Summer 2015

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LIFESTYLE LUXURY OFFERINGS FROM THE WORLD’S BEST BRANDS y ROAD WORTHY The allure of classic design becomes even more irresistible when combined with discreet and innovative technology. Take the new Fuoriserie bicycle from luxury-automobile manufacturers Pininfarina, for example (from £6,450). Design-wise, its sleek shape is inspired by the tailor-made cars produced by the brand in the 1930s. Brought to fruition by bespoke bicycle-makers 43 Milano, the frame is made from lightweight chromed-steel tubes and coated with highly polished walnut briar-root. The handlebars and seat are decorated with cross-woven leather, in homage to the seat backs in the 1936 Lancia Astura Bocca car. And that’s where the vintage qualities end. Innovative features such as an LED lighting system and a pedal-powered mobile-phone charger are both practical draws, but perhaps the Fuoriserie’s most considered touch is the barely noticeable mini electric engine that takes the sting out of uphill stretches – ensuring that, when the admiring heads turn, you’ll appear just as cool and well-composed as your ride. pininfarina.com

x PRINTS CHARMING A splash of scarlet among the whitewash and terracotta of the breathtaking Italian coastal town of Positano, the tasteful and sumptuously decorated Le Sirenuse hotel encapsulates the luxury Amalfi lifestyle. Its store, Emporio Sirenuse, offers a painstakingly sourced range of fashion, accessories and homeware goods, all either hand-selected or produced by its owner, Carla Paravicini Sersale. So it’s hardly surprisingly, then, that it should collaborate with an equally renowned arbiter of taste, the luxury textile and print designer once placed among the world’s top-10 best-dressed women by Vanity Fair: Allegra Hicks. Over lunch with Sersale two years ago, Hicks casually played with the Sirenuse logo and inadvertently designed two sets of beautiful patterns. Sersale fell in love and soon immortalised the prints in a limited-edition range of men’s swimming trunks, which sold out within weeks. Now a staple line, the trunks start at €98 and are available from the website – and in the Positano hotel boutique, should you need a tenuous excuse to book in. store.emporiosirenuse.com

y TREATS IN STORE La Martina recently celebrated the opening of its luscious new flagship store in London’s St James’s. The luxury equestrian shop aims to become an international destination for polo fans and players, offering clothing – team kits, formal wear and fashion lines – plus shoes and accessories. It also serves as a high-end tack shop, with a large section of sporting equipment, including saddles and polo mallets. Like all La Martina stores, customer service is key – so it ensures a team of expert sales assistants is on hand with astonishing technical prowess. The main capsule collections, plus sports- and footwear, leather goods and accessories, can all be found upstairs, while one floor down, the store is divided into two sections: a bright, sumptuous boutique area for women, with glass chandeliers and plush red leather sofas; and the technical area, with its rows of leather boots and mallets. Guards Polo Club and Maserati are well represented, sitting comfortably among the exclusive St James’s collection and a wider range of hand-picked items from La Martina’s European collections. Over-spenders beware: everything is desirable. lamartina.com

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y LATIN LESSONS With over 15 years’ gastronomic experience, Martín Milesi, founder chef of UNA – a revolutionary culinary project that brings together 12 diners around just one table – is dedicated to creating exclusive culinary events. Drawing on his experience in the kitchens of Martín Berasategui, Joan Roca and Nuno Mendes, Milesi first launched his project at London’s St Pancras Clock Tower in May 2014. A year later, the concept is flourishing. ‘Over the years, the food business has changed,’ he says. ‘Today, people are looking for more than just exceptional tastes – they’re seeking an authentic experience, combining culinary creativity with personal service.’ And that’s what UNA aims to deliver. Diners enjoy a seven-course taste journey, which is inspired by the culinary styles of Latin America. Featuring both classic and conceptual dishes, Milesi applies techniques gathered from around the world and personally hosts each event. unalondon.com


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