MILLIONAIR Summer 2023

Endless Summer

Julia Roberts in Chopard Alpine Eagle Ice Cube

Portrait©Picture by Alasdair McLellan for Chopard

Julia Roberts wearing Chopard Haute Joaillerie earrings

Portrait©Picture by Alasdair McLellan for Chopard

Juliet Herd

SUMMER 2023

Welcome to the latest edition of MilliOnair where we

bring you the hottest trends, exclusive interviews, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the glamorous world of fashion. As the summer season kicks in, we are thrilled to present you with a captivating blend of style, innovation, and inspiration.

Our dedicated writers, photographers, and fashion enthusiasts have worked tirelessly to bring you the latest insights and stories from the fashion industry.

FASHION & JEWELLERY: The Cover Team dives into our mesmerising stories featuring stunning scenery of South Africa and a perfect studio in London photographed by John Rowley. Discover how effortlessly these three very different fashion shoots somehow merge into one another but creates very different looks and feelings. In my Personal Luxuries, we shine the spotlight on visionary designers who are pushing the boundaries of creativity.

BEAUTY INSIDE OUT: Ruby Hammer enhances your natural beauty with expert tips and tricks from years of knowledge and her renowned talent. From effortless summer looks to innovative skincare routines, Ruby has everything you need to feel and look your best this season.

INTERVIEW: Juliet Herd gets an exclusive look at the world of Wiggy Hindmarch, founder of the Fashion & lifestyle brand Wiggy Kit with an in-depth interview that reveals the inspirations behind her work.

HOLISTIC WELLNESS: Pamper yourself and embark on a journey towards holistic wellness with our expert contributor Lucy Wakefield who shares her knowledge on nutrition, fitness, and mental well-being. Discover nourishing recipes, effective workout routines, and tips for maintaining a balanced lifestyle.

Enjoy this edition and embrace the vibrant world of MilliOnair!

MarcellaMartinellix

MILLIONAIR

MELANIE BURNETT

Founder, Editor in Chief, Designer, Publisher, Art and Beauty Contributor moagloball@icloud.com

MARCELLA MARTINELLI

Creative Editor & Jewellery/Fashion /Watch director marcella.stylist@gmail.com

RUBY HAMMER MBE

Beauty Editor rubyhammer@mac.com

JULIET HERD

Contributing Editor herdjuliet@gmail.com

LUCY WAKEFIELD

Contributing Wellness Editor

CLARE LAZARO

Contributing Fashion Editor

Contributors

JOHN ROWLEY

LISA VALENCIA

LIBERTY MILLS

ADVERTISING moaglobal@icloud.com

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Media Kit is available on our website https://millionair.live

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ABOUT

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LE JEAN

WIGGY HINDMARCH

Words by Juliet Herd

Photographer Cameron Wilder cameronwilder.com

Growing up, Wiggy Hindmarch remembers

being fascinated by fashion, makeup and skincare – “anything to do with bettering yourself”, as she explains it. She was particularly aware of the impact her stylish mother had on people - although in her case, achieving that effect was effortless.

“She had an innate elegance that people admired,” says Hindmarch. “I realised from a young age how important the way you present yourself is; how people are attracted to that. If you present the best of yourself, you can change people’s opinions of you and open doors. I realisedthepowerbehindthat.

“I’ve always been keen to work in situations where I can help people to make the best of themselves. It’s so easy if you know how to do it – my mother did it naturally. I often see people around me, and think, ‘If only they did this or that’; it’s like the difference between night and day. It’s theonethingIknowhowtodo.”

For the past eight years, Hindmarch has been doing exactly that – quietly but determinedly helping women to look their best through her own label, Wiggy Kit, which is about as joyful and wearableasfashioncanget.

She launched the brand after becoming increasingly frustrated by the lack of collectionsthatstraddledbothsummerinthe city – in her case, London – and holidays in hotter climes (she and her family have a beachhouseintheBahamas).Everythingwas too skimpy, sheer or short – ideal for the beachbutnotfortheschoolrunoralunchin town. She wanted one versatile wardrobe to takeherseamlesslybetweenthetwo.

“It kicked off with me doing a clear out of my closet - my husband was beside himself with how many clothes I had,” laughs Hindmarch, whose entrepreneur husband William is brother to accessories designer Anya Hindmarch.“Thiswasin2014whentherewas no such thing as resort wear. I realised I had two sets of summer clothes: one for going away somewhere really hot and totally inappropriate for London and a few pieces that were appropriate to wear in London when it’s hot. I remember thinking it’s ridiculous that I can’t find anything to wear in London and I shouldn’t need two types of clothes.”

Shereasonedthatifshewerestrugglingtobuildacohesivewardrobe,thenotherswere too. “I started the business because I identified a need. Now, every brand has cottoned ontospring/summerwearthatisversatile,”shesays.

TheessenceofeachWiggyKitpieceisitsadaptability,transformingalookfromcasualto dressy depending on which shoes you wear. “It’s very much high-low dressing,” she explains. “I’ve been known to wear one of my dresses at a wedding with Gianvito Rossi high heels but will equally wear it into the office with a pair of black sandals or mules. WhenIdesignsomething,ithastobeabletogobothways.”

As focused as the brand undoubtedly is on functionality and form – for Hindmarch, sleeves on summer dresses are key – there is a certain je ne sais quoi about its aesthetic, which sets Wiggy Kit dresses apart from myriad other floaty frocks. You can’t help but be drawn by the distinctive prints, the luxurious fabrics, the attention to detail, such as signature scalloping and delicate cross-stitching, and the eye-catching colours, fromcornflowerbluetotheperfectorangeyred.

The essence of each Wiggy Kit piece is its adaptability, transforming a look from casual to dressy depending on which shoes you wear.

Hindmarch designs her own prints and manufactures all her own fabrics, prioritising natural materials in her collections, including linen, silk and organic cotton.

“Fabric is the bedrock of the business,” the designer says. “It’s not just the way it looks, but the way it works with the cut of the dress and how it feels. I design for a long season, so it has to be something that you can start wearing around Easter all the way through to an Indian summer in September.

“It needs to feel good against the skin. I won’t wear anything uncomfortable or scratchy, so I’ll enzyme wash linen for ultimate softness and comfort and to give a gentlerumpledlook.”

While silks come from China because “they are the experts”, the brand’s cottons and linens are made in mills in India and Portugal. Hindmarch makes a point of keeping supply chains short and relationships strong with the factory owners. “When I first visited our factory in Delhi and saw behind the scenes, I was blown away,” she says. “When one thinks about India your mind goes to a different place than what I experienced: an immaculate, super organised factory. I met everyone from the warehouse workers to the merchandisers and watched everybody under one roof, from pattern cutters to embroiderers. It’s very much direct to the factory, so I know what is going on and whereeverythingiscomingfrom.”

“I’ve been known to wear one of my dresses at a wedding with Gianvito Rossi high heels but will equally wear it into the office with a pair of black sandals or mules. When I design something, it has to be able to go both ways.”

Her prints are often inspired by vintage remnants sourced through dealers. “I personally like vintage because then you’ve got something original to you,” she reasons. “It might be something as small as a drink coaster that sparks something in me and then I’ll work with a textile designer to develop it. My prints are very irregular – you can see the handiwork – and I like variations within the fabric, so they feel antique andnotoff-the-shelf.”

Also integral to Hindmarch’s designs is colour. Core Pantone shades are blues, reds and pinks – but only in the right tones – and she spends hours scrutinising swatches in different lights andondifferentskintones.“Therearea million reds that I wouldn’t touch with a barge pole,” she shudders. “It has to be so specific because I want the colour to enliven the skin and make it glow. I didn’thaveanythingredinmywardrobe until I started my brand. There’s something about red that can be so wrong - and the same with pink. It can’t be wishy washy or too Barbie. It has to haveacertainstrength.”

She is equally fastidious about cut and proportion, favouring an exaggerated silhouette and adding unexpected angles, while conscious of always creating a look that flatters the body. “I cannot stand a boring cut,” Hindmarch declares. “I tend to have a slightly oversize aesthetic, which is a much cooler look. My pet peeve is when people wear things that are too tight. Some clients get confused and say, ‘This istoobig’,andIsay,‘Youcangoonesize bigger!’ Things need to be unbuttoned and sleeves rolled up to give you an edgethatdoesn’tlookmumsy.”

At the same time, she’s very much aware that her clients are in the 30-60 age range and makes sure to take into account their needs and insecurities, hence the addition of the all-important lightweight summer sleeve and often a slightly longer hemline at the back. “I am 46 and have a very similar lifestyle to my clients. People love a sleeve but elbow length or three-quarters, so it has sex appeal.”

While her pieces may be easy to wear, they still need to work hard. “They’ve got to work with my lifestyle before I put themintomycollection,”sheinsists.“Very selfishly I know what I need and these pieces can work everywhere – it might be a weekend in Rome or the Caribbean. “I alwayswearsets–I’llwearawovenmulticoloured gaucho skirt in winter and one in cornflower blue with a square neck top in summer and you won’t realise it’s the samestyle.”

For spring/summer 2023, this consummate traveller has created a collection that takes the wearer from South Africa’s wine region and the Argentinian pampas to the English countryside, the connecting theme being nature. Think vintage botanical prints, Provencal meadow-inspired prints, crisp tobacco and white striped linens, ivory broderie anglaise and gingham cotton seersucker in red and blue – all designed to conjure the sense of a “bucolic idyll”.

“Imagine yourself picking fresh fruit and vegetables from a kitchen garden in South Africa or Somerset,” rhapsodises Hindmarch.

Born in Singapore to British expat parents, the designer has wonderlust in her blood. At the age of four, she moved with her family back to Britain, where her father took the reins at his family’s company Thomas Mercer, the world’s oldest makers of marine clocks and chronometers.Whenitwassold,thethen 16-year-old Wiggy’s parents relocated to Newport, Rhode Island, while she continued her education as a boarder at Tring Park School for the Performing Arts in Hertfordshire. She’d always wanted to be a dancer but changed her mind after touringinTheNutcrackerwiththeEnglish National Ballet for two years’ running when she was 13. “That was a bit of a shock to the system,” she recalls. “I realised I didn’t actually enjoy the lifestyle and from then on, I started to think that maybethiswasn’tforme.”

After leaving school, she flirted with the idea of becoming a backing dancer and even successfully auditioned to tour with the late singer-songwriter Prince in Japan. “That would have been the dream job but after getting over the excitement, I went off the idea,” she admits. “That was the finalnailinthecoffin.”

“I

tend to have a slightly oversize aesthetic, which is a much cooler look. My pet peeve is when people wear things that are too tight. Some clients get confused and say, ‘This is too big’, and I say, ‘You can go one size bigger!’ Things need to be unbuttoned and sleeves rolled up to give you an edge that doesn’t look mumsy.”

Instead, she ended up joining her parents in America, first in Rhode Island before moving some years later to Charlotte, North Carolina, where she fell in love with all things retail after landing a job with internationallyrenowned boutique owner Laura Vinroot Poole. She gradually progressed up the ladder to become a buyer and designer for a range of American brands. “I was never going to go down the academic route; uni just didn’t feature on my radar at all,” she says. “I’d always been very creative as a child,paintinganddoingartsandcrafts projects, and with each job I got, realised I was naturally interested in andtalentedatfashion.”

After returning to the UK in 2000, Hindmarch worked as operations manager for Catherine Prevost before marrying William in 2005 and starting her family – the couple have two daughters Scarlett, 16, and Marina, 14, and live in a Grade-II listed riverbank houseinwestLondon.

It wasn’t until her daughters were both of school age that she decided to flex her own entrepreneurial muscle and start Wiggy Kit. She was nicknamed “Wiggy” as a small child - although she’s not sure why - and has never been called by her given name, Philippa. “When we sent out wedding invitations, friends thought, ‘Who is Will marrying!’” She added the word “kit” to her brand name because of its association with clothing.

Having married into a family of entrepreneurs – William runs BOTB (Best of the Best), a spot-the-ball competition whereyoucanwinluxurycarsweekly,Anya helms her eponymous handbag empire, another sister Nicole owns fashionable children’s shoe shop Papouelli while father Michael founded his own company –dinner table conversations are certainly lively but Hindmarch insists that she and Anyadon’tengageinanydesigntalk.

“We are quite separate on that,” she says. “We talk about business in the general sense of the word and the ups and downs of it but we don’t talk about design. I talk a lot to my father-in-law; he’s an amazing man.” Would she and Anya ever consider a collaboration together? “I think she is probably busy enough,” she laughs. “She’s got bigger fish to fry than worrying about a collaboration with her little sister-in-law. She’sanamazinginspiration,though.”

Wiggy Kit is distinctly more international in terms of its DNA. “It feels very international with a strong flavour of America; it has a different aesthetic to other British brands,” says Hindmarch, who admits that her way ofdressinghasbeenstronglyinfluencedby her years living in New England and the Carolinas.

“Having that amazing American experience willstickwithmefortherestofmylife,”she adds. “It feels like home to me; I really understanditandthepeopleandlearntso much. You feel like you can do anything there. It was a culture shock when I came back [to the UK] – I had to relearn being Englishagain.”

Coral Necklace

It’snotsurprisingthatsheandherfamilyspendasmuchtimeaspossibleattheirbeach house on Harbour Island. “The girls go to boarding school and spend more time in their roomsintheBahamasthanhereinLondon,”shesays.“HomeforthemreallyisHarbour Island. The first thing I do when I arrive is walk straight down to the beach, and drink a Sands Light beer with my husband and think how lucky I am. I can hear the waves from mybedroom.

“What I love about Harbour Island is that it’s unspoilt; you don’t have to put on shoes or makeup.It’stheultimateluxurytogobacktoamuchmorenaturalwayofliving.”

ButasHindmarchdoesfindherselflivingintheUKformuchoftheyear,shehasstarted designing winter collections, partly in response to demand from clients, who wear her dresses all summer but “don’t know what on earth to wear in winter”. Tones are earthy, fabrics cosy such as corduroy, cotton canvas and velvet, and designs sophisticated Bohemianwithstylishboilersuitsahighlight.

As a future project, she wants to perfect that quintessential British item, the raincoat, one that is not only waterproof but properly lined and sartorially appealing. “Nobody does warm rainwear chic,” laments Hindmarch. “I’m always coming up with random ideas. Everyone rolls their eyes at me in the studio and knows I’ll do it. I started this business because I identified a need; don’t wait for other people to provide you with the opportunity–youbetheonewhodoesit.”

AndWiggyKitcertainlybearstestimonytothat!

The Maybourne Riviera unveils...

MAYBOURNE LA PLAGE

THE FRENCH RIVIERA’S NEW BEACH CLUB

The Maybourne Riviera - the strikingly modernist hotel built high above the picturesque town of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin – unveiled a new beach club on the 13th May 2023, Maybourne La Plage..

PositionedrightontheedgeoftheCapMartin,betweenbustlingMonacoandthe

staggering Italian coastline, Maybourne La Plage faces the glistening Mediterranean sea and is inspired by the golden age of the French Riviera and Slim Aarons pictures of the AmalfiCoast.

MaybourneLaPlagewillboastanintimaterestaurantspaceandabeach dottedwithsunloungersthatfollowthenaturalcurvesofthelandscape. Guestscanarrivedirectlyatthesunbathingareabyboat,mooringtothe club’swoodenpontoon.Adriftwoodpergola,rattanfurniture,fringed umbrellasandandaccentsofcoralandorangeevokeachicandeffortless Mediterraneanartofliving.

TherestaurantwillofferaninformalseasonalmenubylegendarychefMauroColagreco. Stardisheswillincludelinguineallevongole,grilledlobsterandoctopus,burrataanda reimaginedTropezienne.

MaybourneLaPlagewillopenfromthe13thofMay2023tothe24thofSeptember, from10amto6pm.Itwillbehometo80seats,40deckchairs,valetandskipperservices, DJsetsandlivemusic.

Going Out

The Blue Bar

THE BERKELEY’S ICONIC BLUE BAR MARKS THE SUMMER WITH NEW MENUS AND MUSIC

The legendary Blue Bar at The Berkeley, created by the late great designer David Collins, is marking the start of summer with a collection of new innovative cocktails, soon-to-be-cult bar snacks, refreshed interiors, and DJ vinylsessionslateintothenight.

When it first opened its doors over 20 years ago in October 2000, the Blue Bar – with its standout hue specially created from 50 different shades of blue – became the first spot to make hotel bars a place to be seen and a ‘scene’ in their own right, mixing dazzling drinks with glamourous hospitality and a crowd full of fashionistas. Music has always been a part of its DNA. It was an early haunt of entertainment royalty counting Madonna – a close friend of Collins – as a regular guest and the bar has seen two sell-out CD collections of its most signature sounds from world music and jazz to deep house. This became a legendary compilation, climaxing with a rare mix of ‘Music’ – a coup appointed to the bar by Madonna who rarely appeared on compilation discs.

Today the Blue Bar, adorned in its signature Lutyen’s blue, continues to be an epicentre of mixology and cocktail culture, and this June will see its treasured walls enter a new chapter with a menu devised by Bar Manager Marcello Cauda. The new drink offering will include twelve signature cocktails, two of which can be made non-alcoholic. The menu and cocktails take inspiration from the Blue Bar’s rich heritage – the physical menu itself both nods to the design of the iconic mirrors which have always hung in the bar, whilst also mimicking a vinyl sleeve reflecting the bar’s music credentials.

The Blue Bar’s bar snacks have long been an integral part of the bar. Longtime favourites including the brie, Wiltshire ham and truffle toasties are now joined by steak tartare crumpets, topped with confit egg yolk and pickled shallot; churros with lashings of shaved Manchego cheese; Dorset crab tacos and a 5 star take on the humble hot dog. As a new signature touch every night, at 11 o’clock the bar team will circulate French fries piled high on ornate silver trays (complete with obligatory ketchup and mayo), and delicately distribute with silver tongs, creating the ultimate high / low snackingmoment.

Titled ‘Blue Move’, the cocktail menu highlights include ‘I’m Blue’, a refreshing and slightly sweet disco-inspired drink that captures the vibrant energy of the Blue Bar team and ‘Mirror Martini’, a fruity and dry gin-based cocktail which carefully blends aperitif wines and is served into a mirror coated martini glass – an affectionate nod to the signature mirrors on the wall. Perfect for warmer months, ‘Side by Side’ is a Sangria-style tequilabased drink which cleverly showcases peach in three ways - using a peach aperitif, a peach liqueur and finally garnished with a Japanese ‘Wakamomo’ peach. The savoury yet fruity ‘Roadrunner’ is the ideal tipple for food lovers, takinginspirationfromZapoteccookingmethodsviafermentationandusing Mexican ingredients such as corn, mole bitter and Ancho Reyes Chile liqueur. For those after a caffeine boost post-dinner or late into the night, the go-to drink of choice will be the coffee-based ‘Nitromisu’, a chocolatey and nuttyhighballcocktailthatisinspiredbytheflavoursoftiramisu.

The Blue Bar’s glass pavilion is now dedicated to exclusive vinyl-only sets which DJs will provide every Thursday to Saturday evening. The new stateof-the-art decks and vinyl’s sit against a statement floor-to-ceiling blue tassel backdrop, evoking a moody atmosphere designed for drinking, dancing, and late-nightchatter.Flickeringthroughoutthebar,Belgravialocalandfriendof the hotel Rachel Vosper has created bespoke Blue Bar candles, aptly wrapped in blue leather to reflect the leather found on the floor, which are enriched with precious woods and caressed with hints of clove, tart rhubarb, and nutmeg.

PERSONAL LUXURIES

By Marcella Martinelli

patek.com

Carolina Herrera

gucci.com

Vivienne Westwood

Alexander McQueen

Anna E Alex

chanel.com

hartiswim.com

connollyengland.com

MILLIONAIR

All the Colours of Sustainability BOVENUE

TheSaudi-LuxuryLeatherBrand evolving throughZeroWastePractices

BOVENUE is a zero-waste leather luxury brand. The brand is dedicated to creating highquality and sustainable leather handbags which do not harm the environment any further,utilisingpre-existingmaterialstocreatetheirone-of-a-kindbags.Toensuretheir production doesn’t create unnecessary waste, BOVENUE uses off-cuts of leather that haven’t been used by the major luxury brands in the industry to produce their bags, which addresses a zero-waste approach through methods that protect their luxury status whilst addressing a means to be more sustainable. All BOVENUE leather handbags are produced with 0% leather waste from 2023 onwards aligning with their promise to practice sustainable production through luxury practice. This runs deep in the DNA of BOVENUE as the company works with a high level of responsibility on all levelsofitsproduction.BOVENUEisasustainableandzero-wasteluxuryhandbagbrand makingadifferenceintheluxuryindustry.

Established in 2012, in London, BOVENUE came to be known as a statement luxury Saudi Arabian handbag brand, which combines modern-day designs with a nostalgic feel.

BOVENUE creates high-quality products using unique materials and designs. Due to the unique nature of the material and leather used, they create handbags ensuring that no two pieces are ever identical. Each customer has a deeper connection with their handbagandthebrandduetothissenseofexclusivity.

MilliOnAir Magazine

The brand creates unique collections tailored for the modern contemporary woman with nostalgia to the past: classic, timeless, culturally, and architecturally inspired pieces. The brand is inspired by the ‘classics’, the vintage designs, which it brings back in its collectionswithamoderntwist.

The NOURA collection is inspired by the different lands and their ancestors, creating colours driven by cultural associations of our lands today. Spanning from seaside regionstoresourcefilledprovinces,tonaturefullhillsidelandsandfinallytothemagical deserts.Thecollectioncelebratesthelife-givingandnurturingaspectsofnature.

The LAILA, Arabic for night and which is also the founder’s mothers name, is inspired by the serenity and calmness of the dark Arabian desert nights, which is seen in the monotone body of the handbag. The piece is centred around its statement handles which are made with unique colours and leathers. The handle is the star of the piece, symbolisingthebrightstaramidstcompletedarkness,whichalonelightsupthesky.

The shape of the NOURA and the LAILA pieces is inspired by the handbag collection of thefounder’sgrandmother.Thebaghasgenerousinternalspace,whichisidealformost occasions,suedeleatherinteriorlining,statementinternalleatherpocket,engravedlogo detailonthehardwareandadetachablestrap.

Bovenue has grown to reach an audience of 250,000 across the Middle Eastern region andinEurope.

Fashion

BLOOMINGHAUS

GildedAnthuriumCrown-Sculptedandmeticulouslygildedwith handpickedanthuriums. BloomingHaus.com

ADLER

Earrings"Sundersand"inpinkgoldsetwithmulticolouredrosecut sapphiresrosecutdiamondsanddiamonds. bracelet"Shinsei"inpinkgoldsetwithdiamonds www.adler.ch BELLAFREUDcreamwaistcoatandtrousers www.bellafreud.com

ADLER

"Scarlett"necklaceinwhitegoldsetwithoneovalcutruby,pear-shapedrubies,pear-shapeddiamonds,diamondsandrubies.

Righthand:

"Shinsei"ringinwhitemother-of-pearlandinwhitegoldsetwithoneMozambicanovalcutrubyanddiamonds. "RedSunset"ringinwhitegoldsetwithoneredMozambicanovalcutruby,rubiesanddiamonds.

Lefthand:

Adlersolitaireinwhitegoldandyellowgoldsetwithonediamondanddiamonds. "Caméléon"ringinwhitegoldsetwith58diamonds. www.adler.ch

BELLAFREUD creamjacket www.bellafreud.com

BLOOMINGHAUS

GildedAnthuriumCrown-Sculptedandmeticulouslygildedwith handpickedanthuriums BloomingHaus.com

ADLER

Earrings"Sundersand"inpinkgoldsetwithmulticolouredrosecut sapphiresrosecutdiamondsandbracelet"Shinsei"inpinkgoldset withdiamonds www.adler.ch

BELLAFREUD creamwaistcoatandtrousers www.bellafreud.com

BLOOMINGHAUS

DiademofGloriosa-Adornedwithresplendent GloriosaSuperbablossoms. BloomingHaus.com

ADLER

Meltemia"necklaceinwhitegoldsetwithone detachableBurmeseovalcutrubyovalcutdiamonds, diamondsandrubiesand "Cérès"earringsinwhite goldsetwithmarquisecutdiamonds. www.adler.ch

WOLFORD

Blacktubedress www.wolford.com

FashionDirector@marcellastylist

Photographer:JohnRowley@jrowley1

HairandmakeupLisaValencia@ArlingtonartistsusingDryBar

ModelChelseaMaguire www.bossmodels.co.za

Production: www.stellarmediaproductions.com

ERESoneshoulderblueEffigieSwimsuit www.eresparis.com

ERESDestinoSwimsuit www.eresparis.com

Desert Rose

FashioneditorMarcellaMartinelli@marcellastylist

Photographer:JohnRowley@jrowley1

HairandmakeupLisaValencia@ArlingtonartistsusingDryBarand CharlotteTilbury

ModelPetraRaubenheimer www.bossmodels.co.za

Production: www.stellarmediaproductions.com

ALEXANDERMcQUEENResort2023

Silkdress

www.brunellocucinellBRUNELLOCUCINELLISilkdresswww.brunellocucinelli.com/en

BRUNELLOCUCINELLI Silkshirtandstripedtrousers www.brunellocucinelli.com/en GucciShoeswithTasselswww.gucci.com

CottonJumpsuit www.brunellocucinelli.com/en

NAIA Beach

NAIABeachis createdby TessDalyand GayleLawton, longtimefriends withamutual passionfortravel andfashion.

Tess and Gayle were constantly seeking beautiful swim and resort wear, that would fit perfectly and empower the wearer. Finding this a difficult task, they decided to combine our extensive backgrounds in the world of fashion and create NAIA. To crate iconic designs that reflect the quality and exclusivity that glamorous globetrotters aspire to NAIA is for all women to feel comfortable, confident and special when wearing., each piece is designed for an ultra-flattering fit, with timeless luxury fabrics and subtle, elegant glamour in every piece. SS23 ” The Icon Collection ” symbolises everything believe the NAIA woman to be; independent, strong, unique and fabulous, a Goddess just like you. Thoughtfully and passionately designed by womenforwomen.

TessDalyandGayleLawton

Beauty

Nostalgic Scent of Old London

Under the “artistic residency” of Christopher Chong, Thameen London proudly announced the release of the second fragrance of The Britologne Collection, titled Bohemian Infusion. Reimagined as a Cologne Elixir with more faceted nuances layering over the classical structure of cologne, it evokes memorable sillage and seductive longevity.

InspiredbythestoriesofthePiazza atCoventGardeninthe19thand early20thcenturieswhenitwasa playgroundforsinfulanddecadent pleasures,Chongfocusesonthe lifestylesofthedandiesandliterati intoxicatedwithsubstancesfor hallucinatorycarnalpleasures, immersingintoaperversive playgroundatthecafésandpubs withothersocialunderlings,likethe thespiansofthenearbyDruryLane andWestEndtheatres.

Remembering anecdotes and historical stories from his PhD research on Subversive Fashion, Sexuality and Semiotics, Chong reminisces, “I’ve always been drawn to the psychoanalytical angle of the subculture and underworld of the dandies and flâneur. I invited world-renowned Master Perfumer, Maurice Roucel, and award-winning Senior Perfumer, Alexandra Carlin to concoct the expressive elements of duality betweenlightandshadow,dangeranddesirewiththisfragrance.”

CreationsbyRoucelaremasterpieces.CombinedwiththeliterarysoulofCarlin,both display a bold and daring attitude that goes beyond the realm of reasoning when entering Chong’s “zeste de folie” world with this construction. Bright and punchy, yet dark and mysterious, Bohemian Infusion is a fragrance of contrasts. It reinterprets theiconiccolognestructurewithunexpectedingredientsinafreestylefashion. Zesty citrus accents of Grapefruit and Petitgrain fuse with juicy Blackcurrant and Cardamom.Cinnamonunderlinesthespicynuanceandblendwithaboldbouquetof icy and resinous aromatic notes of Artemisia, Myrtle and Longoza. Enigmatic shade of earthy Patchouli and mineral Ambrostar are wrapped with carnal Labdanum and sensualAmbre83deLaire.

Both Roucel and Carlin elaborate, “Bohemian Infusion is inspired by Chong’s visualisation of Covent Garden’s Piazza - a reflection of its past history and contemporary atmosphere. For this we imagine a hybrid cologne in which we redefine the generic cologne structure with unpredictable facets. The result is a rebellious creation - a delightful contraction with a chiaroscuro impression associating both classic and daring ingredients that reflect lights and shadows, energetic flair and playful opulence. Elegant and romantic, yet exuberant and libertine,BohemianInfusionseducesyou withoutyouevennoticing.”Chongrecapitulates, “AtfirstsmellBohemianInfusionhasafamiliarity thatgivesonetracesofdéjàvu,butasthe fragranceevolves,abravenewworldof deconstructedfantasybecomesanolfactive metaverse.”

Bohemian Infusion is presented in Thameen London’s signature bottle in clear frosted glass with a magnetic silver cap. The sleeve image is an impression of a poppy symbolising hallucinatory decadence and pleasures.

PERFUMERS

Maurice Roucel, Alexandra Carlin

Special mention for fragrance design contribution: Eileen Rohan

OLFACTORY NOTES

Style

Cologne Elixir

Fragrance Families

Citrus, Woody, Aromatic

Top

Grapefruit, Petitgrain, Blackcurrant, Cardamom

Heart

Artemisia, Longoza, Cinnamon, Myrtle

Base

Ambrostar, Labdanum, Ambre 83 de Laire, Patchouli

Beauty with RUBY HAMMER

Industry expert

Ruby Hammer MBE discusses...

Golden Hour Beauty

As the golden rays of the sun grace our summer days, there's nothing quite like radiant glowing skin to matchthewarmthoftheseason.

Prep Your Canvas

Toachieveaflawlessluminous complexion,itisessentialtostart withawell-preppedcanvas.Beginby cleansingyourfaceandfollowup withamoisturisersuitedtoyour skintype.Applyaprimertocreatea smoothbasethatwillhelpyour makeuplastlongerandgiveita morepolishedfinish.

Create a Radiant Base

Replacethick,full-coverage foundationswithalightweight foundationortintedmoisturiser.

Thegoalistoenhanceyour complexion,nottomaskit.Ifyou requireadditionalcoverage strategicallycoverandconcealusing afinelinerbrushtoapply,before tappingintheformulationwithyour finger.

The Power of Sun- Kissed Cheeks

Sweepawarmblushontothe applesofyourcheeks,buildingup thecolourgraduallyforanatural rosyfinish.Blenditupwardsand outwardstowardsyourtemplesto mimicanaturalflush.

Laura Mercier Primer, Emma Hardie Cleansing Balm

Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer, Ruby Hammer Magnetic Brush Set 02

ELF Putty Blush, Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge, Ruby Hammer Face Brush

Embracethewarm,luminoustones,andlet yourinnerradianceshinethrough.

Remember,thekeytomasteringthislook liesinthebalancebetweenaflawless complexionandsubtlewarmth,ultimately capturingtheessenceofagoldengoddess.

RubyHammer

BronzeHighlightand

Usingamattebronzer,applyitto thehighpointsofyourface;the cheekbones,browbone,anddown thebridgeofyournosetoadd warmthtotheareasoftheface usuallyhitbythesun.Topwitha lightveilofhighlighter,blending gentlywithabrushforasoft, etherealglow.

Embrace the Warmth of Gold

Now,it'stimetobringinthegolden huesthatdefinethismakeuplook. Startbyselectingawarm-toned eyeshadowpalettewithshadeslike bronze,copper,andgold.Sweepa medium-tonedshadeoveryourlids, thendeepenthecreasewitha darkershadeforaddeddimension. Forsubtlelightreflectingshimmer, patagoldeneyeshadowontothe centreofyourlids.Finishoffwitha coatofmascaratodefineyour lashes.

The Luminous Lips To complement the golden glow

Optforalipcolourthatenhancesyour featureswithoutoverpoweringthem.Choose ashadethatfallswithinthewarmspectrum, suchasapeachynudeorasoftcoral.Applyit withabrushorstraightfromthebullet, ensuringthatyourlipsarewell-hydratedand exfoliatedbeforehandforasmooth application.

Guerlain Terracotta, Chanel Les Beiges Health Glow Bronzing Cream

Nars Laguna Quad, Patrick Ta Major Dimension Palette, Lancome Volume A Porter Mascara

Ruby Hammer Lip Serum Balm in FX Gold, Dior Addict Hydrating Shine 527 (atelier)

RUBY HAMMER

BEAUTY LIP SERUM BALMS

As the seasons change and we head into the drying colder months, it is worth investing the time on your lips to keep your pout soft and supple.

Anytime you feel your lips are dry, you should apply a lip balm or serum. Apply all over the lips, making sure to include the outer corners and reapplying as necessary throughout the day. If you have very dry lips, there are also great overnight Lip Masks to hydrate whilst you sleep.

Inspired by skincare, LIP SERUM BALMS are a hybrid of colour and care. Infusing a rich ingredient complex with pigment for lips that look as good as they feel.

Meadowfoam Seed Oil The perfect ingredient for locking in moisture for a nourished feeling.

Licorice Leaf Extract Visibly smoothes the skin around your lips and balances the moisture content for a refreshing look.

Dipalmityl Hydroxyproline + Palmitic Acid (plant-derived) Helps strengthen your skin barrier and reduce the look of fine lines.

Cocoa Butter Helps to soften dry and rough lips.

Apply alone for a dewy wash of colour or over lipstick to add an extra dimension.

Ruby Hammer Lip Serum Balm is available in 6 shades Berry, Red, Pink, Nude, FX and FX Gold, £18 each.

Ayurvedic beauty

Luxury skincare brand, ilody, launches its new Rasa Dream Universal Cleansing Oil.

Launched in June 2023, this unique cleansing oil is grounded in ilody’s traditional Ayurvedic roots and is blended with the inspiration of Indian Ayurvedic beauty. Rasa Dream Cleansing Oil has been designed to reawaken skin and senses, as we embrace the art of a cleansing ritual, eliminating the rush of a beauty routine.

Deepika Patel, founder of ilody, spent two years creating this delicate formula which harnesses clean, non-toxic ingredientstonurtureandnourishthecomplexion.

“Our Rasa Dream Cleansing Oil is a labour of love and in an industry saturated with skincare products, our new cleansing oil is in a league of its own. Designed to melt away makeup and impurities, it deeply cleanses and softens the skin without drying or tightening. The principles of Ayurveda are infused into our dream cleanser, which has been formulated with adaptogenic herbs to help rebalance the skin for a clear and rejuvenated complexion.” -

Deepika Patel, Founder Ilody

Rasa Dream Cleansing Oil introduces the hero ingredients of Amla and Moringa. Packed with antibacterial properties, Moringa works to reduce inflammation while hydrating the skin and preventing future breakouts. Amla, often referred to as Indian Gooseberry, is at the heart of Rasa Dream. Obtained from the fruit itself, Amla extract softens and brightens the skin, leaving a clear complexion and enhancednaturalradiance.

Rasa Dream Cleansing Oil is made with adaptogenic herb extracts including turmeric, manjistha, punarnava, tulsi and licorice. Not only do these support the integrity of ilody’s cleansingoil,buttheyalsoreflectthebrand’smessageandheritage.

Ilody draws upon the traditions of Rayasana, one of the eight branches of Ayurveda. It infuses the notion of bringing power to the inner body by invigorating and restoring youth. As a result, Rasa Dream Cleansing Oil brings calm and balance to the skin, while soothingthesensesforinnerpeaceandwellbeing.

Formulated without synthetics, ilody uses naturally-derived ingredients wherever possible without compromising on safety and efficacy. Free of parabens, sls, silicones, phthalates, synthetic colours, fragrance and mineral oils, Rasa Dream Cleansing Oil is eco-friendly,veganandcruelty–free.

Rasa Dream Cleansing Oil encourages to “cleanse with intent”, taking care of the mind as well as the skin. Founded on the principles of holistic skincare, ilody is a part of any healthandwellbeingritual.

Unveil A Radiant Summer Glow With Purearth

Purearth embraces the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda in their skincare formulations. Drawing inspiration from this holistic healing system, Purearth incorporates Ayurvedic principles into their products to promote balance and harmony in the mind, body, and spirit. By combining natural ingredients, botanical extracts, and time-honored techniques, Purearth's Ayurvedic-inspired skincare rituals nourish and rejuvenatetheskin,unlockingnaturalradiance.

Sitara Crème Strobelighter

Sitara! A high-performance rose gold strobelighter. This lightweight, velvety crème highlighter performs like natural skincare, gliding on and melding into the skin effortlessly for a sun-kissed, radiant glow. Preservative free and formulated with certified organic, partially fermented cacao butter, coconut and castor oils from farms in South India. Sitara means ‘morning star’ in the Sanskrit-Indo-Aryan language and lends a no-makeup subtle sheen that can also be amped up for fabulous drama andcolorpayoff!

Housed in beautiful apothecary jars, Sitara is hand-filled and bottled in violet glass jarstopreservethebio-activeenergyofitspreciousingredients.

Laali - Lip Paint Pot

Laali! An intensely pigmented, luscious matte satin red lip paint!

Inspired by ‘sindoor’ a vermilion red, ceremonially worn by women in India. With its non drying, long wear formula, this lip paint is sensuous, luxurious, with a hint of moodlifting Kashmir lavender and deodar cedarwood. Apply with a brush or finger on lips for a warm, natural stain and flushedrosycheeks.

purearth.asia

A Modern Perfume Brand

Roads is a modern perfume brand, founded by Danielle Ryan in 2013. Its roots are in Dublin but the scents are fed by inspirations drawn from cultures that span the world.

The unique compositions, created in collaboration with some of the world’s most esteemed perfumers using high-quality ingredients, are genderless and universal. They come from one person’s curiosity for the world explored through scent, but they don’t seek to prescribe. They invite you to find your own story within them. Choose a fragrance that resonates with how you feel, for how it makes you feel or for the message it conveys, just as you would select clothing according to your mood or the occasion.

MilliOnAir Loves

The quiet, minimal bottle design represents the blank page on which you can write your own narrative while contemporary artists and their work are celebrated in the outer box. Roads believes modern luxury is not defined by what a brand spells out onitspackaging,butinthequalityandjoyitbrings.

The idea for Roads Fragrances came while Ryan was working in theatre production. Toying with using scent on stage to create atmospheres for a play, she began to see the potential of perfumes as personal atmospheres based on outside inspirations. These inspirations could be based on anything at all. People, places, cultural movements, books, films, technology, nature, power or even emotions. Ryan took these specific inspirations found in the world around her and together with the perfumer, they would use them as a starting reference or a mood board to list what wouldeventuallymakeupthecharacteristicsandingredientsofeachscent.

Danielle Ryan

DanielleRyanwasborntoanIrishfatherandSriLankanGerman mother and grew up between Ireland, Sri Lanka, Nigeria and London. She was immersed in art, literature and theatre from an early age and graduated from London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in 2006.

Returning to Dublin, she identified a gap in the teaching of the dramatic arts in Ireland and founded the Lir (the National Academy of Dramatic Art) in partnership with RADA and Trinity College Dublin. With a natural curiosity and a love of the arts, her career has seen her move between acting (she continues to be cast in TV dramas and films), theatre, film, and publishing. She is also involved in the world of contemporary art, taking particular interest in American and political art, and is a member of UNICEF’s International Council. Ryan lives in Dublinwithherhusbandandtwochildren.

Sustainability

Roads has partnered with hometree.ie to plant large woodlands of native trees including Birch, Oak, Scots Pine, Williow and Alder. These forests will be protected and managed and will never be sold or felled. For each bottle sold Roads will plant onenativetree–resultinginnewforeststhatwillremain.

The natural native woodlands also support natural ecosystems by providing habitat and food for birds, mammals, and insects. On average, one acre of new forest can sequester about 2.5 tons of carbon annually. Roads remains committed to tackling and addressing issues of declining biodiversity and the unfolding climate challenge. ‘‘Hundreds of the trees we planted in the beginning are now over three metres tall. I’ve seen birds flying through them and balanced on their branches, other animals eating and finding shelter and building homes beneath them and this is just in the first few years. We look forward to witnessing the journey from saplings into adolescence. At Hometree we know that we might not see many (if any) reach maturity, but it was a blast planting them and it’s been such a pleasure to work beside so many passionate people in a simple task of planting trees.” — Hometree Co-FounderMattSmith.

Flower Mountain

Floralnotesonthewindscentadreamlikeafternoonspentwanderinganimaginary mountainpepperedwithanimpossiblecollisionofblooms.

Top:OrangeBlossom,GreenAccord,LiquoriceAccord

HEART:Violet,Jasmine,Osmanthus

BASE:CashemereWood,TonkaBean,LeatherAccord

TheCorecollectionisthefoundationsonwhichRoadsFragrancesisbuilt.Thescents representouroriginalexplorationsintoworldculture,people,landscape,andart.

Summer Spritzing

with Purearth Ayurvedic Skincare

Summer Heatwave Essentials for a Ayurvedic Complexion

Quench thirsty skin this Summer with the hydrating, pacifying properties of the these 100% natural floral toner waters.

Sambac Botanical Mist

Revive tired and stressed skin with this powerful hydrating treatment. Jasmine, rose damascena, and blue lotus are sought after for their powerful soothing and healing properties. Jasmine works to enhance skin suppleness, regenerate cells and treat dehydrated skin.

Wild Rose Himalayan Mist

Awaken, uplift, and hydrate skin with this steam-distilled precious rose water. Rose damascena balances moisture and skin’s pH levels whilst protecting the skin’s acid mantle barrier. The uplifting scent also makes for the ideal heatwave pick-me-up.

FounderKavitaKhosahasunitedher passionforcleanbeautyand Ayurvedicwellness,withher commitmenttowardspositivesocial impactthroughthecreationof PUREARTH.Kavitaisavailablefor commentaryonAyurvedicHairCare alongwithothertopicsofinterest withbeautyandAyurvedicwellness.

purearth.asia

A Mediterranean Summer Evening

ILLUMINATION JASMINE

Lighting Illumination Jasmine will transport the radiant scent of night jasmine drifting through open windows on a warm Mediterranean summerevening,intoyourhome.

Presented in an elegant mouthblown scalloped glass, our handpoured wax blend enables a perfect burn and the finest fragrance diffusion.

Thisabstractionofthousandsof petalshasanunmistakablescent thatbuildsfromstem-likeandalive, todense,sensuousandwarm–almostcarnal.

Wellness

The Ultimate Glow

with Morpheus 8

Words Marcella Martinelli

In the pursuit of beauty and self-care, various treatments have emerged in the last few years tocatertoourdesireforflawless,youthfulskin. Among these treatments is the Morpheus 8 a non-invasive cosmetic procedure that has gained popularity due to its relatively low risk, minimal discomfort, and convenience and for its ability to rejuvenate, revitalise and tighten the skin. A non-surgical procedure that can address various skin concerns, including wrinkles, fine lines,acnescars,andunevenskintexture.

A leader in her field Dr Jennifer Doyle is a Consultant Oculoplastic Surgeon and serves as Head of Aesthetics and Chief Operating Officer at the Clinic Holland Park a state-of-the-art Clinic decorated with neon signs and contemporary artwork all around and pleasantly relaxingsurroundings.

Iamverymuchlookingforwardtoresolvingthe issue which has been bothering me for some time, which is the loss of a defined jawline and thelossofelasticity.

First of all, I meet with Jennifer for an in-depth consultation and although some discomfort is to be expected from this procedure this is reduced by numbing creams or local anaesthesia and after 40 minutes or so I am ready for my closeup!

As we start the treatment the sensation is similar to being softly stapled with uplifting sensations, the combined micro-needling with radiofrequency (RF) energy provides skin rejuvenation and resurfacing with a set of microneedles that penetrate the skin's surface, creating tiny microchannels. The Morpheus 8 penetrates deep into the layers of the skin, promoting collagen production and remodelling thesurfaceoftheskin,thiscombinationhelpsto improve skin elasticity, firmness, and overall texture. It is typically used on the face, neck, and body to address a range of skin conditions. The treatment usually requires a series of sessions to achieve optimal results. It is considered a minimally invasive option for skin rejuvenation, offering noticeable improvements with minimal downtime compared to more invasiveproceduressuchassurgery.

After my second visit which was almost painfree, the results are visible with Improved facial contours and a smoother and firmer appearance inthecheeks,jawline,andneck.

The aftercare skincare routine needs to be followed meticulously by cleansing your skin gently and moisturising regularly to keep it well-hydrated. Avoid excessive sun exposure andusebroad-spectrumsunscreentoprotectyourskinfromUVdamage.

Although true beauty radiates from within and we should embrace our uniqueness and not conform to society's standards this experience at the Clinic Holland Park has left me with a positive and pleasant state of well-being, a newfound confidence, and a sense of happiness. Feelinggoodcanencompassvariousaspectsofanindividual'sexperience, includingemotions,physicalsensationsandoveralllifesatisfaction.

TheClinicHollandPark|PrivateCosmeticClinic|WestLondon

A Recipe for

TheArtoffood.

Thinkingabouthowyouprepareit,andhow toeatithasneverbeenmorehealthyand pleasurablesincemeetingYvonneWake,a nutritionist,fitnessprofessional,andwellbeingandlifestyleconsultantbasedatThe ClinicHollandParkinLondon.

Words Marcella Martinelli

life

with Yvonne Wake

Yvonne really cares about her work and clients. Her generosity of spirit and passion for what she does is infectious andyoucouldspendhourstalkingtoher. Like a dear friend she advises you in the most caring and knowledgeable way with plenty of tips to make you feel better, feel more accomplished and ultimately balanced.

A pioneer, Yvonne opened the first female-only health club in the world in the mid-eighties – The Gym at The Sanctuary in London’s Covent Garden, she has run health retreats for the past thirty years in locations worldwide, one of them is held several times a year in the beautiful and majestic Relais de Roquefereau in Les Penne d'Agenais, a charming commune in the Lot-etGaronne department in south-western France one hour and a half from Toulouse.

Feeling good in your skin with a sense of inner peace and harmony isn't that something we all strive for? Is it achievable through nutrition? Yes if combined with exercise and mindfulness you can achieve it all and with discipline ofcourse.

On our first meeting, Yvonne spends over two hours asking me questions about my lifestyle, likes and dislikes of food, my exercise routine and how many hours I spend on my computer (too many!) As if I am in one of my therapy sessions, I end up revealing much more about myself than I thought I would but then again Yvonne has a way about her, she makes it personal and makes you feel at ease and through her knowledge you understand that one of the main things on how to tackle bad eating habits is about behavioural change, easy to say but not quite so simple to achieve, yet with her guidance, advice and weekly phone calls Yvonne keeps you on track in the most enjoyableway.Portioncontrolisalsoanessentialpartoftheprogram.

Nutrition and beauty are two interconnected aspects of our overall well-being. The food we consume plays a vital role in maintaining our physical healthandoutwardappearance.

Proper nutrition provides the essential nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support healthy skin, hair, and nails, contributing to a radiant andyouthfulappearance.

Yvonne considers cosmetic surgery a significant investment of time and money; butstressesthatthereisnopointinsuch expenditure if you are not also taking care of your skin with a nutritional diet. She has devised the Cosmetic Surgery Diet to ensure you are in the best possible condition to undergo a procedure, sail through the recovery period,andmaintaintheresultsforgood.

Now on the third week of my six weeks of lifestyle-changing eating habits, I feel great and full of Joie de Vivre. I have regained my sense of balance and wellbeing through this program, which was something I had lost before. Unlike other diets, I don't feel the need to constantly weigh myself obsessively. I feel good and in harmony with my new self, and I plan tomaintainthishealthystateofmind.

TheClinicHollandPark|PrivateCosmetic Clinic|WestLondon theclinichollandpark.com

LeRelaisdeRoquefereau lerelaisderoquefereau.com

Harness the power of aromatherapy with this wellbeing essential...

Never

GoAlone

Elevate these long Summer nights by creating a relaxing, restoring, and rejuvenating atmosphere with Never Go Alone's latest candle.

Crafted in France, the candle wax is a vegan formula and the cask is hand-blown for a smooth, ‘stone-like’ texture with hypnotic gradients of colour to complement the pure earthy scent.

The scent is the signature Edition 01: Sandstone fragrance -featuring grounding notes of Nutmeg and Cardamom contrasted with Lavandin and Cedar, which are proven to reduce anxiety and improve mood. The notes of cardamom and sandalwood in this candle have also been specifically chosen for their abilities to calm and soothe. Sandalwood has been shown to significantly improve fatigue, calm the mind and act as a mood enhancer. Cardamon is one of the most ancient spices, known for its healing properties, as an aromatic in scent form it can have a soothing and relaxing effect.

The packaging has been designed to stimulate the senses, offering a tactile surface and a warming orange glow once lit, improving the ability to wind down and relax after a day spent in front of blue screens. This candle is designed to enhance a daily practice of unwinding at the end of the day, bringing a sensory element to an evening routine, which has been proven to help improve overall sleep quality.

the WELLNESS influencer

Forget working out and styling your look ready for a ‘hot girl summer’, this year the focus is on slowing down and floating through a ‘healthy girl summer’. Wellness from within is the trend with a summer of abundance, hydration, slow living, mindful movement, sunset dreams and star gazing being the most luxurious of vibes. I’m living for my early morning Pilates sessions and quiet evening strolls through wild flower meadows. I’m keeping my beauty routine sensual and my simple with the latest natural skincareproductsandunwindingwiththeprettiestofmocktails Here’s my summer edit of the best new launches and the wellness trends I recommendyoutry,Lucyx

LUXE WELLNESS TREND: Scandi Summer

Nordic living inspired us with wild swimming, saunas, hygge and a very wholesome diet of wholegrains, cloudberries and salmon. Now, it’s influencing our wellness routine again with the concept of ‘friluftsliv’ which literally translates as ‘free-air-living’, and refers to the value of spending time outdoors. According to Tonia McManus, owner of the Bare Nordic Beauty concept store, living this way is not just about the part of the world you come from, but a mindset. “It’s how you think, how you treat others and the nature that surrounds you and what you treasure.” You can see this in the latest Nordic holistic skincare and wellness brands. L A Bruket, an organic and sustainable skin, body and home and body care that captures the essence of Swedish coastal living with formulas that include algae, Nordic cotton, Sea Aster and even water from the cold local waters. Kalla is another Swedish favourite of mine with science-backed probiotic and gut health supplements and Skandinavisk is a beautiful line of home and body fragrances designed to leave a lighter footprint while capturing the unique characteristics of its homeland of

THE PILATES VIBE

If you thought the Pilates craze how peaked, think again. For so many reasons (hello: better posture, a workout that’s actually enjoyable plus every celeb saying it’s the secret to their toned body) Pilates continues to grow and activewear brands are answering the demand with the softest and most luxurious of matching sets and even reinventing the unitard, as a desirable studio to date night one piece. Two collections I’m wearing on repeat right now are Sisterly Tribe and also Belsize, both favourites for their flattering designsanddreamyice-creamtonepalettes.

It’s not just Pilates wear that’s changing. Strong Pilates is taking the reformer experience to a whole new level with their unique Rowformer workout, blending Pilates-inspired strength and resistance movements and with the cardio benefits of rowing. Already a big hit in the US and Australia, they’re now expanding in the UK and I’m a big fan. Their secondLondonstudioopensthissummerinFulham.

For more information visit

THE TREATMENT YOU NEED TO TRY

Endermologie

Whether you’re feeling tired, or bloated, want to improve your skin elasticity or revive a dull complexion, this medical-based wellness treatment is definitely one to book. Inspired by manual massage but using advanced mechanical stimulation applied to the skin’s surface via a hi-tech device that grips the skin as if it were a human hand , this completely bespoke treatment feels surprisingly comfortable yet strong on the muscles.

I’ve had a few sessions now and I can confirm that the results are instant and satisfying. With consistent regular treatments, the wellness benefits are impressive, including lymphatic drainage, improved circulation and digestion, scar management and improved women’s wellness as are the beauty effects of firming, plumping and sculpting.

Insider tip: this is also a favourite of celebrities who need to look their best pre-event with no downtime.

To book call The French Pharmacy 0207 935 8300, prices start from £90.

WELLNESS TO GO

Have you tried solid skincare yet? It’s the latest natural beauty buzz, ticking all the sustainable boxes plus its super convenient for your travels. No leaky bottles or decanting required. I’m loving SBTRCT, which is setting the new standard of luxurymeets-sustainable skincare. All of its products are expertly formulated with proven ingredients such as Vitamin C, Retinoids and Glycerin. They’re also 100% plastic-free, palm oil-free and waterless, addressing the three biggest challenges facing the beauty industry today. The star of the range for me has to be The Makeup Melt, a two-step makeup-removing phenomenon, which melts away mascara (even waterproof mascara) and shifts daily grime to leave skin clean and feeling soft. I’m also loving trii,a collection of multipurpose, solid body products presented in reusable tins in five therapeutic scents (Incense, Lavender, Lemongrass, Peppermint, Rose. SBTRCT is available from H Beauty stores or visit sbtrct.co.uk

To order trii products, visit trii.com

THE NEW BUZZ: WELLNESS MOCKTAILS

If you’re a no or low alcohol drinker, there’s no need to feel you’re missing out while your friends sip their rooftop glasses of chilled rose. This summer’s sundowner trend is a healthy one and it involves the prettiest of wellness mocktails. Try switching out the alcohol with CleanCo’s impressive and delicious no-alcohol spirit dupes. I’m also loving the CBD-infused range of calming, chic and tasty drinks from Trip and the refreshing brews from Remedy Kombucha with their digestive and energising properties.

WHAT TO BUY NEXT

Just when I think I have all my skin and self-care needs covered, along comes not one but three new launches I now can’t live without. Firstly, the myBlend firmness roller (Harrods, £80) a daily face massage with two rotating heads, each with round Bakelite beads, that re-energizes and re-plumps the skin. Next up, is Katherine Daniels Daily DNA Defence SPF30 (www.katherinedaniels.com, £59) which protects against blue-light radiation with an invisible veil of advanced photoaging technology and soothes with vitamin E and Chamomile. Lastly, I’m loving the vegan Nail Rebirth capsules from Leighton Denny (www.leightondenny.com, £17.50) which deliver an intensive, conditioning treatment restoring nails to optimum health and strength. Ideal if you’re giving your nails a summer break from gel manicures.

Sweet Dreams and More

Goodsleepisaboutbothquantityandquality. Wakeupenergisedandrefreshedandwork moreeffectivelyduringtheday.

DEEP SLEEP contains a unique 11-nutrient formulation of amino acids, botanicals, vitamins and minerals, such as Montmorency Chery, Glycine, 5HTP, vitamin D3 and Magnesium to reduce tiredness and fatigue.

Is Your Lunch a Toxic Time Bomb

The Hidden LurkingDangers in PrePackaged Foods

Weallknowthatprepackagedfoodsare convenientandeasy,but doweknowwhat'sreally insidethem?Wespoketo NutritionandWellbeing ExpertLibertyMillsand healthylivingadvocateto breakitdownforus.

''Wearelivinginanagewhere wearesurroundedbyallsorts ofchemicalsandtoxins,andour foodisnoexception. Fromartificialflavoursand colourstopreservatives, plasticpackagingand chemicals,we'llexplorethe variouswaysinwhichthese foodscanbetoxictimebombs. We'llalsosharesometipson howtoavoidthesedangersand makehealthierchoiceswhen groceryshopping.So,getready tolearnmoreaboutthefoods you'reeatingandhowthey couldbeaffectingyourhealth'' LibertyMills

Introducing the hidden dangers in pre-packaged foods

Pre-packaged foods have become ubiquitous in our society. They are quick, convenient, and often marketed as healthy. However, the reality is far from the truth. Pre-packaged foods contain a myriad of hidden dangers that can have a negative impact on our health. These dangers lurk behind the flashy packaging and the convenience that they offer. It is essential to understand that these pre-packaged foods are often highly processed with added preservatives, artificial colours, and flavours. Unfortunately, these additives have been linked to a range of health problems, including obesity, heart disease, and cancer. Additionally, pre-packaged foods are often lacking in important nutrients which our bodies need to function properly. This deficiency can lead to malnutrition and other health problems. It is time to take a closer look at the hidden dangersinpre-packagedfoodsandmakeinformeddecisionsaboutwhatweeat.

A closer look at a few of the most common additives and their effects.

Pre-packaged foods are often loaded with additives, and some of them can be quite harmful to our health. Here's a closer look at a few of the most common ones and their effects:

1. High-Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) - HFCS is a sweetener made from corn starch, and it is commonly found in pre-packaged foods. Studies have linked HFCS consumption to obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease; it can also raise your cholesterollevel

2. Artificial Sweeteners -Artificialsweetenerslikeaspartame,saccharin,andSucralose are commonly used in pre-packaged foods marketed as "low calorie" or "diet" options. However, studies have linked these sweeteners to a range of health problems, including cancer,metabolicdisorders,andweightgain.

3. Sodium Nitrate - Sodium nitrate is a preservative commonly used in processed meats like bacon, sausage, beef jerky, ham, hot dogs, lunch meat, salami, and smoked fish.However,ithasbeenlinkedtoanincreasedriskofcancer,particularlycoloncancer.

4. Emulsifiers - Did you know that research shows the effect of emulsifiers on the gut canbejustasharmfulasgluten?

Emulsifiers are commonly found in processed foods and are used to help ingredients blend together smoothly. But these seemingly harmless ingredients can have a negative impactonourguthealth.

Some studies suggest that emulsifiers can cause inflammation, alter gut bacteria, and increasetheriskofdevelopingchronicdiseases.

5. Maltodextrin - Maltodextrin is a highly processed carbohydrate that is often used as a thickener, filler, or sweetener in foods. But despite being widely used in the food industry,itcanhavenegativeeffectsonyourdietandoverallhealth.

Maltodextrin has a high glycemic index, which means it can cause blood sugar levels to rise quickly. This can be especially dangerous for people with diabetes or those trying to manage their blood sugar levels. It can also contribute to weight gain and may even causedigestiveissuessuchasbloating,gas,anddiarrhoea.

Additionally, while maltodextrin is technically gluten-free, it is often derived from wheat, corn or rice - which means it can still cause issues for people with celiac disease or glutenintolerance.

6. Inflammatory oils - Omgea 6’s, such as corn, canola, safflower,sunflower, rapeseed, soy and vegetable oils. Consuming these oils in excess can cause inflammation, which has been linked to a variety of illnesses such as heart disease, arthritis, and mood imbalances.

How to read food labels to avoid harmful ingredients

Reading food labels is crucial in identifying harmfulingredientsinpre-packagedfoods.The first thing to do is to check the ingredient list and look for any items that are unfamiliar or difficult to pronounce. Often, these are added preservatives, artificial sweeteners, or flavour enhancersthatcanbeharmfultoourhealth.

Beware of marketing claims such as "allnatural," "organic," “ gluten free," “high protein” or "low-fat". These claims can be misleading and often are then high in sugar, omega 6 fats and emulsifiers. Remember, the most important thing is to make informed choices whenitcomestothefoodsweeat,andreading food labels is a crucial step in that process. I tell all my clients, the general rule of thumb on packaged food is don’t buy anything that has a word in that you cant pronounce, has more thanfiveingredientsinandlastlyhasanoilora sugarinthefirstthreeingredientslisted.

Focusonfresh produce.Eatingplenty offruitsand vegetablesnotonly providesyourbody withessentialvitamins andmineralsbutalso helpstoreduceyour relianceonprepackagedfoods.

Somestudiessuggestthatemulsifierscancause inflammation,altergutbacteria,andincreasethe riskofdevelopingchronicdiseases.

Tips for limiting pre-packaged foods in your diet

Firstly,trymealpreppingathome.Scheduleoutasettimeeachweek,inmyhouse,it'sa Sunday morning for food prep for the week. Cook once, eat twice and also your freezer is your best friend. I encourage my clients to freeze half of what they make, ie, batch cook.

This way you know exactly what's going into your meals and can control the quality of the ingredients. It doesn't have to be complicated — simply cook a large batch of chickenorvegetablesanddividethemintoportionsfortheweek.

Focus on fresh produce. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables not only provides your bodywithessentialvitaminsandmineralsbutalsohelpstoreduceyourrelianceonprepackagedfoods.

It may sound silly but drink water. Often we snack because we think we are hungry but moreoftenthannotwearedehydratedepicallyasweadvanceinyears.

If you take away one thing from this article, remember this one phrase when shopping, “Is it at Nature intended?” Nature-gifted food in the most perfect form, raw milk from cows,notskimmedorsemi-skimmedorlow-fatcheese.Fruitswithfibrethatyouhaveto chew, the action of chewing activates the gut to release digestive enzymes, whereas when we drink a small glass of orange juice we don’t chew and those signals are not relatedandwethengoontobasicallyivthesugarinaconcentratedform.Endeavourto eat 70 per cent as close to nature and a lot will change on your plate, in your body and inyourmind.

Food, water and sleep are the three foundational pillars of health, you need all three to be at the correct level to keep the human body that is the Temple from collapsing. As the saying goes. “ Avoid food made by men in white coats, to avoid having to see men in whitecoats”.

IfyouwanttofindoutmoreorexploreworkingwithLibertyonaone-toonebasis,youcancontactheronthewebsiteorInstagrambelow

Last word

ALICIA ROUNTREE

THE MODELTURNEDDESIGNER INSPIRED BY HER IDYLLIC MAURITIAN

CHILDHOOD TO CREATE LIFEENHANCING SWIMWEAR

Words by Juliet Herd

In many ways, it made perfect sense for former international model Alicia Rountree to launch her own swimwear brand. After all, she’d spent most of her life in swimwear – as a child growing up by the ocean on the island of Mauritius and as a model working for brandssuchasRalphLauren,ChanelandVictoriaSecrets.

She is also something of a natural entrepreneur, having co-founded New York’s chic Tartinery restaurants, launched a book about island living and qualified as a health coach.

Five years ago, Alicia founded the premium resort wear brand Alicia Swim, which embodies everything she holds dear: nature, sustainability and freedom. It also led to her meeting her future husband, France-born Arnaud Zannier, founder of the luxury ZannierHotelsgroup,afterhestartedstockinghercollectionsinhishotels.

In 2021, the London-based couple were married in the tropical garden of Alicia’s family homeontheislandandtheyarenowproudparentstoababydaughternamedMilla.

Here,AliciatellsMilliOnAirwhyshedecidedtolaunchAliciaSwimandwhysheconsiders itmorethanjustaswimwearbrand.

“I design the pieces on myself as I spend a lot of time perfecting the shapes. They have to be cut in the right places to make them as flattering as possible.”

What is the inspiration behind Alicia Swim?

“I grew up next to the ocean. I had a daily ritual of waking up and diving into the ocean, only to come home from school and do the exact same thing. I spent a lot of my childhoodinswimwearanditleftanimprint on me. My career as a model then gave me a lot of exposure to brands and designs and I felt like I could improve on what was already in the market with this first-hand experience plus my emotional connection totheproduct.”

What do you think makes it different to other swimwear labels?

“The Mauritian way of life is a strong differentiator for us. The colours, the freshness and the prints set us apart At Alicia Swim, we say we are connecting you toalifewelllived.Somuchofmychildhood growing up surrounded by nature and the vibrant, fresh Mauritian life is embedded within the brand. For me it is a portal to a tropical paradise, strongly rooted in themes of freedom and exploration, time spent close to family and surrounded by natural beauty.

“It’s is about paired back island living. We are not about complicated beach looks. Our product is beautifully made and fitted to ensure that you feel uninhibited and totally carefree. We want to bring back that childlike joy of running barefoot on a beach surroundedbyfamily.”

How has the Mauritian lifestyle influenced your designs?

“The prints are hand drawn by me and are all taken from Mauritian nature. I wanted to recreate this feeling of fresh island living and also design pieces that wouldn’t feel out of place there. Soft floaty kimonos and bucket hats are all bright and vibrant but totallyfussfree.”

Has art always been a passion of yours?

“Yes, I was not at all academic at school! I loved art class and drama class. I’m definitely more of a creative person. I have quite an artistic background, having talented artists in my family. I’m inspired by nature, the sounds of birds; just the feeling of calm being on the island is also a huge inspiration. Once a print is painted, we make it digital, then send it off to our print factory in Italy, where it is trialled on our fabric until we get the colours and sizing right. Two key prints this season are the Bird of Paradise and our signature Coral print which I love as they are emblematic of Mauritiannatureforme.”

What are the main themes of your designs and how important is colour?

“I am naturally drawn to neutral colours so you will find a lot of sand and sage tones which totally reflect my style. However, colour is just as important because it is so reflective of Mauritian life, from what everyone wears, the fruits, the flowers and eventheearth.

“My main designs themes are classic and elegant pieces that will stand the test of time,makeyoufeelamazingandencourage you to move. My lifestyle in Mauritius is all aboutmovementfromswimmingtoyogato running on the beach so I wanted to make sureourdesignsreflectedthis.”

“So much of my childhood growing up surrounded by nature and the vibrant, Mauritianfresh life is embedded within the brand''

Wraps and sarongs feature in the collection – do you plan to add more resort wear to your collections?

“Yes, definitely. We are growing our collection to add more flexible pieces that can be worn not only on the beach. Think oversize shirts and dresses that are easy to wear with swimwear, but also perfect to wear out in town. I think people are prioritising feeling comfortable in their clothing, so that goes hand-in-hand with easy going clothes you can just slip on withoutthinkingtoomuch.It’salsoallabout the cut and quality to ensure these comfortablepiecesfeelstylishandchic.”

How do you go about achieving the perfect fit for different body shapes?

“I design the pieces on myself as I spend a lotoftimeperfectingtheshapes.Theyhave to be cut in the right places to make them as flattering as possible. I also try samples on all my family as I want to get feedback from different ages to make sure I have styles that are suitable for all. I do try to think of different customers and what they arelookingforasmynumberonepriorityis to make people feel comfortable and confident. Swimwear should enhance you, notmakeyoufeelrestrictedorshy.”

How has your experience as a top model informed your career as a designer?

“Iworesomanyswimsuitsduringmycareer as a model. I shot swimsuits in studios, on beachesandevenonahorse,soIreallygot a feeling for what might be missing in the market. Modelling was also a school for designing as I got to meet so many designersandseehowtheyworked.”

Did you struggle to find the perfect bikini yourself?

“Yes, I often felt the quality and cut wasn’t quite at the standard I wanted. These are two elements we place a lot of importance on. Sourcing sustainable and natural fabric from Italy, plus cutting them in exactly the right place and taking a tailored approach toswimwear.”

How

important is sustainability to Alicia Swim?

“I grew up surrounded by and connected to nature so it is essential to me that my brand protects and preserves nature. We focusonbeingaresponsiblebrandatevery stage. All our products are high quality recycled or natural Italian fabrics, we ship by sea and produce locally in Mauritius. All our packaging is recycled and recyclable and we continue to look at how to innovate and improve. We also donate a percentage ofprofitstoenvironmentalcharities.

“It was important for me to have the pieces made in Mauritius, to give back to the local community I grew up with and to support jobs. The level of skill is so high and I wantedtoencourageawarenessofthisand furtherpromoteMauritianartisans.”

You’re an eighth-generation Mauritian. What are your strongest childhood memories of growing up there?

“I had a wonderful childhood, I am very lucky and I realise that. I think it made me have a positive view on life and be calm. I learnedabouteatinghealthyfoodsbecause that’s what was natural growing up - we would eat things we had picked from our garden that morning. I spent most of my time outdoors, whether climbing trees, swimming or playing. I go back a few times a year and am usually there for Christmas and January, missing some of the winter monthsintheUK!”

“It’s is about paired back island living. We want to bring back that childlike joy of barefootrunning on a beach surrounded by family.”

Congratulations on becoming a mum – how are you finding new motherhood?

“I love it! Milla is a blessing. She is a calm baby and it’s so wonderful to see her growing day by day. I think the hardest part is juggling a business with being a mum as I didn’t really stop working after giving birth - my company is my other baby! But I know it will all fallintoplace.”

How important is it to you that Milla grows up with an understanding of her Mauritian heritage?

“MillaisgoingtoloveMauritius.Ican’twaitforhertolearnallaboutherheritageandthe different cultures we are lucky enough to have on our little island. She is a water baby andlovesherbathsoIknowshewilllovetheocean.”

You and your husband are both invested in preserving the natural world and honouring nature – was that shared passion something you discovered straight away?

“Absolutely. I think it was instilled in us both since childhood and something we appreciated in each other from the outset. We feel passionate about being proactive about this and ensuring our businesses act with purpose is a perfect way to do this. Usingyourbusinessmodelasaforceforgoodnotjustforprofitisessential.”

How do you incorporate sustainability into your own lives?

“We really try to make the right choices by working with the right people through our own businesses. I think supporting the brands and businesses that are operating in the right way is one of the most important things a consumer can do. This takes research and perhaps a bit of retraining, plus the most sustainable option is not always the most convenient,butitispossible.”

Do you and Arnaud have any plans to work together, given the synergy between your two brands?

“In a way it feels like we do already, we talk business so much. Also, Alicia Swim is stocked at a few of his properties,sowearealwaysthinkingabouthoweach other’sbusinesscansupporttheother.”

How have your nutrition and wellness studies changed you as a person?

“I trained as a nutritionist while I was modelling in New York to ensure I could look after myself in the best way. This healthy way of life was instilled in me from childhood and it is important to me to maintain it. It makes me feel both mentally and physically good andpreparedforeverythinglifethrowsatme.”

You’re launching a skincare range next – what can you tell us about that?

“I’m very excited about this. Again, it is inspired by my childhood. The brand will focus on the meditative effects of rituals and bring to the foreground the calming and centring effects of this through a beauty lens.Itisfreshandnaturalandverycomplimentaryto theAliciaSwimlifestyle.”

Who is your role model?

“My mother has always been so supportive of anything I wanted to do. She always told me to follow my passion and that with hard work and belief in yourself, anything can be achieved. She is also an amazinggrandmother.”

How would you describe this time in your life, both professionally and personally?

“Challenging but in a great and fulfilling way. We are looking to take Alicia Swim to the next level - plus, I have just had Milla and am launching a beauty brand. As always, everything seems to happen at once but it isexcitingandfeelslikeeverythingiscomingtogether nicely. I just need to find that balance or blend of work,lifeandbaby,whichisaworkinprogress!”

DIVA! Exhibition Victoria & Albert Museum

OpenedonSaturday24June,DIVAisthefirst exhibitionofitskindtocelebratethe extraordinarypowerandcreativityoficonic performerswhohavemadetheirvoicesheard fromthe19thcenturytotoday.

TodaytheV&Arevealedthatfivekeylookswornbyglobal phenomenonRihannawillbeshowntogetherforthefirsttime fortheexhibition.Onloantotheexhibitionfromtheartist herself,theobjectstrackRihanna’sstyleevolutionasan artistandcelebrateherabilitytotransformherownpersonal image,shapingthestyleandpopularculturealongtheway. Stretchingcreativeandtechnicallimitsbothonandoffthe stage,whilstmixingstreetstyleandhighglamour,Rihannais oneofthemostanticipatedstarsontheredcarpet.

A duo of looks worn by the artist to the Met Gala are on display: the 2018 high-fashion Papal look, with jewel-encrusted robe and matching mitre designed by John Galliano for Maison Margiela, and the 2021 couture black gown complete with a beanie, designed by Demna Gvasalia for Balenciaga. DIVA also displays one of Rihanna’s earliest high-impact fashion moments, the sheer ‘naked’ dress worn to the CFDA Awards in 2014, designed by Adam Selman, and accented with over 200,000 Swarovski crystals with a matching durag and gloves, as well as this year’s 2023 Oscars award Alaïa ensemble, designed with mesh cut-outs over her pregnancy bump. Finally, on display is the crown used for Rihanna’s ANTI album cover (2016), made by Roy Nachum, and accompanying iconic visuals from Rihanna’s career.

PhotoofThedaBaraasCleopatraforfilm‘Cleopatra’,1917.Dir.J.GordonEdwards.ScreenProd/Photononstop/AlamyStockPhoto

Kate Bailey, curator of DIVA, said: “At the heart of this exhibition is a story of iconic performers who with creativity, courage and ambition have challenged the status quo and used their voice and their art to redefine and reclaim the diva. Rihanna is a multifaceted, independent performer who has used her strong sense of self to shift the needle. She embodiesthespiritofthenineteenth-centurydivasandshowsustodayhowdivasdon’tjust create art, they are culture-makers, entrepreneurs and activists. We are delighted to showcase a range of objects that reflect how Rihanna has used her authentic voice to make a difference - from Bajan ambassador to style icon to music pioneer. The V&A with its world-classcollectionsofartdesignandperformanceanditsmissiontoinspirecreativityin allitsformsistheperfectstagetocelebratethemultifacetedDiva.”

Additional headline ensembles also announced today include Whitney Houston’s, floorlength black and gold dress worn to receive her three Grammys for The Bodyguard soundtrack, including Song of the Year for single I Will Always Love You, designed by Marc Bouwer (1994); Billie Eilish’sGlastonbury ensemble (2019) designed by Stella McCartney; and a lilac Versace deconstructed suit worn by Lil Nas X on the MTV VMA redcarpet(2021).

The looks are on display alongside 60 ensembles and 250 objects drawn from the V&A collection and loans from across the world, fashion, photography, design, costumes, music, and live performance. Through a sonic headset experience by Tonwelt, theatrical staging, and a planetarium style architectural take-over designed by BAFTA-winning video designer Tal Rosner, DIVAcelebrates the powerful and personal stories of creativity, ambition, and resilience of some the best-known divas, from opera goddesses and silent moviestarstosirensofthebigscreenandtoday’sglobalmegastars.Theexhibitionlooksat how the performer has intersected with society and driven change through their platform andprofileforsocialgoodandpoliticalchange,includingglobalcivilrightsandfeminism.

WhitneyHoustonperformingatWembleyArena,London5May1988.Photograph©DavidCorio Cher,EltonJohnandDianaRossatRockAwardsSantaMonicaCivicAuditorium1975;VariousLocations;MarkSullivan70'sRockArchive

Photo:MarkSullivan/ContourbyGettyImages

ImageofGraceJoneswearingIsseyMiyakemouldedcorset,DruryLane,1981.Photograph©DavidCorio

Kate Bailey, curator of DIVA, said: “At the heart of this exhibition is a story of iconic performers who with creativity, courage and ambition have challenged the status quo and used their voice and their art to redefine and reclaim the diva. Rihanna is a multifaceted, independent performer who has used her strong sense of self to shift the needle. She embodies the spirit of the nineteenth-century divas and shows us today how divas don’t just create art, they are culture-makers, entrepreneurs and activists. We are delighted to showcase a range of objects that reflect how Rihanna has used her authentic voice to make a difference - from Bajan ambassador tostyleicontomusicpioneer.TheV&Awith its world-class collections of art design and performance and its mission to inspire creativity in all its forms is the perfect stage tocelebratethemultifacetedDiva.”

Additionalheadlineensemblesalsoannounced today include Whitney Houston’s, floorlength black and gold dress worn to receive her three Grammys for The Bodyguard soundtrack, including Song of the Year for single I Will Always Love You, designed by Marc Bouwer (1994); Billie Eilish’sGlastonbury ensemble (2019) designed by Stella McCartney; and a lilac Versace deconstructed suit worn by Lil Nas XontheMTVVMAredcarpet(2021).

DIVA demonstrates the phenomenal ability of the diva to transform, inspire and embrace the external and internal forces that contribute to defining, shaping, and worshipping a diva. Delving into the origins of the term ‘diva’ - meaning goddess in Italian - the exhibition explores how the meaning of the word has been subverted and embraced over time, and how the label has been reclaimed by performers, their fans and widersociety.

PhotographofMariaCallastakenasVioletteinLaTraviata photographybyHoustonRogers©VictoriaandAlbertMuseum, London

ScreenprintofMarilynMonroebyAndyWarhol,1967©2022

TheAndyWarholFoundationfortheVisualArts,Inc./ LicensedbyDACS,London

Of the 60 looks featured in the exhibition, many are rare or on display for the first time, including a stage ensemble worn by Maria Callas as Norma in the Covent Garden Opera Companyproductionof'Norma'(1952);thefringedblackdresswornbyMarilynMonroeas Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk in ‘Some Like it Hot (1959); iconic costumes designed by the fashion designer for the stars Bob Mackie, including looks worn by Tina Turner, P!nk and CHER; a Louis XIV inspired look, with towering powdered wig and train worn by Elton Johnforhis50thbirthdaycelebration,designedbySandyPowell;ShirleyBassey’scouture pink gown designed by Julien MacDonald including customised wellington boots, worn on stageatGlastonbury(2007);andJanelleMonae’s‘vulvapants’designedbyDuranLantink forthemusicvideo‘Pynk’(2018);

Also on display will be examples of ephemera from the divadom including posters, song sheets and handwritten lyric sheets as well as personal objects and accessories owned by divas. DIVA also includes examples of diva branding, highlighting the entrepreneurial and enterprising spirit of these divas, as well key works by photographers and image-makers including Sheila Rock, David Corio, Denis Regan and Nick Knight. Finally, a video wall celebratestheartofdraganditsrelationshiptothediva.

The voice of the diva is amplified by a sonic experience designed by world-leading sound designerGarethFry.

This will be delivered by Tonwelt’s new Spheric headset system which includes ambisonics, a 360-degree surround sound. As visitors move through the galleries the headsets will trigger performances by individual divas creating an iconic and emotional soundtrack which plays throughout the exhibition and includes key music by Maria Callas, Jessye Norman, Aretha Franklin and Josephine Baker to Dolly Parton, Adele, Prince, Ella Fitzgerald, Sade, Beyoncé and Madonna.

EltonJohn50thbirthdaylookwithwigandboathat, designedbySandyPowell,1997©VictoriaandAlbert Museum,London

Going out

The Club

Shoreditch Arts Club opened in March 2023, the members club offers a kitchen, bar, cafe, screening lounge, 24-seat cinema, and two private hire rooms.

Members have exclusive access to the active events programme, brunch, dining, and exquisite cocktails to be enjoyed in unique environments designed to evoke the curiosity of an art collectors home.

Art

All forms of art coexist at Shoreditch Arts Club, including sculpture, sound, installations, and drawings. Three projection walls define the first floor, built to host a moving image art programme curated around commissioned artworks that will shiftthroughoutthedaysandseasons.

BarA unique and creative cocktail menu has been created by the team led by award-winning mixologist Walter Pintus to complement a lowintervention wine list, kombuchas, cold-pressed juices,andCBD-infusedwellnessdrinks.

Instead of a typical back bar, aequator an immense sculpture by Joey Holder replaces bottled alcohol and glasses, with driftwood, a 3D-printed object andsiliconesculptures.

Kitchen

Sustainability is at the heart of the kitchen which, led by in-house chefs Mattia Luminelli and Davide Morganti,isrichwithMediterraneaninfluences. Seasonal leaves, herbs, and other local organic garden ingredients inspire our innovative menus to offerplenteousveganandvegetariandishes.

Cinema

The surround sound cinema provides three tiers of seating levels for 24 guests and presents a constant programme of art, film and moving image artworks for members to dipinandoutofastheyplease.

Their first cinema partner is the film community and production company Girls In Film who program monthly events including selections of shorts or features accompanied by Q&A’swithdirectorsandspecialguests.

Private Hire

The club offers multiple spaces to host events including the lobby, screening lounge, cinema,andtwomultifunctionalroomssituatedinthewingsdesignedforprivatedining. Each room can also be used as a board room, with large concealable screens ideal for client presentations, video conferences and roundtable events. When not hired, these roomsprovideaspaceforquietworkingandphonecalls.

Becoming a member of the club supports a diverse, curated art programme and includes exclusive access to their 24-seat cinema, two private dining rooms, a cafe, diningandbarareas,withpreferentialratesforroomhire.

Members of the club also benefit from a range of partnership offers, including with local businesses and international partners to create an ever-expanding network in the art world.

shoreditchartsclub.com

Our Summer Read

When worlds

When Worlds Collide tells the turbulent journey of a determined single mum who defied all the odds. After leaving an abusive relationship, on the brink of becoming homeless, Amy found refuge in a caravan where she raised her young children. Determined to create a better future she began to build her business, but found herself fighting a controversial battle after inadvertently getting tangled in a web of love and lies

This real, brutally honest, heartfelt story lets you into an unspoken world often hidden in shadows and shame. It shines a light on the twists and turns of unconditional love and gives women hope that they too can turn their lives around.

AnormalgirlfromEssexwhocanconnecttoyourlovedonesinspirit. Amy Fleckney’s mediumship journey started when she was eight, connecting to spirit and hearing their messages. She was lucky enough to have the support of her highly advanced medium auntie, who has since then guided and mentored Amy, along with various circles, development groups and spiritual churches. With continued support, Amy branched out into giving one-to-one reads and, over many years, has done this on and off-line all over the world, she works with your energy and your loved ones in spirit to be able to read no matter where you are. More recently, she has been fortunate enough to be allowed to showcaseherabilitiesandbringloveandcomforttoothersthroughstageshows,platform mediumshipandcollaborations.

collide Amy Fleckney

Bringing loved ones who will miss dearly in the spirit world back to their friends and family is herjobandpartofwhosheis.

Every client that gives Amy the honour of connecting with their loved ones has a piece of herheart,love&ofcourseloadsofglitter.

Amy prides herself on accuracy and evidence along with a fun personality when delivering yourmessages.

Along with mediumship Amy can also offer psychic guidance and connect with your soul energy on areas in your life passed, present & future to seek clarity on decisions, situations andthejourneyahead.

‘’My three children and my dearest Nan are my drive to success and I owe them everything.

Lots of love, light and glitter'' Amy Fleckney Tolearnmore,visit

the nightbefore

The Greek Meze 2 is an contemporary, Independent and family-run Greek restaurant

Authentic Greek Dining

We pride ourselves on serving delicious homestyle and traditional Greek food cooked with the finest ingredients. Bringing a breeze off the Mediterranean to Sidcup!

Cocktail: The Night Before