GG Magazine 4/21 GB by GG-Magazine

THE ENGEL & VÖLKERS MAGAZINE

THE COOL BRIT ISSUE

Boundless creativity and traditional values with a dose of quirkiness. Why the UK continues to be so damn attractive – regardless of Brexit.

IDRIS ELBA

The Londoner who took Hollywood by storm

DUA LIPA, PETER MORGAN, SALLY ROONEY … International tastemakers – made in the U.K.

ROLLS-ROYCE

The established luxury carmaker takes to the skies

NICK JONES

His members’ club Soho House is going public

No. 4/21

GB £5.00

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER / NOVEMBER

U N M I S T A K A B LY A S T O N M A R T I N

astonmartin.com/en/models/dbx

Official WLTP fuel consumption figures in litres/100km (mpg) for the 2020 Aston Martin DBX: Low 23.2 (12.2); Medium 13.6 (20.8); High 12 (23.5); Extra High 13.4 (21.1); Combined 14.3 (19.8). CO2 emissions 323g/km. The mpg/fuel economy figures quoted are sourced from official regulated test results obtained through laboratory testing. They are for comparability purposes only and may not reflect your real driving experience, which may vary depending on factors including road conditions, weather, vehicle load and driving style.

Remember to exhale. Bentayga S.

Bentayga S WLTP drive cycle: fuel consumption, mpg (l/100km) – Combined 21.7 (13.0). Combined CO₂ – 294 g/km. Model shown: Bentayga S.

WELCOME

n my opinion, “exciting” is an attribute that perfectly describes London. The British capital is young and modern, more than half of its roughly nine million residents are under 40 years old. At the same time, it boasts a long history steeped in tradition. All this

makes for a particularly fascinating mix. Even the coronavirus pandemic has not been able to diminish Londoners’ spirit of innovation or their creativity, as demonstrated by the growing fintech sector, for example. It’s a city of superlatives – in terms of real estate too. In 2020, more luxury properties were sold for upwards of 10 million dollars in London than anywhere else. That’s why the city is one of the world’s most attractive locations for real estate – and extremely popular among international clients. They want to spend some of their time living in London, so a city apartment in the luxury

segment is an absolute must. Almost 50 percent of prime central London properties are acquired by foreign buyers. These are crucial reasons for Engel & Völkers to back London and enter the U.K. market. I am very confident in this move because, to me, a market this international and a global company like Engel & Völkers are a perfect fit. Thanks to our network of more than 900 locations in over 30 countries, we can now optimally support our clients around the world in their search for London properties. London is a place I always look forward to visiting. Many of my closest friends live here and its abundance of great architecture and cultural highlights never fail to inspire me. During my numerous walks through the city, I have admired the charming townhouses that are so typical of London. These are in high demand – which far outstrips supply – because the pandemic has made single-family homes with a after, because while many people opt for larger properties in the countryside, they also want to keep a London residence.

PHOTO: CHRISTIAN SCHOPPE

garden particularly attractive. However, exclusive apartments are also very soughtSincerely,

London and its particular charms are the focus of this “Best of Brits” issue of GG. And apart from fascinating stories, you will also find the most beautiful pieces of real estate from around the world. Happy reading!

Christian Völkers

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WELCOME

Hello there!

This is the season for taking a long walk through the damp woods in Wellington boots, wrapped up in a good old Barbour jacket and returning home to a hot cup of of tea. How wonderfully British! In the past months the world has realized that, regardless of Brexit, the United Kingdom is still regarded with great affection and fascination. There was Megxit and the growing media attention after the Oprah Winfrey interview with Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle. The Queen’s sad farewell from her husband of 73 years, Prince Philip. The eagerly anticipated celebrations for Princess Diana’s 60th birthday, posing the question of whether her sons would be reconciling. And not to forget, the excitement about the UEFA final of England vs. Italy. All of these headline making events inspired us to create a “Best of Brits” issue. It is quite remarkable how much unique talent this nation has produced: Our cover star, actor Idris Elba, rumored to be the new 007 (in June, ex-Bond Pierce Brosnan highly recommended him for the role). The legendary luxury carmaker Rolls-Royce which is planning to take off with the fastest electric airplane in the world. Or Nick Jones, the founder of the internationally famous members’ club Soho House, and his visionary path to take the company public. But you really only understand the scope of creativity this nation has produced once you dive into our portfolio of global tastemakers whose careers all orginally started in the U.K.

PHOTOS: CHRISTIAN SCHOPPE (1), BUCHCREDIT FOLGT (1)

We hope you’ll enjoy this new issue!

Michaela Cordes

Angela Kelly (more on page 54) has been Queen Elizabeth’s wardrobe designer and advisor for 19 years. In her book, “The Other Side of the Coin,” authorized by the Queen, she shares some very personal moments from this unusual friendship between two very different women.

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THANK YOU

Dagmar von Taube As chief reporter for Welt am Sonntag, Berlin-based writer von Taube has interviewed Nick Jones, visionary founder of Soho House, several times. The last time she met Jones was after the opening of his hotel The Ned. Dagmar von Taube needed an aspirin, Jones liters of coffee and water.

Christian Aust For many years, the German art historian and journalist Christian Aust has been interviewing film stars in Los Angeles, New York, London and Cannes. He writes for the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung and the German edition of Elle, among other publications. His latest project is a culture podcast called “Lübeck Zwischentöne.” Aust has met London-born Idris Elba on various occasions and is always impressed by his presence.

Sandra Miller Sandra Miller opened the first Engel & Völkers shop in Santa Monica, California, as a licence partner. In her first year of business, 2009, she sold more than a billion dollars’ worth of homes. Miller is also representing the property in Joshua Tree (from p. 88). In her eyes, the uniquely monolithic building with its high-concept minimalism sits perfectly in the desert.

Charlie Gray Charlie Gray is an internationally acclaimed British fashion and portrait photographer based in London. His creative vision is rooted in his early passion for theater and documentary films. We love the cool cover shot of Idris Elba he produced.

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INSIDE

For Rent

Idris Elba

Woman

PLAYGROUND

20 COOL CITY The Asian metropolis Singapore has become a breathtaking megacity.

ART & DESIGN Welcome to the haute street: Designer Anya Hindmarch has opened a shopping village in London.

ROLLS-ROYCE The venerable brand takes off – with customized cars and the world’s fastest electric aircraft.

NICK JONES Members only: The founder of Soho House is going public with 29 locations in 11 countries.

24 INTERVIEW British artist Sacha Jafri painted the world’s biggest artwork on canvas for charity.

NEWS FROM THE CEO Sven Odia, CEO of Engel & Völkers, on the latest trends in the international real estate market.

WOMAN Covetable pieces from British design studios.

THE FINEST REAL ESTATE WORLDWIDE

30 MAN Blue, red, white: welcoming winter in style. 32

BOOKS Art, culture and the crown: three must-reads for true fans of Britain.

FOR RENT The mirror-clad Invisible House sits in the Californian desert near Joshua Tree.

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Villas, mansions & office space – the world’s most beautiful real estate.

210 PERSONAL Natural architecture on a clinic campus.

ALWAYS

AT HOME 36

IDRIS ELBA The actor is a man of many talents. He’s not afraid to voice an opinion and is incredibly cool.

BEST OF BRITS Did you know that these world-famous stars and tastemakers are U.K. born and bred?

FOREWORD The preface to this new edition

EDITORIAL Hello there!

208 ADDRESSES Names, addresses and manufacturers. 209 STAFF Masthead.

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PHOTOS: SIMON EMMETT / TRUNK ARCHIVE (1), PETR MAŠEK (1)

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The Raffles Singapore is an iconic luxury hotel. Established in 1887, it was named after the Briton Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles.

PLAYGROUND

COOL CITY ∙ ART & DESIGN ∙ INTERVIEW ∙ NEWS FROM THE CEO ∙ WOMAN ∙ MAN ∙ BOOKS

COOL CITY

Megacity Singapore

From an emerging trading post to a megacity of tomorrow: The high-tech architecture and colonial roots of this Southeast Asian metropolis uniquely complement each other. WORDS: Christina Libuda ILLUSTRATION: Asia Orlando

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National Museum National Gallery 1

Singapore River One Raffles Place

PHOTOS: 1 – MAURITIUS IMAGES / MICHELE FALZONE / ALAMY, 2 – MAURITIUS IMAGES / MARKUS THOMENIUS / ALAMY, 3 – MAURITIUS IMAGES / ZOONAR GMBH / ALAMY, 4 – MAURITIUS IMAGES / EYEEM / MIGUEL VIDAL

Mesmerizing metropolis

1 MARINA BAY SANDS The SkyPark on the roof terrace boasts a 360-degree panoramic view of the city from a height of 200 meters. 2 CLOUD FOREST A spectacular waterfall cascading down from a hill 35 meters tall enchants visitors in this lush indoor rainforest. 3 ARTSCIENCE MUSEUM As the name says, everything in this futuristic building is about the interplay of science and art. 4 SRI MARIAMMAN TEMPLE Constructed in 1827, this Dravidian-style building in Chinatown is Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple. 3

Merlion

Flower Dome

ArtScience Museum Sentosa Island

Tanjong Beach

ingapore has a reputation as one of the world’s safest and cleanest major cities. Its multicultural society is reflected on its bustling streets, along which green hightech architecture rises next to magnificent colonial-era buildings. The Southeast Asian island nation and city state succeeds in creating a fascinating mix of history and modernity. The roof terrace of the Marina Bay Sands provides a particularly amazing view of it all. With its three 200-meter skyscrapers and the world’s largest infinity pool, the giant complex has quickly become the city’s new landmark. It houses more than 2,500 hotel rooms, several restaurants, two auditoriums, a casino and even an art and science museum. The roof terrace overlooks the Gardens by the Bay eco-park – an oasis that combines lush green spaces and hightech elements. The so-called Supertrees, artificial metal plants that rise to heights of up to 50 meters, provide a habitat for ferns and orchids. Photovoltaic cells on some of the Supertrees use sunlight to generate clean energy. Located next to them are the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest, two glass domes housing rare plants from every corner of the world. Large international architecture firms are continually changing the city’s skyline, for example through the addition of the new Supreme Court building. Reminiscent of a UFO, it was designed by Lord Norman Foster. On the refurbished waterfront between Robertson Quay and Boat Quay, traditional Chinese houses are also being renovated. This despite the fact that the foundations of the metropolis weren’t laid that long ago, as is demonstrated by its monuments and most prestigious addresses. Raffles Place, in Singapore’s financial district, was named after Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, who founded a British trading post on the hitherto sparsely populated island at the beginning of the nineteenth century. That was the birth of mod-

Chinatown Marina Bay Sands

Supertree Grove ern Singapore. The atmosphere at the famous Raffles Hotel is quintessentially British to this day. The building on Beach Road is one of the most notable structures in the Colonial District, Singapore’s oldest neighborhood. The Padang sports field has been used as a cricket ground since the 1830s. Next to it rise the green-domed Old Supreme Court building, City Hall and the Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall, built in the Victorian style. The neighboring Old Parliament House, built in 1826 and known today as Arts House, is the city state’s oldest building. In the adjacent Fort Canning Park, a History Walking Trail keeps the city’s colonial heritage very much alive. Singapore’s roughly 5.7 million inhabitants speak Malay, Chinese, Tamil and English, among other languages. The map of the downtown area has remained much as Raffles conceived it in 1822. The neighborhoods were divided up between the different ethnic groups of immigrants who arrived during the city’s growth – and settled there. Chinatown, for example, still boasts a fascinating mix of low-rise houses, garish signs and grand temples. Little India, on the other hand, features lavish elements of traditional Indian architecture in the picturesque blocks on Arab Street and the pastel-colored buildings in the Muslim Quarter. Would you like to know more?

ART & DESIGN

Stylish Delights

How could anyone resist those googly eyes? That’s probably what Anya Hindmarch thought when she created the cute cakes for her first Anya Cafe in London. (We featured the award-winning designer on the cover of our 4/20 issue entitled “Game Changers”). The menu also includes salads and cocktails, served in a quintessentially British atmosphere. The cafe is located at the heart of The Village, an exclusive collection of five shops that the British designer opened in May. Her idea: to celebrate the social aspects of shopping. In the stores, customers will find Anya’s latest collections and learn about sustainability. The Village Hall is where she presents her latest ideas, like the pop-up hair salon Shampoo & Therapy, complete with ’60s-style hair dryers. It’s also where she celebrated publishing her first book “If In Doubt, Wash Your Hair.”

The Village opened on Pont Street in London’s Chelsea district on May 17, 2021. Would you like to know more?

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INTERVIEW

Art Record

The British artist Sacha Jafri spent eight months working on the world’s biggest painting, drawing his way into the Guinness World Records. At around 1,600 square meters, equivalent to nearly four basketball courts, “The Journey of Humanity” is the largest painting on canvas in the world. What’s the significance of the epic title? In January 2020, I felt that we were all headed straight for disaster. We have become obsessesed with the instant, false projections of self, with nonsense – we had forgotten what humanity actually means. Covid brought us the chance to pause for a while. “The Journey of Humanity” is my mission to reconnect people with each other. You were helped by children from around the world. I knew that I wouldn’t be able to achieve this on my own. I tapped into schools, communities, and refugee charities and told them about the idea. I received 22 million artworks from kids in 140 countries, from slums in India to townships in Africa.

The work was sold for 62 million dollars, which has been donated to aid organisations. What will happen to the painting now? The purchaser, a French crypto entrepreneur, is building a museum in Dubai to exhibit the painting. The building will also host workshops and art classes for kids. We’re in the process of setting up a foundation to help children in need. The sale catapulted you to fourth place on the list of the world’s most expensive living artists, after Jeff Koons, David Hockney and Beeple. What does this mean for you? There’s a lot of nonsense in the art market, which is controlled by very few people. The fact that my painting is the second most expensive ever sold shocked the art world. I love that! Art has been given back to the people.

The artist created his masterpiece in the gigantic ballroom of the hotel Atlantis – The Palm in Dubai. Would you like to know more?

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WORDS: CHRISTINA LIBUDA; PHOTO: SACHA JAFRI

How long did it take you to complete the painting? I worked on it for eight months, painting for up to 20 hours every day, and using over 1,000 brushes and more than 6,800 liters of paint.

NEWS FROM THE CEO

Wanted: a global network with a personal touch

here are roughly 520,000 UHNWIs worldwide, a 2.4 percent increase from last year. At Engel & Völkers, we, too, have observed a marked increase in this number. Our Private Office is dedicated to providing customized offers for this group of very wealthy clients and combines the highest standards of service and discretion with the network, resources, digital proficiency and profound expertise of the Engel & Völkers group. But just how is this unique market segment developing at this moment in time? How would UHNWIs like to live, which trends have emerged during the pandemic and what are the expectations for the future? The idea of living sustainably plays an outstandingly important role in this highpriced segment. Solutions for self-sufficient power and water supplies, coupled with a proximity to nature – ideally the sea, lakes or mountains – and properties with parklike features remain extremely popular. Demand for green real estate is also rising constantly among traditional real estate investors. Operating in an environmentally friendly way now forms part of the mission statements of many companies, and should, ideally, also be reflected in their company HQs. Consequently, sustainable real estate attracts more tenants. A proximity to first-class educational establishments is important, particularly for UHNWIs from Asia and Africa, as it avoids large physical distances between them and their children in uncertain times. This group of clients is drawn to areas close to world-renowned boarding and international

schools, for example in Switzerland and in the U.K. In general, working remotely has allowed these clients to spend more time than before at their second or third homes, and to turn these into joint primary residences. Consequently, in addition to being in the perfect location, these properties now also have to fulfill the same requirements as a primary residence in terms of access to top-quality amenities. The availability of first-class medical care is also a key consideration in the purchasing decision. Being able to pursue activities in the privacy of one’s home that would normally take place in the public sphere has been the epitome of luxury, not just since the coronavirus pandemic started. This explains the specific features that top the UHNWIs’ lists of search criteria: Apart from golf courses, polo fields, private gyms and wellness oases, they also include home cinemas, swimming pools and private children’s playgrounds. UHNWIs live in the world’s real estate hotspots. And that’s precisely where our more than 250 Private Office Advisors operate, too. Our global network is crucial, because for reasons of time and confidentiality, this special group of clients does not normally visit our local shops. They need a different level of service because their requirements are often complex, concern several locations and therefore involve considerable and complicated legal and tax issues. That is why, even in these times of rapidly advancing digitalization, our focus remains on providing highly knowledgeable, personalized consultations that focus on real estate – and a whole lot more.

“Core teams in Hamburg, Munich and New York, as well as 250 specialized advisors in the world’s real estate hotspots – that’s Engel & Völkers Private Office.” SVEN ODIA, CEO OF ENGEL & VÖLKERS

QUICK FACT: THERE WAS A NEW BILLIONAIRE EVERY

17 hours

hours

BETWEEN MARCH ‘20 AND MARCH ‘21 *Source: Forbes

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WORDS: SVEN ODIA; PHOTOS: ENGEL & VÖLKERS AG / KLAUS WOLTER (1), NETFLIX (1); ILLUSTRATION: MONG TING ZHU

The number of ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWI), people with a net worth of over 30 million US dollars, is rising. The coronavirus pandemic has reinforced this trend and paved the way for innovative entrepreneurs, especially in the tech and health sectors. UHNWIs are very active in real estate, and are keen and frequent investors. To better serve this target group, in 2007 we created Engel & Völkers Private Office.

Los Angeles - home to the stars. It’s not rare for VIPs to look for a new home or to want to sell a property and our shop in Beverly Hills supports them in these endeavors. Here are my top 3 celebrities who have bought or sold a property in Los Angeles with Engel & Völkers: Actress Margot Robbie, tennis queen Serena Williams, actor Chace Crawford (clients of Sam Real & Justin Fierro).

MY GUILTY PLEASURE: I’m looking forward to the 4th season of the Netflix show “Selling Sunset” fabulous real estate and high drama.

FOLLOW ME ON

@sven.odia

CLUBHOUSE

IT’S NOT JUST THE REAL ESTATE MARKET THAT IS BOOMING IN FLORIDA, EXCLUSIVE YACHTS ARE ALSO INCREDIBLY IN DEMAND! THAT’S WHY THE NEW ENGEL & VÖLKERS YACHTING SHOP IS NOW OPEN IN NAPLES, FLORIDA. PS: NO YACHTING ENTHUSIAST SHOULD MISS THE MONACO YACHT SHOW FROM SEPTEMBER 22 TO 25. ENGEL & VÖLKERS WILL, OF COURSE, BE THERE, TOO. 27

Summer 2021 has proved it: People want to travel again! This has had a positive impact on the hotel industry. But what do the hotels of the future look like? More and more often, they are designed to be part of mixed-use neighborhoods that also include asset classes like residential, retail and office space. These shared spaces become social hubs. To my mind, two exciting examples of this trend are the Oasia Hotel Downtown in Singapore with its impressive Sky Gardens, and the Nobu Hotel Atlanta at the exclusive Phipps Plaza shopping mall.

WOMAN

Quite white

7 1

Thumbs up for these creative gems and designs for HER....

1 IN SHEEP’S CLOTHING Both stylish and warm:

aluminum beauty from “The Pen Core“ series

poet’s 100 cantos. Handmade in L ondon. Alighie-

quest. 2 AT ATTENTION Sporting epaulets, but-

Playfully adorned with double bows, this belt

“Mickey Thumbs Up” leather sticker. Anya Hind-

to mind the red uniforms of the Queen’s Guard.

6 HISTORIC BEAUTY The British jewelry maker

Burberry’s Fall/Winter collection, price on retons and braiding, the “Saskia Jacket” brings

Pinky Laing, approx. € 695. 3 ALL TOGETHER

NOW Keep track of your cards in this practical card holder. Stella McCartney, € 245. 4 BACK

TO BASICS We’d trade our keyboards for this

any day. Ajoto, approx. € 173. 5 WAISTED STYLE

adds femininity to your outfit. Erdem, € 375.

Alighieri, recipient of the 2020 Queen Elizabeth II

ri, approx. € 243. 7 WE APPROVE! Cheerful

march, approx. € 17. 8 ALL WRAPPED UP This map print silk foulard is the perfect accessory

for globetrotters. Daks, approx. € 133. 9 PLEASE

Award, takes inspiration from Dante’s “ Divine

BE SEATED With its chubby legs and rounded

is one of several pieces referencing one of the

good, approximately € 8,196.

Comedy.” “The Trailblazer Necklace – Chapter II”

seat, the “Roly-Poly Chair” is a cult item. Too-

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WORDS: CHRISTINA LIBUDA; PHOTOS: GORUNWAY.COM (1), PINKYLAING.COM (1), STELLAMCCARTNEY.COM (1), ANYAHINDMARCH.COM (1), DAKS.COM (1)

MESSIKA.COM

MAN 5

Very British …

Cool, stylish accessories for making your way around the U.K, indoors and out.

6 7

1 TRADITIONAL TOUCH Checks, stripes and

Watch tartan, it has a maple handle. London Un-

complete without a checkered cashmere scarf

collection makes British hearts beat faster. Price

quintessentially British as dry humor. Those in the

red “Bellhop” table lamp by Barber & Osgerby

tweed fabrics – Vivienne Westwood’s Fall/Winter on request. 2 MAKE A SPLASH These short Wel-

lington boots in military red are guaranteed to

keep your feet dry whatever the weather. Hunter,

dercover, € 95. 4 TEA FOR TWO Black tea is as

know take their Golden Tipped English Breakfast tea with milk. Twinings, approx. € 11. 5 EXCEL-

LENT FIT This colorful holdall from the Mini Cov-

€ 115. 3 RAINDROPS ARE FALLING ... There’s

ent Garden series is made of recycled polyester

than with this s tylish umbrella. Lined with Black

€ 540. 6 CLASSIC No British wardrobe is

almost no better way to keep them off your head

and has room for almost everything. Paul Smith,

like this one. Burberry, € 420. 7 COZY The brickfills the room with a soft, warm glow almost like candlelight. Flos, € 215. 8 WANDERLUST For her three-door “Dhow,” sideboard, designer Bethan Gray took inspiration from billowing

sails. Handcrafted in Oman. Available in various sizes. Bethan Gray, approx. € 13,207.

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WORDS: CHRISTINA LIBUDA; PHOTOS: GORUNWAY.COM (1), HUNTERBOOTS.COM (1), MRPORTER.COM (1), TWININGS.CO.UK (1), PAULSMITH.COM (1), BURBERRY.COM (1), BARBEROSGERBY.COM (1)

Modern Menswear

Alden. Barena. Batoner. Begg x Co. Boglioli. Camoshita. Common Projects. CQP. Crockett & Jones. De Bonne Facture. Fedeli. Finamore. Gitman Vintage. Ichizawa Hanpu. Incotex. Lardini. Merz b. Schwanen. Mühlbauer. Perfumer H. Resolute. Ring Jacket. Salvatore Piccolo. Sealup. Valstar. Weber + Weber. Trunkclothiers.com London — Zürich

Her Majesty

Beaton

How to be Chap

Christopher Warwick, Taschen, € 50

James Danziger, Assouline, € 250

Gustav Temple, Gestalten, € 35

Queen Elizabeth II has been the head of the British monarchy for over six decades. “Her Majesty” is an illustrated book that pays homage to the moving life of the Queen of England. This volume takes readers from her youth during World War II, her marriage, motherhood and coronation to her meeting cult figures like the Beatles and Marilyn Monroe, and on to her most recent public engagements. The exclusive images were shot by distinguished photographers like Cecil Beaton, David Bailey and Annie Leibovitz, who even managed to capture the short-legged corgis at their best.

Cecil Beaton is among the most preeminent, multi-talented creatives of the twentieth century. While working as a photographer for Vogue and Vanity Fair, and as a British war correspondent, he created dozens of scrapbooks, which are now housed at Sotheby’s London. In them, he explored the lives of famous and everyday people – including his own – using his inimitable collage style. This book showcases his most important works. It includes prints, pages from magazines, newspaper items, theater programs and private documents. It’s a captivating chronicle of Beaton’s creative process.

Explore the origins of the archetypal English gentleman. With his trademark pipe and hat, unmistakably British sense of humor and perfect manners, Temple has become the epitome of refined masculinity. Inspired by greats like Beau Brummell and Lord Byron, he firmly holds on to English ideals and virtues, thereby spearheading a lifestyle revolution. This book humorously explains all aspects of being a “chap”: what to wear, where to vacation, which sports to play (cricket) and which to avoid (all others). A collection of dos and don’ts that will equip aspiring chaps for any situation.

www.gg-magazine.com

WORDS: CHRISTINA LIBUDA; PHOTOS: ASSOULINE.COM (1)

BOOKS

More than 50 colors and finishes!

THE SMART ENTRY TO YOUR HOME DoorBird is your smart video intercom in over 50 different materials and colors. See and speak with visitors and open the door using your smartphone.

DoorBird combines exclusive design with innovative IP technology in the field of door communication.

www.doorbird.com

PHOTO: VICTOR DEMARCHELIER/AUGUST

Idris Elba’s career hasn’t always been easy. Today the multi-talent is much more than just a Hollywood star.

COOL BRITANNIA

Is it the quirky British humor? Or are the people of this nation with its seafaring tradition simply the better storytellers? Whatever the reason, the Brits are truly in a class of their own. Turn the page for some inspiration!

THE COOL OPERATOR Whatever Idris Elba sets out to do looks easy. It’s this effortlessness that makes him irresistible. The British actor also has multidimensional talents. Besides acting he produces, directs, writes and composes. He is a UN Goodwill Ambassador, kickboxer, racing driver, rapper, singer and D.J. Always on a mission to advance... WORDS: Christian Aust

PHOTO: BBC

Idris Elba as police inspector John Luther in the BBC crime series “Luther”.

PHOTO: VICTOR DEMARCHELIER / AUGUST

Idris Elba has the inner peace of a man who has tried many things and achieved most of them.

“I know that my celebrity can shine a light on a part of the world where my family is from.” IDRIS ELBA

PHOTO: AUSTIN HARGRAVE / AUGUST

ntil fairly recently, there were only three very basic archetypes for men: macho, softy and boringly ordinary. And despite the fact that this was a deeply unrefined time with clearly designated cookie-cutter roles, many long to return to it. Today’s zeitgeist is so diverse, complex and fast-paced that many men are no longer sure how to act – or how they’re allowed to act – in order to cut a decent figure in the general melee. Hollywood also seems deeply confused, casting big kids as protagonists, instead of grown men. Into that vacuum steps a knight in shining armor – Idris Elba.

As a child, he was teased for the name Idrissa. He dropped a syllable when he was a teen – and Idris Elba was born.

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He occupies a rarefied showbiz niche as an icon for grown-ups of any gender. A sophisticated man who can be uncompromising and sensitive at the same time. On top of that, he is also an engaging raconteur and a deeply affable person. With his charm, coolness, sense of style and sense of humor, Idris Elba is an ideal ambassador for the British isles. Most audiences know him from his role as Detective Chief Inspector John Luther, in the BBC crime drama “Luther” that ran for five seasons. It is centered on a brooding investigator who crosses moral and legal boundaries and is prone to violent outbursts in which he threatens suspects and throws around the odd chair. In 2012, Elba was awarded a Golden Globe for his performance, followed by the SAG and Critics’ Choice awards. The long-awaited “Luther” movie is currently in production – causing fans around the world to go into meltdown. Idris Elba is much more than an actor. He unleashes his seemingly boundless creativity in a number of professional universes as a producer, director, author, composer, UN Goodwill Ambassador, kickboxer, racing driver, rapper, singer and D.J. And as if that wasn’t enough to keep a person busy around the clock, the 49-year-old father of two is now branching out as an author of children’s books. Of course, a person like Elba is not content with writing just one book; he has co-written a whole series with the award-winning British author Robyn Charteris. Elba is a team player. His network includes all the right people and he likes to bring them on board when he ventures into new professional territories. The books are scheduled to be published next year. The fact that as a genre, children's books may not fit in with the image of a hunky leading man doesn’t worry him in the slightest. That’s because he is constantly defining and redefining his image himself. Upwards of a certain budget size, there are some unwritten rules in the movie in-

dustry. One of these is that actors are not allowed to display their talents across too wide a spectrum, but are typecast instead. This rule no longer applies to Idris Elba. Long before campaigns like #OscarSoWhite or the debates around diversity in Hollywood, Elba embodied roles for which non-white actors had rarely been hired up to that point. In the adaptation of the “Thor” comics, we see him as a god from Norse mythology and in Ridley Scott’s “Prometheus,” he plays an astronaut. We see him on the silver screen in movies ranging from opulently produced blockbusters to ambitious low-budget productions, being tough, being gentle, sometimes the good guy, sometimes the baddie. In the romantic action drama “The Mountain between Us,” he plays the lead, a surgeon, opposite Kate Winslet. In the Netflix movie “Concrete Cowboy,” he stars as an urban cowboy (a role for which he learned to ride horseback despite being allergic to horses). For many years, Idris Elba has been touted as Daniel Craig’s successor in the role of 007 to become the first “Black Bond.” It’s a rumor fans and journalists are so excited about that they still ask Elba for a comment at every possible opportunity, leading his publicists to request would-be interviewers politely to please not bring up that particular topic. Elba has previously confirmed how much he would have liked the part, but that it had never in fact been offered to him. He admitted how much this bothered him in an interview with Vanity Fair two years ago. Elba said it was disheartening to be told by the old guard in the industry that it wouldn’t work and to realize that it was really all about the color of his skin. “And then if I get [the job] and it didn’t work, or it did work, would it be because of the color of my skin?” He concluded that it was a difficult position to put himself into when there was no real need to. Today, at the age of 49, he is, presumably, too old to be James Bond. But who

PHOTO: DAVID BURTON / TRUNK ARCHIVE

“I don’t consider myself a ‘Black’ actor. I’m an actor, not a number.” IDRIS ELBA 42

Success hardly came overnight. In the early days, Elba worked the nightshift at a Ford car factory assembly line.

PHOTO: AARON RICKETTS

For the Netflix western “Concrete Cowboy,” Idris Elba learned to ride horseback despite being allergic to horses.

knows? Maybe he will be able to override this rule, too. Idris Elba always has a surprise up his sleeve. I once interviewed him on a hot summer’s day in Cologne, Germany. Instead of meeting me in a 5-star hotel as previously arranged, Elba spontaneously decided he wanted to relocate from his air-conditioned suite to a Beach Club on a bank of the Rhein River. So we sat on sun loungers with our feet in the sand, a bucket filled with ice, beer and soft drinks in front of us. It felt more like a vacation than a work assignment and Idris Elba, sporting a red beanie hat, felt like an old friend. I congratulated him on his hit “Boasty” – a collaboration with Sean Paul, Wiley and Stefflon Don – which was high up in the dance charts at the time. Only a few weeks after its release, the video had already been viewed millions of times on YouTube. Idris Elba was delighted. His success as a musician is at least as important to him as his success as an actor. At the age of only 14, he was already helping his uncle, who worked as a D.J. Elba played his own first sets under the name of Little Driis. At the age of 19, he was spinning in London clubs, and later in New York, too, under the name of Big Driis. Elba has since worked with greats like Jay-Z, Macklemore and Taylor Swift, and D.J.ed for Madonna during her Rebel Heart Tour. Two of his most spectacular D.J.-ing jobs to date were a set at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding reception, and a set at the legendary Coachella festival. He has his own channel on Spotify, which attracts roughly 741,000 listeners every month. Like almost all the really cool British stars, Idris Elba is from a solid working-class background. It is something he has in common with acting icons like Sean Connery and Michael Caine, epitomes of a down-toearth Britishness, which is deeply rooted in the country’s pop culture. Elba grew up an only child in London’s East End, in the then still deprived district of Hackney – a multicultural melting pot and home to many immigrant families. His father Winston is from Sierra Leone, his mother Eve from Ghana. After their wedding in West Africa, the young couple moved to London and Idrissa Akuna Elba was born roughly a year later. Tired of being taunted by his classmates, he shortened his name to Idris while still in school. His father worked at the Ford factory in Dagenham. Idris had his first encounter with acting in a school play, and fondly remembers his old drama teacher to this day. He worked through some of the experiences from his childhood and his youth in his directorial debut “Yardie,” for which he was awarded the

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National Film Award for best director. The movie is based on the eponymous novel by Victor Headley, which is set in 1980s gangland London. In an interview, Elba once explained: “The story is set in a world that was part of my world and that I know. That’s why I wanted to turn the book into a film.” In a sense, “Yardie” was to him what “Good Fellas” was to Martin Scorsese. “My mum and dad really retained their culture, even though they lived in England,” he said on the U.S. talk show “The View,” where he turned the studio audience of women of a certain age into the sonic equivalent of a mob of screaming teenage fans. We almost forgot to mention: Idris Elba is a sex symbol, too – one with obvious magical charisma. Even Whoopi Goldberg, who is not known for being easily impressed, enthused: “Too young for me, but I still think about [him].” So the man must have that certain something. People magazine named him their “Sexiest Man Alive” in 2018. But back to his youth: “My parents spoke in their language, Krio, and there was lots of real African food. Do you know what fufu is? You eat it with your hands and dip it in a sauce.” In January 2016, Idris Elba addressed a group of British parliamentarians. He considers this speech the most important he has ever given. He spoke about his industry and the need for fundamental change so that talent from diverse backgrounds would no longer go untapped. He highlighted the many barriers he had to overcome until he was finally able to shine. “I’m not here to speak just about Black people on TV,” he clarified. “I’m here to talk about diversity. In the modern world, that’s about more than skin color. It’s about age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, social background and most importantly, in my opinion, diversity of thought.” He said he didn’t consider himself “a Black actor.” “I’m an actor, not a number.” But it was precisely these unique talents that he had rarely been allowed to show for many years, so one-dimensional were the parts he kept being offered over and over – like gang leader. “So today, I’m asking the TV and film industry to think outside the box.” Audiences didn’t want to see caricatures any longer, he said. For that to happen, the cultural background of many of the decision makers would need to change. Last year, he was awarded an honorary BAFTA for his work in promoting diversity and new talent. When Elba was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire – OBE for short – in a solemn ceremony a few months later, he was accompanied by his mother. He received the honor from Prince William. “Flying

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PHOTO: PICTORIAL PRESS LTD / ALAMY STOCK PHOTO

In “The Mountain between Us” Idris Elba and Kate Winslet’s characters become close after a plane crash.

the East End flag at Buckingham Palace today,” Elba cheered on Twitter afterwards. After leaving school, he managed to get one of the sought-after places at the National Youth Music Theatre. This included a grant from the Prince’s Trust, Prince Charles’s charity that aims to give young people from underprivileged areas a good start to a steady working life. Elba is still connected with the trust to this day. But it would be a long time from those days to being able to make a living from his first acting jobs on shows like “The Ruth Rendell Mysteries” or “The Governor.” In between taking on small parts, he would make ends meet by working as a tire fitter or packaging produce in a health food store. He also worked the nightshift on the assembly line at Ford, like his father, for two years. Elba’s breakthrough came in 2002 playing Russell “Stringer” Bell in the HBO show “The Wire.” Eight years later, he starred in “Luther” – the start of his international career. The part of the sensitive but aggressive detective who breaks the law to fight crime was just perfect for him. At the time, Idris Elba was already 37 years old. Eight years ago he played Noble Peace Prize laureate Nelson Mandela – a part that was close to his heart and also sent a message. He has never lost touch with his roots and his parents’ home country, and has continued to deepen his involvement. He produced a show for BBC Radio 2, in which he showcased a huge variety of African music. Since the start of his career he has been working with charities that fight poverty and HIV/AIDS, like ONE.

Since last year, Elba and his wife have also been goodwill ambassadors for the UN’s International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). In this role, they have so far generated 40 million dollars for African farming families affected by the pandemic. In an interview with the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung newspaper Elba said: “I have understood that my celebrity can shine a light on a part of the world that my family is from. That’s why I want to be a representative of this continent.” He added that Africa was so full of potential and culture, and that the rest of the world was starting to realize this. “It makes me happy if I can contribute to that.” Since 2019, Idris Elba has been married to his third wife, Somalian-Canadian model Sabrina Dhowre. The couple split their time between London and Los Angeles, and Elba also owns properties in New York City and Atlanta. Those who would like to experience the dynamics between the two should really watch the clip by British Vogue called “Sabrina & Idris Elba Play Mr & Mrs.” The newlyweds have recently launched a podcast in which they talk to famous guests about marriage and relationship issues. The couple are also launching a collection of shoes called “Walk a Mile in My Shoes” with designer Christian Louboutin, the proceeds of which will go to charity. It is difficult to imagine, but in between all of these activities, Idris Elba keeps managing to find the time and energy to face ever-new challenges that he seeks out himself. In 2015, already 42, he started a 12-month kickboxing and martial arts training program. Under the tutelage of Thai boxing coach Kieran Keddle, he prepared to fight the younger and more experienced fighter Lionel Graves in London’s York Hall. Elba won the bout with a first-round knock-out. And then there are the cars. For Elba they are much more than a passion, they symbolize part of his philosophy of life. In 2015, he broke the Flying Mile speed record with a Bentley Continental GT. In the TV show “Elba vs. Block,” Elba and the famous stunt driver Ken Block challenge each other to perform wild driving maneuvers. “In the end, it’s about facing my fears,” he once said. “Fear rules a large part of our lives. I don’t want to make decisions from a place of fear of the unknown. I want to try things.” And now, years after the much lamented end of the show, there’s a big-screen, feature-length “Luther” movie in the works – the big finale. A complicated hero for complicated times, Idris Elba is also the movie’s executive producer. No release date has been set yet, but one thing’s for certain: We can hardly wait to see it.

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DUA LIPA, pop sensation. At this year’s BRIT Awards, the singer triumphed twice, winning Best British Female Solo Artist and British Album of the Year for “Future Nostalgia.” Instead of canceling concerts due to the pandemic, the London-born daughter of Albanian parents sold tickets to her live-streamed “Studio 2054” show, attracting a record breaking five million viewers. A meteoric career! Inspired by her father, a former musician, the three-time Grammy winner started singing as a little girl. At 15, she put her first videos on YouTube. At 19 she was signed by Warner Records who released her self-titled debut album. The first single, “New Rules,” immediately shot to number one in the U.K. charts and became a break-up anthem promoting female empowerment. A few months later, the video broke a record with a billion (!) views on YouTube, making Dua Lipa the youngest female artist to do so. The secret of her success? Authenticity. “I’m trying to be as much of an open book as possible and give the audience every single piece of me.” Privately, for the past two years, the pop star has been madly in love with Anwar Hadid, brother of supermodels Gigi and Bella.

BEST OF BRITS

No other country seems to export more creativity and talent into the world than the U.K. A portfolio of incredibly gifted personalities and tastemakers who shape our current culture and who all originally took their first steps on the British Isles.

PHOTO: KEVIN WINTER/GETTY IMAGES

WORDS: Michaela Cordes

PHOTO: KEVIN BENNETT/ALAMY STOCK PHOTO

LEWIS HAMILTON, Sir of Speed. Recently knighted by the Queen and winner of seven Formula 1 world champi-

onships, the 36-year-old son of a Caribbean father and an English mother is today regarded as “the best racing driver of our time” (Ralf Schumacher). Born into a modest family, Hamilton grew up in Stevenage, north of London, and pursued his dream from an early age. He was ten years old when he approached the McLaren boss at the time, Ron Dennis, who offered him a place on his team’s training program. Thirteen years later Hamilton became the youngest F1 world champion. Hamilton is also deeply admired by his fans for his personality off the tracks: After the killing of George Floyd, and as the only Black F1 driver, he started taking the knee before races and called on other drivers to join him. Time Magazine subsequently celebrated him in their “Most Influential People of 2020” issue. But the racing super star also uses his celebrity for matters like the environment, veganism and his own struggles with mental health, which he shares with his 22 million Instagram followers: “Showing your vulnerability makes you stronger.”

across the globe: The morning after Oprah Winfrey’s interview with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Sussex-born Piers Morgan, one of the hosts of the daily “Good Morning Britain” breakfast show, commented into the live cameras: “I don’t believe a word she says!” When fellow presenter Alex Beresford called his comments “diabolical,” Morgan stormed out of the studio. The consequences: After a protesting call by Meghan Markle to the owner of the TV channel, Morgan was given an ultimatum: Either apologize publicly – or get fired. Piers Morgan didn’t hestitate – he walked. The outcome? His book “Wake Up – Why the ‘liberal’ war on free speech is even more dangerous than Covid-19” turned into a bestseller, viewers submitted petitions for his return and he has since become the leading figure against “wokeness” and “cancel culture.”

PHOTOS: ROBERT WILSON/CONTOUR BY GETTY IMAGES (1), DARREN GERRISH/GETTY IMAGES (1), WWW.BOTTEGAVENETA.COM (1)

PIERS MORGAN, media enfant terrible. It was a must-see TV moment with a ripple effect

DANIEL LEE, quiet design genius. Raised in Bradford, the son of a mechanic

and a secretary studied at Central Saint Martins and later worked at Donna Karan and Céline. But at Bottega Veneta, his talent exploded, making him world famous. In 2020, just a year after taking over from Tomas Maier, Lee became the youngest designer to win all four major categories at the Fashion Awards: Brand of the Year, Womenswear Designer of the Year, Accessories Designer of the Year and Designer of the Year. Lee's biggest hits so far: The “Pouch” bag and the “Jodie” (pictured here). His latest surprising move: the brand’s sudden and complete withdrawal from all social media channels, setting yet another visionary example for the luxury fashion industry. 53

PHOTO: YUI MOK - POOL/GETTY IMAGES

ANGELA KELLY Royal dress maker, personal assistant, advisor and senior dresser to Queen Elizabeth II. An unusual friendship between two women that began 28 years ago in Berlin with a visit of the Queen to the home of the then British Ambassador to Germany, Sir Christopher Mallaby. At the time, the Liverpool-born daughter of a crane operator and a nurse was working as the housekeeper to the Mallabys. Mentioning that she was planning to move back to the U.K., an offer from the Palace arrived shortly after: to interview for the position of assistant dresser to the Queen. Delighted by the invitation and to be able to afford an appropriate outfit, Kelly sold her washing mashine – and landed the job. Only three years later, a promotion to senior dresser and personal assistant followed. Since then, the divorced 63-year-old mother of three grown-up children has designed some of the most celebrated royal outfits and shared a few very personal experiences, with the consent of Her Majesty, in two books: “Dressing the Queen” and “The Other Side of the Coin.” Angela Kelly: “We are two typical women. We talk about clothes, make-up, jewelry, and ask ‘Does this piece of jewelry look nice with that outfit?’” As close advisor to the Queen, Kelly was also responsible for arranging the monarch’s cameo in the James Bond video clip produced for the opening ceremony of the 2012 Olympic Games in London. The press affectionately call Kelly the “secret sister,” the only member of staff allowed to physically touch the Queen. (Pictured here at a Richard Quinn fashion show, first from the right.)

PHOTOS: ART STREIBER/AUGUST (1), AMY TROOST / TRUNK ARCHIVE (1)

MICHAELA COEL, bold newcomer. At 25, the fearless screenwriter, director and actress received the Alfred Fagon Award – an annual prize for the best new play by a Black British playwright – for her final project at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama entitled “Chewing Gum Dreams.” Based on the monologue of a young woman trying to lose her virginity, she created her first TV show “Chewing Gum”. This summer Coel continued her success with a BAFTA for her stunning 12-episode BBC/HBO show “I May Destroy You”. The plot: The daughter of Ghanaian immigrants, who grew up in East London, deals with a personal experience of sexual assault. When Netflix offered her a million dollars to sign away all intellectual property rights, Coel declined. Time Magazine named her one of the 100 most influential people of 2020.

GORDON RAMSAY The multiple Miche-

lin-star chef experienced the epitome of a ragsto-riches story. Born near Glasgow in 1966, his father battled alcoholism and worked as a swimming pool manager, sometimes as a welder. His mother kept the family and her five children afloat by working as a nurse. After an injury, Ramsay was forced to abandon his dreams of becoming a professional soccer player and started scrubbing pots at an Indian restaurant, later training as a hotel manager. Thirty-six years later, Ramsay is known as one of the wealthiest celebrity chefs in the world, is a father to four children and the owner of more than 43 successful restaurants worldwide, with locations ranging from Singapore to Dubai. His four TV cooking shows (“Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares,” “Hell’s Kitchen”, “Hotel Hell” and “MasterChef”) have made him world famous.

NORMAN FOSTER One of the world’s most in-demand architects since the 1970s, the only son of a factory worker and a waitress was born near Manchester and grew up in Levenshulme, one of the city’s suburbs. Since he was a child, Foster had a passion for all things technical and would spend hours sketching airplanes. At 21, the highly disciplined young man secured a place at Manchester University’s School of Architecture. In addition, he worked as a baker, nightclub bouncer and ice cream seller. In 1961, Yale called, and the young architect relocated to the U.S. where he met Richard Rogers, with whom he and his future wife Wendy Cheeseman went on to found Foster Associates in London in 1967. The company was later renamed Foster + Partners. Today the Pritzker Prize winner is married for the third time and has project offices in 48 countries. In 1990, he was knighted by the Queen, and received the Order of Merit in 1997. So far, the father of four sons has received a total of 360 awards and has won 65 competitions. (Pictured: the future Zayed National Museum in Abu Dhabi.)

PHOTOS: FOSTER + PARTNERS (1), FREDERIC ARANDA (1)

PHOTOS: MATTHIAS VRIENS-MCGRATH/TASCHEN

DAVID HOCKNEY Not only art experts regard the 84-year-old painter born in Bradford as the greatest living artist. When his 1972 painting “Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures)” broke the record as the highest price ever paid for a work by a living artist when auctioned for $90.3 million by Christie’s in 2018, Hockney called the art market “crazy” and said he would have to ignore the prices his works generate, otherwise he would not have any motivation to continue to paint. The son of a working-class family, who swims half an hour every day and is known for his playful charm and cheerful colors, has created more than 8,000 works of art. He currently lives in France and “paints” on his iPad. Last summer, The Royal Academy of Arts in London exhibited 116 of his new works in a show entitled “The Arrival of Spring, Normandy, 2020.” The passionate smoker (“Smoking is good for my mental health”) has an equally happy attitude toward life: “It’s important to laugh every day.” When Hockney was drafted into the military as a young man, he objected and worked as a paramedic in a hospital instead. Having been nominated for a knighthood in 1990, he politely declined, explaining “I really do not care for a fuss.”

SALLY ROONEY Her fans call her the “Salinger for the Snapchat generation” and proudly tuck her books under their arms when posting photos on their social media channels. The Irish writer from Castlebar seems to have made reading books trendy again. Even her first novel (“Conversations with Friends”) garnered ample praise. Zadie Smith raved: “You just can’t believe that it was a debut.” With the publication of her second novel, “Normal People,” the daughter of a mathematics teacher and a telecoms engineer graduated to cult writer status and became the voice of millennials everywhere. Currently, her fans are eagerly awaiting the staunch Marxist’s third novel. The topic of her latest creation? The 30-year-old’s favorite subject, of course: unrequited young love – romance in straightforward, simple sentences.

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SIMON COWELL A TV mogul with an estimated fortune of

$600 million. When news of him falling off his new electric bike went around the world last summer, fans from London to Los Angeles held their breath. Shortly after his six-hour operation, in which the famous bachelor had six metal plates inserted into his back, the native Londoner, son of a ballet dancer and a music industry executive, checked back in on Twitter with his trademark bluntness: “If you buy a new bike, read the instructions!” Ever since, the brutally honest TV host and creator of globally successful talent shows like “Britain’s Got Talent,” “The X Factor,” “America’s Got Talent” and “The X Factor USA” has acquired a new nickname: Terminator. 63

PETER MORGAN While royalists seem to turn up

their noses, media outlets like The New York Times sing Peter Morgan’s praises, claiming he has made the British monarchy relevant again. At this year’s Golden Globes, the fourth season of his creation "The Crown" won the most awards of any show nominated. The Wimbledon-born screenwriter, whose works also include “The Queen” and “Frost/Nixon,” has even been compared to Shakespeare. Like in the works of the 16 century playwright, Morgan’s masterpiece centered around a monarch who deals with political and familial tensions. Morgan: “To me, the characters are avatars. Of course, the show is about the Royal Family – but it’s also somehow about all of us.” Since the start of the Netflix show five years ago, 73 million households around the world have tuned in. The production costs of $260 million so far are more than double what the Royal Family costs British taxpayers every year. Despite the success of his TV show, not much is known about Morgan himself: He is the only son of refugees, his mother was a Polish Catholic, his father a German Jew who died of a heart attack when Morgan was only nine years old. The family spoke German at home. Romantically, the father of five (who was married to Lila Schwarzenberg, daughter of former Czech foreign minister, for 20 year) is in a turbulent relationship with U.S.born actress Gillian Anderson (also pictured here), who was nominated for an Emmy this year for her role as Margaret Thatcher in “The Crown.”

PHOTO: CHARLEY GALLAY/GETTY IMAGES (1)

The wings of change

Rolls-Royce has been a symbol of British elegance since 1904. Now the time-honored brand is setting itself apart on two fronts simultaneously – with a bespoke luxury car and the world’s fastest electric aircraft. WORDS: Silke Bender PHOTOS: Rolls-Royce

Back to the future: By creating every detail of the 5.8-meter-long, ocean-blue Boat Tail according to customers’ wishes, the British carmaker is continuing the tradition of individualized body design that dates back to the very early days of car manufacturing.

“480 kph! With this racing aircraft, we want to demonstrate the technical possibilities and get people enthusiastic about e-viation.”

MATHEU PARR, SPIRIT OF INNOVATION PROGRAM MANAGER AT ROLLS-ROYCE HOLDINGS/ACCEL

The Spirit of Innovation looks set to become the world’s fastest electric aircraft and break previous records by flying for eight minutes at a top speed of 480 kph.

Top: Prince Charles in a Silver Ghost – a very successful model. Below left: the 2021 Boat Tail – a top-notch picnic b asket on wheels. Below right: aviation pioneer Charles Rolls in 1910 on his nonstop flight across the English Channel and back. Facing page: Rolls’ business partner Henry Royce built early electric engines and then cars. Together, they founded Rolls-Royce in 1904.

“We’re seeing bold new displays of eccentricity. You don’t drive a Rolls-Royce if you’re shy.” TORSTEN MÜLLER-ÖTVÖS, CEO OF ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS

ew British brands are as well-known as Rolls-Royce. But the famous name doesn’t stand for luxury cruisers alone. It also belongs to an aircraft component and technology firm, which has been separate from the car manufacturer since 1973. Each of the two companies stands for excellence made in Great Britain.

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The Spirit of Ecstasy, it could be argued, is the world’s most famous hood ornament. Dressed in a billowing garment with her arms outstretched behind her like wings, the Silver Lady has graced every Rolls-Royce car since 1911. She is all that is left connecting the RollsRoyce Boat Tail to previous models. Everything else is different. At first glance, the 5.8-meter-long convertible resembles a yacht built for the road. It boasts lots of maritime features and is painted in nuanced shades of blue that merge into a wooden deck at the rear – resembling a yacht that was built for the road. At the touch of a button, the deck opens like elegant butterfly wings to reveal a hosting suite containing a champagne cooler, compartments for cutlery and crockery, two cocktail tables and two stools. The entire ensemble is topped with a sunshade on a telescopic pole. From its body to its interior fittings, the Boat Tail is entirely custom built, and at 23 million euros, boasts the world’s most expensive price tag for a new car. It was released last May after four years of development. But the Boat Tail isn’t just the priciest car ever launched in the luxury vehicle segment, it also represents the pinnacle of what’s possible in a custom-made car. RollsRoyce wouldn’t divulge the owner’s identity, but the U.K.-based The Telegraph website speculated that it was superstars Jay-Z and Beyoncé. Torsten Müller-Ötvös calls the Boat Tail “the most refined picnic basket on earth.” In a video call, the CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars personally commented on the new Coachbuild division that designs and builds handcrafted cars according to customers’ individual wishes. “Coachbuild is the top of the line when it comes to our brand. Customers should be suited to drive a Rolls-Royce and have a long-standing relationship with us. They should be passionate and prepared to invest the time.” Eccentric cars like this one have been all the rage before, back in the 1960s. Just think of the psychedelic, floral design of John Lennon’s Rolls, the golden model owned by Zsa Zsa Gabor or the glittering silver limousine that Las Vegas showman Liberace turned into

a trademark. But then, for security reasons, the rich and famous stopped driving around in conspicuous cars. Is this era over? “Absolutely,” says Müller-Ötvös. “Among younger people in particular – the average age of our customers is 43 – we’re seeing bold new displays of eccentricity. Most of them are self-made millionaires who have earned their wealth rather than inheriting it. If you drive a Rolls-Royce, you automatically call attention to yourself. There are still very few Black Phantoms on the road. Shy people will buy a different kind of car.” Rolls-Royce, a subsidiary of BMW since 1998, sold 5,152 cars in 2019 – more than ever before. Its workforce increased to over 2,000. German-born Müller-Ötvös, who had previously worked for BMW, joined Rolls-Royce at Goodwood, in southern England, in 2010. “You won’t find this kind of extraordinary artistry and craftsmanship anywhere else in the world, Germany included. This makes it possible for us to cater to individual wishes in the same way as elegant hotels, high-end jewelers, architects and fashion designers do,” says the Düsseldorf native. “And I would call that a typical characteristic of British hospitality. Unlike most Germans, the British tend not to be as rational and deadly serious in their approach but bolder or more eccentric. Rather than setting ourselves up as arbiters of taste, we want to allow our customers, and ourselves, certain freedoms and flights of fancy.” Coachbuild is a return to the beginning of Rolls-Royce’s history, which began in 1904. Unlike other early automakers who made money building car bodies, Charles Rolls and Henry Royce based their success on vehicle frames and engines. Royce was a mechanical genius who loved to tinker with engines while Rolls was patriotic aristocrat who wanted to give England her first make of car, explains Neil Chattle from the Rolls-Royce Heri tage Trust. The first Rolls-Royce built was the Silver Ghost, which soon became known as the world’s quietest and most reliable car. Not long afterwards, Rolls began to take an interest in flying. In 1910, he became the first pilot to cross the English Channel in both directions nonstop, but died in a fatal plane crash at an air show only a few weeks later. Shortly before the onset of World War I, the British government came knocking. Royce was asked to develop engines for the Royal Aircraft Factory. Still traumatized by his partner’s death, he initially refused, but later built the Eagle engine for the Vickers Vimy bomber – the plane that would complete the world’s first transatlantic flight from Newfoundland to Ireland in 1919. Over the years, the aero engine division began to grow in importance. But in 1971, Continued on page 82

PHOTO: JUDE EDGINTON/CONTOUR BY GETTY IMAG

Nick Jones at Shoreditch House club in East London, which opened in 2007 in a former warehouse.

The House Master British entrepreneur Nick Jones has created an empire with his Soho House group: This June, he announced the company’s IPO in New York. Dagmar von Taube has met Jones several times over the past years, learning a lot about the soul of his club – and how to flirt in a dead zone.

PHOTO: SOHO HOUSE

The Main Barn at Soho Farmhouse in the Cotswolds, Oxfordshire: The club opened in 2015.

“Our club provides a space for like-minded people to meet.” NICK JONES

“You can’t explain a club or a restaurant. You have to feel it.” NICK JONES

In 2020, the Soho Roc House opened on Mykonos (left). The Little Beach House Malibu opened in 2016.

T PHOTOS: SOHO HOUSE

he first time I met him was six years ago, in Istanbul, where Nick Jones was opening a Soho House high above the Bosporus. Half of London had flown in for the event. “Would you like coffee? Turkish tea? Or perhaps something to eat?,” asked Nick Jones, welcoming me. “Where would you like to sit – it’s perhaps a bit early for the bar? We could sit on the roof terrace by the pool – you can see all the way to Asia from there!” The man is incredibly congenial, probably because he is so laidback, completely at ease with people and his surroundings. The Soho House founder’s promise to his members is to bring creative people together. At the opening of his London hotel The Ned four years ago, showgirls shimmied up a storm on stage, a jazz band played and there was dancing, drinks, dinner spread out over eleven floors. Jones loves to party. At the interview the next morning, the host was lying across the sofa in the hotel bar until black coffee slowly, very slowly straightened him up. These encounters gave rise to the following conversation. How would you define the essence of a club? Nick Jones: The purpose of a club is to provide a space for like-minded people to meet.

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Wikipedia couldn’t have explained it any better. Could you expand on that a little, Mr. Jones? Please call me Nick. I’m not big on formalities. I’m also not a concept guy. You can’t r eally explain a club or a restaurant. There are rules, of course, people have to behave themselves. But it’s something you just have to have a feel for. Private members’ clubs first started appearing in London to provide spaces where people could keep drinking after the pubs closed. Yes, I started off in 1992 with the Café Boheme in Greek Street in Soho. One room with drinks, snacks and music. People would come in and just stand around socializing. We developed the first Soho House in the same building in 1995. Our formula is quite simple: Eat, drink, sleep – because these will always be people’s p rimary needs, in any city, in any country. From this, the business grew into an international chain of members-only clubs, with 29 club houses in 11 countries today. In 2015, you opened Soho House Istanbul. How does a western-style club fit in with Ottoman traditions and modern-day Turkey? It was the first private members’ club in Turkey to admit both men and women. Of the currently 2,000 local members, roughly 55 percent are women. Istanbul is very open to the West. It really always has been, but it’s more and more noticeable now. Its real estate market is booming and the new airport is one of Europe’s most modern. Istanbul also has a burgeoning startup scene. There are film and music festivals, fashion, an art scene and

Main photo: The Soho Warehouse in Downtown L.A. with its rooftop pool. Top right: a screening room at Soho House Mumbai. Below right: the entrance of Soho House Berlin, opened in 2010.

PHOTOS: SOHO HOUSE

“Our members are individualists who are interested in connecting with other individualists.” NICK JONES

At one point, the building housed the U.S. embassy and was a haunt for secret agents. Oh yes, it was a hive of American intelligence and diplomatic activity. It’s exciting that that old magic still lingers in the rooms, isn’t it? In those days, people dressed to impress. Today, the dress code at your Istanbul club, like at all your locations, is casual only. Why this assault on ties? It’s not an assault. We’re not against suits per se, I myself wear them. I just don’t like suits that make you look stiff. I don’t want a corporate or after-work atmosphere – people who bring the day’s tension-induced sweat to the bar. Imagine six bankers at the bar who come in straight from work, their stress still clinging to them. No, thanks. Or these sales rep types. When there’s ten people all wearing the same outfit, I feel like falling asleep with boredom. I just don’t like clothing hierarchies. Casual looks don’t give an indication about someone’s status, everyone starts off on an equal footing. It makes it easier for people to approach each other. Another of our ideas is to attract creatives: They don’t get changed to go to work. They wear the clothes that give them the most room to think. The shirt you’re wearing is definitely a loose fit, Nick. I just love eating and cooking. I get into a bad mood if I have to force myself into a tight jacket. It’s uncomfortable and just reminds me that I should be eating less. It stops me from focusing on what’s really important. What’s a good casual look? Jeans, polo shirts, espadrilles without socks – that’s what I prefer. I also like wearing shirts, but only untucked. Clothing should not require explanations or excuses. It should look natural. Your New York City club stopped bankers becoming members at one point, and the L.A. location didn’t allow Hollywood agents to join for a while. Who’s your ideal member? We never put restrictions on any professions joining. It’s possible that the membership lists were simply full at those locations at the time. We certainly don’t need show-offs or people who fill the room with hubris. Others arrive with their tribe. A bit like in the schoolyard, they’re only comfortable with their entourage around them. You then end up with two groups on either side of the room and no one dares to approach the other group. We want to attract individuals interested in connecting with other individuals. Easy, open-minded, not forced.

Where would people learn that? In the kitchen! I wasn’t a prodigy in school, but I was a foodie from an early age. When I was 17, I started working in the catering trade, waiting tables, working as a chef. There’s no time for complicated discussions in a steamy kitchen. I always go with my gut feeling, I never analyze. I also wouldn’t serve a dish that can’t be summed up in three words. That’s my universal approach, which I apply to everything, including people.

and designer Alex Eagle.

Your Soho Houses are without doubt very homey. At the same time, their perfect coziness, that drapery-filled, nostalgic, traditional look feels a little manufactured. To some degree, they lack the quality people particularly love about English clubs, their organic quirkiness. It’s possible that the interior design is a bit ornate. Our design team are very keen. I check their work, usually by having them produce a mock-up, which I then review: good, bad, great, so-so, fantastic, out of the question.

Many club concepts are attempting to reimagine work in order to attract the future Elon Musks. Not with a pool, but with co-working spaces. Isn’t that where things are heading? Absolutely. We ourselves have created Soho Work, where our members are able to rent office space at extremely reasonable rates. Such office concepts are not new. New ideas are being developed all the time: clubs that frequently exude all the charm of a laboratory – so, none at all. That’s not my thing. Despite all this digitalization, my face still has a nose, mouth and eyes in it, rather than an electrical socket. We have always wanted to provide comfortable spaces for our members, at fair prices. Our annual Every House membership is 1,910 euros, you can stay in a bedroom for 180 euros a night, plus you can use our gyms and attend our events around the world for free. Members can now make payments with the SH.APP (Soho House app), which they can also use to connect with each other around the world. It’s Soho House in your pocket.

What do hotel rooms have to provide these days? They have to be seductive. Didn’t you think to yourself yesterday: “It’s a pity I’m here by myself”? I was thinking of getting some sleep, actually. That’s relaxing as well, which is the point. I want exactly seven pillows on the bed and real crystal glasses in the minibar. I want a radio on the nightstand, just like at home. People don’t want anonymity, but they also don’t want the room to feel cheap or indecent. They want to feel comfortable. Unobserved. Free. Like they would inside their own four walls. Oh, lighting is important too. Extremely important. The lighting in your rooms is usually a bit on the dark side. Darkness equals intimacy. I’m very shy. Aren’t you, Dagmar? Are you trying to take over the interview? Well, personally, I find the broken English of the Berlin Soho House employees quite amusing. The most successful aspect of the Berlin club is, of course, the building itself. It started off as a Jewish-owned department store, was used by the Nazis as the HQ of the Hitler Youth and after World War II, housed the central committee of the East German Communist Party. Its basement rooms were used for interrogations. How do you approach the history of such a building? With respect. I don’t actually look for buildings, they find us. The Berlin property belongs to The Vinyl Factory, a very successful creative duo from London who also came up with their concept store of the same name under the direction of the London-based creative director

You’ll soon be opening clubs in Paris, Rome and Brighton. This raises the question who will be using these spaces in the future, as more and more activities migrate to online spaces? People will always need to eat, drink and sleep. My thinking is: In the long run, digital nomads will just move into our buildings long-term, because they won’t even know how to boil water anymore.

Four years ago, you opened The Ned, a magnificently opulent hotel in London’s financial district, located, of all places, in an old bank building. How does that tally with your philosophy of informality? I’m not a philosopher, and, as I’ve said before, I make decisions based on my gut instinct. The Ned and the Soho Houses are two completely different concepts. A few years ago I was approached about the old Midland Bank building, which had stood empty for ten years. I went to have a look, just out of courtesy, and instantly fell in love with it: eleven floors, huge halls, 29,000 square meters. Perfect for a hotel. You said you weren’t a fan of preppy, suited types. Were you suddenly reminded of the spending power of that demographic? The idea for this hotel arose from the location. It just made sense to me. Shoreditch with all its creatives is just around the corner, as is Clerkenwell. Financial districts are undergoing exciting changes in many other cities, too, because there is so much international mobility. Continued on page 82

PHOTO: SOHO HOUSE BARCELONA

night life: Istanbul is a rocking place – and you know I never e xaggerate. Our clubs aren’t political. Rules that may still be followed in other parts of T urkey don’t apply at our club. It was a completely new idea and it worked.

Nick Jones, 58, founder and CEO of the Soho House chain, originally started his career as a chef.

NICK JONES

All these items are fun to look at, but are people really still looking for the splendor of a Grand Hotel, in whose dining rooms families of industrialists used to greet each other? Essentially, don’t people just want to check-in and get to their rooms, maybe look out of the panoramic windows, but otherwise remain out of view? That’s right, and we have 800 staff who just blend into the background. That’s the secret! What must a high-end hotel provide today, in a city like London that is used to luxury? We don’t use gimmicky words like “luxury” or

“high-end.” These days, it’s all about relaxing in order to get back into the thick of things. Almost everyone is time-poor. Our idea was to create a kind of racket club: Use the gym, go to the spa, socialize, eat, drink, sleep – everything under one roof. You can get your nails done and then have a drink at The Vault bar, or a swim in the pool where they used to store the gold bars. No interruptions. You’ll find no pretentiousness or stiff upper lips. Why are there nine restaurants and 15 bars in the one lobby? Because The Ned has 250 rooms. We also had to make use of the main banking hall, which wasn’t easy, because of its 92 columns alone. So we were thinking: Let’s create a food park that you can stroll through like a pleasure garden. From Hawaiian poke bowls and the Malibu Kitchen to the French café or the New York-style deli. The cell phone coverage inside the building isn’t the best. Surely that’s an essential for any location these days. The cell phone coverage is atrocious, that’s true. It’s due to the thick masonry. However, that does have its upsides: Flirting is easier in a cell phone dead zone. The minibar contains two types of champagne. The bathroom is also well stocked: 14 kinds of lotion, shower gels and hair products. There are

even condoms. It’s great when there’s enough of everything, isn’t it? Do you also rent out the rooms by the hour? That’s never crossed our minds. Hotel rooms often go unused. There’s an airport not far from The Ned. A quick dash to the hotel, jump in the shower and take a nap in-between f lights. Book and only pay for the time you are actually using the room. Wouldn’t that be a good use of resources? We won’t be doing that. We offer the traditional 24 hours. Everyone is talking about mindfulness and about wanting to live more consciously. People would rather refrain from consuming, but also don’t want to dispense with luxuries. What’s your take on that? For me it is all about balance, I like a bit of everything. We took this idea when we opened Soho Roc House next to Scorpios (Editor’s note: the hippest beach club on Mykonos). I think after becoming known for partying, Mykonos has mellowed out a bit in recent years. We wanted to create a home away from home for our members on the island that offered something for everyone; from wellness, good food and drinks and relaxed social spaces to parties, music events and DJs in the evenings too.

INTERVIEW: DAGMAR VON TAUBE

Continued from page 80

The building and its refit cost 200 million pounds. The interior design is all in the style of the 1920s: 10-meter-tall ceilings, Persian marble, gold wallpaper, seashell-colored velvet. It’s reminiscent of an age in which people still had leisure time. Its current neoclassical, art-deco style was somewhat predetermined by its architect, Sir Edwin “Ned” Lutyens, when he designed the building in 1924. He was one of the star architects of his day. He designed half of New Delhi and many English stately homes. Our design team spend four years sourcing items around the world: the finest crystal from the Czech Republic, vintage furniture from New York’s Plaza Hotel, canopy beds from Java. One of our chandeliers used to hang in Devonshire House.

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Continued from page 71

problems occurred during the development of a new aircraft engine and the entire company went bankrupt. Rolls-Royce was nationalized and the car and aero engine divisions were split into two separate entities. In 1987, Rolls-Royce was reprivatized and subsequently became the successful, broadly diversified leader in aeronautics we know today. Rolls-Royce engines power more than 35 different types of civilian aircraft – including the Boeing and Airbus planes operated by commercial airlines. The company employs more than 45,000 people around the globe and with 10,000 employees working at 14 locations, Germany has the second-largest workforce after the U.K. In Gloucester, in the west of England, Project Manager Matheu Parr is eagerly awaiting for the next milestone in the history of aviation,

which will take place this year: the Spirit of Innovation’s maiden flight. With a top speed of 480 kph, the zero-emission electric racing plane is expected to set a new world record. First, however, the plane will be transported by road to Boscombe Down military airfield. The flight itself will only last eight minutes, which is the maximum the batteries will allow when the plane is going at top speed. “We want this racing airplane to showcase the state of the art, demonstrate the technical possibilities and get people excited about e-viation,” Parr says. But the Spirit of Innovation will do more than display its power. He hopes that the new technology will catapult emission-free aviation to new heights: “We have already equipped 11 different types of commercial aircraft with our electric engines and carried out more than 1,500 test flights,” Parr continues. “Specifically, we’re working with Vertical Aerospace in Bristol on

developing an electric airplane that will seat four passengers. Just like a helicopter, it’ll be able to land with precision in the middle of a city. The plane will be operational starting in 2025 and have a range of roughly 500 kilometers.” The certification process with the European Union’s aviation safety agency EASA is already underway. Soon, the Spirit of Ecstasy will ride into the wind on the hood of an electric car. “We intend to launch a fully electric Rolls-Royce within the decade,” says Torsten Müller-Ötvös. From 2030 onwards, no new cars with combustion or hybrid engines will be allowed on the streets of the U.K. So from one end to the other, the country is preparing for Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s “green industrial revolution” – with Rolls-Royce at the forefront, paving the way. Would you like to know more?

WORDS: SILKE BENDER

ROLLS-ROYCE

PHOTO: PETR MAŠEK

For Rent: Futuristic design meets the rugged nature of California. Welcome to the spectacular Invisible House in the Joshua Tree Desert.

THE FINEST REAL ESTATE WORLDWIDE

Edited by Inken Becker & Christina Libuda. Presented by ENGEL & VÖLKERS. Ad section on pages 88 – 207.

DESERT OASIS

The Invisible House in Joshua Tree, California, truly lives up to its name: its mirrored façade seems to melt into the desert landscape. A unique design vision created by “American Psycho” film producer Chris Hanley. TEXT: Christina Libuda PHOTOS: Petr Mašek

Hidden between colossal rocks and cacti, in the heart of the Mojave Desert, stands the spectacular Invisible House.

“Anyone taking a dip in this pool soon forgets whether they’re inside or outside.” CHRIS HANLEY

Thanks to the dry desert air and a dehumidifier, it never gets damp in the house despite the 96 foot indoor pool.

“This house has been the backdrop for many iconic music videos and film scenes.” CHRIS HANLEY

This stunning residence is available for rent for lavish events or private holidays – for 150,000 US dollars per month or 1,000 US dollars per hour and has been enjoyed by international superstars like Alicia Keys, Demi Lovato or the Chainsmokers who have all spent some time here.

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“Bright bursts of desert colours give a luminous glow to the house.” CHRIS HANLEY

f you look closely, you can just make out the edges of the mirrored Invisible House, which reflects the rich colours and deep shadows of the desert landscape. Arguably the most spectacular property in southern California, its absolute solitude takes the dream of escapist living to a whole other level. Everywhere you look, mile after mile of solid rock and desert sand unfolds like a carpet in front of you. Every now and then a Joshua palm lily rises up from the ground – the species that has given its name to the adjacent Joshua Tree National Park. There is a deafening silence in the air. The sun is scorching hot. In summer, the temperatures here in the Mojave Desert in western North America can soar higher than 54 degrees; in winter, the stony lunar-like landscape is sprinkled with a blanket of snow. These extremes have inspired the Hollywood producer and director Chris Hanley, who has been coming here with his wife Roberta since the 1990s – whenever they need a break from the hustle, bustle and frenzy of the film world. In the winter of 2005, they came across the plot of land on which they went on to build the fabulous Invisible House. Today the estate is 90 acres in size, consisting of two individual plots of 67.5 and 22.5 acres, bordering onto the national park. Hanley recalls photographing the snow-covered scene at the time. “It was cold and beautiful, almost magical,” says the maker of hit films including “American Psycho” and “Buffalo '66”. He still has the photos. The reflections on the house are changing constantly during the day. “If I stand at the edge of the property on an afternoon, I have to look very closely. The house simply disappears into its surroundings,” Mr. Hanley laughs. But once the eye catches sight of the rectangular building’s outline, it is reminiscent of a skyscraper lying on its side. The light-refracting glass frontages are the same as those used for skyscrapers in places like New York and Dubai. Here, in the heart of the Joshua Tree desert, they look like a galactic greeting. “At night it reminds me of the monolith in ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’, appearing as a power-packed gift

ENGEL & VÖLKERS Santa Monica (US) Contact Raymond Dominguez Tel. +1 310 460 2525 E-Mail santamonica@evusa.com

from an alien civilisation,” says the film producer who fine-tuned his original design with architect Tomas Osinski. Hanley’s grandfather was an architect, designing some remarkable Manhattan skyscrapers. He also worked on the 1939/40 World Exhibition, held in Queens with the motto “Building the World of Tomorrow”. Surrounded by private land the size of about 50 football pitches, the desert becomes an ally here. The only neighbours are huge boulders and granite formations, formed some 135 million years ago when molten rock solidified beneath the earth’s surface and was exposed by erosion. “It’s a surreal backdrop and home to desert dwellers including coyotes, mountain lions, rabbits, quail, lizards and turtles,” says Hanley, whose concept for the house was eco-friendly from the outset. The insulating glass serves as thermal and solar protection thanks to low-emission glass technology. The solar system on the roof and a water heating system make the house entirely self-sufficient. A Herculean steel construction along the ceiling creates an upward limit to the 5,490 ft² living space. Smooth concrete floors contrast with the dusty desert ground – and yet it feels as though the boundaries between inside and outside are merging into one. In contrast to the awe-inspiring natural scenery, the interior is minimalist in the extreme. XXL sofas stand alongside inviting designer tables. The open plan Boffi kitchen can easily handle larger events. Situated in the middle of the house there are three bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and an additional fourth full bathroom divided by white walls – there are only sliding mirrored glass doors in the house. Details like a glass bed frame or the free-standing glass shower are entirely in keeping with the aesthetics of the house. There is no art on the walls. Despite the fact that Hanley worked with and collects some of the world’s leading contemporary artists and friends in the 1980s, including Damien Hirst, Edward Ruscha, Roy Lichtenstein, in addition to his friends Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring. This period in Hanley's life has trained his eye for the essential. Like the 96-foot long indoor pool. “It would just be too hot outside,” says Hanley. The glass frontage can be opened along the western elevation on both ends, to allow the outdoors in. For entertaining bigger groups the 720 ft² guesthouse also with Boffi kitchen and bathroom serves as a welcoming addition to this stunning property.

California, United States of America FOR RENT USD 150,000 per month, USD 6,000 per day bespoke concierge with staff, USD 1,000 per hour for productions for fashion, music, events Interior approx. 6,210 ft² Land approx. 90 acres E&V ID AM-201307

Engel & Völkers Santa Monica – 1123 Montana Avenue – Santa Monica, CA 90403 / Real estate company – Licence Partner of Engel & Völkers Americas, Inc.

Beverly Hills

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Modern Spanish-Style Estate on the Famous Mulholland Corridor

California, United States of America Price USD 12.5 mill. Interior approx. 1,007 m² Land approx. 4,058 m²

ENGEL & VÖLKERS Beverly Hills (US) Local Tel. +44 204 525 6536 E-mail teresa.stuart@engelvoelkers.com

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Park City

Villa del Alce – European-Style Estate in the Premiere Gated Community of the Promontory Ranch Club

Utah, United States of America Price USD 9.7 mill. Interior approx. 1,146 m² Land approx. 1.53 ha

ENGEL & VÖLKERS Park City (US) Local Tel. +44 204 525 6536 E-mail teresa.stuart@engelvoelkers.com

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Coral Gables

Beautiful Renovation on a Historic Waterfront Estate in Cocoplum

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Florida, United States of America Price USD 6.5 mill. Interior approx. 4,624 ft² Land approx. 15,000 ft²

ENGEL & VÖLKERS Miami Coconut Grove (US) Local Tel. +44 204 525 6536 E-mail teresa.stuart@engelvoelkers.com

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New York City

Masterpiece Created by the Japanese Artist Hiroshi Sugimoto High Above Park Avenue

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ENGEL & VÖLKERS New York City MMC (US) Local Tel. +44 204 525 6536 E-mail teresa.stuart@engelvoelkers.com

New York City, United States of America Price USD 135 mill. Interior approx. 748 m² No. of rooms 10

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Luxury Ocean Oasis on the Saanich Peninsula

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Victoria

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ENGEL & VÖLKERS Victoria Oak Bay (CA) Local Tel. +44 204 525 6536 E-mail teresa.stuart@engelvoelkers.com

British Columbia, Canada Price CAD 22.75 mill. Interior approx. 13,000 ft² Land approx. 5.62 acres

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Whistler

Stunning Property on Blackcomb Mountain

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British Columbia, Canada Price CAD 13.888 mill. Interior approx. 483 m² Land approx. 2,306 m²

ENGEL & VÖLKERS Whistler (CA) Local Tel. +44 204 525 6536 E-mail teresa.stuart@engelvoelkers.com

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ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE IS NOT AVAILABLE – ENERGY SOURCE: CENTRAL HEATING – YEAR OF CONSTRUCTION: 2017

Mesinnia

Villa Costa – Supreme Luxury in Village Surroundings

Peloponnese, Greece Price EUR 1.28 mill. Interior approx. 230 m² Land approx. 6,300 m²

ENGEL & VÖLKERS London (GB) Tel. +44 204 525 6536 E-mail teresa.stuart@engelvoelkers.com

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Patmos

The Distinguished Living in Fabulous Scenery on the Villa Diamond Estate

ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE IS NOT AVAILABLE – ENERGY SOURCE: CENTRAL HEATING – YEAR OF CONSTRUCTION: 2006

Dodecanese Islands, Greece Price EUR 2.1 mill. Interior approx. 278 m² Land approx. 6,397 m²

ENGEL & VÖLKERS London (GB) Tel. +44 204 525 6536 E-mail teresa.stuart@engelvoelkers.com

EV UK Brokerage Limited – 16 Berkeley Street – London W1J 8DZ / Real estate company Licence Partner of Engel & Völkers Residential GmbH

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ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE IS NOT AVAILABLE – YEAR OF CONSTRUCTION: 2020 – ENERGY EFFICIENCY CLASS: A

Mykonos

Luxurious Villa Boasting Breathtaking Sea Views

Cyclades Islands, Greece Price EUR 7 mill. Interior approx. 710 m² Land approx. 1,000 m²

ENGEL & VÖLKERS London (GB) Tel. +44 204 525 6536 E-mail teresa.stuart@engelvoelkers.com

EV UK Brokerage Limited – 16 Berkeley Street – London W1J 8DZ / Real estate company Licence Partner of Engel & Völkers Residential GmbH

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ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE IS NOT AVAILABLE – ENERGY SOURCE: CENTRAL HEATING – YEAR OF CONSTRUCTION: 1998

Mykonos

Villa Boheme – Situated on the Southeast Side of the Island

Cyclades Islands, Greece Price EUR 2.6 mill. Interior approx. 350 m² Land approx. 7,000 m²

ENGEL & VÖLKERS London (GB) Tel. +44 204 525 6536 E-mail teresa.stuart@engelvoelkers.com

EV UK Brokerage Limited – 16 Berkeley Street – London W1J 8DZ / Real estate company Licence Partner of Engel & Völkers Residential GmbH

115

ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE IS NOT AVAILABLE – ENERGY SOURCE: OIL – YEAR OF CONSTRUCTION: 1985

Majorca

Beautiful Manor House Surrounded by Charming Countryside in Búger

Balearic Islands, Spain Price EUR 4.25 mill. Interior approx. 492 m² Land approx. 5.84 ha

ENGEL & VÖLKERS London (GB) Tel. +44 204 525 6536 E-mail teresa.stuart@engelvoelkers.com

EV UK Brokerage Limited – 16 Berkeley Street – London W1J 8DZ / Real estate company Licence Partner of Engel & Völkers Residential GmbH

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Majorca

A Traditional-Style Gem with Sea Views in Deià

ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE IS NOT AVAILABLE

Balearic Islands, Spain Price EUR 9.5 mill. Interior approx. 550 m² Land approx. 3.04 ha

ENGEL & VÖLKERS London (GB) Tel. +44 204 525 6536 E-mail teresa.stuart@engelvoelkers.com

EV UK Brokerage Limited – 16 Berkeley Street – London W1J 8DZ / Real estate company Licence Partner of Engel & Völkers Residential GmbH

119

ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE IS NOT AVAILABLE

Majorca

Exceptional Designer Villa with Sea Views in Son Vida

Balearic Islands, Spain Price EUR 65 mill. Interior approx. 2,300 m² Land approx. 4,250 m²

ENGEL & VÖLKERS London (GB) Tel. +44 204 525 6536 E-mail teresa.stuart@engelvoelkers.com

EV UK Brokerage Limited – 16 Berkeley Street – London W1J 8DZ / Real estate company Licence Partner of Engel & Völkers Residential GmbH

121

ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE: ENERGY CONSUMPTION CERTIFICATE/ TOTAL FINAL ENERGY CONSUMPTIONENERGY 94 kWh/m²a – ENERGY SOURCE: OIL – YEAR OF CONSTRUCTION: 2009 – ENERGY EFFICIENCY CLASS: D

Majorca

Loft-Style Residence at Foot of the Tramuntana Mountains in Moscari

Balearic Islands, Spain Price EUR 1.995 mill. Interior approx. 460 m² Land approx. 1.42 ha

ENGEL & VÖLKERS London (GB) Tel. +44 204 525 6536 E-mail teresa.stuart@engelvoelkers.com

EV UK Brokerage Limited – 16 Berkeley Street – London W1J 8DZ / Real estate company Licence Partner of Engel & Völkers Residential GmbH

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ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE IS NOT AVAILABLE – ENERGY SOURCE: CENTRAL HEATING – YEAR OF CONSTRUCTION: 2018

Marbella

Modern Masterpiece on Marbella‘s Golden Mile

Andalusia, Spain Price EUR 5.995 mill. Interior approx. 648 m² Land approx. 2,091 m²

ENGEL & VÖLKERS London (GB) Tel. +44 204 525 6536 E-mail teresa.stuart@engelvoelkers.com

EV UK Brokerage Limited – 16 Berkeley Street – London W1J 8DZ / Real estate company Licence Partner of Engel & Völkers Residential GmbH

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Cap d'A ntibes

PHOTOS: © 3 MILLE – ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE IS NOT AVAILABLE

Magnificent Estate with Elegance in a Prime Waterfront Setting

Côte dʼAzur, France Price EUR 29 mill. Interior approx. 667 m² Land approx. 8,200 m²

ENGEL & VÖLKERS London (GB) Tel. +44 204 525 6536 E-mail teresa.stuart@engelvoelkers.com

EV UK Brokerage Limited – 16 Berkeley Street – London W1J 8DZ / Real estate company Licence Partner of Engel & Völkers Residential GmbH

127

PHOTOS: © AV PHOTOGRAPHIE – ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE IS NOT AVAILABLE – ENERGY EFFICIENCY CLASS: C

La Croix-Valmer

Fabulous Residence Catering to Every Whim of Luxury Living

Côte dʼAzur, France Price EUR 6.85 mill. Interior approx. 500 m² Land approx. 5,400 m²

ENGEL & VÖLKERS London (GB) Tel. +44 204 525 6536 E-mail teresa.stuart@engelvoelkers.com

EV UK Brokerage Limited – 16 Berkeley Street – London W1J 8DZ / Real estate company Licence Partner of Engel & Völkers Residential GmbH

129

PHOTOS: LAURENT MEESEMAECKER – ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE IS NOT AVAILABLE – YEAR OF CONSTRUCTION: 1900 – ENERGY EFFICIENCY CLASS: C

Agay

Exclusive Waterfront Villa in Saint-Raphaël

Côte d‘Azur, France Price on request Interior approx. 324 m² Land approx. 1,150 m²

ENGEL & VÖLKERS London (GB) Tel. +44 204 525 6536 E-mail teresa.stuart@engelvoelkers.com

EV UK Brokerage Limited – 16 Berkeley Street – London W1J 8DZ / Real estate company Licence Partner of Engel & Völkers Residential GmbH

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Saint-Tropez

Beautifully Renovated Villa with Pool in the Centre of the Town

Côte dʼAzur, France Price EUR 8.9 mill. Interior approx. 400 m² Land approx. 869 m²

ENGEL & VÖLKERS London (GB) Tel. +44 204 525 6536 E-mail teresa.stuart@engelvoelkers.com

EV UK Brokerage Limited – 16 Berkeley Street – London W1J 8DZ / Real estate company Licence Partner of Engel & Völkers Residential GmbH

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Sarteano

Luxury Villa with Sensational Far-Reaching Views in Valdorcia

ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE IS NOT AVAILABLE

ENGEL & VÖLKERS London (GB) Tel. +44 204 525 6536 E-mail teresa.stuart@engelvoelkers.com

Tuscany, Italy Price EUR 5.85 mill. Interior approx. 640 m² Land approx. 20,000 m²

EV UK Brokerage Limited – 16 Berkeley Street – London W1J 8DZ / Real estate company Licence Partner of Engel & Völkers Residential GmbH

135

ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE: FINAL ENERGY CONSUMPTION 57.06 kWh/m²a – ENERGY SOURCE: GAS/SOLAR – YEAR OF CONSTRUCTION: 2016 – ENERGY EFFICIENCY RATING: B

Panicale

Prestigious Villa in Beautiful Grounds with Outdoor Pool & Olive Grove

ENGEL & VÖLKERS London (GB) Tel. +44 204 525 6536 E-mail teresa.stuart@engelvoelkers.com

Umbria, Italy Price on request Interior approx. 585 m² Land approx. 24.8 ha

EV UK Brokerage Limited – 16 Berkeley Street – London W1J 8DZ / Real estate company Licence Partner of Engel & Völkers Residential GmbH

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Porto Cervo

ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE IS NOT AVAILABLE

Rare & Prestigious Waterfront Estate in Liscia di Vacca

Sardinia, Italy Price EUR 26.5 mill. Interior approx. 350 m² Land approx. 2,000 m²

ENGEL & VÖLKERS London (GB) Tel. +44 204 525 6536 E-mail teresa.stuart@engelvoelkers.com

EV UK Brokerage Limited – 16 Berkeley Street – London W1J 8DZ / Real estate company Licence Partner of Engel & Völkers Residential GmbH

139

ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE IS NOT AVAILABLE – ENERGY SOURCE: GAS – YEAR OF CONSTRUCTION: 1951

Lucerne

Prestigious Period Residence Above the Old Town of Lucerne

ENGEL & VÖLKERS London (GB) Tel. +44 204 525 6536 E-mail teresa.stuart@engelvoelkers.com

Lucerne, Switzerland Price on request Interior approx. 522 m² Land approx. 755 m²

EV UK Brokerage Limited – 16 Berkeley Street – London W1J 8DZ / Real estate company Licence Partner of Engel & Völkers Residential GmbH

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Oberägeri

Impressive Lakefront Residence with a Guesthouse & Boathouse

ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE IS NOT AVAILABLE – YEAR OF CONSTRUCTION: 2010

Zug, Switzerland Price on request Interior approx. 433 m² Land approx. 1,733 m²

ENGEL & VÖLKERS London (GB) Tel. +44 204 525 6536 E-mail teresa.stuart@engelvoelkers.com

EV UK Brokerage Limited – 16 Berkeley Street – London W1J 8DZ / Real estate company Licence Partner of Engel & Völkers Residential GmbH

143

Binningen

State-of-the-Art Yet Timeless Masterpiece with Exclusive Design Details Throughout

ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE IS NOT AVAILABLE – ENERGY SOURCE: GEOTHERMAL ENERGY – YEAR OF CONSTRUCTION: 2015

Basel, Switzerland Price on request Interior approx. 700 m² Land approx. 2,841 m²

ENGEL & VÖLKERS London (GB) Tel. +44 204 525 6536 E-mail teresa.stuart@engelvoelkers.com

EV UK Brokerage Limited – 16 Berkeley Street – London W1J 8DZ / Real estate company Licence Partner of Engel & Völkers Residential GmbH

145

Brione

Modern Villa with Fantastic Lake Views & Privacy

ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE IS NOT AVAILABLE – ENERGY SOURCE: HEAT PUMP – YEAR OF CONSTRUCTION: 2012

Ticino, Switzerland Price on request Interior approx. 500 m² Land approx. 3,320 m²

ENGEL & VÖLKERS London (GB) Tel. +44 204 525 6536 E-mail teresa.stuart@engelvoelkers.com

EV UK Brokerage Limited – 16 Berkeley Street – London W1J 8DZ / Real estate company Licence Partner of Engel & Völkers Residential GmbH

147

HafenCity

New Heights of Luxury Waterfront Living – Exclusive Penthouse in the STRANDHAUS

VISUALISATION: BUCHER/PREXEL, CHRISTOPH BENDER, POLIFORM HAMBURG – ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE: ENERGY REQUIREMENT CERTIFICATE/TOTAL FINAL ENERGY REQUIREMENT 39 kWh/m²a – ENERGY SOURCE: DISTRICT HEATING – YEAR OF CONSTRUCTION: 2018 – ENERGY EFFICIENCY CLASS: A

Hamburg, Germany Price EUR 5.95 mill. Interior approx. 320 m² No. of rooms 5

ENGEL & VÖLKERS London (GB) Tel. +44 204 525 6536 E-mail teresa.stuart@engelvoelkers.com

EV UK Brokerage Limited – 16 Berkeley Street – London W1J 8DZ / Real estate company Licence Partner of Engel & Völkers Residential GmbH

149

Berlin

JOUX. Multi-Faceted Living in a Building as Enticing as a Diamond – The Vision of Brandlhuber+ Muck Petzet Architects

VISUALISATIONS: XOIO & BLOOMIMAGES – ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE: ENERGY REQUIREMENT CERTIFICATE/TOTAL FINAL ENERGY REQUIREMENT 53.1 kWh/m²a – ENERGY SOURCE: DISTRICT HEATING – YEAR OF CONSTRUCTION: 2020 – 2023 – ENERGY EFFICIENCY CLASS: B

Berlin, Germany Price from EUR 976,000 Interior approx. 61 – 108 m² No. of rooms 1 – 2

ENGEL & VÖLKERS London (GB) Tel. +44 204 525 6536 E-mail teresa.stuart@engelvoelkers.com

EV UK Brokerage Limited – 16 Berkeley Street – London W1J 8DZ / Real estate company Licence Partner of Engel & Völkers Residential GmbH

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ADDRESSES GG 4/21

LAST MINUTE

IDRIS ELBA BEST OF BRITS

The nights are drawing in, cozy days are coming. As the leaves turn russet and gold, we’ve got the perfect accessories for you.

THE ENGEL & VÖLKERS MAGAZINE

ROLLS-ROYCE

MAN page 30 BETHAN GRAY,

NICK JONES

www.bethangray.com THE COOL BRIT ISSUE

SINGAPORE

Boundless creativity and traditional values with a dose of quirkiness. Why the UK continues to be so damn attractive – regardless of Brexit.

IDRIS ELBA

The Londoner who took Hollywood by storm

DUA LIPA, PETER MORGAN, SALLY ROONEY … International tastemakers – made in the U.K.

NICK JONES

His members’ club Soho House is going public

No. 4/21

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER / NOVEMBER

Spain 8.20 EUR

CREDITS PHOTO:

Charlie Gray / Trunk Archive

www.burberry.com

FLOS,

www.flos.com

HUNTER,

www.hunterboots.com

LONDON UNDERCOVER, www.londonundercover.co.uk

PAUL SMITH,

www.paulsmith.com

TWININGS,

www.twinings.com

VIVIENNE WESTWOOD,

www.viviennewestwood.com

WELCOME EDITORIAL page 10 HARPERCOLLINS,

www.harpercollins.co.uk

PLAYGROUND

BOOKS page 32 ASSOULINE, www.assouline.com

GESTALTEN, TASCHEN,

www.taschen.com

COOL CITY page 20

AT HOME

www.marinabaysands.com

IDRIS ELBA,

MARINA BAY SANDS,

SRI MARIAMMAN TEMPLE, www.smt.org.sg

ARTSCIENCE MUSEUM, www.marinabaysands.com/museum

CLOUD FOREST,

www.gardensbythebay.com.sg

ART & DESIGN page 22 ANYA HINDMARCH,

www.anyahindmarch.com

ATLANTIS – THE PALM www.atlantis.com/dubai

INTERVIEW page 24

SACHA JAFRI,

www.humanity-inspired.com

NEWS FROM THE CEO page 26

IDRIS ELBA page 36 www.imdb.com/name/nm0252961

BEST OF BRITS page 48

DANIEL LEE,

www.daniellee.com

DAVID HOCKNEY, www.hockney.com

DUA LIPA,

www.dualipa.com

FOSTER + PARTNERS,

www.fosterandpartners.com

GORDON RAMSAY,

www.gordonramsay.com

LEWIS HAMILTON,

www.lewishamilton.com

MICHAELA COEL,

www.imdb.com/name/nm3948190

PETER MORGAN,

NOBU HOTEL ATLANTA,

www.imdb.com/name/nm0604948

OASIA HOTEL DOWNTOWN,

www.officialpiersmorgan.com

www.nobuhotels.com/hotel-collection/atlanta www.oasiahotels.com/singapore/hotels/oasiahotel-downtown

WOMAN page 28 AJOTO,

www.ajoto.com

ALIGHIERI,

www.alighieri.co.uk

ANYA HINDMARCH,

www.anyahindmarch.com

BURBERRY,

www.burberry.com

DAKS, www.daks.com ERDEM, www.erdem.com PINKY LAING, www.pinkylaing.com

STELLA MCCARTNEY,

www.stellamccartney.com

TOOGOOD,

www.t-o-o-g-o-o-d.com

www.gestalten.com

PIERS MORGAN, SALLY ROONEY,

www.amazon.de/Sally-Rooney/e/B0728M X7PS%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share

SIMON COWELL,

www.simoncowellonline.com

ROLLS-ROYCE page 66

ROLLS-ROYCE,

www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com

NICK JONES page 72

NICK JONES,

www.sohohouse.com

1 Table “NVL,” POR, www.jeannouveldesign.fr 2 Ring “Cama,” € 199, www.marjanavonberlepsch.com 3 Pendant “India Leaf Medium Onyx Black,” € 850, www.tamaracomolli.com 4 Sculpture “Mano Trionfo Italiano,“ € 695, www.ginori1735.com 5 Tapestry “Bars n’ Stripes,” POR, www.diedrickbrackens.com

PERSONAL page 154 HEATHERWICK STUDIO,

www.heatherwick.com

MAGGIE’S CENTRE, www.maggies.org

152

www.gg-magazine.com

WORDS: STEFFI KAMMERER; PHOTOS: MARJANAVONBERLEPSCH.COM (1), GINORI1735.COM (1), DIEDRICKBRACKENS.COM (1)

THE FINEST REAL ESTATE WORLDWIDE

ROLLS-ROYCE

The established luxury carmaker takes to the skies

BURBERRY,

MASTHEAD

is published four times a year by GRUND GENUG Verlag und Werbe GmbH PUBLISHING COMPANY GRUND GENUG Verlag und Werbe GmbH, Vancouverstraße 2a, 20457 Hamburg, Germany, represented by Managing Directors Sven Odia and Mirko Hewecker EDITORIAL OFFICE Vancouverstraße 2a, 20457 Hamburg, Germany, Tel. +49 40 36 13 11 40, Fax +49 40 36 13 11 44, info@gg-magazine.com, www.gg-magazine.com PUBLISHER Christian Völkers EDITORIAL TEAM International & Local Editor-in-Chief Michaela Cordes michaela.cordes@gg-magazine.com Senior Editor STEFFI KAMMERER steffi.kammerer@gg-magazine.com Head of Design MARIA MUNDT maria.mundt@gg-magazine.com Managing Editor ALEXANDER HALTER alexander.halter@gg-magazine.com Junior Art Director MONG TING ZHU mongting.zhu@gg-magazine.com Head of Playground section CHRISTINA LIBUDA christina.libuda@gg-magazine.com Layout Local ANNA GEHRMANN-PHILIPPI anna.gehrmann-philippi@gg-magazine.com Editorial Coordinator & Online Management JANINA REEGER janina.reeger@gg-magazine.com Translation & Proofreading (Editorial & Real Estate) Caroline Rott (ES), Susana Silva Ollet (ES), Catherine B. Fischer (FR), Marie-Christine Fischer (FR), Rachel Kretz (EN), Robert Smales (EN), Katja Iseler (IT), Jan Willem Papo (NL), Alex Valk (NL) & Lektornet GmbH Contributors to this issue Uta Abendroth, Christian Aust, Silke Bender, Christoph Fischer, Gerald Gohler, Mariko Obermeier, Asia Orlando, Fiona Sangster, Dagmar von Taube Responsible as defined by German press law Michaela Cordes, Vancouverstraße 2a, 20457 Hamburg, Germany ADVERTISING

Responsible for advertising HABIB FEROGH, Tel. +49 170 227 16 38 habib.ferogh@gg-magazine.com Advertising National MONIKA SCHIFFMANN, Tel. +49 172 646 16 66 monika.schiffmann@engelvoelkers.com, FELICIA HÄHNER, Tel +49-174 81 36 025 felicia.haehner@gg-magazine.com KLAUS RIEMENSCHNEIDER, Tel. +49 172 491 20 58 klaus.riemenschneider@gg-magazine.com Benelux DEBORAH UBACHS AND ERIK MOOIBROEK, Tel. +31 65100 7334 info@salesexpertise.nl UK, USA, Spain, Turkey, Middle East CHRISTIAN CECCHI, Tel. +44 7825 570434 christian@marwoodmedia.com, RUPERT TURNBULL, +44 (0)7984 026705 rupert@marwoodmedia.com Assistance Media Sales HELENA MICHALKE, Tel. +49 40 36 13 11 55 helena.michalke@gg-magazine.com REAL ESTATE ADVERTISING PRESENTED BY ENGEL & VÖLKERS International & Local Global Head of Real Estate Ads INKEN BECKER inken.becker@gg-magazine.com Layout Classic Local ANNA GEHRMANN-PHILIPPI anna.gehrmann-philippi@gg-magazine.com Assistance Classic JENNIFER GRAUBAUM jennifer.graubaum@gg-magazine.com

Layout Advertorial ANNA GEHRMANN-PHILIPPI anna.gehrmann-philippi@gg-magazine.com Coordination New Home CHRISTINA LIBUDA christina.libuda@gg-magazine.com Assistance Classic LEONIC-SOPHIE MEYER leonic-sophie.meyer@gg-magazine.com

GG Hamburg Publishers NICLAS GYLLENSVÄRD, PHILIP BONHOEFFER AND LENA SOYKE Advertising & Coordination RACHEL STERN rachel.stern@engelvoelkers.com NADINE WILBRANDT nadine.wilbrandt@engelvoelkers.com

GG Berlin Publishers CHRISTIAN VÖLKERS, RACKHAM F. SCHRÖDER* AND NICOLAS JEISSING* Advertising Manager RACKHAM F. SCHRÖDER rackham.schroeder@engelvoelkers.com Advertising & Coordination ANKE FORTKAMP anke.fortkamp@engelvoelkers.com *Managing directors of Engel & Völkers Commercial Berlin GmbH & Co. KG

GG Madrid Publisher ÓSCAR LARREA oscar.larrea@engelvoelkers.com Marketing Manager ELENA CISNEROS elena.cisneros@engelvoelkers.com

GG Rome Publisher HELIO CORDEIRO TEIXEIRA Advertising & Coordination BENEDETTA BONOLIS benedetta.bonolis@engelvoelkers.com

GG Barcelona Publisher ORIOL CANAL Marketing Manager OLGA MASRIERA olga.masriera@engelvoelkers.com

GG Munich/Kitzbühel Publishers FLORIAN FREYTAG-GROSS, FLORIAN HOFER AND MARIA RAUSCHER Advertising & Coordination BARBARA WEGER barbara.weger@engelvoelkers.com

SALES International & Local Global Head of Administration Management INKEN BECKER inken.becker@gg-magazine.com Administration Manager JENNIFER GRAUBAUM jennifer.graubaum@gg-magazine.com Assistance LEONIC-SOPHIE MEYER leonic-sophie.meyer@gg-magazine.com IPS Pressevertrieb Hamburg GmbH, Nordendstraße 2, D-64546 Mörfelden-Walldorf, Tel. +49 6105 975 06 25, vertrieb@ips.de PrimaNeo GmbH & Co. KG, Postfach 10 40 40, D-20027 Hamburg, Tel. +49 40 23 67 03 04, Fax +49 40 23 67 03 01, grundgenug@primaneo.de PRODUCTION MICHAELA MÖLLENBECK moellenbeck@bertheau-druck.de, INKEN BECKER inken.becker@gg-magazine.com, ALEXANDER HALTER alexander.halter@gg-magazine.com Digital Prepress BERTHEAU DRUCK GMBH, info@bertheau-druck.de, Tel. +49 4321 952 67 60 PRINT International & Local NEEF + STUMME GmbH, Burchardstraße 13, D-20095 Hamburg, Tel. +49 40 37 84 50, Fax +49 40 70 70 99 70 USA KPC-NY dba Dual Print and Mail, 340 Nagel Drive, Cheektowaga, NY, 14225, Tel. +1 71 66 84 38 25, Fax +1 71 66 84 38 28 SUBSCRIPTIONS International An annual subscription of four issues costs € 43 in South Africa and the U.S., € 32 in Europe and € 24 in Germany. Subscriptions will be renewed for a further year unless cancelled in writing six weeks prior to expiry. Reproduction of any content requires written permission from the publisher. Care has been taken to produce this magazine with as much accuracy as possible, but no liability shall be accepted for factual errors, inaccuracies or misprints should they occur. Furthermore, no liability shall be accepted for the accuracy or completeness of property descriptions and specifications as these are not produced in-house. Nor shall liability be accepted for n on-availability of properties featured in this magazine. A commission shall be charged on all properties with the exception of those marked with a "P." ISSN 0941-5203, GG · No. 4/21 · 33rd year MANAGEMENT Sven Odia, Mirko Hewecker

The next issue of GG comes out December 3, 2021 www.gg-magazine.com

153

PERSONAL

Green Oasis

On the otherwise austere premises of St James’s University Hospital in the U.K. city of Leeds, a green oasis of hope has sprung up. Lush vegetation adorns the rooftops of the Maggie’s care center for cancer patients, which was newly built on the hospital grounds in 2019. It’s the 26th center to be opened by the Maggie’s foundation, a British charity that advises and cares for cancer patients, and offers practical and emotional support. The center is housed in remarkable structures created by the London-based architectural firm Heatherwick Studio. Its organic design focuses on the soothing power of nature, making this new Maggie’s a very peaceful and inviting place to visit. The center consists of three separate buildings conceived to resemble oversized planters sitting on sturdy, ribbed timber bases. The light-colored facade made of sustainably sourced spruce fits in naturally and harmoniously with the surrounding greenery – the work of landscape architects Balston A gius. Evergreens and native shrubs from local forests ensure that the luxuriant gardens remain verdant even in the winter. Inside, the center’s the lime plastered walls are also lined with plants, and the design of the cork and beechwood tables echoes the curved, flowing lines of the buildings’ architecture. In both the lounge and the exercise room, floorto-ceiling glass walls draw your gaze into the lush gardens.

Star designer Thomas Heatherwick developed the Maggie’s center in Leeds. Would you like to know more?

154

www.gg-magazine.com

The latest M aggie’s center is a peaceful sanctuary for cancer p atients that draws on the h ealing power of nature.

Introducing Arc

Brilliant sound in 3D Bring all your entertainment to life with the premium smart soundbar for TV, movies, music, and more, featuring Dolby Atmos.

S P O R T S C A R F E E L I N G F O R T H E W R I S T. FOR ANY TIME ZONE IN THE WORLD. The 1919 Globetimer UTC brings the sports car feeling to the wrist of business travellers around the globe. Derived from the simple and efficient functionality of the Porsche dual-clutch transmission, the time zone display can be adjusted in one-hour increments without losing the running time display – and all with the simple push of a button. Available for the first time in puristic all-black, the 1919 Globetimer UTC inspires with its innovative functionality and optimal readability.

1919 GLOBETIMER UTC

porsche-design.com/1 9 1 9GlobetimerUTC

Porsche 911 Targa 4S: NEDC: Fuel consumption (in l/100 km) urban 15.0–13.3 · extra-urban 8.0–7.6 · combined 10,3–9.9; CO₂ emissions (in g/km) combined 235–227 WLTP: Fuel consumption (in l/100 km) combined 11.1–10.4; CO₂ emissions (in g/km) combined 253–236; Status 07/2021