Summer 2011
Illustrated budoir inspiration
Feng Shui expert digs deep
Shoes to have you in stitches
Summer style, trends and inspiration
Exploring the gender of food
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Dedicated to our Mothers for their wise words, endless love and support
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Ribbon Magazine Co-Editors: Giselle La Pompe-Moore Kimberley Ho-A-Shoo Designer & Illustrator: Pauline Rafal Interior inspirations illustrations: diffusion studio Editorial Assistant: Shareka Thompson Contributors: Panos Damaskinidis Kayleigh Allen Francesca Bassenger Laurent Langlais Jacqueline Colley Photos: Pages 34-41: Courtesy of stores Page 20: Pollsb Page 31: Laurent Langlais Page 42: www.blogs.delawareonline.com Page 44: www.10stargeneralmovement.com Page 46: Courtesy of The Witchery Page 84: Courtesy of Chez Mumtaj Pages 122-126: Silent Hollywood, Doctor Macro, Spencer Alley, Thena Snow, Contact Music Pages: 18, 79, 81, 83, 138, 139, 152: www.istockphoto.com
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From Us‌ We are very proud to share the very first issue of Ribbon magazine with you. As we aspire to keep our readers close, we would like you to click onto our website to watch our editors video made especially for you. In this video, we fill you in on the stories and inspiration behind the Summer 2011 issue. So, have a tap on your keyboard till you get to: ribbonmagazine.co.uk where you will find the clip. We warn you now; we like to talk‌ a lot.
Kissesss Giselle & Kimberley
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Summer 2011
Contents: What our Mothers taught us......................8 Our Mothers always seem to have the best advice. Some lovely ladies share some useful tips and advice from their Mums. Secrets from the Industry.......................10 Jo Pratt, Adrienne Chinn and Vanita Parti give us the secret tips that they have picked up in their industry. Snap Cup....................12 Post-it inspiration for the days when you need a little pick me up. This Season................14 For all the happenings in the fashion world. From the moments that stood out to the exciting upcoming news. Opinion Column..........18 The Marriage Expiration Date Smoking Hot?
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Making a house a home.......................23 Can interior design be the key to our happiness? Giselle La Pompe-Moore explores the teachings of Feng Shui and Colour Psychology to find out. Industry Insider...........28 Laurent Langlais, a Feng Shui Consultant gives us an in depth insight into the world of Feng Shui. Food: Summer Comforts......34 Ribbon Reviews..........42 This season we look at the latest films that are keeping us indoors. Restaurant Review: The Witchery Secret Garden............46 Francesca Bassenger dines at this picturesque Edinburgh restaurant, and gives her views on eating with glorious views of Edinburgh Castle.
Ms Martini..................49 Advice columnist Ms Martini answers all your woes! The dilemma of the communal fitting room.................50 It’s time for a fitting room revolution, could communal fitting rooms be the solution? Or were they eradicated with good cause. Trends: S/S 2011.........58 Fashion: Sheer Indulgence.......70 Show me your teeth...76 The Hollywood Smile is the latest beauty look that’s taken over Britain. Ribbon asks: is it worth it? Al Fresco in the city....80 Gone are the days of mundane picnics, there are so many more glamorous ways to eat outside. Dining al fresco just got a touch of luxury. Restaurant Review: Chez Mumtaj.............85 Pan-Asian cuisine in the heart of St Albans is given the ultimate taste test by Giselle La PompeMoore. Interiors.....................89
Ribbon Recognition...98 Find out who’s made it to Ribbon’s inspirational women page. The reviewing revolution..................104 Ever reviewed anything online? Ever read a review online? Welcome to the reviewing revolution… Decorative Heart Tutorial............112 Fashion: Studio Tropicana.......114 The decades that style will always remember......122 Taking a trip down fashion memory lane at the decades that style can’t get enough of. Restaurant Review: Java & Jazz ..............126 Under the scrutiny of Kimberley Ho-A-Shoo, a Chic and simple Pizzeria shoes how Italian is done! Trends: Beauty..........129
Ribbon Presents.......142 Your guide to making your own handmade gifts for your lucky nearest and dearest. Shoes: Stitch-a-Sole.............148 Do you know the gender of your food?.........................154 Kimberley Ho-A-Shoo looks at the femininity and masculinity messages behind what we eat. Restaurant Review: Busaba Eathai..........160 Shop ‘til you drop will no longer be a problem with this Thai restaurant in the middle of Westfield Shopping centre; both Kimberley and Giselle delve in to see what all the fuss is about…. The Diary...................162 The fashion and food worlds switch sides in this food and fashion diary must read.
Extras: Ribbon Recipes A booklet to get messy with in the kitchen, with all the recipes from the magazine. Ribbon Retail A shopping guide with handpicked products from Ribbon, to see you through the season. Take on your next shopping trip and tick as you go. Wrapping Paper Illustrated by Jacqueline Colley, this gorgeous wrapping paper is the perfect finishing touch for gifts.
Good enough to eat........................138 Food and smell go hand in hand; here we have a look at the popularity of scents that smell like our favourite sweet treats.
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Photoshoot Inspirations...
Studio Tropicana page 114
Stitch-a-Sole page 148 Be inspired by stitched versions of this seasons shoe trends. Set amongst a quintessential summer scene of vibrant bursts of flowers, you will see shoes in a different way. We’ve captured the major shoe trends into mini stitched versions, so look out for: Brights, Chunky Heels, Wedges, Ballerina Flats, Ankle Straps, Mid Heels, Stilettos, Ankle Boots, Straps and Peep Toes.
The clashing colours of Club Tropicana meet the glamour of Studio 54. Colour blocking and the Seventies silhouette, were two of the most momentous stories of the season. When combined they create a strong look and show off some of the key shapes for this Spring. Maxi dresses, jumpsuits and asymmetric pieces elevate the look and give enviable movement.
Sheer Indulgence page 70 With the ballerina trend being so big this season, sheer materials such as chiffon, peek-a-boo lace and silk, were making their way onto the high street. The shoot mimics this trend, showing how to add these materials to bring a touch of elegance during daytime wear. To accessorise, it was only fitting to mix the feminine and gentle tones and clothes with heavy and harsh jewellery. This technique brings the trend forward and gives it an edgy feel.
Summer Comforts page34 Gorgeous food inspired by the latest fashion trends, using seasonal produce to create these mouthwatering dishes. When you’re stuck for recipe ideas in summer, look at fashion for inspiration. From seventies nostalgia to orange the world of fashion and food combine. So, indulge in this visual food porn and you can find the recipes in the separate booklet.
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Never pluck above your eyebrows, only below! Imogen Sinfield
What our Mothers Taught Us Shoulder’s back when walking and sitting, makes you look taller. Also, that shoulder pads are fabulous for balancing out the figure. Bianca Scott My mum taught me ‘how to dress’ she said it’s not about the label and how much your outfit costs but the uniqueness in your individual style that will make you stand out from the crowd! She also told me why wearing a good pair of shoes was important she said “people always check your shoes, normally one of the 1st things they notice and finishes off your outfit” its something that has stayed with me forever and is the reason why ‘today’ I am obsessed with shoes!!!! Hibak Elaye
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Don’t put off what you can do today and manners are free, so use them even if others don’t. Letitia Wilson Always to wear clean, hot knickers because you don’t want to be in hospital one day with embarrassing underwear. Gemma Taylor How to cook and sew! She’s very traditional and wanted me to know the essentials! Jenny Williams
There is nothing wrong with staying the same as long as you are happy. My mum is kind of scared of change, and I guess that makes me want to change even more because I can see what her life is like. But if you’re settled then there is nothing wrong with being in that place if you’re happy. Emma Brander
Think about things before you do them. Rachel King
The most valuable lesson my mother taught me was how to make a lasagne! When I moved into my flat with my boyfriend, I knew lasagne was one of his favourite dishes (and mine too!) so it was extremely important that I get the recipe just right. Instead of going online to find a recipe, or sourcing one in a cook book, I have a hand written recipe in my cupboard that my mother wrote, which you won’t find anywhere else! It’s a fantastic recipe to get the hang of, because there are elements of it that you can translate into other dishes. The basic white sauce you make for a lasagne can also be altered for fish dishes, and once you’ve learnt how to make a basic ragu, you can make all manner of pasta meals. Lasagne reminds me of home comforts, and even when I make it, it tastes almost (but not quite!) as good as my mum’s, because the recipe I’m using is unique to her, and combines all of her years of experience into one tasty dish. Imogen Thomas Just because you would or wouldn’t do something doesn’t mean someone else would do the same. Hannah Beagley
How to make a killer Fruit Pavlova dessert! Lisa Newberry Never regret, and to go for things in life. Hannah Murray
When you’re at the beach use the sand to exfoliate your body, it’s the best natural exfoliant and gives you silky smooth legs. Also, to avoid cellulite (my mum has none) and keep skin firm try to blast your body with cold water at the end of your shower. Haroulla Theocharus She has always said to do things as long as they make ME happy and not just to please other people or to prove myself to anyone. Alice Elliot My mum has taught me to be independent and that success is earned and not gained. You only get out what you put in! Pippa Milham
The French romantic poet, novelist and dramatist Victor Hugo once said, “no one keeps a secret so well as a child”. I believe this is true, because when my mum tells me something, whether it be about fashion, beauty or her personal experiences I do not feel as though she is telling me a secret, I feel as though I have been given a gift, be it something I can use in my daily life, or is helping her to tell someone. It’s the best thing my mum and I share. It is priceless and timeless. Yasmin Khan She has taught me how you should behave and to be organised and clean. I get my OCD cleanliness from her! Natalie Rowe
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Secrets from the
Industry Jo Pratt
Food stylist, writer, presenter and home economist If you are struggling for time or don’t have the desire to make a dessert, make the most of bought items. Buy a good quality chocolate tart, and garnish creatively by shaving different chocolates (dark, milk and white) with a vegetable peeler over the top, place a scroll of icecream next to the tart, and sit a shot glass full of some warm bought chocolate sauce on the plate too. Add a dusting of icing sugar under a scoop of ice-cream or sorbet to stop it sliding around a plate when serving desserts. When entertaining and you are serving your food/drink - be creative. You don’t have to use your everyday range. Shop around for different shapes and styles. Supermarkets, car boot sales, junk stores etc have a great
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inexpensive selection. If in doubt though – a classic white plate will always compliment food beautifully. Think about serving the food on things other than plates, such as cheese on a slate board, a burger onto a small wooden board, chips in a greaseproof paper cone inside a large glass or pot, salads/desserts in glasses, smallish pretty, flat mirror for canapes. Serve soup in cups and saucers rather than a bowl for a relaxed feel. You can drink it, but with more sophistication than you would have if it was in a mug. If serving cream, custard or sauces with a meal, serve in individual sauce jugs, small dishes or shot glasses for a special touch, rather than pouring it over the food before serving, or having a big jug on the table. Freeze whole berries, slices of citrus fruit or sliced cucumber in icecubes to add to glasses of water or cocktails. They look cute and add a subtle flavour to the drink.
Vanita Parti
Founder of Blink Eyebrow bars When doing your brows at home, make sure you draw a perimeter around your brows with a white cosmetic marker. It is so easy to get pluck happy and this will remind you how far you can go. Remember keep the fullness and the length. To measure up - take a pencil and place on one side of your nose- straight up to show where the brow should start. Angle to the end of your brow to mark the where it should end and angle from the end of your nose through your iris to get the perfect arch position.
Adrienne Chinn
Interior Designer & Creative Director When it doubt about colour, look to nature for inspiration. Notice how the sharp colours of wildflowers in a field add an accent. See how calming the blues, greys and beiges of the seashore are. Nature has all the answers.
Finally brush the hair in an upward direction and trim any stragglers for a groomed look. Finish with a glossy coat of blink eyebrow gel.
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Snap Cup
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THIS SEASON IN FASHION All that’s becoming and upcoming in the fashion world. ...
GALLIANO-BE-GONE! In an unravelling event that shocked the fashion world, Galliano was fired from his own label, Christian Dior, in April. Following reports of racist comments made by Galliano, he is now facing six months in prison. After allegedly hurling abuse at fellow drinkers at a Parisian bar, a video emerged of the designer once again using racism towards two Italian women last year in the same cafe – Le Perle. Due to stand trial in Paris in June, Galliano has apologised saying “Anti-Semitism and racism have no place in our society.”
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NEW POP UP VINTAGE LAUNCH A brand new vintage fashion fair is taking place every month in London. Since April, this vintage splendour has been ongoing in Islington with vintage music, cupcakes, fashion stalls and even a vintage hairdressing and make-up stall to make you look as fine as a Doris Day. Not only this, but during the fair they also have ‘make’ sessions where you can learn how to sew a cushion or a tote bag. The event is held at The Old Queens Head and lasts from 12 until 6pm - Ribbon will see you there! Visit facebook.com/ lostinvintage
FASHIONS BEST KEPT SECRET: REVEALED! One Kate has been hitting the fashion headlines, and it’s not Kate Moss. Speculation surrounding the designer of Kate Middleton’s wedding dress thrust the soonto-be-bride into a media frenzy ever since Prince William proposed. In the weeks up to the wedding McQueen, Temperley and even Victoria Beckham were guessed. On the day of 29th April 2011, the world waited with bated breath as Kate stepped out looking radiant. As the last of her 9ft long train glided onto the red carpet it was confirmed – designed by Sarah Burton, the Alexander McQueen dress was an encapsulation
of British workmanship. Satin, Ivory, lace and full of intricate detail, the crowd were taken aback by the beauty of both Kate and her dress. The tiara was her something borrowed, by no-one else but the Queen, and was a vintage 1936 diamond ‘halo’ tiara by Cartier, worn perfectly on top of her demi-chignon hair. The gown was a sign of her ongoing demure and classic style that so many people admire. Individually hand-cut lace flowers were a special touch that ran throughout the dress to add to its uniqueness and the corset top cinched in her tiny waist and showed off her Queen-like posture. A dress to go down in fashion history it was a sign that British tradition can still hold its own in the modern world.
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FASHION FOR RELIEF GOES TO CANNES Fashion shows its support for Japan with Naomi Campbell and Italian Vogue editor Franco Sozzani holding a fashion show and art auction. All the proceeds made from the show and auction, part of Cannes Film festival, will go towards Japan’s relief efforts. Campbell’s previous charity events have successfully raised an inspiring £4.5 million. The events which will be held May 16th are sure to feature fashions biggest names in order to rouse more media attention so be sure to keep your eye out for another showstopper by Naomi.
VIV TURNED 70! Our favourite Dame, Vivienne Westwood, unbelievably turned 70 on 8th April. The fashion designer, who found her love of fashion after she opened up a retro shop on King’s Road, is known for her rebellious creations. More recently, one of her S/S 10 Gold label dresses was awarded Dress of The Year by milliner Stephen Jones and is to be showcased at The Fashion Museum in Bath which holds the exhibit. And what do you buy for the woman who appears to have it all? As a previous muse for Vivienne, Pamela Anderson reportedly purchased 70 acres of rainforest in Peru to protect in the name of Vivienne Westwood. If you want to save an acre then visit coolearth.org just like Pamela!
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THE BUNNIES BOUNCE BACK
LONDON TO HOST AFW
The Playboy Club is returning all shiny and new – and it’s coming to London! Made famous in the 60’s, the Playboy Club was known for their sexy bunnies and their star clients such as Joan Collins and Sean Connery. Opening on June 4th in an elite Mayfair location the venue is set to be a restaurant, gaming lounge and cocktail bar. In celebration of their return, Marchesa has exclusively designed a bunny outfit for the event, who knew a bunny could look less Bridget Jones and more Bridget Bardot? If the bunnies are this stylish Ribbon has high hopes for this new after-hours venue. Cocktail please!
For the first time ever, London will host Africa Fashion Week London which will see African inspired designs from top and emerging designers. Set to start on the 5th August and lasting for just two days, it will be an extravagant showcase of African prints, materials and culture. Open to all members of the public, sign up for tickets now to avoid disappointment. www. africafashionweeklondon. com
Picture from Vogue.com
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Opinion
The Marriage
Expiration
Date
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My next boyfriend should be my husband. If I am to follow the pledge that I made in the playground when I was 8, then I had better get a move on. In my naïve and innocent youth, us girls had visions of our fairytale wedding that we proclaimed had to be at the perfect age of 24. My wedding calculator has estimated that my wedding day should fall somewhere within the next 1,095 days. The calculator has also reported that I am decidedly off schedule as I believed I would have met this man by the time I was around 21. The reality is that I can’t see myself getting married in three years time. Although I occasionally have those “I have been dating since I was 15, I’m exhausted, where is he?” moments, courtesy of Charlotte York. My social networking feeds now read like a page in the marriage announcement section in the Telegraph. Everyone seems to be getting engaged, but at 21… really? Newlywed Princess Catherine was given the unfortunate nickname of ‘Waity Katy’ for waiting till the seemingly old age of 29. What is wrong with 29? She’s hardly over the hill. There seems to be an apparent societal confusion as to the right age for a woman to get married. The Office for National Statistics claim that the average age for a woman to get married is 30. This age has increased a far bit from the 60’s. However, when women wait that long they are often criticised, yet those who take a trip up the aisle in their early 20’s are given looks of disapproval. I’m sure we all saw, My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding when it came on TV a few months ago. Not only were we amazed
by the ostentatious wedding dresses, but also by the age at which the girls got married. It was the norm for the girls in the traveller community to get married at 15. When I was 15, I was trying to juggle my GCSE’s, social life and my kinda boyfriend. Marriage? Definitely not on the cards. But, this seems to work for their culture, and the girls are taught homemaking skills before they fly the nest. Thee question of course, arises as to whether they are really ready to make such a total commitment at that age. The perfect age to get married possibly lies somewhere between 15-30. But, really who cares about the age? There are benefits at different ages, but ultimately when you’re in love and ready to take the step into the commitment pond, surely age is just a number? If you are emotionally ready at 17 then fine, if you wait until you’re 35 then that should also be fine. There’s no point rushing into it just because the marriage calculator says you should. Maybe if we all waited to walk up the aisle to the sound of wedding bells as opposed to the ticking of the biological clock, the divorce rate might go down. I have decided that I am by no means ready to make those vows yet. I have thrown away my calculator and will just spend the next 1,095 days, engagement ring shopping on Bond Street. You know, just in case.
Giselle La Pompe-Moore
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Opinion
Smoking Hot? 20
Coco Chanel did it. Carrie does it. Kate Moss does it. Even Cheryl does it! We all do it every now and then (usually after a bit too much to drink). So why do some of us still insist that smoking is cool? It has been four years after the smoking ban where all smokers were forced to light up outside. I still find it surprising when my friend smoker, on a good night out, will push her way through the crowd, leave her drink and Lady Gaga blaring, just for one ‘ciggy’. Even when it was freezing – she would totter outside (making me go with her) and stand in the snow in a short dress just to have a puff. I’ve never seen so much dedication from her. And I don’t usually freeze for nothing. So why are girls still smoking? Do we still think it’s fashionable? Really?! What’s fashionable about smelling like an ashtray? “I have perfume” my friend will say. What’s so cool about standing outside when you could be inside having fun? “It’s good to get fresh air”. Smokers have an answer for everything! But it’s all smoke and no fire. It is not ‘hot’ to smoke, neither is it healthy. And at our age, surely we should be looking after our bodies and keeping them youthful rather than aging them when we are still young. I’m not going to go into the details of why smoking is bad for you. Who cares? Smoking doesn’t even look good any more. The years where smoking made women look sophisticated and grown up are far gone. Now, the stereotype of ‘the smoker’ is trashy and underage. Who wants that lingering over them? Like tanning, everything has its expiry date. And 2011 is the expiry date for
smoking. Regulations are getting higher and smoking packets are going to be almost ‘hidden’ in shops and taken out of vending machines. I’m not saying we should all preach to our friends about the cons of smoking, but if anyone can help them it’s us. A recent study by the BBC shows that 63% of smokers want to quit, but ‘can’t’. Surely they know there’s no such word as can’t. Kate Moss sauntering down the catwalk with a cigarette in hand for Louis Vuitton at Paris Fashion Week was, in my opinion, only crushing on her image. The smoke only hazed her glowy skin and smudged her perfectly nude pout. Unfashionable and old news, smoking really is something to ‘quit’. Chocolate – makes you happy. Bad boys – we all fall for them. Smoking – there are no longer any pros. They don’t even make you skinny anymore because all those darn cookery programmes make food look too good to miss! Skipping meals for cigarettes is only seen on the likes of Supersize VS Superskinny. So, I don’t care if I sound like a preacher, but I intend to stop all my friends from smoking. It clings to my hair. It makes her breath smell. Quite frankly, it makes me feel old. And lastly, I want her to be healthy and be my friend for as long as possible. Everyone should get on their ban-wagons and spread the word. Smoking stinks!
Kimberley Ho-A-Shoo
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Making a House a Home
In the never-ending pursuit of happiness, is it possible that the answer could be in the very place that we call home. With spiritual and psychological teachings having their say in the design of our homes, and impacting the rest of our lives. Giselle La Pompe-Moore tries to find out if Interior Design can be the key to our happiness?
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After making the decision to decorate, days become filled with trips to the nearest DIY stores before the dining room table is invaded by moodboards, wallpaper samples and colour charts. Room to room we go, visualising what colours would work best and what furniture will suit the space. It is undeniably an exciting time of change. Our homes are an important part of our lives and the design of them is a representation of our personalities and preferences. With this in mind, the design of our home has the potential to be the key to our happiness. If we take cues from the teachings of Feng Shui and Colour Psychology, our homes can be a place of spiritual serenity, but what are they really all about? Or should we continue to pick the wallpaper du jour and the trendworthy hue of the season… Can happiness really come from within the confines of four walls? The sayings ‘Home Sweet Home’ and ‘There is no place like home’ are used so often, and without fear of being clichéd because they really do resonate. We can all recognise the sigh of contentment, when we arrive home from a holiday or a long day of work. Our homes are often filled with materialistic expressions of ourselves. Whether it is a rented apartment, student digs or a family home, the place where we lay our heads usually carry special meanings. When you look beyond the soft furnishings and carefully chosen wall coverings, we all have some sort of emotional attachment with our homes. The memories that they have are unrivalled. Going through room-by-room, there is usually a story to tell. The drunken party’s held in the sitting room, the wonderful meals prepared in the kitchen and the much-recited tale behind the purchase of the sofa. For many our homes
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are a safe haven, a place where we can relax and feel at ease. But, there are the homes that regardless of fancy products, you can still feel a void. More and more of us are using spiritual teachings and psychological methods, to create the ‘perfect’ home. Designing our homes with this in mind and looking beyond interior trends could not only give our homes more positive energy but could also lead to happiness in other areas of our lives. Feng Shui originated in China over 4000 years ago. It gained in popularity in the Western world during the late Eighties and early Nineties. The philosophy has been praised with not only creating a balanced environment but also creates a harmonious state within the person.
Celebrity Feng Shui Consultant, Ken Lauher states that “living in harmony with your space does not mean removing the clutter or placing things in their proper or right place, it is how you align your inner worlds and desires with your outer environment.” When properly translated and used, Feng Shui offers many tips that can transform your home as well as your lifestyle. It focuses on our surroundings being used to help reach goals in our lives by understanding the energy (chi) that flows through our bodies and the universe. There are five-element chi energies that are: Water, Tree, Fire, Soil and Metal and these can be introduced into the home to further understand the different types of energy. Water can be used in glass objects, Tree energy can be introduced in plants, wood and green objects, Fire can be used in red or pointed objects, Soil can be used with clay and Metal can be
interpreted with silver and gold rounded objects. This is one of the many examples of teachings and methods that can be applied to the home. The interview with Laurent Langlais (page 29) gives an in depth insight into the complex teachings behind Feng Shui. Feng Shui Consultant, Henry Fong believes that “Feng Shui is used to improve our luck, whether it is in the area of career, wealth, relationships or health. These things influence our life and our happiness to a certain extent.” Some people however, have criticised the teachings and believe that they have been lost in translation in the Western world. They also claim that it is primarily a phenomenon for the wealthy. It is 2011; anything you want to find out about something is available at the click of a button. If you do some research, buy some books and send a few emails you can find out if Feng Shui can work for you. It does require commitment, but you may find that certain elements may work out for you. In terms of expense, it all depends on how much you want to devote to the teachings. A Feng Shui Consultant, will come with a wealth of knowledge but if you just wanted to apply some principles yourself, then get researching. If nothing else, it can be a step in the right direction, in a long process of designing and decorating. Colour psychology is based on the notion that colour has an affect on our emotions. By applying this to our daily lives we can surround ourselves with colours that have a positive and beneficial affect on us. Colour psychologists and consultants, pair up our personalities with a specific colour palette. The colours in that palette are the ones that will have more of a positive affect on us, if we use these in our homes.
So, if we’ve decorated our bedrooms in a mix of jade green and mustard yellow but our energy is zapped when we walk in, its quite possible that these are not the best suited colours for us, even though they look suitably stylish. Holistic Designer and Colour Therapist, Suzy Chiazzari explains how it works, “we have a personal relationship with colour because light entering our eyes is converted into electrical impulses that stimulate the limbic brain, the seat of our emotional responses. When we experience positive connections with a colour this affects the production and release of endorphins.” There are four psychological primary colours, which are red, green, blue and yellow. They are all perceived differently, and you can make these colours work best in certain rooms. The colour blue for example is perceived as cool, calming and soothing and is ideal in a place of relaxation and reflection. Also, as oranges and reds are physically stimulating they would work well in a kitchen, if the right hues were used. The colour orange is associated with hunger as well, so would be perfect in a kitchen or dining room. A good point to note, is when applying the methods of Colour Psychology, ask yourself questions about the way you use certain rooms, before deciding on the most suitable colour. So, if you want your bedroom to be both calming and rejuvenating then a soft blues and greens can work. However, if you work in your bedroom you may want a more stimulating colour. Creative Director of In: Colour Consultancy, Bernay Laity states that “colour is one of the first things that we notice in our surroundings it can affect our moods, emotions and well-being. The colours of an interior environment affect us in the same way as those in the
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natural world. By using colour we can instantly transform a room to reflect its use, give it a different atmosphere or make a statement and disguise or highlight features.” Colour Psychology is easy to apply, as it is already affecting us, whether we know it or not. Once you have a basic understanding of the colour wheel, and the emotions associated with them then you are all set to go. The next step is to discover what personality you have and correspond this to a suitable colour palette. You can again, do this by consulting with a colour therapist or reading some books and going online. When you pick up a paint chart again, you will probably look at it in a completely different way. What is interesting is not only that we can make our homes a more balanced and positive place. But also, that by using interior design in this way, can also have an effect on the rest of our lives also. The teachings of Colour Psychology and Feng Shui, believe that these methods can promote happiness in all areas of life. It could be love or prosperity as they create a harmonious balance in our lives. Can carefully considered design elements really impact on the rest of our lives? Ken Lauher believes that “when in alignment with a person and their chi, it can have a positive impact on their overall wellbeing and energy levels. Certain spaces may feel really comfortable and inviting. Those spaces enable you to be yourself and enjoy the company of others. So I believe that your space can truly help a person return to their true self where they experience health and happiness.” We already know this, as we have certain places in our homes that just make us feel more comfortable and relaxed than other rooms. When our bathroom is in desperate need of a makeover, we don’t
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tend to venture into as much. But, after months of decorating our bedrooms and placing candles and pictures into every available space we could spend hours and hours in there. We spend a lot of time in our homes, so how we feel about them is greatly important and it is understandable how it can affect the rest of our lives. Feng Shui Consultants, can reel off their success stories, and tell how their clients have subsequently found love, improved their careers and generally had better luck. If that’s the case, where can we sign up? I guess the main query arises when we think about the effect this could all have on the style of our homes. When we venture into the decorating and D-I-Y domain, we usually arm ourselves with copious amount of materials. Magazines, paint charts, wallpaper samples, Internet print outs and catalogues galore. Some of us plan well in advance and go through each room with precise care and detail. We won’t sleep until we find that perfect shade of red for the kitchen. Our design decisions are based on so many factors. Trends can play a big part as we can find endless inspiration and products to fit in with our homes and also to make the trend work for our lifestyle. Also, seasonal trends can give us the option of refreshing our interiors more frequently with the aid of accessories and a quick lick of paint. Then we have good old-fashioned practicality, if we are in a property where we can’t change the colour of the walls, then we have to find other ways to make the space our own. When the project is complete, you always have that feeling of satisfaction when you look around at your accomplishments with sheer pride. We spend quite a bit of time at home, so the design of them really is important.
Using methods such as Feng Shui and Colour Psychology doesn’t mean that you have to throw away the style book. In fact, it can be a way to focus more specifically on styles that you do like, and make interior design work more specifically to you.. These teachings are more focused on the decisions you make behind interior choices. Obviously, if we leap into Feng Shui but don’t like how our home looks after it, it will not work if we do not feel comfortable with the space. The same goes for Colour Psychology, you need to like the colour that you are best suited to and make sure it works for your own personal style too. When we walk through our front doors, we should be greeted with a home that speaks more than volumes about who we are. A place that we find comfort in, that
we can entertain in and that we design to complement our lives. Happiness is hard to define and in terms of interiors, you kind of just know when your home feels finished. However we choose to design our homes is really quite irrelevant, as long as it works for us. When we think about our childhood homes or homes that have meant something to us, it isn’t the wallpaper or the curtains that fill us with warmth. It isn’t the colour in the bathroom, that was arduously picked out or the sofa that to be fair, isn’t all that comfy. It is the memories that are associated with that house that stay with us and the happiness we feel when we think about it. Feng Shui and Colour Psychology actively seek to promote a more balanced life and enhance good emotions. They could make a difference to your life, but so could decorating your house in all of this seasons trends. The key to happiness in the home really depends on what makes you happy, and nothing else.
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Industry Insider
Feng Shui 28
After delving into the world of Feng Shui, Holistic Design and Colour Psychology for our feature on interior design being the key to our happiness (page 23). Giselle La PompeMoore decided to talk to someone in the know to find out more about the fascinating world of Feng Shui. Laurent Langlais is a Feng Shui and Chinese oracle expert trained in Asia by the Han Wu San Yuan lineage. He consults worldwide for homes and businesses in Feng Shui, date selection and Chinese astrology. www.spacessential.com How do you use colour to convert homes and what is the significance of this? In classical Feng Shui, colour is one of the primary tools we use to convert a place, either home or business. Colours are not randomly chosen however, but based on their correspondence with one of the Five Elements, which are: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. Those Five Elements are seen as the five aspects that the universal energy, called the Chi (or Qi) takes in our physical world. Everything on Earth can therefore be described as a combination of the Five
Elements. For example working in I.T relates to the Fire; the North direction is mostly Water; the time from 5 to 7 pm is Metal; 2011 is the year of Metal Rabbit and is both Metal and Wood etc. The Elements interact with each other through cycles known as the creating, weakening and controlling cycles. For example Water generates Wood which feeds the Fire that in return generates the Earth; but Earth blocks the Water and Water extinguishes the Fire and so on. Every one of us has an affinity with some of those elements, and a dislike of the others, through our own natal chart. So the point of good Feng Shui is to enhance the Elements you can take, and to dissipate the ones you cannot take in your home. To do so we use colours extensively. The correspondence between colours and Element is as follow: To take a real-life example, if I see you are a Wood person through your natal chart, but not a strong Wood, you will need the Water and Wood Element to strengthen yourself and achieve a balanced life. The use of Water and Wood colours in your home will then be a priority, and we will minimize the use of Metal and Fire colour that hurts your Wood nature. Therefore through this usage of colours, and other practical advice, we can successfully bring
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in the energy your house or your business needs, and enhance your whole life. This is really colour therapy as its best! Why do you think Feng Shui has gained in popularity in the UK? To understand why Feng Shui has gained popularity in every Western country, we need to look back at recent history. When Mao Tse Tung arose to power in Mainland China, he started the Cultural Revolution and wanted to eradicate most traditions. He saw Feng Shui and Chinese metaphysics as cultural superstitions that had no place in the modern communist world he was envisioning. The Feng Shui masters were left with two choices: either to go undercover, or to flow away from China. A lot did just this, and settled in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Taiwan and Singapore which all became important Feng Shui hubs. Luckily for us westerners, some masters also settled in the West and started to teach the knowledge and techniques that were once confined to China. This is very similar to what happened to Tibetan Buddhism; when China went to occupy Tibet, the Dalai Lama escaped and started to teach in the West. Nowadays most people do not raise an eyebrow when you speak about karma and past lives; that was not the case
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decades before when Buddhism didn’t reach the Occident so extensively. Western countries therefore became massively exposed to the teaching of Feng Shui in the second half of the 20th century, and the idea of empowering our lives through our living places did string a cord in many of us. It blended nicely with the psychological concept that sees our homes as an extension of our minds, and it was also assimilated by the New Age movement that was developing fast. The endless fascination with Asian philosophies also greatly helped Feng Shui to become famous in the UK and in Occident. Funny enough I think westerners were first attracted to it because of the spiritual aspects, and the fact that it talks about Earth energy, and how we interacts with it. However westerners were quick to transform Feng Shui into something devoid of spirituality and not connected to Gaia, but rather based on endless commercial artefacts supposed to fix our lives like wind chimes, lucky bamboos and so on. So nowadays in the UK there is traditional Feng Shui and this new fangled Western Feng Shui, which are really different at heart. Finally, I think Feng Shui is seen by many Brits as a way to bring back a bit of the sense of sacred and the ritual magic that was once very strong
in this country. I see what we do in classical Feng Shui as not so different that what the Druids once did here with Stonehenge, which is using some specific layouts to connect more deeply with the Earth and our lives. What are the links between Feng Shui and happiness? To really answer this question it is important to understand the concept of the three lucks interacting in our lives. Chinese people define our lives through three components: Heaven Luck, Human Luck and Earth Luck.The Heaven Luck is what is given to use by fate, and largely influenced by our karma. Why are we born in the UK or France in the 20th century, rather than in India in the 19th century? This is due to Heaven Luck that decided of this
lifetime due to past choices, or karma. Then there is Human luck: this is our free will. Without it we couldn’t progress spiritually and as species. Without free will we couldn’t create new karma either: so we would be stuck. It is called Human Luck because free will is what really makes us Human: our choices and their consequences. Finally there is Earth luck: this is the influence of Earth on our lives, through our country, environment, houses and working places. This is what Feng Shui treats and balances. Those lucks should not be considered as three slices of our lives. The beauty of it is that they all interact with each other! For example through your karma you might have a pre-disposition for challenging relationship. This could be because working on your relationships can teach you something spiritually. Then through the use of your free will you choose a specific house to live in. The trick is that the Feng Shui of this place will trigger your relationship problems too! So did you choose it in the first place, or were your drawn to it to experience this particular challenge? Therefore by connecting with the right Feng Shui master you can
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diagnose the place and change the pattern. Once you change the place, suddenly you understand the karmic lesson and move beyond it. This is not only because the place has been fixed: this is because fixing this place triggers a change in your own destiny. So as you can see Feng Shui is a major tool to improve your life and become happy. Rather than looking at it as a big fat cow we can milk over and over, Feng Shui casts a new light on our living place that can teach us a lesson, and reflect on our personal choices. Once we understand this logic we are free to make other choices and change things: we are no victims anymore but the craftsmen our own happiness. Why do you think the home is such an important part of our lives? You now understand how choosing and living in a place is not an innocent act, but it actually influences our whole lives. I would say that there is usually no right or wrong house: there are just houses adapted to the people who live there, or not. By acting on our fate, our home is really part of your life, not just a sleeping place. In Feng Shui we compare the home to the human body. The main door for example is called the mouth of the Chi, the toilets relates to the kidneys, the state
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and position of a bed can explain why a lady cannot conceive etc. As such, our homes are an extension of our bodies, and we are acting like its their brain. The interaction is therefore really strong. Do you know that in some traditional cultures like the Balinese one they conceive their home by using the head of the family’s multiplied body dimension? This highlights how human groups closer to mother nature than we are see the home as a living extension of their personality. Moreover, I think in those times very competitive and dehumanized, our homes are seen as the sacred space were we can be ourselves and try to bring a bit of magic back in your lives. For a lot of young people nowadays the first flat or home also acts like a second womb that extends the feeling of being nurtured and protected from the aggressiveness of society. Add to this the desire than more and more people have to be self employed to be more flexible and spend quality time with their families, and you can easily see how our homes, rather than the sleeping place they once were, have become the centre of our whole lives. Do you think interior design can be the key to our happiness? I think interior design and Feng Shui combined can be a great tool to bring happiness in. As a
Feng Shui consultant I would not consider designing or redecorating a place without Feng Shui guidance. Interior design alone will bring in a sense of aesthetic, a beauty that will make us feel good for a while. However Feng Shui, by designing the space around the Chi, and for the energetic effects it will have on our whole life, is a foundation for happiness. Furthermore, as classical Feng Shui includes life guidance through the deciphering of our native chart, it allows us to be in the flow of things, and to find our life purpose. Interior design works on the outer shell; Feng Shui connects this exterior with our profound desire, our potential, and our life purpose. Interior design guided by Feng Shui work both on the outside and the inside and triggers very positive changes in our lives. Do you think in the future more people will look at practices such as traditional Feng Shui when deciding on how to decorate their homes? I hope so. I think the Feng Shui mania of the 90ies has slow down and this logical. At some point everything from paints, hairdresser saloon and dog food was deemed Feng Shui! While Feng Shui exists and affects us in every place, not every man-made item can be deemed “Feng Shui�. Following
such excess, some people walked away from this philosophy to try to find answers somewhere else. Other understood that there is more to it and started to go back to the traditional teachings. I am confident that we are globally experiencing a new phase in which people are more discriminating, and start to recognize commercial exploitation from real life’s changing metaphysics. A fair amount of my clients are people who have tried to do their own Feng Shui through books, and have achieved nothing. However once we apply a classical approach through the knowledge gained through a Chinese lineage, they finally see results. We have already exploited this planet with great excess: however I see every day a new level of human consciousness developing, people who care about Earth and want to live in harmony with its cycle and energy rather than just using it. Ancient wisdom is rediscovered and re-evaluated. In such perspective, Feng Shui gives us fantastic solutions that were born more than 5000 years ago, and that hopefully will guide us for another 5000 and more to come.
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Summer Comforts Photography: Kimberley Ho-A-Shoo Styling: Giselle La Pompe-Moore
Hot Chocolate Profiteroles Trend: Seventies
King Prawn and Orange Charmola Salad Trend: Orange
Gooseberry Cheesecake Trend: Lace
Steak Diane with Chunky Sweet Potato Chips & Peas Trend: Seventies
Strawberry & Mascarpone Trifles Trend: Seventies
Asian Crab & Mangetout Salad Trend: Oriental
Imogen’s Mother’s Lasagne
Peach Bellini Trend: Orange
Ribbon Reviews: Films
of Westerns (much to my boyfriend’s entertainment).
Out on DVD:
True Grit Out on 13th June Director: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen Starring: Jeff Bridges, Hailee Steinfeld, Matt Damon Review by: Kimberley Ho-A-Shoo It was my boyfriend’s birthday and I was being dragged to see a Western movie. Great, I thought, guns, cowboy boots and whatever else they do – no romance, no tears, and no laugh-out-loud moments that I desire when I purchase my ticket and scoff my overpriced chocolate. But, I couldn’t have been proven more wrong about the genre
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All of the mentioned cast members were outstanding in their roles of three completely different and colliding characters on a man-hunt. When I read the plot of the film, it was light years away from the cheerful films I usually devour, but there is so much more to read into this movie than the violent outline. Bringing her father’s killer to justice, Mattie Ross (played by the outstanding Hailee Steinfeld) secures a U.S Marshall (Jeff Bridges) and a Texas Ranger (Matt Damon). All three roles deserving of multiple award nominations (the film itself earned ten Academy Awards), Damon and Bridges are delightfully witty throughout the rollercoaster journey that really does entail blood, sweat and tears. After getting over Bridges’ Western accent (which you do find easier to understand after the first few scenes), I was transfixed with 14 year
old Hailee Steinfeld’s outstanding portrayal of a stubborn young woman. The story, although about the hunt for one man (Tom Chaney), incorporates what life was like for them, full of brutal murders with no means of legal justice but to go looking for the killer yourself with a man you’ve paid. This sad truth makes you sympathise heavily with Mattie, and the fact she has had to mature so fast to avenge her father’s death and see the culprit hung. And with hangings being seen in the first scenes of the film, it awakens you to the practices and doesn’t make you question the death of Tom Chaney. By the time it was half way through the film, my eyes were too engrossed in the evolving storyline to notice I had severe pins and needles and, even with a bushy moustache, Matt Damon still seemed attractive. Westerns do strange things to you. I even found myself wanting a horse – having been scared of them all my life. Indeed, the wild and open air of Western land that the three were riding through was beautiful and had a sense of freedom. That’s
one thing about Westerns; the scenery eats you up and consumes you, taking you into a completely different world, which for me, was new. The Coen brothers were able to bring modernity to a Western so that it appealed to a wider audience. Despite their being deaths and shootings, they were done in a delicate way, dismissing the use of pointless blood and gore. I didn’t flinch or squeal when the guns were fired. I found myself laughing hard at some hysterical lines by Damon and Bridges and even felt tears in my eyes as they neared the end of their touching pursuit. It was one thing to see in the cinema, but for the first time, a Western will secure its place amongst my Romcoms, Musicals and Period Dramas. And it should be amongst yours too.
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Ribbon Reviews: Films
In cinema: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II Out: 15th July
Friends with benefits
Director: David Yates Starring: The whole gang for one last time! It’s finally here, the last ever (so we are told) conjured Harry Potter film. We’ve seen Ron, Hermione and Harry literally grow into adults before our eyes from frizzy haired youngsters, and now it seems it’s time to say goodbye. With Harry facing Hewho-must-not-be-named in a last showdown, the whole gang fight it out in one last battle to save the wizardry world from Voldermort’s grasp. Be sure to take tissues, one can only predict the tears that will flow from the first sight of Hagrid.
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Out: 2nd September
One day Out: 8th September Director: Lone Scherfig Starring: Anne Hathaway Based on the successful novel by David Nicholls, One Day tells the story of Dexter and Em who spend one night together in college. The film then revisits them on the same date every year after this. With Anne Hathaway as the female protagonist and it’s equally warm storyline, this film is sure to make you fall in love with both its characters and the feeling you are left with in the wondrous ending...
Director: Will Gluck Starring: Mila Kunis, Justin Timberlake We’ve all had a male friend we’ve fancied and wondered what would happen if it goes any further. This film explores what does happen when a friendship goes beyond the boundaries, and with a hot couple of stars, Mila Kunis and Justin Timberlake, already to be rumoured to be ‘seeing’ each other, this film promises to be full of sexual chemistry and flustered giggles. Certainly one to take your best friend to – not a male friend, could get a bit awkward!
Re
t R
w
an
au st r e vi e
The Witchery Secret Garden
At the foot of the fairytale-esque Edinburgh castle lies the most romantic restaurant I’ve ever set fork in, The Witchery. Three weeks in advance (any later is impossible) my boyfriend and I took the only remaining booking for a special occasion. We wouldn’t be eating until 10 o’clock, but it didn’t matter. This being our second visit, we would have eaten in the foyer if it meant we could spend our evening there. On the night we were excited. We adapted our evening to accommodate the time of the meal,
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stopping off for drinks in a variety of cozy little pubs around the city on the way. By the time 10pm came we were giddy with anticipation (or possibly a combination of mild starvation and Merlot... who’s to say). Nevertheless, as I walked through the cobbled alleyway, twinkling with fairy-lit foliage, the scene was set for a magical evening. Inside we were greeted warmly and led down a long stone staircase into the dining room; the legendary Secret Garden. Its title lives up to its expectations. The room was entirely candlelit and enchantingly decorated
with a cherub statuette and hanging tapestries. The little details created an intimate setting, such as the tall golden candlesticks that provide a centrepiece to every table. Waiters paraded past us with various culinary creations. After a little while one brought round a basket of assorted breads, partly to stop us from salivating onto the lovely white tablecloth. In the absence of music, the air was filled with the clink of cutlery and soft murmurs of couples reveling in the delights of their special evening together. We were presented with an extensive wine list, the menu was rather concise in comparison. Nevertheless, the selection of incredible dishes made choosing very hard indeed. To begin with I ordered the delicious “Potted Duck” (£14.50), consisting of duck confit and fois gras, accompanied by sumptuously rich plum chutney. Unfortunately the thick slices of toasted bread (not brioche as it says in the menu) were too filling for a starter, half the amount would have sufficed. The same could have been said for the
large portion of potted duck. After all, it wasn’t like I could have left half of it. It was far too tasty, that would have been criminal. The “Guy Grieve’s Scallops, Herb-baked with Iberico Pancetta and Garlic” (£17) that I had for my main course were to die for. They were also available as starter, but the main was accompanied by Yukon Gold potato mash and a green salad. Cooked to perfection, the scallops melted in the mouth. The flavour of the pancetta complimented them perfectly, adding a distinct but delicate meaty savouriness to the dish. The only tragedy to this exquisite meal was that when the time came for dessert, I had not a smidgen of space left. If I’m entirely honest, I was struggling to finish my main. Oh “Potted Duck” why did you have to be so good? I suppose you live and learn. Alas, I’ll just have to wait until next time for the “Chocolate Brioche Bread and Butter Pudding with Milk Ice-Cream”. Francesca Bassenger
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ribbonmagazine.co.uk
A little bit of Ribbon to last you through the day... Join in with the latest recipes, advice and news straight to your desk, sofa and train seat! ribbonmagazine.co.uk ...byte-sized entertainment especially for you
Ms Martini
Advice – straight up if you please!
seeing my I can’t stop move on? I do ex, how him! My By not seeing be an t dear, he mus . Recite on as re a r fo ex uself, yo to on that reas . Then get es tim of ty en pl a night dolled up, have and rls gi e out with th on one try hy w – e is real n you he w s oe pair of sh ! l? al could try them
My shoes are always killing me! How do I walk in them and not look like Bambi on ice? Three words for you: high, out, pout. Walk with your head held high, shoulders and breast, out. And if all else fails, pout (slightly, we are not looking for the next Julia Roberts). Of course, putting one leg in front of the other also helps!
How do I have my cake, and eat it, but not so it appears on my thighs....
Any tips on how to make eyelashes actually stay on? Mine are always coming off!
If I knew the answer to this I’d be richer than JK Rowling. There is no way of eating a cake and it disappearing into mist once consumed, I’m afraid. However, a brisk walk, jog or aerobics class after will mean you can have your cake and well, eat it, which as far as I am concerned, is always a positive thing...
To ensure eyelashes stay peeper-perfect the whole night, make sure that when you apply, you allow the glue to go tacky first. Give them a little twist to make them fit the eye better too. This will make application far easier and worthwhile. After all, who wants to look unkempt on anight out?!
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The Dilemma of the
Communal
Fitting Room
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Most fitting room cubicles are not really up to scratch. Claustrophobia can be as big an issue as choosing between the LBD and the body-con dress. It’s time for something new. Giselle La Pompe-Moore investigates if our modesty will ever allow communal fitting rooms to return to the British High Street. Sauntering into the fitting room with an armful of clothes and that irritating item number, we are greeted with our own personal cubicle. A secret haven with harsh lighting, not enough hanger space and often a curtain covered in make-up and various other stains. It’s a love/hate relationship of course; if you’re with a girlfriend it becomes a memorable and fun experience. If it’s winter and we have on 6 layers, it is not such a good time. Some shops have wondrous fitting rooms, which you can easily luxuriate in, but most of them are just fit for purpose. When we’re with one of our besties in a beautifully decorated cubicle and trying on outfits for Saturday night, we have a blast. When you can’t even do the trying-to-squeeze-into-my-jeans dance without falling through the curtain, they’re not quite up to scratch. If the high street were to abolish the individual cubicle and create one big room filled with mirrors, rails and women would
it be an enjoyable re-creation of girls getting ready together? Or would it be a disaster of insecurity, bitchiness and dress stealing? The communal fitting room was introduced in the Seventies. Chelsea Girl, Martin Ford and Biba are just a few of the stores that used them. Retail had come a long way at this point, especially as the first form of retail came primarily from markets. Specialist shops then came next, before department stores took over and changed the industry. In the Seventies and Eighties, fashion retail was big business, but compared to today it has come a long way since then. Today, we demand more from fashion retailers. It is not enough to walk in, browse, possibly try some stuff on and then make a purchase. Retailers constantly have to push the boundaries in shop design, customer service and merchandising in order to hold our interest. If we are parting with our cash, we want some recognition for it that goes beyond our purchases. The fitting room is a great way to step up the retail experience in stores. The communal fitting rooms of yesteryear suggest that they were just fit for purpose, a quick, cheap and effective way for customers to try out products. Their disappearance suggests that we are demanding more as customers. Steve Pearce,
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the Client Services Director at Green Room Retail believes that communal fitting rooms have disappeared from the high street because of “a combination of the pressure on retailers to devote valuable retail space to getting more product lines and stock out into the floor and people being a bit less trusting of each other in terms of privacy and their own personal items.” But, let’s not forget that communal fitting rooms haven’t been completely sent to the in-the-past bin. They are still around in gyms, which is even more uncomfortable as women at all levels of fitness remove their sweaty garments. The ladies always appear to be in two categories, the kind who leave their inhibitions on the treadmill and willingly and almost proudly strip off. Then there are those, who try and change behind towels or discreetly drag their gym bags into the toilet to change in private. Vintage and sample sales rarely offer the luxury of a fitting room, and usually block off a corner with some fabric and make it a communal affair. Everyone usually keeps to themselves but ensure they keep a sneaky eye on their bargains, just in case anyone strolls off with them. Futurologists have mentioned that we are craving real shared experiences, after years of digital isolation. With most of our
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relationships occurring in the social media realm, when do we actually go out and interact with new people? 1000 Facebook friends seem impressive enough but the tangibility of these relationships are more than questionable. Book clubs, baking classes and secret dinner clubs are starting to look all the more appealing. As much as it pains me to say this phrase, we are indeed in a ‘digital age’. With more technological and social media advancements, a backlash doesn’t seem possible. We do seem to have a renewed hunger for real life experiences with others and sharing our passions but we all seem to return back and find comfort in our online relationships. We may be craving these physical shared experiences but could it really be due to digital isolation? Surely they should both co-exist quite happily. Jon Turney, science writer, academic and author of ‘The Rough Guide to the Future’ believes that “digital life is highly connected, that is kind of the point. There is an easy stereotype that digital interaction is inferior to the real thing, the various kinds of interaction tend to co-exist, I suspect. Some people, at least, use electronic connections to reinforce their pre-existing social networks as well as extend them.” There seems to be a dilemma
between the worth of digital v real relationships and interactions. Communal fitting rooms could provide a space for women to turn trying on clothes into a shared experience and an occasion instead of an activity designed to help reduce refunds and exchanges. On the other hand, webcams in fitting rooms could enable us to send pictures to our digital friends and also create that desired, shared experience. A few restaurants have introduced communal dining, such as Wagamama and Busaba Eathai. The tables give diners the opportunity to share their dining experience with others. It can be slightly problematic, especially if you are on a date and want some alone time. Also, those messy incidents with chopsticks and sauce spillages are even more embarrassing when there is a stranger sitting opposite. The condiments always seem to be in awkward places, whereby it is uncertain as to whom the soy sauce belongs to. Plus, is there etiquette in asking your table fellow to pass the salt when they are mid forkful? Communal tables follow a similar premise to that of the communal fitting room. Eating and dressing together both work well in certain situations, such as family meals, dinner parties and getting dressed for a night out with friends. When
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these activities become public and strangers are thrown into a mix, it turns into unfamiliar territory. In the restaurant arena, it is not really a hardship once you get over the initial awkwardness and intimacy. If your dining buddies are of a friendly disposition, you could even make a few friends. Ingrid Williams, the marketing manager at Wagamama remarks that, “the communal tables are a new concept for some of our customers, but on the whole we get a really positive reaction, people enjoy the relaxed, informal atmosphere that the shared dining experience at Wagamama brings.” But, do people ever actually interact with each other and make shared dining more of an experience instead of just a cute design element? She then goes on to say that, “all of our customers are different, and we often find that customers are happy to interact with their ‘neighbours’ from time to time. We find occasionally that customers order extra side dishes after seeing them served up to someone who’s seated nearby.” It is possible that communal fitting rooms could have the same effect. We all know that when we see someone rocking a dress better than the mannequin we get serious shoppers-envy. This could promote add-on sales for retailers,
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if the fitting room became an added opportunity, for customers to see clothes that they weren’t immediately drawn to on the shop floor. In 2011, could the communal fitting room really make a return to the high street? Since the Seventies, society must have changed, either we are more willing to be open with strangers or less so. Of course, the familiarity of individual cubicles will pose as a problem. As we are just not used to the fitting room being a shared activity. Helen Goworek, a senior lecturer in marketing and specialist in fashion retail at Nottingham Trent University, believes that “the pros for the customers are that they probably won’t have to queue as long at busy times, because you can fit more customers into less space in a communal changing room.” She then goes on to say that “with higher rates of obesity than in the days when communal fitting rooms were widespread, combined with pressure from the media to be slim, customers may feel more embarrassed to change in public than in the past.” The topic of body awareness is a major factor in this debate. One of the main reasons why communal fitting rooms died out, were due to the embarrassment felt by customers and how uncomfortable they felt with
changing in front of strangers. There are endless discussions on the female body, and the pressure on women to be slim. The whole topic becomes tiresome, as we read about it constantly, but it is a serious issue. Everyone has their own dissatisfactions with their bodies, even the women who are completely confident in their skin. It’s time we stopped comparing our bodies to those that we see on billboards or even to other women that we know. Of course, it is easier said than done, but if there becomes a time when women feel more comfortable and confident with their shape then the negative connotations of communal changing can start to disappear. Steve Pearce, is of the opinion that there is a possibility for them to return, “retailers look to consistently invest in creating a distinctive physical as opposed to digital experience. This may depend on the type of shopper, right down to a male/ female stereotype. I could imagine communal idea sharing being more appropriate for a young female audience, such as in Forever 21.” This view is very interesting as they may only work for certain markets. Teenagers and younger women may find them more appealing than the more mature women might. Younger girls and women may not have experienced communal fitting rooms before, so they won’t have
too many perceived ideas about them. So there is a possibility that they could have a certain allure to them. The possibilities for fitting rooms in the future are plentiful. In this clichéd ‘digital age’ we need more than a mirror and a curtain. Mary Portas proved this when she tackled the fitting rooms in the Pilot stores. She transformed them into a place where customers can interact with each other and emulate their favourite stars. They could then upload pictures onto Facebook and Twitter of their outfits. If the communal fitting room is still a daunting prospect then digital interaction appears to be the way forward. I always take pictures of myself in the fitting room if I’m undecided and send to a friend before I take the next step in purchase commitment. If fitting rooms accommodated this, then you still have the social element of a communal fitting room without all the negative connotations. In their book, The Gender Intelligent Reader, Joanne Thomas Yaccato and Sean Mc Sweeney discovered that “the more social a shopping experience, the higher the conversion rate, and the mere presence of women within a shopping group had a significant impact.” Some retailers have recognised the need for change and have adapted their fitting
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rooms accordingly. Nordstrom in Honolulu, Hawaii have created the ‘Girlfriend Room’ and the ‘Apartment’ where groups of friends can try on clothes together in luxury rooms with sofas, televisions and fashion magazines. A study released by TNS called New Future In Store, surveyed more than 4,600 shoppers across Asia, Europe, United States and Canada. They found that 73% of shoppers globally said that they would expect to use interactive touch screens in the fitting room by 2015. 57% of those surveyed also expected to be using 3D body scanners and 49% expected interactive fitting room mirrors by 2015. This shows that consumers not only want change in this aspect of retail, but also expect it. These innovations can challenge the humble fitting room that we have grown used to and turn trying on clothes into more of an enjoyable experience. In a couple of years time, when we are out shopping with the girls on a Saturday what will we see when we follow the signs to the fitting room? Although some believe that they could work today, everyone I spoke to have been adamantly against the idea. But, there must be a way for us to satisfy our needs for constantly sharing things with others. The ideal fitting room of the future should have the following (fashion retailers take note): A waiting area with flat
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screen televisions showing the stores latest collections, luxurious seating, refreshments, and copious amounts of magazines. There should be individual cubicles with webcams so you can upload pictures instantly onto the Internet, then you walk into a large open space where you can hang around with your friends and other shoppers or go into the waiting area to show off your outfit choice. Now, this has the balance of having a little shopping community behind the fitting room sign as well as maintaining ones dignity. It’s a win-win proposal; we get the appreciation from the retailer and a good time. Plus, for the retailers who would be willing to splash the cash on this everyone will be queuing up to try and buy. It’s more than time for a fitting room revolution.
What do you think about communal fitting rooms?
I personally wouldn’t like it. I like having my own space, and wouldn’t know where to look if there were loads of people getting changed around me. It happened the other day in Primark because there were a couple of curtains broken and so there were people just getting changed in the rooms. It wasn’t a pretty sight! I am definitely in favour of the individual changing rooms, and having a bit of privacy. Hanna Price
Debenhams used to have one and I had to use it when I was trying on my prom dress. I found the experience rather daunting and humiliating but was intrigued by the other women, who were about 50 years old who didn’t seem to mind. Andrea Yankah
I think they are degrading as we are expected to change without a care but body image is always on my mind and I find myself either too embarrassed and buy it to try on at home or I’m hiding in the corner of the changing room trying to stay covered up. Amie Corbett
I wouldn’t like it. I’d probably buy less from the shop, because I wouldn’t want to try anything on.
I would not like that; we should all have our own room. Some people are more conscious about their body!!! Hala Johnson
Kira Jainudeen
There would be privacy issues for people who don’t feel comfortable showing their bodies around other people. Christinea Fuller
I’m split. It could be a good idea but it all depends on the individual’s personal modesty. Laura Chaville
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Trend Pieces Spring/Summer 2011 S/S 11: Orange Orange is a colour that has always been synonymous with summer. Be influenced by the dim richness of Van Gogh’s The Old Tower in the Fields or the neon explosion on a can of fizzy Tango. This energising colour can be incorporated into the home effortlessly. Spruce up the sitting room with a few tangerine cushions and a vase of fresh Asiatic lilies. Whilst, white tablecloths can be given a new lease of life with fabric dye or a neon runner. Maxmara showcased an array of versatile shapes with long-sleeved maxi dresses and blazers. Carolina Herrera highlighted the trend with stunning cocktail and evening dresses, which combined the jewelled orange with a hint of iridescence. Orange has evolved and can be worn as a stand out accessory or as a bold and uplifting complete look.
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The colour also translated into beauty with tangerine and apricot hues. Lips and eyes proved to be the perfect canvas for the variation of orange shades. Choose the lip colour for you based on your summer skin tone, the perfect excuse to try on a few colours, and of course buy. Peaches are now in season and add a little sparkling wine and they are transformed into the wonderful cocktail that is a Peach Bellini. The divine drink was created in Venice in 1934 at Harry’s Bar, just in case you wanted to throw that fact in mid-sip. Oranges can be used in a wealth of sweet and savoury recipes, and they are a great ingredient to pep up a summer dish such as a King Prawn and Giselle La Pompe-Moore
S/S 11: 70’s ABBA, Grease, hippy culture and platforms; who wouldn’t want to revisit the 1970’s? An era that brought us lava lamps, disco dancing and John Travolta’s chin dimple is not to be forgotten. Here’s the ‘skinny’... Food went bistro in the 1970’s. Candle light and wine always accompanied a meal. Steak Diane and rich spaghetti sauces topped off with profiteroles and creamy trifle made for sheer indulgences – don’t ask how they all maintained their slinky figures to squeeze into those high waisted trousers. On the catwalk, the more demure glam of the mid 70’s influenced over the hippy. Pussybow blouses, silky headscarves and wide legged trousers reigned in the daywear look with bright jumpsuits and flowing evening gowns taking over at night. Emilio Pucci favoured the washed out blue and white colours to bring an effortless air to the trend whereas Marc Jacobs went bold and bright. Platform sandals will notch you up a few feet in the
glam stakes, as well as in the height department. Handbags are smart with sharp edges. One area where the boho look as re-entered; Jewellery was everywhere on the catwalk and all over the body. Multiple rings on one finger and cascading necklaces of pearls and beads – bling without the bleurgh. Hair, much like the dresses, are flowing and long – think Bianca Jagger, graceful. Wallpaper is a must for a more permanent fixture at home, but for a quick ‘dig’ why not try accessories in muted golds, oranges or browns? Bitchin’! - Kimberley HoA-Shoo
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S/S 11: Oriental Embrace the cultural direction of the East, as one of the biggest trends of the season is for all things Oriental. For beauty inspiration, watch Memoirs of a Geisha and take tips from Zhang Ziyi and her co-stars. Leave the white powder to the ladies in Kyoto and stick to a matte base, defined red lips, black eyeliner and slick hair. Louis Vuitton perfectly exemplified the trend with a collection of oriental dresses that we can all remember wearing when we were younger, minus the thigh-high splits. Mandarin collars were modernised with hotpants whilst lace fans became the must-have accessory. Philosophy by Alberta Ferretti embodied the oriental mood with conical hats featuring in a melting pot of Asian colours, shapes and prints. Beautiful statement pieces such as a vintage Chinese style cabinet or side table
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can be brought into the home. For small touches, use patterned lanterns, which also double up as an impressive talking point when friends come over. Create a refreshing centrepiece for the table with trimmed bamboos, tealight candles and pebbles. The works of Japanese artists Kano Motonobu and Mitsuyoshi Tosa can be a source of inspiration when looking out for Eastern prints and details. The abundance of Japanese, Chinese and Asian Fusion restaurants around the country are a telltale sign of the popularity of this cuisine. With authentic store cupboard and seasonal ingredients it is delicious when homemade also. An Asian Crab and Mangetout salad is wonderful for a light dinner or as a starter for an Oriental meal. Giselle La Pompe-Moore
S/S 11: Lace Frisking down the catwalk of Dolce and Gabbana, white lace ensemble after white lace dress pranced one after the other like a daisy chain, with no colour in sight in their S/S 2011 collection. The smell of summer is always in the air with any glimpse of white lace. Unlike 2010, when lace was a mere doily on an outfit, this seasons’ lace is the be all and end all of any look. Not only has it come more forefront, but it has also aged since we last saw it (but in a good way!). No longer are flimsy and thin lace the styles to look out for, but a more antique, sturdy fabric with unique patterns and wider nets. Interior design has also taken a turn to the mix of simplistic values with old, antique styles. Personal touches in the home using soft and natural materials means lace could easily be interpreted in the home. Try Stephanie Earls’ lace hand casted tea cups or Urban Outfitter’s beautiful and exclusive Crochet rug. A summer fruit would be perfect to take on a on a lunch break to the
park. Gooseberries are rarely in the spotlight but unlike raspberries and blackcurrants, gooseberries are whitedress safe. Perfect for a gooseberry cheesecake (see page ... for recipe) you’ll find yourself with envious, dribbly looks (please insert joke about no longer being a gooseberry, here). To romanticise the trend even more, sport a sleek, tight, up-do bun and dewy, flawless inspired make-up. Carry on the all-over-lace by tying a spare bit of lace to secure your ballerina bun – it’s all about soft furnishings that appear more costly to the eye than they actually are. *Cue your debit cards sighing in relief*. Kimberley Ho-A-Shoo
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Orange
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Oriental
Lace
Sheer Indulgence Stylist: Kimberley Ho-A-Shoo Photographer: Panos Damaskinidis Make-up Artist: Masky John Model: Sophia Moreno Fashion Assistant: Shareka Thompson
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It seems everyone is brushing up on their teeth’s image these days, but one ex dental nurse discusses how having a Hollywood smile isn’t all it’s cracked up to be...
stressed on packaging. Abrasion could damage both your teeth and gums and harm tooth enamel which could lead to tooth decay and, in severe cases, fractures.
It is said that the first thing people notice about you is your smile, and if this is true, it’s no wonder the world has gone mad for that ‘perfect smile’. Once only achievable by the Hollywood clique, white and straight teeth that Julie Roberts would only dream of, are now possible for us normal folk. With the help of whitening and veneers, your teeth can be picture perfect with cheaper and non-intrusive procedures. But are these methods really all they seem?
It is recommended usually to trust only a dentist with your dental makeover but these methods may not be for everyone. Although not life threatening or immediately damaging, many of the procedures used by dentists to ‘improve’ teeth, actually just ‘cover up’ your real gnashers. But do we really want to cover up and forget about our actual teeth? Or are we all just aiming for teeth that just aren’t possible in their natural form?
The mouth is something always on show, always in pictures, staring you in the face. When we smile it’s supposed to ‘light up a room’, so when it doesn’t, it can leave us feeling self conscious. We aim for perfect teeth that we see on the catwalk, television, in the ad campaigns and in film. In the media, transformations of celebrities always note teeth and how they got their million-dollar smile. Unlike plastic surgery, teeth makeovers come at a fraction of the price (sometimes) and offer a process that is harmless and painless.
Ribbon talked to an ex dental nurse (who shall not be named for confidential reasons) about the procedures taken to achieve that Hollywood smile. “Veneers are cheaper than implants but not as cheap as looking after your own teeth and keeping them,” confesses the dental nurse who worked several years in the profession, “Veneers are not brilliant, they grind your own natural teeth down and stick a false tooth over the top”. A veneer is where a thin porcelain tooth similar to that of a fake nail is placed over the top of the natural tooth. It is true that dentists need to ‘trim’ down the natural tooth in order to prepare it for the veneer overlay. Some who have had this trimming done claims it leaves the natural tooth “paper thin” which can be quite alarming and scary when not expected. The ex dental nurse agrees of veneers lasting effects; “once you have had a veneer you can never ever go back to a natural tooth again because it has been grinded down.” So this goes to show that before having veneers, careful consideration needs to be shown to make sure you make the right choice for yourself.
One of the most important factors of them is the colour. Teeth are meant to be white, right? Wrong, they are supposed to look natural, but a new trend of whiter than white teeth has emerged. On the highstreet and from pharmacies, whitening kits promising cheap and quick results are available. However, it has been proved that many of these products are far more harmful than what they appear. Many include ingredients which dental experts claim are far too abrasive to be used on teeth regularly, and this is often not
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It also seems that although you pay for quality, as it’s so unnatural, the procedures can go wrong as the dental nurse explains; “Veneers fall off frequently and if it happens in a night club or over the weekend then you have to wait to see a dentist to stick it back on and sometimes it has to be sent away for sandblasting (a term used to remove all the other product used to stick it on in the first place) so you are without it longer.” Indeed, I have my own personal horror story on a veneer, sitting in University one day, sat next to a girl who insisted on chewing her pen throughout the lecture. After flicking the pen lid for a couple of seconds on her front teeth, almost in slow motion, something white flung towards the lecturer out from the girls mouth. As I stared at the tooth-like item on the floor, I stared back at the girl who had her hand over her mouth in embarrassment. “Not again,” she cried, “this veneers had me back at the dentist two times this month.” It was in fact her veneer which had decided to depart from her mouth, maybe it didn’t like the subject of the lecture. And what about whitening? Is that as interfering as veneers? “The process for teeth whitening is you have a mould made of your teeth (like a gum shield but these fit your teeth perfectly),” explains the dental nurse, “You are given a low dosage bleaching solution which you apply to the moulds and wear during the night for a couple of hours each night until you get the shade you are happy with. If you have sensitive teeth to begin with some people are unable to tolerate the sensation at all.”
you want, is all down to the individual. We all have our limits and our fears. Just thought of the dentist can put people off their food, let alone sitting in a chair for hours waiting for veneer impressions and walking around the house in bleaching gum shields. Ribbon’s advice is to trust your instincts and only go ahead with these procedures after you’ve done your homework on them – you can’t turn back time and you certainly can’t grow back your teeth. What is the dental nurse’s advice on getting the ultimate smile? “Magazines and celebrities never show a natural pair of white teeth and there is so much publicity now about having that Hollywood smile! You know they have all had teeth jobs because teeth are not that perfect but haven’t they heard the new perfect is the imperfections of life? People’s teeth are not suppose to be white than snow,” she explains “it’s not the natural look. The perfect teeth are where you watch your diet, not too many sugary drinks to you prevent decay and brush twice a day.” Just what the dentist ordered - who would have thought the perfect smile could be attained so easily?! Kimberley Ho-A-Shoo
Whether or not you feel comfortable with bleaching your teeth and trimming your natural tooth face to achieve the teeth
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Al Fresco in the City When the weather becomes warmer, we seem to be bombarded with invitations for picnics and barbecues. Food is just more alluring in the outdoors. Well, perhaps our visions of al fresco dining are. A bowl of chilled gazpacho and crusty bread on a balcony in Spain…yes. Squashed sandwiches and grass stains in the local park… no. Burnt burgers and tasteless sausages at a barbecue in the garden… definitely not. Yet, we still love to eat outdoors on a sunny day. With the right food picnics and barbecues can be perfect, but there are so many more glamourous ways to dine in the great outdoors in London. A garden just isn’t a garden if it isn’t on a roof. If you live in an apartment and forever envy your friends in the suburbs with their sprawling lawns, it’s time to put the jealously to bed. You may already be lucky enough to have a roof garden on your building, if not then just borrow some of beautiful ones around the country for a few hours. Many hotels are moving their bars onto the roof, and what could possibly be better
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than sipping cocktails and eating a light meal with a beautiful view. The Sanctum Soho Hotel has a fabulous roof garden, complete with hydro spa, which is perfect for cocktails especially if you make like Carrie Bradshaw and bring your girlfriends, heels and handbags along. Picnics have the potential, to be great, possibly romantic if you are lucky. But, sometimes they really just fall short. We never thoroughly research the location, pick the right food, or wear appropriate clothes because we get drunk on the sun and lose all of our inhibitions. A perfect picnic can be one of the highlights of the summer with the right preparations. Firstly, location is everything; the nearest area with some grass will probably not cut it. A really busy park is not going to work out, fighting for blanket space and sunny spots are not the best start to the day. Also, a well looked after park can really make a difference, you don’t want to have to make your way through rubbish and doggy business. Plan ahead
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and look at the best local parks in your area and be willing to venture further out if needs be. You don’t have to limit yourself to parks either, if you find a nice quiet spot with a good view, just throw the blanket down. Now for the food, this really separates the amateurs from the aficionados. A crusty roll with shop bought sandwich filler and a limp salad will not taste any better just because you’re eating it outside with lawn for company. When you find your location of choice, look for local food markets, such as The Real Food Market in Covent Garden and specialist food shops in the area. You will find fresh and often local produce and you can just build up your picnic menu on the go, it also saves on transporting food from home, as you only need to bring cutlery and disposables. For a truly luxurious experience, why bother even getting the food yourself. Many hotels and restaurants offer their own hampers, for a pretty penny obviously. But, they are perfect if you are celebrating or special occasion or just want a treat. The Langham Hotel offers a luxury afternoon tea picnic hamper (£85.00 for two) that includes a selection of sandwiches, scones with champagne soaked raisins (I can smell the decadence) and pastries that are inspired by jewellery designers on Bond
Street. The hotel also has a new pop-up al fresco bar called The Terrace Garden so you can always hang out there too. If you want to opt for something other than traditional fare Nobu has a Bento Box Service (£45.00) contains mini versions of their exceptional menu such as black cod with miso and seared salmon sashimi salad. There aren’t any excuses for relying on the garden for eating outside anymore. Make a day out of it and treat yourself to some good food in a beautiful location, all you need to think about now is who will be lucky enough to join you.
Al Fresco in the Country You don’t need to rely on London alone. There are little treats and hotspots around the nation waiting to be sought out. Space - Roof Garden 11-13 Wakefield Street Manchester www.purespacecafebar.co.uk A dynamic getaway, which is open till the early hours, and they have barbecues every Friday too. The venue is also available for hire. Barton Farm Country Park Bradford on Avon www.wiltshire.gov.uk A lovely 36-acre park with designated picnic areas, also boasts wonderful wildlife in the picturesque Bradford on Avon.
Storrs Hall Hotel – Luxury Picnic Newby Bridge Road, Storrs Park Windermere www.elh.co.uk/hotels/storrshall For the ultimate picnic, this hotel offers one for £1,566 for two people. Some of the treats included are Beluga Caviar, Louis Roederer Cristal Champagne, Exotic Fruit Trifle with gold leaf and Bresola of British Rare White Beef. Thankfully they can also provide hampers for £25.00 and £35.00 per person. Phew… Belfast Botanic Gardens College Park, Botanic Avenue Belfast www.belfastcity.gov.uk A beautiful location that also houses a spectacular glass palm house and tropical ravine. The perfect place for a out of the ordinary picnic, if you want to be surrounded by tropical plants and flowers instead of just the usual grass and trees. Giselle La Pompe-Moore
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Chez Mumtaj I was given the arduous task of finding a restaurant to satisfy the dietary needs of my family, I stumbled upon this gem. On an inconspicuous street in St Albans lies a modern French-Asian restaurant that goes by the name of Chez Mumtaj. With my Mother, Nana, Grandpa and Aunt in tow, expectations were high and failure was not an option. If this meal didn’t come up trumps, I would never recover from the shame.
Surprisingly, we arrived at the restaurant at 6pm on the dot, despite four women clamouring to get ready in time. The dimly lit bar called the ‘Saffron Lounge’ was very inviting with plush leather sofas and mahogany walls. The bar is perfect for pre dinner drinks and they also serve Asian Tapas such as Salt and Pepper Squid Salad and Chicken Tikka Burrito Wraps. We were led through to the elegant and luxurious dining room, and on the way warmly greeted by members of staff. We were then shown the extensive wine list but opted for juices, which were very refreshing.
After much deliberation we decided to share three starters and chose the Mixed Meat Platter of green herbed duck breast, lamb chop and achari chicken tikka, all served with homemade chutneys. As Mother and I are Pescetarians we also ordered the Buttered Black Tiger Prawns and Aubergine Steaks. We had a slightly long wait for our starters, considering the dining room was empty. However, we were brought a complimentary pre-starter, which was a deliciously spicy, potato croquette. When the starters did arrive, we had forgotten all about the wait as
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we were taken on a culinary journey through Asia, mixed with French touches along the way. My meat-eating companions praised the Mixed Meat Platter, and said that the meat was succulent, well cooked and moist and the chutneys were divine and complemented the different meats perfectly. The Buttered Black Tiger Prawns were beautiful and the sweet tamarind sauce was scrumptious. The Aubergine Steaks were beignets stuffed with potato, cashew nuts and sultanas. The texture was fantastic and they had a subtle spice running through them.
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The dining room had started to get a little busier, but we were not forgotten. Our host was very friendly and attentive and shared some hilarious food stories about his mother in law with us. The atmosphere was lovely and we were in great anticipation for our main courses as we were struck with food envy when other diner’s meals wafted past us. I chose the Black Cod, which was served with coconut rice, apple and mango salsa and spinach; it was quite frankly…life changing. The fish was moist, tender and one of the best I’ve ever tasted. The coconut rice was
creamy and went very well with the tangy apple and mango salsa. Mother had the Sea Bass, which came with a wasabi and caramelised shallot mash and saffron rice. The fish was also perfectly cooked and had the veloute had the right amount of spice. Mother said the rice was slightly lacking in flavour, but the dish was thoroughly enjoyable. Nana went for the Duck, with a sesame chill honey ginger glaze, stir fry of young vegetables and oriental rice. My Nana is a chef, so we all awaited her reaction with bated breath… and she loved it. The plates were beautifully presented and at the portion sizes were very filling. Grandpa opted for the Lamb Shank with spinach herbed rice, potato rosti and a rich rogan josh sauce. Grandpa said the lamb was tender and fell off the bone and the rosti was crispy and added some texture to the dish. Another lamb dish came in the form of my Aunt’s Rack of Lamb. This was served with a potato dauphinois, lamb patti and a rose-petal lamb jus. She said the meat was delicious, succulent and nicely cooked but the carrots were cold. We also had the Coconut, Almond
and Golden Raisin Naan Bread, which was divine and possibly the best Naan bread I have ever eaten. After such an immense meal, we still wanted to squeeze in some dessert. The dessert menu is slightly disappointing as it is quite small. Especially, if dessert is your favourite course of the meal. However, we chose three to sample and went for the Poached Saffron Pear, Moochi Trio of Ice Cream and the Trio of Ice Cream. The pear was fragrant and the saffron added a delicate spice, it was served with vanilla ice cream and proved to be a lovely ending to the meal. The Moochi trio consisted of mango and chilli, coconut and yuzu. The ice creams were served in gelatinous shells and the flavours were lovely but the texture of the shell was slightly odd. The other ice cream trio included panna cotta, strawberry and
rhubarb. They were rich, creamy and decadent. We left the restaurant with many plans to return, as the meal was delicious and the service was fantastic. The restaurant is perfect for special occasions as the décor is delightful also. Plus, my recommendation went perfectly and I will now be entrusted to find restaurants for all future family occasions… pressure! 5 PEOPLE TOTAL COST: £175.95 including soft drinks. Giselle La PompeMoore
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Every issue, we will be playing host to an Evening with Ribbon. Where we meet in a gorgeous location, do something fun then have cocktails and cake afterwards. On the 25th June, we have planned a fabulous evening. We will kick off with a baking class from the lovely Lorraine Pascale, where she will be showing us how to make an assortment of sweet treats. We will then be indulging in some delicious cocktails and tucking into some cakes and other delicious goodies and have a bit of a girly gossip. Plus, you get a beautiful Ribbon apron to take home with you. Could it get any better?
25th June From 6pm Millenium Hotel Knightsbridge London For tickets please email: events@ribbonmagazine.com Limited tickets available on a first come first served basis.