family, Ikos Oceania underwent extensive revamping and offers a spectacularly luxurious stay with an array of 290 elegant rooms and suites. Its beautiful landscaped gardens cascade gently down to the private beach below with breath taking views of the Aegean Sea. The cuisine at Oceania is exquisite with four a la carte restaurants while the Dine Out experience takes guests to some of the best local restaurants.

Children are taken care of, all ages are catered for with a fantastic programme of organised fun events and games, morning and afternoon, each day of the week. Perfect for adults to have a little me time.

IKOS OLIVIA Ikos Olivia is located at the beautiful Gulf of Toroneos in beautiful Halkidiki, and extends over the perfectly landscaped 22 acres of grounds.

Picturesque ancient olive trees and fragrant firs provide shade and privacy around the spacious grounds. The resort also offers gorgeous views of the Aegean sea. Ikos Olivia’s chic design goes

hand in hand with subtle elegance to offer a warm welcome to the most discerning traveller.

The rooms, suites and bungalows boast views across the flowing green landscape and the sea with perfectly groomed private gardens, private pools and generous terraces.

Ikos Olivia boasts a lagoon pool with a swim up bar whilst the Exclusive Deluxe Collection guests can take advantage of their own dedicated pool and beach area.

IKOS DASSIA Ikos Dassia is situated on the gorgeous island of Corfu and is framed by fragrant woodlands. This luxurious resort welcomes you with dazzling views across the turquoise Ionian Sea. With 25 acres of stunning gardens on a beachfront setting, all 411 luxurious rooms, suites and villas come with picture perfect views.

Spacious balconies, private gardens and individual pools ensure that your stay is special.

There are six a la carte restaurants at Ikos Dassia featuring Michelin starred menus and a selection of authentic Greek tavernas to ensure that you are truly spoilt for choice.

Don’t miss the Mini Adventure Driving experience where guests can have a Mini Cooper for the day to explore the sights of this stunning island at their leisure.

IKOS ARIA Ikos Aria is situated on an idyllic beachfront location stretching across 47 acres on the southwest coast of the island, 45 minutes from the town of Kos and 20 minutes from Kos International Airport served with direct flights from London Gatwick, Heathrow and Stansted airports.

The luxury all-inclusive resort will offer 373 contemporary and stylish rooms and one- and two-bedroom suites for couples and families. They will come with an array of spoiling features including private balconies, gardens and private pools up to an impressive 40 square metres, all with panoramic views across the Aegean Sea. Ideally located for exploring the island’s best beaches and historical sites, guests staying at the resort can visit Mastichari beach and its emerald waters, swim to the tiny islet of Kastri or enjoy views of Turkey whilst delving into ancient Greece at Asklepieion, an ancient medieval temple founded

by Hippocrates. www.letsgo2.com SEPTEMBER 2018 187

fashion, HEALTH

& beauty – Fashion, health and beauty news to keep you looking and feeling your best – i m a g e : TH E U K ’ S F IRST W IN E S PA

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

[NEWS]

BEAUTY & FASHION SEE YOU IN COURT The term ‘Sustainability’, once the preserve of hemp-heavy Add a touch of glamour to your outfit with these deep cut silver leather courts with 10cm heels. These are alegant and classic shoes in a blue silver shade. By MY25. £299, www.houseofbotta.com

KEEP IT COSY

WE LOVE This gorgeous silk maxi slip in the limited edition stars and swallows print. £295, www.jessica russellflint.co.uk

Maxi wrap, pashmina, travel wrap... call it what you will but this luxury grey accessory, with cashmere, is so fabulously ample that it will keep the chill off shoulders on summer evenings and ensure you’re cosy through colder months too. This grey herringbone cashmere and merino cover up is truly versatile. Wear it to cover up after yoga, throw it on with jeans or finish off your wedding guest outfit perfectly. £89, www.tollymcrae.co.uk

well groomed

GORGEOUS IN GREY This gorgeous light grey shoulder bag, which can also be used as a clutch, features a secure zip fastening and internal pocket. An elephant and the words ‘Lets Work For Wildlife’ are debossed on the front of the bag, with the ZSL logo debossed on the back ZSL (Zoological Society of London) is an international wildlife charity working around the world to protect animals and their habitats. By purchasing anything from Sophie Allport’s Elephant collection you are contributing to ZSL’s vital work. £26, www.sophieallport.com 192 SEPTEMBER 2018

Smart and stylish, this Ted Baker Mens Black Brogue Monkian Manicure Set features five useful tools; tweezers, nail clippers, nail scissors, cuticle tool and nail file - everything a gentleman needs to look after his nails and keep them looking great.

Ted Baker Mens - Black Brogue Monkian Manicure Set, £34.95, www.hurnandhurn.com

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

PAINTBOX BRIGHTS It’s all about hot hues this September, says Katie Wright.

Miss Selfridge Ochre Tie Front Pyjama Blouse, £25 Oliver Bonas Glows Double Layer Cami Top, £39.50

Glamorous Yellow And Blue Dip Dye Denim Mini Skirt, £36

Topshop High Waist Leather Mini Skirt, £95

R

Little Mistress Lottie Strappy Satin Dress, £68

Oasis Colourblock Hanky Dress, £50

Simply Be Magenta Tiered Pleated Midi Skirt, £59

Dorothy Perkins Yellow Billi Heeled Sandals, £27

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George Pink Pointed Toe Mule Sandals, £10, Asda

emember Crayola Crayons? If your childhood was anything like ours, a brand new yellow and green cardboard box filled with pristine paper-wrapped wax crayons, or chunky felt-tip pens, was enough to send us loopy - and keep us occupied for hours.

The art supplies company still exists, of course, but now it’s having a major fashion moment, thanks to a new make-up collection that launched last month on ASOS (letting grown-ups play with crayons again - what’s not to love?) and the so-called ‘Crayola brights’ trend that lit up the SS18 catwalks.

A departure from the rainbow trend, which involves the whole ROYGBIV spectrum, this paintbox trend is all about colour blocking, picking a narrow palette of super-saturated shades and working them together in one outfit.

At Mary Katrantzou and Calvin Klein, that meant shiny, sporty tops paired with high-waisted full skirts, while at Roksanda, models wore head-totoe fuchsia, scarlet and azure blue.

This is a trend that’s superbly suited to summer particularly this year’s sweltering temperatures.

Sunny hues, like tangerine, lemon and tomato red, make a delicious sartorial cocktail - but keep it to no more than two or three colours on one outfit, or you’ll end up looking a tad too much like a tequila sunrise.

Coloured denim is also making a comeback this season, in the form of cute mini skirts with matching jackets - add a pop of cool cornflower blue to contrast the sunset shades.

Looking for a stunning occasion outfit? Take inspiration from Roksanda in a silky, swishy scarlet frock paired with matching heels, or make like model Jourdan Dunn in a fabulous orange maxi dress.

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Bored of the treadmill?

Looking for another way to keep fit?

Here is a guide to the ultimate fitness classes - which one is for you?

ZUMBA Originating from Latin dance styles, Zumba is a cardiovascular and aerobic exercise routine that infuses exercise with dance and choreography.

The workout alternates between fast-paced and slow-paced dance moves which are practiced in time to Latin rhythms. Among the dance form’s influences are salsa, hip-hop and rumba. This South American workout tones the body through its use of resistance exercises which effectively amount to interval training due to the varying speeds at which they are carried out.

CIRCUIT TRAINING Circuit training involves a number of exercises – or ‘stations’ – which are performed one after the other, with a short rest in between. Exercises vary, but tend to include aerobic exercises such as shuttle runs, star jumps and burpees, along with strength moves such as pushups, squats and lunges. The nature of a circuit training class means that, rather than raising your heart rate and keeping it high for the duration of the class, it gives you more of an ‘interval training’ effect, where you mix intense bursts of activity with recovery periods. It is a very effective way of improving aerobic fitness.

BOXERCISE/KICKBOXERCISE Boxercise and kickboxercise are derivatives of boxing and kickboxing and use the drills and techniques of their respective sports in a noncontact setting, usually in the form of a circuit. For example, you might find yourself shadowboxing, skipping, using punch bags or teaming up with a partner to punch or kick focus pads. Both are considered one of the best all-round high intensity exercise classes to get you in great shape.One study found that people felt more calm, more focused and less anxious after a kickboxing class. Taking out all that aggression on a punch bag can be a great stress reliever!

PILATES

“Yoga works on the whole body without favouring one side, and includes forward and backward bending, twists, balances and inversions”

Pilates is a form of exercise which works on restoring correct posture and alignment (which are under constant attack from our seated, sedentary lifestyles), strengthening the muscles that stabilise the joints, and working particularly strongly on the abdominals and back. The movement exercises are very precise, focused and controlled, and performed on an exercise mat in a class context.

YOGA Yoga strengthens muscles, improves joint flexibility, and enhances balance, coordination and posture through a series of diverse poses (or ‘asanas’). There are many types of yoga. For example, ashtanga yoga is more energetic than viniyoga. Yoga works on the whole body without favouring one side, and includes forward and backward bending, twists, balances and inversions. Movements are coordinated with the breath. Different types of yoga have very different focuses and approaches – so it’s best to watch a class or speak to the instructor before you take part.

DANCE Dance classes are a lot of fun and very sociable – plus the high concentration factor means you’ll hardly be aware that you are doing a ‘workout’, on not if you are spending half the class trying to figure out which way to spin or how to shimmy.

That said, there are so many different types of dance to try that you are sure to get the hang of one of them. Ballet sculpt class won’t teach you to be a ballerina, and salsa aerobics won’t give you the skills to take to the floor like a dance champion, but what they will do, is give you a taste of the benefits of dance and appeal of the ‘real thing’.

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FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

The ultimate canvas For New York-based designer and artist Iuri Shubladze, accessories are the ultimate canvas.

In creating his bags, scarves, wallets and clutches, Iuri plays with texture, form and scale, pairing sleek patent leather with nubby wools, mixing dimensional grids and sexy grommeted lacings. Each of his pieces is handmade and unique, a collection of one. No surprise that his work has gained a devoted international following among those whose sense of individual style is matched by their appreciation for the highest level of craftsmanship. His accessories are designed with women in mind, but many pieces are equally appropriate for men and women.

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I

uri’s pieces are regularly featured in shows and galleries, including at a leading trade show during Paris fashion week in 2017. A collection of his bags was also the centerpiece of a well-received show during New York fashion week for Spring 2015 at the RePopRoom Gallery.

One critic praised Iuri’s “large tote bags in black with a stripe of color on each,” writing of one piece that “really caught my eye because it looked so badass. The texture of the bag itself with the square really made the whole thing work.” (“Natalya Egorova and Iuri Shubladze Fashion 2015 Show,” Manhattan With a Twist, Sept. 11, 2014 (available on internet).)

Iuri’s installation at the Agora Gallery in the White Space Chelsea during New York fashion week in September 2015 also received an enthusiastic reception. In this show, Iuri, who is also a mixed media artist and painter, presented a mixed selection of his accessories, fashion and artwork. One reviewer “fell in love with Iuri’s accessories” and “the edgy theme” that animates all of Iuri’s work. (“Iuri Shubladze Fashion Installation,” News Cult, Sept. 3, 2015 (available on internet).)

Iuri’s luxury accessories have been sold at Henri Bendel’s in New York, and featured at the Tranoi trade shows during New York fashion week and Paris fashion week in 2016, as well as at the VOID trade show during Paris fashion week in 2016. His designs have appeared in Life Magazine, London, British Vogue, GQ, and Collezione. Stunning images of Iuri’s bags and clothing can also be seen in the 2016 book, An Embarrassment of Riches – Photographs, by leading American photographer, Adrian Buckmaster.

Iuri was born and raised in Tbilisi, Georgia and now lives and works in New York City. He graduated magna cum laude from New York’s elite Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), with a major in fashion design. While at FIT, Iuri was chosen to study international fashion design in a special

year-long program at the Politecnico de Milano in Milan, Italy. He also holds a masters degree in science from Georgian Technical University. Upon graduation from FIT, Iuri worked as a fashion designer under haute couture designer Ralph Rucci, at Chado Ralph Rucci in New York. Iuri left to launch his own company, Iuri Shubladze, Inc., in 2013.

For more information about Iuri, see www.iurishnyc.com.

Buy Clutches, Bags and Wallets Online - Iuri Shubladze www.iurishnyc.com Photographer GuramTsibakhashvili TinatinKiguradze Styled By MakaRazmadze Haier & make-up IrmaMeliqishvili

www.iurishnyc.com

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Jewellery with Style A year ago jeweller Lilly Hastedt moved her atelier-jewellery boutique from Old Church Street in Chelsea to Notting Hill. The stylish boutique is located in Lonsdale Road, located just off the ever fashionable Westbourne Grove.

E

ntering a world of chic, you will meet the designer, a highly trained goldsmith and designer with over 20 years experience.

Lilly’s jewellery is designed and made by her and her team in London.

She creates versatile, sophisticated jewellery which is extremely graceful and classic, but simultaneously has a distinct contemporary edge making it totally à la mode. Lilly’s jewellery is for the woman who wants to add a touch of glamorous style to denim as well as discreetly accentuating haute couture. Her jewels are pure understated chic and are perfectly adaptable to any occasion.

A qualified gemologist, Lilly has a particular affinity and expertise in coloured gemstones and diamonds and also has a passion for pearls, which she uses to great effect. Lilly always goes to great lengths to source the most beautiful stones and materials from around the world and her jewels are renowned for their simple shapes and clever detailing. Colour and texture are also much in evidence, the result of her exotic upbringing in Guatemala. Further inspiration for her designs comes from her life experiences, which Lilly successfully blends with her own inherent sense of style, artistry and elegance.

Before I begin I need to fall in love with a gemstone. I then imagine how I can use it to create a breathtaking piece of jewellery. I always think ‘If this were a piece I would own, how would I like it to be?’ My design ethic is quite straightforward – I want to create pieces that are simple in shape, clean in design and most importantly, showcase the

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intrinsic beauty of the gemstones. Starting with a quick sketch and maybe a three-dimensional paper shape, I then work on a silver model. If I’m happy with everything, I’ll then create a gold piece.

Lilly has a bespoke service where clients can commission a piece of jewellery. She will guide the customer with new or existing gemstones, creating a fabulous piece of jewellery that fits their personality.

Lilly Hastedt 3 Lonsdale Road, London W11 2BY www.lillyhastedt.com

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FASHION, FASHION, HEALTH HEALTH & & BEAUTY BEAUTY

S P OTLIGHT ON …

Stella McCartney

S

tella Nina McCartney OBE, daughter of the Beatles band member Sir Paul McCartney and American photographer and animal rights activist the late Linda McCartney, has been reaching new heights with her new menswear collection. Born in Lambeth in 1971, she worked hard at her dream as a fashion designer from an early age.

Stella attended local state schools in East Sussex.

Despite their fame, the McCartneys wanted their children to lead as normal a life as possible. At aged thirteen, Stella showed an interest in fashion and even designed her first jacket. Three years later, she interned with Christian Lacroix where she designed her first haute couture collection. After that, she worked with Edward Sexton, her father’s Savile Row tailor.

Then she went on to study at Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication, then Fashion Design at Central Saint Martins. Her graduation collection was modelled by Naomi Campbell, Yasmin Le Bon, and Kate Moss. It was a major success. Stella was soon appointed the creative director of Chloe in 1997. She then set up her brand ‘Stella McCartney’ in collaboration with Gucci which is now Kering. Her collections now include women’s ready-to-wear, accessories, lingerie, eyewear, fragrances and kids.

In 2004, Stella McCartney was the designer of clothes for Madonna’s Re-Invention Tour, Annie Lennox’s summer tour, and Gwyneth Paltrow’s and Jude Law’s costumes for the film Sky Captain and The World of Tomorrow.

A vegetarian, a strong wild-life activist, she has stood up against the use of leather and fur in her products. Many clothes in her collections have these words boldly printed- ‘Girls Thanks. No Fur, No Leather’. She prefers using organic cotton and faux leathers. All her shops are operated in eco- friendly ways. She continues to fund World Wild Life Fund, American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Animals Asia. Stella McCartney has been married to Alasdhair Willis since 2003, and have four children. She has made it a point to bring up her children unlike other celebrity children, and

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makes sure that they are in the company of nature and animals.

McCartney now operates 51 freestanding stores including Manhattan’s Soho, London’s Mayfair and Brompton Cross, LA’s West Hollywood, Paris’ Palais Royal, Milan, Tokyo, Shanghai and Beijing. Her collections are now distributed in 77 countries through 851 doors including specialty shops, and department stores, as well as shipping to 100 countries online.

Stella’s latest collection is menswear. She has designed most of the collection being inspired by her father. The collection features bomber jackets, football scarves, and cashmere tracksuits. Her swallowembroidered motif which has been seen across her collections continues to feature in this collection too.

A woman who has made it in the world of fashion, living well to her ethics, conservation of the environment and the wildlife.

That defines Stella McCartney. www.stellamccartney.com

Discover Michaela Jedinak London an innovative online boutique where it is effortless to find unique, elegant styles designed to flatter your body shape.

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FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

ELLIE GOULDING’S BEAUTY BITES W The singer might not be able to contour, but she’s always been interested in beauty. words: Prudence Wade ith her signature golden locks and fresh-faced look, Ellie Goulding’s beauty aesthetic is almost as iconic as her catchy pop songs.

The 31-year-old has a packed schedule of studio sessions, travelling and performing, which no doubt makes it hard to stay on top of a self-care regime. Even though she’s not the type of person who’ll be first in line for the latest make-up palette, Goulding is still interested in beauty - in particular, she has an unmitigated obsession for perfumes and scents. We sat down with the singer to find out a bit about taming her hair, what’s in her makeup bag and how she takes care of herself.

Her attitude to beauty...

“My earliest memory of beauty is my mum letting me do her make-up for her,” Goulding says. Proving she’s one of the most relatable celebs out there, she says: “I would always sneak into her room and steal her foundation because I couldn’t afford make-up myself... which I feel bad about now!”

Goulding has always been into beauty, even if she doesn’t know how to contour, and is jealous of her sister who does. Luckily, working in the industry she does, Goulding has been able to pick up a lot of tips from the professionals.

These don’t even have to involve expensive products or complicated techniques. “One make-up artist was a big believer in the spoon in the freezer method,” Goulding says. “You put it under your eyes before applying any makeup and it settles down the face if you’re a bit swollen.”

Her iconic hair...

Ever since bursting onto the scene and winning the Critics’ Choice Award at the 2010 Brit Awards, Goulding has been instantly recognisable for her tousled blonde mane.

“I’ve always been known for my long, wild and crazy hair,” Goulding says, but it hasn’t always been honey blonde.

“When I was a teenager I had 204 SEPTEMBER 2018

a very unique look and was a bit of a goth - I dyed my hair black, had my lip pierced and wore lots of eyeliner.”

Even before this, Goulding’s mum would try her best to tame her unruly mane. “She would do it into a really tight French plait so she didn’t have to deal with it for a few days, but when it came out my hair would be massive!” she says.

After taking charge of her own hairstyle, it’s become a way for Goulding to express her individuality. “I’ve always been androgynous,” she explains. “And I guess my hair made me kind of feminine.”

What’s in her make-up bag...

• Tata Harper Hydrating Floral Essence, £77, Space NK “I use this spray every day and it honestly saves my life. I spray it directly on my face in the morning which wakes me up, I use it to take make-up off and I use it on a flight when my skin’s dehydrated. It’s a really good staple thing to have in your bathroom, and you can get mini versions to put in your handbag.”

• Kevyn Aucoin The Essential Mascara, £26, Space NK “I always bang on about this mascara. It doesn’t come off and give you a black mark around your eyes, instead it peels off in the shower when it gets warm. It’s so good - I don’t use any other mascara than this one at the moment.”

• doTERRA Peppermint Mentha Piperita, £22.95, Amazon “I really do believe in aromatherapy oils. I carry a humidifier around with me and I put oils in it depending on how I’m feeling. DoTerra does all all kinds of oils - you can put them under your nose for clearer breathing or you can put them on your pulse points to relax or energise, and I think they really do work.”

• Pantene 3 Minute Miracle Repair & Protect, £1.98, Superdrug “At the moment my hair is in such good condition that I don’t have to do anything to it. I’m not saying that in a boastful way, it just really makes a difference using Pantene’s Three Minute Miracle. It puts my hair into a place where I don’t need to do that much to it which is amazing, because I don’t really have time to.”

• Coco Calming Face Mist, £6, 60ml, The Body Shop “I’m a bit of a perfume nerd, and I really love finding different perfumes - I’ve got everything from Le Labo to Tom Ford which are amazing, but I also really like The Body Shop’s Coco Mist.

It smells like a dream and it’s not expensive or anything. It shows that you don’t need to spend a thousand pounds on a good perfume or scent.”

Ellie Goulding is a Pantene ambassador. To find out more about Pantene Shampoo Pro-V Nutrient Blends go to pantene.co.uk

Gabriel de Lys is a new generation of French luxury that has a high leather goods range, a craft and craftsmanship. The founder of the brand, Vincent Lhopital, is an expert in the field of luxury. Gabriel de Lys is as an ode to feminine elegance.

The collection of clutches and handbags offers history and ultra-modernity. All models are made by Master Craftsmen practicing in renowned luxury workshops. All models include perfect details, original colour and can be customized on request. For more information visit www.gabrieldelys.com

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FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Is Your Skin Looking Older Than You Feel?

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Blame it on Menopause

ost women are totally unprepared for menopause and the unexpected effects it can have on their life.

One of the most noticeable changes is the effect it has on skin health and ageing.

Skin is the largest organ in the body and visible for the world to see. When people look at you, the first thing they notice is either how well you look, or ‘not’ as the case may be!

Skin health deteriorates rapidly during menopause due to the dramatic loss of oestrogen.

Without this vital hormone the body struggles to make enough collagen, the protein which gives the skin firmness and density. Without collagen skin sags, lines and wrinkles become more noticeable and you will lose that radiant healthy glow, which can make you look old and tired to the watching world!

Menopausal skin - Yes, it is a thing!

Time To Upgrade Your Products Skin care products will help to moisturise your skin and maybe have a limited effect on collagen production.

But once a woman is in the menopause transition, these products will no longer be able to give the promised results, due to the limitations of specialised ingredients in the formulation.

In order to target the problem at the root cause, which is loss of oestrogen, you now need to upgrade your products to achieve maximum result.

Phytomone-London are the only cosmetic house 206 SEPTEMBER 2018

with ground breaking technology to dramatically correct oestrogen loss, in combination with luxury skin care products and their powerful plant based Cosmetic HRT™️.

What is Phytomone Cosmetic HRT™️?

Phytomone Cosmetic HRT™️ is derived from plant hormones which are almost identical to natural body oestrogen.

It is a topical application in the form of a nourishing and protective face cream, which does not enter the blood stream or alter hormone levels within the body.

It is 100% safe and natural with proven clinical results.

How does it work?

Due to a specialised delivery system, Phytomone Cosmetic HRT™️ can penetrate the deeper dermal layers of the skin, bind to facial oestrogen receptors and mimic the effect this hormone has on the skin.

It dramatically increases collagen production and moisture levels. Skin becomes firmer, lines are less noticeable, deeper wrinkles look softer and your complexion takes on a radiant, healthy glow, ensuring it looks the best it possible can.

Only by using high performance ingredients which your skin is deficient in, can Phytomone effectively offer the best possible results, both short term and long term. www.phytomone.com

Dr Edel McAndrew C o n s u lta n t C l i n i C a l P s y C h o l o g i s t BScHons; DipClinPsych; Psych.Clin.D; C.Psychol; AFBpS; CSci

Child & Family Services • Adults • Medico-Legal Reports • Corporate Workshops Offering a comprehensive service of psychological assessments and therapy for children and young people, families and adults of all ages. Addressing a wide range of problems with a variety of therapeutic approaches including CBT & EMDR which are tailored to individual needs.

Consulting Rooms in london, manChesteR and dublin at: 85, Wimpole street, marylebone, london W1G 9PF Tel: 07761175545 Pall mall medical Centre, Pall mall, 61, King street, manchester Tel: 0161-832-2111 25, suffolk street, dublin Tel: 00353 87-2460-411 Qualified since 1997. Chartered Psychologist (uK), Chartered scientist (uK),

associate Fellow of British Psychological society (BPs), Registered European Psychologist. hCPC Reg.

Email enquiries to edelmcandrew@gmail.com www.edelmcandrew.com

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

THE UK’S FIRST WINE SPA Here’s what it’s like to bathe in Merlot. WORDS: KATIE WRIGHT

I

t’s well known that drinking wine has health benefits (as long as it’s in moderation), but is bathing in plonk good for your skin?

That’s what I aimed to find out when I paid a visit to London’s luxurious Ella Di Rocco Medispa to try the UK’s first wine spa treatment.

‘Winetherapy’ began in Bordeaux, France. The theory is that a substance called polyphenol - which red wine is rich in - helps to tone and exfoliate your skin, while antioxidants fight damage caused by nasty free radicals.

“It’s not the alcohol that’s good for you, it’s the grapes,” explains my friendly therapist Catherine Oswiecinska as I dangle my feet in a warm foot bath scattered with rose petals.

To begin the 90-minute treatment, which takes place in a serene green-walled room, I lie down on a massage bed and Oswiecinska uses a pair of dry brushes to sweep away dead skin all over my body, working on one area at a time so I stay nice and warm beneath my towels.

It’s quite alarming how much dust is created, proving that I really needed this thorough exfoliation, and it’s said to improve circulation and banish cellulite, too, which is a bonus.

The brushing is followed up with a Goretti natural body scrub made with cornflour, red vine leaves and red wine to open up my pores in preparation for the main event.

The deep bath, which is filled with warm water, two bottles of sangiovese and merlot wine plus virgin grape juice (for added antioxidants) is ready for me to hop into, the dark purple waters steaming and fragrant.

I’m given a glass of merlot to sip (better quality than what’s tipped in the tub, I’m told) and left to

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soak for around 20 minutes as the wine gets to work on my skin and I feel all the tension in my muscles melt away.

After a quick rinse under the shower (the spa offers disposable underwear, so I swap into a fresh pair), I’m back on the bed for an amazingly relaxing and gentle massage using grape seed oil to replenish my skin with moisture after the scrub and hot soak.

My limbs feel unbelievably soft after but it’s the stress-busting effects of the experience that I can feel most - and not just because of that glass of wine.

Like many people, I struggle to find time to have even a quick dip in the bath at home, so this excuse to indulge in an hour and a half of me time is heavenly.

A boozy bath that rejuvenates both body and mind? I’ll drink to that.

A 90-minute wine treatment at Ella Di Rocco costs £245. www.elladirocco.c208

Blue Velvet, the home of contemporary and Luxury footwear direct from the heart of Europe.

Always one step ahead, they have established themselves on their quality and first-rate service.

Visit Blue Velvet Shoes at 174 Kings Road, SW3 4UP or call 020 7376 7442 buy online www.bluevelvetshoes.com

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

“Focusing on versatility, Rose Paulino designs for all shapes and sizes. If her standard sizes don’t fit then a customized swimsuit is designed specifically for your body! The stress of finding the perfect swimsuit is gone!”

R

osePaulino.com was launched in September 2017 by Rose Paulino and her team as a self-titled luxury swimwear brand. We believe that a swimsuit can be a piece of everyday clothing, worn anyway a woman wants to. Swimwear, anywhere, we say! Wear your one-piece suit as a bodysuit with shorts, or a crop top with a sassy skirt, any way you like it, you can wear it.

Our founder, Rose Paulino, started designing as a child in foster care. At age 11, after being placed with a family, she was introduced to making her own clothing after an unfortunate event including her foster sister. Since then, she has been piecing together ideas to rebuild lost or destroyed pieces of clothes and designing new ideas for original pieces.

Rose taught herself to sew, draft, pattern making and sketch. Very quickly she became an all-around fashion designer, designing swimwear for college events. Today, Rose is a swimwear designer, taking the Rose Paulino brand to new and exciting heights.

Pictured are Bridget and Lily from the Spektrum Collection. The collection is inspired by the designers self love. After a tough break up the designer learned to physically, mentally, and emotionally love herself all over again.

Each year, RosePaulino.com releases a line of 4 original handmade pieces. These pieces are sketched, planned and hand-sewn by Rose Paulino and sold as luxury high end swimwear. These custom pieces come in standard sizes of medium and are sold as such. There are no refunds or exchanges with limited edition lines. If you require a custom piece, information on ordering is available online.

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Coming next Rose Paulino will be working with Sheri Collins to launch a collection where the prints are designed by the upcoming artists in foster care.

The prints will share the children’s stories and a percentage of sales will be donated the Foster Care system. Fashion saved rose paulino when she was in foster care by allowing her to express herself with out having to speak. Now the brand plans to give other foster care kids the same opportunity, to use fashion as a coping mechanism, way of expressing yourself, and inspire the designers within.

Please visit the website at www.rosepaulino.com Photographer : Cynthia Ottuso Models: Martina Zerbo from the Caroline Geason Management and Ashley D’ Antignac

“Each year, RosePaulino.com releases a line of 4 original handmade pieces”

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FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Affordable Luxury at the laboratory spa & health club

L

uxury, style and elegance create the perfect environment to escape the many pressures of London life. Relaxation is essential to the body and mind and the Laboratory Spa and Health Club provides a gateway to undisputed tranquillity.

Twice winners of the UK Health Club of the Year award (National Fitness Awards) and previously voted best private Health Club and Spa in London by Time Out. No expense has been spared. Innovative, motivational and led by some of the UK’s finest and most-respected fitness professionals, the Lab offers an unrivalled and envied timetable to cater for every age, interest, and schedule.

Their expansive gym floors flooded with natural daylight boast the very latest Lifefitness™ treadmills and bikes, designed in America they have both cutting edge technology and ergonomic engineering at their core.

A personalised fitness and well-being programme with over 100 different fitness classes that includes: • Schwinn cycling • BodyPump • Salsa • Aquatics • Yoga • Pilates • Meditation • Zumba Each Club also offers: • A spectacular 25 metre swimming pool cleansed

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with the latest UV light technology, ensuring the highest standards of hygiene with minimal levels of chlorine.

• Twin spa baths • Marble steam rooms • Scandinavian saunas The Lab’s philosophy is to not just treat the body, but the mind and soul as well. The Day Spa is a haven of peace and calm providing a chance to escape the stresses of daily life.

• Facials • Massage • Body care therapies • Hot stone and reflexology to name but a few.

The Laboratory Spa & Health Clubs are one of the few remaining independent, privately owned Clubs in London. The Club is surrounded by its own secluded gardens where you can sun-bathe or relax in private.

Seb Barre, General Manager says “Our members stay with us because they value what we offer and love what we do. We provide an oasis of calm in a busy life. We aim to help you achieve your goals and increase your individual wellbeing. At the Lab you will be transported to a world of serenity, where muscle tension and the mind’s concerns simply melt away allowing you to emerge refreshed, balanced and energised.”

Lab members have full use of all facilities.

Non-members are welcome to use the Day Spa.

“Innovative, motivational and led by some of the UK’s finest and most-respected fitness professionals, the Lab offers an unrivalled and envied timetable to cater for every age, interest, and schedule”

THE DETAILS For further information and to book a no obligatory tour, call: Mill Hill: 020 8457 3300 1a Hall Lane, NW4 4TJ. Muswell Hill: 020 8482 3000 The Avenue N10 2QE. www.labspa.co.uk

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Lasers not Razors W

e are extremely excited to for you. announce the return of Laser Laser hair removal is suitable for all skin types Hair Removal back to Riverbanks and all genders.

Wellness, with the ever-increasing I’m sure you are wondering whether laser requests to bring it back we really had no choice but hair removal is painful? This is one of the main to listen to our patients. question’s patients ask me about the treatment If you are tired or embarrassed with the constant process and the honest answer is, if you are used battle of removing your face or body hair, we have to the more traditional methods of hair removal, the solution for you…. this will be more than comfortable. The sensation – and your skin will feel and look smoother is similar to that of an elastic band “ping” on the all year long. skin, however with the use of cooling air the Like all things to do with our skin recovers within milliseconds, and bodies no one person’s journey is of course some areas are slightly more READER the same, we all have different sensitive than others, but in the scheme OFFER: SAVE personal battles with our face of things it’s a couple of seconds of and or body hair, for some we sensation. just want to get rid of unwanted The laser hair removal handpiece hair, simple as that ..for others it searches for pigment within the hair may come with a more emotional follicle and fires the energy down attachment, whether it is PCOS its entirety to reduce the cellular DNA maybe the menopause is affecting yours matrix, leading to weaker, slower, lighter and - or even it can mean the beginning to a new start as finer growth. We have brought you the best Laser in a gender change that up until now may have been on the market of course, Cynosure Elite, with a life affecting factor with hair growth. an Alexandrite and Nd:YAG laser, it’s capable of Does this stop you from going out to events or treating all skin types. gatherings do you feel self-conscious or comparing The Riverbanks practitioners are all passionate yourself to other people. Guys are you happy to about this treatment and the results which can be take your tops off at the beach or poolside, it may achieved; and welcome you all to come and have a not be that dramatic it could be you have a few complimentary consultation to discuss any questions hairs on your top lip that drive you mad when you and formulate a bespoke treatment plan for you. are looking in the rear-view mirror? We understand, Our special offer for the first 50 consultations and we can help to put you on the best programme booked will receive 10% off their courses…

10%

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Dr Ravi Jain

THE DETAILS For more information visit my informative website www.riverbanksclinic.co.uk and subscribe to my email list.

Or if you would like to schedule a consultation with one of my aesthetic doctors call 01582762877 to book in.

LOOK GOOD, FEEL

GREAT

A medical team comprising of;

4 Aesthetic Doctors 4 Aesthetic Skin Therapists 2 Nurses 4 times winner of…

…UK’s best Cosmetic Clinic

Hormone Profile Testing now available for both men & women.

GP referrals are not necessary

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Learning How To Heal, Feel Whole And Self Empower Through Teaching Multidimensional Yoga!

O

READER

n a Tuesday afternoon OFFER: SAVE we caught up with Zsena Kali Raio, founder of AwakeConBal Lifestyle Studio in Chelsea, to learn more about the upcoming Yoga Alliance 200 hrs certified teacher training course in Tangier Morocco.

The course held between September 16th - 11th October 2018 will be in Multidimensional Yoga™.

AwakeConBal Studio will also be offering the most outstanding students a teaching position at the Chelsea studio, with further support to continue their education in mastering Yoga and holistic healing.

10%

What is Multidimensional Yoga?

The student will be given the basic foundation in the philosophy and wisdom of Yoga, basic anatomy and teaching techniques, as well as sequencing and basic understanding of Asanas (Yoga Postures) with focus on the esoteric limbs of yoga. By understanding, practising and discovering the multidimensional energetic layers of the human being, consciousness and how to access and utilise these layers in order to heal and expand awareness, the student will be given the possibility to become an exceptionally outstanding teacher.

How long is the course and what can the student expect?

The course is an intensive 21 days of learning and practice from 6am to 9pm. AwakeConBal studio is investing into the future of our teachers by offering a 50% discount on our certified course fees. The course package includes 21 days accommodation in a shared luxury Villa in the old city of Tangier (Al Kasbah), with daily yoga practiced on the roof terrace over looking the Atlantic Ocean.

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The rate for the 200 hrs certified course with accommodation is £2250 for 21 days.

We understand that Tangier-Morocco was specially chosen for this teacher training, is this Correct and why?

The Kingdom of Morocco is a very special holistic land, beneath most of which lies varieties of crystals and minerals. This in turn intensifies the practise, benefits and results, allowing the students to open up any suppressed energies within the body, connect more effectively to the consciousness and experience profound self realisation. The course in itself is a necessary healing and cleansing process that prepares the participants to transform from student of life to teacher of life experience.

Can anybody join the course or do you have to have some experience as a teacher?

All yoga practitioners are welcomed to join, however we do prefer serious practitioners rather than teachers. We have found through experience that in order to absorb and digest information, one must either wipe the mind clean from all previously gathered information to view different takes on ideas and concepts with fresh eyes, or else be open to receive without judgement and critical opinion. To transform into the possibility of a great masterful teacher requires from the consciousness to constantly be fluid, alert and aware.

Please text “Awakened Life” to 07896 360 170 for a further 10% discount on our packaged rate or visit www.awakeconbal.com for more information.

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

TAKING THE FIRST STEP

composition.

In order to achieve fat loss, you need to burn more calories than you get from your food. That’s called a caloric deficit.

For example, let’s say that you need 1,800 calories a day to maintain your current body weight, but you have a daily caloric intake of 2300. Assuming your 10,000 steps equal 500 calories burned (which, as shown above, is far from guaranteed), you’d only be bringing yourself to a net caloric balance of zero, meaning the 10,000 steps you are taking are only help you maintain your current weight, not lose the weight.

Every Journey Begins With A First Step – Make It Count!

T

en years ago, if you had asked someone “what is your daily goal for steps taken”, you probably would have gotten a blank stare.

But with the explosion in popularity of fitness wearables, it has become almost common knowledge that you need 10,000 steps a day. Some wearables have even gone as far as to call 10,000 daily steps the “magical number.”

While there’s no doubt it’s a healthy idea to walk more, the question on many people’s mind is how effective is walking 10,000 steps for weight loss?

For many, the hope is that by walking 10,000 daily steps they can make meaningful changes in your body composition and lose body fat. What does the science say? Let’s find out.

It’s been claimed that individuals may be able to lose a pound of fat a week just by taking 10,000 steps a day because of the potential to burn 3,500 calories from walking. As a general rule of thumb, a pound of fat contains around 3,500 calories. If you create average caloric deficit of 500 calories over a 7-day period, that’s equal to 3,500 calories: good for a pound of weight loss per week.

Unfortunately, that 10,000/day = 3,500 calories/ week calculation is based on the estimations of a specific body type, that may not apply to you.

You Can’t Outwalk A Bad Diet There’s no doubt that walking leads to more calories burned throughout the day. However, without understanding your calorie net caloric balance, walking 10,000 steps, 15,000 steps, or even 20,000 steps a day might not be enough to cause any meaningful fat loss or improvements to body 218 SEPTEMBER 2018

“If weight loss is your mission, it’s important that you understand how weight loss occurs so you can set appropriate goals to help you achieve it”

There’s no question that there are enormous health benefits to increasing your activity level through moderate exercises like walking, even if they don’t necessarily lead to weight loss. A 2010 study has shown that walking more has a whole host of positive health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, cholesterol level, fitness ability and many other variables that contribute towards healthy living. In another study cited by the American Heart Association, researchers found that a regular brisk walk can lower risk of developing high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes .

It’s safe to say that everyone reading this article now could likely benefit from adopting a healthy habit like walking.

But if weight loss is your mission, it’s important that you understand how weight loss occurs so you can set appropriate goals to help you achieve it, and that includes putting goals like walking 10,000 steps a day into context.

Weight loss occurs when you’re in a caloric deficit. If your calories in/out are in balance, you can’t expect much change. You’ve got to get out of balance for change to happen, and generally, the easiest way to do that is by increasing exercise and decreasing your caloric intake.

Setting and achieving a daily goal like 10,000 steps can be a great way to increase your activity level and create a healthy lifestyle. You can add walking as a warm up before a strength training workout, or it can be a workout by itself.

But before you set any fitness goal like walking 10,000 steps, take a minute to understand what you’re embarking on.

Remember the old Chinese proverb, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”.

Make sure each step, from the first to the 10,000th has a purpose. www.alevere.com

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Say goodbye to sweat patches!

By Dr Vikram Swaminathan, Clinic@ (www.clinicat.co.uk)

F

ed up of annoying sweat patches when wearing your designer shirts? Feeling conscious about the associated odour issue, preventing you from feeling your best and using all your expensive eau de toilette to mask? Antiperspirants not working and only staining your clothes instead?

Whether you are delivering an office presentation, company pitch, putting your point across in a team meeting, or even just heading to an event, excessive sweating can get you down and play on any social anxieties.

Fortunately, there is an option available to reduce these symptoms and even stop them completely. One of the quickest ways to treat this excessive sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis, non-surgically is by using cosmetic injections with Botulinum toxin, also known as Botox. This treatment targets the area of excessive sweating to provide relief from symptoms for anywhere between 3-6 months. Several injections are performed to the problem area using a very fine needle. Over a two-week period, you can find that you do not sweat nearly as much as before or even do not sweat at all. This can be life changing for individuals distressed by their hyperhidrosis and related aesthetic symptoms.

At Clinic@ we offer treatments for excessive sweating. To get you on your path to dryness and more self-confidence, we recommend being booked

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in for a consultation with one of our doctors. There can be some medical reasons why you are sweating excessively, therefore it is important that this is reviewed prior to having hyperhidrosis treatment.

If you are interested in learning more or would like to book in for a free of charge consultation at one of our various clinics, please get in touch by emailing hello@clinicat.co.uk.

Further information about Clinic@ and the treatments offered can be found on the website at www.clinicat.co.uk.

“One of the quickest ways to treat this excessive sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis, nonsurgically is by using cosmetic injections�

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Look your best this Autumn BTL UNISON

BEFORE

AFTER

CRISTAL ICE

T

he start of the new season is an exciting time for most people and an opportunity to look and feel their best, experiment with the new autumnal fashions and styles, and to start preparing for the festive period ahead.

Non-invasive body contouring treatments are on the rise as they provide quick, effective, and permanent solutions for fat loss, skin tightening and body sculpting, and the Cristal Ice and BTL Unison treatments available at the Dr Rita Rakus Clinic in Knightsbridge (opposite Harrods), certainly don’t disappoint!

Using established, effective and trusted Medical Cryolipolysis technology, the Cristal Ice treatment will help to eliminate fat from the body without surgery and absolutely no downtime. The Dr Rita Rakus Clinic is the first in the UK to offer Cristal Ice to treat a range of body areas including the upper and lower stomach, hips, inner and outer thighs, chest, back, upper arms, calves and knees, the buttocks and the chin.

Particularly effective for those who wish to completely eliminate fat cells, the Cristal Ice treatment uses Cryolipolysis – also known as fat freezing – to treat the subcutaneous fat pads with targeted freezing. The procedure works by the fatty tissue being sucked in and cooled down by an applicator, so that the cold and sensitive fat cells can be crystalized and processed by the lymphatic system in the body following apoptosis.

For those who desire a slim, beautiful and contoured figure for the new season,

222 SEPTEMBER 2018

the Cristal Ice treatment is a great option as it is safe, highly effective and permanent results can be seen in as little eight weeks.

As well as fat loss, many patients at the Dr Rakus Clinic enjoy the BTL Unison treatment, which is the only device that treats all five causes of cellulite without any downtime. Cellulite affects 90% of women, so the Dr Rakus Clinic are pleased to offer a safe, effective and proven treatment for this condition.

Dr Rita Rakus comments: “Cellulite has always been a body hang up for many women, despite their weight, but it can be one of the trickiest issues to solve. There are many of our patients that have tried so many things to get rid of it, yet nothing has worked. It is generally believed that cellulite is due to having excess fat on the body and something which can be addressed through diet and exercise alone. Sadly, this is not the case and there are many other factors outside of our control, which is why I’m thrilled to be able to offer my patients the new BTL Unison treatment!”

Using a combination of two proven and tested technologies, Radiofrequency and strong Targeted Pressure Energy, this unique simultaneous effect of both energies improves the texture of the skin and reduces those unsightly and unwanted dimples. Results can be seen immediately and continue to improve over time.

BEFORE

AFTER

Dr Rita Rakus To book your complimentary Cristal Ice and BTL Unison consultations, visit the website drritarakus.com or call the clinic on 0207 460 7324.

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Access to Private Health Care is easier than you think

W

hen you or a family member is unwell it can be a distressing time.

Waiting for the treatment or care you need can be unbearable. Avoid long queues and waiting times with the Hospital of St John & St Elizabeth, London’s leading private hospital with an international reputation for the finest patient care.

Home to some of the world’s leading Consultants and specialists, the charitable Hospital of St John & St Elizabeth is one of the capital’s best

224 SEPTEMBER 2018

kept secrets; able to treat almost any illness whist providing ultimate standards of care.

With same day consultations available in their specialist units including Urology, Spine, ENT and Dermatology, patients can enjoy immediate referrals to imaging and diagnostics where treatments and surgeries can be scheduled for the next day.

Patients enjoy luxurious surroundings, state of the art technology and the reassurance of being treated by some of the best consultants and nurses in the world.

Based in St John’s Wood, minutes from Central London, services include Casualty First, a walk in urgent care centre, which is able to treat children from the age of one.

Uniquely, profits support their on-site Hospice, St Johns, which provides care to 4,000 terminally ill patients and their families each year for free.

So while enjoying the best care you giving something back to the community.

Contact the dedicated patient services team today to find out more about appointments and care at the Hospital of St John & St Elizabeth.

60 Grove End Road, London, NW8 9NH; www.hje.org.uk; 0207 806 4000

“Home to some of the world’s leading Consultants and specialists, the charitable Hospital of St John & St Elizabeth is one of the capital’s best kept secrets; able to treat almost any illness whist providing ultimate standards of care”

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Respite Packages at the Hospital of St John & St Elizabeth T

First class care when you need it most

he caring and dedicated team The Hospital of St John & St Elizabeth are acclaimed features of their respite care.

Excellent medical care and five-star luxury accommodation create an exceptional experience that is tailored to the needs of your loved one and to give you peace of mind.

The Hospital takes pride in its homely and comfortable surroundings combined with round the clock care from experienced staff and world class physicians that can be built into personalised packages to suit all needs. The respite break starts with understanding the required levels of support and ensuring everything is in place from the moment of their friendly welcome, throughout the stay to the moment you are reunited.

Elderly respite care packages include daily consultant visits, blood tests, physiotherapy, health checks and complimentary ambulatory transfer if required. The care plans are drawn up in consultation with all involved with the aim of providing a seamless transition into hospital and a comfortable, restful stay. Each package is

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constructed with attention to detail that covers medical, physical, personal and spiritual needs.

“We provide both patients and family with assurances that the right care is delivered by a dedicated, expert team,” says Chief Nursing Officer, Andrew Gallini, of HJE. “Every part of the respite stay is important to us, from the medical and nursing support to balanced meals with a wide selection of food choices each day.

We recognise that caring for a loved is rewarding but a break can be important and we ensure that everything is in place so you can both make the most of the time.”

That assurance is built on decades of experience providing respite care and a determination to maintain high standards of service along with creating a warm environment. The Hospital attracts highly-rated physicians and their input guarantees the best levels of medical care that match exacting standards and a friendly atmosphere.

The award-winning Hospital, in St. John’s Wood, is an independent charity and has a heritage of excellence across 160 years.

THE DETAILS Packages are for 3, 5 & 7 nights, contact their dedicated team for more details.

Email info@hje.org.uk.

Telephone 020 7806 4075 The Hospital of St John & St Elizabeth 60 Grove End Road, London, NW8 9NH www.hje.org.uk

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Andre Van Nierop, Urgent Care Centre Clinical Lead In Casualty First

A

ndre van Nierop, Clinical Lead, in the walk-in urgent care centre Casualty First ensures that patients and families receive first class care 7 days a week, from 8am-8pm.

Andre, and the Hospital of St John & St Elizabeth set up Casualty First 5 years ago, he comments, “The urgent care centre is truly unique in that our team of A+E Doctors provide care for adults and children from the age of one year, we see patients instantly and provide diagnosis and treatment on the same day.

I’m proud to say that our average waiting time in now only 8 minutes!”

diagnosed serious conditions and been able to refer next or same day treatment, which in some cases has potentially been life saving due to early diagnosis. It is so rewarding to see the difference that it makes.”

“A large amount of the patients we see are children, we provide treatment from the age of one and our child friendly waiting area and consulting rooms disperse any anxiety the kids might have from seeing a doctor. I see worried and concerned parents come in to see us who within minutes are able to see a doctor and the children, and their parents, are smiling and laughing again.”

Putting patients needs first

Visit Casualty First

Casualty First provides an ease of access to treatment that is essential when you are juggling a busy schedule, Andre explains “The urgent care centre is a fantastic facility for people to access our first class care, with no waiting time and the option to receive treatment on the same day or at a convenient time. We often refer patients to see a specialist Consultant or receive imaging and diagnostics on site, in the state of the art hospital facilities” “We have seen patients come in with minor complaints, where after our investigation we have

Located at the entrance of the world famous Hospital of St John & St Elizabeth in London, Casualty First is a self pay service with treatment available for all the family, including children from the age of one year. The experienced A&E doctors treat all minor accidents, injuries and illnesses.

If you think you are having a heart attack, stroke or have serious head injuries please phone 999 or go to A&E. www.casualtyfirst.co.uk; 0207 432 8300; Open 8am – 8pm everyday; 60 Grove End Road, London, NW8 9NH

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“We see patients instantly and provide diagnosis and treatment on the same day. I’m proud to say that our average waiting time in now only 8 minutes!”

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Focus on…

FATIGUE Dr Angela Rai from The London General Practice discusses fatigue

F

atigue is an extremely common symptom seen in General Practice. Feeling tired is a normal part of life, but it can also be a symptom of illness. There are numerous causes of tiredness including poor sleep, dehydration and stress as well as medical causes.

The symptoms of ‘tired all the time’ (TATT), can be difficult to manage, however seeing your doctor can help rule out more serious conditions. Here are a few common conditions seen in General Practice that are known to cause tiredness or fatigue.

Anaemia- one of the most common reasons for feeling constantly run down is iron deficiency anaemia. Women with heavy periods are prone to anaemia, this can be easily confirmed on a blood test and treated with iron tablets. Anaemia may also occur in pregnancy. Anaemia in men or postmenopausal women is more likely to be caused by other disorders such as intestinal bleeding due to stomach ulcers, colitis or possibly bowel cancer.

Hypothyroidism- an underactive thyroid is when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone (thyroxine) and this slows down metabolism, leading to tiredness, weight gain, increased sensitivity to cold, constipation and many other symptoms. A blood test can diagnose an underactive thyroid.

Diabetes- is a metabolic disorder where there is a high level of sugar in the blood for prolonged periods of time. This can lead to tiredness, excessive thirst and frequent urination. There is a risk of complications with diabetes especially if left untreated, such as cardiovascular disease and kidney disease.

Glandular Fever- is a common viral condition that usually affects teenagers and young adults.

Symptoms include fever, sore throat and swollen glands. A blood test for Epstein- Barr virus can be performed to diagnose glandular fever. Most people

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recover in 2-3 weeks, but the tiredness symptoms may linger for several weeks or months.

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)- is a breathing problem that occurs whilst asleep. The throat muscles intermittently relax and the throat narrows interrupting normal breathing. A noticeable sign of obstructive sleep apnoea is snoring, awakening abruptly gasping or choking, observed episodes of breathing cessation during sleep and daytime sleepiness. OSA can have a significant impact on quality of life as well increasing the risk of problems such as hypertension and cardiovascular disease.

Depression and Anxiety- mood disorders can make you feel sad and anxious as well as disrupting sleep, causing difficulty in falling asleep and early morning wakening. Feeling drained of energy and tiredness are common symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Vitamin B12 and Folate deficiency- these vitamins help perform important functions in the body including keeping the nervous system healthy.

Deficiency can lead to symptoms such as extreme tiredness, sore tongue, mouth ulcers and pins and needles. It is important for these deficiencies to be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. Although many of the symptoms improve with treatment, some problems caused by the condition can be irreversible if left untreated.

THE DETAILS

The London General Practice 114a Harley Street, London W1G 7JL (Entrance on Devonshire Street; between Harley Street and Portland Place) Tel: 0207 935 1000

OPEN 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK

Private GP services www.thelondongeneralpractice.com Occupational Health and Corporate Health Services www.londonocchealth.com

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Cheers to that!

Looking after your liver so your liver can look after you

W

e all know that the liver is the organ that processes the alcohol we consume, but did you know that it is a key player in the body’s digestive system, and that everything we eat and drink passes through, even medicine? For this reason, we need to show our liver some love and attention to make sure it’s in tip-top condition.

The liver sits on the right hand side of your body, under the lower ribcage. It has over 500 functions to keep us healthy, including: • Cleaning your blood by getting rid of harmful chemicals that your body makes (not to mention the chemicals that we consume) • Producing bile, which helps you break down fat from food • Controlling levels of fat in the blood • Storing glucose, which gives you a quick energy boost when you need it With many Londoners both working and playing hard, it’s easy to overindulge on food and drink, and this takes a toll on liver health. Liver problems can go unnoticed in the early stages, and many people are unaware that anything is wrong. However, early diagnosis is key - the quicker an issue is diagnosed, the easier it is to repair, prevent further injury and give guidance on keeping your liver healthy.

Bupa Cromwell Hospital’s new Liver Health Clinic provides a full assessment of your liver health, with a comprehensive review by a dedicated Liver Specialist, as well as lifestyle advice from a Dietician. Benefits of the package include: • No GP referral required - service available to both self-referred and GP referred patients.

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• Two day process, with tests carried out on the first day, and Liver Specialist/Dietician consultations taking place three days later once all test results are available.

• Multi-disciplinary team approach, with a wide range of clinical experts assessing treatment options (if required).

• Clinical Nurse Specialist follow-up within 24 hours of you seeing the Liver Consultant/Dietician to answer any further questions.

• Full report within 7 days.

This service is available to both insured and self-funding patients, and can be booked with ease by contacting Bupa Cromwell Hospital on 020 7460 5700 or emailing contact.centre@cromwellhospital.com

Did you know?

Liver disease is a growing problem in the UK. It’s the third most common cause of premature death, and is linked to excessive alcohol consumption and obesity1.

Over the next 5 years there will be an estimated 63,000 preventable deaths due to liver disease1.

Reference 1. Williams, Roger et al. (2017). Disease burden and costs from excess alcohol consumption, obesity, and viral hepatitis: fourth report of the Lancet Standing Commission on Liver Disease in the UK. The Lancet.

HOuse & garden – A collection of London’s finest interior companies – I M AG E : M ATT LIVS E Y HA M M OND

H OUSE & GARDEN

The power of a

good night’s sleep A

s a nation we are becoming increasingly health conscious, spurred on in part by regular research and reports sharing the next big thing to boost your health and improve your wellbeing. However with all these ultra-healthy super foods, miracle diets and genius exercise fads around, it can be hard to remember the basics such as regular exercise, balanced diets and, our favourite, a good night’s sleep as the essentials to improving your health.

Sleep is often overlooked, particularly in our busy lifestyles where working hard and pushing ourselves can be seen as ‘good’ and a sign of success but how good and healthy do you really feel after a prolonged period of poor sleep? Even one night of restless sleep can make us feel groggy, irritable and lacking concentration.

The sleep experts at Westend Bed Company are dedicated to helping people get back to basics and learn that great sleep affects you in a positive way while bad sleep is extremely detrimental to your health.

So how do you ensure you get regular quality sleep and enjoy the benefits this brings? Although avoiding caffeine in the afternoons and evenings, switching off electronic devices in bed, and having your bedroom at the optimum temperature can help in the short term, achieving true restorative sleep is all centred around the quality of your bed.

At Westend Bed Company, we offer complimentary Sleep Consultations to help you find the perfect model, style and support system you need in your new bed. Having worked in the industry for more than three decades, Brent Cooper, Managing Director, has developed these consultations to enable him and his team to find the correct bed for every requirement ensuring you can enjoy quality sleep, night after night.

Brent says: “People often feel that if they spend a lot of money on a new bed it will miraculously solve all their sleep woes but this is not the case. While it is important to invest in a quality bed, what is more 236 SEPTEMBER 2018

important is to ensure it’s the right bed with the correct support and foundation for the individual.”

In addition to offering informative Sleep Consultations, the team at Westend Bed Company are proud to offer an exquisite collection of luxury beds from leading brands such as the entire Hypnos collection including the Orthos Support Collection and the Royal Comfort Collection which has been specially created based on the designs commissioned for the royal family and royal residences. The showroom in Richmond is also the flagship store for Marshall & Stewart and is home to the luxurious Urbino Baldacchino Four-Poster bed from Italian designer, Cantori Spa. A new trend in bed design is adjustable beds which allow you to position the bed exactly how you want to – enabling you to sit up comfortably in bed without stacking and misshaping pillows – ideal for watching TV or using a laptop or tablet in bed. Brent and the team have specially sourced the two finest adjustable beds in the world – the Supercad from Treca Interiors Paris and the Nottinblú PBS Fluid, both of which are available at Westend Bed Company.

Invest in your future health and wellbeing by investing in a quality bed from Westend Bed Company. Great Sleep Starts Here.

READER OFFER: FREE LINEN

The details: Browse our collection of beds and speak to our sleep experts at Westend Bed Company, 215 Upper Richmond Road West, East Sheen, South West London, SW14 8QT or call us on 020 7723 2925.

Visit our website at www.westendbedcompany.com or find us on social media to find out more.

Reader Offer Free Linen!

Westend Bed Company are pleased to provide a special offer exclusively to readers of Life Magazines. When you buy a new bed from Westend Bed Company, in addition to the current Autumn promotion, we will also provide free linen worth 10% of the order value. Simply mention that you have read this feature when you visit us in store to claim the offer.

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H OUSE & GARDEN

[NEWS]

INTERIORS BRIGHTEN UP Nothing rhymes with orange but the Grand Blotch cushion certainly goes with it. They do love orange at Rume and have been known to cover whole sofas in it, however, even just a cushion in the gleeful hue will make a cheerful impact on any interior. www.rume.co.uk

WILD FOR WALNUT

In a striking shift away from the light blonde woods evident in Scandinavian style that have been popular in recent years, earthy tones and dark woods are making a huge comeback. So, with a rise in popularity for seventies style and woods like mango and walnut, Wooden Furniture Store are proud to showcase their Mayan furniture range. This contemporary yet classic range features carefully designed pieces for every room, from the living room, dining room and home office, to storage essentials for the hallway. www.wooden-furniture-store.co.uk

Dive into Danish design

MEXICAN FLAIR

Give your walls some Mexican flair – this beautifully designed piece takes direct inspiration from one of Frida’s most famous self-portraits and has been recreated in high-quality steel. The piece features an incredible geometric recreation of Frida’s iconic face and floral headpiece. www.redcandy.co.uk

Modernist Manhattan style

Take a trip back in time to 1930’s New York! All smooth lines and curved edges, the Hickman Sofa is sure to make a statement in your living room. With a sleek silhouette, this sofa is fitted with steel legs and upholstered in a neutral cream fabric that will blend seamlessly into your décor. Featuring a beautiful black marble base and brass stem, the Margot Table Lamp. radiates luxury. Topped with a black fabric shade which is finished with a gold lining to a create soft and soothing light, this lamp will bring a warm ambience to your surroundings. www.distinctify.com 238 SEPTEMBER 2018

Bring a minimal Scandinavian vibe to your home with the house doctor homeware collection, now available at Hurn & Hurn. This sleek and stylish range of home accessories includes mirrors, lights and vases, all finished with a clean, contemporary aesthetic and metallic touches. Perfect for adding a luxe touch to your interiors. www.hurnandhurn.com

H OUSE & GARDEN

Get a BetterPAD B

etterPAD is a full service architecture firm that specialises in small residential refurbishment projects.

The buildings in which we live, work, shop and walk past everyday have a deep effect upon the way we feel, and can impact our health by promoting a lifestyle. Training to become an

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architect teaches you to design spaces that are comfortable, inspiring, and how to take an idea and develop it into a physical building - yet many small projects in the UK have no input from qualified architects at all. The traditional design service model is daunting and expensive, putting many people off engaging with the process. Yet if design can make such a difference, then it’s the responsibility of architects to bring innovation to the process, making it more accessible. Young architects are starting to reimagine the design process, and BetterPAD is proudly a part of the movement.

The BetterPAD service model is highly flexible, allowing people to tailor the design experience to meet their needs; some clients benefit from early stage creative input and are happy to manage the rest of the process themselves, whilst others may want a more comprehensive service through all stages of design development. By breaking services into a series of ‘design packs’ that each are clearly defined and affordable, clients can pick and choose what they need. www.betterpad.co.uk

“The BetterPAD service model is highly flexible”

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Create A Truly Multi-Functional Space compact footprint, a StudyBed takes just 3 seconds to convert as there is no need to remove anything from the desk or the bed. The clever design allows a spare room to become a functional home office and a comfortable guest bedroom at the same time.

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iven the option, most of us would love a little more space in our homes. An extra room to accommodate guests or perhaps an office for working from home would be on most of our wish lists. But what if you could get more from the space that you do have?

Creating a multi-functional room is a great way to make your home feel bigger without actually adding any square footage. A well-designed, flexible living space that serves more than one purpose can make your home feel so much more spacious.

One way of adding flexibility to a room is with dual-purpose furniture like a StudyBed. Combining a huge desk and a normal bed all within the same

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“Creating a multi-functional room is a great way to make your home feel bigger without actually adding any square footage” Small rooms really are transformed with a StudyBed - the usable floor space is hugely increased - but they are just as at home in a studio flat as they are in a box room. The same principles apply – a bed that folds neatly away against the wall to reveal a large desk helps to create a compact but truly multi-functional space.

Available in a range of sizes with matching furniture and a bespoke finishing service too, StudyBeds really are the ultimate flexible, spacesaving furniture.

To find out more, visit www.studybed.co.uk.

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crafters of fine metalwork

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ounded over 24 years ago, Matt Livsey Hammond Ltd have firmly established an impressive portfolio of work and an enviable international reputation as crafters of fine metalwork. With a dazzling and eclectic catalogue of projects ranging from sweeping balustrades in palaces, hotels and private homes to bespoke furniture and lighting pieces which are sculptural in their detail and beauty, the company specialise in filigree work, curving balustrades, furniture, lighting, mirrors, interior gates and ornamentation.

All pieces are handmade to the highest standards combining traditional blacksmith arts, carving and casting methods with modern hi-tech production techniques where appropriate. A wide range of metals can be worked including wrought and cast iron, steel, bronze, aluminium, copper and brass, incorporating other natural materials such as glass, wood, stone and precious stones where appropriate to the design. A wide range of finishes is available including chemical patination, clear and coloured waxing, specialist paint finishing, gilding and electroplating.

Commissions have included elaborate curving balustrades for a French chateau, luxury Verbier chalet and magnificent Mayfair townhouse, along with finely sculptured super-sofas, interior gates and enormous steel, wood and glass cabinets for a London mansion. Recent commercial work has included a grand, sweeping stair balustrade, bespoke intricate chandeliers, mirrors, wall-lights and table lamps for a private club in Mayfair, and ornate balustrading and bespoke chandeliers for a Piccadilly restaurant. Recent private projects have included a sweeping balustrade and gates for the grandest of villas in Kazakhstan, a solid bronze curving balustrade for a house on the Wentworth Estate, an 80 metre balustrade for a mansion on the Bishop’s Avenue and several balustrades for an historic Chelsea home.

Matt and his specialised team of craftsmen are passionate about their work, and the trademark

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“All pieces are handmade to the highest standards combining traditional blacksmith arts, carving and casting methods with modern hi-tech production techniques where appropriate”

appearance is one of elegance, balance and fluidity.

The detailed quality and artists’ attention to detail are evident in every piece of work, whether on the scale of the ornate baroque staircase balustrading commissioned for a palace, or the delicate filigree ornamentation ordered to complement a piece of furniture. The team’s enthusiasm and commitment are evident in every project, and they are delighted to have been commissioned to supply metalwork and furniture for some of the most exclusive properties in the UK and around the world.

Matt Livsey Hammond Ltd provides a complete service from design and construction to fitting and finishing. However an advisory and design-only service is also available. Examples of work can be viewed on their website at www.mattlivseyhammond.co.uk or email them direct at matt@mattlivseyhammond.co.uk.

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BRITAIN’S FINEST TIMBER WINDOWS & DOORS S

ince 1954 Mumford & Wood has established a hard-won reputation for timber windows and doors that combine cutting-edge technology with traditional aesthetics. From landmark refurbishments to residential developments, Mumford & Wood’s design team have been instrumental in helping architects, developers and aspirational homeowners to achieve the highest performance and quality for their properties.

Mumford & Wood’s stunning range of engineered timber windows and timber doors appeal to both the aesthetic and functional requirements of architects, planning authorities, preservation societies and end-users alike. These products, including timber sash windows, use the best of traditional features with a choice of deep moulded profiles, advanced timber section design and timber material.

With a variety of glazing options, including double, slim and single glazed, all of our products are hand crafted with a series of sanding processes to achieve a traditional look. The resulting timber windows and doors offer the impressive performance of a high-end modern window or door, but with the unique traditional aesthetic that Mumford & Wood is renowned for.

Possessing a rich heritage of more than 60 years, Mumford & Wood has been delighting commercial and residential customers with its product range throughout its history.

Choosing the right windows and doors for your home is an important process and the expert team at Mumford & Wood are on hand to help with every stage of your project. The proud owners of

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THE DETAILS Mumford & Wood’s range of engineered timber windows and doors can be explored at www.mumfordwood.com or you can speak to one of our friendly, knowledgeable team by calling 01621 818155.

a stunning new build property in Essex comment ‘Planning and designing these windows and doors was part of the pleasure of shopping locally with Mumford & Wood. We visited the Tiptree showroom several times before and during the two-year build and we benefited greatly with the technical advice we received. It was invaluable and it helped us to make many design decisions. Site meetings and aftercare were first class, from start to end.’

Mumford & Wood also work closely with many architects and developers, helping to re-develop character properties in need of higher performance windows and doors that suit the architecture of the local area. For a beautiful arts and crafts property in the West Midlands, Mumford & Wood worked alongside Simon James, a local architect, to completely transform the rear of the property.

As the front of the property needed to remain untouched due to its listed status, the homeowners had a desire to completely transform the rear. They explain ‘We really liked the designs Simon drew up.

He has used Mumford & Wood products before so we trusted his judgment and decided to move forward with all his plans. The doors work perfectly, look lovely and let in a lot of sunshine. We are very happy with Mumford & Wood, and highly recommend them’.

Mumford & Wood’s products have purpose in a wide variety of settings, as demonstrated further by their use for a 1950s cottage-style property on the south coast in Dorset. The homeowner (also the owner of a building development company) has undertaken a complete remodelling project for what was initially intended to be a small amount of remedial work. With the property situated in an area of natural beauty, home to over 80 protected trees, the homeowners worked closely with local planners to ensure limited impact.

At the start of the project, the house was cold and draughty, with ill-fitting, single glazed Crittall windows. These were replaced with Timber Conservation™ windows from Mumford & Wood. The homeowner comments ‘As soon as the windows and doors were replaced we could immediately feel the benefit in comfort and when we’ve had our first winter here I’m sure our energy bills will be greatly reduced.’

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A Night by the Fire

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eautiful and contemporary, the 6 Elements product range fuses modern design with practicality and functionality – taking outdoor living to a whole new level. The unique, robust outdoor wood and charcoal burning product range was developed following decades of engineering design experience, a lifelong love of being outside in nature and a burning desire to create an innovative outdoor fire range that delivered more than just heat.

6 Elements Outdoor Living manufacture their own brand range of bespoke design outdoor fire products using the finest quality engineering materials available. Their superior quality fire pits, chimineas, outdoor wood burning stoves and hybrid wood/ charcoal grills are designed, manufactured and hand-built in the East Anglian Countryside. They are proud to state that they are faithfully Made in Britain.

The complete product range is manufactured in durable, high quality, heavy gauge 304 grade Stainless Steel offering superior corrosion resistance, giving many reliable years of constant use. Their mission was to create an outstanding British outdoor fire product range designed to last longer and serve faithfully for many years, while delivering an incredible amount of heat with minimal fuel use.

Whether it’s gathering round a warm fire or cooking on one, you can choose the design style of your 6 Elements wood/charcoal burning model, some of which have been hybrid designed to include a barbeque grill plate option to complement the basic fire pit function.

6 Elements care passionately about the environment, which is why all products are designed to be used with only sustainable fuels such as

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seasoned wood, lump wood charcoal and charcoal briquettes, for a more natural outdoor experience.

The complete range is designed so that they require minimal maintenance, they can be stored outside all year round uncovered and can be completely cleaned down and maintained with simple ecologically friendly organic fluids when required.

All of the high-quality raw materials that go into their product range are recycled (by nature of the stainless-steel construction materials) and then recyclable again at end of life. The custom product parts are also created using energy efficient manufacturing technologies to reduce energy consumption in the production process and are hand built to avoid unnecessary welding processes and resources.

After a very busy start in early 2017 designing and building the initial product range, and a hectic 2018 comprising of multiple country shows and exhibitions across Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex, 6 Elements are proud to announce they will be supplying a major local retail chain shortly, in preparation for the 2019 season.

As part of the 6 Elements design offering some of the product range models can also be personalised as standard for special occasional gifts.

They also offer a custom design service if you would like something more bespoke created for your unique garden area.

If you would like to see the exciting 6 Elements product range adorn your patio, garden area or garden centre showroom, please contact Jamie White directly to discuss your requirements.

01473 487066 - 07706 212970 info@6-elements.co.uk www.6-elements.co.uk

“6 Elements Outdoor Living manufacture their own brand range of bespoke design outdoor fire products using the finest quality engineering materials available”

C o m p l i m e n ta r y i n t e r i o r D e S i G n a S S e S S m e n t the House of Design offer a complete custom interior design service, from beginning to end, giving an exclusive, flexible and very personal service. Specialising in luxury high end properties in the private and commercial sector.

01708 221411 sales@thehouseofdesign.co.uk www.thehouseofdesign.co.uk

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Styling your Home With Parquet P reviously viewed as a dated style of flooring, parquet is seeing a rise in popularity right now and with its ability to adapt to any style or colour scheme you can see why.

Keeping parquet current with contemporary twists such as our dark, textured or painted finishes or the many available laying patterns, this geometric flooring is anything but dated. A great way of making a real interior statement, yet not so out of the ordinary that you’ll tire of it, parquet flooring is a great investment and with the right maintenance routine, will stand up to daily foot traffic for years to come.

Incorporating parquet into traditional interiors With its history steeped heavily in grand European palaces, parquet really does do well to compliment traditional spaces. Choosing between the different available species and combining the different textures, block sizes or shapes and varied finishes available together in a classic laying pattern can create the ideal traditional, timeless look.

Our Espresso finish paired with solid, tumbled herringbone results in the ideal style flooring for such a space. The finish and distressed edges bring 250 SEPTEMBER 2018

a convincing, almost regal, aged look into neutral spaces. To complement your furnishings whilst evoking a sense of warmth and homeliness in rooms, we suggest a light to medium toned finish, such as Chaunceys Milky Coffee or Roasted Honey, on herringbone. For patterns in traditional interiors we suggest a classic herringbone. This patterns’ uniformity creates an instant talking-point. For a slightly more unique yet traditional look try a double herringbone or brick-laying pattern.

Incorporating parquet into contemporary or modern interiors Pair a bright and minimal interior theme with matt clear oiled or invisible lacquered parquet in classic herringbone or our on-trend chevron blocks.

Opt for herringbone with a dream white or white wash styled finish such as our Double Linen on our Douglas Fir Herringbone to capture the light in your room. This mix of modern colour with traditional flooring is very on trend and is sure to be a beautiful addition to your home. If you’re feeling adventurous use your imagination and lay your floors in an unusual pattern, explore your creativity and have art you can walk on without overwhelming the room. www.chauncey.co.uk

“The finish and distressed edges bring a convincing, almost regal, aged look into neutral spaces” Image © Chris Snook Photography

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A BEAUTIFUL HOME S

uzy Hilton of SZY Interiors understands what it takes to create a beautiful home – she has been in the business of doing just this, designing striking interiors for clients, for almost two decades. And last year, she made a bold move, creating her own: a new stand-alone Hampstead studio space for SZY Interiors. Indeed the venture was such a success, with a rapidly expanded client base, that she has now taken on a larger premises, based in the former Hampstead Auction Rooms.

The new studio is a designated space for a truly bespoke, high-end interior design service, led

by Suzy. She’s the master of allowing aesthetics to work seamlessly with practical and functional elements to create the perfect, individual living environment. As for a signature style, Suzy prefers the notion that every home should reflect its owner’s lifestyle and personality. Rather than brand or style led, the SZY Interiors’ ethos is to address each client’s requirements on an individual basis and adapt to any style – past and present projects continue to range from boho chic, sophisticated and elegant to the uber-modern. And it seems to work as clients return for new projects and recommend to others, over and over.

From initial concept to installation and ultimately, completion, Suzy works closely with clients and oversees every stage of the design process. Her industry knowledge extends to her ability to select architects, craftspeople and trusted specialists -

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choosing the right people to work on the right project every time.

Collaborations, too, with a wide range of UK and European suppliers make it easy to fulfill any design brief, and the SZY Interiors studio is proud to host an eclectic mix of soft furnishings and wall coverings, furniture and home accessories. Clients are free to spend time looking at fabrics and pieces in store, rather than simply selecting online or from mood boards. It is all part of the hands- on, fun and informal approach, designed to make interior design an enjoyable process for all.

Suzy promises that there is no favourite type of project and her portfolio is so varied that current jobs vary from the quintessentially Hampstead-style cottage home to a contemporary new-build, due for completion in Spring 2019, along with private residences in Central London, Hertfordshire, Berkshire and a vacation home overseas thrown into the mix. Plus the Hampstead studio has provided the opportunity to build up strong relationships with local estate agents and property developers, where work includes staging homes for sale and rental, plus show homes.

Whatever the project, Suzy Hilton retains her favourite mantra: ‘Creating a lifestyle within your home’ and she is keen to implement this with the SZY Interiors inimitable brand of professionalism, passion and panache. www.szyinteriors.com

“The new studio is a designated space for a truly bespoke, high-end interior design service”

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[NEWS]

radiate style

bathroom beauties A TOUCH OF CLASS This designer radiator on the left will make a stunning focal point and is almost a piece of art in its own right. On the right is a classic styled towel warmer with a chrome finish, available in varying heights to suit both the small bathroom and the larger family. Also available in a white finish.

L-R: Alide Radiator Anthracite by Frontline Bathrooms, £425, www.frontlinebathrooms.co.uk; Straight Radiator

by The Pure Bathroom Collection from Smiths Briten, £75, www.purebathroomcollection.co.uk

“Carefully proportioned to function secondarily as a console table, creating an additional storage and display surface”

COVER-UP A unique, adjustable radiator cover featuring hand cut, bevelled mirror panels. Will accommodate radiators measuring up to 79cm (from ground level once installed), up to 183m in width and 14 cm in depth. Carefully proportioned to function secondarily as a console table, creating an additional storage and display surface.

Simply fix to wall with integral, rear mounted keyhole fixings.

Pewter effect paint finish.

Antoinette mirrored radiator cover large, adjustable from MY Furniture, www.my-furniture.co.uk 254 SEPTEMBER 2018

We love these stylish contemporary-style radiators.

Clarissa Radiators, The Pure Bathroom Collection from Smiths Briten, £269-£349, www.purebathroom collection.co.uk

toasTy towels Keep cosy in the bathroom with this gorgeous Salzburg Traditional Victorian Chrome and White Towel Rail Radiator with a chrome finish. £159.97 www.bathroomtakeaway.co.uk

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Beautiful hardwood flooring I

storia Wood Floors by Jordan Andrews have been supplying beautiful hardwood flooring to designers, architects, trade and the public since 2001. Manufactured in our North London factory, we bring an extensive knowledge of both engineered hardwood flooring and the construction industry.

Whether you are looking for a way to update your home, or you want to bring some character and texture to your workplace, we can provide you with a range of beautiful wooden flooring that can transform any space. Custom make your own bespoke flooring with over 250 custom colours to choose from and an option to match your own existing floor or a customer sample, Istoria Wood Floors offers an extensive range with a choice of looks from sleek and modern to rough and rustic that comes in plank, herringbone, chevron and other patterns.

Quality is always at the heart of Istoria Wood Floors by Jordan Andrews, from the initial property survey, to precise installation, using only the best tools and materials. Years of industry experience means we can also guide you in decision making if you decide to take the installation into your own hands or are passing onto a contractor. Once completed, we’ll ensure you have the knowledge and goods to care for your wood floor.

176B Queens Road, Buckhurst Hill, Essex, IG9 5BD. 020 3745 2705 80 – 82 Park Road, Crouch End, London, N8 8JQ. 020 8341 9222 1 Mills Court, Shoreditch, EC2A 3BF 020 7846 1940 www.jordanandrews.com

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Windows & Doors from Fabco Wandsworth Commons. Builders: www.btlpropertyltd.co.uk; Photographer: www.abeasley.com

Herne Hill. Interior design: www.imperfectinteriors.co.uk Photographer: www.chrissnookphotography.co.uk

“Fabco’s bespoke internal doors are incredibly versatile and can be designed to fit any space”

Fabco Sanctuary Doors Fabco’s slim sightlines mean their W20 doors are beautiful to look at - and look through. On a functional level, Fabco is the only firm to achieve a certified B-thermal rating on their doors which means you’ll stay warmer in winter. All of Fabco’s products are engineered on specialised CNC machinery. This ensures higher degrees of accuracy and allows them to work within much smaller tolerances than others in the industry. The benefits are numerous. Fabco frames perform better, last longer and have shorter manufacturing times.

Professionally-designed to your requirements, they are engineered to the highest standards. This means Fabco frames look just the way you imagine and perform at unrivalled levels.

Fabco door systems are incredible versatile. They not only look great as a stand-alone feature in your home, but also when coupled with window sections and other doors to create larger screen assemblies.

Science Lab. Design team: www.madewithvolume.com

Fabco Sanctuary Internal Doors and Screens Fabco Sanctuary’s internal doors and screens are manufactured on specialised CNC machinery.

Professionally-designed to your requirements, they are engineered to the highest standards. This Sherbrooke Road

Corbetts Wharf

Fabco Sanctuary Windows Manufactured to the highest standards and to your exact specifications, Fabco windows are both practical and aesthetically pleasing. All come with a certified B-thermal rating as standard. Steel windows have the slimmest of sightlines allowing maximum light into your home. A range of styles is available from cutting-edge to traditional. And, thanks to their engineering capabilities, Fabco Sanctuary’s lead times are some of the shortest in the industry.

Fabco offer various ranges of windows to choose from; ‘The Classic Contemporary range’ and ‘The Sanctuary range’.

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Sherbrooke Road

means Fabco frames not only look exactly how you imagined but also perform better, last longer and have shorter manufacturing times.

Fabco’s bespoke internal doors are incredibly versatile and can be designed to fit any space. A number of style options are available, from modern to traditional. With the slimmest of sight lines and maximum glass space they’re beautiful to look at – and look through.

Fabco’s internal doors not only look great as a stand-alone feature in your home, but also when coupled with side panels, fan lights and other doors to create larger screen assemblies. With the ability to create two separate spaces without losing that feeling of openness and light internal screens are becoming the new ‘must-have’ feature when renovating or rebuilding. Whether you want to use them as a stylish focal point or to create a separate space, Fabco will make them bespoke to your individual needs. www.fabcosanctuary.com

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Magnificent Maxlight TOP LEFT: Project: Super-sized glazed extension with centre-parting, ultra slim aluminium frame, double sliding door Giles and Pike Architects and photography Logan Irvine-Macdougall

TOP RIGHT: Project: Super-height glazed feature; fixed glazed panels above ultra slim aluminium frame, double sliding door.

Platform 5 Architects and photography Alan Williams

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axlight’s breathtaking architectural glazing is made in London and manufactured by Maxlight. From super-sized glazing projects showcasing exquisite design, technical know-how and prowess at installation, to magnificent triple and double doors of any magnitude.

Maxlight’s glazed extensions always let you see more of what you love because we have the slimmest aluminium frames. Aesthetically pleasing and technically impressive, Maxlight’s attention to detail and care at every stage guarantees a breathtaking result every time.

“We have worked with Maxlight on several projects of ours over the past fifteen years and have always found their involvement to be invaluable. Not only do they bring expertise and professionalism to the field of specialist glazing, but we have also always thoroughly enjoyed our experiences of working together… and we look forward to doing so again in the near future.”

– Matt Giles, Giles & Pike Architects

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Maxlight’s unrivalled product range is made to measure and made to order, with the fastest lead times, right here in our magnificent London manufacturing centre and supplied and fitted all around the country. Architects benefit from Maxlight’s technical expertise, gained over 30 years of creating iconic architectural glazing for an exceptionally discerning market.

Whatever the technical specification of your project Maxlight has all of the know-how that you need. Wherever you want your architectural glazing, Maxlight has the solution. From Glazed rooflights and skylights to glazed walkways, bridges and floor panels. Any RAL colour to fit your colour scheme. Bespoke designs to suit your project and your budget.

Maxlight are the Go-To company with the Must-Have product range! See for yourself by visiting our London Show Home today. www.maxlight.co.uk

BOTTOM LEFT: Project: Super-sized glazed extension with centre-parting, ultra slim aluminium frame, double sliding door photography Maxlight

BOTTOM RIGHT: Project: Super-sized, ultra slim aluminium frame triple sliding door, span 7835mm x height 2718mm Lipton Plant Architects and photography Charles Hosea

Sound • Vision • Control • Convenience • Ambience Effortless integration of technology into your home with Simply Sound and Vision.

Call our West London office for more details Unit 12, Teddington Business park, Station Road, Teddington TW11 9BQ

Tel: 020 8977 8633 Smart solutions since 2005

info@simplysoundandvision.co.uk www.simplysoundandvision.co.uk

blucube loudspeakers

H OUSE & GARDEN

Even Better Than the Real Thing…

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maranthine Blooms are the most realistic artificial flowers available today and have fresh flower fanatics switching to faux in droves. Until recently, a well kept secret for those in the know, they already list some of the world’s leading design brands amongst their customers including Kelly Hoppen Interiors and Ralph Lauren. The realism of their flowers was sealed when they were selected by the Royal Horticultural Society as the exclusive faux flower supplier at this year’s Royal Hampton Court Flower Show and even the Queen is a fan as the company has recently completed its first project for HM Historic Royal Palaces.

We asked Founder, Janey Dillon, about the lengths they go to to achieve the level of realism with which this brand has become synonymous and why faux flowers have never been more popular.

“I think the key thing is that each of our blooms is hand made. Each petal, stem and leaf is slightly different to the next creating a natural and organic look. For example we pay attention to the veining and curve of our rose petals, as much as to the thorns and stem and we use the highest quality materials, all designed to accurately reflect nature.

We are particularly proud of the hand-painted

“Each of our blooms is hand made. Each petal, stem and leaf is slightly different to the next creating a natural and organic look” colours of our petals, creating a depth and variation that is unrivalled and consider each bloom a work of art in its own right.

From the customers perspective, this realism means that they do not compromise on quality or style and have all the joy that a bunch of flowers brings but without any fuss and of course, much longer lasting!”

With a range of almost 150 different styles, the collection of blooms is constantly growing and evolving to match the current trends in luxury floral design. Whilst their white hydrangeas require a special mention for being some of the most botanically accurate and best value blooms we have seen, it is the foliage that we are most impressed with and really sets this company apart.

Shop online at www.amaranthineblooms.co.uk

If you are looking to make your artificial blooms look as realistic as possible, you can follow Amaranthine Blooms’ eight step checklist: 1. Trim stems to the right length for your vase and reseal the ends with glue.

2. Remove leaves from the lower parts of the stem.

3. Alternatively, use an opaque vase, and bend stems so they can be re-straightened in future.

4. Bend stems just below the bloom to encourage them to fall naturally.

5. Add a little water from time to time.

6. Remove dust with a hairdryer on a cool setting or a damp cloth to remove marks.

7. Keep the vase clean 8. And, of course, select the best quality artificial flowers from Amaranthine Blooms!

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AROMA HOLIDAY The inspiration that launched a scented candle company with a difference

In the 1990’s, Mark Jordan spent three years playing football around the world visiting some truly amazing cities, each offering spectacular sights and sounds.

It was, however, the unique smell of each location that had the most impact on him. So much so, that he spent the next few years wondering how he could re-create the aroma and, therefore, re-live the experience.

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n 2012, something happened that would make this dream come true and Aroma Holiday – World of scents was born. Here we find out what inspired Mark to launch his own range of scented candles.

Mark picks up the story, ‘the flash of inspiration came about while looking for a scented candle as a gift for my wife. Despite being surrounded by them in the Store, I could not find one that ‘meant something’ and so I went home empty handed but with an idea buzzing in my head.

What if I could create a scented candle that would remind us of our travels around the world?

I had no idea how I was going to achieve this.

I just knew that I had to find a way of recreating memories of far flung places. I also understood that with smell being the most evocative of all our senses, the key to my success would be in creating a luxury scented product that ‘meant something’ to the owner.

In January 2014, we launched Aroma Holiday with just five scented candles, all lovingly hand crafted on my kitchen table; we now have 18. New York was our first. The Big Apple fragrance, to us, meant dark roasted coffee mixed with spiced apple and cinnamon, what we called ‘the street smell of success’

I then trawled through my travel logs to decide which countries were next. It had to be London.

Over 5000 acres of green space including eight Royal Parks. A magnet for overseas visitors who can now take home the fragrance of freshly cut grass and delicate rose petals to enjoy wherever they are.

Our Aroma Holiday range includes luxury candles, travel tins, wax melts, diffusers and deluxe gift sets starting at just £12.95, covering 18 memorable global locations. From the heat of Rio, Heraklion and Jamaica to the cool settings of New Zealand, Norway and Paris, not forgetting Istanbul and Hawaii.

Feedback from our customers has been amazing.

It seems that they love to recreate their favourite destination within the comfort of their own home.

Like us, they remember happy times with great fondness and they want to share this with their friends and family. Our gift sets are incredibly popular and we can send them anywhere in the world via a trackable courier service.

So, what’s next for Aroma Holiday – world of scents?

We’re going truly global with our on-line shop and shipping throughout the world, we are looking to increase our retail distribution and intend extending the number of destination fragrances. We also plan on diversifying the product range to include room sprays, bathroom hand care and cosmetics.

And all because I could not find a suitable gift for my wife.

You can discover more and shop on our “World of Scents” website: www.aromaholiday.com

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style spotlight on

Angel&Boho Angel&Boho may have passed under your interiors radar until now but now maybe just the time to turn your style spotlight on them!

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ainters of furniture and sourcers of delightful home accessories for many years (originally under the name An Angel at my Table), recently they have expanded into their own-design fabrics and wallpapers - with a very distinctive signature style. This spate of original design was prompted, says Patty Collister, founder and creative director, and co-consiprator and fellow director Paul Reekie, by the continual search for interesting products, a burning desire for more original design and a rebuttal of cheap throwaway imports: “Every trade fair buying opportunity made us feel we were in a race to get the good stuff - and as there are plenty of others out there doing a wonderful job of curating and promoting great products, folks who are more switched on and media-savvy than us, we decided to focus on what our strengths might be - and being self-taught creatives in the fields of graphic design and photography, and lovers of textile, it seemed a natural choice to try our hand at product design and to support British manufacturing wherever possible’.

Their first collection, launched in 2014 under the brand Boho&Co, included small home accessories, cushions and throws - spurred on by their success, they decided to branch out into fabric and wallpaper designs, but with no formal training needed lots of help and advice from their fabric printers in Lancaster, Standfast & Barracks and wallpaper printers, Surface Print, both of whom print the highest quality fabrics and wallpapers for many wellknown British brands.

Ironically though, the lack of formal training may well have been crucial in Boho&Co’s designs breaking the mould of restrictive screen-printed repeats, as they use digital technology to the full, with oversized prints and graphic interpretations of leaf patterns or flowing, intertwined leaf shapes, often with nature as their theme and incorporating birds and insects. An archive of textile and wallpaper fragments, photography and vintage imagery is employed to produce designs with names like Glory Be!, Floralism, Arcadian Woods delicious names chosen to conjure up their essence.

On the other hand, AngelandBoho have, without a doubt, the best range of affordable bespoke painted furniture and upholstery, and are launching, this September a new, more extensive paint colour palette and adding more fabric choices to their standard collections - whilst continuing to offer the flexibility of customers own paint choices

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and fabrics. Their upholstery range includes their ingeniously stylish, bestselling dining benches available in a plethora of velvet and linen fabrics, several lengths, arm styles and leg finishes and a choice of buttoning - allowing you to create a bespoke piece at an off-the-peg price.

As they continue on their creative journey, AngelandBoho have a new sofa collection, a range of bedroom furniture and of course new fabric and wallpaper designs in development for 2019.

AngelandBoho are exhibiting at Decorex 2018 in Syon Park, 16-19 September. Open to the public on Tuesday 18th September. www.angelandboho.com

H OUSE & GARDEN

Oak Antique Brown Lacquered

Engineered Oak Clear Lacquered

THE NATURAL WOOD FLOOR COMPANY T he wood flooring experts

W

ood is the first choice for many when it comes to flooring. It has timeless appeal, is easy to maintain and is available in an abundant choice of styles, designs and colours. With so many products of varying quality on the market, it definitely pays to buy from a reputable company with an established reputation.

Founded 27 years ago, The Natural Wood Floor Company is a family owned and run business which has grown to become one of the leading wood flooring manufacturers and suppliers in Europe.

Run by three brothers, the company now employs 1,450 staff at its Wandsworth warehouse and European manufacturing centre.

“We hold over 20,000 square meters of wood in stock in London” explains Director Peter Keane, “so we can deliver flooring to projects running to extremely tight deadlines. There’s plenty of choice too, with over 100 different designs on offer.”

In terms of styles, you can’t beat a parquet floor. ”Parquet has always been popular”, says Peter, “but it really is flying off the shelves at the moment.

Our range caters for all tastes, from our aged blocks with tumbled edges to larger contemporary parquet in 400 mm and 600 mm lengths” Antique floors are another popular option. The Natural Wood Floor Company manufactures several products to create this look, which are sealed with mid brown tones to produce a rich, warm patina.

At The Natural Wood Floor Company, you are buying direct from the experts. With the specialist advisors’ time at the company averaging 13 years, they know everything there is to know about wood flooring. So if you want to find the perfect wooden floor for your home, The Natural Wood Floor Company is the place to go.

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With environmental issues high on their agenda, The Natural Wood Floor Company’s products are all FSC certified.

The Natural Wood Floor Company, 20 Smugglers Way, Wandsworth, London, SW18 1EG. 020 8871 9771. www.naturalwoodfloor.co.uk

“Founded 27 years ago, The Natural Wood Floor Company is a family owned and run business which has grown to become one of the leading wood flooring manufacturers and suppliers in Europe”

Oak Aged Parquet Ebony Oiled

H OUSE & GARDEN

Tea

Times O

ur fascination with tea imported from China began in the early 17th century and within one hundred years it had become a national institution. One chief protagonist was Samuel Pepys who, in his diaries claimed that drinking the beverage was a cure for his wife’s “defluxions”.

By the 1720’s specific tables were being made by leading London craftsmen for the ceremony of taking tea and ladies who were invited to “the tea table” would take a katy (caddy) of tea as we would take a bottle of wine to a dinner party today.

The problem of transporting the tea from the caddy to the teapot was solved first by Lady Lauderdale who used the lid of the sugar bowl as a carrier, but when in the 1740’s tea leaves were chopped fine our industrious silversmiths developed a short-handled spoon with a disproportionately large bowl and the caddy spoon was invented, to be used well into the 20th century.

Apart from the manufacture of silver and furniture there was hardly any branch of domestic industry that was not affected beneficially by the demand for tea and its consumption. Josiah Wedgwood made a fortune out of producing his fine ceramic tea wares, the cups of which would crack when filled with boiling water. Thus began the habit of putting the milk in first.

While the accoutrements considered necessary for the polite serving at the tea table - tea pot, cream jug, sugar bowl, hot water jug, tea urn, tea and caddy spoons, sugar tongs and the tea caddy, the presentation to the public of the raw material required the craft of tinsmiths and decorators to produce the toleware display cannisters that enlivened every upper-crust grocer’s shop throughout the country. Many of these were made in Pontypool and the finest were decorated with ‘japanning’ in gold and bright colours with scenes of Chinese figures in a variety of settings. Originally made in large sets to occupy a wall space, it is rare to find a good single one today.

While we still drink tea it is more often without the ceremony, making the words “one for each cup and one for the pot” magically nostalgic for a bygone age.

For more information about John Bly Antiques: 533 King’s Road, Chelsea, email john@johnbly.com; www.johnbly.com

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“The problem of transporting the tea from the caddy to the teapot was solved first

by Lady Lauderdale who used the lid of the sugar bowl as a carrier”

A decorative late 19th century Japanned tea canister numbered 6 by Bartlett & Sons Ltd. Welsh Back. Bristol.

H OUSE & GARDEN

[NEWS]

outdoor living GARDEN INSPIRATION

A stunning range of new home & garden decor is now online at Live Laugh Love, featuring hundreds of gorgeous products. Among these new additions are a whole supply of ideas and inspirations, such as a brand new range of rustic and vintage inspired garden decorations. A series of rustic metalwork sculptures and stakes that have been delicately shaped and made into beautiful designs.

This truly special range can bring a brilliant charm and a wonderful atmosphere to your garden. A beautiful and cost effective way to add a personal touch to your outdoor living space. www.livelaughlove.co.uk

LET IT RAIN

We just love this new showerproof garden cushions range from ragged Rose – perfect for the unpredictable British weather! There are five different designs to choose from.

We have Palm Trees, Tropical Birds, Fern Leaves, Tiger Lily Flowers and Flamingos.

These cushions are 100% polyester, showerproof and UV resistant, so they will not get damaged in the rain or sun. www.raggedrose.com

Pretty Pastels

IBERIAN SUMMER

Whether you’re planning a garden party with friends or a relaxed Al Fresco dinner with family, transform your outdoor space into the perfect summer soirée with this Iberian Summer collection.

Taking inspiration from the sun-drenched streets of the Iberian peninsula, this collection captures all things bright and bold, encompassing the laid-back spirit of the season. www.lights4fun.co.uk 274 SEPTEMBER 2018

Bring pretty pop-pastels in to your garden with The Garden Furniture Centre’s Retro Dining Tables and Chairs collection.

With several colour and style options available, these vintageinspired café sets feature soft and sweet sorbet shades that will perfectly complement your summer garden in bloom. This simplistic yet eye catching collection is perfect for creating your own garden set. The colourful cross back dining chairs with the square table are sure to brighten up your garden and a great choice for alfresco dining with the family. www.gardenfurniturecentre.co.uk

H OUSE & GARDEN

Create a Mediterranean Style Garden offers ways to bring a touch of the Med to your own garden

Hannah Stephenson

S

o, we’re having a Mediterranean summer, with long, sunny days and hot, balmy nights - perfect for enjoying evenings in the garden. Those with fast-draining or sandy soil may be in an ideal spot to create their own Mediterranean haven, going with gravel, tiles or paving to make a courtyard-style space rather than focusing on a water-guzzling lawn.

So, how can you get that Mediterranean feel?

Use terracotta planters Think bright pink or red trailing geraniums tumbling over old terracotta or stone pots, or if you’ve limited space, attach some smaller terracotta planters to a south-facing wall and fill them with trailing drought-lovers which won’t need endless watering. Alternatively, make a feature out of huge Grecian urns strategically placed in borders or as stand-alone features at the end of walkways or in the centre of small courtyards. Permanent planters in the Mediterranean garden can also save you time, whether it be agapanthus or hardy evergreen herbs. If you situate them on gravel, plunge the base of each container a few centimetres into the gravel, which will encourage plants to root through into the soil underneath as well as keeping your pot stable. If you have space - and somewhere to house them in winter, such as a conservatory consider growing a pot of citrus such as lemons, to add a Mediterranean feel and scent. You can grow dazzling bougainvillea in containers and bring it outside every summer, from early June to late September, then move it to a frost-free conservatory for winter.

Consider gravel or cool tiles Gravel gardens are commonplace in the Mediterranean and in this country the gravel surface acts as a permanent mulch which will help prevent seed seedlings and conserves moisture. Choose a sunny, sheltered spot and prepare the soil, raking it level and then spreading 5cm (2in) gravel over the surface. Plant sparingly - don’t smother the 276 SEPTEMBER 2018

gravel surface with plants. They can be placed here and there and perhaps embellished with stone or terracotta planters or an old wooden or stone bench. Avoid bedding plants which are too thirsty. Instead, grow exotic-looking shrubs such as phormium and olearia or grasses with silvery leaves, as well as ground cover such as sedum and thyme.

Incorporate water Water creates cool relief in hot countries and can be used not only to provide movement, but also reflective value. Stone fountains are a big feature of many Mediterranean gardens but at home, consider your surroundings. If you have plenty of room, you might go for an ornate tiered structure, providing a cool cascade of water which you can run your hands through. With less space you might go for

“If you have space - and somewhere to house them in winter, such as a conservatory consider growing a pot of citrus such as lemons, to add a Mediterranean feel and scent”

H OUSE & GARDEN

still water in a terracotta storage jar or a lined stone trough.

Create shade Any Mediterranean garden worth its salt should offer shade during the heat of the day. Consider how you are going to achieve that naturally. Perhaps grow climbers that love heat, such as grapevine and trumpet vine, over a pergola with traditional seating underneath.

Use drought-tolerant plants Peter Jones, garden manager for Hardy Ornamental (which include the Mediterranean terraces at RHS Garden Wisley) suggests cistus (rock rose), a lovely family of shrubs ideal for a hot sunny position, which will form mounds of green foliage and a profusion of simple flowers, from whites to deep pink. Other great plants which will thrive in long hot summers include lavender, while for architectural value consider Cupressus sempervirens (Pencil Cypress) one of the archetypal Mediterranean trees, which grows to produce a tall slender green pillar of evergreen interest, perfect for that Med look. Lagerstroemia indica (Crepe myrtle), which is rarely grown in the UK but quite suited to our climate, is a multi stemmed shrub/ small tree with beautiful bark and glossy green foliage producing a profusion of crepe paper like flowers in colours from light pink to deep burgundy.

Another alternative is the pomegranate tree (Punica granatum), which originated in the region extending from modern day Iran through Afghanistan and Pakistan to northern India, and has been cultivated since ancient times throughout the Mediterranean region. This architectural small tree can make a fun alternative to an olive, with larger specimens having very characterful form. Palms such as Trachycarpus fortunei also add that touch of Riviera glamour.

Don’t forget succulents Cacti and succulents are regular features in the Mediterranean garden, growing out of old stone walls and rockwork. If you have a gravel gap between your house and your paving, a strip of sempervivums or other succulents will soften the line beautifully.

“For architectural value consider Cupressus sempervirens (Pencil Cypress) one of the archetypal Mediterranean trees, which grows to produce a tall slender green pillar of evergreen interest, perfect for that Med look”

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Use simple decor Once you are surrounded by terracotta and old stone or tile landscaping, you don’t really want contemporary, shiny furniture. Choose simple wooden benches or seats which will weather with age, to fit with the look. And grow herbs such as thyme and oregano near seating areas, which will smell delicious as well as add to the flavour of the food you serve your guests.

LOFTS, BASEMENTS

& CONVERSIONS GUIDE

– The ultimate guide to extending and converting your London home – i m a g e : TUTTO PAR Q U E T

Maximise your space

LOFTS, B ASEMENTS & CONVERSIONS

With space in London and the surrounding areas at a premium, it has become more important to maximize every inch of available space.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY HOME IS SUITABLE FOR A BASEMENT?

T

Extra living space is the main driver for this kind of development, but it really depends upon your requirements. We’ve created everything from bedrooms and self-contained flats to cinemas and swimming pools.

he prospect of converting any part of your home can be daunting and this is especially true when going underground, so we caught up with Jake Puddy of London’s premiere basement conversion specialist, London Basement (www.londonbasement.co.uk) to answer your questions:

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light and space in our completed projects.

Most London properties are suitable for this specialist work although you will require planning permission, our experienced design team will prepare the initial design and manage the planning and design process for you.

HOW LONG DOES A BASEMENT BUILD TAKE?

WHAT CAN I USE THE SPACE FOR?

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE COST OF A BASEMENT CONVERSION?

Typical projects take 4-6 months in planning and design and from 6 months onwards depending on the size of and scale of the proposed development.

We offer a free no obligation survey and quotation, an initial discussion will help us to explore the possibilities of what can be achieved within your budget and we can tailor a solution accordingly.

WILL IT BE DARK? HOW DO YOU GET LIGHT INTO THE SPACE?

DO I NEED TO MOVE OUT DURING CONSTRUCTION OF THE BASEMENT?

With a considered and creative design, we can make the best use of natural light. It is possible to get natural light into the new space from windows above, through lightwells, glazed floor panels among other more technical solution.

Choosing glass balustrades to staircases and glazed doors will allow light to come into space, using natural, light colours enhance the feeling of

The majority of our clients remain in their home whilst the works are being carried out, it is safe and economical, and we work hard to minimise the disruption throughout the build.

THERE ARE SO MANY BUILDING COMPANIES OUT THERE, WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE LONDON BASEMENT? We are the founding basement company in London and our experience is second to none, this kind of work is highly specialised, and we would not recommend trusting the very foundations of your home and family life to a contractor who is learning on the job. The structural design and execution of your proposed basement is of the utmost importance and our team of dedicated professionals have many years of experience and have designed and built over 1300 basements. We engage with you throughout the entire process and are committed to carrying out the works with the very highest of standards in both construction methodology and safe working practice, if you would like to see us in operation please come to our open day. www.londonbasement.co.uk

8 BROADLANDS ROAD N6 4AN On Thursday 27 sepTember 10am–7pm LIGhT REfREShMENTS WILL BE SERVED

A R A R E O P P O R T U N I T Y TO V I S I T A W O R K I N G S I T E

rsvp@londonbasement.co.uk

LONDON BASEMENT OPEN DAY

LOFTS, B ASEMENTS & CONVERSIONS

Bespoke Kitchens Where life meets style

Quote ‘Life’ for exclusive discounts

W

ith over 10 years of experience in the industry, Amberth, an Islington based bespoke Interior Design Company specialise in kitchens, bathrooms and fitted Interiors. They are renowned for their craftsmanship, and attention to detail, creating custom made cabinetry and furniture to suit their clients’ needs and expectations.

Amberth help those wanting to transform a room or an entire home into a comfortable one of a kind space. With their own team of designers and fitters, projects are taken on board from initial concept right through to demolition and installation. Working with any size, they transform the style and functionality of Interiors. Their projects are managed by Amberth, ensuring the entire process is a stress-free experience for their clients.

Beginning with a free consultation at their studio, 3D visuals are designed according to the given brief and a total of 2-4 designs are proposed, complete with a quote. Amberth are flexible and happy to make changes to the design to ensure their clients

“Amberth help those wanting to transform a room or an entire home” 284 SEPTEMBER 2018

are happy. Once the design is approved by the client, the process is followed with a detailed space assessment at the property giving the designers and project manager a visual sense of the space they are working with. A site survey is carried out where measurements and photographs are taken to be used during the design process moving forward.

Having exclusive access to a wide range of materials from around the world, the dedicated team of designers work closely with the project manager to produce high standard designs with top quality finishes. Each project is approached differently with a dynamic embrace of contemporary and traditional design, producing fantastic spaces that their clients love.

Being a family run business, Amberth pride themselves on building long lasting relationships with their clients and often receive a vast number of clients through recommendations. If you are in the area feel free to stop by for a quick chat, there is always someone on hand to help.

For more information about Amberth Studio visit www.amberth.co.uk. 311 Essex Road London N1 2BD; Telephone 020 7354 8958 or email: studio@amberth.co.uk

LOFTS, B ASEMENTS & CONVERSIONS

Love your extension!

M

ake the most of a new extension: add value and space, make use of natural light, improve access to the garden and be creative with furnishing. For this to happen is crucial to choose the correct finishes in order to make the new extension work.

Wood flooring is one of the best choices for a new extension. It brings a warm and natural feel to any setting. You can choose between wide planks and, with the revival of the parquet flooring, you can mix modern living with classic floor design. Herringbone or Chevron will give a dramatic feel to the new room.

Choose an engineered wood floor suitable for under floor heating. Go for a hard wearing finish for less maintenance and long lasting beauty.

Feel safe using wood flooring in your kitchen.

Just have a look at the project Tutto Parquet worked together with Lipton Plant Architects to create a perfect wood flooring for this family home, which over the years was turned into an untidy maize of small rooms with poor circulation. Lipton Plant’s work reconfigured the property to provide a single staircase, leading to five generously sized bedrooms, and an amazing two storey extension providing living space and a study. From the stained cedar frame of the glazed rear addition drawn inwards

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“Tuttoparquet are suppliers and installers of high quality and bespoke hardwood flooring from Italy to both residential and commercial high end projects in the UK”

to form warm wood walls to the rotating space dividers and concealed children’s sandpit – this project is a celebration of bespoke joinery and detailing.

The Ash Herringbone wood floor added elegance to the extension. Lipton Plant architects: www.lparchitects.co.uk. Tuttoparquet are suppliers and installers of high quality and bespoke hardwood flooring from Italy to both residential and commercial high end projects in the UK. Their wide range of products will provide solutions to the most discerning and demanding clients. Underfloor heating compatible floors, antibacterial finishes and high traffic resistant products are just a few examples of what they can offer.

Give them a call on 0207 435 8282 or go to www.tuttoparquet.uk for more information.

Showroom by appointment.

Tuttoparquet – Italian floors in London.

LOFTS, B ASEMENTS & CONVERSIONS

GLASS TRENDS Frameless showers, bath screens, sliding doors, glass splash backs, mirrors, interior glass doors.

G

lasstrends has a wealth of experience in the supply and installation of frameless shower enclosures steam and sauna screens, glass doors and decorative wall

cladding.

The company employs its own specialist installation teams to manage each project which ensures work is completed on time and to the highest possible standard.

Working closely with leading specialist processors, Glasstrends can supply the widest possible range of glass products.

A forward thinking team of professionals passionate about the use of glass in interiors.

Glasstrends products are refined, elegant and always a step above the rest. Attention to detail, superior product quality and excellent customer service is what positions Glasstrends as a market leader.

FULL DESIGN AND INSTALLATION SERVICE Glasstrends offers a full design service to ensure showers integrate into bathrooms in a stylish and functional manner. With our bespoke service, space is never an issue. Our experienced staff are also happy to work with architects, specifiers and interior designers as part of larger project teams.

THE PROCESS Supply and Install. After listening, discussing and advising Glasstrends will provide you with a quotation and installation detail. Upon acceptance of the quotation and receipt of a deposit payment they will attend site to finalise fixing details, obtain working dimensions and ensure all details are as you expect them to be. They then manufacture the glass and return at a specified time and date to 288 SEPTEMBER 2018

carry out the installation using their own in-house professional installers.

Supply Only. For customers who do not require our Supply and Install service simply contact the company and they will discuss your requirements, provide you with a quotation and manufacture the shower to your own dimensions.

They will then arrange delivery of the shower to your property.

Contact Glasstrends where their experienced advisers will be happy to discuss your requirements.

You’ll be amazed at the difference a stylish frameless shower will make to your home.

THE DETAILS Glasstrends GUARANTEE quality and durability. All Glasstrends showers are professionally installed and covered by a 10 year guarantee.

Call: 020 7223 4017

GLASSTRENDS

BESPOKE FRAMELESS GLASS Shower - Steam - Sauna Tel: 0207 223 4017 www.glasstrends.co.uk

LOFTS, B ASEMENTS & CONVERSIONS

Creating spectacular homes F

ounded in 1991, Gregory Phillips Architects has developed a unique and holistic approach to residential design, successfully delivering award-winning projects for their clients in London, throughout the UK and abroad. The London-based architecture practice has built its reputation on light-filled, exquisitely finished homes and extensions that make a strong visual connection between inside and outside space.

In addition to being a finalist in the Architect of the Year 2018 Awards for the Interior Architect category and Winners of Best Luxury Residence in Europe 2017 at the International Design and Architecture Awards, Gregory Phillips Architects have not only one but two recently completed homes on the longlist for the prestigious RIBA (Royal institute of British Architects) House of the Year 2018. The two properties, Berkshire House and Shropshire Residence will feature as part of a televised series to be aired this autumn with the winner being announced in November 2018.

Tailored to their clients’ lifestyle and aspirations, and sensitive to location, every project is unique yet shares a distinctive design philosophy and unparalled attention to detail in the high end residential sector. Prior to being longlisted for the House of the Year 2018, both the Berkshire House and Shropshire Residence were awarded RIBA regional awards with the judges describing the Berkshire Residence as “a pristine and immaculate exemplar of the early 21st century modern house style. With every detail finely honed and every façade carefully composed, the house is a shining example of carefully-considered, painstakinglycrafted architecture.

Many modern houses aspire to this level of cool Modern design, and most fail to make the mark in their composition, their detailing or their construction. This house stands out for the faultless finesse it has achieved at every scale” RIBABerkshire House Creating a seamless and often uninterrupted relationship between inside and outside is at the core of Gregory Phillips Architects designs,

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delivering beautiful homes to those wishing to create contemporary environments with an emphasis on clean lines and maximising natural light – Something the RIBA judges succinctly described in their judges report for the Shropshire Residence; “Even on a grey day, the quality of daylighting and the house’s level of openness imbue it with a quality of ‘California-living’ that many modern houses in England aspire to but rarely achieve with such panache.” RIBA- Shropshire House Alongside their architectural response to the layout and spatial quality of a house, Gregory and his team are often engaged to carry out full interior design services, including the selection of furniture, fittings and soft furnishings, oversee landscaping and all other aspects relating to the design and construction. After 25 years of success, Gregory Phillips Architects continue to create spectacular houses and remain at the very top of their profession. We look forward to seeing what they will do next. www.gregoryphillips.com

“Tailored to their clients’ lifestyle and aspirations, and sensitive to location, every project is unique yet shares a distinctive design philosophy and unparalled attention to detail in the high end residential sector”