SPHERE Winter 17.4 2024

SPHERE

THE LONG LENS ON LUXURY

AN EXCLUSIVE MEMBERSHIP PROGRAMME

JetCard by Air Partner gives you access to flexible, transparent, and ultra luxurious private jet travel with our exclusive JetCard Membership Programme.

The comprehensive JetCard features allow members to secure our best-in-class fleet of all cabin categories and priority sought-after airport slots.

There are no hidden charges for fuel, positioning, VIP hospitality or airport fees; and you can cancel or amend your booking at short notice.

Activation starts from 25 hours with all fixed flying costs included in one upfront payment, with zero peak days and no blackout periods.

Founded in 1961, you can fly with confidence knowing that you’re in trusted and reliable hands.

For more information, contact the JetCard team: jetcard@airpartner.com | +44 (0)1293 844888

you can say yes to dinner with friends old and new, because you don’t have to arrange the plumber, the gardener, or anything actually.

FROM 24-HOUR CONCIERGE TO DAILY HOUSEKEEPING. This is The Art of Knowing.

EXCEPTIONAL RESIDENCES AND AMENITIES FOR THE OVER 65s FROM £2.75M*. CALL 0203 823 6867.

*OTHER CHARGES APPLY

This is the 33ft Riva Aquariva Super, one of a collection of contemporary masterpieces from Riva, from 27ft to 164ft.

Goldfinger, and related James Bond Indicia © 1962-2024 Danjaq, LLC and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. Goldfinger, and related James Bond Trademarks are trademarks of Danjaq, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

REGULARS

14 NUCLEUS

Be inspired by our pick of this season’s best fashion, culture, travel, beauty, food and drink

36 FASHION

Soft and feminine dressing for women and outdoor vibes for men are the winter trends

62 JEWELLERY

Avril Groom looks at the bracelets perfect for creating a timeless wrist array

89 SPHERE LIFE

Your go-to guide for all things gifting, wellness and interiors, from relaxing retreats to ideas for exceptional presents

FEATURES

38 NEW HORIZONS

What’s going to be big in 2025? Find out from our specialist writers who predict the trends to look out for

46 PARADISE FOUND

One Caribbean Estate’s founder, Chris Parra, shares his expert insight into finding the dream luxury property on Barbados

50 A FAMILY AFFAIR

From the majesty of Rajasthan to the coastal charms of Costa Navarino in the south west Peloponnese, the destinations perfect for both adults and children

56 CAPITAL GAINS

The London boroughs shaking off their less-than-desirable pasts and becoming sought-after spots for wealthy buyers

68 A STROKE OF GENIUS

Inside the world of fashion illustrator David Downton, who has captured some of the world’s most famous women

76 IN GOOD SPIRITS

The best whisky and cognac offerings from around the world

82 A WHOLE NEW BALL GAME

The luxury brands joining forces with sports superstars to magnify their appeal

98 THE SKY’S THE LIMIT

Patricia Gucci, founder of luxury goods brand Aviteur, shares her tips for flying with ease

EDITOR’S LETTER

Welcome to our winter edition of SPHERE, with our bespoke cover by Telegramme Studio, where we have gazed into a crystal ball for our definitive look into the trends of 2025 in everything from travel to tech, cars to property, style to culture. Our esteemed correspondents predict what we should be watching, wearing, drinking and investing in this coming year.

Casting out her gaze to the balmy shores of Barbados, Zoe Dare Hall reveals why our partner One Caribbean Estates is such a hot prospect right now and she unearths the new postcodes luring the next generation of property investors. Simon Brooke reports on how luxury brands are lining up to collaborate with sporting stars and Charlotte Metcalf meets fashion illustrator extraordinaire David Downton. Joel Harrison sniffs out the most collectable spirits of the season, while Avril Groom shows how bracelets are stacking up to be the hottest accessory this winter. Dreaming of faraway shores is high on our travel agenda – we unearth the globe’s most educational family holidays with memories that last a lifetime. As ever, we seek out the latest leaders in style, culture, food, drink, travel and wellness. For weekly access to the hottest news and luxury insights, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter at spherelife.com, and please let us know at sphere@iln.co.uk if you would like to receive the magazine in the future.

SPHERE

Editor

Jemima Sissons

Art Directors

Dominic Murray-Bell

Jo Murray-Bell

Sub-Editor

Rachel Roberts

Production Consultant

David Gyseman

Colour Reproduction

Lorna Wilson

Group Advertising Director

Jane Washbourn

tel: +44 (0)7920 821 577 email: jane.washbourn@iln.co.uk

Chief Executive

(and Online Editor spherelife.com)

Lisa Barnard email: lisa.barnard@iln.co.uk

Contributor

Lucia Ferigutti

SPHERE PARTNER

ONE CARIBBEAN ESTATES onecaribbeanestates.com

website: spherelife.com

instagram: @sphere_life

email: sphere@iln.co.uk

CONTRIBUTORS

TELEGRAMME STUDIO

Bobby and Kate Evans run the awardwinning Telegramme Studio. Known for their bright bold style, their work is influenced by vintage Americana and mid-century modern design. Working with brands including Sony Music and Penguin Publishers, they have designed everything from record covers to ad campaigns.

CHARLOTTE METCALF

Writer and award-winning film-maker

Charlotte Metcalf contributes to various publications, is editor of Great British Brands and associate editor at Country and Town House, and co-presents the Break Out Culture podcast. Her book Walking Away is about her time making television documentaries in Africa.

AVRIL GROOM

Avril Groom writes about luxury jewellery, watches and fashion for a number of upmarket publications and websites, including the Financial Times HTSI magazine, Condé Nast Traveller and Telegraph Time. She also edits Country and Town House magazine’s jewellery and watch supplement.

ZOE DARE HALL

Zoe Dare Hall, a property writer for publications including the Financial Times, The Sunday Times and The Daily Telegraph, has been SPHERE’s property expert since our first issue 13 years ago. She lives in London but wants to live in practically every place she visits — Dorset and the Algarve are her current favourites.

Joel Harrison is an award-winning drinks writer and communicator specialising in whisky and fine spirits. In addition to writing, Harrison appears regularly on television as a drinks expert, and holds the role of a Trophy Judge and Chairman at the International Wines and Spirits Competition (IWSC).

Simon Brooke is an award-winning journalist, copywriter and media trainer who writes about the luxury sector, business, wealth management, property and travel. Publications include the Financial Times The Sunday Times and The Daily Telegraph, while brands range from Montblanc to Johnnie Walker.

© 2024 Illustrated London News Limited. Articles and other contributions published in this journal may be reproduced only with special permission from the Publishers. The Publishers Illustrated London News Ltd accept no responsibility for any views or statements made in the articles and other contributions reproduced from any other source. All details and prices are subject to change. No responsibility is accepted for the claims made in advertisements appearing in this journal and the Publishers reserve the right to accept or refuse advertisements at their discretion.

Printed by: W&G Baird

SPHERE magazine is published by Illustrated London News Limited, Soho Works, 4th Floor, The Tea Building, 56 Shoreditch High Street, London E1 6JJ Registered in the United Kingdom No. 15725542 Website: iln.co.uk

JOEL HARRISON

Jemima Sissons

SIMON BROOKE

RM 07-01 INTERGALACTIC

In-house skeletonised automatic winding calibre

50-hour power reserve (±10%)

Baseplate and bridges in grade 5 titanium

Variable-geometry rotor

Case in Carbon TPT® set with diamonds and 5N red gold prongs

Bracelet in Carbon TPT®

A Racing Machine On The Wrist

NUCLEUS

FOOD | TRAVEL | CULTURE | STYLE | BEAUTY

IN GREAT TASTE

Buccellati’s new collection adds a richly layered palette to the dining table. The organic forms of Armatae Flores evoke nature’s resilience, while the Doge Collection nods to Venetian grandeur, and the collaboration with Ginori 1735 combines porcelain and silver in Double Rouche. Adding a playful touch, the Murano Collection presents fruit and vegetableinspired pieces, blending Murano glass with Buccellati’s silversmithing. From £78, buccellati.com

COSTUME DRAMA

For those heading to warmer climes this winter, cut a bella figura on the beach with this Asia one-piece from Eres. The tank costume has broad straps, a round neckline and a sculpting waist panel with reinforced bands. Complete the look with a Mignonette linen shirt for long lazy beach lunch days. For a sportier look, the Athletic range with zips and graphic prints is inspired by the sporting world. £375, eresparis.com

CURTAIN’S UP

For theatre lovers who wish to secure tickets to some of the hottest plays in the capital, The Londoner hotel has paired with venues from Donmar Warehouse to the Almeida Theatre and the Royal Court to offer packages that include some of the best seats in the house for sold-out performances. Repair afterwards with sushi and a Japanese whisky in the rooftop bar. Rooms from £400, thelondoner.com

SHINE ON

Paying homage to Gustav Klimt and inspired by the perfect circle, the Helena pendant from The Golden Kiss collection thrills with 0.86 carats of 60 diamonds surrounding a fire enamel motif. Pair with an exquisite Primaballerina clasp bangle or Etoile ring. 18kt gold Helena pendant with 10-diamond clip and Angel chain, £12,698. shop.freywille.com

NUCLEUS

TWO’S COMPANY

Using the finest leathers from Europe-wide tanneries, Crockett & Jones launches a new collection with pieces crafted from willow grain, smooth calf, cordovan and hurricane hide – the perfect accessory to the brand’s shoewear. Each piece in The Leather Goods Collection is leather lined in British Racing Green and stitched in the UK. From £120, crockettandjones.co.uk

The Yorkshire Sculpture Park unveils new pieces this season. Set against a wintry landscape are artworks by sculptors including Simeon Barclay and Matthew Darbyshire, as well as Wilder Shores of Desire by Marc Quinn (right). This arresting piece explores the relationship between art, science and the perception of beauty. ysp.org.uk

PARK LIFE

BEST IN SHOW

The Fondation Louis Vuitton looks to the multi-hued high kitsch pop art world with its latest exhibition, Pop Forever, Tom Wesselmann &… . Running until 24 February, the show is dedicated to the movement that spanned the 1960s and centres around one of the leading lights of the genre, Tom Wesselmann. Featuring 150 of his artworks, including Bathtub Collage #1, left, alongside pieces by Ai Weiwei, Marcel Duchamp and Jeff Koons, the show spans the genre, from its Dadaist roots to its contemporary manifestations, and from the 1920s to the present day. fondationlouisvuitton.fr

GOOD SCENTS

Elevate skin with Austin Austin’s new recyclable art-adorned range, a jaunty collaboration with Adrianne Rubenstein. The Rosemary balm is a winter cure-all, to replenish lips, cuticles or any other areas of dry skin. Drawing from her interest in everyday objects, Rubinstein’s artwork, The Parting of the Green Sea, nods towards the green pieces of paper used in sushi boxes. Use alongside their geranium and coriander-filled Cedar & Patchouli hand cream. From £16, austinaustinorganic.com

SMOOTH MOVES

Beg, steal or borrow a table – and a pair of dancing shoes – for the most coveted seat in London, Ambassador’s Clubhouse on Heddon Street. Part of the can’t-dowrong JKS Restaurants, dine on fine Punjabi cuisine before heading to the nightclub, Ambassy, to show off your moves. ambassadorsclubhouse.com

NUCLEUS

GRAPE EXPECTATIONS

One of the finest names in wines and spirits, Justerini & Brooks marks its 275th anniversary this year with several specially chosen bottles. The Anniversary Wine Case is a limited edition offering with three bottles including a Roagna from Piedmont, a Château Lafleur from Bordeaux, and Domaine du Comte Liger-Belair from Burgundy (£4,500), or for something less punchy, the Red Burgundy 275th Anniversary Cuvée comes in at a more palatable £22.70, justerinis.com

HOME RUN

Bring understated luxury to the home with Yarn Collective’s new organic textiles. The eight fabrics –from jute to linen and wool – come in muted tones such as Ochre, Masala and Moss. Sennen Curved Sofa by Sedilia upholstered in Travertine Flock wool velvet by Yarn Collective, price on application. Drapes, Heddle Sheer in Natural from £236 per metre, yarncollective.co.uk

CHECK MATE

AN ABSOLUTE CORKER

It might just be the ultimate blowout bottle this season –and the best gift for Bond fans. Champagne Bollinger’s new Goldfinger 007 Limited Edition Cuvée has been created to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the much-loved film. Presented in a bespoke Globe-Trotter Air Cabin Case with four exclusive Champagne Bollinger 007 glasses, it retails at £3,500 and is available at The 007 experience, located in Burlington Arcade. But be quick: only 200 bottles are available. 007.com

DOUBLE TAKE

Famous for his paintings, Picasso was in fact a prolific printmaker, producing around 2,400 throughout his life. The British Museum now owns the UK’s largest collection and is showing works from two of his most lauded series. The exhibition charts the artist’s enduring relationship with printmaking from his time in Paris at the turn of the 20th century until the final years in the early 1970s. Running until 30 March, britishmuseum.org

NUCLEUS

RACE AGAINST TIME

Inspired by McLaren’s newest, most powerful, fastest and most radical road car to date –the newly-unveiled ‘W1’ – the RM 65-01 McLaren W1 echoes many of the car’s design principles as well as its remit to be truly usable in the real world. The new McLaren W1 is the ground-breaking successor to two of the greatest supercars ever – the McLaren F1 (1992) and McLaren P1 (2013) – and elevates the McLaren ‘1’ car lineage to new heights in every aspect of performance. Price on request. richardmille.com

SAVING FACE

Entrust your skin to one of the finest practitioners in the business. Dr. David Jack is popping up at The Savoy until the early new year with his signature facials marrying massage with advanced Tri-Polar Radiofrequency and facial contouring to reduce inflammation and skin sensitivity. Relax afterwards with a steam, sauna and swim in the wellness area and a healthy lunch at The Savoy Grill. This is the first of the iconic hotel’s spa. residencies. With this, the first, there are three facial treatments alongside a 15-minute facial analysis. £420, thesavoylondon.com

DAVID JACKS IMAGES, LUXE & CO

NUCLEUS

BACK TO NATURE

Bring the contours and earthy hues of the canyons of Arizona into your living room with Sonya Winner’s new rug series, Sedona. Named after the area famed for its rock formations and sculptural vistas, the pieces are made with sustainable New Zealand wool and are designed by American architect Kevin McClellan. £1,772, sonyawinner.com

Want a house smelling like the most tempting Italian pasticceria? Just light up the Acqua di Parma Panettone candle this winter, with cheery packaging by India Mahdavi. £75, acquadiparma.com

The Chanel Première watch is one of horology’s most enduring and iconic designs. Launched first in 1987 with a face to honour the octagonal shape of the Chanel No 5 perfume bottle stopper and interlaced leather to reference the handbag, the most recent twist includes this sautoir belt-watch in steel. Steel, yellow gold, black-lacquered dial and black leather by Chanel Watches, £10,200. chanel.com

WELL TIMED

WINTER WARMER

NUCLEUS

EASY DOES IT

Set amid landscaped gardens and with sweeping ocean views, Vila Vita Parc in Portugal is a nature-filled escape with an emphasis on keeping the whole family happy. While the children are being occupied in the expansive kids’ club, venture to the Vila Vita spa by Sisley, where new offerings in 2025 include revolutionary treatments from Icoone and Indiba alongside a curated list of visiting guest practitioners. Rates from £220, vilavitaparc.com

BLOOMING MARVELLOUS

Emerging fresh after a refit, Mark’s Club in Mayfair reopens with a new light-filled greenhouse, seating up to 26, where familiar dishes such as the Mark’s Club chicken pie and prawn curry are served on crisp white tablecloths. Entry is members-only. For applications, visit marksclub.co.uk

SOMETHING TO WRITE HOME ABOUT

It was the ‘lucky’ pen that saved his life. Lt. Leslie March was one of the first men to volunteer for the Royal Artillery as a private and was commissioned to fight in the Second World War in June 1941. During service, he was shot with a bullet, which was stopped by his Yard-O-Led pencil, which went with him as his lucky charm. The new model in silver and gold – The Deco 34 – pays tribute to the original, in 734 pieces – the number of Lt. March’s dog tag. Silver, £375, gold, £550, yard-o-led.com

NUCLEUS FOOD AND DRINK

HOT STUFF

Bringing some of Thailand’s most fragrant flavours to the fore, husband and wife team John and Desiree Chantarasak have opened AngloThai, a stone’s throw from Marble Arch. Using charcoal cooking and coconut smoking to draw out the cuisine’s distinctive dishes – including a chilli-packed nahm prik – the food is served on bespoke tables crafted from indigenous chamchuri wood. anglothai.co.uk

MIXING THINGS UP

Located underneath a 1790s coffee house in Somers Town in the heart of Euston, Cosy is a new bar fusing cocktails, canapés and soul music. With a two-for-one happy hour on drinks Tuesday to Saturday between 5-7pm, it’s sure to prove a hit for local workers leaving the office. Try its signature honey and tahin margarita, with tequila, lime, honey and spices. cosycocktails.co.uk

LOUNGE LIZARDS

Sky-high Decimo, in The Standard London hotel in King’s Cross, fuses Mexican Spanish fare with a roster of DJs as part of its newly launched sobremesa menu to celebrate its fifth birthday. The Spanish art form of sobremesa – lounging around for hours postdessert over agave sips and great conversation – is inspired by the cantinas of Mexico City and Madrid, and Decimo’s take includes dishes such as fried plantain and black bean tacos and pig’s head carnitas for snacking on until the early hours. decimo.london

NUCLEUS FOOD AND DRINK

BEST BY A COUNTRY MILE

After creating a buzz in Clanfield with their Double Red Duke pub and hotel, Sam and Georgie Pearman have opened a 16th-century inn in the Oxfordshire village. At The Mason’s Arms (rooms open later next year), worn flagstones and a bar made from reclaimed church panels set the scene for retro riffs such as ragstone rarebit. Hidden card rooms and feasting rooms add to its charm. countrycreatures.com/the-masons-arms/

FRENCH FANCY

Located in the 1830s former Pantechnicon building in Belgravia’s Motcomb Street, a new trio of restaurants opens this season: Amélie, Sachi and Luum. Evoking elegant Provençal dining rooms, Amélie is helmed by Chef Steve Raveneau, formerly of Annabel’s, bringing the flavours of Southern France to the heart of London. Exquisite dishes include seared Dover sole and champagne sauce, whole Blue Native lobster and rouille sauce, and octopus carpaccio with citrus dressing. amelie-restaurants.com

Limited to editions of 280, our newly-commissioned Art Deco posters feature glamorous holiday destinations around the world, ski resorts in the European Alps, and the world’s greatest historic automobiles. Over 100 designs to choose from, all printed on 100% cotton fine art paper, measuring 97 x 65 cms. Priced at £420 each (inc. UK sales tax). Private commissions are also welcome.

@pullmaneditionsposters

All images and text copyright © Pullman Editions 2024 Our central London gallery

+44 (0)20 7730 0547 info@pullmaneditions.com

NUCLEUS TRAVEL

NEW KID ON THE BLOCK

Parklane Cyprus, one of Marriott’s Luxury Collections Resorts & Spas, has opened one of Europe’s most impressive kids’ clubs. Scott Dunn’s Explorers Kids’ Club is open all year round, taking babies from four months and highlights include a nap room plus a thrilling pirate ship water park. Three nights at Parklane Resort & Spa from £4,990, based on family of four, including flights and private transfers. scottdunn.com

WALK ON THE WILD SIDE

Number One Bruton hotel sits in the heart of the Somerset town. For years, Chef Merlin Labron-Johnson cooked up a celebrated tasting menu. Now that he has decamped his star restaurant Osip to a larger, boskier setting, a new dining room has emerged. Briar is a more casual affair by Great British Menu winner Sam Lomas, celebrating hyper-local foraged ingredients, which tempts with dishes such as Westcombe cheddar gougères with wild garlic capers. numberonebruton.com

ON THE PISTE

Optimal skiing conditions may be affected by melting snows but there is no stopping the ‘après’. Leading the charge in ever-soigné St. Moritz is the Kulm Country Club with a fun-fuelled roster this season of Italian DJs, champagnefuelled brunches and Mauro Colagreco’s fire-cooked dishes. kulm.com

HIGH STYLE

What better kit to wear on the slopes in St. Moritz than Perfect Moment’s new A/W collection, named after four fashionable resorts including the iconic Swiss destination alongside Chamonix, Sun Valley and Trojena? Cut a dash with their signature houndstooth and chevron designs. From £160, perfectmoment.com

ROYAL TREATMENT

A hop from London, the Fairmont Windsor Park’s spa now offers new Natura Bissé treatments. After a personalised consultation, they include Collagen Shock facials and a Diamond Well Living massage. Rooms from £429 on a B&B basis; treatments from £180 per person. fairmont-windsorpark.com

JUST YOUR CUP OF TEA

Perched on a hilltop in a 25acre tea estate in Sri Lanka’s storied tea trails region, Uga Halloowella opens in January 2025, offering six luxurious suites alongside indoor and al-fresco dining experiences, expansive lawns, and a large infinity pool on the sprawling former estate of Major Elton Lane, a First World War fighter pilot. From £875, all-inclusive. ugaescapes.com

NUCLEUS BEAUTY

LIP SERVICE

Chanel’s 31 Le Rouge lipstick collection has been expanded to include a further 12 shades, from flirty blush pink Rouge Accessoire to chic neutral Rouge Intimiste and elegant evening red Rouge Lion. The collection name derives from the address of Gabrielle Chanel’s Parisian apartment on 31 Rue Cambon, and the faceted, recycled glass refillable packaging design is inspired by the mirrored Art Deco staircase. £140, refill £65, chanel.com

SKIN DEEP

Redness, dullness, dryness and a stressedout barrier are the bane of winter skin. Enter Hungarian brand Omorovicza’s new Soothing Salve, a nourishing leave-in mask which offers instant relief while also promoting skin healing over time. Key ingredients include olive glyceride ceramides to repair the skin barrier, boost elasticity and hydration and help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and Catalonian microalgae to target redness. £80, omorovicza.co.uk

MAKE A SPLASH

Time to freshen up your shower routine? Bamford Grooming Department Edition 1, a blend of vetiver, bergamot and cassis with a smoky wood base, is a crowd favourite. Formulated to aid post-workout recovery, the new Sport range is scented with peppermint, eucalyptus and tea tree, to reinvigorate tired muscles. From £24, bamford.com

THE MANE ATTRACTION

Streamline your hair routine with this single pot that conditions, smooths, primes for styling, tames flyaway, defines curls, nourishes and adds shine. Use on wet or dry hair as a finishing touch or apply as a pre-washing mask. Almost Everything Cream, £14 for 30ml, hershesons.com

FASHION

New horizons

Winter brings to the fore a sense of expectation. What happens after the frost thaws, what will spring bring, and what will the new year herald? So, this issue we have gazed into our crystal ball and sought insights from our most illustrious correspondents. From zero waste projects in far-flung destinations to recyclables in the automotive arena and wealth management apps for financially savvy nomads, we reveal the trends to embrace in all areas of luxury

RESTAURANTS

BEN MCCORMACK

Posh pubs

No one would have predicted that 2024’s hottest restaurant would be a pub. But The Devonshire already has competition for the title of London’s smartest watering hole.

At the recently opened Blue Stoops in Kensington, chef Lorcan Spiteri (son of legendary front-of-house Jon Spiteri and Rochelle Canteen co-founder Melanie Arnold) has joined forces with Burton-onTrent brewing royalty Jamie Allsopp to revive heritage cask ales served alongside British comfort food. Next year will see two new ventures from the poshest publicans in the business, Phil Winser and James Gummer of The Bull at Charlbury, who are relaunching both The Fat Badger in Notting Hill and The Coach in Clerkenwell with menus featuring seasonal produce grown on their Cotswolds farm. Who needs a GAIL’s to gentrify a neighbourhood?

Big-name comebacks

Gordon Ramsay, Richard Caring, Jeremy King: look at the names behind next year’s biggest restaurant openings and one might be forgiven for thinking it’s 2005, not 2025. First out of the starting blocks is Ramsay, who will open five new restaurants (including the UK’s highest) atop 22 Bishopsgate in the City in February. More intriguing is the reheated rivalry between King and Caring. King is set to re-open Simpson’s in the Strand, the historic dining room famous for roast beef and the ‘Ten Deadly Sins’ breakfast, in June. Later in the year, Caring will reincarnate Le Caprice, King’s first restaurant success, which Caring closed in 2020. Set in the Chancery Rosewood hotel, it will be open all day. Let the battle of the breakfasts commence!

Etiquette rules

With William Hanson’s new book, Just Good Manners, likely to be this year’s most courteously correct stocking filler, the subject of restaurant etiquette is once more on the table. Few topics are sure to divide diners as the acceptability of taking photos of one’s food for Instagram, though the tide of opinion may be decisively turning. At the recently refurbished Endo at the Rotunda, mobile phone use is very much frowned upon, despite the sushi and sashimi served on vintage crockery being among the prettiest plates in the capital. It’s a similar story at Louis, an Italian-American newcomer in Manchester, also set to open in London next year. “We just want people to enjoy their food instead of filming it,” says co-founder Drew Jones.

TRAVEL

RICK JORDAN

Zero waste

Up until now, zero-waste cuisine has been more lip service than actual bite – apart from pioneers such as London’s ‘no bin’ restaurant Silo, which just opened a Fermentation Factory to make miso from spent beer grains. But in 2025, it will go more mainstream. Mandarin Oriental will use AI to reduce waste, Hilton’s Taste of Zero Waste menus are being rolled out globally, and independent openings are harnessing the ethos to get sustainably creative: from Oslo’s new Ugly Duckling bar, which upcycles fruit waste, to Eriro hotel in the Austrian Tyrol – accessed only by cable car, it sources ingredients from local mountain farms.

Flying boats

While airships went out with a bang, flying boats – those golden-age pin-ups, skimming down to Maui with Bogart and Bacall – went out with a whimper. But they’re about to take to the skies (and waters) again. In June, a one-off 757 private charter, Tracing the Transatlantic, celebrates the iconic Pan Am

Clippers of the 1930s, taking passengers from NYC to the Flying Boat Museum in Ireland’s Foynes. Tickets are $60,000, but more affordable flights onboard a new generation of flying boats are on the horizon, with electric sea gliders soon to connect Dubai with Abu Dhabi, Australia’s Amphibian Aerospace Industries’ reviving the classic Albatross, and Singapore’s AirFish-8 – which resembles a sci-fi dragonfly – aiming to revolutionise island hopping.

Cultural inclusion

Community engagement used to be little more than being handed a floral lei in Hawaii or sitting down to a staged tea ceremony in Kyoto, but now locals are becoming more actively involved – and often setting the agenda themselves. Case in point: First Nations tourism in Canada and Australia, with British Columbia’s Lund Resort offering an insight into Tla’amin culture, and Indigenous curators heading new art tours at the Queensland Art Gallery. Leave the dreamcatcher in the souvenir shop.

From bottom left: Fresh-asit-comes produce at the Blue Stoops in Kensington, London; the AirFish-8 during trials

WATCHES AND JEWELLERY

AVRIL GROOM

Slimmed-down watches

Watch sizes are going down for both sexes but especially for men. The 45mm behemoths now look ostentatious and dated, whereas a slim 36mm dress style like the Hermès Cut hits the non-gendered spot. To stay ahead, red carpet habitués – from Harry Styles to Barry Keoghan – dive deep into models designed for women, like Audemars Piguet’s new Royal Oak Mini (23mm) or Cartier’s Tank Américaine Mini (28mm). In the race to the smallest, women can try Jaeger Le-Coultre’s famed, 12.22mm 101 (mechanical but expensive) or Cartier’s 18.7mm diamond Baignoire (less so but quartz).

Shape shifters

FASHION

JOSH SIMS

Pastel-shaded menswear

Whimsical womenswear

For decades the default watch design has been round, but no longer. As simple, circular timepieces become indistinguishable, watch the rise of shapes used in the Art Deco era or the mid-20th century (current inspo favourite). Cartier has never been shackled to the circle – their Tank and Santos are definitive and undergo frequent updating, while mid-century models are behind Piaget’s new, trapezoid Swinging Sautoir or Patek Philippe’s black-dialled Golden Ellipse on a complex chain bracelet. The latest shapes are asymmetric (Audemars Piguet Re-Master) or organic (Dior’s Gem Dior) –an intriguing future direction.

Enamel returns

Rarely does an ancient craft become a marker of modernity but enamelled jewellery just has. From about 1300 BCE to the early 20thcentury period of Art Nouveau and Fabergé, complex, kiln-fired enamel decorated and coloured precious metals. Now a simpler new version – cold enamel – is creating day-glo shaded mini Fabergé egg pendants, cleverly contrasting ‘haloes’ on semiprecious gems on rings from Bea Bongiasca or Robinson Pelham and defining details on Boodles’ Fifth Avenue high jewellery rings. Much as Art Deco enamel is loved, this is a fresh new look.

Menswear’s relationship with colour is a love/ hate one. And that’s hardly surprising when most men instinctively retreat to the classic ‘masculine’ shades of navy, charcoal, black and white. Chromophobia – a fear of colours – is even more prevalent among men. At least they can relax a little, knowing that 2025’s take on embracing colour is all about the muted and wash-out. Pastel shades of pale yellow, mint and leaf green, soft pink, baby blue, terracotta and lilac are coming at you from everyone from cerebral Comme des Garçons to lush Gucci, from Ralph Lauren to Neil Barrett. Will these dampened tones prove the gateway to the eventual embrace of eye-watering neon brights? Probably not. But fashion has to keep trying.

It’s probably sexist these days to say that inside every grown woman there is still a small girl who wants to dress like a princess or a fairy, or, better still, a fairy princess. Well, those grown women are in luck: 2025 brings a positive Disney Castle-load of the hyper-feminine, long and floaty in ethereal, silky, semi-transparent fabrics. There’s a lot of bare shoulder, plenty of flounces and ruffles, puffball sleeves and skirts and – a big trend in itself – fringes. In other words, there are a lot of dresses that would work extremely well for the Met Gala, but less so for a quick dash to Waitrose (unless that’s your thing). All the same, the high romance of it all is undeniable, and a much-needed welcome antidote to, well, just about everything else going on in the world.

Man bags everywhere

It can’t have escaped designers’ attention that menswear has a lot of pockets, because a/ men love pockets and, b/ they’re trained to carry only what they can put in said pockets, so tend to be minimalistic in what they take with them. And yet 2025 sees the man bag trend in overdrive, with a specific emphasis on the shoulder style – from knitted to teeny-weeny, from graphic versions made from Hermès-style scarves to whimsical ones mimicking the look of a beef-roll penny loafer. What, though, do men have to put in these bags? Expect them to be borrowed, and soon, by their ladyfolk.

Clockwise from top left: Cicolini Memphis Sottsass green tourmaline bespoke ring; Cartier Santos watch; Zegna menswear collection, summer 2025; Landscape with Bridge (1931) by Tarsila do Amaral; LaQuan Smith womenswear

INVESTMENT

SIMON BROOKE

Off to the races

Just as experiential luxury travel has boomed over the last few years, increasingly High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs) and others are looking for enjoyable experiences connected with their wealth management. This is certainly something that Harry Herbert is finding among investors in the racehorses that he manages at Highclere Thoroughbred Racing. “It’s all about investing in fun,” he says. “No one comes into racehorse ownership to make money, but good horses are very valuable and at Highclere, we have consistently raced top-class horses that have sold on for many times their purchase price.”

Wealth management on the go HNWIs frequently have international, portable assets – and so keeping an eye on their wealth wherever they are in the world can be a challenge. This is why a growing number of financial apps are focussing on wealthy nomads. Typical is a new app by international wealth management firm Hoxton Wealth. “This app brings all aspects of their financial life together in a single piece of technology so that HNWIs can see their entire wealth in real-time,” says managing partner Chris Ball. Users can also add the value of their property assets and view a live tracker for stocks, shares and crypto assets.

Upmarket retirement options

With a growing number of active, older people ready to sell an increasingly valuable housing stock to fund their retirement, it’s only natural that specialist homes for seniors would move upmarket – and demand more in their later years. Wallacea, an Integrated Retirement Community (IRC), not only offers residents a swimming pool, gym and private cinema but much more, as CEO Paul Morgan explains: “They might start their day with a Pilates session, participate in a coffee morning interest group, have lunch with friends in the Wallacea Living Dining Room, and then continue their bridge game from the previous week.”

CULTURE

CHARLOTTE METCALF

Books

Lovers of new literary and interesting fiction will find both increasingly hard to find as publishers focus on well-known authors such as Sally Rooney rather than writers who don’t produce blockbusters. Expect to see bookshop tables piled with books by television celebrities, for example, Richard Osman’s cosy crime series or Kate Humble’s accounts of living a simple life in rural Wales. New fiction or awarded fiction will tend to bring us glimpses of less-known worlds and experiences. Meanwhile, biographies and autobiographies of celebrities (often ghost-written) will continue to dominate. Yet history, serious biography, travel and current affairs from the likes of William Dalrymple or Ben Macintyre will continue being promoted and literary festivals will flourish as people increasingly enjoy the opportunity to listen to authors. Fans of classics, including forgotten ones, will love the efforts being made by publishers like Persephone or Manderley Books to reprint them in beautiful, collectible editions. One trend already peaking is length – nowadays it’s rare to find a book (certainly a history book) under 350 pages.

Performing arts

The West End will continue to stage familyfriendly musicals, from The Lion King to Phantom of the Opera, while classics and new plays will struggle to find a home without a star name – like Cate Blanchett (to appear in The Seagull) or director James Graham. You’ll find experimental new

writing in smaller theatres like the Kiln or the Bush, which first showed Richard Gadd performing Baby Reindeer on a tiny stage as a one-man show. Expect more immersive theatre following the success of the Bridge’s Guys and Dolls and Mamma Mia! The Party, while those who relish relinquishing control altogether await whatever Punchdrunk, which brought us The Burnt City at Woolwich Arsenal, has to offer. As ticket prices continue rising, National Theatre Live and the ability to buy a television subscription to it, and to other streaming services, like Shakespeare’s Globe Player, are set to become established ways to experience theatre.

Visual art

Expect to see London’s major art galleries mounting blockbuster shows interspersed with exhibitions showcasing artists of colour. So the Tate has a show of Lee Miller’s photographs, in the wake of Kate Winslet’s film Lee, and a Picasso exhibition alongside other shows including Nigerian Modernism and a major retrospective of Emily Kame Kngwarreye’s paintings, the first time it has shown an aboriginal artist. Meanwhile, the Royal Academy has announced its muchanticipated Van Gogh and Anselm Kiefer show but also Brasil! Brasil! The Birth of Modernism. The latter will feature works by leading Brazilian modernist painters such as Tarsila do Amaral (above). A further exhibition will celebrate the 70th  birthday of Royal Academician and black American artist Kerry James Marshall with 70 of his works.

TARSILA DO AMARAL, LANDSCAPE WITH BRIDGE, 1931. OIL ON CANVAS, 39.5 X 46 CM. PRIVATE COLLECTION. COURTESY OF ALMEIDA & DALE GALERIA DE ARTE – PHOTO: SERGIO GUERINI. © TARSILA DO AMARAL S/A

DRINK

NINA CAPLAN

Chardonnay returns

Remember ABC – Anything But Chardonnay, the reaction to the wine that Bridget Jones swilled with such gusto? Well, you can forget it again, because those rich, fat wines, pulsating with vanilla, are as out of date as Bridget’s diary. The best winemakers avoid much new oak (responsible for the vanilla flavours) and their Chardonnays are lean and elegant. Coming from Australia, South Africa, New Zealand or even England (English still wines are a trend in themselves), these are delicate, tangy wines with a hint of citrus. Vanilla fans will simply have to buy an ice cream.

All about mezcal

Once lovers of cocktails and premium spirits realised that tequila could be so much more than a margherita base, it was only a matter of time before the excitement radiated out to include other great mezcals. All tequila is mezcal, but the former must be made from at least 51 per cent Blue Weber agave (the best

are 100 per cent) while the latter can use other kinds of agave, so not all mezcal is tequila. This means there are all kinds of strange and delicious agave-based spirits to explore. It’s mezcal madness.

New grape varieties

While it has been a long time since anyone seriously thought the so-called international varieties – Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc – were the only ones worth drinking, the trickle of Indigenous grapes is about to become a flood of intriguing names. At Waitrose, the Loved and Found range (including Pais from Chile) has proved so popular they have just added five more options including Piedirosso (Italy) and Piquepoul Noir (France). Meanwhile, Ayala Champagne has just released Collection No.16, a style that is usually Chardonnay only: this one is 50 per cent Arbane, Petit Meslier and Pinot Blanc.

WELLNESS

LUCIA FERIGUTTI

Biohack injector pens

The latest biohacking trend? Boosting your NAD+ levels. Short for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, NAD+ is a co-enzyme found in every living cell in your body. Its many functions include aiding metabolism, supporting neuro-transmissions and enabling DNA repair and cellular regeneration. After the age of 30, NAD+ levels decrease by 50 per cent every 20 years, leading to overall ageing and cognitive decline. Early adopters have been adding NAD+ to IV drips, but British company VAION NAD+ allows you to administer a daily dosage at home through an injector pen which promises to improve neuro functions, boost energy and make your skin glow. VAION NAD+ PEN subscription from £350 a month, vaion.io

Breathwork for a long life

Forget gulping down your vitamins and dashing out of the door – achieving longevity requires taking a moment to breathe. Clinique La Prairie, the pioneering Swiss longevity and holistic medicine centre, has an in-house breathwork coach, recognising that breathing practices have key benefits, from lowering blood pressure and boosting immunity to promoting digestion and eliminating fat and toxins. Its Balance Holistic Health supplement is now sold alongside a dedicated breathing tool, which helps you regulate your breath frequency and intensity to optimal levels. Breathe & Reset Balance coffret, £590, harrods.com

Focus on gut health

The body’s ‘second brain’, aka the gut, will be a big focus for those keen to improve their wellbeing, from customised nutrition plans and supplements to reset retreats. Bangkok’s wellness destination RAKxa is launching a 7-10 night Gut & Immunity Support Programme blending tradition and modern medicine: clinical colon hydrotherapy, oxygen treatments and therapeutic abdominal massage are combined with Chi Nei Tsang and Navarakizhi massages, acupuncture and bespoke herbal preparation, concocted by the in-house tea sommelier. From around £8,800 per person, rakxawellness.com

PROPERTY

ZOE DARE HALL

Back to the office

With Amazon the latest to call time on hybrid working in London, the honeymoon is over for many. The knock-on effect will be a redrawing of the prime property map based on walkability/Lime-bike-ability to the office – and rising property prices in areas that provide this easy access. “A degree of separation” is essential between bed and desk, according to Guy Meacock at Prime Purchase buying agency, and he thinks demand for homes in Notting Hill, Chelsea and Holland Park will increase among bankers whose Canary Wharf offices have been moved to the West End. Others who left the capital in the lockdown will return to “best of both worlds” outer prime locations like Wimbledon, which offers a village setting 20 minutes by train to Waterloo, according to Christopher Burton at Knight Frank. Or for those who want to be near – but not on top of – their workplace, Goodluck Hope at London City Island offers cool waterfront living within sight and easy reach of the towers.

New private members’ clubs

Prepare for more swanky private members’ clubs to crop up all over the country – and for property owners to capitalise on bragging rights and price premiums if they live near one. More members’ clubs have opened in the UK in the last four years than in the last three decades, according to Knight Frank. Inverness has arty Boath House, Dorset has the louche Seaside Boarding House, and you’re practically tripping over the places in the Cotswolds, which Knight Frank describes

as “the world’s ultimate neighbourhood club cluster”, with its newest additions including Estelle Manor and The Club by Bamford. Its much-imitated stalwart, Soho Farmhouse, sees houses within a 15-minute drive sell for twice the local average. But even vendors up to 60 miles away try to snaffle some of the stardust, adds Knight Frank’s Liam Bailey. Expect members’ club chic to dominate interiors trends too. If Annabel’s is too OTT, perhaps Groucho Bretton, the Groucho’s first outpost beyond London, will herald some new design inspo when it opens in Wakefield’s Yorkshire Sculpture Park in 2026.

Luxury-branded property

Whether it’s the world’s first Dolce & Gabbana residences in Marbella, Ralph Lauren Villas in Crete or Mercedes Benz homes in Dubai, super-rich buyers will be spoilt for choice next year for as these – and many other – new schemes combine the height of luxury with the prestigious hallmarks of their favourite global brand. Supercar-branded schemes are all the rage and growing in number by 30 per cent a year, according to Savills. Miami alone has Porsche, Aston Martin and Bentley-branded apartments. Overall, though, it’s the Middle East that’s leading the trend for branded bling, with 240 residential projects due to be delivered by 2030, including a Nobu scheme in Abu Dhabi that has 88 apartments with kitchens curated by the world-famous Japanese chef, and a Karl Lagerfeld-branded scheme in Dubai will see a central catwalk run through each villa.

Clockwise from top left: Tolpuddle is an Australian wine producer noted for its Chardonnay; VAION NAD+ PENs; the cosy interior and stylish exterior of The Club by Bamford

TECHNOLOGY

JONATHAN BELL

Foldable phones’ reboot

Folding phones came of age with this year’s launch of the new Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold. The tech giant’s second attempt at making a functional foldable, the 9 Pro Fold precisely follows the form factor of Google’s other premium devices. The punchline is that only you know you’re rocking a massive 8” inner screen; the outside world simply won’t know, thanks to the slim screen and conventional scale of the folded device. Google’s fastexpanding AI offerings and an excellent camera round out this premium phone.

Audio comes full circle

First it was vinyl’s time to shine, then cassettes got a nod from everyone from indie art rockers all the way up to stadium superstars like Taylor Swift. Now compact discs are having their second wind, as a new generation eschews the algorithm and rediscovers the

joys of artist-curated albums and perfect sound forever. Bang & Olufsen’s high-end 9000c beosystem features the ultimate CD stacker, while companies like Audio-Technica keep the flag flying for traditional vinyl.

Simplicity rules

Slimline, simple tech is all the rage, and reMarkable is at the forefront of distractionfree computing. The new Paper Pro tablet pairs the latest in multi-colour e-ink displays with a smooth writing experience, handwriting recognition (if you keep things neat) and an unbeatably simple cloud sync system that ensures your notes and jottings are always updated and right where you need them. There’s even a backlight to keep the screen visible in the winter gloom, and an optional keyboard adds even more functionality.

MOTORING

JONATHAN BELL

Hybrids are back

Once the preserve of workhorses like the Toyota Prius, the tech has moved upmarket, with cars like the Porsche Panamera, Bentley Flying Spur and the new BMW M5 blending electric performance with traditional combustion to great effect. All the above benefit from a very usable pure electric mode to give you the best of both worlds. Quiet, clean EV power when it’s most appropriate and range and speed where needed.

Planet-friendlier interiors

Recycled materials have come on vastly in recent years, with companies like Polestar collaborating with the Swedish School of Textiles to create a ‘tailored knit’ seat fabric that uses 100 per cent recycled PET bottles yet looks and feels like a modern, plush high-tech material. Volvo’s EX30 uses recycled denim for its seats, while the recent Dacia Manifesto concept saw the debut of Starkle®, a material formed from reused polypropylene and recycled plastic.

Touchscreens out of favour

While some companies remain committed to banishing buttons and burying every conceivable function behind an onscreen interface (Tesla, Volvo, etc), there’s a growing recognition that tactile feedback, physical touch and well-finished buttons and knobs not only work better but convey a more upmarket aesthetic. Bentley’s new, refreshed Continental GT is a masterclass in how to bring analogue warmth into a digital age.

DESIGN

FIONA MCCARTHY

Joyful interiors

Playfulism, a trend first coined by Living Etc, surmising the wit and warmth resonating through interiors, builds apace – it is a move away from the excessive assault of maximalism, yet still exuberant, confident and bold. Think squishy, squashy, arty, quirky, wavy, curvy, glossy, colourful and above all, fun. Faye Toogood leads with her new Squashed series of furniture for Poltrona Frau; Dinosaur Designs brings art from the walls to the table with its new vibrant Watercolour collection of bowls, jugs and vases; playfulism imbues every nook of the just-opened Bébé Bob on Golden Square in its melange of wild hues, graphic patterned terrazzo floors and energetic murals; while fabric and wallpaper motifs draw on naïve botanicals, haphazard geometrics and feelgood shades of cobalt, jungle green, lipstick pink and deep red.

Collaborations are go

Look out for interesting partnerships. Former fashion designer Henry Holland has been causing a stir in the design world since he threw his first pot, inspired by the Japanese nerikomi pottery technique, during lockdown. The naturally wavy aesthetic now graces not only ceramics, glass stems, lamp bases, mirrors and tiles, but fabrics and wallpapers in his new collaboration with Harlequin (along with ombre chevrons, checks, blockprinted florals and wood grain motifs). And interior designer Rita Konig has brought out a small collection of prints imbued with a block-printed feel, from antique-inspired florals to mid-century squiggles and dots, and pared-back paisley and foliage motifs. Look out for Floor_Story’s very funky, graphic 10 x 10 Edition rug collection – featuring designs by 2LG Studio, Kangan Arora and Camille Walala, and John Lewis’s homewares collaboration (think bedlinen, cushions, bowls and lighting) with Collagerie duo and former British Voguettes Lucinda Chambers and Serena Hood.

No upper limits

Ceilings are no longer the white-washed end point of a room. Contemporary interiors are now embracing a room’s ‘fifth wall’, by colour drenching it (swathing the same hue across walls, woodwork and ceiling, the deeper the shade, the better), wallpapering it (particularly perfect for bringing a seamlessness to oddshaped rooms), polished plastering it (as per Campbell-Rey’s recent moodily seductive revamp of Tramps), and even wood lining it (cossetting and sexy at Mayfair’s latest hot spot restaurant The Dover).

Clockwise from top left: The slimline reMarkable Paper Pro; Cole & Son Marquee Stripes wallpaper demonstrates the ceiling trend, with Polo Stripes and Palm Jungle on the walls; vibrant pieces from the Watercolour collection by Dinosaur Designs; Polestar’s ‘tailored knit’ interior fabric

PARADISE FOUND

Barbados is having another moment in the sun as the young super-rich seek properties on the Caribbean island, attracted by urban renewal, growing eco-credentials and improved residency options

WORDS ZOE DARE HALL

To those of a certain age – old enough, let’s say, to remember Queen Elizabeth’s Silver Jubilee and Fawlty Towers the first time around – Barbados is indelibly imbued with a reputation for old-school elegance. It’s where, for decades, wealthy Brits from self-made business billionaires to aristo grandees were whisked by Concorde to their palatial West Coast beachfront homes to escape the winter gloom back home.

Nowadays, the buyers of Barbados’s prime properties are just as likely to be entrepreneurs under 30 as they are rich retirees. Chris Parra, founder of One Caribbean Estates, mentions a 25-year-old British client who has just sold his AI business for £200m and is looking to plough some of his new-found wealth in Bajan property. And while the island’s West – or “Platinum” – Coast, with its white sand beaches, turquoise sea and lively hub of Holetown, remains the

One Beachlands, a sixbedroom villa, is the jewel in the crown of a superprime scheme in Holetown, Barbados and can be yours for $25m

epicentre for much of the wealth, foreign ultra-high-net-worth buyers are branching out across the island – which is bringing a new energy to Barbados.

In the south, traditionally the package tour and party coast, Bridgetown, the capital, is getting a $160m upgrade with its Pierhead project, to include a luxury yacht marina and high-end retail outlets.

The wild, Atlantic east coast is attracting eco-minded developers and buyers. Walker’s Reserve, the largest regeneration project in the Caribbean, is an emerging, self-sustaining ecosystem that will include ecotourism projects such as luxury glamping and off-grid villas in the future. “Being green here is about Barbados protecting its beaches and nature for future generations,” says Parra.

And Speightstown, located on the northwest coast, is home to a burgeoning creative and entrepreneurial community, including Local & Co, the first restaurant to

introduce farm-to-table sustainability and homegrown self-sufficiency to the island’s foodie scene.

These pockets of innovation around the island are having the knock-on effect of opening up the property market “beyond recognition”, says Parra. One Caribbean Estates’ research shows a 75 per cent increase in property sales since the start of this year. Average sales prices have also risen by 25 per cent in that time, and activity has increased across all price ranges.

“Lots of foreign buyers are dipping their toe into Barbados property with around $1.5m to spend, but I’m seeing 29-year-olds buying $16m homes,” adds Parra. For them, he recommends “anything on the beach”, including One Beachlands, a super-prime scheme in Holetown with a six-bedroom villa on sale for $25m. For buyers seeking to capitalise on UHWN holiday rents too, these villas can fetch up to $16,500 a night through One Caribbean Estates’ rental arm, with a chef, butler, housekeeper, gardener and night security guard all part of the package.

Parra also suggests the young super-rich look at Sandy Lane, the island’s eternal golden beachfront address, saying that while less than 10 per cent of the properties are beachfront, all owners are able to use the famed Sandy Lane Club and facilities. The Royal Westmoreland golf resort is another suggestion, where villas such as the six-bedroom Monkey Manor, priced at $7.95m, are typical of the aesthetic blend that buyers seek of contemporary interiors paired with classical Caribbean features such as vaulted roofs and open verandas.

“Buyers don’t just want glass boxes. They want St George’s Hill or Wentworth in Barbados,” says Parra, referring to the two gated estates in Surrey prized by the rich and famous with a soft spot for Neo-Georgian grandeur alongside their golfing greens. The real gems, particularly

those on the beachfront, aren’t necessarily for sale, Parra adds, “but for the right money – well north of $150m – could be purchased”.

The fusion of high-tech modernity and classic Barbados character isn’t just reserved for its palatial properties. It also underpins the lifestyle, which is proving an attractive combination for a younger breed of relocator than the island is used to seeing.

“The government is giving people the ability to move here, by investing in its banking system, and improving its tax infrastructure and residency options,” says Parra.

Strengthening ties with the Middle East is a clear part of Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s vision, with much of Barbados’s urban renewal – and the airport’s proposed $300m expansion – funded by Saudi Arabia.

“But the experience of living and working here all comes wrapped in an authentic Caribbean lifestyle,” says Parra. “There are no

Dubai-style high-rise towers here. You can move here and set up a business quickly, effectively and transparently, and you can also still find rum shops and to go the Friday night fish fry.”

The lifestyle perks – whether it’s drinking rum punch at the new toes-in-the-sand beach bar La Cabane or sweating it out at the 24-hour Level Up gym in Holetown – are a pivotal part of Barbados’s appeal to younger UHWNIs. The super-rich aren’t just seeking to move their money to fiscal havens; they want to move themselves and their family there too. “We’re seeing the migration of wealth and people to Barbados. People know we’re open for enjoyment and business and they’re applying for residency because they want to live here,” says Parra.

On that score, the island’s Welcome Stamp is still available to anyone who wants to work remotely from Barbados for a year and can

Buyers of Barbados’s prime properties are just as likely to be entrepreneurs under 30 as they are rich retirees

prove an annual income of at least $50,000. Residency will require a property investment of at least $2.5m. Should you need someone to handle all the admin, Parra can assist –wearing multiple hats.

“One Caribbean Estates will help you buy a house and relocate, and we handle property rentals and management. We’ll assist you with your tax play and legal set-up, set up an international business company (IBC), and do your accounting,” says Parra. As head of Colliers Barbados too, he can also handle the commercial property side of clients’ relocation. He is also part of the UK-based, FCA-authorised foreign exchange company, Capitex, and he runs a renovation company in Barbados.

It also leaves his clients to focus on the really important matters – like sinking those toes into the sand and ordering another rum punch.

Clockwise from top left: Chris Parra, founder of One Caribbean Estates; the Royal Westmoreland golf resort appeals to the young superrich; the resort’s beach club overlooks azure waters

A family affair

Inspiration for escapes that will delight all ages

THE STUFF OF LEGENDS

Legions of families are lured to Costa Navarino in the south west Peloponnese, on the Greek mainland, attracted by its manicured borders, sweeping coastal views and its holy trinity of spa, golf and kids’ club. But the appeal goes far deeper for those keen to educate themselves in this richly storied region. Steeped in ancient history, young archaeologists can learn about Messinian history, creating their own Linear B tablet similar to those found in nearby Nestor’s Palace. With almost no light pollution, the vast skies offer up astronomy lessons, including teaching how Messinian sailors used to navigate their way to port through

the stars. End the day with a farm-to-fork lesson in the vegetable garden with the chef, planting seeds and picking fresh produce. Aside from its educational programme, vast kids’ clubs and teen zone with karaoke, bowling alley and an Escape Room, the resort is one of Europe’s top sporting destinations. There are camps where children can try their hand at sports featured in the Olympic Games and FC Bayern Football Camps allowing young footie lovers to hone their skills. There is also an NBA Summer Basketball School, tennis and golf lessons, plus a watersports hub. €345 per room per night with breakfast at The Romanos, A Luxury Collection Resort, Costa Navarino. costanavarino.com

WORDS JEMIMA SISSONS

INTO THE WILD

At The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts Collection in Utah, the next generation is educated deep in the ways of the land. At the Little Vaqueros Kids Camp, children immerse themselves in Mother Nature by replanting native species along riverbeds, assisting wranglers with feeding horses, diving into angling and identifying fish species. Days out on trails involve learning about edible plant life, scouting for unique geodes and a hands-on class on the benefits of regenerative farming – with a seed bomb or handmade mandala to take home. The mountain resort is set just 35 minutes from Salt Lake City, on 3,500 acres of land. Rooms from £1,270, aubergeresorts.com

Clockwise from bottom left: Olive harvesting and vegetable picking with the little ones at Costa Navarino; The Lodge at Blue Sky features floorto-ceiling windows overlooking the Utah landscape; children can channel their inner cowboy or cowgirl at the Little Vaqueros Kids Camp

“Through my children’s eyes, I have been able to unlock Rajasthan’s true wonder even in the everyday”

JOURNEY OF A LIFETIME

A trip to India with children can offer a window into one of the most richly layered countries in the world. A new dedicated itinerary for toddlers through to teenagers helps smooth the journey and simultaneously create lasting memories. Creative consultant and textile designer Rosanna Falconer has used her experience of living in Jaipur to tailor make trips showcasing the majesty of Rajasthan. The family-friendly journeys include tiger safaris, a visit to Dastkar, an NGO supporting traditional craftspeople,

a morning in a sanctuary for rescued elephants and learning the art of block printing in the Amber Fort. “Rajasthan energises and inspires me with its colours, scents and sights, but it is through my children’s eyes that I have been able to unlock its true wonder even in the everyday,” says the mother of two. “Monkeys on a roof-top, the percussion of dhoop aarti in the temple or the sweetness of a bowl of kulfi falooda all inspire a joy in my daughters that we had not encountered on travels elsewhere.”

From £3,350 per person, wixsquared.com

TURKISH DELIGHT

There are resorts that are the deciding factor about whether you book the plane tickets or not and the Peninsula Istanbul is one of them – a complete retreat from the labyrinthine streets and frenetic souks of the old city – even more appreciated with little ones in tow. When you want to explore, take to the streets with an expert guide to retrace the steps of renowned Armenian-Turkish photojournalist Ara Güler, winding through hidden alleyways, snapping your own images, before heading back to the hotel for a herb masterclass from the picking garden and a dip in the pool overlooking the Bosphorus. Parents can unwind in the hammam while older children enjoy movie night under the stars. For those staying the weekend, don’t miss the regal Sunday brunch, including homemade ice creams from a trolley to a backdrop of live music. From £1,000 a night, peninsula.com

Clockwise from bottom left: Tracking tigers in the wilds of Rajasthan; Jaipur’s temples are truly magical; the stand-out Peninsula Istanbul is an oasis of serenity in the city; the hotel has many activities for the younger members in your group

UNDER THE SEA

With the largest marine team in the Maldives and a full-time sustainability officer, Six Senses Laamu is a dream destination for budding marine biologists. With a focus on harnessing knowledge of the coral reef ecosystem, ocean-loving 6-16-year-olds can join the Maldives Underwater Initiative for the junior programme, including science experiments and swimming with rays, turtles and reef sharks. Alongside some rigorous classroom hours, they will learn how to protect the waters and cultivate a responsible attitude towards the reef environment. End the day with dolphin watching or, from March to July, join the Turtle Team to witness the tiny hatchlings emerge. The barefoot resort also offers a range of mini spa treatments, treasure hunts, surf lessons, rope climbing and pick your own fruit and vegetable sessions in the kitchen garden with the chef for bespoke juices, making it one of the most upmarket adventures for little Robinson Crusoes.

From £824, sixsenses.com

The Newt’s immersive experience is unparalleled for those interested in the Roman way of life

STEP BACK IN TIME

There’s no need to head to Egypt or Pompeii to unearth ancient treasures. Little Indiana Jones’ can unleash their imaginations in the spectacular surrounds of The Newt in Somerset’s Romano-British villa, Villa Ventorum. Brought back to life by a team of archaeologists, the immersive experience is unparalleled for those interested in the Roman way of life. Play classical games, walk through painstakingly reimagined rooms and put on a VR headset to experience a day in the Roman villa, complete with baths and

working kitchens. At the end of your visit, snack on Roman-style street food, with mensa-style flatbread, topped with estate lamb braised in wine and sweetened with honey. Forest school, apple picking days and an insightful story of gardening, approached by The Viper – a treetop canopy walkway suspended 12 metres above the forest floor – make this one of the finest educational days out you can have on our isle. For those not wanting to splash out on a night, you can sign up for memberships for £80 with children coming free. thenewtinsomerset.com

from

The Maldives

Initiative is perfect for ocean-loving youngsters; up close with a newly hatched baby turtle; the opulent interior and classical architecture-style of the incredible reimagined Villa Ventorum

Clockwise

bottom left:

Underwater

CAPITAL GAINS

The edgy vibe and cool new properties of some of London’s once-neglected boroughs are luring wealthy buyers away from the city’s traditional sought-after spots

WORDS ZOE DARE HALL

The telltale sign that you’ve done very well for yourself in London has long been ownership of a detached family house with a big garden in one of the city’s sought-after ‘villages’. Think Hampstead, Dulwich, Richmond or a dozen other prime suburban enclaves whose calm, leafy streets, famous parks and desirable schools are staples on the tick-box list of success.

But what about spending millions instead to live in a converted gasholder container in an area that, 10 years ago, you’d have gone well out of your way to avoid at night? Or how about a house atop an old electricity station that has sat derelict for decades?

London’s property status symbols are

shifting as old industrial inner-city areas become vibrant new live, work and play neighbourhoods. Decades in the master planning, they are stealthily emerging piece by piece until they suddenly take on a life of their own. And there are some familiar components in each.

There are the eye-catching sports facilities, from the permanent – including rooftop basketball à la Greenwich Peninsula and the Sky Pool that straddles two buildings at Embassy Gardens in Nine Elms – to pop-up padel courts, curling rinks and wood-fired saunas. An indie food and retail scene is also a must. And it helps to have a feature that’s perfect for Insta-influencers, such as the huge bird cage at King’s Cross Station. It’s all

perfect fodder to put the place on the map.

“King’s Cross is without doubt London’s coolest new village. It’s the very definition of great placemaking, embracing its industrial past and incredible assets like the canal, and bringing them together with new restaurants and bars, green spaces and art installations,” says Jo Eccles, founder of Eccord buying agency. She recounts a recent Saturday night there with her family, who were thrilled by the pop-up dressing-up cupboard. “Everyone was walking around in the craziest fancy dress outfits. They’ve managed to create a fun and relaxed atmosphere, without being commercial at all,” she comments.

Another key ingredient, of course, is some stand-out trophy properties, and it’s hard to

beat the Gasholders penthouses set within the Grade II-listed cast iron gasholder frames at King’s Cross – the last, priced £7.4m, has just gone under offer. Eccles recently acquired one for a 20-something client in the music industry. “For her, nowhere else in London could offer such a unique property combined with such an eclectic local vibe. For anyone in their 20s, 30s and 40s, it’s the place to be.”

But while these areas are often swarming with Gen Z renters, probably in tech, finance or in debt to the Bank of Mum and Dad, it’s often people of their parents’ age who want –and can afford – to buy the most iconic properties in these schemes. One Gasholder buyer, in his early 60s, bought his weekday pied-à-terre penthouse in shell and core form so he could internally design it entirely to his own taste and spec.

Another couple – British expats in Asia –

Previous page: Luxury apartments at Battersea Power Station, part of the £9bn transformation. Clockwise from above: Gasholders at King’s Cross, interior and exterior, marketed by Knight Frank; Luma is another development in the area, also marketed by Knight Frank

were contemplating moving into a listed historic building in Richmond with views over bucolic meadows depicted by painter J.M.W. Turner. But Emma Fletcher-Brewer, Knight Frank’s head of Central London Commercial Agents, had a gut feeling from the client’s “cool glasses and slightly edgy look” that Tapestry, a canal-front building near Coal Drops Yard, the new destination dining and retail district in King’s Cross, would suit them better. She was right; they saw it and immediately bought a townhouse.

All over the city, super-prime developers mention the high number of 50+ buyers who

are ditching big houses in the London ’burbs or surrounding Shires to live it up in vibey LDN instead.

Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay and his wife Tania – despite owning a family home in Wandsworth – are regularly spotted at their much trendier new apartment in Battersea Power Station. The vast construction’s four moribund chimneys had earnt it the nickname “the dead dog”, until the 42-acre river-site location saw a £9bn overhaul that has turned the historic building into one of the trendiest places to live in London.

“Many buyers who have made their money in the North and Midlands purchased £2m£3m apartments at the power station as an investment and have ended up using the properties themselves,” says Fletcher-Brewer, who is marketing one of the huge Sky Villas on the roof of Battersea Power Station for £8.5m.

‘Meanwhile use’ attractions in these schemes, designed to get people to visit in the early days of development, help sell the place to “more mature buyers”, says FletcherBrewer. “They are often coming from lovely country houses and embracing what these cool, urban neighbourhoods have to offer.”

For investors of all ages, these inner-city hubs are “appealing to those who seek an alternative to the mainstream,” comments Mark Breffit, senior advisor at Hamptons Private Office. “They offer an edgy vibe that was once the hallmark of Shoreditch, combined with the convenience of having everything on your doorstep. And they offer apartments with buckets of character that set themselves apart from bland new builds.”

It’s all making traditional hotspots such as Mayfair and Belgravia “appear lacking in atmosphere”, Breffit adds.

London’s property status symbols are shifting as old industrial inner-city areas become vibrant new live, work and play neighbourhoods

These new neighbourhoods make you feel part of a global likeminded club too. If you’re a well-travelled buyer drawn to Hudson Yards in Manhattan or South Bank in Melbourne, you will probably like Bankside Yards in London’s Blackfriars – its first residential tower, Opus, launches in 2025 and will include apartments costing several million pounds.

Set on a riverside spot on the South Bank that has, until now, lacked identity, this is the sort of “hyper mixed-use scheme”, says Fletcher-Brewer, that modern London excels at. Along with its residences, Bankside Yards will offer independent retail stores and restaurants under its historic railway arches, high-tech offices, build-to-rent blocks and a Mandarin Oriental hotel.

“This is the type of trendy new product that really gets buyers excited,” she says. “Much of the new build coming through is on the waterfront because we know how that influences people’s mood and mental health.”

Nowhere has more urban grit and grunge DNA than Camden Town, forever synonymous with its music scene and long-time resident Amy Winehouse. But change is taking place. Alongside its famous market, which celebrates its 50th birthday this year, the eight-acre Camden Goods Yard scheme will include 644

new homes (Manhattan Suites start at £725,000), office space and an urban rooftop farm-to-fork restaurant with a chilli farm.

Camden’s overhaul is cleaning up its old post-industrial, rock ’n’ roll image. The music venue, KOKO, is now an ultra-cool members’ club called The House of KOKO. It’s also adding some “seriously smart, upmarket new residential developments, in buildings with porters, leisure facilities and more,” says Giles Elliott at The Buying Solution. And that’s attracting a different type of person to the area – “in media, finance, law and tech,” he adds – and closing the price gap with neighbouring, super-prime Primrose Hill.

“Camden has always been about 25 per cent cheaper, but as its popularity increases, that gap is now about 10-15 per cent,” says Elliott. “Primrose Hill parents are buying in Camden for their children. The next generation feels it has that ‘cool’ credibility, plus it’s within easy access of great parks, waterways and transport links – including being walkable to Eurostar.”

In years to come, they may crave that big house in the sticks. But there’s a whole new aspirational way of living in London that offers trophy properties of a far more idiosyncratic sort – and a ready-made, immersive lifestyle that suburbia can never offer.

Clockwise from top left: The Camden Goods Yard scheme will feature 644 new homes; Bankside Yards is a hyper mixed-use scheme; Camden Goods Yard residents will have access to high-end leisure facilities

ARM CANDY

Nothing says timeless style more than a wrist adorned with a bracelet stack – and how you style it makes a unique statement

WORDS AVRIL GROOM

First, it was the ring stack, then the neck mess and the ear cluster, and now it’s the wrist array. The idea of wearing jewellery in multiples is not new, although the area of focus shifts depending on the season and current fashion. Plain, long-sleeved polo necks and dresses in winter see the neck mess come into its own; a hot summer with hotter prints demands earring attention and armfuls of bracelets on bare, sunkissed limbs.

The wrist array is also now a timeless feature, especially in the era of quiet luxury

when clothes are so subtle as to be anonymous and jewellery is your passport to individuality. The secret is how you make it yours. One of the most elegant women I know sports an ever-changing stack, based on a majestic, heavy-linked Edwardian bracelet with a dangling, engraved heart, a more modern, simpler chain to which she has attached her own charms, and a Cartier Love bracelet. Alongside these constants are small, colourful beaded gifts from friends and children, pretty pieces that might equally be costume jewellery or from an illustrious name, and ephemeral

items of bright silk cord and tiny, natural charms, bought on holiday for happy memories and worn until they break.

Another secret is to own enough constituent parts to ring the changes and enhance the colours and style of whatever you are wearing. If you love neutral minimalism, your wrist array can either bring a pop of colour that you also pick up with an accessory, or meld subtly with your clothes to create a sophisticated look, especially if you are wearing tone-on-tone variants of a particular shade.

For fans of colour, print, pattern and all

From top: Piaget Possession bangle with spinning centrepiece, diamonds and 18K white gold; Fernando Jorge Doubled Stretched Links bracelet in 18K yellow gold; Cartier Love bangle in 18K

1970s overtones is a natural partner, though here it steadies the heady mix – too much variation gets lost. Another acquaintance who has a way with bold bangles, many of which she designs herself, will choose a colour from one of the richly embroidered dresses she favours and makes sure any gemstone bracelets are in tones of that colour, mixing them with ornate but metal-only styles, charm bracelets and slender bangles, with an occasional skinny diamond tennis bracelet thrown in. Worn on both arms, they draw the eye so her colourful clothes, however beautiful, become the background.

The stacking bracelet has become such a fixture that for anyone wanting to create their own the choice is overwhelming, at literally every market level. Astley Clarke, the mid-level brand that was one of the originators of stacking, are still expanding their choice to cope with the new enthusiasm. “I think stacking bracelets is a great way to wear sentimental jewellery that you don’t want to

multiple possibilities? You can adapt your selection depending on what you’re wearing, layering more pieces for a statement look or removing some to keep it more minimal. You can also add a touch of colour with gemstones or texture with pearls to break up a heavy gold section.”

Sage advice, as the aim – and the natural territory of the celebrities and influencers who started it all – is that it should look generous yet effortless, so a stack that goes from top to bottom in value scores more style points than sporting a logo-stamped collection from a big luxury brand. It’s appropriate as this trend started at street level among young influencers, probably as a riposte to the recent rise of wide, and expensive, cuff bracelets, whereas the DIY stack can be achieved for less outlay.

However, there are great examples of smaller bracelets from many top jewellery houses that are exquisitely made and stunning enough to command attention when worn

alone but look wonderfully insouciant in a stack. Pieces like Van Cleef & Arpels’ beautiful new blue agate version of its famous Alhambra bracelet, which can be stacked with variants in gold guilloché, other hardstones, or different ranges like the Perlée, and even a matching watch. Equally, Harry Winston’s stunning, graduated diamond tennis bracelet, and Piaget’s Possession bangles with their spinning motifs and textured gold surfaces, would all make a basis for the grandest of arrays, or the most extreme of high-low combos.

Many luxury brands find fine jewellery a lucrative area and are shrewdly producing flexible collections of relatively small pieces in gold, some with small gems and often logos or symbols that identify the brand. This appeals to international markets and also creates a clear distinction from their pricier, one-off, high jewellery items. Chanel’s Coco Crush moulds gold into the instantly recognisable pillowy surface of a quilted bag, Dior weaves the Cannage motif of its oval-backed salon chairs in gold, while Gucci returns to its famous early symbol, the Horse Bit, and Bulgari re-imagines the 1920s Tubogas, a flexible metal tube that makes a great bracelet and mixes amiably. Chaumet’s Bee My Love

It should look generous yet effortless, so a stack that goes from top to bottom in value scores more style points than a logo-stamped collection from a big luxury brand

From top left: Tiffany Hardwear wrap bracelet with padlock and sphere in 18K yellow gold; Astley Clarke Floe Link bracelet in 18K gold vermeil with one small diamond; Atelier Nawbar

Tuxedo Mask bracelet in 18K gold with turquoise, lapis lazuli and diamonds; Van Cleef and Arpels Sweet Alhambra watch in 18K yellow gold and blue agate

From top: bangle in 18K rose gold with cannage pattern and diamonds; Messika Move bangle in 18K yellow gold and diamonds; Marie Mas Radiant bracelet in 18K white gold with emeralds and sapphires

pieces are based on a tiny, hexagonal honeycomb motif – a subtle allusion to the bee that was Napoleon’s symbol, as Chaumet’s forerunner was the Emperor’s court jeweller.

A simple gold bracelet, at least a narrow one, is almost a point of entry to these major brands and often a global money spinner. Most brands do them in various sizes and coordinate them in style with other ranges, to mix and match. Tiffany’s chain-based, slightly tough CityHardwear bracelet comes in different sizes and ties in with the plainer Lock bracelet, the chunkier Titan pearl bracelet and the new, faceted-dial Hardwear Watch. Cartier has recently revived both the Love bracelet and the three-colour gold Trinity, the latter a masterstroke as it links to three gold shades and bestows approval on multi-gold stacks, as does Elie Top’s beautiful Twist bracelet.

The moral here is anything goes. Start with your own jewellery box, refinding bracelets with sentimental value or charm bracelets, as personal as it gets. Add a luxury brand or two for top-level quality plus a hint of irony, or savvy-signalling if you are so inclined. Then

consider the independent brands making creative stacks. Fernando Jorge’s Fluid and geometric styles blend together or within an existing array, as do pieces from Marie Mas, designed to fit around the wrist bone. L’Atelier Nawbar and Nada Ghazal both add a finely crafted touch of colourful boho, while Messika’s diamond bracelets and 886 by The Royal Mint’s bangles are disciplined, modern punctuation points.

For casual pieces that will last a lot longer than a beach bracelet, specialists in gold vermeil and semi-precious stones are a literal treasure trove. Monica Vinader’s tactile, organic shapes, add-to charm bracelets and silk cords sporting hardstones in attractive colour schemes are so wide-ranging your choice will be odds-on unique, while Astley Clarke’s best-selling double-row Biography (fine chain plus hardstone beads) has new varieties each season, to intersperse with organically shaped chains and vintage-looking, diamond-scattered bangles. With such great choices at all market levels, nothing can beat creating your own personal array.

A stroke of genius

From his suite at Claridge’s hotel, where he’s Artist in Residence, David Downton talks to Charlotte Metcalf about how he became the fashion world’s most sought-after illustrator

David Downton greets me in Claridge’s hotel lobby, where he has been Artist in Residence since 2011. He’s wearing his signature half-tinted glasses and black suit as “DD”, the alter ego that the fashion illustrator created when he became “part of the story”, nearly as well-known as some of the famous women he draws.

I follow him down a corridor, lined with his drawings, to ascend to his suite. “They’re running out of space,” he laughs, as I marvel at the extraordinary likenesses he can conjure from just a few, deceptively simple lines. The famous faces include Dame Joan Collins,

Christian Louboutin, Erin O’Connor, Michael Kors, Dita Von Teese and many more. “Here’s one hardly anyone recognises,” he says, pausing in front of his drawing of Sir Jony Ive, “despite him formerly being Apple’s hugely influential chief designer.”

Minutes later, we’re in his suite where he sinks gratefully into a sofa, grins and abandons his alter ego to become David again, the illustrator who penetrated the high-octane world of fashion via a blend of exceptional talent and good luck.

“My family was sporting rather than artistic,” he says, of his upbringing in rural Kent. “My sister was never off a horse, my father played

cricket for Kent and my brother, Paul, was England’s youngest wicketkeeper during the 1980s.

“Early on I discovered I had a knack for drawing, and it gave me instant acclaim and gratification. My drawings would be stuck on the fridge for all to see and it was my way of stepping out of my brother’s shadow.”

After an art foundation course at Canterbury, David failed to gain a place at Central School of Art and Design and “sulky and bitter” settled for studying graphics and illustration at Wolverhampton. In 1981 he moved to Stockwell in London and found a job doing market research off Oxford Street in an office

Right: David Downton is well-known in the fashion world for his exquisite drawings Opposite: Dame Joan Collins, Mayfair, London, 2015

“It was as if I’d walked into a Baz Luhrmann movie, a parallel universe of luxury and beauty where ugliness was not tolerated”

next to the teen magazine Look Now. “One day I took in my portfolio and the next I was off,” he laughs.

“I became a freelance moving target, never turning a job down. I wagged my tail when the phone rang. One day I’d be drawing Waitroses’s baguettes or illustrations for how to tie a scarf or pot rosemary, the next it would be historic maps or yoga positions. I even illustrated the 50 top positions for a sex manual. But I loved it all and carried on as I’d achieved my ambition of drawing for a living.”

He was 37 and working for How To Spend It when the art director sent him to Paris to cover

Fashion Week. “I’d never been asked to go anywhere on someone else’s money, but the trip changed my life,” he says.

David’s first assignment was sketching a fitting Amber Valetta was having with Valentino in the Ritz. “It was as if I’d walked into a Baz Luhrmann movie, a parallel universe of luxury and beauty where ugliness was not tolerated. I was confronted with a tableau vivant: Valentino’s pugs were everywhere, and Amber was being pinned into a liquid golden dress.” Did he talk to her? “Oh God, no!” he laughs. “Physically perfect people like that might as well be from a different planet.”

Later that evening, he found himself in The Ritz’s basement at the Versace show, with Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Christy Turlington and Linda Evangelista strutting their stuff down a marble catwalk built over the swimming pool. He found it extremely challenging to draw such fast-moving figures: “I made manic visual notes in my sketchbook and when I look back at the drawings today, they were pretty awful. I’d done a bit of fashion drawing before, but this was like a novice skier being pushed down a black run. Yet rather than being intimidated, I was exhilarated and hooked on the dramatic, chaotic, surreal

Right: Valentino couture, Paris, 2006 Opposite: Maison Valentino, Paris 2018

“Famous people are easier to work with than non-famous ones as they’re used to being interpreted and reflected back to”

environment. There and then I decided I wanted fashion to be the subject of my work.” He continued doing other jobs while returning to the fashion shows twice a year. Then in 1998, he had an exhibition of his couture drawings, and someone suggested he invite the fashion designer Bruce Oldfield. He brought the supermodel, Marie Helvin, and David asked if he could draw her. “The first drawing wasn’t good, but she was so generous and agreed to a second, which was. She had it made into a postcard and sent it to her friends. She had a radioactive address book so before I knew it, I was drawing Jerry Hall, Iman and Catherine Deneuve.”

By 2012, David was enjoying what he terms his ‘Platinum Period’ and working for Vanity Fair. He drew Anjelica Huston, Ali MacGraw, Carolina Herrera, Sofia Coppola, Daphne Guinness and many more. He also drew Carmen Dell’Orefice, now 93, who underlined his firm belief that true beauty has little to do with youthful perfection and everything to do with character: “Conventional prettiness is a great asset in a photograph but a handicap for me, as then I have nothing to draw. Take Paloma Picasso – a feast of angles.”

A party at the Dorchester to launch a book of his drawings followed. “It was one of those lucky nights when everyone was in town. The

gods smiled on me,” says David. So starstudded was the event, naturally captured by the paparazzi, that it caught the eye of Paula Fitzherbert, Claridges’s Global Head of Communications, who cooked up the idea of David as Artist in Residence.

Only two sitters have ever disliked his drawings and he’s too discreet to tell me who they are. “On the whole, people are happy to be drawn,” he says. “Famous people are photographed to death, so they’re bored by the process and often know more than the photographer. But with drawing, I know more than them. Also, it involves them being much more low-key than just striking a pose for me

Right: Carolina Herrera, New York, 2014, for Vanity Fair Opposite: Cate Blanchett, Mayfair, London, 2009, cover image for Vogue Australia

to snap. It’s about capturing how I see that person in the hour I have with them. I am not looking to flatter but I am looking for a high point. It is the varnished truth, but it must be true. Famous people are easier to work with than non-famous ones as they’re used to being interpreted and reflected back to. Mere mortals like us might look at ourselves in the mirror once or twice a day, but models and actors are seeing themselves all the time – on screens, posters and in magazines.”

I ask if sitter has ever surprised him and he thinks about it before coming up with Michelle Dockery, whom he drew at the height of her Downton Abbey days. “She was a great mimic

and did brilliant, funny impressions,” he recalls.

David then surprises me by saying that during family holidays, he never picks up a pen. “I need a break,” he says. “When I was drawing celebrities and became ‘part of the story’, I had to compartmentalise my life. That’s why I created DD, who is much brasher but frees me from my inhibitions. If I hadn’t created DD with his tinted glasses and fashionable clothes, I’m not sure I’d have survived in the fashion world merely as a greying, ageing geezer.

“Having said that, I love getting old – or older. My flight home from LA for my 65th birthday was cancelled so I decided to go to Las Vegas where Dita Von Teese, whom I’d

drawn, was in a show. I ended up celebrating in Vegas with a stripper. How great is that?”

So, what’s next? “A documentary that I can’t discuss, but feel it’s what I’m here for,” he says. “I’m finding ways to be relevant for the next decade.”

He’s drawn his wife and both children, but has he ever drawn himself? “Good God, no!” he says, chuckling. His gift for drawing is prodigious and undisputed, but David – when not being DD – also has a gift for modesty, humour, and being entirely unpretentious. I’ve spent a hugely entertaining couple of hours with him and feel privileged he’s laid aside DD to allow me to meet the real David Downton.

Right: Dita Von Teese poster for her appearance at Folies Bergère in Paris, 2022 Opposite: Gaultier couture for The Independent Magazine Paris, 2000

IN GOOD SPIRITS

Raising a glass to the best drams from Scotland to Japan

WORDS JOEL HARRISON

It is better to give than to receive. Or so the saying goes. But what better way to give, than to gift something that can be opened and shared, so both giver and receiver can enjoy some conviviality and shared hospitality? That, surely, is the very best type of present. And for this, you need look no further than some wonderful bottles of whisky and cognac, which make perfect gifts for those all-important moments of celebration and presents that allow you to be present.

Best

for the flavour-curious:

HIBIKI 21-YEAR-OLD

In 1923, Shinjiro Torii opened Japan’s first whisky distillery, Yamazaki. His company, Suntory, is now the leading producer of fine Japanese whisky, and from their three key distilleries of Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita, they craft their Hibiki blend. What sets Hibiki apart from other blended whiskies is their foresight to long maturation (the label has just released the oldest-ever Japanese blended whisky, the Hibiki 40-year-old), as well as the use of rare Mizunara oak casks. Mizunara oak, or the ‘naughty oak’ as Japanese whisky makers call it, grows short and gnarly, and is very hard to make casks from.

Fewer than 200 are produced a year, and the resulting mature whisky from Yamazaki, which sits for over 21 years in cask to develop fully, carries distinct notes of oud, sandalwood and palo santo. Hibiki 21 showcases this style brilliantly, balancing it out with a touch of smoke from the malt made at Hakushu, too. £795

Best for the adventurous soul: THE MACALLAN

Famed Highland single malt distillery The Macallan, which celebrates 200 years of production this year, has released two new expressions, adding to its Harmony Collection. As part of the distillery’s 200th anniversary celebrations, they have forged a unique collaboration with Cirque du Soleil, who have been showcasing their talents at unique performances on the distillery’s estate in Scotland.

Of the two releases, both of which are bottled at 44.2% abv and come under The Macallan’s Harmony Collection series, the Vibrant Oak expression has been matured in a combination of first-fill American and second-fill sherry seasoned oak casks and is available for purchase in good whisky shops. The second bottling, Guardian Oak, is available in duty-free. As with all whiskies from The Macallan, the liquid carries natural colour, all derived from time maturing in the highest quality oak casks, for which the distillery has become so famous. Both are extra-special bottles that would make fantastic gifts.

Best for Alpine vibes: JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL ICE CHALET

Johnnie Walker’s brilliant Blue Label whisky has partnered with ski brand Perfect Moment for a fabulous, limited edition expression called Blue Label Ice Chalet. The iconic Johnnie Walker square bottle has been given an extra coat, literally, in the form of a winter-style reversible puffer jacket, perfect for the ski slopes. The deep blue sleek bottle bag doubles as a fashionable crossbody bag once the bottle is removed, and the whisky itself is a bespoke blend crafted from some of the rarest single malts in the Johnnie Walker portfolio. Walker has the largest collection of whisky in Scotland, with over 10 million casks of maturing whisky, and for this blend some of Scotland’s most northerly distilleries, including the renowned Brora and the highest distillery, Dalwhinnie, were used. These malts were aged during Scotland’s harshest winters, a period that refines their distinctive character, resulting in a whisky that captures the essence of the cold season’s luxury, with spiced fruits, warm vanilla and just a hint of smoke. £345

Best for Sunday afternoon relaxing: ABERFELDY

This wonderful single malt distillery, founded in 1898, produces some of Scotland’s most flavoursome whiskies, which is often referred to as the ‘Golden Dram’, due to its distinctly honeyed character. With a real dedication to whisky production where long fermentations and slow distillations drive in flavour to the spirit, there is a patient approach applied by Aberfeldy in every aspect of its whiskymaking process. Nowhere is this more evident than in the warehouse, where their Highland spirit is matured for longer than most. Aberfeldy’s use of sweet wine casks is also a point of distinction, and their 22-year-old release from their Exceptional Cask series showcases a single malt that has aged long in oak, before a finishing period in white port casks. This rounds out the honey notes found in Aberfeldy and adds notes of peach, pear and apricot. £218

Best for the wine lover: GLENFIDDICH

Glenfiddich is one of the world’s most renowned single-malt whisky producers. Family-owned since 1886, it has established itself as one of the essential stops on any visit to the Speyside region and was the first to open a visitor centre in 1969.

A famous name in the world of single malt Scotch whisky, it has also played a key role in the modern development of the category and can be lauded for being the first regularly commercially available single malt Scotch whisky globally.

With such rich history, Glenfiddich continues to push boundaries and innovate within the world of single-malt Scotch. Their latest release is the 31-year-old Grand Château, the newest limited-edition whisky in Glenfiddich’s Grand Series. This is the first release by the distillery to use red wine casks from the Bordeaux region, in which the liquid is finished for an extended period of nine years. For this release, Glenfiddich has collaborated with internationally renowned street artist, André Saraiva, who is recognised for his avant-garde expressions and has turned his hand to visualising the world of Grand Château in a brilliantly humorous and utterly mesmerising fusion of tradition and rebellion. £1,595

Best for smoky whisky lovers: ARDBEG 17

The island of Islay, off Scotland’s west coast, is famed for producing smoky, peaty whisky. One of the most lauded distillers on the isle is Ardbeg, which was founded in 1815 and has a ferociously strong fan following. And it is to their delight, and that of all smoky whisky fans, that the distillery has relaunched its famous 17-year-old expression.

First released over 25 years ago in 1997, the famous ‘17’ as it became known, was discontinued in 2004 due to stock constraints. Since then, the warehouses have been restocked and the wait began. Some 17 years later, it has returned as an exclusive via the Ardbeg website, ready to whet the appetite for those who miss the whisky so much. If you miss out, a great alternative is the Ardbeg 10-year-old, which delivers lovely soft peated and smoky notes. £160 for the 17-year-old, £38 for the 10-year-old

Ardbeg was founded in 1815 and has a ferociously strong fan following. And it is to their delight, and that of all smoky whisky fans, that the distillery has relaunched its famous 17-year-old expression

Best for the foodie in your life: THE GLENTURRET

Set along the banks of the River Turret, Glenturret is the oldest working distillery in Scotland. Founded in 1763, its location, near Crieff in the Perthshire region of Scotland, is one of the country’s most picturesque areas, and its whiskies reflect the natural beauty of the place. Flavour is key to any whisky distillery, but not many can boast a Michelinstarred restaurant alongside their maturing casks of whisky – Glenturret’s kitchen holds two Michelin stars.

The whisky here is looked after by Bob Dalgarno, formerly of The Macallan and a man whose reputation is writ large in Scottish whisky. He has brought the very best out of Glenturret’s whiskies, which are released on an annual batch basis, and his work is evident in their magnificent 15-yearold. Rich and rounded with notes of praline and candied fruits, it is perfect for the foodie in your life. £165

Best fireside dram: BERRY BROTHERS & RUDD THE

PERSPECTIVE SERIES 1, 21-YEAROLD BLENDED SCOTCH WHISKY Berry Brothers & Rudd, or simply ‘Berry’s’, has traded from the same shop at No.3 St. James’s Street since 1698. With a Royal Warrant to their name, they have supplied libations to the Royal family since 1760. Berry’s has bottled its own whisky since the mid-1800s, making it the oldest independent bottler of spirits still in existence. Their longstanding relationships with Scotch whisky distillers mean they have good stocks of well-matured whisky slumbering away, and this 21-year-old blend represents some of the finest picks from among these casks. This limited-release blend epitomises rich, smooth blended Scotch, with fruitcake notes and white chocolate hints from long-matured grain whisky. An absolute stunner of a whisky, from one of the most established bottlers in the game. £89

Best for non-whisky fans/art lovers: HENNESSY COGNAC VS Hennessy is the name in the world of Cognac. So beloved is the brandy that one in every two bottles of Cognac sold has Hennessy written on the label. Despite being a French brandy, Hennessy’s roots are Irish, and the house is celebrating the 300th anniversary of the birth of its Irish founder, Richard Hennessy with a new release. Hennessy was born in Cork, emigrated to Cognac and created the globally iconic Hennessy brand.

The stunning design of the new Hennessy Very Special (VS) Founder’s Edition has been signed by Irish artists Maser and Conor Harrington to create an historic, colourful and art-led bottle. For this release, the artists travelled to Cognac, immersing themselves in the culture and heritage of Hennessy. This ‘VS’ edition works brilliantly served simply over ice, or mixed into a classic cocktail such as a Side Car or cognac Old Fashioned. £40

A WHOLE new ball GAME

Savvy luxury brands are collaborating with sports superstars to inject fresh energy and reach new consumers and emerging markets. Simon Brooke looks at the houses and their athletic ambassadors already off to a running start

He’s young, he’s good-looking, he’s cool and he’s recently been unveiled as a “Friend of the House”, Louis Vuitton’s highest accolade. Yet, the chap in question isn’t an actor or an aristo-model. Jude Bellingham is a footballer from a modest background in the West Midlands.

The 21-year-old is also phenomenally successful, it must be said, having played for Birmingham City and Borussia Dortmund, before joining European giants Real Madrid last summer. “It is such a pleasure to join the Louis Vuitton family. Since I was young, I’ve always been attracted to the house,” he announced after the news in the summer. Bellingham had already been seen on the front row of the Louis Vuitton Spring/ Summer menswear show this year, as well as being papped carrying a signature piece of the label, its iconic Keepall Bandoulière 45 duffle bag.

The midfielder looks as much at home in fashion shots as he does on the pitch –relaxed in a dark, high-collar zip-through

cardigan or wearing a structured doublebreasted suit and adopting his celebrated, open-armed goal-scoring stance. Louis Vuitton’s other sports brand ambassadors include Carlos Alcaraz, the Spanish tennis player who is ranked second in the world.

A growing number of sports stars are being recruited by luxury houses as brand ambassadors. Dior ambassadors include boxer Estelle Mossely, the skateboarder Louise-Aina Taboulet, and judoka star Clarisse Agbegnenou. The celebrated French fashion house is also leading a move within fashion and luxury to embrace a more diverse range of public faces, with its recruitment of Italian Paralympic fencers Andreea Mogoș, Bebe Vio and Loredana Trigilia.

Another celebrated jewellery brand, Tiffany & Co, recently announced Emma Raducanu as its latest brand ambassador, alongside Beyoncé and her husband Jay-Z. The tennis star was photographed wearing tens of thousands of pounds of jewellery including diamond teardrop earrings from the Tiffany Victoria collection.

“Sports stars and luxury brands go hand in hand,” argues Victoria Lee, digital marketer and founder and CEO at 100 Pound Social, which provides insights into collaborations between luxury brands and sports stars. “We look at sports stars as more than just athletes that are at the top of their game. The public’s fascination with figures like Tom Brady, Roger Federer and Cristiano Ronaldo extends outside their respective sports.”

She adds: “After setting up his YouTube channel, Cristiano Ronaldo became the fastest channel to reach one million subscribers and then the fastest channel to reach 20 million subscribers. We’re fascinated by these elite athletes’ lives of luxury – and it makes perfect sense for luxury brands to flock to them for partnerships.”

As well as this diversity of looks and experiences, sports stars’ healthy, athletic image and aesthetic add to their appeal. The recent success of the Paris and Tokyo Olympics and, in particular, the rising profile of Paralympians has renewed sport’s healthy lustre and its associations with young people

Above: Luxury brand Louis Vuitton is hoping to harness the star power of footballer Jude Bellingham after naming him as a “Friend of the House”

PHOTOGRAPHS:

As consumers become increasingly sceptical about celebrity endorsements, brands need to ensure that the sports stars they recruit have a strong connection and resonance with them

working hard and reaping the rewards.

“Actors are somewhat distant figures, and we may only see them a few times each year,” says Simon Chadwick, professor of Sports Enterprise at Salford University and codirector of its Centre for Sports Business. “Whereas sports stars are more immediate, indeed we can even go to see them perform live every week – they are often within touching distance of thousands of people. They come to us from similar families, with familiar stories, and represent a vision of life that is within reach. Everyone has a story about a kid from their school who made it in sport.”

Footballers such as Jude Bellingham have a particular value and resonance, according to Professor Chadwick, because, as well as being heroes and icons, they are aspirational figures. “Their backgrounds and who they are

as individuals resonate with people around the world and cuts across communities in general. Over the last 30 years, we have seen the emergence of middle- class fandom, it’s now acceptable to be a professional, with a good income, and also a football fan. So, Bellingham at Louis Vuitton is not just about aspiration, it’s also about hard cash and selling to key target markets.”

This growing connection between luxury houses and sport is being manifested in other ways. The medals at the Paris Olympics were created by jeweller Chaumet, whose parent company LVMH is thought to have sponsored the games to the tune of €150m. Chanel’s recently launched Haute Joaillerie Sport Collection celebrates the awareness of the body and the idea of unrestricted physicality that lies, the brand says, at the heart of Gabrielle Chanel’s creations.

“I was inspired by Chanel’s sporty style, which is such an integral part of the house’s history: the elegance of the line and the freedom of movement,” says Patrice Leguéreau, director of the CHANEL Jewellery Creation Studio. As an aesthetic for high jewellery, the Sport collection is strikingly innovative – the idea is to replicate in the same manner as sportswear, “the anatomical reality of the body”. The chevron motif is intended to celebrate the themes of energy, pace and speed, while the collection’s contours and lines are clean and unfussy, almost aerodynamic.

Given the importance of time for so many sports (there are no accolades for coming last), it’s hardly surprising that luxury watch brands are also recruiting sportspeople as ambassadors. For example, Aaron Rodgers, an American professional football quarter-

Clockwise from far left:

Dior ambassadors LouiseAina Taboulet and Estelle Mossely. The French fashion house has also recruited Italian Paralympic fencers

Andreea Mogoș, Bebe Vio and Loredana Trigilia

back for the New York Jets, has designed a watch for watchmakers Zenith, part of LVMH.

The Chronomaster Sport Aaron Rodgers, a limited edition of 250 pieces, can measure and display 1/10th of a second. As well as this precision, the brand emphasises the timepiece’s performance, agility and elegance – all qualities, it could be said, of a great American footballer.

Sports connections enable brands to demonstrate their technical and craftsmanship capabilities. In another example of co-creation, Hugo Boss is now working with tennis players Noma Noha Akugue and Ella Seidel.

As consumers become increasingly sceptical about celebrity endorsements, brands need to ensure that the sports stars they recruit have a strong connection and resonance with them. The partnership needs to feel logical, natural and believable. It’s worth noting that although Louis Vuitton’s choice of Jude Bellingham might challenge perceptions of the brand, it’s been able to create a narrative of the young footballer’s longstanding enthusiasm for Louis Vuitton and his admiration for its new menswear designer, Pharrell Williams.

To take another example, Calvin Klein’s partnership with female football players Alex Morgan and Chloe Kelly continues the brand’s well-established aesthetic of lithe sensuality, while cleverly leveraging the growing interest in the women’s game. Meanwhile, Burberry’s association with Marcus Rashford firmly focusses on the Manchester United forward’s philanthropic work with children alongside the obvious fashion connection.

Any kind of celebrity endorsement carries risks – what if the celebrity in question says something offensive or misbehaves? Social media can amplify the work of a brand ambassador, but a thoughtless Tweet or an inappropriate video can cause huge damage to the all-important brand image of a luxury house in a matter of hours. The added risk with a sports personality, unlike an actor or model, is that a disappointing performance on the pitch, track or court can also have the potential to damage the sponsor’s branding.

“To safeguard against such issues, endorsement contracts typically include performance clauses as well as behavioural clauses,” explains Professor Chadwick. “The latter guards against athlete transgressions such as drug abuse, domestic violence, or offensive views.”

As luxury houses look to recruit younger consumers, connect with potential audiences in emerging markets and associate their brands with all that is best about sport, these risks are easily outweighed by the considerable rewards.

Clockwise from far left: Aaron Rodgers wears a limited edition Chronomaster Sport watch, which he designed for watchmakers Zenith, part of LVMH. The timepiece can measure and display 1/10th of a second; Chanel’s recently launched Haute Joaillerie Sport Collection

is inspired by the awareness of the body and the idea of unrestricted physicality that lies at the heart of Gabriel Chanel’s creations. The mandarin garnet ring and lion brooch with brilliant cut diamonds feature the collection’s clean and unfussy lines, which are almost aerodynamic

L ife

GIVING | LIVING | NATURE | NURTURE

Step into the comfort zone

ONE TO WATCH

Watchmakers Zenith has released a limited edition of 100 DEFY Skyline 41mm watches, with a part of the sales going to The Susan G. Komen charity, raising money to fund breast cancer research. Since 2002, Zenith’s contributions to the charity have surpassed $700,000. Zenith DEFY Skyline Pink 41mm Susan G. Komen Boutique Edition, £9,300, zenith-watches.com

FORCE OF NATURE

Tiffany & Co has launched the Love For Our Oceans initiative, committing to raising $1 million in support of The Nature Conservancy, through the sale of T by Tiffany Smile cord bracelets. Available in 18ct yellow and rose gold, with and without diamonds, the cords are made entirely from plastic bottles. From £455, tiffany.co.uk

LICENCE TO THRILL

With a design evoking its signature travel trunks, British luggage manufacturer Globe Trotter has added poker and backgammon sets to its 007 collection. Bond nerds will tell you that the games first appeared in the franchise, respectively, in the very first film Dr. No (1962) and in Octopussy (1983). A great gift choice. From £1,595, globe-trotter.com

HANG TOUGH

Jeweller Ellis Mhairi Cameron named her latest collection Armach, which in Scottish Gaelic translates to “covered with armour”. Inspired by ancient weaponry found on her family’s land, the sculptural pieces are crafted in 18ct gold and coloured diamonds. 2.8ct oval lemon diamond organic engagement signet ring, £23,995; diamond scatter drop earrings, £11,995. ellismhairicameron.com

FINISHING TOUCHES

Based in a village near St. Tropez, heritage French brand La Manufacture Cogolin has produced luxury rugs since the 1920s. Its collection of decorative pillows is made from upcycled fabric rolls and surplus dyed yarns from rug orders. From £1,435, manufacturecogolin.com

SOMETHING IN THE AIR

Luxury perfumer Roja added a new fragrance to its Prestige collection of haute perfumery, the first since 2018. Lost In Paris is a tribute to the hedonistic side (and the culinary delights) of the City of Lights, with notes of caramelised bitter orange, pink pepper, cinnamon, cashmere wood and vanilla. £995, rojaparfums.com

LIVING

GUIDING LIGHT

Known for its muted earthy tones and tactile shapes, Mud Australia has opened a new store in Islington, bringing its covetable pieces to north London. Creating porcelain homewares since 1994 with Limoges-sourced clay, the company is known for its tableware and now these elegant lamps, including a cordless portable LED light in colours such as duck egg and blossom. Pop lamp from £480; Flared table lamp from £990. mudaustralia.com

ARTISTIC LICENCE

Elevate cosy corners with Toogood’s sculptural range of furniture. The Gummy Lounge chair is crafted using traditional techniques and comes in a range of materials such as this Opio in teal blue ‘prussiana.’ (£9,500). Pair with the Palette coffee table in elm, which is inspired by the shape of a painter’s blending board and finished in satin wood oil (£6,840). All pieces are made to order. t-o-o-g-o-o-d.com

MAGIC TOUCH

Drawing inspiration from medieval, mythical and celestial motifs, Pelican House’s collection of miniature woven artworks is hand-woven in Northern India and crafted from jute. Wild Things, made in collaboration with Tart London, fit into any abode, however petite, lifting lifeless walls with their jaunty hues. From £349, pelicanhouse.com

welcomes Salon64 hairdressers to its refined

Inspired by the vast grassy plains of South America, the new Pampas collection by Arte nods to different textural grasses growing in the region, from Sombra, which is an interpretation of a fine hemp fabric, to Matas, the woven fibres from an arrowroot plant. Add interest to walls with Matiz, resembling a woven banana bark. From £200 per roll, arte-international.com

GRASS ROOTS

NURTURE

WELLBEING |

TAKE THE PLUNGE

Known for its cool white towns, Maldivian seas and fresh-from-the-ocean cuisine, Puglia has continued to be one of the hottest holiday destinations. Head there in spring, before the crowds descend. A new hotel renovation has emerged under the watchful eye of Borgo Egnazia (the big-hitting resort modelled on a Puglian village and famed for its A-list guests). Ostuni a Mare – formerly known as Rosa Marina since the 1970s – sits a little inland, but a miniature train transports joyful children (and adults) a mile to its private beach. Breakfast spreads include handmade cakes, from apricot to almond. There are elegant new rooms including prestige junior suites. From £126, ostuniamare.com

FACE VALUE

Many will only entrust their skin to Sarah Chapman, famed for her facials that combine science with intuitive care. The new DeepGlow + Meso facial is a 60-minute treatment in which vitamins – including hyaluronic acid and vitamin C – are injected into the face to boost collagen production, leaving skin smoother and plumper. £350, sarahchapman.com

BREATHE EASY

A lot of Bali’s beaches and yoga-studiostrewn towns are well-trodden paths. But head to some of the lesser-known parts, such as the villages on the southwestern coast. Nirjhara in Kedungu is a boutique property framed by undulating hills and rice paddies with a host of new wellness experiences. These include a day of spiritual healing which takes guests to the foothills of Ubud with breathing and meditation sessions followed by a cleansing ritual in Sebatu’s holy spring. From £355, nirjhara.com

LISTEN UP

The Toniebox has brought joy to many children, with audio stories from The Gruffalo to Paddington Bear, to songs and educational tonies®. tonies® has now extended its educational range with Clever Pocket Tonies, featuring early-years’ favourites such as Numberblocks and Alphablocks, with prices starting at £8.99. Available at tonies.com

FAIR PLAY

For parents who are trying to keep their children’s nurseries aligned to the Scandi Instagrammable aesthetic, plastic is out… Le Toy Van’s new collection of wooden play toys includes an animal vet set and a hairdresser kit. From £14.95, letoyvan.co.uk

NATURE

GROUND RULES

What happens beneath our feet? SOIL: The World at Our Feet, is a new exhibition at Somerset House that will explore just that. Featuring over 50 works across a range of media, soil’s vital role in the ecosystem is explored through the lens of artists, writers and scientists. Highlights include a 13ft photograph by National Geographic photographer Jim Richardson, alongside work by clay artist Jo Pearl and an unreleased immersive work by East London multimedia artist collective Marshmallow Laser Feast. 23 January – 13 April 2025, somersethouse.org.uk

IT

Natural stones such as mother of pearl, lapis, bloodstone and Indian agate, blended with Art Deco design sensibilities, are the inspiration behind V by Laura Vann’s new collection of everyday jewels. Column longline earrings in 18ct gold vermeil, Indian agate and white topaz, £180, vbylauravann.com

ROCKING

THE SPA’S THE STAR

Craving a break? Disconnect and unwind in the Lake District’s Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa, which offers guests the chance to join a guided Moon and Star Bathing experience during the winter months. Spend the night stargazing, starting with a guided grounding meditation. Rooms from £295, star bathing from £110 per person. armathwaite-hall.com

SPINNING A YARN

Unisex knitwear brand Moss + Cable hails from Donegal, northwestern Ireland, where founder Siobhan McKenna grew up. Made in small batches using traditional Aran knitting production methods, its jumpers come in a small range of classic colours and styles which are set to last for many winters to come. The Turtleneck Lambswool Aran, £269, mossandcable.com

FLOWER POWER

Hampshire-based wallpaper and fabric designer Juliet Travers created a limited edition run of 100 A5 signed and mounted prints of 12 birth month flowers drawn on birthstone colours, also available as a set of greeting cards. £75 and card sets from £15, juliettravers.com

The sky’s the limit

Patricia Gucci founded luxury goods brand Aviteur in 2019 after a lightbulb moment at Heathrow Airport led her to create the brand’s signature carry-on case. Five years on, the brand offers a range of luggage, accessories and handbags. With a focus on travel, she is an expert in voyaging well

How do you prepare for a long flight?

I drink lots of liquid a few days pre-departure, so I’m well hydrated. My packing routine involves laying my clothes on the bed, then layering them with anti-wrinkle paper.

What bags do you use to travel with – checkin and carry on?

My personal luggage and handbags are Aviteur, including the pet carrier for my dog Lola. For check-in, it’s a giant, lightweight suitcase with a bright ribbon, so I can spot it at the other end.

What do you eat/ drink on the plane?

A glass of white wine to unwind, then lots of water. I might nibble on mixed nuts from NaturaSì, my go-to health food store in Milan.

What is your preferred attire for flying?

Loungewear. I recently discovered The Private Jet cashmere collection by the Milanese brand Dusan. It’s fabulous.

Are there any other extras you take?

Aside from Lola, I always take a large, soft

cashmere scarf, ear plugs for sleeping and my wired headphones for music. It’s all about making myself as comfortable as possible.

What music and TV do you like to listen to or watch?

For in-flight movies, I keep it light and funny, so it’s typically a rom-com, like A Family Affair with Nicole Kidman. For music, I prefer meditative sounds from the Pure Meditation playlist on Apple Music so I can drift off into space.

Any favourite books to read onboard?

On a long flight, I like to close my eyes and just think. So much of my time is spent reading one thing or another that it’s nice to switch off. It allows me to reflect on designs, new concepts, and more abstract things.

What is your skincare routine in the air?

The Supreme Anti Aging Eye Cream by Sisley, Hyuralonic Face Mist by Dr. Barbara Sturm, Sara Happ Lip Slip Balm, and Augustinus Bader’s The Hand Treatment.

What is your favourite airline and why?

When I fly, I’m in a bubble, so it’s any carrier that’s courteous and helps me reach my destination on time with minimal disruption.

Best lounge around the world?

SWISS Air in Zurich.

What is the easiest long-haul route in your experience and why?

Zurich to Los Angeles. It’s the route I’m most familiar with, and I feel like I’m in a “home zone” from take-off to landing.

How do you combat jet lag?

To get over jet lag, I immediately adjust to local eating and sleeping times, regardless of what my body clock is telling me.

What do you usually do on arrival after a long flight?

I always unpack immediately. Once that’s done, I’ll take a shower and then have lunch or dinner depending on what time of day it is. aviteur.com

Right: Aviteur founder Patricia Gucci with the case that started it all