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Regulars | The cheshire Magazine

From the

Editor I

think the sun must have got to me a little, as I’m positively buzzing about our latest issue. No, wait – it’s nothing to do with sunshine and everything to do with how fab it is! There’s so much happening in Cheshire this summer we’re spoilt for choice. One thing you really must put on your list of things to do though is head along to the Cholmondeley Pageant of Power; an extraordinary weekend of cars, bikes, boats and music. I have my tickets and can’t wait. Learn more on page 36. Flick to page 122 and you can learn about a wholly different kind of horsepower, as we meet Tom Dascombe, who heads up Manor House Stables in Malpas, home to some seriously beautiful and very successful race horses. As the flat racing season gets underway, Tom gives us a fascinating insight into one of the UK’s most successful training stables. Another fascinating Cheshire success story is that of Deborah Moses, who at 36 threw it all in and changed direction completely – and ten years later runs a hugely successful glass art studio and receives commissions for work from an astonishing array of people. Read more on page 68. And talking of art – check out the hats on page 90. I hardly know whether I should wear one or mount one on my wall, but I definitely want to own one. And don’t forget to email us for a chance to attend our exclusive Royal Ascot event at Mappin & Webb on 22 May, see page 79 for details. I hope you’ll find this issue of The Cheshire Magazine as inspirational as I do – you’ll certainly find lots to read and sigh over, from hats to jewels to cars to holidays.

Kate Kate Houghton Editor Follow us on Twitter @TheCheshireMag

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The mayfair Magazine | Regulars

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Contents

May 2014

Features

054 082

094

026 | Add beauty to everyday life The Style Director of Perrier-Jouët explains its link to the world of Art Nouveau 032 | It can be done Michael Oliver talks business, pleasure and success 036 | Start your engines The annual Pageant of Power is fast approaching 040 | A year of milestones Facebook, Maserati, Clive Christian and Shakespeare 042 | The party’s not over Event management doyen Liz Taylor shares her secrets 046 | The Santa Clause We talk to society darling and author Santa Montefiore 054 | Hoppen to it Dragons Den star Kelly Hoppen talks interiors 084 | Renaissance man The style, inspiration and life of icon Oscar de la Renta 090 | The bold and the beautiful Mark our words, you’ve never seen hats like this 122 | It’s all in the timing Trainer Tom Dascombe on Michael Owen’s stables 124 | A day at the races Chester Racecourse is the ultimate equestrian venue 128 | The ultimate members’ club A very special social network

regulars 008 | Editors letter 012 | Contributors 015 | My life in Cheshire Bridal designer Charlotte Balbier is a true Cheshire girl

016 | Couture culture Events and hidden gems from near and far 021 | Local scene Who attended what this month - we bring you the glamour and the gossip

102 | Beauty news 104 | Natural beauty Laura Mercier on her philanthropic project 106 | Beauty is as beauty does Skin clinician Mozhgan Taheri on the secret of a youthful glow

interiors

motoring

050 | Interiors news 052 | Re-create the look From decor to furnishings, prepare to be inspired

110 | Trident tested Maserati unleash their latest mainstream contender 114 | Take no prisoners Why the new Land Rover is well worth its pricetag 118 | The fantastic four Ferrari shows us practical without sacrificing on style

art 064 | Art news 066 | Art for discerning collectors Cutting-edge urban art right here on our doorstep 068 | Clearly beautiful The ethereal work of glass-artist Deborah Moses 071 | Prize lots

collection 072 | Watch news 074 | Design intervention Accessories with a darker edge are all the rage 076 | Jewellery news We’re all about spring with fabulous foliage motifs and stunning statement stones 080 | Good egg Fabergé get into Easter

fashion & beauty 082 | Fashion news We bring you Bentley bags and beautiful basics 094 | Double vision Grown-up get ups and miniature modes

travel 132 | Travel news 134 | Empire of the sun Discover the epitome of luxury on The Maldives’ azul atolls 140 | Weekend away A grand British country retreat on the rural River Thames, we visit splendid Danesfield House 142 | 5 of the best Our personal pick of the UK’s finest pet-friendly hotels

family 144 | Kids news 149 | The classroom Cheshire is its usual hot bed of academic talent

property 150 | Hot property Utterly inspirational homes 162 | State of the market Why affordability is now a major north west asset 11

Regulars | The CHESHIRE Magazine

The contributors MAY 2014 s issue 0 0 5 s

Editor Kate Houghton Editorial Director Kate Harrison Art Editor Carol Cordrey Collection Editor Annabel Harrison Assistant Editor Gemma Knight Senior Designer Lisa Wade Brand Consistency Laddawan Juhong Production Hugo Wheatley Alex Powell Oscar Viney Client Relationship Director Kate Oxbrow General Manager Fiona Fenwick Communications Director Loren Penney Head of Finance Elton Hopkins Publisher Giles Ellwood Associate Publisher Sophie Roberts Managing Director Eren Ellwood

Proudly published by

www.rwmg.co.uk Runwild Media Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Runwild Media Ltd. takes no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved. DISTRIBUTION: The Cheshire Magazine is the largest circulated luxury publication in Cheshire, delivered to selected homes in over 20 postcodes, over 300 businesses, as well as newsagents and retail outlets.

Members of the Professional Publishers Association

GEMMA KNIGHT Gemma has a background in luxury freelance journalism and comes to Runwild following a stint working and living in China. She has an endless thirst for new places and specialises in lifestyle, culture and travel writing.

RICHARD BROWN Richard is deputy editor of Collection, our dedicated watch and fine jewellery section. He specialises in men’s style, culture and finance. This month he brings us accessories with a darker edge and solar inspired timepieces.

kate racovolis Kate is an alumnus of Columbia University’s Journalism School and has written widely on luxury interiors, fashion and lifestyle. This month she shows us how to do the Maldives in ultimate luxury and flawless style.

carol cordrey Carol is an art critic and editor. She organises the annual London Ice Sculpting Festival and is permanently on the art scene, bringing us her take on the latest happenings from the constantly evolving world of art.

TIM BRADLEY Tim is an award-winning photographer based in the North West. Discovering a passion for photography from his grandfather he is a regular on the media scene and works regularly with TV chef Andrew Nutter.

louisa castle Louisa is a journalist and copywriter based in Hale. She loves meeting and interviewing new and exciting people. Her other passions include drawing, Vivienne Westwood and trying out new recipes on her family.

EDITOR’S PICKs

#2 Monogram Diamond Jacquard Crop, £59.50, Banana Republic

#1 Marylebone Tote in Ivory Saffiano & Mouse Python, £1,395 Aspinal of London

cover On the

Also published by

#3 Rosario graffiti leather black and white pumps, £149 Pretty Ballerinas

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The cheshire Magazine | Regulars

My life in CHESHIRE CHARLOTTE BALBIER BRIDAL DESIGNER

nother talented face in the ever-lengthening line of gifted Cheshire-born businesswomen, Charlotte’s designs have allowed her an intriguing glimpse into some of the region’s ultimate society weddings – and, with them, a truly unique perception of just what makes its people so special. ‘Everyone is so friendly and approachable,’ she says. ‘I love to chat to new people and all the lovely Cheshire set residents are so friendly and easy to just start a conversation with.’ But she doesn’t attribute Cheshire’s entrepreneurial streak to this openness alone, adding that ‘this wave of young entrepreneurs and business owners have had the best education backed with the support and network of family. When you are surrounded by success and successful people it definitely makes you want to succeed.’ So what makes the ultimate society wedding in Charlotte’s eyes? ‘Having the best suppliers and being extravagant,’ she explains. ‘We were so lucky when we [she and husband Teddy] recently got married as I worked with the best team and together we created the ultimate glamorous day, it truly was amazing. Cheshire is brimming with local wedding talent, Red Floral Architecture who were our florists and venue stylists are the best in the business and are Cheshire based, as were so many of our wonderful suppliers. We were also lucky enough to work with the award-winning Vanilla in Allseasons who did all our catering; our guests were blown away - as were we. A society wedding should be luxury from church to end of evening carriages and every little detail executed to perfection. My best friend Katie Goodwin’s sister’s amazing wedding has always stayed with me. Rachel is an award-winning Cheshire interior designer and is the designer behind many celebrity and high society Cheshire residents’ décor, so it was really the ultimate high society wedding. It was glamorous, fabulous and fun and although now many years ago I still have very fond memories of the day and how grand and glorious it was.’ Born and bred in Wilmslow, Charlotte’s thriving bridal design business doesn’t give her much time off – nevertheless, she’s always game for a lazy Saturday walk in the local parks with her dog, Buster Bear (who we’re told is just as partial to rounding off their walk with an ice cream as she is). ‘After a nice walk and some fresh air I love to while away the afternoon having afternoon tea or maybe a few drinks with friends, just relaxing and catching up. I always try and squeeze in some retail therapy too, I love Hooper’s the department store as it’s brimming with designer goodies.’

‘I love to chat to new people and all the lovely Cheshire set residents are so friendly’ – Charlotte Balbier

FROM TOP: CHARLOTTE BALBIER; WEDDING DESIGNS BY CHARLOTTE BALBIER; Charlotte AND Teddy IN IbizA; VANILLA IN ALLSEASONS

books

Time to shine Caroline Charles revealed their SS14 collection in a show at their Wilmslow store last month and made us all long for romantic summer weddings, cheering on our horse at the races and stomping in the divots at the polo – any excuse in fact to slip into one of their classically stylish and beautifully constructed creations. Sipping champagne while enjoying catwalk inspiration… there are worse ways to spend a morning. Caroline Charles, Springfield House Water Lane, Wilmslow (carolinecharles.co.uk)

Couture culture Our monthly round up of what we love most right now

event

Urban regeneration

he world renowned Old Granada Studios is launching Manchester’s first ever weekend markets. From 11am – 5pm Old Granada Studios markets will host a hugely exciting and varied offering from art and design, craft, gourmet and street food through to fashion and vintage. • 1st & 3rd Saturday each month: BITE - a huge array of food stalls offering gourmet expertise within what is hoped will become a new foodie hub. • 1st Sunday each month: Finders Keepers – a funky flea market spanning the gamut of second-hand shopping from vintage to bric-a-brac, antiques, collectables and objets d’art. • 2nd Saturday each month: Makers Market - an homage to all things craft. • 2nd Sunday each month: Art & Design - featuring talented local artists. 16

• 4th Saturday each month: Love Fashion - an eclectic mix of independent designers and brands • 4th Sunday each month: Vintage Village traders offering authentic vintage clothing and accessories, costume jewellery, homeware, furniture, toys, collectables and curiosities and a healthy sprinkling of locally made crafts with a vintage flavour. (facebook.com/Urban-Market & facebook.com/Finders-Keepers-Market)

THE food read J’aime London by Alain Ducasse, £35, Hardie Grant Discover Alain Ducasse’s take on London’s vibrant foodie scene with his comprehensive guide on where to dine. THE photography read Astonish Me! by Sam Stourdzé and Anne Lacoste, £14.95, Prestel Celebrate the photographs of Philippe Halsman, including his iconic images of Einstein, Monroe and Churchill. the hollywood read Once Upon a Time in Hollywood by Juliette Michaud, £42, Flammarion Hollywood’s most memorable moments in film and in pictures are immortalised in this elegant hardback book. THE FICTION READ & Sons by David Gilbert, £16.99, 4th Estate This ambitious novel explores the importance of family and mortality in this future classic novel. THE TRAVEL read 100 Getaways Around the World, by Margit J. Mayer, £34.99, Taschen Trust Taschen to produce a stunning two-part tome featuring its top hotel picks – all the travel tips you need.

The cheshire Magazine | Regulars

SPOTLIGHT ON… Restaurant 1539, Chester Racecourse

film

The Invisible Woman

bi Morgan is seriously hot property right now. With her name in lights at The Royal Court (above her new play The Mistress Contract), and clocking up success after success (The Iron Lady, Shame, Brick Lane) at the cinema – Morgan has a unique way of digging right to the gritty, oft-uncomfortable core. In The Invisible Woman, she turns her skills to bringing Claire Tomalin’s book on the private life of Dickens to the big screen. Ralph Fiennes, probably one of the few actors with enough gravitas to play the great writer, both directs and stars in this film, and is truly wonderful in the part – bringing out the many contradictions in Dickens’ personality – mixing greatness with deep-set insecurity. However it is the beautiful, anxious Nelly Ternan (Felicity

Jones – Chalet Girl, Hysteria) that really makes the film. It is through her eyes that the story is told, and we see it play out from the now-married Jones as she looks back on her passionate, yet tortured affair with Dickens, when she was plucked from her acting family and pushed into the limelight as the relationship progressed. Uncomfortable in the ‘mistress’ role, she finds her new life of scandal sits uneasily with her. The film serves as a stark reminder of the limited options available for women at the time, and the scenes with Nelly and Dickens’ plump, forgiving but long-suffering wife (the excellent Joanna Scanlan – The Thick Of It, The Other Boleyn Girl), are awkwardly touching. Definitely one to watch. The Invisible Woman is at cinemas now.

‘Nina saw how I’d taken vintage glass vases, glasses and bowls and filled them with silk and waxed faux flowers supported by moss and twigs’ Leading Cheshire based interior designer (and cover star of March’s The Cheshire Magazine), Rachel Bates, has developed a close working relationship with interiors guru Nina Campbell. ‘It’s a real honour to have been asked,’ says Rachel. (rachelbatesinteriors.co.uk)

(photo: Philippa Gedge)

et to re-open in late April, Chester Racecourse’s well-loved restaurant and bar has just undergone a £500,000 refurbishment, with a luxurious new interior and fabulous new classic British menu. Named after the year that racing first took place on Chester’s famous Roodee, the new venue boasts a modern, cool vibe as well as its trademark racecourse views. Downstairs will suit those popping in for a leisurely drink, while upstairs will be a little more up-tempo, with a DJ in residence at weekends. Commenting on the investment in this facility, Richard Thomas, Chief Executive of Chester Race Company said ‘the refurbished 1539 will provide something new to the Cheshire leisure scene. The North West is a hotbed for quality eateries and leisure venues need to move with change. 1539 has been open for six years and it is exciting that this venue is now entering a new stage in its life-cycle. We’re really excited to be re-opening our doors on April 28.’ We’re on tenterhooks to see what’s been done for ourselves but, if their typical attention to detail and flair is anything to go by, we’re willing to bet it’s going to be rather special. (restaurant1539.co.uk) 17

HIDDEN GEM…

easter for grown ups

Tea 42, Manchester

Don’t let the little ones have all the fun this Easter

hether it’s a quick recharge during some serious retail therapy or a long overdue catch-up with an old friend, there is nothing more British or traditional than afternoon tea, but for those who struggle with wheat or gluten intolerance, it’s often something impossible to find. Not any longer. Tea 42 in Manchester may have only opened its doors last November but it has already become a firm favourite with foodies

‘Manchester really has taken Tea 42 to its heart and word is already spreading further afield’ from Manchester and beyond with its extensive and imaginative menu, which includes 60 gluten-free offerings and 27 hand-blended teas. Co-owner Will Hannah, who is gluten intolerant, says: ‘Being coeliac myself, I

wanted a menu that offered pies, cakes and sandwiches – all foods which are often out of the question for people like me.’ ‘Manchester really has taken Tea 42 to its heart and word is already spreading further afield, so we’re excited to see what the future brings. The proof of the pudding is in the tasting of course – quite literally in our case - and our customers have been extremely responsive to the Tea 42 concept, the gluten free offerings and the overall experience.’ Tea 42, High Street Manchester, 0800 043 42 42 (tea42restaurants.com)

PURCHASE OF THE MONTH From Edwardian times up until the 1960’s every hardware shop in the land stocked heavy cotton deckchair lengths and every family enjoyed the annual ritual of sprucing up the deckchairs ready for summer. But you don’t have to do it yourself any more. Chester based Deckchair Stripes have brought back the delights of the retro stripe in its full English summer glory, but with a contemporary twist. Sink into this nostalgia inducing deckchair in Vintage Steeplechase, or bring a dolly mixture of colour to your garden this summer by mixing and matching from their collection of hundreds. Traditional Folding Wooden Deckchair in Vintage Steeplechase, £85 (deckchairstripes.com) 18

Baileys Chocolat Luxe Egg Gift Pack A fusion of real Belgian chocolate, Irish whiskey and cream £19.95 (harveynichols.com)

Charbonnel et Walker Chocolate Eggs Filled with assorted chocolates available in milk or dark £19.95 (harveynichols.com)

Booja Booja Chocolate Truffles Available in Midnight Espresso, Stem Ginger, Banoffee Toffee and Champagne £13.95 (harveynichols.com)

The cheshire Magazine | Regulars

At your service Greycoat Lumleys, the domestic staff agency already deeply embedded into the psyches of the rich and fabulously rich of the UK and beyond, has opened an office in Manchester, in response to a growing number of enquiries from clients in the region. Providing fully vetted and trained domestic staff, from nannies to butlers to housekeepers to gardeners, the prestige recruitment and placement agency are looking forward to working with families from across Cheshire. Laura Harrell, who has re-located from London to establish the new office, is already thrilled with her move. ‘I love Cheshire. It’s a wonderful place to be starting a new phase in the life of Greycoat Lumleys. I have already had a lot of interest in what we do. Our clients may have the luxury of having domestic staff, but often do not have the luxury of time to be able to source the right people, and that’s where we come in. Permanent or temporary, even for one-off special occasions, all our staff are carefully selected and fully vetted.’ (greycoatlumleys.co.uk)

‘It’s spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you’ve got it, you want - oh, you don’t quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!’ – Mark Twain

SPOTLIGHT ON… The Botanist, Alderley Edge

he Botanist is the latest offering from Living Ventures, responsible for The Blackhouse Grill, The Alchemist and Gusto dining concepts. With a quirky botanical-led interior that puts you at stylish ease. We love gathering around the fire with warming drinks and food from the Home Comfort menu (try the steak, cedar and sweet onion pie or hanging kebab) after a walk on the Edge but it’s just as much fun to perch at the rugged wooden bar for a masterclass in cocktails or try your hand at matching food with ale. Alternatively, pull up a bench in the conservatory for a classic family Sunday Roast. Our recommendation to you would be to grab some friends, pull up a chair of your choice, order a ‘Watering Can’, some selections from the deli boards, relax, and enjoy the best dressed garden hideaway you could ever imagine. The Botanist will also be launching in Chester in May. The Botanist, London Road, Alderley Edge SK9 7JT (01625 865637) 19

The cheshire Magazine | Regulars

Local scene With fashion-fuelled evenings, celebrations, fundraising and pampered pooches, Cheshire has been bursting with exciting events over the last month the a/w14 collection

Amanda Wyatt 2015 Collection Launch

Christine Gilles

Amanda Wyatt, bridal designer

the a/w14 collection

Alison Cornwell

The Mere Golf Resort & Spa March 24th saw a select group of lucky guests attend the launch of veteran bridal designer Amanda Wyatt’s stunning 2015 collection. The event took place at the exclusive Mere Gold Spa where guests were treated to a luxurious stay in the adjacent hotel and an elegant drinks reception, followed the next day by a catwalk showcase of the new collection and an address by guest speaker and bridal retail consultant Helena Cotter. Joanna Smith

the a/w14 collection

‘Guests were treated to a luxurious stay in the adjacent hotel and an elegant drinks reception, followed the next day by a catwalk showcase of the new collection’ 21

‘Guests were given an exclusive in-store Spring Summer fashion and accessories evening, tempted with 15% off’ Erin O’Neill and friend

The Harvey Nichols SS14 Fashion Show

Chantelle Tagoe enjoys the show

Harvey Nichols, Manchester The Who’s Who of the North West turned out earlier this month for the eagerly anticipated Harvey Nichols, Manchester, Spring/Summer Fashion Show. Indulging in the Perrier-Jouët Champagne reception guests were given an exclusive in-store Spring Summer fashion and accessories evening, tempted with 15% off and mini-treatments galore. The pinnacle of the evening for the 330 guests was the catwalk show which showcased the latest trends in male and female fashion; ranging from collegiate cool to floral’s finest, keen adventure and a fabulous finale in metallics. (harveynichols.com)

‘Midnight Garden’

Jude Cisse and Liz McLarnon

‘Keen Explorer’ with Nicole Farhi and McQueen

Jane Given

The cheshire Magazine | Regulars

Sacha with the Style Boutique capsule

Sing-a-long with swing singer Paul Pashley

Taking stock with Claire Sweeney Stock Restaurant, Manchester TV presenter and actress, Claire Sweeney, delighted 120 corporate ladies with her Q&A guest appearance raising funds for Variety, the Children’s Charity, who help sick, disabled and disadvantaged children. The event was organised by Paula Castle, Joanne Booth, Fiona Parkinson and Carole Vizzard, collectively known as The Variety Vixens. Claire had the audience of female guests in raptures relaying tales from her early childhood in Liverpool to kissing Patrick Swayze whilst starring in the West End musical Guys and Dolls. The ladies on the day were treated to a sumptuous Italian lunch, whilst being entertained by the swing singer Paul Pashley, singing along to ‘Amore’ with some fashion demos from Sacha at Style Junky Boutique. (variety.org.uk)

‘Claire had the audience of female guests in raptures relaying tales from her early childhood in Liverpool to kissing Patrick Swayze’ The Gold Hearts Campaign

Claire Sweeney with the Variety Vixens: Fiona Parkinson, Paula Castle, Joanne Booth and Carole Vizzard

Enjoying the Altrincham Festival, 1977

Mayor of Trafford, Councillor Butt opens the gallery

40 Years young Cresta Court Hotel, Altrincham The Mayor of the Borough of Trafford, Councillor Butt, joined over fifty guests to open The Best Western Cresta Court’s new photographic gallery highlighting important moments in the worlds of business, sport, community groups and the lives of everyday people living in Altrincham over the last forty years.

Manchester Phoenix rise from the ashes of their predecessor club, pictured here on 25th

Elizabeth Gaskell

Craig Harrop of Northern West, Denise Laver (Chair of Hale Civic Society chairman) and george osborne

Platform 11, Piccadilly Station, Manchester George Osborne, Chancellor of the Exchequer and MP for Tatton unveiled a new train named after famous Knutsford author, Elizabeth Gaskell last month. The unveiling came following months of work and planning by the Mid Cheshire Rail Partnership who want to encourage people to travel all across the North West with the line and explore ‘Cranford’ (Knutsford) the town where Gaskell grew up, wrote her stories and was buried. ‘I was delighted to be invited to name one of Northern Rail’s diesel trains “Elizabeth Gaskell”, particularly as the train will travel on the mid-Cheshire line through Knutsford, which is the basis for her novel Cranford,’ commented Mr Osborne. A large crowd gathered at Piccadilly station, including members of the Gaskell Society, members of the Mid-Cheshire Rail Users Association and representatives from the Heritage Centre to watch the unveiling of the plaque.

The cheshire Magazine | Regulars

Toys Galore

Happy barkers ‘paws’ for a photo as they wait for Barkers to open

Claire

‘The shop is an all-round sensory sensation designed exclusively for canines and includes a wide-range of food and treats, spa and grooming parlour’ Claire Phillips, Store Manager

towels for Muddy Paws and Wet Fur

Bruce being pampered by Spa Manager Sarah Law

It’s a dog’s life

eter Pritchard and Sally Hopson

Barkers, Alderley Road, Wilmslow A feast of four-legged friends and their well-behaved owners gathered to launch, Barkers, a brand new shop exclusively for dogs opened in Wilmslow. Brought to you by the team behind Pets at Home, the shop is an all-round sensory sensation designed exclusively for canines and includes a wide-range of food and treats, spa and grooming parlour, unique doggie accessories and made-to-order bedding. There’s also a few treats for owners, including complimentary coffee, a local walkies map and community board. (@BarkersWilmslow) (barkersfordogs.com) 25

ADD BEAUTY TO EVERYDAY LIFE The Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque anenome is a style icon in its own right. On the eve of the award of the second Perrier-Jouët Arts Salon prize we speak with Axelle de Buffevent, Style Director for the Champagne House about the intrinsic link between Perrier-Jouët and Art Nouveau WORDS: LOUISA CASTLE

below: Axelle de Buffevent; right: Maison Belle Epoque; above: BELLE EPOQUE EDITITION PREMIERE 2007

ince its founding in 1811, Champagne Perrier-Jouët has enjoyed an association with elegance and finesse, and an artistic heritage which stems from Founder of the House, Rose Jouët herself. It was her descendants who commissioned leading Art Nouveau artist Emile Gallé in 1902 to design the iconic Belle Epoque anemone motif bottle we so easily recognise today. Over the following years, the House has been consistently adopted by the creative community including the likes of Oscar Wilde (who had many unpaid bills for Perrier-Jouët around London!) and Coco Chanel. Today the House continues to engage leading creative minds and artistic ventures, from the exclusive partnership with Design Miami to commissioning of works of art by artists all over the world as well as the creation of the Perrier-Jouët Arts Salon in 2013. ‘What is so special and enduring about the Art Nouveau movement is that it is all about adding beauty to everyday life,’ explains Axelle. ‘Inspired by nature and its processes, it reintroduced craftsmanship to the world – as the beauty of the gesture is part of the beauty of the piece.’ ‘Art Nouveau is often said to

be the first organised movement across Western visual arts that explicitly aimed to find new forms of expression reflecting contemporary life. In this sense, it was the first step toward the Modernist Movement, and a true bridge between the Romanticism of the 19th century and the Modernism of the 20th century. ‘It was a truly global movement and manifested itself in architecture, interiors, furniture, decorative objects, jewellery, fashion, painting and graphics. Exceptional craftsmanship and fine materials were generally considered to be key to Art Nouveau work, aimed at elevating the everyday experience of life.’ Axelle believes that Perrier-Jouët and Art Nouveau are intimately intertwined: ‘Art Nouveau is at the heart of Perrier-Jouët’s DNA, not only in terms of aesthetics, but in terms of expression of the wine itself, as well as the kind of experience it can offer.’ It is more than serendipitous then that the icon of the House, the anemone bottle of Belle Epoque is an icon of Art Nouveau, designed by one of its greatest masters. Furthermore, Maison Belle Epoque, the guest house of Perrier-Jouët in Epernay, is home to the largest French Art Nouveau collections in private hands in the world (over 200 pieces). I ask if Axelle foresees a resurgence of the Art

The cheshire Magazine | Feature

Nouveau philosophy? ‘It is happening right now. Proponents of Art Nouveau were searching for new ways of expression and we are now facing the same kind of moment in history with quantity and cost driving a lot of production.’ ‘At the same time, with mind-boggling advances in fields like genetics, physics, neurobiology, etc., science continues to fill us with a sense of wonder about the complexity of the natural world.’ The Perrier-Jouët Arts Salon aims to bring to life the original spirit of a Salon, drawing together an eclectic and dynamic group of members to share ideas and debate on

‘Art Nouveau is at the heart of Perrier-Jouët’s DNA, not only in terms of aesthetics, but in terms of expression of the wine itself’

developments in the Arts, with a philanthropic goal at its heart. ‘I strongly believe that it is our role, and part of our brand mission, to support young upcoming artists in the applied art field. Not only as a tribute to our heritage, but as well as a legacy to the future generations’, enthuses Axelle. ‘Perrier-Jouët Arts Salon is a natural continuation of the brand’s relationship with Arts & Crafts which has at least three very positive outputs. The prize shows that young contemporary artists bring the canon of Art Nouveau heritage into the modern arena. It creates a very genuine and passionate debate on the ethic of Brands getting involved in arts amongst members. And, last but not least, it is a real support to a young upcoming artist.’ @perrierjouet / #PJartssalon / perrier-jouet.com 

BOTANICAL BLOOMS

itomi Hosono is the acclaimed ceramicist and winner of the inaugural Perrier-Jouët Arts Salon Prize. We find out just what kind of difference the Salon is already making. How has winning the Arts Salon changed your world? It was my dream come true. I was so thrilled. The prize gave me a great opportunity to engage with new and inspiring experiences, and pursue creative challenges within my craft. The more I look at the natural world, the more I have begun to feel the importance of the concept of flow in nature. I believe this is the heart of nature. From small, minute elements such as leaves to grand magnificent views, they

are all in flow. In this sense, the flow seemed to me to be confined to that small scale in my previous work. After I received this prize, what I wanted to do is to make a whole form that would in itself express the active movement in nature. I wanted a challenge at a larger scale. The result was A Large Shirakawa Bowl, one of my biggest pieces so far. It showed the dynamic energy of nature and made my work more exciting and more true to the natural world. Where do you get your inspiration from? The subjects of my current work are shapes inspired by leaves and flowers. I find myself drawn to the intricacy of plants, examining the veins of a leaf, how its edges are shaped, the layering of a flower’s petals. Also, when I create

‘The prize gave me a great opportunity to engage with new and inspiring experiences, and pursue creative challenges’

The cheshire Magazine | Feature

the leaf and flower sprigs for my pieces, the memories of plants in Japan, where I grew up, greatly influence the form. When I see it become concrete, the memories are somehow stored there bringing the plant forms to life in a new medium. Other inspiration comes from people who devoted their life to their own craft or skills. For example, the ceramics industry has people who have amazing skills, which are not easy to achieve - people who make really precise moulds, people who can glaze a piece in a second without leaving any finger marks. Beyond that I also get inspiration from visiting my friends’ in Suffolk - we walk around the forest or on the beach with their dog and I sometimes find plants I have never seen before. What drew you to ceramics? From the time I was in the design course at Tajimi Technical High School in Japan, I was hoping to get a job in a creative field. The high school was located right in the middle of the Mino pottery region. Looking at the amazing process of ceramics there, I wished somehow to make a difference in the world by making things from clay. I love to make beautiful objects out of what is essentially earth. The clay arrives at my studio, formless and lifeless in a plastic bag. It is heavy, often mouldy but given the chance, the clay comes to life. It takes much patience - the

clay always wants to dry out and crack, and I must keep it soft and pliable but gradually the piece takes shape: Each leaf and flower must be moulded and hand detailed before I attach it to the body of the work and my large sculptural pieces will use over 1,000 sprigs. Seeing the clay take form is exciting, and when it finally emerges from the kiln, sometimes eight months after I started on the work, it is always a thrill. No longer is it soft clay, but durable and permanent. I love to see this transformation. I use a technique initially inspired by Josiah Wedgwood’s Jasperware, in which thin ceramic reliefs or ‘sprigs’ are applied as surface decoration. I wanted to make innovative pieces featuring the sprigging technique, but to move away from the traditional use of sprigs solely as ornament, and to attempt to work with ceramic sprigs in a new and sculptural way. Of what are you most proud so far in your career? Receiving the Perrier-Jouët Arts Salon prize was one of the biggest things for me last year. It brought me great opportunities to introduce my work to a wider public and gave me a confidence in my ceramics career. Also, my Large Feather Leaves Bowl, which took eight months to complete was purchased by The Art Fund for The British Museum and is now on public display in the Japanese gallery there. Hitonihosono.com / adriansassoon.com 

from left: Hitomi Hosono; Leaves Bowl; Feather and Leaves Box; Chrysanthemum Box; above: Black Dancing Top box

Feature | The cheshire Magazine

ENCHANTED GARDEN

ord Boontje came to the fore of design in 2002 when his enchanted garland light appeared on the shelves of Habitat. He has worked with a range of international companies and it was whilst working on a tray to serve Champagne for Perrier-Jouët that he became an inaugural member of the Arts Salon. ‘The Perrier-Jouët Art Salon is an interesting initiative to highlight the applied arts and support new talent in their practice.’ ‘The resurgence of applied arts has much to do with the realisation that there is a real beauty in the handmade, the skill, the unique and the personal. There is also something important about well-considered objects with longevity.’ ‘Britain has always had a fantastic arts and crafts scene, it currently has an amazingly rich

and diverse mix of practitioners; from glass to textiles, from film to theatre and digital arts. This is an enormously vibrant arts world, which in itself is extremely inspiring.’ (tordboontje.com)

below: Tord Boontje at work on the Enchanting Tree for Perrier jouet; bottom: the Enchanting Tree

‘The Perrier-Jouët Art Salon is an interesting initiative to highlight the applied arts and support new talent in their practice’

pgi - BAG

Photo Michel Gibert. Photograph used as a reference only. With thanks to : www.ferrystaverman.nl.

CHESHIRE LIFE (UK) • 210 x 297 mm • PPR • Q • Graphite • Remise le 04/04/2014 • Parution du 12/04/2014 (daté april)

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IT CAN BE DONE

Mr Michael Oliver, OBE, DL, one of Cheshire’s ambassadors for British industry, invites us into his home to talk about business, pleasure and the art of success

W O R D S : L o u i s a C a s t le

r Michael Oliver OBE, DL, Honorary Doctor of Engineering and Chairman of Oliver Valves is a true Cheshire personality who encapsulates not only great British business but great British values, both in an international arena. Recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in 2012 for his services to engineering, amongst the first stories he recounts is of one of his visits to Buckingham Palace to receive his OBE. ‘One of the lasting memories of the day starts with the pride of driving down Pall Mall with my family, in my Rolls-Royce to meet the Queen’, recounts Mr Oliver. ‘I was honoured further when it was the Queen herself who placed the award on my chest, sometimes Prince Charles or Princess Anne performs these duties.’ Mr Oliver continues, imparting advice as he recalls the day with clarity and pride: ‘On presentation to the Queen the correct formal address is “Your Majesty” and subsequently “Ma’am” as in jam. ‘We spoke for a few minutes and she asked where the business was based. Being cheeky I replied “a small place in Cheshire Ma’am, called Knutsford – you probably won’t have heard of it” to which I received a smile and response of “oh yes, indeed I have”. This was followed by a question regarding how much the Oliver companies exported; “90% of our products are exported to over 80 countries, Ma’am” and received a further response of “very good indeed” and the holding out of her hand to signify the conversation had drawn to a close.’

‘The next thing was to concentrate on walking backwards nine paces to return to my seat and watch the rest of the ceremony,’ Mr Oliver remembers with a smile. The photograph of him accepting this Honour from the Queen sits pride of place in his Scotland-inspired library where he and his wife retire for the occasional ‘wee dram’ in between the shelves of first edition Punch,

‘I was honoured further when it was the Queen herself who placed the award on my chest’ – Michael Oliver OBE books on the motoring marques and volumes on the War. These first few moments tell you a lot about Mr Michael Oliver, the gentleman: He is proud of his companies’ achievements, of his country and of his county; he is successful; he is driven; he enjoys his life. I last spoke to Mr Oliver nearly six years ago when I toured the Oliver factories and he spent much time and patience explaining his products and the basic engineering principles. Since then he has been awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE), is a Deputy Lieutenant (DL) of Cheshire, has been awarded the first Honorary Doctorate of Engineering from Chester University, was awarded the Freedom of the City of London ‘enclothed’ 

The cheshire Magazine | Feature

ALL PHOTOGRAPHY BY TIM BRADLEY

with the Worshipful Company of Coachmakers and continues to be in command of a business which grows and grows, adding award after award to its accolades. Today, we are sitting in the kitchen of the beautiful home in Hale he built with his wife of 16 years, Jennifer. Mr Oliver’s work is spread across the kitchen table, a spot he favours to his offices; a place at the centre of his home. Both are welcoming and warm on a day full of April showers, immediately ensuring a soothing cup of tea is in hand before the interview begins. We discuss the missing aeroplane, the latest Budget and a love of wild animals, unsure of whether elephants or giraffes are our favourite. I feel like I am visiting old family friends and could sit here all day, however I have a job to do and these people have busy lives to lead. Mr Oliver’s story begins over 34 years ago when, after working for others as a design engineer for many years, he realised that the best way ‘to do it right’ was to do it himself. In 1979, Oliver Valves was born, based in a one-car garage in Hale and with a single product he designed himself. Today the Oliver name takes pride of place at the helm of three companies, still family-run, supplying oil and gas industries around the world with sales approaching £100million and with a combined profit in excess of £25million. Indeed, Oliver Valves has just announced the healthiest order book in the company’s history. The obvious question is on my lips: What is the secret to your success? ‘It’s very simple really, you go back to basics. Where are your customers? The answer is worldwide. So you put your people in your own offices in the same places, same time zones as our customers.’ Mr Oliver remains very matter of fact as he explains: ‘Our first office was in Aberdeen and remains a key presence for us today as the hub for oil and gas in the UK. Add to that offices in Kuala Lumpur for the Far East covering China, Houston for the oil capital of North America, Rio de Janeiro for Brazil which is the biggest growing market for us at the moment, India

where we also manufacture some products, and Dubai, and you’ve pretty much got it covered.’ ‘Provide customers with quality products and innovative solutions which address the problems they face in their areas and you’ve got the practical business elements organised.’ ‘Add the right people to the right places with the right can-do attitude and away you go’, concludes Mr Oliver and it is evident from the way that he speaks it is not the sales patter any company wheels out in a bid to lure you in, he is passionate about getting the right people for the job. Mr Oliver’s experience in the early days of his career working for others, both the positives and the negatives, is evident in the company’s ethos today. ‘It’s about getting the right people and developing them, giving them true

‘Add the right people to the right places with the right can-do attitude and away you go’ – Michael Oliver OBE accountability, making their responsibility a business in its own right,’ he explains. ‘It’s about asking “why not?” and motivating people beyond their elastic limit. And if they leave for “better things” so be it, people leave with my best wishes. Our team is constantly head hunted which means we’re doing something right – sometimes they even come back to us – “better” doesn’t always live up to its sales pitch!’ ‘As a company we set targets, we measure performance weekly and we move forward. Our crucial unit of measurement is gross margin. It’s simple: if we keep gross margin high, we can grow the business debt free.’ It certainly seems to be working. Last year Oliver Valves invested £750,000 in a distribution centre, a further £700,000 into a dedicated research and development hub as well as purchasing a 17-acre field in Knutsford for the company to expand.

The cheshire Magazine | Feature

Mr Oliver may have the deserved trappings of success but he is also very keen to give back to charities. He supports the local children’s charities, Variety and Wood Street Mission, as well as those of returning service men and women. He has just donated funding to support the maintenance of the Bomber Command Memorial in Green Park, London which commemorates the 55,573 Bomber Command airmen killed in the Second World War. Being Chairman of the Oliver companies is not a job for Mr Oliver, it’s more like a hobby he loves to constantly develop. There is no retirement plan in sight, ‘I’m a very bad golfer,’ he confesses. Speaking of hobbies and passions it would be remiss of me not to mention his renowned car and engine collection, fit for any national museum. The latest addition to which is a Tornado attack aircraft which saw service in the first Gulf War, part of the 617 Squadron, better known as The Dambusters. Not to mention his new Rolls Royce that is parked in the driveway, guarded by two larger than life stone guard dogs. ‘Be careful, they haven’t been fed yet,’ Mr Oliver jokes as I admire both the engineering and the statues. On that note I leave the warmth of the Oliver home, happy to have spent an enjoyable hour or two in the company of some genuinely charming people and hoping to provide an insight into this Captain of Industry, his world and his success. If you would like to find out more about Mr Michael Oliver, his family, and how to make money he is currently working on a book, the working title of which is ‘It Can Be Done’. Keep an eye out in good bookshops towards the end of the year.

Start your

engines

For many the thrill of motor racing lies in the almost physical reaction we have to the sound of powerful engines as they roar past, and it is this that the annual Cholmondeley Pageant of Power festival delivers to a degree youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find nowhere else W o r d s : K at e H o u g h t o n

The cheshire Magazine | Feature

nd it’s not just cars that will give you a thrill at this event, there’s boats, bikes and planes too. On the second most fabulous day of the year so far (the first being spent with Tom Dascombe at Manor House Stables) I found myself driving the racing track at Cholmondeley Castle while discussing horsepower of a whole other nature with James Hall, the Events Director for the Cholmondeley Estate, and driving force (forgive the pun) behind the annual Pageant of Power. I confess, James wasn’t quite what I expected. I had imagined that the man behind the Pageant of Power would be a pepped up petrol head, denim dressed and rapid of speech – a bit of a Richard Hammond perhaps. A tweed clad country gentleman, softly spoken and precise of thought, better suited to retrievers and shotguns than the roar of engines was what I actually got – and I very much liked it. James Hall conceived this extraordinary event ten years ago, following a race event held at Cholmondeley for Tour Britannia, the UK version of the Italian Mille Miglia, where owners of classic cars race on a private track. James realised that a similar event, open to the public, would be rather a marvellous way to showcase all that Cholmondeley has to offer to a whole new audience. The Cholmondeley family has been in residence on their Cheshire estate since 1066, a highly unusual state of affairs today and one which can only be put down to some significant luck and sensible politicking; the current Lord’s ancestors clearly did a great job of

choosing the right side in any of the various civil wars this country has experienced in the last ten centuries. The estate now fills 10,000 acres of some of the most stunning countryside in Cheshire, and boasts its very own castle. James joined the team there twenty years ago, when Lady Cholmondeley launched the Cholmondeley Proms, an open air classical concert held in the castle grounds. Today the Pageant of Power and the Proms have been brought together to create a glorious weekend of stirring music (both classical and rock), a celebration of motorsports and this year, the FIFA World Cup.

‘The Pageant of Power and the Proms have been brought together to create a glorious weekend’ ‘Ten years ago, following the Rule Britannia event, I invited the British Motorsports Association to Cholmondeley to help us design a racing track through the Park that would combine the excitement of speed with the challenge of curves and deliver a unique experience for our visitors,’ James explains. ‘Cholmondeley is an invitation only event, every entrant is selected by us and personally invited by Lord Cholmondeley; this not only allows us to decide exactly what cars we want racing there, but it makes it more relaxed and fun. The cars 

left: laura wright (© featureflash)

right: status quo (© featureflash)

not only race past the festival goers only feet away, but the visitors can actually meet and chat with the racing drivers and their pit teams in the paddock before and between races. ‘The setting is absolutely superb. The castle is a backdrop to the whole event, and the cars race around the lake and through the woodland. We have powerboat racing on the water and aerial displays above.’ ‘It’s the culmination of 12 months or more of planning and preparation. We turn a tranquil parkland into a busy town, in effect, with thousands of visitors and staff, fast cars, shopping, music and other entertainment.’ This year James and his team have introduced a new element to the occasion – rock music. Status Quo will be playing live at the Pageant, on the Friday evening after racing ends. ‘The Quo are all self-confessed petrol heads and as well as performing, they’ll also be racing,’ says James. The event attracts some of the best and most famous prestige and supercar marques

in the world, complemented by the shopping village that accompanies the event, where luxury brands, artisan products and foods jostle to attract the attention of the event’s visitors. When you realise that a key sponsor, since the first event, is Bentley Motors, you realise that this is no ordinary motor show. ‘Every year we seek to focus on a specific occasion or theme,’ James tells me. ‘This year sees the Centenary celebrations of Maserati, so we’re going all out Italian for the weekend. We’ll have special Italian classes for the racing – Lamborghini, Ferrari, Maserati, etc. We’ll have Minis there in a nod to The Italian Job and there will be gondolas on the lake, gelato, Italian food and, quite by coincidence but with perfect timing, England are playing Italy in Brazil on the Friday night, so we’ll be showing the match on a big screen, after the Status Quo performance.’ All said with utter insouciance, as if it’s all the most normal thing in the world.

The cheshire Magazine | Feature

It’s all In The

Numbers

500

Acres of land taken over by the event 1,500 Quadrant bales of hay to separate racing cars from people 200 Racing cars and bikes 120 Loos 60 Jet skis 5 Members of Status Quo 150 Shopping concessions and food sellers 200 Track marshalls 1 Symphony Orchestra Conductor 60,000 Visitors

If Status Quo and World Cup football aren’t your idea of a fantastic night out, how about the National Symphony Orchestra under the stars? Hosted by Aled Jones, who will also be performing, the audience can enjoy the delights of Laura Wright, one of the biggest selling classical artists this decade, new choral girl group Celeste and Welsh male voice choir Only Men Aloud. Culminating in a spectacular firework display against the stirring backdrop of the Castle the flag waving, foot stomping finale will no doubt stay with the audience for years to come.

Another first for 2014 is the planned procession of supercars from Liverpool to the Wirral, where James hopes to arrange a ‘shoot out’ contest between British and Italian supercars, using the Mersey tunnel. ‘The sound of the engines echoing through the tunnels will be unbelievable,’ says James, with undisguised glee. ‘We’re really hoping to make this happen.’ Watch this space, as they say. Cholmondeley Pageant of Power 13-15 June, Cholmondeley Castle, Malpas SY14 8AQ (cpop.co.uk)

A YEAR OF

MILESTONES With some of the world’s greatest innovators celebrating anniversaries this year, Gemma Knight looks at how these creative forces started out and how the globe plans to commemorate their pioneering efforts

MASERATI

100th Anniversary The super-luxe motor megalith is taking this opportunity to prove that its legendary ethos, ‘the Absolute Opposite of Ordinary’, has never been so apt. Founded in Bologna on December 1 1914 by the Maserati brothers, the brand has long been an icon of speed and glamour, emblematic of many

generations of jet-set’s dolce vita. It stands to reason, then, that Maserati doesn’t do things by halves, kicking off the anniversary celebrations by unveiling a stunning new Centennial Logo in its honour, a medallion-based version of the original Maserati trident said to have been inspired by the Fountain of Neptune in Bologna’s Piazza Maggiore. This unveiling will be followed by a year-long programme of events across the world, culminating in the official Maserati gathering in Modena (September 19-21) which will see more than 250 Maserati models showcased both on the racetrack and a selection of scenic Italian roads with ties to the brand’s history.

‘This year sees the world’s 40

The cheshire Magazine | Feature

450th Anniversary

April 23 this year will mark exactly 450 years since the birth of the Bard himself (and, for those who don’t know, also the 398th anniversary of his death, which contrary to the laws of probability occurred on what is widely believed to have been his fifty-second birthday). The anniversary is being marked with events such as Shakespeare Week (March 16-23), during which British schools, theatres, galleries, museums, cinemas and heritage organisations celebrate Shakespeare’s creative influence, and a weekend of birthday parades in his hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon (April 26) which will see devotees from miles around flock to enjoy music, street entertainers, theatre workshops, tours of the Shakespeare houses and children’s parties. The Société Française Shakespeare will even be holding a week-long conference in Paris (April 21-27) which will include lectures, seminars and performances at venues across the city.

CLIVE CHRISTIAN NO.1 15th Anniversary

After fifteen years of dazzling the very fussiest of noses, this year sees the world’s most expensive perfume celebrate a very significant birthday. The scent was originally created with the unique ethos that cost was to be no object, while quality of ingredients and aroma was to be given prime importance – a gamble which paid off in the extreme with the fragrance now enjoying a reputation that’s truly unsurpassed. In recognition of this (and following in the brand’s tradition of releasing limited editions on very special occasions, including the 500 gold bottles created to mark the Queen’s Jubilee) Clive Christian plans to unveil a very special version of the No. 1 signature bottle, lacquered in white gold and containing the perfume in its most complex and concentrated form. As usual, there

will be an individual fragrance released for men and for women – although with only 500 bottles of each being commissioned, they’re likely to be snapped up fast.

FACEBOOK

10th Anniversary It’s been quite a journey for Mark Zuckerberg and his world-changing social network – and, believe it or not, our lives have now been documented and dictated by statuses, picture tags and likes for an incredible (if somewhat frightening) decade. The man behind the online revolution marked the occasion (which officially took place on February 4) with a slightly cheesy affirmation of his social media mission and gratitude to all its users in – appropriately enough – a Facebook post, while users themselves were rewarded with the opportunity to view their very own ‘A Look Back’ video, a minute-long compilation of their most-liked photos, statuses and life events set to music. The site also released a timeline of the most significant events in its history – such as the introduction of the like button and the day that Facebook officially hit 500 million users – with Mark Zuckerberg saying that ‘in the next decade, we have the opportunity and responsibility to connect everyone and to keep serving the community as best we can.’

image © Thinglass / Shutterstock.com

SHAKESPEARE

most expensive perfume celebrate a very significant birthday’ 41

The

partyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

not over

Liz Taylor has navigated the highs and lows of the business world to create one of the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading event management companies, Taylor Lynn Corporation. We take tea with the lady herself in her home village of Hale W O R D S B Y: L O U I S A C A S T L E

The cheshire Magazine | Feature

iz Taylor has an excellent reputation, not only as a driven business woman with meticulous attention to detail but as a woman who doesn’t suffer fools gladly. Sarah, her PR, has assured me that we’ll get on like a house on fire. I’m going to take that as a compliment! As soon as we meet, the conversation flows, the ideas are buzzing and our time is up in the blink of an eye but what did we learn about the lady who is behind some of the most fabulous events in Cheshire and far beyond? First and foremost, Liz is a mum. This is our second attempt to meet up as Liz had to dash to London for the birth of her granddaughter. Pride of place are the photos on her iPhone as she tells me that she has been busy turning the

‘At the time I was the only person in the North West organising events plus I had to work to look after my family’ study into a nursery for when they come to stay. But we are soon down to business. Liz puts a lot of her success down to the training she received as part of the Marks & Spencer Management Programme and her subsequent successful career in fashion retail, ‘it has been one of the best learning experiences in my life. It taught me discipline and organisation, without both of which I wouldn’t be where I am today.’ From spending even the short time I had with Liz, I would argue that these learned (or enhanced) skills are only part of the story. Without an intrinsic self-belief and pure determination I doubt Liz would be where she is today. Following the birth of her first daughter Liz left M&S and, looking for something a bit more flexible, undertook some freelance fashion PR for a friend in Altrincham. At the same time she fell into organising small parties for friends which she found she loved and had a genuine

knack for. She also set up a concierge company to help out travellers to the area whose luggage had been lost. It was whilst discussing her ventures with contacts at The Midland Hotel that she was asked to organise their corporate client party. With a Hollywood theme complete with Oscars and jazz musician Chester Harriott (father to TV-chef Ainsley Harriott) at the piano the event was a huge success. Seeing a gap in the emerging events market, Liz seized the opportunity. And so, following a divorce, two young daughters to care for and only a few hundred pounds in the bank she launched Liz Taylor Associates in 1985. ‘At the time I was the only person in the North West organising events plus I had to work to look after my family,’ Liz explains. ‘I’ve always been a glass half-full kind of person and often trust my gut-instinct just as much as the hard facts when making decisions. My husband, Roger, is always asking “are you absolutely sure?” when I discuss ideas with him but it worked for me then and it works for me now. Sometimes you just know.’ Liz became the preferred supplier to Granada Studios Tour and 30 years later still works with some of the same clients and suppliers as the industry, and they have grown together. In 1995 she joined forces with colleague Dianne Lynn to form the Taylor Lynn Corporation which lasted until 2008 when Liz managed an amicable partnership buy-out. ‘I love the challenges that the business throws at me and I thrive on short leads and what seem impossible situations,’ continues Liz. ‘Every single day is different, you have no idea what the next call will be about. But the answer is never no.’ ‘I think some people can get complacent but you are only as good as the last job you did. Whatever the budget you are given it has to be about the people who have hired you, you have to get inside the person, couple or company. There is no off-the-shelf solution and people are so often staggered by what can be achieved.’ 

right: image © Neftali / Shutterstock.com

‘If you think about it, we’re putting on the equivalent of the opening night of a West End show for people, but we don’t get the luxury of a rehearsal.’ When I ask how Liz and her team of five achieve this time and time again Liz responds: ‘It’s all about attention to detail. Sometimes I get a crazy look from the team when I ask if they’ve counted all the napkins to make sure we have all that we ordered. But it is that attention to detail in every element of the event that makes it the perfect event. And I wouldn’t expect anything from them that I wouldn’t do myself.’ With this attitude and work ethic Liz has the confidence of top corporate, charity and celebrity names; Gary Barlow, Children in Need, Yaya Toure, Gary Neville, UEFA, Selfridges and Rothschild Bank to name just a few. Liz is also a proactive supporter of The

Marina Dalglish Appeal and the Manchester United Foundation. Having had the experience and success, as well as mentoring (Liz appeared on BBC Three’s Working Girls) I ask what advice Liz would give to people setting up in business today: ‘By all means take the opportunities that are offered to you but in this economic climate you need more easily available cash than you used to, plus you don’t take a penny out for a long time. So you need a good support network, both emotionally and financially.’ ‘Think seriously; understand the business, the goals and the strategies. To be honest I’d advise people go into a big company which is salaried, at least as a starting point. It can be tough but it can be rewarding and it’s a steep hill to climb at the start of the journey.’ As we take in the cafe culture in Hale village, our conversation returns to Cheshire life, Liz has lived in Hale all her life.

The cheshire Magazine | Feature

‘Over the past few years we’ve had an influx of youth and wealth and what you’ve got now is a really nice balance of old and new. The result is a vibrant but relaxed atmosphere which is great to have.’ ‘Having said that I love being at home with the family, especially on a family Friday night. If I do go out I go to places off the radar in Chorlton, say. I do love San Carlo though.’ Liz smiles. ‘I am the worst guest ever!’ Liz Taylor is happy with her lot. Her choices, training and self-belief have allowed her to look

after her family and make some sensible investments, which in turn allow her to fuel her fascination with Chanel. ‘I was invited to the couture show last year at the Grand Palais, Paris. Now I would love to produce that event.’ Before we part, Liz is busy with preparations for an event she is organising in New York next week, I ask if she has any future plans we should watch out for. ‘I’d love to open a bar and restaurant. Something cool, trendy, but relaxed and chic. The party’s not over.’ she laughs. (tlc-ltd.co.uk)

The

Santa Clause Having sold more than three million books worldwide, author and society darling Santa Montefiore has released a novel a year since the age of 25, and is still going strong. Kari Rosenberg is dazzled

The cheshire Magazine | Feature

‘S

anta Montefiore won’t want to talk about her sister,’ warns the publicist at Simon and Schuster, ‘I hope you understand.’ A vivacious and talented author, who has penned more than a dozen novels, is married to world-famous historian Simon Sebag Montefiore – and by her own admission, ‘sees dead people’ – and journalists still want to fumble through the proverbial snow-storm that is Tara Palmer Tomkinson? Could there be any detail less interesting about Santa? A blonde ball of positive energy, I make my mind up in less than a minute: firstly, I want to be Santa’s new best friend; secondly, I want to absorb every writing tip she has to offer, and

‘There’s something quite gothic and haunting about Ireland that really appealed to me’ – Santa Montefiore thirdly; this will be one of the most honest, funny and articulate interviews I’ve ever had the pleasure of leading. Her 13th novel Secrets of the Lighthouse is being published in paperback this month – while her newest release, The Beekeeper’s Daughter will be out in July – and we’ve barely sat down before she’s drawing me into a breathy, excitable exchange, one that’s impossible not to pepper with multiple exclamation marks (and dotted with hearts, if the font would allow). Her house is as regal as you’d imagine, but it’s a far cry from the show home that I was expecting: books scatter every surface along with the usual clutter that comes with two teenage children (Lily and Sasha) and a demanding work/life diary. Artwork varies from a portrait of Sir Moses Montefiore, her husband’s great-great uncle, to a very stern looking Stalin, with a few Indian-inspired frescoes in between. The kitchen is a homely, country-house chic affair, while her office is scattered with family photographs, crystals,

tealights and more of her novels, the covers of which provide a rainbow backdrop in a United Nation of languages. Her husband Simon is off to the high street for a coffee and Santa is still drying her hair while running up and down the hundreds of stairs clad in nothing but a dressing gown. ‘Give me five!’ she shouts sunnily as we set up and she changes into something a little less comfortable. Secrets of the Lighthouse is Santa’s first book set in Ireland, amid the castles and tight-knit community of the beautiful Connemara. Ellen, a privileged Chelsea girl, is running away from a betrothed she doesn’t love and a life she doesn’t want, as well as a controlling mother who is set on the match for its blue-blooded connections. Ending up at her Aunt Peg’s house in Ireland, she discovers a well of secrets that her mother left behind, while falling in love with the handsome rogue Conor (who, incidentally, was based on Robert Downey Jr in Sherlock Holmes), king of his own desolate, haunted castle. A whimsical, modern-day fairytale, the vivid imagery takes readers on a romantic journey through the magical landscape of rural Ireland, the picture of which stuck with Santa from idyllic family holidays growing up, noted down in her diary which she kept from the age of eight. ‘I remember looking out onto the lake as a child while we were driving through the hills at these ruined cottages and castles,’ says Santa. ‘There was an eerie sense that these were old bones left scattered over the hillside – I would stare out of the window and just wonder. There’s something quite gothic and haunting about Ireland that really appealed to me.’ Lighthouse is ‘a bit of a departure’ from what Santa has done before. ‘I needed a change,’ she laughs. ‘I’ve been doing a book a year. It’s a bit of an effort at the beginning because I’ve got to be inspired. If it’s a chore for me to sit at my desk every day; I’m just not going to want to do it. It’s got to be fun, because that’s the whole point. I absolutely loved writing that book because it was new and different.’ She seems unphased by the constant 

creativity will flow and you will write something from your heart. ‘Once I’ve found the music – something sad – I light a few candles and close the door. Make sure the room is warm, and that you have a cup of tea and some biscuits to hand. Put some tulips on your desk – make it really lovely so that you want to go back there because that’s your space. And

‘I never know how the story is going to finish when I first begin. I just know where I’m going’ – Santa Montefiore

demand to churn out new material. The manuscript for the next instalment, a threepart series set at a time of real political conflict during the troubles in Ireland, sits neatly on her desk in a crisp A4 pile. I don’t know how she does it, I say, slightly in awe, to which she replies ‘Neither do I… it’s so funny!’ What’s her secret? ‘I’ll tell you exactly how to do it,’ she whispers conspiratorially. I’m all ears. ‘Get some music that inspires you… I downloaded the music from Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit when I started writing and it just took me to Connemara. Music touches you on a very profound, subconscious level and I think that’s where inspiration comes from – that part deep within you. You’re not thinking “how can I write a story that’s successful?” or “what are the themes that people like?” If you are being stirred by the right piece of music, the

then just let yourself drift; see what comes into your head. I never know how the story is going to finish when I first begin. I just know where I’m going.’ She makes it sound so easy and we lose track of time imagining various plots. There’s no doubt that Lighthouse’s protagonist Ellen is based loosely on Santa’s own experience. ‘But most of [the book] came from my imagination because, touch wood, I’ve had such a charmed life. I haven’t had great unhappiness yet – I say yet because I don’t want to tempt fate.’ She left the blue-blooded cocoon of her childhood to teach English in Argentina at the age of 19, although she certainly wasn’t running away from her family (her mother is of mixed Anglo-Argentinian origin while her father is a British Olympian skier). She’d held jobs at Ralph Lauren and Theo Fennell before becoming one of the country’s bestselling authors (with more than three million books sold worldwide, and counting). She converted to Judaism to marry Sebag – as she calls him – at the Liberal Jewish Synagogue in 1998 and the ketubah boasts the signature of none other than The Prince of Wales, it being the first Jewish wedding he’d ever attended, as well as the first time he and Camilla had appeared in public as a couple. Her dinner party regulars include Samantha and David Cameron, but she doesn’t take any of it for

The cheshire Magazine | Feature

granted, or too seriously. ‘I’m not going to sit next to Michael Gove and talk about education. I talk to him about, you know, my latest fad diet or something – normal human stuff.’ Santa’s office is on the top floor of their home while her husband gets the bigger space with the plush view of the garden: ‘It’s like being in the engine room while he is at the front of the boat.’ They write all day and often meet for lunch downstairs – ‘I’ll just nibble on a lettuce or something’ – but, amazingly, he hasn’t read any of her books. ‘He never reads my work,’ she says. ‘In fact, he’s only ever read one book of mine – that was the first draft of the first book when I was 25. And I’m 44 now,’ she smiles. ‘He’s so busy with his own writing that he doesn’t have time [for mine]. Also, my books aren’t the sort of thing that he would naturally read, so he thinks that by talking through plots with me, which he often does, that that’s enough. I would love him to read one of my books because I would like him to see what I do now. I’ve come a long way since then, so I would actually like him to read one and say “wow, Santa, that’s really good”.’ ‘I‘ve read all of his work. The only ones I didn’t read are his Stalin books because I’m not interested in Stalin at all – in fact I find him really creepy – so I don’t want to read about that world, it doesn’t appeal.’ We discuss the sense of worth we both felt upon finishing Jerusalem, one of Sebag’s most famous historical tomes, which was made into a three-part BBC documentary. ‘It’s huge isn’t it,’ she laughs, comparing its weight to that of the table in front of us. ‘The thing with Jerusalem is that you can’t expect to remember any of it.’ When she’s not reading or writing, Santa is out with her friends or attending to mummy duties; ‘It’s quite a lonely occupation, you know, sitting and writing in my room. My children keep me very busy though.’ She loves ‘being in nature’ as she’s very sporty, a skill no-doubt passed down from her father. She’s hooked on Game of Thrones and Nashville. ‘Sebag and I will get into a box set and we love that. I like simple

pleasures. I don’t go to the theatre often enough and I’d love to say I go to galleries all the time, but I don’t.’ Open to talking about her sixth sense, despite knowing that she sounds ‘a bit batty’, Santa has a way of articulating her experiences that enables her to sound anything but. ‘It’s part of who I am and it’s part of my experience of the world. The lovely thing about literature is that you can suspend reality even if you don’t subscribe to that belief. Or if you do then you can find it comforting to think that yes, this is about life after death, which I believe in.’ ‘At the beginning of my career I was a bit shy about talking about my own [psychic] experiences because I thought I might be perceived as batty. I sort of put my head above the parapet a bit and thought “I’m going to write about what I want to write about because it’s what I want to write about!” Yes, I grew up seeing spirits. I still see them now – they frightened me as a child but now that I really understand what it’s all about I really like seeing them. I find it comforting because it’s a magical, mysterious world that is hidden from us. But on the other hand it’s confirming what I know to be true; that we just discard our bodies like clothes and move out of them. I find that reassuring.’ Santa is growing increasingly tempted to reach out to the time-off spirit, freeing up some hours in the day to learn the piano and teach herself French, or ski with her sister in Switzerland. ‘I fantasise about taking a year off after I finish the trilogy – I’ll be 47 when it comes out – and that’ll be 17 books in total. Maybe I will just take a little break. Maybe just a year?’ Maybe that’s a request for Santa’s little helpers. The paperback edition of Secrets of the Lighthouse is published by Simon and Schuster on 24 April.

Interiors news Whether it’s stunning musical pieces, gorgeous contemporary additions or just a hint of couture fragrance, giving your home a fresh spring look has never been so easy words: gemma knight & nicole blair

Draw yourself a bath There is nothing more luxurious than a beautiful, spacious bathroom. Drummonds has teamed up with award-winning designer Christopher Jenner to create a spectacular new set of showrooms. His design highlights Drummond’s distinctive and refined English style, utilising white enamel, marble, polished metal and mirror glass. When you visit, check out our favourite range, the Sophie Conran Colours collection, which is filled with gorgeous colours straight from the photos of a summer beach holiday. Baths from £3,210 (drummonds-uk.com)

Centre stage In honour of the company’s 160th anniversary last year, Steinway & Sons has collaborated with furniture designer Dakota Jackson to develop the Arabesque Limited Edition grand piano. Only 50 will be produced, in either ebony high polish or Macassar ebony, making the Arabesque a collector’s item, as well as a beautiful feature within a home. Taking its name from a graceful ballet position, the Arabesque piano conveys fluidity and movement thanks to spiralling pentagonal legs, a curved lid and sleek silver plate. ‘To me, Steinway is synonymous with the word “piano”,’ Jackson says. ‘I wouldn’t consider designing a piano for any other company.’ Steinway is the preferred piano of musicians, professional and amateur, across the globe and is renowned for world-class, strikingly-designed creations. (steinway.com) 50

The cheshire Magazine | Interiors

Surround yourself with Spring Butterflies, cherry blossom, rich textures and playful patterns make up Osborne & Little’s new collection. It is an inviting and colourful line which makes use of decorative embroideries, lace appliqué, exotic prints and textured faux leather and combines the bold colours of spring with soothing neutral prints. Our personal favourites include the Butterfly Garden wallpaper and the cherry blossom print of Japonerie. This season’s colour palette features sapphire blue, turquoise, red, pink, lemon and mandarin, along with elegant shades of linen, ivory and stone. Available at The Edge Interiors, Alderley Edge (01625 584999), and Wilmslow Interiors, Wilmslow (01625 535322)’)

Divine design duo Moving on from gorgeous gowns, acclaimed fashion designer Raf Simons is now looking into your home. The Kvadrat/Raf Simons Collection brings the artist’s style from the runway into the living room thanks to the introduction of a new line of Kvadrat home textile designs. Simons, known best as the current Creative Director for Dior Women, has created homeware products using luxurious materials that include ethically sourced Cape mohair, cashmere, merino wool and baby alpaca. The collection shares a basic aesthetic with Simons’ work in fashion; composed of 11 core textiles, as well as cushions and throws, it showcases intense pigment gradations and no shortage of sparkle. (kvadratrafsimons.com)

You know it makes scents If you’re looking for a clean, fresh home fragrance that’s as couture as they come, look no further than the new Snow Crystal Candle from the luxurious Private Collection of boutique brand Pairfum. The candle is created from the world’s finest natural wax and produces a pure perfume bloom and the cleanest possible burn suffused with essential oils. It makes a stunning and long-lasting gift, but we’re willing to bet you’ll be loath to part with it. (pairfum.com)

Contemporary creations The new Spring/Summer 14 collection from furniture maestro Roche Bobois is as sleek and versatile as it is aesthetically appealing, with a flurry of new products from its exceptionally innovative designers providing the perfect excuse to give interiors a new lease of life this season. Our pick is the Urban Modular Corner sofa, a piece which, thanks to its clean lines, dimple-stitched seat cuchions and wenge finish, is guaranteed to perfectly complement contemporary tones without overshadowing decorative pieces. 121-125 Great Ancoats Street, Manchester M4 5AG (0161 236 1517) 51

Recreate

the look

Atticus 5 light pendant in gold £499, Around The House Furniture (aroundthehousefurniture.co.uk)

Revive the colourful and beautiful Art Nouveau style of the Maison Belle Epoque with these signature pieces

Artichoke rug in green from £280, William Morris at John Lewis (johnlewis.com)

he Perrier-Jouët Maison Belle Epoque is one of the best examples of lovinglyrestored Art Nouveau décor around, and no wonder; the values of the Art Nouveau movement and those of Perrier-Jouët have always been closely entwined, never more so than after 1902 when renowned artist Emile Gallé adorned a Perrier-Jouët bottle with a riot of white anemones wreathed in gold.

‘Inspiration drawn from nature, the desire to infuse beauty into daily life’ is the backbone idea of both this iconic brand and the beauty of the décor movement that inspired it. It took eight years to restore the Maison Belle Epoque to its original glory – but a similar effect for your own home can be achieved more swiftly with these hand-picked, Art Nouveau-inspired pieces.

‘Inspiration drawn from nature, the desire to infuse beauty into daily life’ 52

The cheshire Magazine | Interiors

Book club wallet in grey, £21.95 (cloth-ears.co.uk)

Christian Lacroix notebooks, £10 Pierrot et Coco (pierrotetcoco.com)

Wistaria in lint wallpaper £57.50 per roll Kuboaa by Andrew Hardiman (kuboaa.co.uk)

Tunis sofa cotton throw 2 £46, Ville & Campagne (villeetcampagne.co.uk)

Beauvale Art Nouveau lady table mirror, £60.25, The Chandelier & Mirror Company Ltd (chandeliersandmirrors.co.uk)

Carlucci Lucious Land fabric, £97.90 per sqm, JAB Anstoetz (jab.de/en)

Art Nouveau oval vanity cabinet £3,297, Sweetpea & Willow (sweetpeaandwillow.com)

Hoppen to it With a new book and more than 50 design projects in the pipeline, Kelly Hoppen MBE remains a force to be reckoned with. Olivia Sharpe meets the Dragons’ Den star to discuss her interiors empire

elly Hoppen has had a lot on her plate of late. As well as continuing to run her highly lucrative interior design company, she recently published her eighth book, Design Masterclass, which details her insider knowledge on how to achieve the perfect home, followed closely by the launch of her new online shop, Kelly Hoppen London. If this wasn’t enough, to celebrate International Women’s Day, Kelly recently took a trip to Kenya where, in support of Sport Relief, she met female entrepreneurs in Nairobi’s Kibera slum. Commenting on the experience, she said: ‘The women I met were incredibly inspiring. Not only are they working hard to achieve their goals in business but they’re doing it whilst living in unimaginably tough circumstances. I’ve judged many people on Dragons’ Den who could definitely learn some business tips and lessons in perseverance from these women.’ Having now returned from Kenya, Kelly hopes to continue mentoring and supporting women in business in the UK, as well as pursuing her own goals. Her motto is ‘nothing is too big and nothing is ever big enough’. I meet Kelly at her atelier in Westbourne Park; she is smartly dressed in a black suit with strings of Chanel pearls adding a youthful touch, not to mention her free-flowing curly locks which have become her trademark. I soon realise that small talk is not on the cards and so dive in with my first question. After all, this is a woman who clearly means business. Kelly describes her style as ‘harmonious’, blending ‘together Eastern and Western philosophies’ to create neutral, balanced interiors which work as a blank canvas. As a result, this had led to certain critics referring to the designer somewhat derogatorily as the

Queen of Taupe which, I would imagine, must prove very wearing. ‘I love it,’ Kelly retorts, emphatically. ‘I’ve had every heading under the sun but at the end of the day, that’s who I am. I’ve created a brand and a style that is, hopefully, iconic and it’s already stood the test of time for 38 years.’ In speaking with Kelly, I get the impression that she isn’t too concerned with what people think of her, a quality which I can’t help but admire. The designer is correct when she mentions that she’s been widely discussed in the press, and I’m not just referring to her business. Kelly’s private life has frequently come under scrutiny, hardly surprising when one considers

‘I’ve created a brand and a style that is, hopefully, iconic; it’s stood the test of time’ – Kelly Hoppen the network of high-profile men with whom she has been linked, including ex husband Ed Miller (the US banker and father of actress Sienna Miller), footballer Sol Campbell and hairdresser Nicky Clarke. I ask Kelly how she deals with the publicity. ‘David Furnish once said to me it’s chip paper tomorrow, and it is. It’s fish and chip paper,’ she smiles. ‘Everybody buys Hello! and OK! because people have this unbelievable obsession with celebrities’ lives. So I just try to be as private as I can whilst still promoting my business.’ Despite this, there is clearly a part of Kelly 

The cheshire Magazine | Feature

which enjoys the limelight: ‘I’m proud of the fact that my books are published in so many languages around the world and sell hundreds of thousands of copies.’ The designer’s recent book launch party at the Belgraves Hotel was splashed across the tabloids and attended by the likes of Richard E. Grant and Victoria Beckham. Over the years, the designer has quite understandably had to build up a strong armour and, as a result, has suffered from negative female stereotyping which, I can only assume, is all part and parcel of being a successful businesswoman in a male-dominated world. ‘I think that is a massive general statement,’ she disagrees, rolling her eyes. ‘I’ve always said that if I were a man I’d have three balls. If women are going to sit and moan about gender inequality, maybe they should spend more time doing something serious. Do your day’s work, go home, cook your kids’ meals, sleep with your husband, do what you’re going to do.’ That’s a no then. The designer has had many female role models in her life. Born in South Africa, Kelly moved to London at the age of two but returned to Cape Town every Christmas and stayed at her grandmother’s. ‘It had those comfortable chairs and a wonderful smell about it,’ she reminisces. ‘It was all about textures and art and stories attached to things and I wanted to be able to

recreate that for people.’ Kelly prides herself on being able to extract her clients’ vision and translate that into a reality. ‘Everyone has a story and it’s about trying to find out what that story is and to make it work for them.’ Kelly is evidently gifted at creating homes in which people want to live; as well as her regular clients, she also has a strong celebrity following, having designed for, most notably, the Beckhams. ‘It’s not about having an ego; it’s about understanding your clients and giving them what they want in their home. You’re providing a service and we never forget that.’ Kelly’s perfectionism has undoubtedly stood her in good stead as her loyal clients come back to her time and time again. ‘When people employ us, they employ us for life,’ she states, simply. Kelly also singles out her mum for having had a profound influence upon her career. Stephanie Hoppen is a leading figure in British interiors and, like her daughter, has written countless books on the subject, as well as being an influential artist with her eponymous gallery situated on Walton Street (not far from her son, and Kelly’s brother’s, Chelsea studio). Drawn from creative stock, it was hardly surprising that Kelly jumped at the chance of designing a friend’s kitchen at the tender age of 16 and, from that, quickly developed her reputation. With her award-winning brand and tough persona, Kelly Hoppen is a fitting figure to give advice to young entrepreneurs, which is why she was chosen as one of the judges for the BBC show, Dragons’ Den. While the designer initially had reservations

‘Kelly jumped at the chance of designing a friend’s kitchen at the tender age of 16 and, from that, quickly developed her reputation’ 56

The cheshire Magazine | Feature

about going on the show, she has since taken to it like a duck to water. ‘When I was first asked to do the show I thought there was absolutely no way I’d have time to do it but then after my screen test, they called up and said you have to do it, and I’m really glad I did. I’m in it to support young entrepreneurs and that’s what gives me a kick.’ Kelly’s only regret so far is not having taken greater risks and invested in more projects but she tells me that she’s now learnt her lesson and plans on putting her money into everything she likes and deems worthy in the next series. Asked what sort of advice she gives to novices, she replies: ‘Follow your dream, be enthusiastic, be focused, be positive, believe in what you’re doing but do your research; never go out there blind.’ And yet, Kelly doesn’t suffer fools gladly,

‘I’m in it to support young entrepreneurs and that’s what gives me a kick’ – Kelly Hoppen shown by the way she manages her own business. ‘I make sure that everyone on my team knows I run a tight ship. I’m very tough in the office and I sign off every single expense that goes through, down to the new office fridge. As long as I feel content that we’re running a successful business, then I can design.’ While the austere businesswoman admits to being somewhat of a control freak when it comes to work, this is evidence of her commitment and proof of her achievements. The 54 year-old designer shows no sign of slowing down. Juggling work and motherhood, Kelly also hopes one day to design a film set and write an autobiography. I ask Kelly if there’s anything about her job she’d change. ‘Nothing. I don’t hate anything about it. There you go. That’s your ending. Good ending.’ I couldn’t have said it better myself, Ms Hoppen. (kellyhoppeninteriors.com)

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The cheshire Magazine | Interiors

Crystal clear

fter years of technical research into the pigments available for crystal, noted glass-art pioneers Lalique have at last unveiled their latest creations for the Spring/Summer season; a seductive selection of works infused with their newest colourway, the magical Midnight Blue. The nine-piece range includes the Mossi vase and classic Cap Ferrat Lustre fish sculpture – but in our opinion, the pièce de résistance is without doubt the Turtle vase with its sleek, curvaceous form and deep, inviting hue. £1,950 (lalique.com)

Where art is life From marble to metal and then to willow, Sarah Gallagher-Hayes has finally found her perfect medium W o r d s : K a t e H o u gh t o n

arah Gallagher-Hayes trained in sculpture at Southampton University and the world famous Accademia di Belle Arti in Venice, where she learned how to work with stone and marble to create pieces of beauty and value. She was however, surprised to realise that she was frustrated by the medium in which she had thought she would make her career. ‘I found that working in stone was actually quite restrictive. I was trying to create pieces with the same feel and lightness that my pencil drawings had, but the stone was stiff and unyielding. It might sound like an obvious statement, but to me, it was a revelation. I love

‘I was trying to create pieces with the same feel and lightness that my pencil drawings had’ marble sculpture and the end results can be wholly beautiful, but the process of taking a block of stone to the end result, no matter how much I liked that end result, wasn’t enjoyable for me. ‘Having realised that I wanted some way to take the 2D drawings I’d done into a 3D form, I began to work with metal rods. I really liked the way that I could create the pieces in 3D as I saw them in my head and on paper, but although metalwork can be very expressive, working with metal is very physical – you have to heat the metal for every bend and curve and then there’s lots of welding to be done too. ‘I needed to find an alternative material to work with, and decided to try willow. It wasn’t as easy as I’d thought, so after a few failed attempts I sent myself on a course with the National Basket Makers Association, and it suddenly just clicked.

‘Willow has a fluidity that can’t be matched; it can twist and bend and turn and be reworked into whatever shape I desire. It can still be a very physically demanding medium, especially when I’m working on larger pieces, but I am in love with it.’ One of the joys of willow is that it can be worked with in two distinct forms – living and dead. Living willow, once worked into the form you want, can be planted into the soil and will soon produce leaves. From here it’s a matter of pruning and clipping to maintain the form. Living willow is a particularly favoured medium for garden fencing, arbours and archways, even summerhouses, as very soon it becomes an intrinsic element of the living, breathing, constantly changing garden in which it sits. Indeed, schools will often create an “outdoor” classroom in living willow, which must be the source of many happy memories for school children across the country. Dead willow is used to create equally visually stunning pieces, but can actually be moved about, which many of Sarah’s clients prefer. ‘Lots of people like to have willow sculptures in their gardens that can be moved around and resituated according to the season or what else is growing in a particular flower bed. I also get a lot of corporate commissions, for both internal and external pieces. I created a collection of horses for one client, with a jockey. They are often moved around the business park they were made for and visitors will come across the lone jockey, sporting a sign asking “Have you seen my horse?” In many ways that’s what art is all about – connecting with different individuals in different ways through humour or through wonder or simply through curiosity about the piece or the medium.’ Sarah’s career as a willow artist was kick- 

The cheshire Magazine | Interiors

Interiors | The cheshire Magazine

started in style, when almost immediately upon graduating she won her first commission – from Kew Gardens, to build a willow lion to represent Aslan in their The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe themed exhibition. ‘It generated a lot of press coverage and brought a lot of attention,’ says Sarah. ‘I won more commissions and my career path was set.’ ‘Doing what I do I could live anywhere in the UK, but I love Cheshire. I grew up not far from Northwich and now live on the edge of Delamere Forest. I work mostly outside, so spend a lot of time in my garden. When I’m working on large scale pieces I have a space at a local garden materials merchants, and as lots of garden designers and landscapers come there, it’s a very useful place to be.’ Sarah can often be found at weekend farmers’ markets and will be showcasing her work at RHS Shows across the UK this summer. ‘My theme for RHS Tatton this year is “All Our Yesterdays”, it features children playing games that have started to fade away now that so many of them spend all their time in digital pursuits, or kept close to the house by anxious parents.’ Sarah can speak with authority on this subject, as she also goes into schools to work with pupils on art projects, an activity that happens less and less often these days, following budget cuts and increased pressure on schools to perform academically, at the expense of other learning opportunities. ‘I used to work with schools all over Cheshire, but hardly at all now. I love going when asked though, it’s such a new and extraordinary thing for the children to do. I’m off to Germany for a week in April, where I’ll be creating a farmyard at a school for the children of armed forces there.’ ‘Then later this year I hope to be working with a school in China, teaching them how to work in willow. I’m quite entertained by this idea; the weeping willow was originally brought to the UK from China, but here I am going there to teach them what is actually an ancient British art.’ (twigtwisters.co.uk)

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A new arrival Last month saw the opening of an exciting new museum and gallery space in our lovely neighbour county of Shropshire, the spectacular result of a £10 million restoration project focusing on Shrewsbury’s Victorian Music Hall and a rare 13th century mansion. The Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery, as it will be known, is kicking off with a specially curated exhibition from Frank Cohen’s internationally acclaimed collection of contemporary art, paving the way for further exhibitions by a host of internationally known contemporary artists. These will complement the museum’s permanent exhibitions, which give visitors the exciting opportunity to explore everything from geology to natural history through art, archaeology and costume. (shrewsburymuseum.org.uk)

Art news

With a brand new art gallery, a local architectural treasure and a retro extravaganza on the horizon, Cheshire’s art scene is truly buzzing words: carol cordrey & gemma knight

Open for business We’re rather excited to hear that Manchester’s beautiful Victoria Baths will finally be getting some much-deserved admiration this year, with the aquatic attraction offering monthly open days when visitors can fully explore this Edwardian architectural gem. Running alongside the open days will be a series of special fairs selling books and collectables, art and crafts, vintage clothing and homeware, with choirs and acapella groups taking advantage of the excellent acoustics. The next open days will be on May 4 (UnRest Open Day and Dance Off) and June 1 (Open Day and Book, Record & Collectables Fair) – but if your calendar’s looking overcrowded never fear, as the monthly occurrence goes on until November. (victoriabaths.org.uk)

Our pick…

OUTDOOR

sculptures ALL PHOTOGRAPHS BY William Murphy, infomatique

#1 Mother and Child by Adam May

#2 Earthed by Jackie McKenna

The cheshire Magazine | Art

Going retro Fans of all-things vintage are in for a treat this June and October, with the Victoria Baths playing host to the wonderful Vintage Home Show, a haven giving collectors and shoppers alike the chance to hunt for unique pieces of furniture, ceramics, textiles and lighting dating right the way through from the 1920s to the 1970s. With everything from vintage trunks and retro telephones to kitsch artwork and antiques on offer, we dare you not to come home clutching a treasure or two. June 29 and October 26, Hathersage Road, Chorlton-on-Medlock, Manchester M13 0FE (vintagehomeshow.co.uk)

Q&A with… Manchester-based furniture designer David Tragen Q. Your work is very conceptual and artisanal, with many of your pieces more reminiscent of sculpture than furniture. Was this your intention from the start? A. The whole process of arriving where I am now has been mostly organic although making something with a high artistic content has always been an important consideration. During the first few years, surface decoration, whether in the form of marquetry, inlay or low relief carving, were my first creative choices. With time the three dimensionality and therefore sculptural aspect have become more of an integral part of my work. Whilst I still very much enjoy working within the functional constraints of furniture, I am also developing ideas where functionality is no longer a consideration and the pieces can therefore be considered as pure sculpture. Q. From where do you take inspiration for designing new pieces? A. For bespoke pieces, the client’s ideas or their existing décor usually gets the ball rolling whilst for limited edition work I start with a blank canvas. From there the worlds of architecture, art, photography, product design and fashion are influential but the biggest source of inspiration is the natural world.

#3 Nantosuelta by Olga Fitzpatrick #4 Lotus Seed Head Form 1 & 2 by Alison Kay

Q. How do you retain a healthy balance between practicality and aesthetics? A. Defining “healthy” is very subjective and this is a conversation I sometimes have with clients. I’d like my work to be seen as somewhere within the realms of art and sometimes to achieve that, some functionality may need to be sacrificed. Q. You studied International Business, were you originally planning to pursue a very different career path? A. I was interested in languages and studying abroad whilst providing myself with good career prospects. A teacher had once said that we spend a third of our lives working and that time would hopefully be spent doing something that we love. This conversation stayed with me, so after graduating I moved to Barcelona to teach English. Within months I was picking up abandoned pieces of furniture off the street and renovating them and things took off from there. (davidtragen.co.uk)

Art for

discerning collectors Carol Cordrey was amazed to discover that beyond the walls displaying their changing exhibitions, Atelier Rose & Gray stocks some of the most sought after work by artists such as Damien Hirst, Marc Quinn and those involved in cutting-edge, urban art

D above, from left: Gabrielle by Copyright; Divine Heartbreak by Copyright

amien Hirst may be obsessed with the subject of death and have achieved fame or infamy (depending on your point of view) ever since he revealed his cow, shark, etc. in formaldehyde, but he has given the history of art far more than preserved creatures. He is, unquestionably, one of this country’s most original, conceptual artists and his fertile brain continues to develop fascinating new ways of representing existence through art and warping our perceptions of it; he is the heir to the radical Marcel Duchamp. Butterflies appeared in Hirst’s work to represent the polarities of life and death and metamorphosis

and they appear again in his new series of gravure etchings called Love Poems. There are six different compositions using different colouring within each series and Atelier & Gray have obtained some of only 55 sets of the series ever produced by Hirst. Responding to his immense popularity, the gallery has also acquired his limited edition spot strewn woodcuts called Isovanillin and his gravure etchings Sanctum Spire presenting a butterfly at the heart of a vibrant kaleidoscope which suggests that nature’s patterning is the source of our fascination with colouring and design. Marc Quinn is a sculptor whose work uses

The cheshire Magazine | Art

the UK and around the globe. In the early years of establishing themselves, the modus operandi of these urban artists may have been unconventional but their ability as artists meets or even exceeds all the normal expectations. Now, their impressive work is available as limited edition, original prints that use gold leaf, spray paint and other specialist techniques which makes these editions highly

left, from top: Lullaby from series of Love Poems by Damien Hirst; Sanctum, Spire by Damien Hirst; below: Pink Audrey by Pure Evil

‘Rose & Gray also represents artists noted for their distinctive versions of urban art that emerged from the graffiti art scene’ unorthodox media and reflects his fascination with the human body, how it is represented and our attitudes towards mortality. His most famous works are a bust of himself, Self, created from casts of his own frozen blood, and the arresting, marble sculpture displayed on London’s Fourth Plinth and called, Alison Lapper Pregnant; the sitter is a profoundly disabled artist who paints by holding a brush in her mouth and, like Quinn, she has challenged our perceptions of the human body. The gallery has some of Quinn’s limited edition, original silkscreen and diamond dust prints of Stealth Kate, the avant-garde sculpture he made that revealed the iconic model, Kate Moss, in an extremely contorted pose. Atelier Rose & Gray also represents artists noted for their distinctive versions of urban art that emerged from the graffiti art scene. Our most famous practitioner of that genre is Banksy, of course, but Copyright, Pure Evil and Raid 71 are snapping at his elusive heels and, in turn, finding their work snapped up at this gallery, throughout

desirable. Indeed, Pure Evil and Copyright featured in one of last year’s broadcasts of The Apprentice in which the teams of contestants competed to sell the artists’ work in an East London gallery and to an international corporate client. They and Raid 71 are very accomplished, figurative painters and as some of these special prints are available unframed from such incredibly modest prices as £80 (in the case of Raid 71), they fly out of the gallery quicker than a Damien Hirst butterfly, into the hands of discerning new and serious collectors. (atelierrosegray.co.uk)

Clearly

beautiful L

ike many of the business owners I meet in Cheshire, Deborah’s business, The Silver Zebra, is the culmination of a long held dream. At an early age Deborah had stated her wish to develop a career in art, but was dissuaded by parents who saw an uncertain and difficult future for their child. ‘I did an ‘O’ Level in Art, and told my parents that this was something I wanted to continue to study,’ says Deborah. ‘They weren’t keen however, and talked me into going to a catering college instead as I enjoyed cooking. I trained as a chef and worked for over 16 years in kitchens and as a private chef across the North West. I absolutely loved it and my creativity wasn’t at all stifled; the presentation of a dish is almost as important as the combination of flavours and textures, of course. However, at the age of 36 I decided that it was now or never, and looked around for an alternative career in a more obviously creative field. I considered sculpture, but kept coming back to glass, possibly because of my father’s work with Pilkington Glass when I was a child.’ Pilkington Glass devises, designs and creates glass for many and varied purposes, from the windows of Concorde to domestic double glazing to the motor industry. Deborah’s father was one to bring his work home with him it seems, and spent many hours extolling the glories of glass to his family, or at his glass

Renowned glass artist Deborah Moses took a slightly roundabout route to her current success, but has enjoyed every step of the way W o rd s : K a t e H o u g h t o n

cutting table creating his own pieces. ‘At the time we pretty much took it for granted, to be honest,’ Deborah laughs. ‘It was just what dad did. It must have penetrated the mind at some level though, because my fascination with glass must have started somewhere.’ Starting small, Deborah decided to create a range of silver and glass jewellery, working from the spare bedroom in her home, a farmhouse near Middlewich. ‘My work quickly sold out, and I started to get a bit more ambitious. I had big plans – literally. When I decided to start specialising in fused glass and to experiment with much larger designs I realised it was time to build myself a studio. It’s just two metres from my house though, so a very short walk to work.’ Deborah’s work has attracted many admirers from near and far and from an extraordinary variety of industries. ‘I work a lot with interior designers, of course,’ says Deborah. ‘But I get briefs from architects too, who have visualised bespoke glass panels as forming an integral element of a new build or re-build.’ ‘I’m working on an incredibly exciting brief at the moment, with stone mason David Wilson in Scotland. He’s a true artist and it’s an incredible learning experience to see how he works. We’re working on a private residence on the Gleneagles estate, and part of the brief was to create a pair of gates. He’s designed gates into which 24 glass panels will be set. Inspiration for the designs have come from

The cheshire Magazine | Art

the beautiful landscape around the property. We’re working in soft colours of heather and elements of nature, from a distance the gates will look filled with colour, only when you get close will you see the intricate details.’ As well as grand designs such as this, Deborah still creates the bowls and objets d’art upon which she built her reputation, and is currently

‘Working with glass requires considerable technical skill as well as creativity’ working on the trophy that will be presented to the Man of the Match at the forthcoming Soccer Aid World Cup, taking place on 8 June, organised for Unicef by Robbie Williams. ‘I created the trophy given to Kasabian guitarist Sergio Pizzorno in 2012. They’d envisaged that he’d give it back for this next game, but he likes it too much and is hanging on to it.’ ‘2014 has seen the launch of a range of wall tiles too, which I took to the Surface Design Show in London in February. They were picked up by luxury bathroom companies, who will offer the accent tiles and splashbacks to clients as a bespoke service.’ ‘The sheer variety of my work makes me very happy. I can spend three months working on something like the glass panels I created for Manchester Fertility Clinic in Cheadle, and just a few days on a bowl, for example. But even the

smallest items are still very time consuming. Every item has to go through the kiln, and it’s in for a minimum of 27 hours. Some items, where I’m fusing multiple colours, glass types or other materials, can go through up to five times.’ ‘Working with glass requires considerable technical skill as well as creativity. Different properties of glass need to be kilned at different temperatures, so there’s always a risk that by adding one to another you’ll end up with a piece shattering as it heats.’ When talking to Deborah it’s this practical side of her personality that really comes through. Down-to-earth, forthright and incredibly modest about her achievements, it’s not until you study her work that you truly appreciate the creativity, the sheer artistry, that goes into each piece. Deborah has taken this practicality into a new direction since opening her studio, and has been teaching workshops in glass since 2004. ‘Everybody who attends leaves with a small collection of pieces that they have made themselves, and more than 80% of my students come back for more. As well as weekend workshops for people who have an interest in the art, I teach students from university art courses and mentor glass artists and artists in other mediums from all over the world. It’s a lovely way to spend time, surrounded by the Cheshire countryside, eating home cooked food and creating something beautiful and wholly unique.’ Sign me up. (thesilverzebra.co.uk)

from left: Marble Vessel No 3; Beneath The Tide Sculpture; Warming Advance Sculpture; Frozen Planet Freestanding Sculptures

Call Laura Harrall at our Manchester office to discuss your requirements for staff in Cheshire and across the north of England. Email: laura@greycoatlumleys.co.uk Telephone: +44 (0)161 667 9420 Online: www.greycoatlumleys.co.uk

The cheshire Magazine | Art

PRIZE LOTs

#1 Rare large Ming-style blue and white ‘lotus bouquet’ dish

This eye-catching dish was manufactured during the Qianlong period (1736-1795) and with an interior that is finely painted in cobalt blue with simulated ‘heaping and piling’ to depict a bouquet of lotus flowers tied with a fluttering ribbon. It is modelled after blue and white ‘lotus bouquet’ dishes from the Ming period and will be auctioned as part of Christie’s Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art. Exhibition and auction at Christie’s, 13 May; Estimated range: £80,000 - £120,000. (christies.com)

#2 ‘Pandora’ by Dante Gabriel Rossetti Painted by the renowned painter and founder of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood Dante Gabriel Rossetti, this oil painting was commissioned by John Graham for 750 guineas in 1871 and features the heroine of Greek myth

3 Pandora, clad in a loose, long robe of Venetian red and adorned with bracelets. The painting will be auctioned as part of Sotheby’s London sale of British and Irish Art. Exhibition and auction at Sotheby’s, 22 May; Estimated range: £5 - £7 million. (sothebys.com)

#3 Monumental gilt-lacquer porcelain figure of Buddha Hailing from the Qing dynasty, this stunning and very rare piece will be auctioned as part of Bonham’s Fine Chinese Art sale. The figure stands 155cm tall and features thick, overlapping robes falling in symmetrical loops at its bare feet, with the left hand outstretched, the right hand open and lowered in varada mudra and an eternity symbol swastika moulded on the bare chest. Exhibition and auction at Bonham’s, 15 May; Estimated range: £300,000 - £400,000. (bonhams.com)

from left: christie’s images ltd; Image: © sotheby’s; image courtesy of bonhams

Watch news Treasured timepieces, horological heirlooms and modern masterpieces WORDS: RICHARD BROWN

A new era Long admired as a purveyor of accessible luxury, Baume & Mercier has upped its game and stepped into the sphere of serious watchmaking. Featuring a 45.5mm 18-karat red-gold case and sapphire crystal case back, the Clifton 1892 Flying Tourbillon boasts, as you’d expect, a flying tourbillon. Launched alongside other extensions of its hallowed Clifton collection – including a Chronograph version and the stunning Retrograde Date Automatic – the watch propels the brand into a position amongst the industry’s most distinguished of players. Keeping things ticking is a Val Fleurier calibre, produced exclusively for Baume & Mercier, while red gold and blued-steel hands tell the time. Only 30 of the handsome pieces will be made. (baume-et-mercier.com) 72

The cheshire Magazine | Collection

The feminine touch

Ocean-bound

Night watch Prussian philosopher Immanuel Kant deemed that what was sublime was noble, splendid and terrifying – words you can certainly associate with the Midnight Planétarium by Van Cleef & Arpels. It’s a timepiece that undoubtedly deserves special attention. So please behold. Comprising 396 working parts and six semi-precious planets around a pink gold sun, the Midnight Planétarium will position the whereabouts of Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn in real time – the time on earth being readable via a moving comet on the watch’s dial. Mercury and Venus will rotate every 88 and 224 days respectively, while Saturn will return to its start position every 29.5 years. Impractical, irrational and grandiose? You bet. Noble, splendid and terrifying? Absolutely. Midnight Planétarium, from a selection Van Cleef & Arpels (vancleefarpels.com)

Following a centuries-old line of watches designed to navigate the seven seas, the RM60-01 Regatta Flyback Chronograph employs a rotating bezel with cardinal point indications and a 24-hour disk to allow wearers to locate their position on earth. Direct the watch’s Coordinated Universal Time indicator towards the sun and turn the bezel so that the UTC hand lines up with the local time (engraved on the bezel’s circumference). Once set, the compass headings North, South, East and West will be correctly aligned with the direction on the Earth’s surface. RM 60-01 Regatta Flyback, £111,500 (richardmille.com)

Designed as the ultimate male sports chronograph, the Royal Oak Offshore has become the go-to-watch for any boardroom member appreciative of bold dimensions and bolder design. For 2014, Audemars Piguet has shrunk the timepiece and added 32 diamonds. The result is the Royal Oak Offshore 37mm, a slimmer, more sophisticated reinvention of the chronograph for ladies. The octagonal shape remains and the watch is available in either steel (£12,300) or rose gold (£24,400). (audemarspiguet.com)

ONE TO WATCH Each month, we select our timepiece of the moment from the watch world’s most exciting creations:

The first GMT to feature blue and black on its bezel, the Rolex GMT-Master II comes in at 40mm in size and incorporates an eye-catching blue second hour hand. A handsome addition to an iconic collection. GMT-Master II, £5,950, Rolex Available at David M Robinson, 28 Anns Square, Manchester M2 7JB (davidmrobinson.co.uk) 73

Collection | The cheshire Magazine

For him

DESIGN Intervention

Accessories with a darker edge #6 #7 #5

#10

#11

#1 La Ferrari watch, £250,000, Hublot (hublot.com) #2 White diamond skull cufflinks, £8,855, Deakin & Francis (deakinandfrancis.com) #3 The Music Machine, £8,500, MB&F (mbandf.com) #4 Ocean Tourbillon GMT, from a selection, Harry Winston (harrywinston.com) #5 Day bag, £1,095, Troubadour Goods (troubadourgoods.com) #6 Engraved metal skull cufflinks, £90, Paul Smith (paulsmith.co.uk) #7 McLaren perforated cufflinks, £170, Links of London (linksoflondon.co.uk) #8 Signature Pure Black phone, £11,500, Vertu (vertu.com) #9 Bespoke sapphire money clip, from a selection, GTO London (gtolondon.com) #10 EMC watch, £94,000, Urwerk (urwerk.com) #11 Caran d’Ache Caelograph pen, £3,500, William and Son (williamandson.com) 74

Design by Philippe Starck

STARCK. A CLASSIC REVIVED.

Sanitaryware, bathroom furniture, bathtubs, shower trays, wellness products and accessories: Duravit has everything you need to make life in the bathroom a little more beautiful. More info at Duravit UK, Milton Keynes, Phone 0845 500 7787, Fax 0845 500 7786, info@uk.duravit.com, www.duravit.co.uk

Jewellery news With the arrival of spring comes foliageinspired motifs from Bulgari and statement stones by Kara Ross WORDS: OLIVIA SHARPE

A woman for all seasons Having just witnessed one of the worst winters on record, sadly we Britons have not quite experienced each of the four seasons. However, fear not as Bulgari has remedied this with a new mini couture collection of necklaces, dedicated to celebrating the changing of the year. Each piece features a foliage-inspired motif, which draws inspiration from the carved stones typical of the Mughal tradition, and bold colour combinations, a signature style of the jewellery house. The first blossoms of spring have been captured in pink gold with mint tourmalines, peridots, amethyst, round brilliant cut diamonds and pavé-set diamonds. In order to convey the subtle nuances and fluidity of nature, each stone has been crafted slightly differently so no two look the same and the supple pendant elements follow the movements of the body. (bulgari.com)

CUTTING EDGE New York jewellery designer Kara Ross has several claims to fame. As well as having recently been awarded the GEM Award for Design, one of the most sought-after accolades in the industry, Ross’ client roster includes President Obama and the First Lady. This year sees the launch of her first comprehensive fine jewellery collection:

‘This collection represents my passion for raw and polished stones in their purest forms. Showcasing the most spectacular precious and semi-precious stones, it is illustrative of my love for merging unique materials, in an unexpected way, with a harmonious,yet striking result’ – Kara Ross

From left: Contour drop earrings with black onyx and white diamonds in 18-karat gold; Ring with pyrite and diamonds in yellow gold; Split ring with raw and smooth amethysts and diamonds in yellow gold. All from the Petra collection(kararossny.com)

Four squared Boucheron has released two new editions of its highly sought-after Quatre collection. The latest development since the release of Black Edition in 2012, Radiant Edition has been created to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the French maison’s boutique at 26 Place Vendôme; now the resting place of fine jewellery, Boucheron was the first jeweller to lay claim to this historic Parisian square. The monochrome rings come in white or yellow gold and have been designed like a sculpture with the staple four Quatre bands. Quatre Radiant Edition, available from Spring 2014 (boucheron.com )

The cheshire Magazine | Collection

a foliage-inspired piece from Bulgari

Q&A with… Knutsford based jewellery designer Tara Kirkpatrick tells us about her love of silver Q: Was becoming a jewellery designer the culmination of a long-held dream? A: Actually, no. It all came about quite by chance. I had been out shopping with my mother in Bolton, my home town, when I spotted some very unusual jewellery in a shop window. I simply mentioned that I’d like to be able to do something like that and my mother seized upon it, as it was the first time I’d ever said anything at all about my future. She found a local jewellery course for me to attend after leaving school, and I loved it. I went on to study at the Birmingham School of Jewellery and immediately after graduating set up my own business. After supplying other retailers with my designs for several years, I opened Clarity in Knutsford in 2011. Q: Why do you choose to work in silver? A: I choose silver more often than gold or platinum because I can be more dynamic with the design. The cost of materials is lower, so I’m less restricted by concerns of finding a buyer. Also, people seem to be more adventurous when buying silver. It’s almost seen as ‘every day wear’, in a way that more precious items aren’t, so people can build varied collections to wear according to their moods.

Forever thine Two years after designing his first bridal collection in partnership with Forevermark, jeweller Stephen Webster has finally announced the launch of his second with the ethically-sourced diamond company (part of the De Beers Group). For the new line, Webster has once again incorporated contemporary and traditional elements to create a collection which remains in keeping with his trademark style. The romantic, elegant rings intertwine seamlessly with the traditional wedding band to symbolise eternal love while referencing the designer’s recognisable fine jewellery collections, such as Thorn and Deco. The collection is available at the flagship store and in Harrods. (stephenwebster.com)

Q: Where do you get your inspiration from for new designs or collections? A: I like to sit and play with silver and as I do designs come to me, spring to life in my hands, you might say. My most popular range is the Wire Ball Collection and that came about while I was playing with some silver wire, twisting and rolling it around. I do undertake drawings, especially when working on a commission, but as drawings are only 2D and the end result is of course 3D my creative mind seems to work better in action. Q: What have you been working on most recently? A: I’ve developed a collection using Keisha pearls. I think their story is lovely; they were originally simply rejects from the Chinese pearl trade, as they are formed without a central nucleus, and therefore not uniformly spherical, but they were spotted by Indian jewellery makers and used in stunning designs. Now the Chinese have realised what a delight they are and are marketing them as Keisha pearls. They have a rich lustre you don’t find in normal pearls and look incredible set against silver. Clarity, 15 King Street, Knutsford WA16 6DW (claritycontemporaryjewellery.co.uk) 77

Royal Academy Art Turner Prize Art AffordablE Art Art Consultancy ...In Hale

Sweet Disorder, 2014, Damien Hirst

Magda, 2012, Gary Hume RA

Asleep, 2014, Raid 71

London Fields, 2012, Gary Hume RA

Dogs, Camelias, 2011, Stephen Chambers RA The Sadness of Knowing Nothing Lasts Forever, 2014, Copyright

Kate, 2011, Sir Peter Blake

_______________

Rose & Gray Hale

Beech House 1 Cambridge Street Hale Cheshire WA15 9SY T: 01619284021 E: info@atelierrosegray.co.uk www.atelierrosegray.co.uk

The cheshire Magazine | Event

WIN!

A unique opportunity for racing fans among our Cheshire Magazine readers

n 22 May, jewellery and watch experts best in the run-up to race season and ensure they show off their race style to its best Mappin & Webb will join forces with advantage, there will also be a skilled fashion The Cheshire Magazine for an exclusive stylist on-hand to assist with sartorial queries. Royal Ascot-themed affair in the Flat Trainer Tom Dascombe will also be at the recently-refurbished Oak Room at their event to give a special talk. Tom, who discovered beautiful Chester store. The brand have a long a passion for horse racing at an early age, has history with the Royal Ascot event - producing worked with the likes of Martin Pipe, Ralph the first Gold Cup in 1933 and many other cups Beckett and Mike De Kock in England, Dubai, and trophies in the years since. Florida and South Africa, won 96 races in 10 Mappin & Webb’s Royal connection has been years of riding - and survived the Grand strong since 1897 when they were National with no broken bones. appointed as silversmiths to Her In 2009 Tom took charge at Majesty the Queen and His Royal Guests will Manor House Stables and moved Highness The Prince of Wales. have the chance his training operation to Malpas at The tradition of Kings and to be rewarded with the request of Michael Owen and Queens of England favouring two tickets to attend Andrew Black. He has been an certain merchants has been in this year’s Royal essential part of the Cheshire racing place since 1520 during the reign Ascot landscape ever since, and will share of Henry VIII, and became official his unique insight into the racing world. under the rule of Queen Victoria, who At the end of the evening, guests will have encouraged the use of the royal coat of arms on the chance to be rewarded with two tickets to the premises and products of Royal tradesmen. attend this year’s Royal Ascot, taking place In the 117 years since their appointment, Mappin & Webb have served five monarchs, and from 17-21 June. this exciting event will celebrate that unique and prestigious heritage. For a chance to attend this exclusive event on Champagne and canapés will be served as Thursday 22 May (4-6pm), please email guests enjoy Creative Director, Elizabeth Galton MandW@rwmg.co.uk. Places will be granted on presenting the latest jewellery collection and a first-response basis. explaining the fascinating Mappin & Webb (mappinandwebb.com) brand history. For those wishing to look their

Good egg In a tale of two cities, Fabergé is taking over Easter this April with an exclusive window display at Harrods, which will coincide with a giant Easter Egg Hunt taking place in New York. Olivia Sharpe reports

I above: tommy hilfiger egg; opposite, from top: Ida Pure White Necklace; Marchesa; Spiral Diamond and Amethyst Tassel Pendant; Vagabonde Jaune Ring; Oeuf Je t’aime

In 1885 Tsar Alexander III decided to give a jewelled Easter egg to his wife, the Empress Marie Fedorovna. Easter was the most important occasion of the year in the Russian Orthodox Church and a centuries-old tradition of bringing hand-coloured eggs to Church had evolved over the years; members of the upper classes began to bestow bejwelled gifts and so the Tsar commissioned Fabergé to create a precious Easter egg as a surprise for his Empress; thus the legend of the first Imperial Easter egg was born. To mark its historic association with the festive period, Fabergé and Harrods have hatched an exciting plan; an exclusive display of the house’s celebrated eggs in the department store’s windows. Fabergé Easter will tell the story of the legendary jewellery house through a series of flags showcasing the Imperial Easter Eggs which have been the gift of choice for the most illustrious royal clientele for 130 years.

In a bid to celebrate the art of gifting, for which both Harrods and Fabergé are renowned, there will be a special pop-up Fabergé salon within the store’s jewellery department. One-of-a-kind, collectible pieces designed by the late Parisian artist Frédéric Zaavy are being exhibited for the first time in a fitting tribute, alongside a limited edition diamond set Spiral Tassel egg pendant. A Fabergé ‘Egg Bar’ will allow customers to personalise the gold egg pendants through the bespoke in-store engraving service. As a further feather in its cap, Harrods will be given exclusive access to the original Fabergé Apple Blossom Egg. Spawned in 1901, the unique egg is crafted in gold, diamond and nephrite and was gifted to Alexander Kelch’s wife, Varvara Kelch-Bazanova for Easter. Considered the apple of the jewellery house’s eye, this is the first time the rare masterpiece will be exhibited in the UK outside of a museum.

The The cheshire mayfair Magazine | Collection

While undoubtedly an impressive undertaking, the Harrods window display is by no means the only project Fabergé has up its bejewelled sleeves this Easter. Following the success of The Fabergé Big Hunt in 2012, which set two Guinness World Records and raised more than $1.5 million for charity, the worthwhile scheme is returning this year but has flown the nest; it will be landing in New York between 1 and 26 April. The interactive egg hunt will see up to 300 giant egg sculptures settle throughout the five boroughs of New York City during the Easter period. Once again, the jewellery house has called upon globally renowned artists, designers, architects and brands to design the eggs, and this year’s line-up includes Tracey Emin, Marc Quinn, Zaha Hadid, Ronnie Wood, Peter Beard,

‘Philanthropy is at the heart of the ethos of Fabergé, and so is our aim to nurture creative talent and support innovative projects’ Diane Von Furstenberg, Marchesa, Olivier Theyskens, and Bruce Weber. However, this is far from being merely an opportunity for these well-known artisans to parade their skills but a chance to raise money for two charities; Elephant Family (founded by Mark Shand) and Studio in a School (founded by Agnes Gund). Asking Katharina Flohr, Fabergé’s creative and managing director, why she settled on these organisations, she explained: ‘Philanthropy is at the heart of the ethos of Fabergé, and so is our aim to nurture creative talent and support innovative projects.’ Adults and children alike shall be expected to trawl the streets of New York in an attempt to find all the eggs, this time with the help of a magical fairytale, as well as the incentive to win one of three prizes: specially designed jewellery

egg pendants in gold and diamonds set with Zambian emeralds, Mozambican rubies or Zambian amethysts, which have been donated by Gemfields, the world’s leading producer of ethically sourced, coloured gemstones. Once all 300 have been found, the sculptures will then be taken to Sotheby’s where they will be sold in a grand auction with all proceeds going to the two charities. Everyone, get ready; the hunt is well and truly on. Fabergé Easter at Harrods, 1-21 April (harrods.com). The Fabergé Big Egg Hunt, 1-26 April (thebigegghunt.org ; faberge.com)

The public eye Now that the sun is beginning to shine on our county, it’s time to invest in a new pair of frames and we suggest you set your sights on Burberry. The fashion house has once again looked to its classic trench as inspiration for its S/S14 eyewear range. Mirroring the signature coat, the sunglasses feature a muted colour palette of warm honey, stone, black and tortoise, and distinctive design elements such as temple-tips with leather-wrapped tonal stitching and the signature Burberry check imprinted on bespoke nose pads. Get ready; spring is finally here. The Trench Eyewear Collection (burberry.com)

Fashion news It’s all about luxury luggage, Tokyo-inspired briefcases, a Panama hat resurgence and the most unique shades around. Don’t miss this month’s round up of the very latest in the style stakes

Jonathan Saunders for Smythson Following the sell-out debut collection in 2011, luxury accessories brand Smythson has once again called upon fashion designer Jonathan Saunders, this time, to create its S/S14 men’s collection. Saunders was inspired by the style of Tokyo businessmen in the 1980s and the collection includes a series of briefcases and portfolios featuring strong colour blocking and clean lines, a style very much in keeping with the designer’s own aesthetic. Colours range from reds and bright blues to vibrant greens and each bag comes lined with Saunders’ signature prints. (smythson.com)

A new arrival At long last, luxury luggage label and handbag-brand extraordinaire, Coach, has arrived at Manchester’s own Harvey Nichols – and it’s are certainly getting a warm welcome. The much-loved American brand, who also manufactures apparel and shoes, has been showcased in a prime location at the store since mid-February, alongside an oversized lightbox graphic featuring the Coach Spring/Summer 2014 campaign featuring model Freja Beha Erichsen and a whole host of its oh-socovetable leather goods, scarves and jewellery. You can take our word for it, but we’d still suggest going to check for yourself. You know, just in case. (harveynichols.com)

The cheshire Magazine | Fashion

Where did you get that hat? Currently experiencing a huge resurgence in popularity and predicted to be this summer’s must-have accessory, Assouline are reissuing one of their classic titles in the honour of the Panama hat. The beautiful coffee table title, in true Assouline style, is packed with stunning images and delves into the hat’s remarkable history, production process and variety of styles, helping prospective Panama hatpurchasers discover all there is to know about this fabulous item before splashing out on one of their own. As usual, an excellent style bible as well as a stunning coffee table addition. (assouline.com)

Summer’s on the way

Flying colours

We love the new range of sunglasses from Finest Seven, made from materials of the highest possible quality and named for the company’s belief that there are seven key elements in eyewear production – from the components to the lenses, colour, finish and design. New Zealand-born designer Jesse Stevens has worked with the likes of Prada and Oliver Goldsmith, and believes that his sculptural training has given him a strong sense of the aesthetic which allows him to create a truly unique manufacturing process. Whatever his secret, we think they’ll be the talk of the town when the temperature soars this summer. (finestseven.com)

Crewe-based super-luxe car brand Bentley bears a name synonymous with opulence, elegance and quality – which is why we’ve long been fans of their exquisite handbags, the iconic Bentley Barnato and stunning Continental. If, like us, you find these superbly-crafted accessories almost mesmeric in their beauty, you’ll be thrilled to hear that the powers that be have just unveiled a new range of colourways for both models, including such sumptuous hues as Ivory, Cumbrian green, Burgundy, Dragon Red and, of course, Imperial Blue. (bentleymotors.com)

Get the basics right …and the rest will follow. This is very much the ethos of Jo Davies, founder of Black White Denim in Wilmslow, who has just launched her own capsule collection of premium essential wear. The Black White Denim Basic collection comprises eight styles of cotton and jersey tops and bottoms. Jo has drawn on her retail knowledge and passion for timeless design and quality to launch the collection, saying ‘I conceived this range to act as the foundation blocks of every woman’s wardrobe. Layer them up or dress them down, the Black White Denim Basics are designed to work with your existing wardrobe favourites and will become your go-to items.’ Available at Black White Denim, Wilmslow and Pixie Boutique, Hale (blackwhitedenim.com)

The style, inspiration and life of fashion designer Oscar de la Renta is the subject of a new book by Sarah Mower, reports Olivia Sharpe

Renaissance

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The cheshire Magazine | Fashion Feature

’ve always found it strange when a biography is released before the death of the person in question; even more so when he or she is still at the height of their career. However, in the case of Oscar de la Renta, it seems only fitting. Starting out in 1963, the fashion designer has become one of the most influential figures in both American fashion and Paris Haute Couture and, after 40 years in the business, his legacy continues to grow. American Vogue editor and close friend Anna Wintour sets the tone of the book in the Foreword. ‘Fashion, for better or worse, is devoted to the notion that life can be sunny and glamorous around the clock, which is entirely understandable when you look at Oscar de la Renta’s exceptional body of work.’ The editor lists the designer’s signature designs, from his ruffled flamenco dresses to his ‘fur-trimmed double-faced suits’, as evidence of his genius. And yet, this biography is not simply a fashion catalogue of his timeless creations. Like any true prodigy, Wintour explains how the answer to Oscar de la Renta’s brilliance lies within the man himself, a theme continued throughout by author Sarah Mower. Mower sets out the designer’s formative years in the first chapter, Beginnings. Born into a large family surrounded by women (Oscar has six sisters) in 1932, she conveys how these powerful female figures had a profound influence on him growing up, in particular his grandmother who captivated his imagination with her ‘crisp, disciplined, feminine power’ and his mother Maria Antonia, who encouraged him to study painting in Spain. Today, Oscar’s name is synonymous with some of the most powerful women of the 20th and 21st centuries, from First Ladies Nancy Reagan and Hillary Clinton to Oprah Winfrey and Anna Wintour. Mower stresses the designer’s innate ability to ‘touch the lives of women around the globe in ways that would have been unimaginable just 20 years ago’. Interspersed throughout the book are heartfelt quotations from Oscar’s most ardent admirers, 

previous page: Kate Moss wearing an Oscar de la Renta silk faille dot dress, 2006 Bruce Weber - Vogue, Condé Nast below, from left: Oscar de la Renta wool and cotton coat and straw hat for his debut collection for Elizabeth Arden, 1963 (Louis Faurer - Condé Nast Archives); Oscar de la Renta S/S14

including close friend Sarah Jessica Parker and actress Anne Hathaway, who is quoted as saying: ‘Oscar de la Renta’s dresses always make me feel elegant, ladylike, and confident, and just maybe like I’m on my way to meet up somewhere fabulous with Holly Golightly. We’re all human but the right dress can make you feel divine. Oscar’s dresses get me there.’ Embedded within Mower’s own commentary are Q&A sessions with the designer who shares his own memories and experiences. One noteworthy anecdote tells the story of his uncle’s beautiful Russian mistress, Elena, whom Oscar admits to being his first love. Growing up in the Dominican Republic, a Catholic country which, at that time, was under the strict military dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo, the affair was illicit and ended tragically when Trujillo died and Oscar’s uncle was interrogated by the police over his death, resulting in him shooting himself. Elena died of grief four days later. Mower cites the Latin culture of the Dominican Republic as having been a major factor in shaping the designer, an argument he himself reiterates when he recollects how a ylang-ylang tree in the square near his home inspired his first perfume in 1977. Oscar de la Renta’s talent has been welldocumented so Mower instead focuses on how

he is not only a great fashion designer but also, as Womenswear Daily’s former editor John Fairchild proclaims him, ‘a social lion’. When he first moved to Spain, the young and ‘naive’ 19 year-old soon became friends with the son of a grand Spanish family, Fernando Valdemar, who reportedly took one look at Oscar’s blue

‘We’re all human but the right dress can make you feel divine’ – Anna Hathaway suede shoes and said, ‘I’d better teach you how to dress.’ From that moment on, the designer would continue to make friends in high places. For instance, it was through his friendship with footballer Pablo Olivera and Anna de Pombo that he landed his first job at Balenciaga, proving the age-old expression that it’s not what you know but who you know. Fate once again dealt Oscar a winning hand when he arrived in New York in 1963 and was introduced to the then editor of Vogue, Diana Vreeland and Condé Nast’s editorial director, Alexander Liberman. It was Vreeland who convinced Oscar to turn down a job offer from Dior and instead accept a position at Elizabeth Arden, a decision which proved instrumental in raising his profile. Oscar de la Renta’s legacy is shown not only in words but through pictures, with more than 200 pages of images. A scrapbook of society photos displays the

The cheshire Magazine | Fashion Feature

designer’s vast network of high-profile friends, as he’s photographed with the likes of Audrey Hepburn, Nancy Reagan, Jennifer Lopez and Charlize Theron. Elsewhere, 50 years of fashion editorials have been pillaged from the Condé Nast archive, including the iconic 1998 Vogue cover of Hillary Clinton, who is pictured seated in the Red Room of the White House wearing an Oscar de la Renta velvet dress, and the 2013 cover featuring Oscar winner Carey Mulligan. Finally, personal footage of the designer with his wife Annette, his stepdaughter Eliza and his home and gardens give the reader an exclusive look into the designer’s private world. Oscar de la Renta has continued to reinvent himself and his label through the decades without sacrificing his own identity. He foresaw the potential of creating clothes which appealed to American socialites and big business brands.

As Hillary Clinton poignantly puts it, ‘Oscar de la Renta has spent his whole life looking forward, marrying classic style with contemporary edge, always working tirelessly on behalf of this industry he loves. He is a great American, and a great friend.’ Sarah Mower has previously authored Chloé: Attitudes: Six Decades of Style, Gucci by Gucci and Stylist: The Creation of Style. With her extensive background in fashion journalism (she is a regular contributor to The Telegraph, The Guardian, The Observer, US Vogue and Style.com), she is more than qualified to tackle this particular subject, presenting a detailed account of the life of one of the most inspiring fashion designers of our generation. Or, to quote Anna Wintour, fashion’s ‘Renaissance man’. Oscar de la Renta: The Style, Inspiration and Life, published by Assouline (assouline.com)

above: ornate, Russian-inspired, fur-trimmed gowns for Balmain Haute Couture photographed by peter lindbergh for vogue

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BAGS OF CHARM

ven if you can resist its soft, neutral colour palette (we particularly love the cornflower blue and dandelion yellow versions), you’ll certainly be seduced by the supple padded leather handle and invisible stitching. That’s right, the latest Miu Miu it-bag has arrived and, having been carefully adapted from

its S/S 13 runway predecessor, is unsurprisingly taking the world by storm. Each tote also sports a chic luggage-style metal logo and detachable shoulder strap, meaning that it’s a fabulously flexible addition to any ensemble and – at a mere £1,430 – an excellent investment too. (miumiu.com)

The cheshire Magazine | Feature

The bold and the

beautiful

This spring the incredible historic millinery collection of designer Lars Nilsson comes to Stockholm. Gemma Knight explores how this remarkable collection came about, and just what makes it so special

ucked away in the very heart of Stockholm and boasting continentalstyle architecture dating from 1893 – not to mention one of the country’s largest collections of art, porcelain and antique furniture – The Hallwyl Museum has long been justifiably renowned as the ultimate showcase of Sweden’s national talent. It should come as no surprise, then, that their latest exhibition is set to focus on the incredible collection of designer Lars Nilsson, a stunning

us, this proclivity has allowed him to build up a truly impressive collection of accessories, clothing, textiles and documents over the years, not least of which is the focus of the exhibition; his exceptional collection of artistic millinery with its remarkably sculptural qualities and extravagantly whimsical design. The exhibition takes place from 7 February to 8 June and features such landmark pieces as a straw hat with neck strap (a recurring favourite in Christian Lacroix’s couture collection in summer

‘An exceptional collection of artistic millinery with its remarkably sculptural qualities and extravagantly whimsical design’

all images courtesy of carl bengtsson

assortment of millinery from a wide range of designers and eras, accompanied by exquisite photographs of the collection by Carl Bengtsson and a small number of other fashion accessories from the prolific designer’s beloved artisanal treasure trove. Nilsson, who left Sweden aged 19 to study in Paris, was recently appointed artistic director of Comptoir des Cottoniers and Princesse Tam Tam, assignments which follow distinguished previous posts with the likes of Christian Lacroix, Dior, Chanel, Bill Blas and Ralph Lauren. This has undoubtedly left him eminently qualified when it comes to identifying rare and exquisite items of couture, with a yen for collecting pieces which are both informed by and influential of fashion trends. Luckily for

1990), an ampersand-shaped straw hat decorated with black chicken feathers (from a collection signed by Oscar de la Renta, the head designer at Balmain when this was included in their 1992/93 autumn/winter collection), a stunning piece designed by Philip Treacy for Chanel Couture in 1992 (and photographed for Vogue in the same year), as well as the classic straw boaters which were once a favourite of Coco Chanel (who herself began as a milliner). It will also be complemented by a fabulous book which delves ever-deeper into Nilsson’s millinery collection and will be released shortly after the close of the exhibition this summer, giving devotees the opportunity to own page after page of the inspiring headwear as photographed by the enormously talented Carl Bengtsson.

The cheshire Magazine | Feature

Double vision If your stylish little darling wants to look like Mummyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mini-me, be inspired by the S/S14 catwalk trends in duplicate this season p h oto g r a p h e r : s a n d ro h y a ms st y l i st: o z z y s h a h

The cheshire Magazine | Fashion

Savana (left) wears: Dress, £410, Marni (marni.com). Shoes, £148, Bonpoint (bonpoint.com). Irene (right) wears: Dress, £330, Diane Von Furstenberg (uk.dvf.com). Shoes, £470, Marni, as before; Bracelet, from a selection, Fabergé.

Savana: Jacket, £1,995, top, £45, trousers, £90, all Burberry (burberry.com). Shoes, £137, Bon Point, as before. Irene: Top, POA, Viktor & Rolf (viktor-rolf.com). Coat, from a selection, Valentino (valentino.com). Shoes, £470, Marni, as before. Trousers, from a selection, DSquared2 (dsquared2.com).

The cheshire Magazine | Fashion

Savana: Playsuit, from a selection, Paul Smith (paulsmith.co.uk). Irene: Top, £595, Vivienne Westwood Gold Label (viviennewestwood.co.uk). Shorts, from a selection, DSquared2, as before. Bag, £320, Smythson (smythson.com). Ring, £3,750, Ritz Fine Jewellery (ritzfinejewellery.com). Both wearing glasses, £260, Marni, as before.

Savana: Shoes, £148, top, £78 and jeans, £107, Bonpoint, as before. Irene: Dress, £1,095, Matthew Williamson, as before. Shoes, from a selection, DSquared2, as before. Both wearing necklace, £8,663, Fabergé.

The cheshire Magazine | Fashion

Savana: Dress, £90, and shoes, £148, Bonpoint, as before. Irene: Dress, £2,095, Matthew Williamson (matthewwilliamson.com). Shoes, from a selection, DSquared2, as before.

Savana: Skirt as dress, from a selection, John Rocha (johnrocha.ie). Bag, £295, Smythson, as before. Irene: Dress, from a selection, John Rocha, as before. Hat, from a selection, DSquared2, as before. Sunglasses, £230, and belt, £190, Marni, as before. Bag, £983, Maison Martin Margiela, (maisonmartinmargiela.com). Ring, from a selection, Fabergé, as before. Bracelet, £3,200, Ritz Fine Jewellery, as before.

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The cheshire Magazine | Fashion

Savana: Shirt, £142, and trousers, £107, Bonpoint, as before. Shoes, £680, Christian Dior (dior.com). Irene: Dress and underwear, £6,600 and shoes, £690, both Christian Dior, as before.

CREDITS Make Up: Neusa Neves At Terri Manduca using Bobbi Brown; Child grooming using Burt’s Bees Hair Stylist: Chrysostomos At Webster And Whiteman using KMS California Models: Savana at Kids London and Irene at Elite London Assistant: Sam Ha Location: With special thanks to Bleeding Heart Studio 101

Beauty news Want flawless skin every day? With new ranges from Yves Saint Laurent to Chanel, your wish is our command Black or white ‘Perfume is like fashion for the nose,’ says Karl Lagerfeld. While this is perhaps not one of his most profound statements, Mr Lagerfeld is undoubtedly heartfelt in his love of fragrances as shown by the fact that this year sees him launch his first ever scents, one for men and one for women. The fragrances have been named after the designer and are housed in art-inspired, geometric bottles in monochrome colours: white for girls, black for boys. Perfumers Christine Nagel and Serge Majoullier created the elegant green floral notes of Karl’s eau du parfum for women. Like the designer’s sought-after collections, the scent plays on contrasts, merging florals with powerful, dark woody notes in the base. £65 for 85ml, Karl Lagerfeld Women. Available nationwide from 24 March (karl.com)

In bloom As flowers begin to blossom in the spring months so too do beauty brand’s new S/S14 ranges, and one of our favourites is Dior’s Trianon collection. Named after The Grand Trianon built for Louis XIV in the Gardens of Versailles, the range of beautiful floral colour palettes have been created to capture this regal landscape. Shades range from pistachio green to shimmering chocolate in the namesake limited edition Trianon palette. The brand has gone all out with its eye shadows this season including an innovative gum texture which provides two finishes depending on how you apply it: a soft, light finish if blended with fingertips or an intense pigmented fusion when used with a brush. (dior.com) 102

The cheshire Magazine | Beauty

A perfect fit

Pure gold In a further bid to conquer the world of premium skincare, Yves Saint Laurent recently made a groundbreaking scientific discovery which has revolutionized its skincare collection. After establishing a complete research program in the field of Glycobiology, YSL has taken this one step further by identifying that the pistil of saffron (or ‘red gold’, as it’s often referred to) from the crocus flower has a high concentration of glycans, which affect skin’s cell communication and metabolism and subsequently help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. With the saffron having been sourced from the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, this no doubt explains the hefty price tag. £275, Or Rouge Cream, 50ml (yslbeauty.co.uk)

Established in 1805, it should come as no surprise that renowned men’s grooming brand Truefitt & Hill are indisputably masters of their craft. Indeed, any well-groomed man worth his salt will already be familiar with their plush shaving brushes, moisturisers, cleansing scrubs and super-luxurious cologne balm – and for those who haven’t yet discovered this dermatological treat, now is most certainly the time. With the country’s only Truefitt & Hill store located so far away (on London’s upmarket St James’ Street), we’re overjoyed to announce that newcomer Meccanica Coritani will now be stocking a fantastic range of their products – and while you’re there, we’d also recommend indulging in their excellent designer cycling apparel. Meccanica Coritani, The Old Cycle Works, Windsor Way Knutsford WA16 4JB

Treatment of the month Having tried too many cellulite body treatments in the past with little results, I was slightly encouraged to hear that Lidos in Altrincham are the first in Cheshire to introduce the clinically proven non-invasive Smooth Shapes System. With holiday season well on the way I felt my arms and thighs could do with some toning up so I made an appointment to have my first session. During the consultation, Jelena my therapist explained the causes of cellulite and how this new technology called photomology actually works. In a nut shell, dynamic laser and light energy is used to thermally heat the fat cells which are then liquefied and moved out through the lymphatic system by means of vacuum massage and contoured rollers. The results are a much smoother, even skin tone. Whilst it sounds a bit dramatic, I found the experience pleasantly enjoyable as you feel your cellulite actually being ironed out and the heat generated is really relaxing. I was encouraged to drink plenty of water after my treatment and for the best results a course of 2 treatments per week for a month is recommended. As for the results, I was surprised to see an improvement within my first session – my thighs felt smooth along with the feeling like I had actually exercised my muscles at the gym! My second treatment is booked and I cannot wait - bring on that bikini. £75 per session or £580 for the course of 8. Lidos Boutique Spa, 29-31 Oxford Road Altrincham, Cheshire WA14 2ED (lidos-spa.co.uk; 0161 927 7962)

The gift of beauty We were excited as always to hear that, yet again, our local Harvey Nichols will be rewarding their loyal customers with the return of their limited edition beauty gift with purchase. This means that anyone spending more than £135 on fragrance, skincare, beauty or cosmetics will receive £200 worth of treats, all neatly presented in a limited edition cosmetics bag designed by illustrator Darren Wall. But hurry, as they’re only available while stocks last. (harveynichols.com)

National velvet It’s a revelation - Chanel’s latest smooth-effect make-up, Perfection Lumiere Velvet, does in fact accomplish what it claims. The lightweight formula applies easily onto the skin and gives a smooth, weightless finish and thanks to the Perfect Light Control complex, imperfections, dark spots and redness are also diminished. Say hello to flawless skin. Available from 11 April, Perfection Lumiere Velvet SPF15, £33 (chanel.com)

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Natural

beauty She’s the artist behind the original ‘flawless face’ concept. Now, Laura Mercier is turning her talents to philanthropy, as she launches three colour products to raise money for the Laura Mercier Ovarian Cancer Fund w or d s : e l l e b l a k e m a n

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Beauty

here isn’t a woman alive who doesn’t dream of flawless skin. For those who have mastered it, either naturally or with a little cosmetic help – the result is akin to discovering the elixir of youth – without aging pigmentation, pores and blemishes you can stay forever young, at least as far as the mirror is concerned. Laura Mercier has built an empire upon this simple concept – helping women to get a perfect canvas before they add colour – earning her a global reputation for her eponymous make-up range. ‘I always believed there was enormous potential and I knew my line could fill a void in the market. It ended up resonating with the global consumer but I certainly did not anticipate such a success,’ says Mercier. ‘I had this entire concept around my belief that making the skin look flawless is the first and most important thing a woman can do to achieve a great look. The search for products that would help every woman achieve her own version of flawless was, and still is, my inspiration when creating products.’ Having been brought up in the south of France and educated in Paris before heading to work in the United States as a professional make-up artist, working with everyone from Madonna to photographer Steve Meisel, Mercier has clear influences throughout her line, from the elegant Parisians to the ultragroomed New Yorkers. ‘Many of my products were influenced by where I lived and the cultures I was surrounded by – for example, Tinted Moisturizer is a very French cosmetic and you can find it anywhere there – in drugstores, perfumeries and pharmacies – that’s how I came to be a pioneer in developing our

Tinted Moisturizer and bringing it to America. In addition, red lipstick is a signature part of a French woman’s look and is considered your signature. So this highly influenced me in my love of a bright, bold lip.’ Last month Mercier launched the Laura Mercier Ovarian Cancer Fund, something that she was inspired to do when a close friend was diagnosed with the disease. Along with President and CEO of Gurwitch Products, Claudia Poccia, who tragically also lost her sister to the illness, Mercier has launched a range of products – a lip glaze, a radiance-giving blusher and a chic all-in-one pallete – with 100% of the profits going to the Laura Mercier Ovarian Cancer Fund. ‘I am not only flooded with inspirational testaments, but I have close friends battling the disease, so I am aware of the daily battle that

‘I always believed there was enormous potential and I knew my line could fill a void in the market’ these women undergo personally,’ says Mercier. ‘My biggest hope for the Laura Mercier Ovarian Cancer Fund is simple raising awareness so that we bring attention to this deadly, hiding disease.’ Ovarian Cancer is now the fifth most common cancer affecting women in this country. All products available nationwide from Laura Mericer (lauramercier.com) Bonne Mine Healthy Glow for Face & Cheeks Crème Colour Palette, £37; Kiss of Hope Lip Glace, £19; Matte Radience Healthy Glow Baked Powder & Mini Face Brush, £24, all Laura Mercier (lauramercier.com)

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Beauty is asbeauty does… You might think this an odd mantra for the owner of a prestige skin clinic in Wilmslow, but owner Mozhgan Taheri knows that a woman’s confidence is intrinsically linked to how she feels about the way she looks W o r d s : K a t e H o u g ht o n

or Mozhgan, results are all important, but when results go more than skin deep, when they affect and enhance a woman’s self-confidence and boost her self-esteem, that’s when she feels happiest. ‘I see all kinds of woman here: the young and beautiful celebrity, who worries that it is only her youth and looks that keep her career going, older women who have suffered a loss or have been betrayed for a younger woman, women who whenever they look in the mirror are disappointed by what they see, as it doesn’t match the way they feel inside. Every woman who comes here is seeking change, and if giving them more youthful looking, healthy and glowing skin, or helping them sculpt their curves into a more flattering shape is what it takes to make them relax and learn to appreciate themselves again, then this is what we shall work to do.’ Mozhgan is herself a very elegant and beautiful woman, and this could be quite intimidating, if it were not for the almost maternal level of warmth and welcome that she greets you with. Behind the finely arched brows and full lips is a woman that you instinctively know would give you a huge hug, if that’s what you needed. She is also immensely practical, and takes great care to manage her clients’ expectations appropriately. ‘All skin ages,’ Mozhgan says. ‘This is currently impossible to stop. BUT – we can slow the rapidity of the aging and reduce the outward signs.’ ‘Lines and wrinkles are but a sign of a life lived. In fact, it’s the skin texture that makes the real difference. You can be lined, but if your skin is

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smooth and glows with health, then you are beautiful, without doubt. Dull, grey, dry and dehydrated skin will not allow beauty, no matter how many lines you blur with fillers or other injectables.’ She combines this realistic approach to skin care with a very firm view on what treatments she is actually prepared to offer. ‘I research all the treatments I offer thoroughly, and will only work with suppliers who have significant evidence of the effectiveness of what they offer.’ ‘I always test the treatments on myself and my team here first, and wait to see what results are being achieved.’

‘Lines and wrinkles are but a sign of a life lived’ – Mozhgan Taheri Mozhgan has invested in some serious technology for her clinic, including the Regenlite Laser. ‘I am so impressed with this treatment, it really lifts and tightens the skin and works very well around the eye area.’ ‘I also offer Radio Frequency (RF) for face and body. This works through super-heating the dermal layer of skin cells without affecting the upper layer, the epidermis. The water molecules in the dermal layer vibrate in response to the RF. The neurotransmitters to the brain interpret this as a perceived threat or potential injury and the body responds by stimulating collagen, and also the elastin fibres tighten up. This is the body’s natural repair process; the result is tighter, firmer, younger looking skin.

The cheshire Magazine | Beauty

‘However, it is also vital to feed the skin, to maintain high levels of hydration and that lovely, smooth “cushioned” feel younger skin naturally has. For this I have a marvellous Mesotherapy treatment, which feeds a clinical grade skin serum into the skin using a very gentle skin massage tool. It plumps wrinkles, diminishes and even clears fine lines and leaves you with a fabulous glow. When you combine as part of a course of RF it’s a very effective treatment indeed.’ I can vouch for this. A single RF treatment followed by a Mesotherapy a week later left me in receipt of many compliments and queries as to what I’d been up to. The latest addition to Mozhgan’s arsenal is the CryoSauna. Already proving hugely popular with mentally stressed businessmen and physically stressed sportsmen, it looks set to form a major part of her business. ‘CryoSauna is a whole body therapy originally created for purely medical use. It uses a supercooling process that drops the skin temperature to around -1ºc for one to three minutes, by surrounding you in extremely cold air ranging from -110ºc to -150ºc. Cryotherapy is already well accepted by top athletes – we can all recall the images of Andy Murray sinking into an ice-filled bath after a game.’ The extreme cold exposure causes the body to raise its metabolic rate in order to produce heat. This effect lasts hours after the procedure, causing the body to burn 500 to 800 calories. The cold air activates the production of collagen in deeper layers of your skin, creating smoother and more even-toned skin and increased elasticity. ‘And,’ Mozhgan laughs, ‘I think maybe the fact that you can be in here and back out again in 15 minutes is another positive point for the business men who use it. Feedback has been all positive; results are best seen after a course of treatments, but even a single one can boost your metabolism and it really wakes you up for the day!’ Mozhgan Taheri, Aesthetic Specialist Clinic, 3a Alma Lane, Wilmslow SK9 5ND (mozhgantaheri.com)

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The cheshire Magazine | Interiors

or the jet-set man who has everything (and nowhere to put it), T.T. Trunks have the ultimate creation; the Dandy Trunk. Sporting a custom made design featuring a swathe of solid brass and marine wood, the trunk includes such fabulous features as an iPad base, power pack for mobile gadgets, whiskey decanter (hidden politely at its centre and accompanied by six whiskey glasses), and a small army of neat draws. The first of these houses a tray case (which can be personalised to hold a board games unit, shoe shine kit, or a space for watches, belts or ties), while the second is assigned to cigars with a humidifier and a hygrometer, and the third holds 500 personalised poker chips, a dealer button, two decks of cards and a gaming table top. Whether on the road or idle, the man who has everything need never be bored again. (tttrunks.com)

BOX OF TRICKS 109

Trident

tested At last Maserati has a mainstream contender that can pass muster with the best sports saloons, says Matthew Carter

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and it’s largely down to one car: the new Maserati Ghibli. If any Maserati could be called mainstream, this Ghibli is it. Unlike the original Ghibli (a 1960s V8 two-seater GT) or the second to bear the name (a two-door coupé from the 1990s) this one is a four-door, five-seat saloon. Whisper it; there’s even a diesel version in the line-up. This, then, is the car that Maserati wants us to regard as a serious rival to cars like the BMW 5-series, the Jaguar XF, Audi A6 and Merc CLS. If sales were dependent solely on dinner party kudos, the Maser would win every time – a trident is always going to look cooler than a three-pointed star or four interlocking rings on

‘If sales were dependent solely on dinner party kudos, the Maser’s trident would win every time’

emember those I-Spy... books, clearly aimed at kids who hoped to become trainspotters when they grew up? Page after page of pictures of interesting things to see with points on offer when you’d seen them… and the more obscure the object, the more points to ‘win’. Well, they’re still around and although I’ve not seen the current edition of I-Spy... Cars, I’ve got a fairly strong hunch that there’ll be a bundle of points up for anyone clocking a Maserati. You see, Maserati sold just 319 cars in the UK last year and a mere 304 in 2012. They are not two a penny. However, that could be about to change. The company aims to sell rather more this year

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a key fob – but at this level it needs to do more than merely look good; every one of those rivals is a fine driving machine. Looks, of course, are always subjective but the Ghibli doesn’t do badly on the design front. The sloping roofline just about allows it to pass as a four-door coupé, while the styling heritage cues, such as the shape of the (hefty) grille and the three air extractor vents on the rear of the front wings, help to give the Ghibli its own identity. That’s important when every Merc, Audi and BMW could be any Merc, Audi or BMW, so strong are the respective brand identities. Although shorter than the Quattroporte, with which it shares much of its basic architecture, the Ghibli still has plenty of room for four (it will carry five but it’s a bit of a squeeze). There’s plenty of legroom front and rear and the boot is vast. So far so good then. What about engines? Well, there are three choices, all 3.0-litre V6s. The entry model is the aforementioned diesel with 275hp, Stop/Start technology, average performance but

The cheshire Magazine | Motoring

good economy. But despite an Active Sound System that makes the oil burner sound at times like a V8 petrol engine, who buys a Maserati to save fuel? Petrol then, and the choice lies between the 330hp Ghibli and the bi-turbo 410hp Ghibli S. No contest really. If you’re going to have a Maserati, you’ll need the 177 mph max and the 0-62 mph in 5.0 seconds offered by the S. It’s fast and feels it. Coupled with the brilliant ZF 8-speed automatic as used by everyone, the Ghibli stirs the soul in a way that only an Italian car can. The only downside is the economy (and yes, I know I’m contradicting what I said earlier) but, really, 16 mpg around our admittedly busy urban test route will take some getting used to… and that’s despite judicious use of a new ICE (Increased Control and Efficiency) gearbox mode which uses electronics to dial out much of the pleasure of 410hp in the name of economy. Ride comfort will take some getting used to as well. The test car had fancy 20-inch wheels in place of the standard 18-inchers and they helped to transmit every bump, pothole and ridge from our pockmarked roads into the cabin. The standard wheels will no doubt be better, but there’s no denying that the rivals – notably the Jag – understand how to make a sports saloon comfortable without detracting from the handling. At least Maserati knows how to make the Ghibli go around corners. The steering is well-weighted and accurate, while the chassis isn’t dulled by too many Big Brother electronic aids. A few laps of a test track, admittedly in streaming rain, showed the Ghibli was more than willing to slip and slide a bit if the driver so desired. This is a car with spirit. And it is a pleasant place to be, too. There’s plenty of sumptuous leather, a good sound system – plus an exceptional one on the options list, courtesy of Bowers & Wilkins, if you’re prepared to stump up a further three-and-half grand for the privilege – and a general feel of wellbeing coming from sitting behind the large trident badge on the steering wheel. The only feature that looks as if it comes out

of a £10k Fiat (and probably does) is the sat nav/control screen which not only has terrible graphics but is also housed in an ugly chrome surround. It’s not a patch on the screens and displays found in Audis or BMWs. And that somehow sums up the Maserati. It’s not as good as a 5-series Bee Emm, but then precious little else is. So if you’re looking for a consummate performer that is economical, holds its value and simply gets on with the job without fuss, then find yourself a BMW 535d and tick a few option boxes along the way. But if you want a car with character – and are prepared to put up with a few foibles – then pay the Maserati some attention. And don’t be too worried that Ghibli is the car that Maserati hopes will raise that paltry sales figure. For 2014, the company plans to sell just 1,500 cars, of which 1,000 will be Ghiblis. It’s still going to have exclusivity as standard.

IN BRIEF Car: Maserati Ghibli S Price: £63,415 Engine: Front-mounted, 2,979 cc, V6-cylinder petrol, twin turbo Power: 410 hp Performance: 177 mph max, 0-62 mph in 5.0 seconds Drive: Rear-wheel drive, eight-speed automatic

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Take no prisoners Richard Yarrow test drives the new and most expensive Land Rover Defender and finds out why the brand’s most powerful diesel car is well worth the money

’m sat in the passenger seat of one of the world’s newest rally cars, strapped in with a race harness and wearing a helmet. The vehicle is fitted with a motorsport-spec roll cage and fire extinguisher system. At the wheel is an experienced professional instructor, and we’re bouncing down a puddle-strewn forest track, drifting through the corners and spraying liquid mud everywhere. It’s brilliant. However, this is no new World Rally Championship contender from one of the sport’s leading manufacturers. Bizarrely, it’s a Land Rover Defender, one of the world’s most recognisable cars, but an agricultural workhorse more used to doing 18mph than 80mph. This one is rather special, though. At £60,000 it’s the most expensive Defender you can buy, and with 170bhp under the bonnet it’s also the most powerful diesel version the British firm has ever sold. The car will hit 60mph in 7.9 seconds and has a top speed of more than 100mph. It’s completely road-legal, but the farmers’ 4x4 has turned from horsebox tow car to racing monster, and is taking part in its own singlemake rally series between now and November. The championship is called the ‘2014 Defender Challenge’ and is the first-ever-staged in the UK in the iconic off-roader’s 56-year history. Sponsored by Land Rover, the seven events will take place within pre-existing race meets.

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They will be operated by Bowler Motorsport, the long-time Land Rover collaborator best known for the Wildcat rally car. Company founder Drew Bowler explained the events are designed to act as a feeder series to larger global races, such as the infamous Dakar Rally. This type of racing is known as a ‘rally-raid’ – a long-distance cross-country off-road competition that usually takes place over several days and multiple stages. ‘We have customers who want to do the Dakar and can afford it,’ says Bowler. ‘But the first time they’re going to drive in the desert they’re sat on the start line. That’s not ideal.’ The solution is the Challenge, a Bowlerdeveloped programme that puts those drivers through a season of races in the UK, supplemented by testing in North Africa, to build their skills. Competing like this will help build their confidence slowly, so when they get to the Dakar they’re not simply wasting their money. ‘They’re never going to win, but there’s a chance they might finish. This isn’t about out and out speed, but learning the skills to progress,’ says Bowler. The project began early in 2013 when a customer approached Bowler with the idea of building a car for him to learn rally-raid driving. The company thought it was a 

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ď&#x201A;°good idea, and that other people might appreciate the same sort of vehicle. The Motor Sport Association (MSA) and ASO, which organises the Dakar, also backed the project, so Drew went to Land Rover with his idea and asked for its support. The rest is history. The Challenge car, built by Bowler, is nothing more than a Defender 90 Hard Top fresh off the production line, but with a few modifications. At the heart of the car is the

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engine, Land Roverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s standard 2.2-litre diesel unit but boosted from 122bhp to 170bhp. All the suspension components have been upgraded and optional extras include another 15bhp, a limited slip differential and a faster steering system. The six-speed manual gearbox is standard, albeit with a new rally-style gear selecter. The sports steering wheel dominates the instrumentation, with a data-logging device and emergency windscreen hammer attached to

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Motoring

the top of the dashboard. The rear has been stripped of any seating, replaced instead by a full-sized spare wheel bolted to the load floor. Conversion work is done at Bowler’s Derbyshire workshop, taking 120 man-hours over 10 days. Despite the modifications, in motorsport terms the car is actually very cheap. If you want to buy Bowler’s range-topping EXR car – based on the Range Rover Sport – you can spend more than £170,000.

‘It feels like every other Defender but with more power and swifter acceleration’ The idea of the Challenge is to make competing as accessible as possible for enthusiasts. But for those who want the motorsport look for their own Defender, everything from the unique wheels to the bolt-on front bumper and side sections are available as aftermarket accessories through Bowler. The good news is that my time with the car wasn’t just about taking a passenger ride – it was also about getting behind the wheel. First was an opportunity to try it out on the back roads around Land Rover’s UK headquarters in Gaydon, Warwickshire. In short, it feels like every other Defender but with more power and swifter acceleration. It’s still noisy and crude by modern motoring standards. But it comes into its own away from the tarmac. Once I’d been strapped into the driver’s seat, I headed off round a section of the company’s off-road test track, appropriately labelled ‘The Developing World’. After so much

winter rain, the route was very wet and cut up – perfect for rallying – and while this Defender feels antiquated on public roads, it was right at home on the potholed gravel track. It’s very torquey and it was vital to get up quickly through the gears to make the most of the extra power. The trick in such slippery conditions is to get the nose tight to the inside line through the corners – as close to the grass verge as possible – and keep the power on, especially if it starts to drift and the back end comes round. With my windscreen wipers going double-time and powering through the water splashes, driving this car was great fun. Expert instruction meant I quickly felt like I was improving and my lap times were coming down, even if I was at low speeds of 30-50mph. I’m not going to pretend all went to plan – I made some considerable marks on the grass verge on a couple of occasions – but it was grin-inducing stuff. Next stop the Dakar Rally… (landrover.com)

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The

fantastic

four Performance, style or space? Finally, it is possible to have it all WORDS: Neil Briscoe

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The cheshire Magazine | Motoring

aving your cake and eating it is a dangerous tactic, as anyone who’s had a go at Weight Watchers will tell you. All that crumbly, buttery, sweet loveliness is just so tempting, sitting there on the plate, but touch it and you’re in for a world of expanding waistlines, creaking belts and weighing scales cowering in fear of their lives. So it is with cars, or at least so goes the conventional wisdom. If you want to have a car with dramatic styling, an exhaust note to rival Aretha Franklin and straight-line performance to shame Usain Bolt, that’s all possible. You can have that. If, though, you want to mix those qualities with other, more practical concerns, such as boot space, useable rear seats or an ability to shrug off lousy weather conditions then you’re on to a loser. Like losing weight while eating cake, it simply can’t be done. Except now, it can. Ferrari is not a car maker you think of when you think of practicality. You think of Ferrari when you think of low, red wedges of purest Italian theatre. You think of Ferrari when you think of screaming V12 and V8 engines, of Formula One domination, of old man Enzo chuckling from behind his ever present dark glasses at the thought of mere mortals trying to tame one of his creations. The

magic of Ferrari, the essence, has always been drama and who cares if there’s room for your bags or not? Well, actually, Ferrari does, and for the past few years, under the direction of the painfully stylish Ferrari president Luca Di Montezemolo, has been getting more (whisper it) practical. More reliable, less highly-strung. You can actually think, seriously, about owning and using a Ferrari as your every day transport. Especially if your Ferrari happens to be this one, the FF. Now that perhaps is not the most evocative badge in Ferrari’s history. 312 Superamerica? Sure. 365 GTB Daytona? Certainly. FF. Ummm... It is though Ferrari’s way of being, shall we say, intellectually honest about the car. FF stands for Ferrari Four and that refers to both the number of seats in the cabin and the driven wheels – yes, for the first time ever, here is a Ferrari with four-wheel drive. Four-seat Ferraris tend not to get a lot of love. Indeed, the mid-eighties 412 model (kind of square looking, not very pretty) is generally derided as the single worst thing ever to wear the prancing horse badge. Four-seat Ferraris have generally been better than the zeitgeist would have you believe though. The 456 of the early nineties was one of the nicest-looking 

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Ferraris of all time and if the more recent 612 Scaglietti wasn’t, then it was at least bloomin’ brilliant to drive. The FF is somewhere between the two. That chiselled nose is far prettier than the 612’s unsightly conk, but the chopped-off rear end is an acquired taste. At least you can claim it references the sixties ‘breadvan’ 250 GTO Le Mans racer, with its wind-tunnel honed body. The beauty of the FF is on the inside though. Acres of buttery soft leather, that massive rev-counter dominating the dashboard from behind a squared-off steering wheel festooned with F1-style buttons. And behind, actual, real seats. Unlike other so-called 2+2 grand tourers, real humans (even adult ones) can fit in the back of an FF and still be able to feel their extremities when they alight. It’s actually pretty comfy in there, even on broken tarmac when you have the ‘bumpy road’ setting dialled in to the electronically-controlled suspension. That four-wheel drive system is pretty clever too. The FF eschews the traditional transfer-boxand-second-prop-shaft arrangement of most 4WD systems (too tall and too heavy) and instead plonks an extra two-speed gearbox in front of the engine which, until you select fifth on the main twin-clutch seven speed gearbox, distributes up to 30 per cent of the engine’s

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power to the front wheels. The upshot of this is that the FF is able to simply shrug-off the kind of weather that would normally confound a lowslung, V12 engined sports car. The gales and rain of January were simply not an issue and we’ve heard reports that it can climb snowy Alpine ski runs in the manner of a Range Rover. No Range Rover ever went like this though. While it may be practical (4WD, those seats, the generous 450-litre boot) the FF is still a Ferrari and a V12 one at that. The 6.3-litre engine is just staggeringly powerful, with 660 hp at your disposal. While the 4WD tames that grunt at lower speeds, and makes the FF an effortless doddle when you just want to cruise, when you start getting serious, it responds in kind. Mash the throttle to the carpet and the FF simply explodes forward, that V12 ripping and shredding the air around it into sheets of pure music. No symphony orchestra ever sounded as good as the FF on its way to a 3.7 sec 0-62 mph run and the way the fast-shifting gearbox throws fresh cogs into the mix has you thinking that it’s made by Gatling. The FF excites like a proper Ferrari should. And then you settle down, slow down and calm down and so does the FF. It will glide you home in the comfort of an executive saloon, it qualifies for Ferrari’s new seven-year maintenance and servicing warranty and you can genuinely fit a week’s shopping in the boot. It’s cake, delicious creamy cake, that you can have, eat and savour.

IN BRIEF Top speed: 208 mph Engine: 6.3-litre V12 Power: 660 hp @ 8,000 rpm 0-62mph: 3.7 seconds Torque: 683 nm @ 6,000 rpm Transmission: 7-speed dual clutch paddle shift, four-wheel drive Economy: 18.3 mpg CO2: 360 g/km Price: £227,142 (£292,297 as tested with options)

Just a couple of hours from home. And yet a world away.

w w w. a u s t r i a . i n f o

Yo u r p e r s o n a l H o l i d a y I n f o r m a t i o n L i n e : 0845 101 1818 (calls charged at local rates)

It’s All In The Timing Created by footballer Michael Owen, Manor House Stables is a very special equestrian training facility. We meet trainer Tom Dascombe to find out why words : k a t e ho u g hton

he racing season is now upon us and as the excitement builds at the Roodee it’s worth taking a look at what goes on behind the scenes of what can fairly be described as the world’s oldest entertainment industry. Manor House Stables in Malpas was created by Michael Owen and his wife Louise in 2007, when they turned an old farm into one of the UK’s most beautiful and extraordinary race training facilities, custom built to provide horses, and their owners, with the best possible chance of achieving the dream – winning a race. However, even the most technologically advanced set-up is nothing without a great trainer, and Owen, with business partner Andrew Black (founder of online betting business Betfair) joined forces with Tom Dascombe in what has proven to be a very successful move. Tom’s story is pretty much as you’d imagine it might be, having decided at a very young age that he would spend his life working with horses. ‘Pretty much as soon as I could walk I wanted to ride, and decided in my early teens that I wanted to be a jockey,’ says Tom, ruddy cheeked and windblown, fresh from riding out at Manor House on the most beautiful day of the year so far. ‘I got myself a job as a stable hand with Martin Pipe in Somerset as soon as I was able, at 16, and from there progressed to jump jockey.’ It might seem odd that Dascombe trains for flat racing now, having learned at the side of a jump racing supremo, and ridden the fences himself. ‘I knew early that I was going to be too big for flat racing; those guys are very petite. Working with Martin Pipe was the best experience though. He’s trained more winners than any other trainer in the UK to date, and was crowned Champion Trainer 15 times.’

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Tom’s own racing career was slightly less illustrious, but he certainly had his fair share of winners and an unforgettable ride in the Grand National. ‘It got rather too painful though!’ laughs Tom. ‘The successes more than made up for the bruises along the way, but at 27 I decided that I needed to find a more lucrative, less damaging career. I spent a few years travelling the world, always working in the racing industry; sometimes with horses, breaking yearlings for example, and also with connected businesses,

‘I started with six horses and in four years took that to nearly 100’ such as my time with a bloodstock agency. It was the perfect learning experience, and I realised quickly that what I really wanted to do was be a racing trainer myself.’ Aged 32 Tom sold his home and bought a yard in Lambourn, where he set about coaxing owners to bring their horses to him. ‘I started with six horses and in four years took that to nearly 100. I had some early success; a couple of winners at Newmarket in 2008 can truly be said to have changed my life.’ Tom’s winning ability attracted the attention of Owen and Black, who in 2009 approached him to join them as a partner in establishing Manor House Stables as a ‘Group One establishment’ – the home of winners in Group One horse races; Classics and other races of major international importance. Group One horses are the highest level of thoroughbred, and are bred and trained to provide the immeasurable and unique thrill only found

The cheshire Magazine | Feature

when leaping up and down and screaming as your chosen runner thunders past the post, preferably in first place. Tom is measurably successful at what he does, but what is it that sets him apart from the rest? How does he, and his team of 31 full-time stable staff, bring every horse to the peak of fitness and ability that it needs to stand a chance of winning? ‘Race horses are athletes, and we have to take the same approach to training. Some types of athletes, such as premier league footballers, need to maintain a high level of fitness that will be called upon on a regular, frequent basis. Others compete less frequently, so a plan needs to be put in place to bring them to the very highest level possible just in time for the race.’ The facilities at Manor House Stables play a huge part in every horse’s training regime, and are vital in getting each horse sufficiently rested and ready to race again within a week. ‘What we do with the horses in the period between races is as vital as what we do to bring them to peak fitness in the lead up to the season. We have tremendous facilities here and incredibly skilled staff. The recovery period is spent resting, receiving physiotherapy treatments, on a carefully managed diet and just the right amount of exercise.’ There’s clearly a blend of skill and experience here, supported by the best that current technology and equine learning can deliver, but also surely a sprinkling of something magical? Tom argues not. ‘Admittedly, there’s no feeling like it, when your horse achieves something special. The winner’s enclosure is a great place to be; it’s pretty satisfying to have gone to sales, chosen a horse, broken it, trained it, found the right race and won with it. But it’s important to keep perspective. We work hard, we really get to know our horses and we plan to win – but at the end of the day horse racing is an entertainment industry, it’s not a matter of life or death.’ (manorhousestables.com)

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A DAY AT THE RACES

Whether you’re a fan of horse racing or polo, Chester Racecourse is steeped in sporting history and internationally renowned for its high calibre equestrian events words: gemma knight

here are few more thrilling sights than horses thundering into the final furlong at Chester. With racing on the site dating back to 1539, Chester is the oldest racecourse in Britain (and possibly the world), boasting a thrilling racing season which kicks off with the three day Boodles May Festival – a flagship fixture which puts Chester on the map nationally, providing the very highest level of racing and the chance to see some of the best known names in the sport. The event begins with the Stanjames.com Cup Day, followed by the ever-popular Boodles Ladies Day, and finally ending on a high with

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the Boodles City Day, a fantastic event which sees the city’s streets packed with enthusiastic racegoers and two more Group Three races which attract some of the most talked about horses of the season. After May there are a further 12 fixtures throughout the summer months, each with its own unique identity, from the family friendly fixtures, Roman Day and Family Funday (with handy extra activities alongside racing to keep the children entertained), to the super glamorous Friday evening fixtures when best dressed racegoers are rewarded with an assortment of fantastic prizes.

The cheshire Magazine | Feature

Horsing Around Often referred to as the Sport of Kings, the grace, skill and inextricable glamour of a well-played polo match have long secured this sporting pursuit in a league of its own. Combining athletic prowess with the exhilarating atmosphere of adrenalinefuelled competition and the irresistible excuse to don your sartorial best, it’s not hard to see the appeal – and with huge sums of prize money and hard-won sporting reputations on the line at every match, it’s no surprise that this regal pastime is enjoying greater popularity than ever. Originating in Persia in the 6th century, the game came

Throughout the year, a steady stream of high-profile tournaments take place at the grounds, beginning with the LDF International Polo (23 and 24 May), an event which firmly places Chester in the national spotlight. The season also includes the Audi International featuring The Roodee Challenge Cup Tournament on 5 and 6 September, a popular event which brings each day of play to a climactic finish with an evening of live music. The club also holds a number of weekend tournaments between June and September, offering members the opportunity to test their skills against invited visiting teams, while each of the international tournaments also offers a selection of luxury VIP hospitality packages which include such delights as champagne or Prosecco receptions. (chester-races.co.uk)

‘The game came into existence as a training activity for cavalry units such as the king’s guard and other elite troops’ into existence as a training activity for cavalry units such as the king’s guard and other elite troops, later evolving to become a popular sport known as ‘pulu’ in Manipur (now a state in India) before being adopted and formalised by the British. The Calcutta Polo Club, the first of its kind, was established by two British soldiers in 1862, and from there the sport spread to their peers in England and then gradually throughout the world. In Cheshire, polo’s home is indisputably to be found at the renowned Chester Racecourse Polo Club, a glamorous venue which is firmly established on the British polo circuit and often plays host to the country’s premier events.

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Feature | The cheshire Magazine

BETTING GUIDE

f you’ve not been before, the world of horse racing can be a puzzling affair – and, try as you might, it’s hard not to make an obvious blunder or two that’s guaranteed to mark you out as a novice. Luckily, our nifty beginner’s guide is at hand, giving you all the tips and tricks you’ll need to sound every inch the seasoned racegoer this summer.

Accumulator: A kind of multiple bet which involves making simultaneous selections on two or more races with the intent of adding the winnings of the first win on the bet of the following race, and so on. All the selections made must win for you to win the accumulated bet. Each-way: Betting on a horse to win and/or ‘place’, with the same amount on the horse for a win or a place. Fixed odds: Your dividend is fixed at the odds when you placed your bet. Forecast: A bet that involves correctly predicting the 1st and 2nd places for a particular event. In the money: Describes the horses in a race that finish 1st, 2nd and 3rd (and sometimes 4th) or the horses on which money will be paid to bettors. Odds: The bookmakers’ view of the chance of a competitor winning (adjusted to include a profit). The figure or fraction by which a bookmaker offers to multiply a bettor’s stake, which the bettor is entitled to receive (plus his or her own stake) if their selection wins. High odds suggest the horse stands little chance of

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winning, while low odds suggest the opposite.

Odds-against: Where the odds are greater

than evens (e.g. 5/2) and the bookmaker’s stake is greater than the bettor’s stake. For example, a horse that is quoted at 4/1 would be odds against, because if it wins a race, the bookmaker returns £4 for every pound a bettor places on that horse, plus his or her original outlay. Odds-on: Odds of less than even money, meaning you have to outlay more than you win. For example if a horse is 1/2, you have to outlay £2 to win £1 and your total collect if the horse wins is £3. On The Nose: Betting a horse to win only. Outsider: A horse that is not expected to win. An outsider is usually quoted at the highest odds. Patent: A multiple bet consisting of seven bets involving three selections in different events. A single on each selection, plus three doubles and one treble. Place: Finish in the top two, top three, top four and sometimes also top five in a race. A place bet will win if the selection you bet on is among those placed. Usually, a horse runs a place if it finishes in the first three out of eight or more horses. If there are only six or seven runners the horse must finish first or second to place. Tote: A body in the UK set up to operate pool-betting on all racecourses. Treble: A bet consisting of three selections, all of which must win for the bettor to be successful. Tricast: A bet picking the first three finishers in exact order.

THE SEASON 2014

MAY • Boodles May Festival: StanJames.com Cup Day • Boodles May Festival: Boodles Ladies Day • Boodles May Festival: Boodles City Day • Matthew Clark Roman Day

Wednesday 7th Thursday 8th Friday 9th Saturday 31st

JUNE • Halewood International Day • Grosvenor Shopping Centre Ladies Evening • Stella Artois Mid-Summer Meeting

Saturday 14th Friday 27th Saturday 28th

JULY • Ladies & Gents Evening • Corbettsports City Plate Day

Friday 11th Saturday 12th

AUGUST • Family Fun Day • Stella Artois Summer Festival • Ladies Day

Sunday 3rd Saturday 16th Saturday 30th

SEPTEMBER • Autumn Festival • Betfair Autumn Festival • chesterBET Season Finale

Friday 12th Saturday 13th Saturday 27th

Tatts from £30* County from £38* Hospitality from £75*(+VAT)

01244 304 610

chester-races.com *Price subject to booking and postage fees.

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02/04/2014 16:50

The ultimate MEMBERS’ CLUB It’s the definitive online members’ club, an exclusive virtual world where the most successful young entrepreneurs come out to play. The brains behind new social network Zerdos give Gemma Knight a rare glimpse behind the scenes

or the elite group of wealthy, young entrepreneurs steadily revolutionising almost every corner of world commerce (and enjoying lifestyles of fabulous

luxury as they go), the likes of Facebook and LinkedIn simply don’t cut it in the exclusivity stakes. Enter Zero Degrees of Separation, AKA Zerdos; a brand new online community aimed

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at this select group of pioneers and business owners, with membership by invitation-only and existing members allowed to invite just two more recruits apiece. The idea behind it is simple. Although in theory any two people in the world can be linked by six degrees of separation, these young pioneers in the upper echelons of the business world tend to be far less accessible. Just as these high-profile men and women are hidden away in private rooms at gourmet eateries and VIP booths at exclusive nightspots, so they are protected from a barrage of friend requests with watertight privacy settings and shielded from unwanted phone calls by unlisted numbers. But what if these business owners and entrepreneurs want to connect with each other? While there was always a reliable network of mutual acquaintances and well-connected intermediaries to be used, with the increasingly global nature of the business world there was certainly an untapped niche to be developed. And that’s where Zerdos comes in; an exclusive global social network which creates an intimate community where every member is separated from every other by a mere zero degrees. The network was founded by Swedish count Erik Wachtmeister, CEO and Founder of BestofAllWorlds.com, and twenty-two year-old co-founder of Tavistock Tutors, Marcus Ereira. Marcus met the sons and daughters of diplomats, business magnates, royals, politicians, fashion icons and sports stars while studying at Regent’s University in London, and realised that the one thing these educated and affluent individuals lacked was a way to share common interests and information without sacrificing their privacy. ‘It’s the ultimate private online community,’ Marcus explains. ‘Its members can stay in contact with friends they studied with or met on the other side of the world, but it cuts out all the red tape and makes it easy for business owners to contact one another in a private, intimate setting. It’s brought the members’ club experience online for business owners, so they can contact international political and business

figures, or speak to celebrities about representing their brand.’ The network’s secret weapon is its shareholders, a glamorous mix of young, high-profile figures from across the world (with representatives from the Netherlands, USA, Belgium, Israel, Lebanon, India, Pakistan, UAE, Switzerland, England, Italy, Greece, Sweden and Hungary) who help drive the community and give it that all-important global reach. Two such shareholders are playboy entrepreneurs Romeo Ruffini (son of the chairman and creative director of luxury brand Moncler) and Kieren Auluk. Both are undeniably jet-set in the most traditional sense of the word, accustomed to weekends spent skiing in St Moritz and basking on the private shores of Lake Como – more than qualified to introduce the social network to the elite, ambitious crowd for which it was created. ‘We’re very excited at the interest it’s had so far and the amount of people trying to gain access to Zerdos,’ Keiren explains to me. ‘I say trying, because Zerdos only allows its users a certain number of invites, a great way to ensure all users are like minded and can potentially help one another. So far that’s taken the form of everything from restaurant recommendations in Moscow to tech start-up investors in Silicon Valley, mining developments in East Africa to Oscars ceremony tickets, meaning there’s a really wide range of opportunities and experiences on offer. There’s also an app currently in development, and we’ve had great feedback on the discussions page and city guide’ It’s a fairly revolutionary idea and, with Cheshire an undeniable hotbed for young entrepreneurs, we’re certainly not short of suitable candidates – although, with membership of Zerdos set to be capped at just 50,000, they’ll need to network their socks off if they’re going to get in on the action before it’s too late.

above: Shareholder Kieren Auluk

owners, so they can contact international business figures’ 129

Tech SUPPORT Prepare to forget about life before these gadgets as we bring you the latest ‘can’t live without’ toys w o r d s : s i a n G ARDIN E R

#1 Modern music This modern take on the classic Magnavox R3 horn speaker of the 1920s combines the vintage appeal of 20th century design with 21st century technology. Billed as the world’s first Bluetooth gramophone, users can pair any Bluetooth-enabled device to the Gramovox, wirelessly streaming songs from up to 10 metres away through the horn, to create an authentic old-school sound. Bluetooth Gramophone, from £212 Gramovox (gramovox.com)

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#2 Financially stable These days, pickpockets need only a few seconds standing beside you to relieve you of valuable personal information through RFID hacking. Each piece in the TICON collection from luxury lifestyle accessories brand Tumi comes with their trademarked ‘ID Lock’ – a unique material comprised of metal threads which create a barrier and block signals from potential thieves. We especially love this Double Billfold wallet. TICON Wallet, £155, Tumi (tumi.com)

#3 Golden age It’s difficult to predict how future technology will look, but it’s more than likely to involve far fewer tangled wires. At present, the technology remains in its infancy, but plenty of big-name electronics companies have set their sights on making wireless power the norm for consumers, and new products from phone chargers to the likes of this MR1 speaker are going wire-free. MR1 Wireless Speaker, £300 Ruark Audio (ruarkaudio.com)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature

#4 Out of space? While hard drives aren’t usually synonymous with style and sophistication (unless you are a particularly dedicated IT geek), the latest offering from LaCie, the Sphere, is certainly a step in that direction. Handcrafted by French silversmith Christofle, the gleaming silver-plated sphere will sit pretty on your desk whilst still storing all of your important files and photos. Who knew technology could be so beautiful? Christofle Sphère, £370, LaCie (lacie.com)

#5 Better together Sometimes there’s simply nothing better than retreating into your own world of music. British sound specialists Bowers & Wilkins have joined forces with Maserati to create a luxury listening experience. Crafted from fine-grain natural leather in Maserati’s iconic deep racing blue, a closed-back design and sealed-leather ear pads ensure a quality sound to match. P5 Maserati Edition, £329.99 Bowers & Wilkins (bowers-wilkins.co.uk)

#6 Second sight Developed by Google, Glass is an Android powered, voice-controlled computer, which aims to reduce the amount of time we spend with our hands clamped around a phone. Users can expect to be able to take pictures or get directions and answers to questions right in front of their eyes, simply with the use of voice command. There’s no need for headphones either, with sound transmitted to your ear via Bone Conduction technology. (google.co.uk/glass)

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Travel news

Get inspired by Gothic castles, pristine beaches and underwater escapes, then use the very latest luxury travel website to plan your next getaway words: gemma knight

Luxury travel 24/7 March saw the launch of Alderley Edge-based JustResorts.co.uk, which brings together a hand-picked selection of five star luxury European resorts including The Marbella Club, Blue Palace Resort and Aphrodite Hills, in one easily navigable, sleek website. JustResorts.co.uk is brought to Cheshire’s luxury travel lovers by Gerry and Vikki Ashton, who promise a new, invigorated approach to planning our luxury breaks. Gerry says: ‘Vikki and I have been in the fortunate position of travelling to the world’s best resorts, both with and without our young children. We understand the needs of our target market as well as knowing the individual resorts that we are listing inside out. People can book a luxury hotel or villa holiday on their tablet, phone or laptop at any time of the day. Alternatively, there is the option of calling one of our Luxury Resorts Specialists, all of whom can provide a full VIP concierge service.’ (justresorts.co.uk)

Gothic getaway

Congratulations to Carrier Travel on winning the ‘Best Website’ award at the prestigious Travel Marketing Awards 2014, held on 20 March at the Grosvenor House Hotel

Located on the beautiful island of Anglesey, perched in the Menai Strait just off the north-west coast of Wales, Chateau Rhianfa is an incredible French-style Gothic castle as unusual and romantic as it is steeped in history. The castle boasts a young and talented chef as well as a listing in the Michelin Guide 2014 for their tasting Chateau dining experience, while it also makes the perfect venue for weddings, private parties and weekend breaks, offering themed events, Chateau dining, afternoon teas and Sunday lunches throughout the year. (amazingvenues.co.uk)

Get personal with Guerlain Start anew this spring with the Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam and its exclusive partnership with luxury French beauty brand Guerlain. Promising its guests personalised and bespoke treatments to suit their individual needs, you can experience Guerlain’s unrivalled expertise and heritage in this sophisticated haven of calm. Burrowed in the heart of Amsterdam, guests are invited to unwind in the spa’s relaxation areas which overlook the property’s extensive private gardens. With an impressive menu of lavish treatments, prepare to be transformed. (waldorfastoria.com) 132

The cheshire Magazine | Travel

Long haul Vs short haul Lovers deep For the couple with £175,000 to spare, luxury property rental specialists Oliver’s Travels offers the chance to spend the night in your own private submarine. With just one guest bedroom and a glass-fronted living space, expect to be wined, dined and treated to a once in a lifetime evening. The interior décor is chosen by each couple, to ensure it is styled to their personal taste and specific experiences are arranged before departure; additional options include a midnight stroll on a deserted beach or sunset dinner on a private island. You won’t want to come up for air. (oliverstravels.com)

Long Haul

Desert biking in Abu Dhabi The award-winning, five-star Qasr Al Sarab Desert resort is the first in the Middle East to introduce fast biking. This action-film style adventure allows guests to steer around the enormous, awe-inspiring sand peaks surrounding the resort – and add this to the action-packed list of day-trip options that the hotel already offers, including desert hikes to the Liwa Oasis, drives around the Empty Quarter and camel trekking, and your man won’t know what’s hit him. (qasralsarab.anantara.com)

Endless summer With world-class diving, watersports, calm turquoise seas, pristine white sand and – of course – fabulous food, it’s no accident that the British Virgin Islands are a firm favourite of luxury travel-aficionados far and wide. Nevertheless, it’s (perhaps surprisingly) during the Christmas and New Year period that this Caribbean haven really comes alive, with endless events such as The Fireball New Year’s Eve Party at Trellis Bay on Beef Island and the Old Year’s Night hosted by Foxy’s Tamarind Bar on the island of Jost Van Dyke. If you’re already dreading the return of the cold, wet British winter, now is most certainly the time to book. (bvitourism.co.uk)

‘Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore’ - André Gide

Short Haul

The drive of your life Known as the best road in Europe, the Stelvio Pass is a must-drive for the fast-car fanatic. Live the Lewis Hamilton lifestyle as your dream supercar (with programmed sat nav) is delivered to your door, for four days of racing along Switzerland and Italy’s most famous roads. After the thrill of hairpin bends, drivers will spend the evenings relaxing in the Swiss Alps’ most luxurious hotels. (blacktomato.com)

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Empire

of the

Why one resort still has us flocking to the famous azul atolls in the Maldives

sun

W o r d s : K at e R a c o v o l i s

t low tide on a Tuesday afternoon, a boat named Damsel deposited us near a sandbar in the middle of the Laccadive Sea. My partner and I were on the fifth day of our stay at Velassaru – a glamorous resort surrounded by, well, not much at all, and I had very willingly succumbed to this fact while holidaying in this beautiful part of the world. ‘Just to let you know, you will swim from the boat to the sandbar,’ the smiley receptionist Olga told me just before we departed for our ‘Island Escape’. Had it not been for the fact that Velassaru had been such an utterly glamorous experience already, I would have thought that this may be a little too intrepid for my liking. For a moment, I conjured images of us being dropped off in the middle of the dark, blue sea, holding my Longchamp Pliage bag above my head so as not to submerge it in seawater, scrambling ashore. But, of course, it was quite a different story. As I stood on the edge of the boat’s starboard, with flippers and goggles in hand, we slipped on our

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flippers, affixed our snorkel masks to our faces and plunged in. Like much of the shallow water in the Maldives, it was postcard clear – even the grains of sand swept up as a result of our gentle footsteps on the seabed could be seen so clearly, with sand swirling around before settling in our wake. As I ducked my head underwater, in one direction, I saw the shore of the sandbar and in the other, a dark blue abyss. We swam out towards the expanse of water, meandering around the spectacular coral reef, rocks and colourful fish. Until it suddenly disappeared. I lifted my head above water and looked back to the sandbar and realised we were a little far away for my comfort. The water around me was now dark blue and, as I hovered at the edge of this soundless reef, a sheer drop that I could not see the end of lay below my paddling feet. The underwater inhabitants, however, seemed unaffected in their coral kingdoms which branched out from the wall of sand as far as my eyes could see. Abruptly, I decided it was time to resurface,

The cheshire Magazine | Travel

with thoughts of Open Water coming to mind, and so I swam back to the little sandbar, my partner following closely behind. And there awaited a canvas marquee, complete with a lounge and lunch waiting for us. The archipelago of the Maldives has always fascinated me. It is the poster destination for those unmistakable azul blue atolls, of which there are 26 in the Maldives. You’ll discover deep lagoons, villas that hover above the water as stingrays and reef sharks glide underneath, and water so clear and unspoiled that you wonder how all the comforts of home (and so much more on top of that) could so neatly fit into the landscape. There is no shortage of places to explore, with 1,190 coral islands that house an incredible display of sea life. What surprised me was how relaxed such a glamorous destination at Velassaru could be. Of course, the restaurants, such as Etesian (one of the more formal dining spaces) called for cocktail dress attire, but if you chose to wear something more casual, you’d be just as comfortable. If you book

yourself in for a private barbecue on the beach – with your own table and chairs dug into the sand, so it appears as though you are sitting at near sea-level – you will find an experience that is incredibly special and private. You can dine with your feet in the sand at one restaurant, or over the water at the Teppanyaki restaurant, with reef sharks and triggerfish circling below. Here I tried the freshest tuna I’ve ever tasted, straight from Maldivian waters. You would never guess that much of the produce in the Maldives is imported, as the flavour of each meal, particularly at Velassaru, no matter what the cuisine, invited a smile with widened eyes. Even the buffet at dinner and breakfast was the most elegant I’ve seen, with individual salads plated chicly in martini glasses and perfectly cooked meat. Romance is unsurprisingly abundant, with fewer families choosing this particular resort. As you’d expect, people journey here to get engaged, married, honeymoon, escape the “real world” or celebrate anniversaries. Whether 

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you’re spending an afternoon at its renowned spa, snorkeling or just spending time in your room, this is the kind of place you would want to share with someone – if only to have the stunned look on your face acknowledged, when you first see the gleaming white sand that covers almost every inch of the resort. Velassaru turned out to be one of those resorts that you leave only wanting to return to. From adventurous to glamorous in a matter of moments captures what this resort is all about, and indeed the Maldives as a destination. Staying in a Water Villa certainly highlighted just that; sleeping on the open water with the sea life swimming around beneath, and being able to jump in for a morning swim just as the sun is rising was so freeing. But the Beach Villas that lead onto the white sandy foreshore, as if you have your own private beach, were also something entirely special, if you prefer to be on dry land. The experience comes with that feeling of ultimate indulgence, and just the right amount of stepping outside of what you’re used to. The remoteness of the Maldives – even though Velassaru is only a 30-minute boat ride from Malé – gives you a feeling quite unlike any other. You feel as if you have truly retreated from one world, and slid into another where all there is, is the vast sea that

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surrounds you and all that you have for company is the person you choose to travel with, on this island that you can walk the circumference of in around 15-minutes. For such a small island, I wondered if we would run out of things to do; after all, there is only so much sun one’s skin can take after being cocooned in trousers and heavy overcoats. But even with our near-week stay, there were too many activities on offer to do them all, which gave us the choice to do as we pleased, whether watching a movie on a large screen outside under the stars, or taking a sunset cruise with a glass of Champagne in hand. Staying at Velassaru makes you feel like you’ve fallen off the edge of the earth, if you choose to make the most of staying on a small, very private island. But it comes with all of the small comforts to lead your modern life, surrounded by nothing but white sand and the clear blue sea.

NEED TO KNOW STAY Seven nights in an Ocean Water Bungalow with Pool from £1,525 per person including daily breakfast, speedboat transfers and international flights with Turkish Airlines (velassaru.com) EXPERIENCE Upgrade to the Velassaru Indulgence package from £870 per person. Contact Turquoise Holidays (01494 678400, enquiries@turquoiseholidays.co.uk) FLY Turkish Airlines flies daily (0844 800 6666; turkishairlines.com)

The cheshire Magazine | Travel

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;You can dine with your feet in the sand at one restaurant, or over the water at the Teppanyakiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

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Crete, Greece With a 650-mile loop of coastline and the longest summers in the Mediterranean, the largest of the Greek islands is a perfect holiday paradise with a laid-back atmosphere. Don’t write Crete off as a neon-lit, boozy dive popular with the Inbetweeners crowd, away from Malia you’ll find a huge choice of beaches, harbourfront restaurants serving fresh-off-the-boat seafood and historical sights dating back more than 4,000 years. Luxurious accommodation comes in the form of boutique resorts, many of which feature private pools and resort villas. Where to stay: We love Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas, a chic retreat overlooking its own private sandy bay near to the town of Agios Nikolaos. Amongst a clutch of luxurious five star hotels on the island, this resort particularly stands out for effortlessly bridging the gap between couples paradise and family enclave.

Tenerife, Spain Year-round sunshine and a growing crop of luxurious hotels with an emphasis on golf and spa facilities make Tenerife a popular holiday choice. There’s a mix of volcanic and white sand beaches, whilst Mount Teide National Park boasts the world’s third largest volcano. Where to stay: With an excellent golf course, sublime spa, one of the best kids’ clubs around and gourmet restaurants, Abama in the upmarket Guia de Isora area of Tenerife’s west coast attracts rave reviews. Designed to resemble a North African citadel rising up from lush greenery, the resort covers a huge area yet has hidden gardens and quiet corners to create a sense of intimacy.

Still wondering where to go this summer? Travel expert Annelouise Speakman rounds up some of the most popular European luxury beach breaks for 2014

explore…

europe crete

Sani Asterias Suite

beach at Daios Cove

Cyprus The traditional harbour-town of Paphos is probably the best-known resort on Cyprus. It’s got a handful of golden beaches, a pretty marina and an abundance of temples and tombs dating back as far as Neolithic times. Where to stay: Located on the beach, next to the Tomb of the Kings, the Elysium achieves a

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Pine Cliffs Golf Course in the Algarve

Praia da Falesia Beach in the algarve

The cheshire Magazine | Travel Promotion

Sani Resort, Sani Marina

harmonious balance of luxury, tradition and contemporary features. With its waterfalls, colonnades and hydro-massage area, the huge pool complex is a major focus here, but the excellent spa and selection of restaurants are also worthy of praise.

my SUITCASE E S S E N T I A L S

Halkidiki, Greece

architecture at abama

This three-fingered peninsula juts out into the Aegean Sea from the north of the Greek mainland. Sweeping golden beaches and a growing collection of stylish resorts where families are particularly well catered for make Halkidiki a good choice for a relaxed break. Where to stay: With 1,000 acres of beach, nature reserve, marina and more than a dozen restaurants, the award-winning Sani Resort is a firm favourite with families and couples alike. The resort offers excellent kids’ clubs and a crèche, as well as the popular Babewatch service which allows parents a well-deserved break whilst their children play with specially-trained beach nannies. Of four top-class hotels the boutique-style Sani Asterias Suites is particularly luxurious and boasts its own private beach.

Algarve, Portugal

cascading pools at Elysium

ocean treatment at Elysium

With its golden beaches and craggy coves curving round Portugal’s southern coast, it’s easy to see why the Algarve was voted Europe’s Leading Beach Destination in the 2013 World Travel Awards. It’s also a golfer’s paradise with a huge choice of high quality courses. Where to stay: Families flock to the excellent Sheraton Algarve & Pine Cliffs Resort, near Albufeira, for its huge children’s village which includes two giant wooden pirate ships. Grown-ups are well catered for too with golf and tennis facilities, spa and six restaurants. The choice of either traditional deluxe hotel accommodation or expansive self-catering residences also makes this a superb place to relax and unwind. Annelouise Speakman is a luxury travel expert and director at Destinology. 47 – 49 Alderley Road, Wilmslow SK9 1NZ (01625 88 55 88)

#1 Girls floral romper £330, Dolce & Gabbana (harrods.com)

#2 Boys swim shorts £62, St Barths (selfridges.com)

#3 Unisex canvas espadrilles £26.75, Toms (selfridges.com)

#4 Kids sun tan lotion £21, Lancaster (selfridges.com)

#5 Towel, £29.99 CuddleDry (cuddeldry.com)

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Travel | The cheshire Magazine

Weekend away

…Danesfield House, Buckinghamshire Words: GEMMA KNIGHT

f ever there was a country retreat still practically echoing with the sound of flapper jazz and the clinking of ice cubes in Gin Fizz, Danesfield House is it. Built in 1899 and perched on its own plateau of lush grounds amidst the rolling Chiltern Hills, its dazzling white façade and Neo-Tudor architecture (complete with turrets, chimney pots and clock tower) are striking to say the least, making it all the easier to drift yourself into a Downton-esque haze before you’ve even reached the end of the sweeping driveway. And the illusion doesn’t end there. The entrance and interior are swathed in vast tapestries and oil paintings, large cut-glass chandeliers, ornate carved ceilings and original grand oak staircases – no detail overlooked, no aspect inauthentic – with a six foot stone fireplace and minstrels’ gallery for good measure. Our room, a sumptuous suite oozing classic country house charm, presented us with an arsenal of toiletries from boutique luxury brand Aromatherapy Associates (instant brownie points) plus four-poster bed, spacious en suite, and the fluffiest bath robes imaginable. But its charms, abundant thought they were, couldn’t keep us from the lure of the Spa Illuminata, a soothing enclave situated in its own wing and boasting a juice bar, lounge, aerobics suite, nail bar, treatment rooms and a hydrotherapy bath. The spa is all but fuelled by Aromatherapy Associates’ products (more brownie points) and offers everything from

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tanning and eyelash extensions to holistic massage and Reiki, as well as the requisite saunas, steam room and swimming pool (although, in this case, the pool is Ozone cleaned meaning it contains minimal chlorine). Supremely relaxed, we then drifted through the glass-roofed Dickensian courtyard and into the intimate cocktail bar for what seemed an all-too-appropriate pre-dinner tipple, admiring the Tiffany-style stained-glass lamps and silk tapestries as we sipped tall gin and tonics. And then, at last, it was time to sample the hotel’s much-praised culinary offerings. Of the two gourmet restaurants which call the manor house home (The Oak Room, helmed by award-winning chef Billy Reid, and The Orangery), we opted for the latter, a less formal option with stunning sunset views across the stone terrace, acres of manicured grounds and wild green hills beyond. A parade of dishes then followed, complemented by a fantastic selection of wines and rounded off by the tempting combination of apple and dried fruit crumble and crème brûlée with raspberry sorbet. With all this plus tennis courts, a Japanese garden, gym, putting green and even a licensed helicopter pad, Danesfield House’s membership of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World™ clique is certainly justified – although, with all this elegant getaway has to offer, we rather think ‘small’ might be an understatement. Henley Road, Marlow-On-Thames, Buckinghamshire SL7 2EY (danesfieldhouse.co.uk)

Europe Maldives Dubai Mauritius Thailand Caribbean USA

Luxury Crete from ÂŁ935 Let the travel experts at Destinology tailor-make your next luxury holiday. Choose from handpicked resorts in spectacular destinations such as the 5* Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas, Crete and experience truly personalised service every step of the way. Price is per person based on 2 sharing a Deluxe Sea View Room at Daios Cove on Half Board for 7 nights, travel 14 - 31 Oct 14, incl. flights from Manchester. Book by 15 May. Price subject to availability. Booking conditions apply.

Destinology - cheshire magazine.indd 1

01625 88 55 88

www.destinology.co.uk/wilmslow 47 - 49 Alderley Road, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 1NZ

01/04/2014 16:23:46

5 O F T H E B E S T. . . p et- f r ien d ly h o te l s

Fido friendly I

t’s a well known fact that we English are more than a little attached to our pooches (exhibit A; the astoundingly elaborate wardrobe choices now on offer for dogs of every size, shape and pedigree). We think of them as treasured family members and constant companions – constant, that is, until it comes time for a holiday and all the most appealing places sport a rather firm ‘no dog’ policy. Another week at the kennels for Rover, then. But don’t despair. Luxury hotels across the land are slowly coming around, with an ever-growing number now offering pet-friendly options which make holidaying with your dog easier than ever

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#1 Belgraves Hotel Offering pet-friendly rooms in chic, bohemian surrounds, even the pull of London’s legendary attractions might have trouble luring you and your pooch away from this elegant Belgravia haven. Days begin with sumptuous breakfasts of perfectly poached eggs with sourdough soldiers and end with cocktails and light jazz in the mezzanine bar, leaving lots of time for pet and owner pampering in between.

before. In fact, the choice is now somewhat overwhelming, which is why it’s rather handy that we’ve joined forces with pet-lovers’ oracle PetsPyjamas.com to round up our pick of the crop – a dazzling array of luxurious retreats guaranteed to cater to your mutt’s every whim.

#2 Gidleigh Park

A quintessential English country house located in the stunning surrounds of Dartmoor, this estate boasts a two Michelin-starred chef (Michael Caines MBE) as well as gardens ideal for dog walking, three dog-friendly rooms and even complimentary heated kennels, not to mention such welcoming touches as dog blankets, bowls, leads, and a torch for those late night and early morning walks.

The cheshire Magazine | Travel

#3 Cliveden House A historic five star hotel set in 376 acres of National Trust gardens and woodland, this Berkshire retreat even offers a Doggie Break package, complete with dog bed, water bowl, feeding mat, a gourmet meal from the chefâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s canine menu, dog towel, dog treats, personalised Cliveden lead, dog walking map of the Cliveden estate and a torch for late evening walks. A dog sitting and dog walking service is also available.

3 4

#4 Hotel Tresanton When it comes to dog-friendly seaside escapes, this one has it all â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Cornish coastal walks, gorgeous rooms, a dog walking service and even dog beds, blankets, bowls and towels. Owners can even take the opportunity to go sailing, crabbing or dolphin watching, while the hotel itself is furnished with antiques and Cornish art, not to mention splendid sea views.

#5 Plas Bodegroes Just under a mile from the beach (ideal for sand and wave-loving mutts), this Welsh retreat sits on the idyllic Llywelyn Peninsula near Abersoch and allows dogs to stay in a select few of its beautiful rooms, all of which offer fantastic views of the vast gardens. Owners can indulge in local produce, with the restaurant serving only Welsh cheese and sourcing all its fruit and vegetables from their own kitchen gardens.

To book, visit the Pet Concierge at petsp

yjamas.com

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In the summer time

Kids’ news

Keep all the littlest members of the family happy with fabulous fashion, delightful days out and a whole host of yummy recipies w o r d s : gemma knight

right: Andy Pandy, courtesy of Tiffany Terry

With more than 40 years’ experience designing babies and children’s clothing, French brand Catimini is best known for its lively and vibrant designs. And the summer collection does not disappoint. Oozing elegant sophistication with an adorable combination of bright checks and romantic hues, the ensembles will be as cheerful as the little people wearing them. (alexandalexa.com)

Yummy tummies Multi-Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse goes back to basics with the launch of his new book, Cooking for Kids: From Babies to Toddlers: Simple, Healthy, and Natural. Devoted to healthy eating, Ducasse rediscovers the pleasures of preparing locally sourced, natural food for your little ones in 100 simple and delicious dishes. Essential seasonal ingredients and fresh flavours are not to be saved for parents, with meals full of vegetables, fruits and grains. With useful snippets of nutritional advice and beautifully illustrated recipes, this book ensures your baby gets a tummy full of their five-a-day. £15.95, available from Waterstones in Wilmslow, Knutsford and Altrincham 144

PETS CORNER

EASTER TREATS The Easter bunny’s offerings are far from suitable for your furry friends, but that’s no excuse to leave them out. The beautiful new collection from Mungo and Maud features plenty of tail wagging treats: think knitted rabbits and a chick-patterned food bowl – perfect for wolfing down anything but chocolate. (mungoandmaud.com)

The cheshire Magazine | Family

The writing’s on the wall Stationery-nuts and foodies alike will certainly take a shine to the latest line of cool and quirky pencils from ICE London. Whether it’s their fabulously vibrant Mechanical Pencil Set – cleverly disguised to look like run-of-the-mill graphite pencils – or the enticing range of Cake Pencils (which really do look good enough to eat), there’s simply no excuse not to have the most stylish pencil case around this term. (ice.co.uk)

A bib far fetched It’s true, only the French could make the most practical and mundane childcare accessory a must-have fashion item. Without doubt the chicest bibs around, your sartorially-sorted tot need no longer sacrifice their style during mealtimes with the help of the gorgeous new offering from Les Pascalettes, quilted, easy-wash bibs which feature such fashion-forward designs as Peter Pan collars, flapped pockets and trendy trim in a range of colours (personally, we like the gold lamé). (lespascalettes.com)

Backwards and forwards This July the Lowry will be playing host to its largestever exhibition, a threemonth extravaganza looking at the past, present and future of BBC Children’s radio and television broadcasting. Echoing Blue Peter, the exhibition is entitled Here’s One We Made Earlier, and will explore the story of children’s TV from its early days right up to its state-of-the-art present, with interactive elements involving iconic items, footage, puppets and props from the BBC Archives. Whether you’re looking for a family day out or simply want to indulge in a bit of audio-visual nostalgia, this is certainly one not to be missed. From 19 July, Pier 8, The Quays, Salford M50 3AZ (thelowry.com/event/heres-one-we-made-earlier)

New kid on the block Backed by the founders of Asos and Achica, we like the sound of new online pet marketplace Astar Pets. Offering everything from everyday essentials to treats, food subscriptions, accessories and pet services, the site is intended to aid owners with every aspect of their pet-care routine, even making helpful suggestions for pet-friendly hotels and restaurants, as well as offering health and wellbeing facts, fashion tips and weekly blogs. There are also plans to extend the site to cover smaller animals (think hamsters, guinea pigs and rabbits) and even large pets such as horses, with new brands being added each week and providing the perfect excuse to go back time and again. (astarpets.com)

POSING POOCHES Dog-lovers can take advantage of a fabulous package at the Black Swan hotel in Helmsley this summer, with rates of just £219 covering an overnight stay plus a whole host of treats and even a portrait session for you and your four-legged friend. Say cheese! (blackswan-helmsley.co.uk)

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Family | The cheshire Magazine

INTREPID PLAYTIME

or the budding miniature explorer, this one is a must. Created with the help of swashbuckling adventurer Bear Grylls, the BattleBox company brings us The Bear Grylls Dangerous Den Kit, everything your pint-sized pioneers need to discover endless adventures in their own back garden. The box contains a tough military tarpaulin and camo-net (ideal for hiding the den from prying eyes) plus paracord, mallet, tent pegs and essentials such as sturdy backpacks, chocolate bars, a deck of warplanes playing cards and Bearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s guide to scouting and field craft. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for a fun new way to get kids outdoors this summer, look no further. (battleboxcompany.co.uk)

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Meetings available at several locations throughout Cheshire Sheila from saidgoal “Lindsay fought forforward. me, butWealso offered our a gentle caring “As family lawAltrincham solicitors, our is to help youhard move encourage clientsand to make Meetings available at several locations throughout Cheshire approach future-focussed to my problems.” informed, decisions for themselves and for their families. The divorce process can “As family law solicitors, our goal the is to help you movestress, forward. Wemake encourage clientsI to be draining and financial can life veryour difficult. willmake be at “As emotionally family law solicitors, our with goal is toadded help you move forward. We encourage our clients to make informed, future-focussed decisions for themselves and for their families. The divorce process the end offuture-focussed the our phone, available whenever you need and me”for their families. The divorce process can Ask about free clinics informed, decisions for themselves can be emotionally draining and with the added financial stress, can make life very difficult. I will be at Meetings available at several locations throughout Cheshire be emotionally draining and with the added financial stress, can make life very difficult. I will be at the end of the phone, available whenever you need me” the end of the phone, available whenever you need me” “As family law solicitors, our goal is to help you move forward. We encourage our clients to make informed, future-focussed decisions for themselves and for their families. The divorce process can be emotionally draining and with the added financial stress, can make life very difficult. I will be at the end of the phone, Lindsay availableJones whenever you need me”

TLindsay : 0161Jones 710 2030 M : 07917711887 Lindsay Jones Twww.ullsolicitors.co.uk : 0161 710 2030 M : 07917711887 T : 0161 710 2030 M : 07917711887 www.ullsolicitors.co.uk www.ullsolicitors.co.uk Lindsay Jones T : 0161 710 2030 M : 07917711887 www.ullsolicitors.co.uk

tnschool.co.uk

From Nursery to Year 8 • Pupils are typically performing significantly higher than national levels of achievement • The only school in Cheshire to feature in Tatler’s Schools Guide to the top prep schools • Fantastic outdoor facilities including a forest learning environment and extensive playing fields • Wraparound care from breakfast club to after school activities • Optional, flexible boarding, from Year 3, to fit with modern family life • Extended Year 7&8 programme launch for 2014 • Located in a rural setting near to Jodrell Bank

The TN advantage

• Enviable list of next destination schools, including Rugby, Harrow, Uppingham and Manchester Grammar School

“With so many opportunities, Terra Nova gave me the bug to get involved with everything and try new things.TN doesn’t just turn out excellent academic results. It concentrates on making children well-rounded and confident individuals.You can be as clever as you like, but if you can’t hold a good conversation then you’re never going to do well in an interview.”

To find out more call Melanie Machin on 01477 571261

Amelia Anderson, Former TN pupil and Reader in Music, Oxford University

• Small class sizes • Specialist teachers • Tailored curriculum built around academic, creative, physical, and personal development • 36 acres of beautiful grounds

Terra Nova School, Jodrell Bank, Holmes Chapel, Cheshire, CW4 8BT

The cheshire Magazine | Family

Literary inspiration Hulme Hall Grammar School pupils embarked on an exciting journey to the summit of Mount Everest with explorer, author and film maker Matt Dickinson, who took them on the adventure through his story telling. The author, who as well as climbing Mount Everest himself has penned the highly successful Mortal Chaos series, came to the school to inspire children as part of Simply Books’ author event series. Matt enthralled the pupils with his tales of terrible danger, mortal peril and extreme conditions including ‘white outs’ and frostbite. Matt said: ‘I think there’s a danger that kids can easily get distracted by new technology or the internet, while books are very rewarding and expand children’s horizons in a very positive way.’

The classroom Cheshire’s students are achieving as highly as ever and, with a whole range of exciting educational resources at their fingertips, we’re hardly surprised w o r d s : k at e h o u g h t o n

Learning to live healthily In March, Genesis Breast Cancer Prevention Professor Tony Howell, Professor of Oncology at the University of Manchester, and Dr Michelle Harvie, award-winning research dietician, introduced a ‘Healthy Lifestyle’ evening at Altrincham Grammar School for Girls. During the evening Professor Howell and Dr Harvie talked about the new Genesis 2-Day Diet book and the theory behind it, answering questions from the audience of pupils and their parents on their research and explaining how a healthy lifestyle can help towards preventing breast cancer. In total the event raised a staggering £2,037.33 towards the prediction and prevention of breast cancer. (aggs.trafford.sch.uk) (genesisuk.org)

Model pupils Withington Girl’s School’s Model United Nations team has swept the board at one of the country’s most prestigious MUN conferences. All 12 WGS delegates won individual awards before celebrating the news that the School had also scooped the top accolade of Best Delegation overall. The WGS contingent represented the United Kingdom at the conference and triumphed against 55 schools from as far afield as Norway, Portugal, Germany and Florida. Withington’s MUN Coordinator Ms Jane Maher said: ‘This was no mean feat – each committee comprised up to 50 delegates, so to make an impact was very difficult and required excellent diplomatic and public speaking skills.’ (withington.manchester.sch.uk)

Prepare to be amazed Think you may have the next Professor Brian Cox in your home? Marketing Cheshire and The University of Manchester’s Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre have launched Amazed By Science, the first ever pan-Cheshire Science Festival. The festival will take place from 24 May to 1 June, during the May half term holiday, and aims to capture children’s imaginations with science. Teresa Anderson, Director of Jodrell Bank said: ‘The Festival will promote and celebrate science, technology and engineering throughout Cheshire. We hope that this will inspire young people to pursue science at school and to consider a career in this field. Cheshire is one of the UK’s foremost scientific areas with a rich heritage of achievement and the Festival is a wonderful way to showcase it.’ (amazedbyscience.com) 149

Property | The cheshire Magazine

HOT PROPERTY Oakdene, Prestbury

earching for seclusion in our modern world can be a difficult prospect, but this state-of-the-art country house, located in one of the most private settings in Prestbury, may just offer a solution. This newly-constructed property with extensive living accommodation sits within 2.6 acres of landscaped gardens, including sprawling lawns, shrubberies and mature trees, and beautifullydesigned stone-flagged terraces perfect for entertaining. The property itself is built to the

highest specifications, with advanced fibre-optic cabling and fully-integrated Lutron lighting as well as a comprehensive audio system connecting each of the five en-suite bedrooms, reception rooms and the guest apartment. A luxurious leisure suite with infinity pool and sauna adds the finishing touch to this modern hideaway, located in the heart of Cheshireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s golden triangle. Oakdene, Castle Hill, Prestbury, Cheshire ÂŁ3,950,000; Jackson-Stops & Staff

For further information contact the Wilmslow Office (wilmslow@jackson-stops.co.uk; 01625 540 340)

We are delighted to enclose with this magazine a copy of our Season calendar for your personal use. If you would like further copies please contact Jackson-Stops & Staff on 01625 540340. 150

showcasing the

finest HOMES & PROPERTY from the best estate agents

Exclusive PROPERTIES Our guide to sourcing the ultimate home

IMAGE: Jordan fishwick

jackson-stops.co.uk

Alderley Edge An exquisite modern family house with circa 10,000 sq ft of accommodation, bespoke interior & commanding views. ●

3 reception rooms ● library ● bar ● breakfast kitchen with pantry ● wine cellar

●

5 bedrooms (3 en suite) ● bathroom ● leisure suite with pool, Jacuzzi, steam room, cinema,

snooker room & games room

Guide Price: £3,950,000

People Property Places

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garaging ● approximately 0.6 of an acre ● EPC – C

FF56049

Wilmslow 01625 540 340 wilmslow@jackson-stops.co.uk Local & National reach through a network of London & Regional offices

Goostrey A magnificent small country estate with Listed Grade II manor house. ●

3 reception rooms ● study ● kitchen/breakfast room ● 7 bedrooms ● 3 bathrooms

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integral staff flat ● 3 bedroom cottage (EPC – G) ● large Listed barn ● garaging/stabling

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tennis court ● swimming pool ● in all about 28.5 acres

Guide Price: £5,500,000

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Wilmslow 01625 540 340 wilmslow@jackson-stops.co.uk Local & National reach through a network of London & Regional offices

People Property Places

jackson-stops.co.uk

Pickmere A stunning contemporary country house, perched on the edge of its own small lake. ●

in all over 10,000 sq ft ● 2,500 open-plan main reception room ● 2 further reception rooms

●

5 bedrooms (all en suite) ● 1 bedroom integral staff apartment

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Leisure barn with bar, gym, offices & 1 bedroom apartment ● stabling

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approximately 16.5 acres ● EPC – D

Guide Price: £3,450,000

People Property Places

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Wilmslow 01625 540 340 wilmslow@jackson-stops.co.uk Local & National reach through a network of London & Regional offices

Chelford, near Alderley Edge A striking country house set amidst magnificent gardens & parkland. ●

3 reception rooms ● orangery ● library ● study ● 7 bedrooms (6 en suite) ● leisure suite

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2 bedroom cottage ● fishing lake ● championship floodlit Astroturf tennis court

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golf tee & green ● helipad ● woodland ● approaching 25 acres ● EPC – C

Offers in excess of £10,000,000

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Wilmslow 01625 540 340 wilmslow@jackson-stops.co.uk Local & National reach through a network of London & Regional offices

People Property Places

jackson-stops.co.uk

Wilmslow An extremely impressive family house set amidst glorious south-facing gardens. ●

3 reception rooms ● study ● games room ● 5 bedrooms (3 en suite) ● shower room

●

approx 0.47 of an acre ● EPC – E

Guide Price £1,750,000

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Smallwood

North Rode

A large house on a prestigious development.

A unique barn conversion with a bespoke interior.

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4 reception rooms ● 5 bedrooms ● 3 bathrooms ● garaging

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1 reception room ● 4 bedrooms ● 3 bathrooms ● garage

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gardens ● just under 6 acres of communal grounds

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EPC - D

Guide Price £925,000

People Property Places

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Guide Price £759,950

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Wilmslow 01625 540 340 wilmslow@jackson-stops.co.uk Local & National reach through a network of London & Regional offices

Prestbury A spacious family house in a superb position. ●

3 reception rooms ● study ● conservatory ● breakfast room ● 5 bedrooms (4 en suite)

●

4 second floor rooms ● leisure suite with pool, Jacuzzi & sauna ● EPC – D

Guide Price £1,795,000

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Davenport

Wilmslow

An exquisite Border Oak framed family house.

An attractive period house with secondary accommodation.

●

3 reception rooms ● study ● 6 bedrooms ● 5 bathrooms

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outbuildings ● stabling ● approximately 9.7 acres ● EPC – D

office accommodation

Guide Price £1,295,000

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3 reception rooms ● 6 bedrooms ● 4 bathrooms ● separate ●

approximately 3.5 acres ● EPC – D

Guide Price £1,349,500

Wilmslow 01625 540 340 wilmslow@jackson-stops.co.uk Local & National reach through a network of London & Regional offices

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People Property Places

jackson-stops.co.uk

Bowdon A stunning Grade II Listed Queen Anne hall. ●

3 reception rooms ● glazed atrium ● breakfast room ● cellarage ● 7 bedrooms

●

4 bathrooms ● garden room ● outdoor pool ● approximately 1.5 acres ● EPC – F

Guide Price £3,750,000

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Mobberley

Hale Barns

A substantial detached family home.

An impressive detached family house on a small cul-de-sac.

●

3 reception rooms ● conservatory ● morning room

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2 reception rooms ● study ● 5/6 bedrooms ● 4 bathrooms

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5 bedrooms ● 2 bathrooms ● 1 bed annexe ● EPC – E

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EPC – D

Guide Price £895,000

People Property Places

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Offers in the region of £850,000

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Hale 0161 928 8881 hale@jackson-stops.co.uk Local & National reach through a network of London & Regional offices

Bowdon A beautiful Arts & Crafts style property of immense proportions. ●

3 reception rooms ● study ● snug ● breakfast room ● office ● 6 bedrooms ● 3 bathrooms

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2 bedroom apartment ● 2 bedroom annexe ● garaging ● just under 2 acres ● EPC – D

Guide Price £3,650,000

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Hale

A handsome family home in just over 1/2 an acre.

A hidden gem tucked away in a quiet location.

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5 reception rooms ● study ● 7 bedrooms (3 en suite)

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4 reception rooms ● garden room ● snug ● 5 bedrooms

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1 bedroom annexe ● outdoor pool ● EPC – E

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7 bathrooms ● garaging ● EPC – E

Guide Price £2,195,000

FF52323

Guide Price £1,850,000

Hale 0161 928 8881 hale@jackson-stops.co.uk Local & National reach through a network of London & Regional offices

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People Property Places

£ W 575 PR IT ,00 IC H 0 ES HE O F LP R £ RO TO 46 M BU0,00 Y ** 0 The Downton includes private courtyard parking plus a detached 3 car garage, with a cloakroom, garden store and open plan annex on the first floor above.

Exquisite Luxury & Afternoon Tea at Evergreen Meadows, Moss End Lane, Smallwood, Cheshire CW11 2XQ Step inside to a world of exquisite luxury and discover some of the finest elegant homes in Cheshire – the perfect setting for Afternoon Tea. Just select from our delightful and mouth-watering menu. Comprising of just 15 exclusive homes which are built to an exceptional specification and set in approx. 6 acres of communal meadow and mere. 4 & 5 bedroom detached homes from £575,000 to £925,000

Call Eve on 0844 875 1327 to arrange a personal viewing. Joint selling agents

Join us for Afternoon Tea Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th April 11.30am to 5pm PART EXCHANGE CONSIDERED* View Home Now Open Friday 10.30am to 5.00pm Saturday & Sunday 10.30am to 5.30pm rowland.co.uk/evergreenmeadows *Terms and conditions apply **Represents 80% of the purchase price

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The cheshire Magazine | Property

HOT PROPERTY Castle Hill, Prestbury

roadoak was recently built and designed by the current owners to an extraordinary standard, constructed of mellow red brick elevations, placed on a sandstone plinth with dressed stone detailing to the elevations. This commanding façade sets the scene for an interior dripping in luxury with bespoke designer fittings, adorning each room, giving the whole house an opulent feel. The accommodation is laid out over three floors, with the lower ground floor housing a leisure suite that’s truly second to none, with beautifully fitted out game and cinema rooms, solarium, gym and wine cellar. The ground floor has a massive breakfast kitchen, open-plan to a family room, which is equally generous in

proportion, with doors to the orangery. Also on the ground floor is a dual aspect drawing room, a stunning dining room and fitted out study. The west wing is accessed off the family room and leads to an exquisite indoor pool, served by a shower room, with a glass divide to a sitting room and a relaxation room. Stairs from the sitting room lead to a staff annex above the garage. The first floor has a majestically large master bedroom with a bespoke fitted dressing room and equally opulent bathroom. There are two further guest suites, with bedrooms four and five served by a family bathroom. Broadoak, Castle Hill, Prestbury, Cheshire £4,875,000; Jackson-Stops & Staff

For further information contact the Wilmslow Office (wilmslow@jackson-stops.co.uk; 01625 540 340)

161

Affordability is a

north west asset

Crispin Harris, Director of Jackson-Stops & Staff in Wilmslow, gives us an encouraging update on the local property market

iverpool, Lancaster, Salford and Manchester all feature in the latest Lloyds Bank ‘top 20’ of the UK’s most affordable places to buy a home. Given this, you could be forgiven for assuming that the sole reason an ONS report has found North West households to have the largest disposable income outside London, is that its residents aren’t spending all their income just paying the mortgage. The full picture probably isn’t quite as simple as that, but it does mean business investors can be confident that recruitment is unlikely to be hampered by unaffordable housing. And the North West is seeing a great deal of both inward and home-grown investment.

162

Higher rental returns Already strong, investment in private property to rent is likely to continue because demand is high and returns are about 30% higher than in Greater London and 10% than the West Midlands. Private rents – and social well-being – are also significantly affected by the availability of social housing, so an investment so far of more than £150m in social housing projects in Manchester and Leeds by the Pension Insurance Corporation, is most welcome, especially as the same fund has £180m earmarked for similar investments over the next 12 months. Such actions help the North West to remain affordable to rent, as well as to buy.

The cheshire Magazine | Property

Booming industries fuel demand for homes A raft of success stories suggest that a story of major growth in the North West is still only in its opening chapters. Boosted by tax breaks and the move of the BBC and Children’s ITV to MediaCity, Salford has become the focus of a revival in the animation industry. Retailers such as B&M Bargains – now valued at over £1 billion and recently relocated to Liverpool – have thrived on the recession, as have clothing suppliers such as Manchester-based BooHoo.com, the AIM listing of which in March valued it at over £560 million. Range Rover continues to sell Evoques in China as fast as its Liverpool factory can make them and Chinese money also accounts for an £800m investment in Manchester Airport, prompting yet more planned improvements in the already extended tram network. With all of this going on alongside the long-established football industry and the success of Grosvenor’s redevelopment of Liverpool’s retail centre, it is perhaps not surprising that both Manchester and Liverpool are currently enjoying

higher job growth than all UK cities bar London, Edinburgh and Birmingham. And all this without shale gas or HS2.

Impact on upper property market Of course, most of this activity does not directly affect the upper end of the property market. It does, however, provide the long-term prosperity on which the market as a whole depends. As a result, though we do not anticipate any dramatic growth in capital values over the coming months, we do envisage – and are seeing – a real return of confidence. With it, we are also seeing a willingness amongst buyers, including ‘incomers’ such as those who have moved with the BBC, to commit to their future in the North West. (jackson-stops.co.uk)

163

savills.co.uk

1 LANDMARK GRADE II LISTED COUNTRY HOUSE prestbury, cheshire Prestbury village: less than 1 mile, Alderley Edge: 3.5 miles, Wilmslow: 5.5 miles, Macclesfield: 4 miles, Manchester Airport: 9.5 miles ø exquisite Grade II listed country house ø 5 receptions, 5 bedroom suites ø study, orangery, 4 car garaging with studio over ø breathtaking views, landscaped gardens ø pond, parkland & woodland to about 10.8 acres Guide £6.75 million

1 Gascoigne Halman

Savills Wilmslow

James Webster prestbury@gascoignehalman.co.uk

Mark Holden mholden@savills.com

01625 827467

01625 417454

savills.co.uk

1 AN ELEGANT BEAUTIFULLY PROPORTIONED VILLAGE HOME alderley edge, cheshire Principal section Grade II listed villa ø superb drawing room, dining hall ø master bedroom ensuite & dressing room ø guest bedroom en-suite, bedroom 3, house bathroom ø stunning views, garage & parking ø secure gated approach Guide £925,000

Savills Wilmslow Jean Pilkington jpilkington@savills.com

01625 417453

savills.co.uk

1 IMPRESSIVE CONTEMPORARY HOME IN THE VILLAGE alderley edge, cheshire A stroll away from the village with gated access on a private road ø 3 reception rooms plus study & large living room conservatory ø 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms ø superb breakfast kitchen with Aga ø triple garage, private landscaped gardens ø EPC = D Guide £1.795 million

Savills Wilmslow Jean Pilkington jpilkington@savills.com

01625 417453

Cheshire and Manchester’s Largest Independant Estate Agents www.jordanfishwick.co.uk

Carrwood Hale BARNS, CHESHIRE

Large detached residence • Stunning interior and architectural features • Premier position in a private and exclusive area • Five reception rooms • Five bedroom suites • Planning for further accommodation • Extensive grounds of over three quarters of an acre

Guide Price: £3,795,000 Wilmslow and Alderley Edge Office 36/38 Alderley Road, SK91JX Sales: 01625 532000 Lettings: 01625 536300 E: wilmslow@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Hale Office 172 Ashley Road, WA15 9SF Sales: 0161 929 9797 Lettings: 0161 929 9898 E: hale@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Didsbury Office 757-759 Wilmslow Road, M20 6RN Sales: 0161 445 4480 Lettings: 0161 434 5290 E: didsbury@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Macclesfield & Presbury Office 84-86 Waters Green, SK11 6LH Sales: 01625 434000 Lettings: 01625 502222 E: macclesfield@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Sale Office 95-97 School Road M33 7XA Sales: 0161 962 2828 Lettings: 0161 976 5080 E: sales@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Rossmill Lane Hale BARNS, CHESHIRE Guide Price: £2,750,000 Glossop Office 44 High Street West, SK13 8BH Sales: 01457 858888 Lettings: 01457 858888 E: glossop@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Newly constructed to exacting standards • Striking accommodation spread over three floors • Latest technology including Lutron lighting system throughout • Lovely open plan living design incorporating the stunning views over green belt • Five bedroom suites • Master with large terrace with views • Interior design with Acanthus fitted furniture

Chorlton Office 410-412 Barlow Moor Road, M21 8AD Sales: 0161 860 4444 Lettings: 0161 860 444 E: chorlton@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Manchester City Centre Office 217 Deansgate M3 3NW Sales: 0161 833 9499 Lettings: 0161 833 9499 E: manchester@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Salford & Media City Office City Point Unit 2, 156 Chapel Street M3 6BF Sales: 0161 833 9499 opt 3 Lettings: 0161 833 9499 opt 2 E: salford@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Northern Quarter Office 45 Tib Street M4 1LT Sales: 0161 833 9494 Lettings: 0161 833 9494 E: nor thernquar ter@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Cheshire and Manchester’s Largest Independant Estate Agents www.jordanfishwick.co.uk

Ruskin Lodge Broad Lane, Hale

Last remaining apartment • Penthouse with southerly aspect • Three bedrooms, three bathrooms • Fabulous roof terrace with striking views • Interior design flair with attractive fittings and decor • Undercroft parking and lift access

Guide Price: £1,495,000 Wilmslow and Alderley Edge Office 36/38 Alderley Road, SK91JX Sales: 01625 532000 Lettings: 01625 536300 E: wilmslow@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Hale Office 172 Ashley Road, WA15 9SF Sales: 0161 929 9797 Lettings: 0161 929 9898 E: hale@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Didsbury Office 757-759 Wilmslow Road, M20 6RN Sales: 0161 445 4480 Lettings: 0161 434 5290 E: didsbury@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Macclesfield & Presbury Office 84-86 Waters Green, SK11 6LH Sales: 01625 434000 Lettings: 01625 502222 E: macclesfield@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Sale Office 95-97 School Road M33 7XA Sales: 0161 962 2828 Lettings: 0161 976 5080 E: sales@jordanfishwick.co.uk

York Drive BOWDON, CHESHIRE Rental Price: £6,500pcm Glossop Office 44 High Street West, SK13 8BH Sales: 01457 858888 Lettings: 01457 858888 E: glossop@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Situated in a fantastic location on a private road • Close to Hale Village and overlooking Bowdon Cricket fields • Large detached family home with four large reception rooms • First floor has four suited bedrooms, master with dressing room and full bathroom • Second floor has further bedroom/gym and large cinema room • Modern fitted open plan kitchen with secondary kitchen off • Double garage

Chorlton Office 410-412 Barlow Moor Road, M21 8AD Sales: 0161 860 4444 Lettings: 0161 860 444 E: chorlton@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Manchester City Centre Office 217 Deansgate M3 3NW Sales: 0161 833 9499 Lettings: 0161 833 9499 E: manchester@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Salford & Media City Office City Point Unit 2, 156 Chapel Street M3 6BF Sales: 0161 833 9499 opt 3 Lettings: 0161 833 9499 opt 2 E: salford@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Northern Quarter Office 45 Tib Street M4 1LT Sales: 0161 833 9494 Lettings: 0161 833 9494 E: nor thernquar ter@jordanfishwick.co.uk

East Feldy Farm Aston By Budworth • A bespoke residence extending to over 8000 square feet • Use of the finest materials including honed granite, natural stone, slate and solid oak • Seven stunning reception rooms • Five bedrooms (four having ensuite facilities)

Irlams Estate Agents 01565 654 000 | info@irlamsestateagents.co.uk 103 King Street, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 6EQ

8,000+ Sq Ft £3,950,000 • Fabulous bespoke fitted kitchen • Gym with separate sauna and shower room • Long gated driveway, double garage, carport, gardens & paddocks • Beautiful, private rural location with around 36 acres

Clamhunger Lane, Mere ÂŁ1,550,000 A beautifully remodelled, refurbished and extended detached property situated in a stunning position on one of Cheshireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest roads, overlooking the 16th hole of the adjoining Mere Golf and Country Club.

Irlams Estate Agents 01565 654 000 | info@irlamsestateagents.co.uk 103 King Street, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 6EQ

Moss Lane, Byley ÂŁ1,250,000 A stunning six bedroom detached farmhouse with separate annex and detached triple garage, set within six acres of formal garden, orchard and paddocks. The property was rebuilt 6 years ago and has a wealth of character features whilst benefitting from high quality fixtures and fittings.

9488 Stretton Green A4 DPS Chesh-Mag wc070414.qxp_Layout 1 04/04/2014 15:47 Page 1

E xquisite country homes located just 10 miles fr om the Cit y of Chester

9488 Stretton Green A4 DPS Chesh-Mag wc070414.qxp_Layout 1 04/04/2014 15:47 Page 2

UNRIVALLED LOCATION. SUPERB SPECIFICATION. IDYLLIC LIFESTYLE. From £750,000 to £1,250,000. Call today to appreciate what this prestigious development has to offer Stretton Hall Lane, Chester, Cheshire SY14 7HS

View: strettongreen.co.uk

Call: 01829 458 977

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EMPRESS COLLECTION

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