The Cheshire Magazine November 2014 by Runwild Media Group

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Regulars | The cheshire Magazine

From the

Editor

EDITOR’S PICKs

#1 Crystal poppy brooch, M&S, £15

#2 Casual knits from Salvatore Ferragamo

#3 Singer Vehicle Design

resh from the catwalk shows of Fashion Week we take inspiration from the fairytale shows and vibrant colours this issue as we focus on our autumn/winter wardrobe. Olivia Sharpe takes us through the top trends (p.60). We’re torn between casual knits and 60s psychedelic style... Turn to page 26 for an exclusive extract from Dame Vivienne Westwood’s autobiography and discover just what makes the fashion icon tick. And from one Dame to another, make sure you don’t miss Natalie Anglesey’s chat with Dame Helen Mirren about food and family (p. 28). Jodie Kidd speaks to us about modelling, driving in the Mille Miglia with husband-to-be David and her collaboration with Debrett’s on page 32. One to consider for next year’s race and also a design icon is the Cobra Daytona, which Matthew Carter puts through its paces on page 94. That or the Singer Porsche (p.100). Decisions, decisions… Whilst our lust list may have exploded into an epic work of literature with the new fashion out there, this month, is also the time we remember the soldiers who gave their lives for our country. The Imperial War Museum North shares some of the stories of local people from WW1 with us (p.38) along with some amazing images and we also look at the tiny things we can all do to mark the moment and remember (p.18). From all here at The Cheshire Magazine, we wish you a happy and stylish autumn.

Louisa Louisa Castle Editor Follow us on Twitter @TheCheshireMag

Proud to support: Variety – The Children’s Charity The Pink Ribbon Ball, Manchester & Breast Cancer Campaign

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The mayfair Magazine | Regulars

108

100 126

Contents

November 2014

076 112

044

157 156

Features

art

travel

026 | Memoir of an icon Two exciting and exclusive excerpts from Dame Vivienne Westwood’s autobiography 028 | The queen of screen National legend Dame Helen Mirren talks movies, Marmite and being Madame Mallory 032 | Tall story Jodie Kidd talks about travelling, tomboys and the importance of etiquette 036 | We will remember them The Imperial War Museum North shares some stories 040 | Once upon a time Pioneering choreographer and director Matthew Bourne on his incredible career 068 | Creative sole The future’s bright for Jimmy Choo’s creative director, the inimitable Sandra Choi 084 | Take nothing for Granted The new collection from esteemed tailor Patrick Grant 086 | The Manes event Sebastian Manes reflects on The Masters from Selfridges

044 | Art news 046 | Behind the mask Photographer Andy Gotts captures our favourite celebrities as never before 049 | Prize lots

106 | Travel news 108 | Regent Street: insider’s guide Planning a trip to London’s West End? We share our tips, tricks and favourite picks 112 | Explore... Where to stay and visit in the Caribbean and Mexico 114 | Weekend away Introducing The Quin; New York’s newest best kept secret

collection 050 | Watch news 054 | Jewellery news Our usual beautiful array of the very latest jewels 056 | Jewellery trend

fashion & beauty 058 | Fashion news From essential accessories to new trends, it’s all here 060 | Trend report A full round-up of the most exciting new trends from this season’s catwalks 072 | Denim icons Create your own classic style 076 | Shadow dancer We go bold with electronic prints, clashing colours and fabulous textured graphics 088 | Beauty news

regulars

motoring

008 | Editor’s letter 012 | Contributors 015 | My life in Cheshire The glamorous lifestyle of local style guru Abi Fisher 016 | Couture culture Our favourite things to buy, see, eat or explore this month 020 | Local scene Who attended what, all the glamour and the gossip

092 | Motoring news All the latest developments 094 | Snake bite The new Daytona Cobra Coupé will truly stun you 100 | The personal touch Motoring’s most important sports car since 1963 104 | Technology central Love the latest gadgets? We bring you our top picks

FAMILY 116 | Kids’ news The very latest for little ones 119 | A square deal SpongeBob SquarePants makes his fashion debut 121 | The classroom What have our local schools been up to this month?

homes & interiors 124 | Interiors news 126 | Living the autumnal dream Now is the perfect time to discover Ralph Lauren Home 138 | American woman Meet Faiza Seth, the ultra glamorous CEO of Casa Forma 148 | Recreate the look Inside a stunning apartment from Helen Green Design 156 | Romantic violet Bring autumn’s hues indoors 168 | Local property 174 | International property A chance to see inside the decadent Château Louis XIV 180 | Overseas property These stunning properties will have you yearning to emigrate

Regulars | The CHESHIRE Magazine

november 2014 s issue 011 s

Editor Louisa Castle

The

contributors

Editorial Director Kate Harrison Art Editor Carol Cordrey Collection Editor Annabel Harrison Assistant Editor Gemma Knight Senior Designer Grace Linn Brand Consistency Laddawan Juhong Production Hugo Wheatley Alex Powell Oscar Viney Amy Roberts Advertising Manager Kayleigh Penswick General Manager Fiona Fenwick Head of Finance Elton Hopkins Publisher Giles Ellwood

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 often works with TV chef Andrew Nutter.

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 all the latest developments from the world of timepieces.

matthew carter Matthew Carter is a noted freelance journalist who’s been writing about cars for most of his working life. A former editor of Autocar magazine, he is a serial car owner and, this month, investigates the updated Daytona Cobra Coupé.

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.

Iain Warde Iain is a self-confessed geek, having worked in computer gaming and tech magazines since the creation of Pac-Man. He is also a huge petrolhead who spends his spare time marshalling at Oulton Park and around the UK.

NATALIE ANGLESEY Natalie is an author, broadcaster and journalist working with The Guardian and Cosmopolitan as well as regional media. She is also a television producer and director and is currently busy writing a book about the theatre.

Executive Director Sophie Roberts Managing Director Eren Ellwood

Proudly published by

RUNWILD MEDIA GROUP

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. ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES: Please contact Kayleigh Penswick +44 (0)1502 380434; +44 (0)7841 199699 k.penswick@runwildgroup.co.uk

cover On the

SeAl of ApprovAl

How BritisH craftsmansHip is spearHeading tHe renaissance of tHe signet ring

DArling Dickie rememBering tHe legendary lord attenBorougH

Olivia Palermo models for Aquazzura to promote her new collaboration; Aquazzura X Olivia Palermo (see page 58 for details).

execuTive eDucaTion The MBa DileMMa

iS returning to the bookS a good inveStment?

Dear Resident

As the terracotta leaves signal the change of the seasons, Henry Hopwood-Phillips digs out his best elasticated trousers and summons fellow food and drink connoisseurs to collate the best of Belgravia’s autumn dining scene (from page seven). Hannah Kate Davies props up several local bars in a quest to find the perfect watering holes to take the family, or to woo the other half. Meanwhile, Henry meets the man shaking things up in Harrods’s food halls – the store’s director of food and restaurants Bruce Langlands. On the subject of change, Shay Cooper, the new head chef at The Goring, talks about taking to the stove at this British dining institution. He also shares his favourite fish pie recipe on page 10.

BELGRAVIA

Elsewhere, florist Neill Strain discusses blooms and Belgravia on page 16 and the Journal reminisces about satirical puppet show Spitting Image with its co-creator Roger Law, who now makes show-stopping ceramics. Flick to page 19 and prepare to be amused by his refreshingly honest take on the art world.

Resident’s Journal

Please do not hesitate to get in contact with all your news and updates, email belgravia@residentsjournal.co.uk. We hope you enjoy the issue.

Also published by Members of the Professional Publishers Association

Managing Editor Francesca Lee

Editor-in-Chief Lesley Ellwood

Assistant Editor Lauren Romano

Managing Director Eren Ellwood

Main Editorial Contributor Henry Hopwood-Phillips

Senior Designer Sophie Blain

Executive Director Sophie Roberts

Production Hugo Wheatley Alex Powell Oscar Viney Amy Roberts

Client Relationship Director Felicity Morgan-Harvey

Editorial Assistant Jennifer Mason Editorial Intern Tom Hagues

Publishing Director Giles Ellwood General Manager Fiona Fenwick

Above / Horse from Chantilly by Marcus Hodge. Read about his forthcoming exhibition at The Osborne Studio Gallery on page 5.

Proudly published & printed in the UK by

OCTOBER 2014 • IssuE 29

Head of Finance Elton Hopkins

RUNWILD MEDIA GROUP

Member of the Professional Publishers Association / ppa.co.uk

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

My life in CHESHIRE ABI FISHER STYLE GURU

‘I

‘I feel very privileged to live in such a beautiful part of the world’ – Abi Fisher

FROM TOP: abi fisher, inside abi’s showroom, the sticky walnut, hoole, shopping in milan (Credit pcruciatti Shutterstock.com), abi’s labrador rula

love waking up every day to the Cheshire countryside and being able to manage every aspect of my life from one location. The fresh air, open space and calmness provide the perfect environment to sell beautiful clothing!’ Abi has grown up in Cheshire, going to King’s School in Chester and only leaving the area to go to our capital: ‘I lived in London for a number of years after university, working for luxury brands such as Ralph Lauren and MaxMara, but all my time has otherwise been spent in Cheshire. I feel very privileged to live in such a beautiful part of the world, being surrounded by the countryside but with access to some of the UK’s greatest cities. ‘The county oozes taste and being able to dress women who appreciate style, luxury and quality clothing that matches their lifestyles, makes the work that we do an absolute pleasure. ‘Fashion is in the genes. Taking inspiration from my family’s own successful businesses, I chose to target a gap in the market in Cheshire to offer ladies, through private appointment (either alone or with friends), access to clothing and style advice that cannot easily be found on the high street, and we’ve never looked back. Watching a customer leave, delighted with their new purchases, is the part that I find truly satisfying. ‘I travel a great deal, sourcing product and brands throughout Europe but always love coming home. Rialto Living in Majorca presents natural organic interiors with a wholesome feel that sit perfectly in my home and showroom. I also always ensure that I visit 10 Corso Como in Milan whenever I am in Italy. It effortlessly combines an art gallery, fashion bookshop and iconic clothing brands to offer real style inspiration. ‘For pleasure, I have been visiting Majorca for many years, having fallen in love with the combination of inspiring city life and contrasting beach escapes. The architecture, shopping and island views, guarantee my return time and time again. ‘I am a huge fan of fine dining, but also like to follow the slow food movement. I like to know where everything comes from, regularly eating raw and whole foods. I am vegetarian so tend to know what I like and where I can go to find it. I do a great deal of cooking myself and will often have my nose in books from leading vegetarian chefs. We try to eat out in Cheshire as often as possible, with Sticky Walnut in Hoole being a destination of choice. ‘Back home, there’s nothing better than starting my day with a morning walk, accompanied by Rula (Abi’s black Labrador), who is always happy to oblige. There is a little hidden lake not far from my home in Willington, which makes an idyllic setting to enjoy some calm before the day ahead.’ Abi Fisher will be showcasing her Winter Collection at the Arley Hall Shopping Spectacular, in support of The Seashell Trust 10 & 11 November; arleyhallshoppingspectacular.co.uk (abifisher.co.uk) 15

HALLÉ - POPS Recently named a BBC New Generation Artist, Esther Yoo first came to international attention in 2010 when, aged 16, she became the youngest prize winner of the 10th International Sibelius Violin Competition. In 2012, the American-Korean violinist was also one of the youngest ever prize winners of the Queen Elisabeth Competition. This November she performs with the Hallé for Hallé Pops – Classical Greats. Under the direction of conductor Wyn Davies the concert will bring you the popular Barber of Seville (Rossini) and Die Meistersinger (Wagner). Tickets from £17, 22 November, The Bridgewater Hall, (halle.co.uk)

Couture culture eventS

Shopping Spectacular: 10 & 11 November, 2014

he Arley Hall Shopping Spectacular raised over £18,000 for The Seashell Trust last year and is back this Christmastime offering fun, fashion and fundraising. The Seashell Trust is a local charity that helps children and young people with complex disabilities to developing forms of communication, usually for the first time. Sixty handpicked stalls from all over the UK will be offering a wide variety of stunning gifts and ideas for Christmas; from beautiful decorations to interiors and jewellery. Due to its popularity last year this exclusive event will offer extended opening hours and welcomes Cheshire Crèches Ltd whose qualified staff will provide free child care for up to an hour. New this year are some delicious food stands to keep visitors happy and fuelled. What’s more, the entire cost of your ticket plus 10% of everything you spend at the Fair will go directly to the charity. There’s a Champagne and canapé welcome on the Monday with shopping from 6pm until 9.30pm. Tickets are 16

£10 in advance and £12 on the night. The Spectacular is also open on Tuesday from 9.30am – 3.30pm. Tickets are £6 on the door. The Arley Hall Shopping Spectacular, 0161 610 0170 (credit card facility), (tickets@arleyhallshoppingspectacular.co.uk, arleyhallshoppingspectacular.co.uk )

book

Sixty years since his passing, Henri Matisse is still one of the most celebrated artists of our time, with his cut-outs taking centre stage following the acclaimed exhibitions at the Tate Modern and New York’s Museum of Modern Art. The new edition of the original prize-winning volume from Taschen celebrates the artist’s final and most memorable chapter of his career. The tome features a detailed chronological account of his life and work in addition to rare photographs of him by Henri CartierBresson among others. Known initially for his colour-drenched paintings of still-life and women, in his late sixties he fell ill which prevented him from painting. He developed a bold technique using painted paper and a pair of scissors, which allowed him to continue his legacy as one of the art giants of the 20th century. His cut-outs were primarily dismissed by critics, but were later recognised as the perfect solution to the age-old conflict between line and colour, and provided an influence for generations to come. Henri Matisse. Cut-outs. Drawing With Scissors by Gilles Néret and Xavier-Gilles Néret, £44.99, Taschen

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

5 top picks

Electric Blue Bright and bold, we celebrate adding some colour to our autumn wardrobe

#1 Lutea Blue skirt, LK Bennett, Metquarter, £175, (metquarter.com)

film

Magic in the Moonlight

oody Allen transports us to the sun-drenched French Riviera in his latest film, Magic in the Moonlight, a visually stunning and irresistibly charming romantic comedy in which Colin Firth and Emma Stone flirt with the ideas of magic, deception and love, against a hedonistic 1920s backdrop. Firth plays the role of the meticulous master magician, Stanley Crawford, who is lured to the glittering Côte d’Azur by his friend and fellow conjurer Howard Burkan (Simon McBurney) to help expose a young American clairvoyant who Howard suspects is duping his wealthy friends, the Catledge family. Stanley, an infuriating cynic with a brutally realistic outlook on life, enjoys nothing more than quashing claims of supernaturalism.

However the more time he spends with the intriguing Sophie, the more he begins to question his own beliefs. Despite the deceptive nature of both their occupations, Stanley and Sophie collide when it comes to the moral implications of illusion, leading to numerous engaging spars between Firth and Stone. The whole film is a pleasure to watch, from the glowing sunset scenes to a spectacular moonlit thunderstorm and notably, the roaring Gatsby-esque ball. The film may not go down in history as one of Allen’s greats, but it is a thoroughly pleasing 90 minutes of escapism which entertains the notion that life can be quite magical, if we allow it to be. Magic in the Moonlight is in cinemas now

#2 Miu Miu glow sunglasses, My Optuique Group, £216 (myoptiquegroup.com)

#3 Joseph Ribkoff laser cut jacket, £245 (josephribkoff.com)

Words: Marianne Dick

Vintage light bulb symbol, £300, alexanderandpearl.co.uk

‘What is a soul? It’s like electricity – we don’t really know what it is, but it’s a force that can light a room’ – Ray Charles

#4 Storm watch, £129.99 (stormwatches.com)

#5 Victoria Beckham Liberty Bag, £895, Harvey Nichols, Manchester (harveynichols.com)

REMEMBER As we remember the service men and women this November, there are plenty of ways to make a difference, however small or large

HIDDEN GEM… FABULOUS FROST FAIR

illbark Hotel and Spa will be playing host to the area’s finest small businesses and creatives this November, encouraging visitors to support independent suppliers, without compromising on quality and style. The team behind the fair have been visiting events similar to this in London for several years and felt it was high time that something similar was available locally. Designed for all the family, Sunday’s activities

are focused on children having some festive fun with the big man in red, with bauble-making, Santa’s letter-writing workshops, story sessions and even an opportunity for family photo shoots ready in time for Christmas. The fair is helping to raise much needed funds for their chosen charity, The Clatterbridge Cancer Charity. Fabulous Frost Fair, 21–23 November 2014, £15 (fabulousfrostfair.co.uk, @FabFrost)

PURCHASE OF THE MONTH FR.eD

We don’t know about you but we do know that finding your perfect perfume can be a lengthy and tiring process. So we were thrilled to hear about FR.eD (short for Fragrance Editor). Simply enter the brand name of the fragrance you wear and FR.eD gets to work selecting six fragrances which you’re likely to enjoy from the thousands out there. It also covers high street brands and luxe scents so you can pick your price point too. We think it will be a great help for those looking for a perfect scent for Christmas gift giving as well as those of us who are ready for a change from our usual scent. FR.eD is available via The Perfume Society website perfumesociety.org 18

WEAR A POPPY Whether it’s a pin or a brooch, paper or crystal encrusted, wear yours with pride this month.

(poppyshop.org.uk)

RUN2REMEMBER The annual fun run will take place on 8 November in Royal Wootton Bassett, the day before Remembrance Sunday

(britishlegion. org.uk/ get-involved/ run2remember)

BUY A BOOK Only Remembered is a collection of words and pictures about the war that changed our world. Edited by Michael Murporgo and with contributors including HRH The Duchess or Cornwall and Ben Elton.

Available at all good bookshops and as an eBook

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

Saddle up

he Nag’s Head at Haughton may have only been open since June but is already making quite an impact on the local area. It’s not just down to the amazing dishes coming out of the kitchen though. To support Mid-Cheshire Riding for the Disabled in Ollerton, 20p from every cover will go to the local charity plus there’s a number of evening events planned. Celebrated down-to-earth chef Nigel Haworth was inspired by the work undertaken by such a small charity. Archie and Megan (pictured) from the riding group were more impressed with the food, saying ‘This pub makes the best chips ever!’ (nagsheadhaughton.co.uk)

Megan Wilkinson (Aged 17, Winsford) & horse Ted trot over to meet Nigel with Archie Pilkington (Aged 7, Little Bollington) & pony Pip.

‘People like us, we don’t need that much: Just someone that starts, starts the spark in our bonfire hearts’ – James Blunt

SPOTLIGHT ON… Turtle bay

he warmth of the Caribbean welcomes you to the new Turtle Bay restaurant in Manchester – that goes for Chloe the hostess, the cocktails and the aroma of jerk spices as you walk through the door. After a long day at work it seems a perfect destination for Mancunians sitting around the bar or under the trellis in the traditionally designed eaterie. The atmosphere is somewhat responsible for this, though the happy hour is too with some great tasting cocktails to quench the thirst. To eat, there’s nibbles and light bites though we’d recommend the Platter – spicy jerk chicken wings, pepper roti, sweet corn fritters and flatbread. Great to share and sample what’s on offer if you’ve never been before. To follow came the Blue Mountain Curry Goat served in authentic tin dish and accompanied with rice ‘n’ peas and carmelised onion chutney. Beautifully tender and aromatic. We also tried the Trini Curry Fish which included salmon, prawns, squid and white fish in a sweet coconut sauce. It is pleasantly spicy and there are traditional Caribbean sauces on hand for those that like it hot, hot, hot. To cleanse and soothe we finished with Spanish Town Sundays – fresh mango, pineapple and banana with coconut ice-cream and mango sorbet. Our verdict; great relaxed dining and drinking. Turtle Bay, 33 Oxford Road, Manchester, M1 4BH (turtlebay.co.uk)

Gaynor Holland, Catherine Starkey, Claire Reid, Raymond Reid

Local scene From honouring charitable lifetimes to strutting the latest style and tempting our tastebuds, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been busy this month

Martin & Jane Hallam, WITH Rachel & William Murphy THE GREAT BRITISH MENU FINALIST DISH OF PLAICE

CHOCOLATE GANACHE TOFFEE & RICE

BATTENBURG WITH APRICOT & AMARETTO

Star attraction

COLIN STARKEY & MARK POYNTON IPREPARING THE AMUSE BOUCHE

Rina Housbey, Mark Poynton, Carl Housbey

Restaurant 180, Pinewood on Wilmslow Michelin-star chef Mark Poynton made the journey from Cambridge to Wilmslow to join his friend chef Colin Starkey in the kitchen for a special evening which included his Great British Menu dish. The six-course menu was a delight, using local produce and magical combinations and accompanied by individual wines from around the globe. (pinewood-hotel.co.uk)

Paul & Rebecca Galligan, Nicola & Richard Brown, Mark Monaghan

MARK PYNTON, JOHN SCOTT & COLIN STARKEY

Richard Irons, Catherine Mackenzie, Jackie & Andrew Ford

Gaynor Holland, Catherine Starkey, Claire Reid, Raymond Reid

Iain Warde, Louisa Castle

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

90 Years of speed Belstaff, King Street, Manchester In celebration of 90 years of iconic British brand, Belstaff, the store opened its doors to guests for an exclusive viewing of the David Beckham collection, limited edition anniversary pieces and a collection of rare and exotic clothes and items from the archives. Music was provided by Felicity Jackson with cocktails and canapĂŠs to match. (belstaff.com)

Gaynor Holland, Catherine Starkey, Claire Reid, Raymond Reid

Coach Fall 2014 Launch

amber le bon models her favourite coach tote

Harvey Nichols, Manchester The launch of Executive Creative Director, Stuart Veversâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; debut collection for Coach was showcased in true style at Harvey Nichols with an invite-only champagne event featuring Amber Le Bon on the DJ decks. (harveynichols.com)

Tam Pop-Up Exchange Square As the Corn Exchange is mid transformation, Tampopo has created a baby Tampopo, street style. Although we are reliably informed it will also make a great cosy destination through the winter so we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to rely on the weather Tam Pop-up, 12noon to 9pm, (tampopo.co.uk)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

Antonio CARLUCCIO & Simon KOSOFF (CEO) with the Mayor of Trafford, Councillor Ejaz Malik

La Dolce Vita Carluccioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Hale Antonio Carluccio came to Cheshire to open his new restaurant in Hale and was welcomed with open arms on a sunny September evening. Guests were treated to prosecco, antipasti, Bellinis and a hog roast as they familiarised themselves with the new all-day eaterie and deli. (carluccios.com)

Gaynor Holland, Catherine Starkey, Claire Reid, Raymond Reid

Natasha Stein, Milan Upton, Natalie Azmeh & Marie Greenlee lyn staunton of variety with liz taylor of tlc

classical group - sirens sue johnston & susie mathis

the ainscough family

Outstanding Achievement Award

happy birthday kirsty

The Hilton, Deansgate The great and good of Manchester and Cheshire gathered to honour one of the region’s stars, Kirsty Howard, with a grand award ceremony on her nineteenth birthday courtesy of Variety – the children’s charity and supported by TLC events. Brilliantly hosted by Les Dennis, the evening included music from Sirens and messages of well wishes from David Beckham, David Cameron and Sir Alex Ferguson as well as a surprise performance from Russell Watson. Over £30,000 was raised through fundraising activities on the night; Susan Mather donated a diamond encrusted Paccioni watch for the Gold Heart Experience and there was a bidding frenzy for the auction prizes including a driving experience with Oli Webb and BAR which raised £5,000. A great event to honour an amazing young lady. (variety.org.uk / tlc-ltd.co.uk)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

Kimberley & Oliver Dunn

Martin & Sharon Kettle, with Caroline & John Wynn

host for the evening, les dennis with his wife claire

Samia Ghadie with her husband Sylvain.

susie mathis & guests

kirsty with liz dawn

Jennie McAlpine, Anthony Cotton & Liz Taylor

Portrait by Christian Chambenoit

Memoir of an

With Dame Vivienne Westwoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eagerly anticipated memoir finally about to be released, we bring you two exclusive extracts from this fascinating insight into the mind of a fashion legend

Icon

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature

legend in the world of fashion design, Dame Vivienne Westwood is nothing if not an icon. Famous for bringing punk and new wave into the mainstream, she pushed the boundaries of creativity and was responsible for revolutionising the landscape of British fashion – all the while shouting passionately and loudly about what she believed and employing the shock factor in her work as few had dared before her. Her long-awaited memoir and authorised biography, which has just been released, was co-written by award-winning actor and writer Ian Kelly, who spent two years by her side in order to better understand what it is that makes her who she is. It tells the story of her incredible life and career, both in her own words and those of her family and friends.

‘I know I am difficult. I am not an easy person or an ordinary person – my life is not an ordinary life’ – Dame Vivienne Westwood

Vivienne on herself ‘The only reason I am in fashion is to destroy the word “conformity”. Nothing is interesting to me unless it’s got that element. So we began in our shop Let It Rock with a look from the fifties. The walls were covered with pages torn out of fifties pin-up porno magazines – these ravaged or shipwrecked temptresses. The fifties also inspired me to have a crew cut. My hair was fine so I dyed it blond [sic] to make it more coarse so it would stick up. Then I took pleasure in letting it grow longer but still sticking up, and this hairstyle caught on. People had never seen this before. ‘To sum up the whole idea of “Vivienne”, not that I am sure I want to or that one could, you’d need to find the references; the ideas from the past and the goals for the future.’

Vivienne on life ‘I’m not interested in things for myself. I am not materialistic. Ideas make me happy – and making things, I suppose, making beauty out of ideas. But the ideas are more important, and increasingly, of course, the ideas are huge: the end of humanity. I think of my family a lot. And my friends. I do want to say, as well, and it’s a sort of apology, with regards to the people I love, that I know I am

(L–R) Shop regulars Danielle, Alan Jones, Chrissie Hynde, Vivienne and Jordan spelling at their favourite emporium IMAGE by SEX picture- Vivienne Westwood Archive

difficult. I am not an easy person or an ordinary person – my life is not an ordinary life. I don’t have time to see my friends or, you know, go and make jam or just ordinary things, you know, that grandmothers do. And sometimes I wish I did. And I do think it is to do with me always thinking, “I will try and solve this thing.” I think it’s to do with that, more than anything else. But at the same time, this instinct made me who I am. I get myself into situations.’ VIVIENNE WESTWOOD by Vivienne Westwood and Ian Kelly is published by Picador in hardback, £25 (picador.com)

The

queen of screen Dame Helen Mirren takes time out from her hectic promotional tour to talk with Natalie Anglesey about food, glorious food...

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature

‘I ‘I was four or five before I tasted chocolate for the first time and now the smell brings my childhood right back’

do a good beans on toast, cheese on toast and even Marmite on toast,’ laughs Dame Helen Mirren. With an international career and an array of glittering awards to her name, today she’s talking about food, the pivotal theme in her latest film The Hundred-Foot Journey. It’s a delicious homage to food and love and is already receiving accolades from foodies and non-foodies alike. ‘The first phone call came from Steven Spielberg,’ Helen recalls. He’s co-produced this film with Oprah Winfrey and it’s directed by Lasse Hallström, responsible for Chocolat. ‘When someone like Steven approaches you – you take it seriously. It’s shot in France and I’ve always secretly wanted to be a French actress!’ Mirren plays Madame Mallory, the strict restaurateur of a celebrated Michelin-starred restaurant in the picturesque French countryside. But when an Indian family opens the colourful Maison Mumbai restaurant, opposite, it’s culinary war. However, when filming finished at the weekends, there were meals made by co-star Om Puri, who plays the patriarch of the Indian family with the young love interest provided by Manish Dayal and Charlotte Le Bon. ‘We were like one big happy family.’

FROM LEFT: Helen Mirren as Madame Mallory; Helen Mirren with Om Puri in The Hundred-Foot Journey; Helen Mirren - Best Actress winner for The Queen – at the 79th Annual Academy Awards at the Kodak Theatre 2007 Los Angeles, CA (Picture: Paul Smith / Featureflash)

As Helen reminisces, it’s the smell of chocolate that stirs most memories. ‘There was sweet rationing during the war so I was four or five before I tasted chocolate for the first time and now the smell brings my childhood right back.’ Universally adored by the critics, Helen’s career has taken her to international stardom from her first professional job in Manchester in the sixties. She played Kitty in Charley’s Aunt starring Tom Courtenay, directed by Braham Murray, at the University Theatre, home at the time of the ’69 Theatre Company which morphed into the Royal Exchange. In 1980 Helen returned to star in the Duchess of Malfi with Bob Hoskins, which transferred to London’s Roundhouse – to critical acclaim. After four years at the Royal Shakespeare Company, Helen left to work with renowned director Peter Brook’s theatre company touring Africa and America. Returning to work on stage and television, it was her role as DCI Jane Tennison, in several award-winning series of Prime Suspect, which saw her become a household name. Helen was filming in Manchester’s city centre at the time of the IRA bombing and described the scene in her

autobiography. ‘We were on location in a morgue of all places and heard the bomb and the endless wail of the ambulance sirens.’ Written by Liverpool’s Lynda La Plante, the final episode in 2006 brought this BAFTA award-winning role to its conclusion. Since then theatre work has spanned numerous UK and Broadway productions including A Month in the Country (Tony nomination) and The Dance of Death, opposite Sir Ian McKellen. Mourning Becomes Electra (The National) brought an Olivier while Racine’s Phèdre, directed by Nicholas Hytner, made history by becoming the first theatre production to be filmed for NTLive, seen in cinemas world-wide. At the start of her film career, Helen’s breakthrough came in The Long Good Friday, working again with Bob Hoskins, followed by Excaliber in which she met Liam Neeson, her partner for the following four years. Cal brought her the Best Actress Award at the Cannes Film Festival, followed by White Nights, directed by Taylor Hackford, whom she eventually married. Performances in The Mosquito Coast with Harrison Ford and Peter Greenaway’s The Cook, The Thief, His Wife and Her Lover added to her growing reputation. She earned her second

From Left: Helen Mirren arrives at the Red 2 Los Angeles Premiere on July 11, 2013 in Westwood, CA © DFree; Helen Mirren as Madame Mallory in the hundred foot journey

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Academy Award nomination for her performance as the housekeeper in Robert Altman’s Gosford Park. Created a Dame in 2003, last year Mirren was given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame while this year she was awarded a BAFTA Fellowship. The 69-year-old actress has also played three British queens. In The Madness of King George, directed by Sir Nicholas Hytner, she played Queen Charlotte (1994) earning an Academy Award nomination. For her television performance as Elizabeth I she won both Emmy and Golden Globe Awards. Although it was her portrayal as Elizabeth II in the film, The Queen, which won her coveted Academy and BAFTA Awards, becoming the only actress ever to have portrayed both Queens named Elizabeth, on screen. To crown it all there was last year’s Olivier Award-winning role as Elizabeth II on the London stage in The Audience and there’s talk of her reprising it on Broadway next year. In recent years there’s been starring roles in Calendar Girls, The Clearing, Shadowboxer and State of Play while The Last Station saw Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for her role as Countess Sofya Tolstoy. Mirren followed that with Love Ranch, again directed by Taylor Hackford,

and last year’s biopic Hitchcock, starring Antony Hopkins, which saw her nominated for a Golden Globe and BAFTA as the legendary film-maker’s wife Alma Reville. She also reprised her role as the retired British spy Victoria in RED 2 with Bruce Willis and John Malkovich. Although there are no plans to retire, Helen and her husband of seventeen years, are building a holiday home in Puglia where she’s learning Italian and one day perhaps there’ll be time to write the sequel to her autobiography, In

‘I may not be a very good cook but I‘m a good eater and we love Indian food’ The Frame: My Life in Words and Pictures. Inevitably the conversation returns to food and The Hundred-Foot Journey. ‘I may not be a very good cook but I‘m a good eater and we love Indian food,’ Helen enthuses. ‘That’s usually our first meal on landing in the UK although Om’s persuading us all to go to India in December see the movie and try the food!’ The Hundred-Foot Journey is out in cinemas now.

32 Featureflash / Shutterstock.com

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Tall

Story After turning up the heat in the latest series of Celebrity Masterchef, supermodel-turned-TV-personality Jodie Kidd has returned to her fashion roots and launched a luxury travel wallet collection with Debrett’s. Olivia Sharpe reports

hat does one wear to meet a supermodel? This is not a question many of us have to deal with day to day but it was the dilemma I faced one morning as I got ready to interview Jodie Kidd. Despite having woken up uncharacteristically early to decide upon my outfit, as soon as I stood in front of my wardrobe, I knew it was a lost cause. Even if I could magic up something incredibly glamorous, next to the 6’2’’ Jodie, it would inevitably fall short of expectations. So rather than running the risk of being a try-hard, I decided to be myself. Following an impressive debut on Celebrity Masterchef, Jodie has launched a travel wallet collection with renowned British publisher of social etiquette, Debrett’s. Waiting in the company’s Mayfair office with other members of the press, I was reminded of Notting Hill when Hugh Grant’s character turns up to meet Julia

Roberts at The Ritz. Awoken from my daze, I was bundled into the room where I was to be introduced to Jodie, her agent, her fiancé David Blakeley and a member of the Debrett’s team, all of whom were sat round a large table. I felt like I was the one being interviewed. However, this feeling soon subsided as I was warmly greeted by a beaming Jodie who looked every bit her model self, dressed elegantly in a cream white lace top and black lace skirt, with an assortment of colourful, boho bracelets up one arm and a chunky, leather watch on the other. Debrett’s couldn’t have found a more suitable partner in Jodie, who has spent her career travelling. ‘I remember someone interviewing me when I was about 20 and they asked me, “Where do you live?” and I answered: “On a Boeing 747”,’ she smiles. While some of us have difficulty filling one passport in ten years, Jodie went through three passports in the same amount of time, jet-setting to exotic locations

for shoots with British Vogue, Elle and Tatler, and appearing on catwalks around the world for top fashion houses, including Moschino, Temperley and Chanel. Despite sounding glamorous, she’s quick to tell me she’s no stranger to hellish airport scenarios, resulting in her missing more than her fair share of flights. ‘The number of times I’ve done the running, sweating, crying “NO!” scene,’ she laughs. ‘I blame those nightmare connections organised by some ‘genius’ in an office.’ It was when Jodie became a mum and was travelling with her two year-old son Indie that she realised she was in desperate need of something to alleviate the hassle. ‘I kept

thinking, “God, it would be so useful to have a bag that’s fun to carry but not big and hefty.” I’m sure all women can relate to that moment at airport security when you’re trying to sort all your liquids and then suddenly you’re at the desk and you’ve got to dive into your bag again to find your boarding card.’ Working alongside Debrett’s, down-to-earth Jodie has created a collection designed for the serious traveller. The larger wallet can be used as a clutch or portfolio and features a hands-free leather strap (which can be slipped over a suitcase), individual compartments for travel essentials including mobile phone and passport, plus extra space to fit a tablet and MacBook Air. The smaller size has a detachable strap which can be worn across the body and doubles up as an evening clutch. It was also important to Jodie that the wallets were ‘cool and fashionable’ so the summer styles came in a choice of three statement colours, with three more colours added for A/W. These include plantation pink, hibiscus orange and lotus blue for S/S (inspired by the former model’s love of the Caribbean) and aubergine, rich brown and navy blue for A/W. Incorporating Italian leather with a luxurious calf leather lining, I instantly recognise creative chairman Sarah Elton’s, formerly of Smythson of Bond Street, handiwork, who worked with Jodie on the collection. Despite having hung up her modelling stilettos a few years ago, 35 year-old Jodie continues to travel and she and David recently returned from Italy, where they took part in the Mille Miglia vintage car race (and won). Adrenalin-junkie Jodie’s love of fast cars has been well-documented and she is noted for completing one of the fastest Celebrity Laps on Top Gear in 2003, beating the likes of Patrick Stewart and Gordon Ramsay. Both Jodie and David smile as they reminisce about their recent exploit, which involved taking turns to drive a XK120 Jaguar over four days from Bresca to Rome and back again. Covering the country’s most picturesque scenery, it has been aptly described as ‘the most beautiful car race in the

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world’. However, it is certainly not for the faint-hearted. Commencing in 1927, the race was banned in 1957 following two fatal crashes. David comments: ‘It’s the most hardcore car race in the world. Just under 1,000 miles, minimum, and you can go through red lights, overtake the police… It’s pretty crazy.’ Those of you who’ve ever driven with your partner are surely thinking this has ‘break-up’ written all over it and even Jodie concedes that it was ‘a very high-pressured thing to do as a couple’; and yet, with the pair currently planning their nuptials (after meeting last November, they recently announced their engagement), it seems clear that the expression ‘whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger’ applies in this case. I ask Jodie what her dream holiday destination is and she says that although she has travelled a great deal, she’ll ‘only remember the airport or a hotel. So I’d really like to go somewhere like French Polynesia which is completely off the beaten track.’ There is an apparent dichotomy between Jodie’s model and action girl personas; she admits that she used to try and merge these two worlds together but eventually had to accept they didn’t mix so fell into her more natural role. ‘It’s been amazing modelling for many years but I love to go exploring and hiking much more than being fabulous and elegant.’ While Jodie’s tomboyish nature appears at odds with the Debrett’s code, her distinguished background fully aligns with it. Jodie’s paternal great-grandfather was famous newspaper magnate Lord Beaverbrook and her maternal great-grandfather was Sir Rowland Frederick William Hodge, 1st baronet of Chipstead. Jodie’s mother educated all her children in lessons of etiquette and this is something the former model hopes to instill in her own children. ‘My mother brought us up to be very polite and well-mannered. We all went to boarding school and had etiquette lessons, which I think is very important. It’s part of our heritage and our history.’ The family has always mixed in high circles, with Jodie’s sister, Jemma

having married Arthur Gerald Wellesley, the Earl of Mornington. Jodie confesses that her height was somewhat of a stumbling block growing up: ‘When I was 14, I was a foot taller than everyone else so I was always stooping.’ She also received constant criticism from the press when she was younger for being too thin, nicknamed ‘the locust model’. However, anyone who meets Jodie can see she doesn’t sweat the small stuff and that she is always on the lookout for her next challenge. In 2008, she took part in Strictly Come Dancing and despite a rocky start, the self-confessed tomboy managed to make it to the final six celebrity couples. Jodie

‘Someone once asked me, “Where do you live?” and I replied: “on a Boeing 747’’’ confesses that cooking was also out of her comfort zone but like everything else, she threw herself into it. ‘I am the type of person that if you put something in front of me, I’ll go for it. I was never going to go, “right, Jo, you’re going to learn how to cook” so I knew the only way I would progress as a cook was to launch myself into Masterchef. I’m normally quite competitive but because I had a lot less experience than some of the other contestants, I couldn’t be, so instead I went in very eager, hungry and wanting to do really well.’ And she certainly did that. Having reached the semi-finals, David jokes that she has become a bit of a whizz kid in the kitchen. Later this year will see Jodie presenting The Classic Car Show alongside presenter Quentin Willson. As well as being passionate about cars, she is also an avid horse rider and polo player and is therefore set to be the host of CNN Equestrian on CNN International from September. As we wrap up our interview, the pair let slip that they’re off to Sardinia for a relaxing holiday. Although, knowing Jodie, I’m sure there were a few surprises along the way. Large travel wallet, £375; Small travel wallet, £295 (debretts.com)

We will

REMEMBER them

Marking the centenary of the First World War, the Imperial War Museum North shares some of the extraordinary stories of the people in our region and beyond

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A working party of the Manchester Regiment moving up to the trenches near Serre in France, January 1917

THIS PAGE FROM LEFT: John Davies; Cap badge of the Cheshire Regiment, which recruited throughout the county. Two of its wartime battalions – known as the 1st and 2nd Birkenhead – were the first ‘Bantam’ units to be formed. They were made up of men under the Army’s minimum height requirement of 5ft 3inches (160cm) and were recruited by local politician Alfred Bigland MP.; JOHN DAVIES Documents; A pack horse loaded with trench boots is led through the mud near Beaumont Hamel.

‘The men of his battalion were outflanked on both sides and in danger of being surrounded’ On the front line: John Davies Corporal John Thomas Davies, known as Jack, was born on September 29, 1895 in Rock Ferry, Birkenhead, but grew up in St Helens. He was wounded twice during the Battle of Somme in 1916, and twice returned to active service. But the incredible events for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross (VC) took place on March 24, 1918 near Eppeville, France. The men of his battalion were outflanked on both sides and in danger of being surrounded when they were ordered to withdraw. Corporal Davies, then aged 22, knew that the only line of retreat lay through a deep stream lined with a belt of barbed wire and that it was imperative to hold up the enemy as long as possible. In the words of his VC citation: “He mounted the parapet, fully exposing himself, in order to get a more effective field of fire, and kept his Lewis gun in action to the last, causing the enemy many casualties and checking their advance. “By his very great devotion to duty he enabled part of his company to get across the river, which they would otherwise have been unable to do, thus undoubtedly saving the lives

of many of his comrades.” His parents were notified of his death in action and his VC was gazetted posthumously. But incredibly, two months later, information was received that Corporal Davies wasn’t dead, he was in fact being held as a prisoner of war in Poland and had survived. He is believed to be the only person ever to have been awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross while still alive.

The home front: Elsie Pool Elsie served with what was known as a Voluntary Aid Detachment (VAD) unit for East Lancashire from 1915 to 1919, one of 126,000 VAD nurses to take part in the war effort. After the war, Elsie moved to Timperley and was the Honorary Secretary at Cole’s Orphanage. She never married and died in 1987, aged 94. The VAD units had first been set up by the Red Cross in 1909, but their numbers increased during the war. Elsie’s unit helped to staff the Moorlands Hospital in Kersal, Salford. Over 3,000 Red Cross auxiliary hospitals were temporarily set up around the country. Hospitals such as this greatly eased the burden on military

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‘Mother and all will do anything for you but do do please let us keep Old Betty and send official word quickly before anyone comes.’ Such was the impact of Freda’s letter, it took just one day for the Hewlett family to receive an official reply from Lord Kitchener’s office, confirming that Old Betty would be spared. ‘Lord Kitchener has decided that no horses under 15 hands shall be requisitioned belonging to the British Army.’

and regular hospitals, which were struggling to cope with the high numbers of casualties brought about by bloody and devastating trench warfare. THIS PAGE FROM TOP: Women workers in an Oil and Cake factory having tea, Lancashire, 1918. Oil cakes were used to feed cattle (Photographed by George Parham Lewis); nurse elsie poole; old betty .

Animals at war: Old Betty Over 16 million animals served in the First World War. Dogs and pigeons carried messages, canaries were used to detect poisonous gas and cats and dogs trained to hunt rats in the trenches. Horses were in great demand to carry food, water, ammunition and medical supplies to men at the front and were being requisitioned from farms and owners across the country. The conditions of the trenches were far from ideal for horses. One million horses were used by the British Army over the course of the First World War. Of these, over 250,000 were killed. The war was only a few weeks old in August 1914, but young Wigan schoolgirl, Freda Hewlett and her family knew all too well of the dangers Old Betty would face, as they wrote to Lord Kitchener: ‘We are writing for our pony which we are very afraid may be taken for your army. Please spare her. ‘Daddy says she is going to be a mother early next year and is 17 years old. It would break our hearts to let her go. ‘We have given two others and three of our own family are now fighting for you in the navy.

From Street To Trench: A World War That Shaped A Region

The free exhibition at IWM North in Manchester reveals more than 200 personal objects, films, sound recordings, photographs, artworks and letters – many on public display for the first time. Watch out for: manuscript poems of famous war poet Wilfred Owen’s experiences with the Manchester Regiment; a letter from the Gallipoli front by officer Clement Attlee of the South Lancashire Regiment, who later helped to found the NHS as Labour Prime Minister; a trench periscope created by the owner of Duerrs jam factory, which still operates today; the field gun that fired the British Army’s first shot of the First World War on the Western Front; the revolver carried by Lord of the Rings author JRR Tolkien on the Somme and a 100-year-old biscuit that went uneaten in the trenches The story of Altrincham’s Chapel Street – ‘the bravest little street in England’ – reveals how 161 men from just 60 houses served in the armed forces during the war. Content specially researched and curated by children from Altrincham College of Arts explores six stories of the roles, lives and legacy of local people, including those of Chapel Street. The exhibition will run until 31 May iwm.org.uk/@I_W_M #IWMNorth (facebook.com/iwm.north)

Once upon a time...

Natalie Anglesey speaks with Matthew Bourne OBE, the choreographer, innovative director and the man who turned the ballet world upside down – taking fairy tales and making them grimmer than any tale by the Brothers Grimm!

‘I

don’t know where this macabre side comes from,’ Matthew laughingly admits. ‘I like to tell a good story and sadly life isn’t like those stage shows which are all fun! Life has both light and dark.’ Matthew’s Sleeping Beauty contains vampires, his Cinderella has a nightmarish quality while Dorian Gray, based on Oscar Wilde’s gothic masterpiece, is the most successful dance production in the Edinburgh Festival’s history. His re-interpretation of Swan Lake, premiered in 1995, took the dance world by storm. Now established as a contemporary classic, it replaced the traditional female corps de ballet with a menacing male ensemble. ‘It’s more to do with dancing than with sexuality. A male dancer, whether gay or straight, fits into a relationship with a female partner very happily. It’s something you’re taught, and it fits, it feels right. Making a convincing love duet, a romantic, sexual duet, for two men that’s comfortable to do and comfortable to watch – I’d never seen it done.’ Now Swan Lake is considered a landmark

achievement, winning international acclaim including three Tony Awards. In 1999 Matthew gave his own final performance playing The Private Secretary in the Broadway production. ‘If I was going to bow out as a performer this was the place and the ballet to do it and I’d always wanted to say I’d danced on Broadway,’ he jokes. Swan Lake featured in Stephen Daldry’s hit film Billy Elliot and coincidentally Liam Mower, the Olivier Awardwinning Billy Elliot on stage, is sharing the role of Edward Scissorhands with Dominic North at The Lowry. ‘I spent some time convincing Tim Burton, who made the original film, to give permission,’ Matthew confesses. ‘I finally persuaded him to see my Cinderella in LA and he found it poetic. Tim and his wife, Helena Bonham-Carter, came to the world premiere at Sadler’s Wells in 2005 where she remarked it reminded her of him!’ Edward Scissorhands broke all box office records on its UK, Asian and American tours. ‘And there wasn’t a tutu in sight,’ Matthew

‘Anyone who’s ever felt an outsider or who’s loved and lost will understand this bitter-sweet love story’

RIGHT: Matthew Bourne (Photo BY Hugo Glendinning)

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chuckles. A surprisingly modest man, he’s created the world’s longest running ballet, is a five-time Olivier Award winner, and the only British director to have won the Tony Award for both Best Choreographer and Best Director of a Musical. He’s also collected over 30 international awards. Matthew’s successful 27 year career encompasses creating dance for musicals, opera, theatre, and film as well as his own highly successful, award-winning companies. As Artistic Director of Adventures in Motion Pictures (1987-2002), he created several award-winning works which have been revived for New Adventures launched with co-director Robert Noble in 2002. It’s now the most important UK dance company and a major, global exporter of quality productions. Earlier this year Matthew brought his version of Lord of the Flies to The Lowry. It featured 24 boys from Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Lancashire dancing with his company. ‘The Scottish version of the Arts Council invited me to integrate young boys between 10 and 21 with no dance experience in an experimental project and I thought of William Golding’s wonderful novel,’ Matthew explains. This new project was delivered by the company’s charitable arm as Matthew points out. ‘Re:Bourne discovers and inspires the next generation of choreographers and dance-theatre professionals and we’ve already worked with 15,000 youngsters attending our workshops and auditions to find the best fresh dance talent in the region.’ There’s a serious reason for this magnanimous gesture as Matthew confesses. ‘London born and bred, I left full-time education in my teens and worked in various jobs. I knew where I wanted to belong but wasn’t sure how to get there. I was fit because I was sporty but I was 22 before I started

‘I like to tell a good story and sadly life isn’t like those stage shows which are all fun! Life has both light and dark’

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professional contemporary training. So I’m keen these young lads have the same chance to explore another career option.’ In 1997 Matthew was made an Honorary Fellow of his former college, The Laban Centre, becoming a Companion of Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in 2012, Matthew’s been awarded five Honorary Doctorates, is a Companion of Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts and a proud patron of several London-based organisations. Matthew’s choreography for musicals includes Cameron Mackintosh’s Oliver! (Olivier nominations), My Fair Lady (Olivier Award), as well as the National Theatre’s South Pacific. He also co-directed and choreographed the hit musical Mary Poppins for Broadway. ‘Edward Scissorhands is a contemporary fairy tale about a young boy’s inability to connect. Anyone who’s ever felt an outsider or who’s loved and lost will understand this bitter-sweet love story. It’s a powerful parable for our times.’ Edward Scissorhands will be at The Lowry from 25-29 November (0843 208 6000, thelowry.com)

LEFT: Lord of the Flies ABOVE FROM TOP: Edward Scissorhands (Photo by Hugo Glendinning); Jonathan Ollivier as The Swan in Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake (Photo by Bill Cooper)

Art news

Art allure Yet another beautiful coffee table addition from TASCHEN, The Art of Pin-Up by Dian Hanson, Sarahjane Blum and Louis Meisel is as naughty as it is sumptuous, filled with beautifully crafted drawings, paintings and pastels of idealised female forms produced for public display between 1920 and 1970. Colourful, fun and eminently collectable, this is a great way to add a bit of vintage energy to your living room. ÂŁ135 (taschen.com)

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Q&A with…

Rebecca Lawley, silversmith and designer Palettes and palates Q: Was becoming a silversmith a childhood ambition or something you came to later on? A: I have always made things, even as a child, but my interest in working in metal started in school. I was encouraged by my metalwork teacher to make jewellery as part of my GCSE coursework and that was the beginning of my creative passion. I firstly completed a BTEC in jewellery then went on to do a metalwork and jewellery degree. During my degree in Sheffield I was exposed to working in metal on a larger scale, which I found more challenging and enjoyable. After several years of part-time teaching and making I decided to focus on my own business and producing larger scale work again. I can’t imagine not making or doing anything else, I really enjoy the challenge of working in metal. I love making new work and watching it develop and transform from a flat piece of silver into a beautiful finished object. Q: What inspires you? A: Everything! I think like a lot of designers I get influenced and inspired by a huge range of things. Each piece is probably influenced by several different elements. Recent work developed through sketches I based on the 1950s fabric design of Lucienne Day. The original design evolved from lots of quick sketches. I tend to sketch a lot when developing ideas then make models in card or foam and then try pieces in copper to get an idea how I’ll produce the final piece. I love design from the 50s and 60s, particularly Scandinavian design of the era. Q: What have been the highlights of your career so far? A: Recently getting my Spectator candlesticks accepted for the 17th International Silver Triennial. It felt amazing to be selected and to exhibit alongside other talented silversmiths. Q: What projects do you have coming up? A: I have spent a lot of this year developing my designs and focusing on producing new work. I’ve been interested in incorporating some surface texture onto my pieces and experimenting with some different techniques to achieve my ideas. It’ll be my third year exhibiting at the Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair this month, a great opportunity to showcase this new work to the GNCCF’S large and discerning audience. (rebeccalawleysilver.com)

If you’re an art fan who likes a little fiction mixed with their fact, and are – like us – a hopeless romantic, Monet’s Angels by Jennifer Pulling might be the perfect book for you to curl up with this autumn. Set in the last days of the Belle Époque, the book addresses Monet’s lifelong love of the culinary delights (his favourite was Tarte Tatin, FYI) and follows two romances – one based on fact, that of Monet’s carer and stepdaughter Blanche with a young American painter, and the other on fiction, that of Judith the American heiress with Michel, a humble gardener on the estate where Monet produced his famous Water Lily painting. Dreamy. Copies of Monet’s Angels can be bought from Jennifer Pulling at: info@jenniferpulling.co.uk

Modern masterpieces Be sure not to miss Ornament this October, a curated selling exhibition of museum-quality contemporary craft taking place as part of the Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair. The exhibition aims to help build the market for collectors through exposure and education by celebrating the wealth of work on display in the North-West and encouraging visitors to engage with contemporary craft across the region. There’ll be work by each artist available for sale, giving visitors the chance to start or add to their own collections, so hurry on down and see what takes your fancy. Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair, 9–12 October, Old Granada Studios, Manchester (greatnorthernevents.co.uk) 45

Behind

THE MASK The stars are shining brightly in Salford! Thanks to the skills of celebrity photographer Andy Gotts MBE, an array of BAFTA’s film and television luminaries have crossed the red carpet at The Lowry to present a truly star-studded show w o r d s : C A RO L C ORDR E Y

his exciting exhibition has travelled to Salford after unfolding to great acclaim in London’s Somerset House. It has emerged from a collaboration between Andy Gotts and BAFTA to record and celebrate in a book BAFTA’s winners and nominees since 1954. Gotts has become internationally famous as Britain’s most successful photographer of celebrities and this project has taken him two

years of criss-crossing the globe in his quest to ‘unmask’ many of our most famous actors. In so doing, he has created new and memorable portraits of them as the characters they know best yet so rarely present to the general public – themselves. ‘This exhibition is a special story so far with some [of the actors] already shot,’ he explains. ‘The exhibition was originally just meant to be

above from left: portraits of john cleese, robert de niro and thandie newton (Photo credits: Andy Gotts/ Camera Press)

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something that whetted the appetite for BAFTA 2014, but as the show was so successful at Somerset House it was decided that it should tour.’ It often comes as a surprise to us to discover that, in reality, actors can be rather shy people so I asked Gotts whether any of his BAFTA subjects had required special coaxing before they would let him photograph them out of character. ‘All actors hate to be photographed and it was summed up nicely by Anthony Hopkins during our shoot. He said actors spend their lives pretending to be someone else and then they are thrown before me – like ‘Daniel to the lions’ – and they have to be themselves. Also, actors spend their entire career being told not to look at the camera and then all of a sudden they are expected to look down the barrel of my camera and look normal and not self-consciousness. Luckily I am known in the acting world so it made my job a little easier,’ he revealed. The great photographers have developed disparate ways of making sure they achieve the perfect shot of their sitters, so I was curious to know what techniques Gotts uses for getting the actors to relax. ‘In this niche of celebrity photography I am unique,’ he tells me. ‘I have no team with me when I shoot. No assistants, entourage or help in any way. It is literally me and my camera. Even with one extra set of eyes watching, the sitter would feel the need to put on a show, but as it is just me then I can either get the serious thought provoking shots or unexpected shots of them larking around.’ A perfect example is Gotts’ photograph of Robert de Niro – his face contorted in the oddest of ways but with those hypnotic eyes of his fixed firmly on the viewer – and of John Cleese. Other stars taking centre stage at the show include Al Pacino, Liza Minnelli, Sidney Poitier, Jeff Bridges, Dame Judi Dench, Sir Ian McKellen and the late, great Robin Williams, not to mention actor Daniel Craig, one of Cheshire’s proudest boasts and a major attraction in this exhibition. I couldn’t resist asking Gotts what the current 007 was like to work with.

‘I shot him during his filming of Skyfall at Pinewood Studios during a rehearsal day. Like all my shoots it was very laid back. He walked in and we exchanged an alpha male strong handshake and I explained the kind of shot I thought would work with the hard lighting and harsh, white backdrop. As I was doing the lighting test we were talking about the movie and what to expect and I did get the odd little nugget of storyline, which was nice as I am a movie buff and I do love Bond.’ Gotts then produced a surprise gift for his sitter which may well have contributed to the success of this rather special shoot. ‘I knew Daniel had a huge fondness for Paul Newman as they worked together on Paul’s last movie Road to Perdition, so I took to the shoot my portrait of Paul to give him as a present. To say he was overwhelmed was an

‘It often comes as a surprise to us to discover that actors can be rather shy people’ understatement (he gave me a bear-hug!) and it was a moment when he knew I was there not just to do a job, but I wanted to be there as I love and respect film.’ That love and respect of film and great acting talent has enabled Gotts to establish trust and equal respect from his celebrity sitters over his long career as a photographer. His success in this art form is underscored by the fact that Gotts has been awarded the MBE and his pictures are held in private and public collections around the world, including our own National Portrait Gallery. These current photographs reveal the other side of our much loved actors, the side we have never seen on the big or small screen, making it truly a must-see and thoroughly entertaining exhibition. Behind the Mask, 20 September – 11 January, Pier 8, Salford Quays, Salford M50 3AZ (thelowry.com)

Jaw-dropping beautiful sound ÂŁ1,699 In stock to take away today.

Bang & Olufsen of Wilmslow 1-3 Bank Square Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 1AN United Kingdom Tel: 01625 527666 Email: wilmslow@bang-olufsen.co.uk Web: www.bang-olufsen.com/wilmslow

Experience this premium wireless music system in our showroom. B&O PLAY by BANG & OLUFSEN

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

PRIZE LOTs

2 #1 Allies by Lawrence Holofcener This beautiful bronze and wooden sculpture, created by American poet, lyricist, playwright, artist, novelist, actor, director and sculptor Lawrence Holofcener, is just one of the incredible works on show at the Beyond Limits selling exhibition at Chatsworth House. Crafted in 1995, the piece depicts Winston Churchill and Franklin Roosevelt talking amiably, with Churchill holding his trademark cigar. Exhibition and auction at Chatsworth House, until 26 October, Available by private sale (sothebys.com)

#2 Combustione Plastica by Alberto Burri Signed and dated ‘BURRI 56’ on the reverse, this amazing work was created by legendary Italian painter and sculptor Alberto Burri using a blowtorch on plastic and acrylic. Burri was famed for innovatively using the discarded

debris of everyday life such as tar, sheet metal, plastic and wood in his work, transforming it through the action of tearing, stitching, burning, and collaging. Exhibition and auction at Christie’s, 16 October, Estimated range: £1,000,000-£1,500,000 (christies.com)

#3 Semiramis by Demetre Chiparus A similar model to the one that Paul McCartney chose to illustrate Wings Greatest, Chiparus entitled this lady Semiramis after the legendary Queen of Babylon. The elaborate costume shows the influence of Sergei Diaghilev and his designs for the Ballet Russes, while the model would have been very expensive to produce and very few are known to have survived. Exhibition and auction at Bonhams, 19 November, Estimated range: £100,000-£150,000 (bonhams.com)

Saluting the Minute Repeater Originally devised as a way of telling the time in the dark, the minute repeater has come to represent all that is romantic in watchmaking. Paying tribute to the hallowed complication, Roger Dubuis recently unveiled the Hommage Minute Repeater Tourbillon Automatic. Thanks to a lack of dial face, the watch provides a clear view of the parts in motion when the striking mechanism chimes hours, minutes and quarter hours. A flying tourbillon guarantees optimal inertia, equilibrium and anti-shock protection. Pink gold is the material of choice for the case, lugs, crown, and visible mainplate. Each piece takes 1,241 hours to make. Or put another way, more than seven and a half weeks. First deliveries start in May 2015. Hommage Minute Repeater Tourbillon Automatic, £317,700 Roger Dubuis (rogerdubuis.com)

Watch news This month we’re most impressed by minute repeaters from Roger Dubuis and Montblanc’s beautiful new ladies collection w o rd s : r i c h a rd b r o w n

Montblanc launches brand new ladies collection Montblanc has added its name to the list of watch brands that take ladies timepieces seriously. The watches within the company’s recently launched Bohème Collection come equipped with self-winding calibres, special date displays and even perpetual calendars. At 30mm in diameter, and with a silver-coloured guilloché dial sporting eight diamonds, the Bohème Date Automatic is the most elegant of the bunch. At £2,000, it’s also one of the most affordable. Bohème Date Automatic, £2,000, Montblanc (montblanc.com)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Collection

Complication made Simple

SalonQP at the Saatchi Gallery SalonQP, the UK’s largest premium watch exhibition, returns to the Saatchi Gallery from the 6-8 November. Now in its six year, the exhibit has established itself as a must-visit event for collectors, enthusiasts and press. More than 50 marques will be in attendance, including TAG Heuer, Zenith, Bremont, Chopard and JaegerLeCoultre. This year’s show will also feature Gems of Time, a specially curated exhibition which celebrates the heritage, glamour, and craftsmanship of high jewellery timepieces. Included will be a unique set of Bulgari ‘Serpenti’ watches, which Elizabeth Taylor famously wore on the set of Cleopatra in 1962, and the 101 mechanical movement by JaegerLeCoultre that the Queen wore on her Coronation Day in 1953. SalonQP, 6-8 November, Saatchi Gallery (salonqp.com)

It’s the award-winning German brand that knocks out mechanical wristwatches with in-house movements for less than a grand. While the latest edition of Nomos Glashütte’s Zurich Worldtimer, the True Blue, retails for a little more than that, £3,850 gets you a patented worldtime mechanism that will indicate the time in 24 cities at the click of a button. It also gets you a clean and elegant little number that you’re unlikely to see many of while travelling on the tube. Zurich Worldtimer True Blue, £3,850 Nomos Glashütte (nomos-glashuette.com)

ONE TO WATCH Each month, we ask an expert to select their timepiece of the moment from the watch world’s most exciting creations:

‘The Tudor Pelagos is a fusion of technical mastery and mechanical reliability, waterproof to 500m with a case made entirely of titanium and completely satin finished. Pelagos in Greek means ‘deep sea’, and this is the watch to take you on that journey.’ - Lee Chadwick, Manager at David M Robinson’s Manchester showroom

The Tudor Pelagos, Price £2,840 on a bracelet with complimentary strap. St Ann’s Square, Manchester, M2 7JB (0161 834 0217, davidmrobinson.co.uk) 51

Cheshire Wellness UK, more widely known as Cheshire Spas and Pools, designs and builds award winning and innovative spas, swimming pools and heat experience rooms, from traditional saunas and steam rooms to the more exotic mud baths, igloos and meditation rooms. Established in 1965, the company works for commercial and private clients throughout Europe. the Middle East, the USA and South America. Cheshire Wellness UK has grown into one of the largest pool and spa shell manufacturing operations in Europe, operating from a current 30,000sq ft factory unit with further expansion planned to cope with the anticipated growth in business. We offer a complete in-house service from concept to completion from initial design in our design studio to mould making and complete shell manufacturing. We also offer a design and installation service for commercial and residential swimming pool, Hydro Spas, Hammam tables and all types of heat experience rooms from saunas to snow rooms.

Cheshire Wellness, Ronald House, Clayhill Industrial Park, Neston, Cheshire CH64 3TA Tel: 0151 336 3417 sales@cheshirewellness.co.uk www.cheshirewellness.co.uk

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Collection

Off the cuff T

his, ladies and gentlemen, is the Cuff Love Bangle. Available in 18ct white or rose gold, it’s the pavé diamond-set bar we find most arresting (if you’ll pardon the pun) for its ability to set the weight of the piece so that it sits perfectly atop your wrist. With party season fast approaching, it’s an ideal way to add an extra bit of sparkle without going over the top, particularly if you’re looking to pick out muted rose gold elements of accompanying accessories. £14,500, 14 Railway St, Altrincham WA14 2RE (davidmrobinson.co.uk)

Look to the Stars For Jason and Sophia Hirsh, designing jewellery is about creating individual works of art that capture a personal story. This has been evoked in their latest collection, Celestial ring, inspired by Jason’s childhood memories of playing with his mother’s rings. The three designs comprise white-cut diamonds which form stars and glide effortlessly on 26 rubies, coming in 18-carat yellow, white or rose gold. (hirshlondon.com)

Jewellery news Get lost in the newest collection from Jason and Sophia Hirsh, get to know our latest diamond discovery and find out how Tiffany plans to go ultra-modern WORDS: OLIVIA SHARPE

Diamonds are forever We’ve only recently discovered The Diamond Store, a relatively new outfit started by James Ingram and intended to make the process of buying high quality, ethically mined diamonds simple and easy for those of us who aren’t experts (which, let’s be honest, is most of us). We especially love their simple, classic necklaces, though our jewellery boxes are currently yearning for this white gold and diamond bracelet, with its rather impressive 1.40ct of sparkling round cut premium quality diamonds. Our Christmas lists are beckoning. £1,425 (thediamondstore.co.uk)

Bring to Light For 125 years, De Beers has been capturing the hearts of women around the world with its covetable diamond creations and now it has decided to celebrate its female muses through a series of portraits shot by Mary McCartney. Inspirational women including fashion designer Alice Temperley MBE, artist Cornelia Parker OBE, choreographer Aszure Barton, Michelin-starred chef Skye Gyngell and photographer Chen Man were each chosen to front the Moments in Light initiative which

aims to shine a light on the Women for Women International charity, designed to help women in war-torn regions rebuild their lives. Over the next two years, De Beers will provide financial support to six year-long programmes in Kosovo, Nigeria, Iraq and Rwanda. (momentsinlight.co.uk; debeers.co.uk)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Collection

Up the Garden Path Jewellers often take inspiration from nature for their pieces; consider Piaget’s iconic rose motif or Chanel’s timeless camellia, for instance. French jeweller Chaumet has similarly looked to the natural world for its latest collection which has been based around the hydrangea flower. The Hortensia fine jewellery collection is made up of two parts: the first includes six pieces, all of which play upon juxtapositions, from solid and openwork petals to matte and polished gold, while the second is the house’s newest entry level range and comprises 18 pieces. Hortensia collection, POA, (chaumet.com)

Moving with the Times Founder of Boodles, William Wainwright created the brand’s first pocket watches almost 150 years ago; this year, the British jeweller revisits its heritage with the launch of its first high jewellery watch collection. Arriving into showrooms on 1 November, the Boodles Blossom watch has looked to the company’s existing, and iconic, Blossom jewellery collection for inspiration. Head designer Rebecca Hawkins explains: “We wanted to stay true to what Boodles is known for and this is of course jewellery. The new watch is delicate and feminine, and combines diamonds, mother of pearl, white and rose gold to create what we believe to be a truly special, as well as functional, piece of high jewellery”. The Boodles Blossom Watch is available in two sizes; POA (boodles.com)

Cross the T’s Tiffany & Co’s Francesca Amfitheatrof, who joined the company last year, has already created quite a stir, even hinting in a recent interview that Tiffany’s iconic duck egg packaging could be up for a dramatic redesign. Amfitheatrof has already shown her daring side by going against the brand’s traditional aesthetic in an ultra-modern new collection. Symbolising a new era, Tiffany T has been dedicated to New York’s ‘relentless energy’ and incorporates pieces capturing the city’s architecture. (tiffany.co.uk)

A Fine Art Founded by Luigi and Elisabetta de Simone, bespoke fine jeweller Niquesa’s atelier draws upon four generations of Italian craftsmanship to create truly unique pieces. As well as the bespoke service, Niquesa also produces fine jewellery collections, the latest of which is called Harlequin. The baroque-themed collection comprises an eclectic and flamboyant selection of earrings, rings and necklaces; we particularly love the bold Ametrine Harlequin ring featuring amethysts, multicoloured sapphires and round brilliant-cut diamonds set in 18-carat yellow gold. Harlequin collection, prices start from £4,560 (niquesafinejewellery.com) 55

Collection | The CHESHIRE Magazine

#6 #4

#2 #1

#5 #3

tHAT 70s show

Get into the groove with large cuffs, long chain necklaces and gold hoop earrings #16

#15

#9 #14

#10 #12 #13 #11

#1 Gold-tone bar cuff, £315, Chloé (net-a-porter.com) #2 Long gold Stella chain necklace, £5,746, Faraone Mennella (faraonemennella.com) #3 Serpentine coil necklace, £149, Layana London (layanalondon.com) #4 Aquamarine, quartz, jade and gold earrings, £5,190, Fernando Jorge (matchesfashion.com) #5 Serpent Bohème ring, £13,850, Boucheron #6 Morning in Vendôme ring, from a selection, Chanel Fine Jewellery (chanel.com) #7 One-of-a-kind peach drusy earrings, £6,070, Kara Ross (kararossny.com) #8 Large Cava cuff in onyx and rock crystal, £18,214, Kara Ross, as before #9 Emerald mesh bracelet, from a selection, G London (harrods.com) #10 Soho gold-plated hoop earrings, £190, Aurélie Bidermann (matchesfashion.com) #11 Gold, opal and diamond bracelet, £4,650, Jennifer Meyer (net-a-porter.com) #12 Sunrise bracelet in yellow gold with diamonds, yellow sapphires and red lacquer, from a selection, Chanel Fine Jewellery, as before #13 Petra bib necklace, £42,203, Kara Ross, as before #14 Yellow gold large pear green onyx ring set with diamonds and tourmalines, £5,175, Armenta at Talisman Gallery, 020 7201 8582 #15 Pangea zig-zag stacking bangle, £1,518, Kara Ross, as before #16 Yellow gold and oxidised silver open circle-link hoop earrings with white diamonds, £3,175, by Armenta at Talisman Gallery, as before 56

BACK PAIN? SPORTS INJURY? SKIN TIGHTENING? STRESS? INSOMNIA? CELLULITE? ANTI-AGING?

WBC IS THE ANSWER

The Mozhgan Taheri Clinic has NOW introduced WBC WHAT IS WBC? Whole Body Cryotherapy (WBC) is the exposure of the entire body to extreme cold to stimulate the bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s natural response to inflammation, pain, spasms and promote healing. Proven to improve joint and muscular function from sporting injuries and accelerate recovery WBC can also be used to treat chronic arthritic diseases and skin conditions. For many, though, it is an answer to the everyday stresses and strains, stimulating endorphin production, easing tension and promoting sleep. On a beauty level it can reduce cellulite (lifting and lightening legs), increase collagen production and accelerate metabolism for weight management burning up to 800 calories.

Mozhgan Taheri Clinic, 3a Alma Lane, Wilmslow, SK9 5ND

01625 402080

www.mozhgantaheri.com

The CryoSauna is used by professional athletes at the highest levels of the NBA, the NFL and the Premiere League.

Bright sparks The young stars of Game of Thrones are taking their place in the fashion spotlight this A/W14, minus the period costumes. Following Kit Harington for Jimmy Choo is Sophie Turner for Karen Millen. In contrast to her character Sansa Stark’s restrictive outfits, the campaign ensembles include these indigo wash jeans and fur detailed leather jacket. The relaxed, urban feel, including the city skyline backdrop, was chosen to reflect London as a creative hub and to celebrate the British talent involved. Alongside Sophie were three other Brit models, photographer Glen Luchford, stylist Katy England, and the clothes too. Karen Millen (karenmillen.com)

Fashion news Spring in your step Having already expanded into making bespoke items for sports including skiing and cycling, Berluti is launching its first ever ready-to-wear golf shoe called Swing. Firstly, they look great, but they are also practical, sporting supple kangaroo leather, shockabsorbent foam-lined insoles and carbon inserts for stability. Swing also comes with a special key to remove its spikes so you can enter the clubhouse without removing your shoes. Swing, £1,980, Berluti (berluti.com)

Power Ranger Aspinal of London’s Tech series of gadgetfriendly bags have been a huge hit with women, but now it’s the guys’ turn. The newly launched men’s Tech bags have gadget-sized internal pockets with cable paths and an optional Tech Charger Pack. The latter is a portable Mophie charger, which is compatible with virtually any USB device. It uses smart battery technology to recognise how much power a device needs without overheating it. Great for keeping powered up on the go. Grey Nubuck Croc, from £650, Aspinal of London (aspinaloflondon.com)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Fashion

Wearing the trousers Rather than the seven deadly sins, 7 for All Mankind’s new campaign is #7OBSESSIONS. Shot by Sebastian Faena and starring Miranda Kerr, the brooding black and white images explore obsession, both in relationships and with jeans, we’re thinking fights over the new 1984 boyfriend jean. The campaign culminates in a four-minute art fashion film released this month. (7forallmankind.com)

Bag of tricks There isn’t much that Cara Delevingne can’t do and the supermodel’s latest masterstroke is a covetable capsule collection for Mulberry. Taking a hands-on approach, Delevingne sketched designs, chose materials and visited the atelier and archives to create the versatile backpack styles. If three is a magic number, the trio of sizes, styles and ways to wear mean it would be tempting fate not to get your hands on at least one. Cara Delevingne Collection, from £890 (mulberry.com)

If the shoe fits They say that two heads are better than one, and Olivia Palermo has launched an exclusive shoe range with Aquazzura. Working with Edgardo Osorio, Olivia told us they ‘collectively decided on the six essential styles to include, what materials to use and what colours to concentrate on.’ With jewelled heels inspired by vintage Victorian necklaces and a more casual suede bootie in cashmere leather, Olivia calls it ‘the perfect shoe survival pack’. Aquazzura x Olivia Palermo, at 12 selected stores worldwide and net-a-porter.com 59

A\W14

Trend report

The time has come to put away our summer clothes and make space for our A/W14 wardrobes. From inspired knitwear and shrug-on shearling to psychedelic prints and eye-popping colour combinations, designers pulled out all the stops to ensure that this season was just as scintillating as the one before. Olivia Sharpe reports

Alexander McQueen Dolce & Gabbana

Elie Saab

Telling Tales Dolce & Gabbana played on the popular fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood by transforming its runway into an enchanted forest, out of which came nocturnal creatures applied onto capes, coats and jumpers, followed by the heroine herself, draped in a red chiffon robe with fur hood. The forest landscape continued at Alexander McQueen but the mood was altogether more sinister in Sarah Burtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gothic production, featuring ethereal lace peasant dresses and Tudor collars. At Valentino, butterfly-adorned gowns added a romantic touch to the houseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s enchanting folk tale.

Valentino

Dolce & Gabbana

Fendi

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Fashion

Chanel

Marni

Valentino

Paul Smith

Matthew Williamson

Dries Van Noten

Developing last season’s art-inspired trend, Matthew Williamson, Dries Van Noten and Valentino psyched us out with their 60s pop-art creations while audiences raved over Proenza Schouler and Prada’s frenetic, pulsating prints. In true theatrical style, Karl Lagerfeld once again took a conceptual approach and transformed his runway into an imaginary supermarket, with models sporting graphic raincoats in paint-splash colours. Meanwhile, Burberry’s Christopher Bailey took direct inspiration from 20th century art movement the Bloomsbury Group for his latest collection.

Making an Exhibition

Sheepâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eyes Gucci

Burberry Prorsum

Once associated with the likes of Del Boy in Only Fools & Horses, the sheepskin coat has thankfully been given a sartorial makeover. Burberry Prorsum and Ralph Lauren brought the classic coat back to life and contrasted it with floaty, print dresses for a laidback look, while Gucci and Erdem created a retro vibe with long-haired, shaggy shearling in dusky shades. Marni and Alexander Wang mixed soft sheepskin with strong metallics for a contemporary edge.

Prada Ralph Lauren Erdem

Oscar de la Renta

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Fashion

Follow Suit

Lacoste Paul Smith Hermès Christopher Kane

Hugo Boss Stella McCartney

Gone are the androgynous power suits of the 80s. With women making their own firm stamp on the business world, we no longer need to copy the uniforms of our male colleagues but can stand alone with our own commanding style of dressing, as shown by this season’s feminine take on the masculine trouser suit. Featuring loose silhouettes, soft lines and a subtle colour palette of dove grey, midnight blues and viridian, it’s no longer about following suit when it comes to your corporate style.

Tight Knit

Alberta Ferretti

Stella McCartney

Salvatore Ferragamo Altuzarra

Winter is not just about style but about keeping warm and designers never fail to take this into account, transforming knitwear collections year after year. And this season was no exception. Whether architectural, chunky cable knits, knitted two-pieces or fuzzy, oversized yarns, designers went all out with their creations and yet the end result was the same: casual and relaxed, the A/W14 aesthetic is all about blending into the crowd and not making a statement. Yes you’ve got it; the era of ‘normcore’ has arrived.

Michael Kors

Jonathan Saunders

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Fashion

Smoke Mirrors

Jenny Packham

Erdem Marni Miu Miu

Dolce & Gabbana

Alexander McQueen

Embellishing oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s outfit used to be achieved with glitzy accessories but now fashion houses have decided to incorporate these into their clothing designs. Models shimmered and sparkled on the runways of Chanel, Gucci, CĂŠline, Dolce & Gabbana and Givenchy, having been adorned in heavy, larger-than-life jewels, whether on evening dresses as seen at Giorgio Armani or medieval hoods as shown at Dolce & Gabbana.

CheshireMag_DPS_Circus_Nov.indd All Pages

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30/09/2014 10:02

Creative sole The name Jimmy Choo has become synonymous with beautifully made, covetable footwear. We talk to Sandra Choi, the creative force behind the iconic British brand about her vision for its future w o r d s : K AT E R A C O V O L I S

he first pair of shoes that Sandra Choi ever purchased for herself was a pair of Dr. Martens. Many might find this an interesting choice for the longstanding creative director of Jimmy Choo, the iconic British shoe brand that made a name for itself in the mid-1990s with its beautifully crafted stilettos. But, in fact, this utterly cool and slightly edgy selection for her first pair of shoes, offers a glimpse into Choi’s personal style; one that is always in fashion, believes in practicality, has a touch of edginess, but above all, is timeless. This too is telling of the evolution of Jimmy Choo since it was established in 1996 by Choi’s uncle, Mr Jimmy Choo himself, and Tamara Mellon, OBE. Its collections are classic but still capture that contemporary edge. It is truly a brand that even the

most loyal customers never tire of; there is always something new, and always something that continues through each collection. The brand’s current cruise collection, launching in mid-October embodies this ethos immaculately, as chic wedges are given a sporty makeover with rubber details on the sole, and snakeskin-clad sneakers make for a seriously glamorous way to go casual. Jimmy Choo’s iconic pointy-toe pump, Anouk, also receives a metallic makeover, while for men, penny loafers come with fluorescent orange soles – a playful way to update a classic. In fact, Jimmy Choo is just as much of a global phenomenon as it is a label – we need only look to the worldwide success it has enjoyed over the years as proof of this. The first shop opened on Motcomb Street in Belgravia, and was followed by two stores in New York City and Beverly Hills

This page, from left: RITA Tote, £795. CLOUD Evening Clutch, £950, both jimmy choo. Sandra Choi (photo by Sean Thomas). opposite page: sandra choi (photo by Sean Thomas)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature

‘Jimmy Choo is my life, I’ve lived and breathed it my whole career’ – Sandra Choi

just two years later. Its stand-alone boutiques are present in nearly all of the fashion capitals of the world, including Paris, Rome and Tokyo, as well as being stocked by department stores in all major cities. This month, the Bond Street flagship back, will be reopening as a new maison-style boutique, designed with the David Collins Studio. The store will house the entire women’s collection over three shoe and accessory-filled floors. ‘This unique new home for Jimmy Choo offers a townhouse of beautiful rooms,’ says Simon Rawlings, creative director of David Collins Studio. ‘They unfold and deliver on layered luxury, beautiful displays, flattering

lighting, all in a grand, glamour-drenched setting unique to Jimmy Choo.’ Choi has witnessed and shaped the incredible growth and evolution of Jimmy Choo first-hand, having started at the company from the beginning as its creative director. ‘I grew up with a passion for design and art,’ says Choi. ‘Shoes didn’t become part of my life until I was 18 and when I started working with my uncle. I was 24 when Jimmy Choo was established. I feel like the past 17 years have been my real education, I have lived and breathed the Jimmy Choo brand for my whole career, it feels like it is part of me. My uncle

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature

opposite page: jimmy choo in Beverly hills. this page FROM TOP: Exclusive CANDY bag for New Bond Street in Acrylic, £595. a selection of shoes from jimmy choo.

very much taught me to appreciate craftsmanship.’ Choi was Choo’s protégé, as she learned the craft of beautiful shoes working alongside her uncle, from perfecting all aspects of the art of creating stunning footwear, to designing, pattern-making and stitching. ‘In shoes, millimetres matter,’ says Choi, who is not merely referring to the height of a stiletto heel. ‘Shoes and accessories need to be functional at the end of the day, so detailing is very important. It is, I guess, what sets a designer apart from an artist. I am detail obsessed!’ It’s easy to spot a Jimmy Choo shoe because of this detail Choi refers to. The way the point of its iconic pumps are shaped at just the right angle, the elegant proportion of its heels that are just the right width and cut all combine to create some of the most coveted and famous shoes in the world. ‘The most important advice I have been given are two things: the first is to believe in what you do, and the second thing is to make beautiful things,’ says Choi. If you need further convincing, however, simply look at style icons such as Princess Diana, the Duchess of Cambridge and countless celebrities who frequently grace the red carpet in Jimmy Choo’s unmistakable designs. Even though Jimmy Choo has become a truly global company, it is still one that has kept its heritage at the core of its message. ‘Jimmy Choo is a British brand with very strong roots in London. I am inspired by the city every day,’ says Choi. To mark the opening of the Bond Street store Choi has created a limited-edition version of the iconic Candy bag, imprinted with a red telephone box. ‘It’s funny because when I return to London after work trips, the things that immediately put a smile on my face are seeing London’s post boxes, red phone booths and black cabs – then I know I am home!’ (jimmychoo.com)

DENIM ICONS Authentic and iconic, denim is a much-loved fashion staple. Louisa Castle speaks to two of McArthur Glen’s Denim Icons about creating new classic moments

shley Madekwe sprang to our attention as social climber Ashley Davenport in US hit show Revenge. She is also a regular in the front row of London and New York Fashion Week and a columnist for Glamour magazine. ‘As a denim lover I was excited to be involved in the Denim Icons campaign because denim is the staple piece in my wardrobe. I have more denim pieces than anything else! ‘I was really interested in being involved in something that celebrates denim and the iconography it has created over the years. I hope we can create some iconic images of our own. ‘I love the thrill of finding great key pieces at an amazing price and designer outlets have long been the best-kept secret in many fashionista’s little black book. We’re hoping to reveal the secret! Denim really is timeless so the idea that it’s ‘out of season’ doesn’t really apply.’ How would you describe your denim style? ‘I love teaming my favourite skinny jeans with a pair of killer heels and a great worn-in t-shirt. There’s something really sexy about the juxtaposition of casual denim and a laid-back t-shirt with a vampy pair of stilettos. I like to finish the look with a red lip and my leather jacket draped over my shoulders. It’s perfect for day or night.

The eight New Denim Icons include (clockwise from left) Shini Park, sebastian suave and Ashley Madekwe

Who is your denim icon? ‘Kate Moss is my ultimate denim icon. Her Calvin Klein ads are still a source of major inspiration for me. Those ads made me think that there is nothing sexier than a woman looking relaxed

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Fashion

and beautiful in a great pair of jeans. Kate was also a pioneer of the skinny jean – we were all still wearing bootcut jeans until Kate made the skinny jean the way to go. I love the rock ‘n’ roll vibe of Kate’s current denim looks. Which iconic denim image in fashion would you love to recreate? ‘I love the image of Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis as Thelma and Louise as it combines two of my loves; film and fashion. They both look so cool in their stonewash denim and worn-in t-shirts (basically my go-to denim look!).’

‘There’s something really sexy about casual denim and a laid-back t-shirt’ – Ashley Madekwe

ondon-based international model, filmmaker, blogger and DJ, Sebastian Suave is another Denim Icon, saying ‘I generally like a casual look, styling my favourite Levi black jeans with biker boots and a studded leather jacket. You can easily create a unique and on-trend look by mixing high end with premium high street. ‘My denim icon has to be James Dean, he is my career icon too. I’d love to recreate that image of him on his motorcycle, with the huge collar and cigarette in his mouth.’ The eight New Denim Icons also include: Shini Park: London-based graphic designer and blogger; Thabo - tipped for huge things after Naughty Boy signed them to Virgin Records earlier this year; Parisian It Girl, actress, fashion muse and influencer Jeanne Damas; resident DJ at Armani Privé Graziano Della Nebbia; fashion influencer, columnist and trend forecaster Linda Tol and one of the up-and-coming stars of the German film world, Emilia Schüle. Denim Icons runs at McArthur Glen Cheshire Oaks from 9 October to 2 November, 2014 (mcarthurglengroup.com,@McArthurGlenGRP )

Authentic Denim Style

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Reiss £159 Outlet Price £79

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enny Packham, the brand led by the designer of the same name, has unveiled the advertising campaign for its 2015 bridal collection, showcasing modern yet romantic styles of dresses to striking effect. Inspired by the 1930s work of British society photographer Madame Yevonde, who produced slightly tinted images of the aristocracy, each of the gowns has a mythical quality. Their flowing silhouettes and the occasional blush or champagne hue is enhanced by the delicate beaded embellishment for which Packhamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dresses are known. The campaign was shot by photographer Rafael Stahelin with model Charon Coojimans. (jennypackham.com)

The

Anti-Meringue 75

Shadow

DANCER Forget normcore dressing: sashay through a brave new world of electronic prints, clashing colours and textured graphics P h o t o g r a p h y: E u a n D a n k s S t y l i s t: S i o u x s i e

Snake elbow sleeve dress, £1,800, Giambattista Valli (harveynichols.com); 23-carat gold-plated Burma hoop earrings encrusted with clear Swarovski crystals, £316, VICKISARGE (vickisarge.com); Embellished shield leather waist belt, £776, Emilio Pucci (emiliopucci.com). De Manta printed silk-satin clutch, £350, Alexander McQueen (mytheresa.com). Black quilted fingerless leather gloves, £89, Karl Lagerfeld (karl.com) 76

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

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above

Multi-coloured wool coat, £1,200, and matching beaded collar, POA, Issa London (issalondon.com). Cloudy Havana blue sunglasses, £310, Cutler and Gross (cutlerandgross.com). Gunmetal, 23-carat gold and copper-plated artisan necklace, £924, and Mario Testino for Mate alpaca single pompom earrings with Swarovski crystals and beads, £85, both VICKISARGE, as before

OPPOSITE

Brown hair cap, £1,200, Pablo Kümin (pablo-kuemin.com). Cropped silver embroidered jacket with green metallic elbow pads, £1,100, Antonio Berardi (antonioberardi.com). Long Emma multi-coloured print skirt, £860, Peter Pilotto (harveynichols.com). Black leather and thread stripe belt, £375, Amanda Wakeley (amandawakeley.com). Purple print 100 per cent silk Aeroplanes scarf (worn over jacket), £222, Anna Coroneo (neimanmarcus.com). Itsy Bitsy lamb-skin leather spider clutch bag, £1,083, Barbara Bonner (barbara-bonner.com). Sheer stripe socks, stylist’s own; Low top Stella trainers in multi-coloured metallic calf skin with zebra-print pony-skin inserts, £860, Giuseppe Zanotti Design (giuseppezanottidesign.it). Mario Testino for Mate alpaca single pompom earrings with Swarovski crystals and beads, £85, VICKISARGE, as before

Fashion | The CHESHIRE Magazine

ABOVE

Metallic lurex and viscose blend with knitted bugle beads, tulle illusion sides and bugle bead fringe dress (worn underneath), POA, Julien Macdonald (julienmacdonald.com). Green and blue Intazia pattern mohair jumper, £527, M Missoni (fenwick.co.uk). Yellow and green framed rose scarf, £149, Vivienne Westwood (viviennewestwood.com); Black leather harness, POA, Hervé Léger (herveleger.com); Black fishnet ankle socks, stylist’s own; Yellow lace-up Roisin boots (just seen), POA, Matthew Williamson (matthewwilliamson.com). Draped bronze gold-plated ear cuff (worn on right ear), £235, Annelise Michelson (annelisemichelson.com). Articulated ring (worn on right hand), £205, Maria Francesca Pepe (mariafrancescapepe.com). Ipanema View bracelet in plated gold, £460, and Lucky Beetle bracelet in plated gold (both worn on right wrist), £300, Virzi + De Luca (netaporter.com). Stone slider bracelet in steel grey (worn on left wrist, just seen), £160, Lele Sadoughi (fortnumandmason.com)

OPPOSITE

Floral embellished tulle top, £2,000, and matching skirt, £2,200, John Rocha (johnrocha.ie). Black fishnet ankle socks, stylist’s own; Black leather brogues with gold detail, £490, Marni (marni.com); Indra black and silver drop earrings, £286, Vivienne Westwood, as before

CREDITS

Stylist: siouxsiestylist.com Make-up: Charlotte Gaskell (lharepresents.com) using Cosmetics à la Carte Hair: Ranelle Chapman @ David Artists (davidartists.co.uk) using Redken Photographer’s Assistant: Mike Breheny Retouching: Digital Darkroom (digitaldarkroom.co.uk) Stylist’s Assistants: Lina Johanna Sjölander and Zainab Aminu Model: Fara at Established Models (establishedmodels.com)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Fashion

above

Floor-length patterned red and black dress with black sequin waist detailing, £4,840, Roberto Cavalli (robertocavalli.com); Midnight fox fur coat with embroidery around the neck, £4,625, Matthew Williamson (matthewwilliamson.com). Queen of Elves leaf earrings, £167, Konplott (konplott.com). Polished 18-carat white gold, 216 Diamonds 0.01-carat Matrix signature ring (worn on right hand), £4,800, XiN (xinjewellery.com).

OPPOSITE

Khaki and orange nylon coat (worn as dress), £4,000, and wool knit collar, £270, Christian Dior (dior.com). Snake print cotton scarf, £195, Karl Lagerfeld (karl.com); Gold metallic twill bow belt, £450, Lanvin(lanvin.com). Luna Comet emerald earrings, £555, Shourouk (matchesfashion.com).

Take nothing for Granted What do you get if you cross a nanny with a landscape gardener? An esteemed Savile Row tailor, apparently. Gemma Knight meets creative director of Norton & Sons, Patrick Grant to find out more

‘I

’d genuinely never once considered designing clothing as a career, right up to the moment I started at Norton & Sons,’ Patrick Grant admits – which, from the man who also relaunched Norton & Sons’ long-forgotten E.Tautz brand as a ready to wear label and has appeared in GQ’s 50 Best Dressed Men and Esquire’s Most Stylish Man in the World, is not exactly what I was expecting to hear. I’ve done my homework, of course, and know that this renowned tailor and fashion designer had certainly enjoyed more than his share of careers before eventually coming to Norton & Sons, the bespoke London tailor which boasts a heritage stretching all the way back to 1821

and a prestigious address on Savile Row. Born in Edinburgh, Grant might just as easily have been a professional rugby player (he represented the Scottish rugby union team at U18 and U19 level before his career was cut short by a shoulder injury), or any one of a handful of other professions which he briefly undertook, ranging from ski instructor to nanny, landscape gardener to model agent. Diverse, to say the least. In 2004, following a stint in marketing, Grant began studying for an MBA at the University of Oxford, compiling a thesis which drew on his marketing background to address whether the regeneration of luxury fashion brands such as Burberry was something that could be successfully replicated. It was during this time that he discovered the flagging Norton & Sons was being put up for sale by its then owners and – having ‘always loved clothes, and fashion, and style, and to know how things were made’ – purchased it. What he describes as ‘a tough first couple of years’ followed, but the labour of love paid off and the rest, as they say, is history. ‘We had a bit of good luck in the shape of a collaboration with Kim Jones, and then a documentary on BBC4 really helped change our fortunes,’ he explains. ‘But Nortons really hit its stride when Stephen Allen joined us as Head

‘We wanted to achieve an offer... 84

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Cutter three years ago. He’s built a great team and our customers really enjoy our service.’ Between appearing as a judge on The Great British Sewing Bee and designing a limitededition tin for Chivas Regal, Patrick has also collaborated with Debenhams on a distinctly British line of menswear, re-launching sporting tailor brand Hammond & Co. ‘Debenhams approached me back in December 2011 about working on a new men’s line, a little smaller than the one we have now,’ he recalls. ‘As we talked about it, it became clear that there was a big hole in the high street for the great-quality, more sartorial wardrobe that Hammond & Co offers. We wanted to achieve an offer more about style than fashion, about the little details of great men’s dressing, enduring quality and individuality at a price that a lot of people could afford. I hope we’ve achieved that.’ He beams, knowing that he unquestionably has. Now in its third incarnation, this August saw

the line unveiled in the Debenhams at Cheshire Oaks (alongside much fanfare and corkpopping) and has already been embraced by its new North-West fanbase. With a collection defined by slim-cut suits in a classic windowpane check alongside casual wool trousers, flat caps and fisherman’s jumpers, it’s certainly a good excuse for a pre-winter wardrobe update. ‘All great brands have personality,’ Patrick explains. ‘You know what they stand for, you understand what they do, you can engage with their story. All of the houses in the Norton’s family have that. History provides a helpful reference point for the things you make, the way you behave, the things you say – but it’s what you do now that counts. History sets a bar but you should constantly strive to be better.’ Wise words, Mr Grant. And if the proof of the pudding is in the eating, this is quite a feast. Cheshire Oaks, Ellesmere Port, CH65 9HD (debenhams.com)

about the little details of great men’s dressing’ 85

The manes

event

In the wake of Selfridges launching The Masters, a creative project celebrating the veritable godfathers (and mothers) of the fashion landscape, Kari Rosenberg talks exclusive Alaïa python skirts and Oscar de la Renta gowns with the store’s acclaimed buying director, Sebastian Manes

Sebastian Manes

ebastian Manes, buying director at Selfridges, insists that the debonair Henri Leclair, head of ladies fashion in ITV’S Mr Selfridge, isn’t based on him. But I find that hard to believe. Tall, dark, handsome, with oh-so-French foppish greying hair, a crisp white shirt and smart black jeans, I feel as collected as the giggling shop-girl Kitty as I’m shown the way to an all-white conference room. We’re here to discuss The Masters, Selfridges’ major celebration of the ‘originators, pioneers and provocateurs that shape the fashion landscape’ that launched in September. Stella McCartney, Dries Van Noten, Paul Smith and Oscar de la Renta are just four of the 12 handpicked iconoclasts tasked with creating an exclusive, emblematic capsule collection or piece to form the foundations of the campaign, championing the design philosophy of which they are deemed master (‘modernity’, ‘eclectic’, ‘inspiration’ and ‘elegance’ respectively). Star pieces include an Alaïa python skirt (The Master of Architecture); a Marc Jacobs re-edition of the SS05 bow sweater (The Master of Mood); and Roberto Cavalli’s limited-edition red gown with a rose gold snake back (The Master of Glamour). It has been a concept 12 months in the making. ‘We wanted to do a big campaign to celebrate both genders for designers,’ says

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Manes. The first person he approached was Rick Owens. ‘The response was immediately very positive, and then we contacted the others. Because the brief was so interesting, they absolutely loved it. We have the dream 12. Every single designer has been carefully selected by us. It was not an economy buy by any means! They each serve different aspects and aesthetics in life, and not only from a commercial perspective. I think we represent the niche very well, too. Whether you follow fashion or not, you can immediately think of a special piece that [each designer] does.’ The lesser known names (at least to the non-fashion followers) are Jun Takahashi of Undercover, Thom Browne and Yohji Yamamoto for their ‘subversion, showmanship and defiance’. He won’t admit to a soft spot for a particular designer, but, because Manes was born in Marseilles and grew up in France, Jean Paul Gaultier (The Master of Expression) was an early inspiration. ‘I remember being in the South of France in the 80s when I was about 14 and it was all about the rave. He was the first designer I really connected with. Jean Paul Gaultier has not disappeared, but he hasn’t had a presence in the UK for a while now. So when we went to see the last show, we were so amazed by it. We had several meetings, and for me to meet him for the first time was something really special.’ The master titles were a joint effort, some of which came from Manes and his team while the others sprung from the designers themselves. ‘It was through conversations with them, completely,’ he smiles again, carefully formulating each and every word. ‘We didn’t want to be too directional. We suggested [what we thought] they were the master of, and some agreed, but others completely erased that or changed it slightly. It was as simple as a conversation between us and the designer.’ I ask who he turns to at the end of a weary day; whose advice he couldn’t live without. There’s that smile again, a twinkle in his eye. ‘I guess behind every man there is a great woman. My wife Audrey pushes me a lot. She works in the same industry, so if I struggle sometimes I

will go to her. And just one sentence can put me back on track.’ As ITV’s Agnes Towler would say: ‘Good job Mr Leclair!’ I mean, Mr Manes. The Masters can be found in store and online at selfridges.com/themasters

A pinch of salt Inspired by windswept beach walks and the fresh spray of breaking waves, the newest fragrance from Jo Malone London is truly in a league of its own – and utterly unlike any other cologne we’ve tried. Natural and light, Wood Sage & Sea Salt is deliciously earthy and full of character, evoking childhood memories of breezy English beaches and perfect for autumn. Released in September, there’s still time to claim this as your signature scent before your friends do. (jomalone.co.uk)

Beauty news Fashion week trends Artiste Creative brings back the top make-up tips from the haute couture shows Effortless skin perfection with minimal products and delicate shading was seen this year. No over contouring, instead, fresh dewy elegant and graceful. Givenchy and Marc Jacobs loved this trend. Colour flashes were added with metallic shades (a Dior favourite), blocks of metallic shades on the eyes and coloured flicked eyeliner. Try using Motives Glitter Liner in Starry Eyes to make a wearable look and combine with Antique Gold Eyeshadow. The Versace, Rochas and Gucci shows were dominated by 60’s inspired lashes and liner. To recreate the look use Motives 110 Lash Little Black Dress Gel Liner and Onyx Kohl Pencil. Lips were in shades of red matching the perfect shade to each model’s skin tone. We love matte lipstick for all day/ night stay power. Try Mac Lipstick in Diva for a deep sexy lip. (artistecreative.com / uk.motivescosmetics.com/makeupmogul)

Sarra and Janine from Artiste Creative

Autumn colour The new season’s nail colours are a far cry from the stunning neon corals and pinks that made a comeback this summer. Gelish has just launched its new collection of six fabulous colours, from deep Hello Merlot to sophisticated Clean Slate Grey and from a warmer nude for everyday wear (Call My Buff) to the season’s perfect Christmas sparkle, Whose Cider Are You On. Remember: When choosing your colour heed these words of advice from icon, Coco Chanel: ‘The best colour in the world is the best colour on you’. Beauty Basics at Alderley Edge (wahanda.com, 0776 809 7246)

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Creepy cosmetics

TREATMENT OF THE MONTH TIME TO FLOAT AWAY W or d s : T i ffan y T homa s

Writing this review the following day, I find that the sublime relaxation I experienced yesterday at Mottram Hall is still with me. Great news but let me tell you a little more... With Editor Lou in tow, we started our experience with a very tasty and very healthy bento box lunch of chicken wrap and vegetables and putting the world to rights. After changing and relaxing in the spa and sauna rooms it was time for our treatments. Time to Float Away is designed for two people to share so you are both in the same room having your chosen treatments at the same time. I began with the ESPA Deeply Relaxing Floatation. Beauty therapist Jenny gave me a full body polish then massaged in the oil I had chosen, wrapped me up in warm towels and gently lowered me into the dry floatation bath. It was a new experience for me and a slightly strange feeling at first but soon the sensational scalp massage guides you into an amazing state of relaxation. I almost fell asleep! Nearly an hour later it was time to unwrap and swap over. For the second half of the treatment I opted to have a Back, Neck & Shoulder Massage and an Express Personalised Facial, again with chosen oil, this time with beauty therapist Natalie. (There’s also a choice of Shoulder, Neck & Scalp Massage or Invigorating Foot Treatment). Needless to say, any tensions I had left were massaged away, and I left the spa feeling calm and rejuvenated and thinking I need to do this more regularly. To get the maximum benefit from the oils that had been used on our skin and hair, we were advised not to shower until morning… making the experience last just a little longer. A definite recommendation of this treatment and spa from this girl, who has seen a few spas in her time! Time To Float Away, £199pp, (includes light lunch). The spa day at Mottram Hall was booked through SpaSeekers.com Mottram Hall, Mottram, St Andrew, Cheshire (0871 222 4686)

Fans of Halloween should check out Lush’s fabulous new range of spooky soaps and creepy cosmetics, set to hit shelves ahead of this year’s fright-fest. Our favourite is the Fairy Ring Soap, designed to look like a toadstool. (lush.co.uk)

Beating the wrinkles With a recent survey finding that 92 per cent of women want to get advice from an expert before they invest in their next beauty purchase, what could be more timely than the Anti-Ageing Health & Beauty Show? Vistors get access to a whole host of cosmetic, skincare, and beauty experts, plus there’ll be mini-treatments. What nicer way to do your homework before splashing out on the latest wrinklebusting buys? 8-9 November, Manchester EventCity, Urmston, Manchester M41 7TB (anti-ageingshow.com)

Back to black According to Yves Saint Laurent, the Black Opium woman is ‘an urban huntress on a city safari, she seeks out adventures, [is] dramatic, restless, a complex intermix of darkness and light; feminine sensuality; playful but serious at the same time’. We rather like this, so it’s no surprise that we’re also instant fans of the brand’s silky smooth new scent, an updated reincarnation of its classic Opium, launched in 1977. The new perfume is a heady, luxurious mixture of coffee bean, jasmine sambac, orange blossom, vanilla, cedar and patchouli, exactly the sophisticated aroma that every urban huntress needs. (selfridges.com)

Pamper & Preen Harvey Nichols has just announced some great pamper packages in association with its hair, make-up and skincare brands – perfect for a quick fix before the big night out, a guide to the beauty industry’s tips or the complete works! Harvey Nichols, Manchester (0161 828 8888, harveynichols.com/ Manchester) 89

Do your reading glasses get in the way of moments like these?

Have you noticed a recent decline in your ability to read text on your phone, restaurant menus, or the newspaper and are now using reading glasses? Or have you always relied on glasses for reading or seeing things in the distance? At Crewe-Brown Vision, we specialise in proven, safe corrective eye procedures that permanently remove your dependence on glasses and contact lenses. We offer comprehensive and detailed consultations at our Manchester clinic, where we will diagnose the nature of your unique vision difficulties, and advise you on the treatment most suited to your individual needs. Each patient is seen and treated by Mr. Wayne Crewe-Brown, MB ChB MMed, a world-renowned Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon who has transformed the lives of over 20,000 individual patients over the course of a distinguished 30 year career. Contact us today on 0161 819 2950 to arrange your no-obligation consultation or to speak with us for more information. Or, alternatively, visit our website, www.crewe-brownvision.com, to learn more about your treatment options.

info@crewe-brownvision.com

0161 819 2950 10 St John St, Manchester, M3 4DY

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Tough Love

.M. Weston is launching a new Country Gents collection, available from October. The brand’s shoes fall into the top bracket of what’s available on the luxury market, and this collection reinforces how its dedication to craftsmanship is absolute. Inspired, in part, by the equestrian lifestyle, attention to detail is key in Country Gents. Take The Derby shoe with a floral golf tip, which has exposed dual purposed stitching to flaunt the skill of the shoe maker, while also reinforcing the assembled pieces. Importantly, all the shoes are also built to be strong and durable, with intelligence overriding heavy material. For example, the double leather sole on the square-toe Oxford shoe or the ankle boot’s tough, extra grip created by the Ridgeway sole. Subtly strong – how gentlemanly. Country Gent collection, from £530, J.M. Weston (jmweston.fr)

Motoring news words: Iain Warde

To Infiniti and beyond? The Q80 is an audacious and elegant step forward for Infiniti as a global player; designed to shake up the status quo in the premium large four-door club; a no-compromise driver-centric powertrain and technologies. ‘After showing Q30 Concept and Q50 Eau Rouge, Infiniti is eager to show the upper range of our portfolio expansion,’ says Infiniti Executive Design Director, Alfonso Albaisa. ‘In Q80 Inspiration, we wanted to capture that unforgettable feeling when you experience something important, something beautiful, something magnetic for the first time. (infiniti.eu)

Renegade Master It’s a long time since we have seen a new Jeep launch in the UK but the all-new Jeep Renegade enters the growing small sport-utility vehicle segment, while staying true to the adventurous lifestyle and 4x4 capabilities Jeep is known for. Agile and spacious, it offers two new advanced 4x4 options; Jeep Active Drive and Jeep Active Drive Low, which incorporates an exclusive rear axle disconnect system that seamlessly switches between two and four-wheel-drive for reduced

energy loss when 4x4 capability isn’t needed and improves the fuel efficiency in the process. The new Jeep Renegade will be available in a total of 12 fuel-efficient power combinations and a choice of turbo diesel and petrol engines that will be available in four-wheel drive or front wheel- drive configurations. The top spec is a slender 185bhp 2.4-litre ‘Tigershark’ MultiAir engine, with class exclusive ninespeed automatic transmission. (jeep.com/en/2015/renegade)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Motoring

The brand new vision of Infiniti was shown at last month’s Paris Motor Show

The new German hot rod? The top model in the C-Class line-up sports a 4.0-litre V8 bi-turbo engine closely related to the power unit that sits inside the missile that is the Mercedes-AMG GT. The power spectrum ranges from 476 bhp in the C63 to 510 bhp in the C63S, couple this with a fuel consumption figure of just 8.2 litres per 60 miles, the C63 is the most fuelefficient eight-cylinder car in the highperformance segment. The extensive range of standard equipment includes the AMG sports suspension with electronically controlled shock absorbers, the mechanical rear locking differential and the dynamic select drive programmes. At 40,000 units, the 204 C63 AMG was the bestselling AMG model. Mercedes’ aim is to now add to this success with the new Mercedes-AMG C63. AMG customers can look forward to an exceptionally dynamic driving experience. Available 2015 (mercedes-benz.co.uk)‎

‘Patience is something you admire in the driver behind you and scorn in the one ahead’ Mac McCleary Quartztastic Also first seen in Paris, Peugeot showcased its new crossover concept: The Quartz – a hybrid 4x4 that combines elements of crossover and sedan body styles in becoming ‘an SUV for the future’. There’s plenty to like about the Quartz, not the least of which is its 500 bhp hybrid engine. The 1.6-litre Peugeot Sport four-cylinder at the heart of that plug-in hybrid drive sounds small at first, but it puts out just under 170 bhp per litre for a total of 270 bhp. That engine drives the front wheels with the help of a 114 bhp electric motor, and a second 114 bhp motor brings power to the rear wheels. A six-speed automatic transmission and limited slip differential help the output find its way to the wheels. (peugeot.co.uk) 93

Snake Bite Originally conceived 50 years ago, today’s updated Daytona Cobra Coupé still has the ability to shock, says Matthew Carter

bonnet and then fed it steroids to create the AC he peace and quiet of this sleepy Cobra. The Cobra became a hugely successful GT corner of West Sussex is about to be racing car, but a far from aerodynamic shape and, shattered. I ease myself into the especially, an open cockpit meant it was at a huge functional – actually, make that stark disadvantage at somewhere like Le Mans. At the – cockpit of the beast, switch on the ignition end of the flat-out three-mile long Mulsanne then scrabble about for a few moments to find Straight it was 30mph down on cars like the closed the starter control in amongst a bank of 11 Ferrari 250 GTO. identical toggle switches. Once located, I flick The solution was to give the Cobra a the switch and all hell breaks loose. roof. Created by young designer The 6.2-litre V8 spits into life, Peter Brock, the resulting clearing its throat via a pair of Daytona Cobra Coupé vast exhaust pipes that exit Car: Shelby Daytona featured wind-cheating underneath the doors. Cobra Coupé Mk II bodywork and an abrupt, The initial bark Price: from £120,000 aerodynamically efficient reduces to a low rumble Engine: Front-mounted, 6,162cc, Kamm tail that helped it as the engine warms up V8 petrol reach a top speed of but the local wildlife has Power: 425hp more than 190mph. already taken fright, Performance: 200+mph, 0-60mph in Named after the birds scattering the 3.9 seconds American Daytona 24 second it fired up. And Drive: Rear-wheel drive, hour race, just six Cobra now it’s time to frighten a six-speed manual Coupés were made between few fellow road users. I (superformanceuk.com) 1964 and 1965. And they were don’t mean to do that by pretty successful, winning their ragging it around the local bends class at Le Mans and at other or driving too fast for the conditions. significant GT races as well as claiming the There’s no need; its looks alone are enough to 1965 World GT title. intimidate everyone else on the road. Today, those cars are either in museums or This is not a car to drive if you want to remain private collections, and they’re pretty valuable: below the radar. If it looks like a racecar that’s one was sold at auction in 2009 for £4.3 million. made a bid for freedom, that’s because it is. You won’t often see them out on the road or Sort of. It’s a Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupé, racetrack, in other words. Fast forward a few built in 2014 but closely based on an extremely decades and the Hi-Tech Automotive Company rare Le Mans racer from the early 1960s. Fifty years ago, American racing legend Carroll decided to build a replica and even got Peter Shelby had taken a lithe British sports car, the AC Brock to update the design. The result was the Ace, shoehorned a big Ford V8 engine under the Superformance Brock Coupé and it immediately

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Motoring

Motoring | The CHESHIRE Magazine

won a writ from the famously litigious Carroll Shelby for copyright infringement, passing off and anything else he could think of. But while many makers of AC Cobra replicas have been forced to think again after getting a letter from Shelby’s legal team, the Superformance story has a happy ending. This time, though, Shelby had a close look at one of the South African-built cars before fully cranking up legal action. He was so impressed by its quality and the way Brock’s updates were in tune with the 21st century yet didn’t lose the raw appeal of the original, that he granted the company a licence to call them Shelbys, and they even have ‘proper’ CSX9000 series chassis numbers. At around this point, British businessman and successful championship winning ‘gentleman’ racer Nigel Hulme enters the story. A past owner of one of the most famous Cobras of all – known by its registration plate 39 PH – Hulme happened across the Superformance Daytona. He fell in love with its looks and specification and quickly secured a deal to be the UK importer and representative for the car through his company Le Mans Coupés Ltd, which also imports replica Ford GT40s built by Hi-Tech. And this is what he’s selling. With prices starting at around £120,000, you are getting an extraordinarily rare beast that evokes the spirit of the original racer, but which is tamed for today’s crowded roads. But not tamed that much. Yes, it has creature comforts such as air conditioning, electric windows, a leather and alcantara interior and even a radio (plus sufficient sound deadening so that you can hear it), but to drive it remains a raw, visceral experience. His white demonstrator is the ‘baby’ of the range. Powered by a 6.2-litre V8 from General Motors (as used in the Chevrolet Corvette) it has 425hp. But those with deep pockets and big boll… er, confidence in their ability behind the

wheel can opt for more powerful units, including a supercharged V8 delivering more than 650hp. The original Daytona borrowed its chassis from the Cobra which was considered old fashioned even then. The update has fully independent suspension front and rear with coil springing rather than the cart springs of the original. The chassis has been stiffened for improved handling with revised geometry to permit the fitment of traditional and better looking deep-dish wheels. On the road, though, it’s not about practicality. Yes, you can trickle happily through traffic, but what you really need are an open road, quick reactions, a strong left leg to operate the competition clutch and an equally positive grip on the curiously angled gear lever. Not that you need to change gear too often, such is the engine’s pulling power; put it this way, jam your foot down as you join the top of a slip road and you’ll be breaking the law long before you hit the motorway itself. Quick? Oh yes… how does a sub-four second time for the 0-60mph sprint and more than 200mph max. sound? Naturally, the noise is just glorious. With neither traction aids nor even ABS, and not to mention an excess of power over grip, the Daytona Coupé needs to be handled with respect. But that just adds to the fun. Its best trick is undoubtedly the way it turns heads. So rare is the original that only a handful of people will know what it is you’re driving, but those who don’t will still realise that the Daytona is something very special indeed.

SOMETHING FOR THE WEEKEND? THE LATE LOUNGE

Upstairs in 1539, enjoy drinks with table service and tunes from our resident DJ, the perfect backdrop for a weekend, open from 8pm â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;till late.

BRUNCH

New for 1539, our brunch is best enjoyed with friends, the weekly papers, a Bloody Mary or a glass of fizz. Available from 9:30am to 11:30am, Saturday and Sunday.

SUNDAY LUNCH

Our Sunday lunch has all the trimmings and is served all day, together with an impressive list of Sunday specials.

BOOK NOW: RESTAURANT1539.CO.UK 01244 304 611 FIND US AT THE RACECOURSE, CHESTER

FOLLOW FOLLOW THAT THAT INSTINCT INSTINCT

Infiniti InfinitiQ50 Q50 Available Available from from

£289 £289* *

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Official Official fuelfuel economy economy figures figures for for thethe Infiniti Infiniti Q50Q50 range range in mpg in mpg (l/100 (l/100 km): km): urban urban 29.4 29.4 to 50.4 to 50.4 (9.6(9.6 to 5.6), to 5.6), extra extra urban urban 53.3 53.3 to 76.3 to 76.3 (5.3(5.3 to 3.7), to 3.7), combined combined 41.541.5 to to 64.2 64.2 (6.8(6.8 to 4.4). to 4.4). CO2CO emission: emission: 159159 to 114 to 114 g/km. g/km. Official Official EU EU TestTest Figures. Figures. ForFor comparison comparison purposes purposes only. only. Real Real world world figures figures may may differ. differ. 2 Model Model shown: shown: Infiniti Infiniti Q50Q50 Sport Sport 2.2d2.2d 6MT6MT withwith optional optional metallic metallic paint paint andand electric electric glass glass sunroof sunroof at OTR at OTR price price £34,260. £34,260. * BUSINESS BUSINESS USERS USERS ONLY. ONLY. Example Example based based on 3on rentals 3 rentals in advance in advance followed followed by 35 bymonthly 35 monthly repayments, repayments, 10,000 10,000 miles miles per per annum annum on aon non-maintained a non-maintained (you(you are are responsible responsible for all formaintenance all maintenance andand servicing servicing costs) costs) contract contract withwith non-metallic non-metallic paint. paint. Finance Finance provided provided by Infiniti by Infiniti Financial Financial Services Services Limited, Limited, PO Box PO Box 149,149, Watford Watford WD17 WD17 1FJ. 1FJ. Subject Subject to status. to status. Terms Terms andand conditions conditions apply. apply. Guarantees Guarantees andand indemnities indemnities maymay be required. be required. YouYou must must be 18 beor 18over or over andand a UKa resident UK resident (excluding (excluding IsleIsle of Man of Man andand Channel Channel Islands) Islands) to apply. to apply. At the At the endend of the of the contract contract youyou will will not not ownown the the vehicle. vehicle. Further Further charges charges maymay apply apply subject subject to mileage to mileage andand condition condition at end at end of contract. of contract. VisitVisit youryour local local dealer dealer for full for full details. details. Offers Offvalid ers valid on eligible on eligible vehicles vehicles ordered ordered before before 30 September 30 September 2014. 2014. Subject Subject to availability. to availability. Private Private customer customer offers offare ers are alsoalso available. available. Infiniti Infiniti Europe, Europe, Zone Zone d’Activités d’Activités La Pièce La Pièce 12, 1180 12, 1180 Rolle, Rolle, Switzerland. Switzerland. *

THE PERSONAL Variously described as motoring’s most important sports car and the most alluring vehicle on the planet, the Porsche 911 has been cutting one of the sultriest silhouettes in motoring since its inception in 1963 WORDS : RICHARD BROWN

n celebration of the genius of the Porsche and the men that created it, Singer Vehicle Design has been adding its own touches to the iconic racer since 2009. With the aim of updating performance, aesthetics and modern day usability, the LA-based firm modifies its clients’ motors from a unique artistic perspective. The result is a mash-up of golden era motoring design and cutting-edge 21st century cool. As well as chassis and body modifications, Singer Vehicle Design has the ability to tailor engines, exhausts and transmissions, suspension, brakes and wheels, and interiors, electrics and lighting to the needs of individual clients – just think of your old 911 as a blank canvas for self-expression. The company’s engines are comprehensively stripped and then meticulously blueprinted, balanced and hand-built using state-of-the-art componentry. Choose the 3.8L version and you get an engine developed with Cosworth that’s billed as the ultimate compromise between a high revving, high horse-power Porsche engine and a torque rich, tractable and durable engine for the road. The perfect Christmas present perhaps. (singervehicledesign.com)

‘Just think of your old 911 as a blank canvas for self-expression’

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A Virtual World?

nyone who is anyone in the tech world will have heard of a small company in California called Oculus VR. Founded by Palmer Luckey, self-described virtual reality enthusiast and hardware geek, it launched a Kickstarter campaign to help fund development of its first product, the Oculus Rift, a ground-breaking virtual reality headset for immersive gaming. With the support of top video game companies such as Valve and Epic Games, the Kickstarter was an enormous success, raising over $2.4 million in funding from project backers and supporters around the world. Oculus VR has just released its latest prototype called ‘Crescent Bay’ which features significant updates to the first model including built-in Audio and 360-degree motion tracking. ‘It’s as

big of a leap as we made from DK1 to DK2,’ says Oculus CEO Brendan Iribe, referring to the first two versions of the Rift development kit. The first Oculus Rift VR headsets were shipped in the spring of 2013, but a consumer version has not yet been announced, and this emphatically isn’t one. So far, Iribe says that over 100,000 Rift development kits have been shipped to 130 countries, and the company is still filling pre-orders for its second-generation model. We cannot wait for VR to take off and we do think it will be the next big thing in gaming and tech, we say good luck to Oculus and please release a consumer unit soon. (oculus.com) Price (you have to be a developer to purchase a unit) £213

Technology central What’s hot in the world of gadgets, games and geekery words: Iain Warde

Laptop round-up We take a look at the best laptops available today at the best prices

#1 Best all rounder Gigabyte P35W v2 The slimline Blade gaming laptop from Razer is Gigabyte’s first ‘gaming Ultrabook’ in the UK. It may have an unwieldy name but at just 20.9 mm thick it is the slimmest, most elegant laptop we’ve seen, it also packs a punch with a core i7, 16GB of memory and two SSD drives. £1,187.84 (dabs.com / gigabyte.com)

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#2 Best quality HP EliteBook 840 G1 Sporting a high quality finish, superb display and a dual-core Haswell i7-4600U running at 2.1GHz (3.3GHz Turbo) along with 8GB of memory, 500GB hard drive, and both integrated HD 4400 and discrete AMD Radeon HD 8750M for graphics, this is one laptop that it’s worth spending the extra money on. £924 (tesco.com)

The The cheshire cheshire Magazine Magazine | Technology || Lifestyle The CHESHIRE Magazine Regulars

THE APP Bump Use Bump to share contact information, photos, videos, and files by simply bumping two phones together. Just open Bump, hold your phones, and gently bump your hands together. Bump will magically do all the rest. Android £Free

THE GAME

Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare Set in the year 2054, a private military corporation (PMC) has emerged with the power to rescue humanity from a devastated world struggling to rebuild after a global attack on its military and infrastructure. You are the advanced soldier. Empowered with cutting-edge exoskeleton abilities, technological advancements, and high-tech gear, players join the ranks of a highly-trained, specialised unit committed to restoring order in a state of advanced warfare. Pre order from Amazon £40 (callofduty.com/advancedwarfare)

#3 Best price Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 2 The Yoga 2 is a real bargain, as it provides good screen quality, battery life and a lightweight design. It has a convertible flip and fold design, a Pentium N3520 processor that clocks 2.16GHz, 4GB memory and 500GB storage, it might be low spec but it’s a good entry level laptop. £1,199.99 (lenovo.com)

‘The most technologically efficient machine that man has ever invented is the book’

#4 Best for gaming Alienware 18 Known to be the best gaming laptops around, this may come at a cost but with a 4th Gen core i7, 32GB memory and Dual AMD Radeon™ R9 M290X graphics with 8GB total (2x 4GB) GDDR5 - AMD CrossFire™ Enabled it is worth every penny. Starting from £1,799 (dell.com)

- Northrop Frye

#5 Best on the move Acer Aspire S3-392G The Acer Aspire S3 is an attractive, slimline Ultrabook with a high-quality IPS display which provides good performance that comes from a core i5 processor, 4GB memory and a 500GB SSHD drive. Perfect for intensive work or gaming. £850 (ebuyer.com/acer.co.uk)

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The art of living We never tire of the sun-dappled magic of the South of France, particularly when it comes to the exclusive, antique charm of the Bordeaux region. Our newest find there is Château Cordeillan-Bages in Pauillac, roughly an hour from the city of Bordeaux and close to the southern shore of L’estuaire de la Gironde. The tiny village encompasses a world-renowned winery, the only two Michelin-starred restaurant in the entire region, a cookery school, educational programmes, a dedicated winery (where guests can enjoy a personalised winemaking experience), a modern art gallery and tour, not to mention a whole host of quaint village shops and cafés. But the jewel in its crown is undoubtedly the four-star Château CordeillanBages hotel, a 17th century converted chartreuse hotel now owned by the prestigious Relais & Château. The hotel has 28 boutique rooms and suites, and a truly dazzling collection of artwork – plus, of course, an outdoor heated swimming pool, sauna and helipad. There’s certainly lots to do (golf, water sports, horse riding, shooting, fishing – the list goes on), but frankly we’d recommend finding a sunny corner, a good book and a great glass of wine. (cordeillanbages.com)

Travel news Back to nature If this summer’s attempt at a family camping trip was more memorable for cramped sleeping quarters, soggy breakfasts and the microwave-like effect of sunshine on nylon, never fear – next year will be different. Enter the luxurious offerings of the Arabian Tent Company, perfect for family glamping holidays, party venues and romantic getaways. These elaborate canvas structures come in three varieties; boudoirs, yurts and bell tents, all of which have an overriding feel of organic luxury and sport sturdy floors, lighting and sumptuous décor. Prepare to feel every inch the Arabian princess (or prince) – and not a soggy sandwich in sight. (arabiantents.com) 106

‘A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving’

– Lao Tzu

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Travel

AQUA ADVENTURE

Long haul Vs short haul

New kid on the block Despite only having opened its sleek, shiny new doors this August, the Park Hyatt New York is already causing waves. Situated a mere stone’s throw from Central Park and Carnegie Hall, the newest of the Big Apple’s luxury five-star hotels boasts 210 guestrooms (nearly half of which are suites), each with floor-to-ceiling windows and an impressive amount of square-footage. There’s also a three-storey spa and pool, plus the customary two eateries; The Back Room at One57 and The Living Room. The hotel is being touted as the brand’s new flagship, and we can certainly see why. (newyork.park.hyatt.com)

Short haul

Europe with Friends As you seek out the final days of cool sunshine, we suggest you consider climbing aboard your very own yacht for a week or two. Yachts and Friends round up your nearest and dearest for a sea excursion to picturesque destinations including Italy and Croatia. For those with little sailing experience, your yacht will come with a capable skipper while a livein hostess can be enlisted to prepare meals. (yachtsandfriends.com)

The Grand Tour Now there’s a less muddy way to embrace the great outdoors’ autumnal weather. Elysian Estates, a luxury property rental and concierge specialist, is offering a five-star tour of the British Isles. Escape city life and enjoy its exclusive gothic castles and charming farmhouses, with activities from Michelin dining to hot air ballooning. (elysian-estates.co.uk)

Long haul

A Vessel in Vietnam The opulent Aqua Mekong river vessel is designed in traditional Asian style and includes 20 outward facing suites with floorto-ceiling windows for views of Cambodia and Vietnam, plus a spa and fitness centre, library, screening room, swimming pool and fine dining. It will operate 3, 4 and 7-night itineraries running from Siem Riep to My Tho, stopping in Phnom Penh along the way. (aquaexpeditions.com)

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united nude

kiko

penhaligon’s

Regent Street THE INSIDER’S GUIDE Whether you’re a London veteran or don’t know Paddington from Piccadilly, there’s a whole host of treasures to be discovered in the city’s most famous shopping district. Whether you’re thinking of visiting for a weekend of retail therapy or attempting to tackle your festive shopping needs, our definitive pick of restaurants, shops and extra treats will ensure you discover the very best that London’s West End has to offer WORDS: GEMMA KNIGHT

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longchamp

east india company

shelves piled high with aromatic potions, from the trademark Bluebell with its hyacinth and jasmine heart notes, to more exotic concoctions like the Moroccan rose and Indian magnoliainfused Vaara. 125 Regent St, London W1B (penhaligons.com)

The Ziggy Stardust Plaque

SHOPS

United Nude Started by Dutch architect Rem D Koolhaas and seventh-generation shoe dynasty heir Galahad Clark in 2003, this is one of the uber-innovative footwear brand’s flagship stores. Designs combine architectural shapes with a modern sensibility, making for such whackily gorgeous pieces as the Lo-Res Pump and Fold Deluxe Hi – though the Möbius, the brand’s first cuttingedge creation, is still our favourite. 80 Regent St, London W1B (unitednude.com)

Penhaligon’s One of the Royal Warrant-holding perfumer’s eight London locations, visiting this enclave of woodpanelling, brass and chandeliers is rather like stepping back in time. Let the expert sales assistants help you choose your perfect scent from the

Few parts of Regent Street have changed as much as Heddon Street over the years, a once-dingy back alley which is now a palm-filled pedestrianized food quarter. This transformation makes the location of the plaque above No. 23 all the more surreal, as it marks the spot where the front cover image for David Bowie’s seminal album as Ziggy Stardust, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders from Mars, was photographed. The plaque was unveiled in 2012 to commemorate the album’s 40th anniversary, and has brought a new wave of Bowie devotees flocking in pilgrimage. 23 Heddon Street, London W1B

album cover of ‘the rise and fall of ziggy stardust and the spiders from mars’

Longchamp One of the French mega-brand’s flagship stores, upstairs the walls ripple with the rainbow hues of the iconic Le Pliage, while below such leather-bound creations as Le Foulonné and Au Sultan reside, punctuated by scarves, umbrellas and iPad cases. Le Pliage is believed to be the world’s best-selling handbag and, surrounded by Longchamp’s stunning empire, it isn’t hard to see why. 229 Regent St, London, W1B (longchamp.com)

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The East India Company

The Organic Pharmacy

This elegant emporium lies just off Regent Street and, whether you’re a tea-lover or not, is certainly worth a visit. Efficient and friendly sales staff bustle about offering visitors samples of chocolate, coffee, biscuits and, of course, the various infusions bubbling in delicate glass teapots, eager to impart their vast knowledge of the brand’s fascinating 400 year history and myriad of products. For those in need of a brief respite from the hectic outside world, we can think of no better way to have your chi restored. 7 Conduit St, London W1S (eicfinefoods.com)

Kiko Make Up Milano A make-up addict’s dream, this smaller copy of Kiko’s Milan-based flagship boasts more than 200 eye shadows, 180 lipsticks and 200 nail lacquers, displayed across two floors of hyperglam black-sandblasted glass and ceramics, not to mention an LED ceiling. With the brand heralded as one to watch at last year’s Cosmopolitan Beauty Awards, visiting is a great way to get acquainted with what’s on offer. 262 Regent St, London W1B (kikocosmetics.co.uk)

floridita

R E S TA U R A N T S

Brasserie Zédel

Liberty London Liberty is special at any time of year – from its beautiful old wooden staircase curling skywards, to its warren of treasure-filled rooms and sumptuous Tudor façade – but Christmas is when this London stalwart truly shines. Go right up to the top and discover the grotto; an Aladdin’s cave of enormous hand-painted baubles, stocking fillers, gold-leaf tinsel and fake snow, nestled around the mahogany-banistered gallery looking down into the heart of the store. It might just be the most festive place on earth. Great Marlborough Street, London W1B (liberty.co.uk)

After a busy day of shopping, and before you hit the West End’s bars and restaurants, what better way to recover than with a soothing facial? As the first and only pharmacy in the world dedicated to health and beauty using solely organic ingredients, the sartoria products – dressed down in simple, unfussy packaging – and treatments specialise in homeopathy, herbs and organic skincare. Try the Rose Crystal Lymphatic Facial, the signature treatment, designed to soften and decongest skin then invigorate the lymphatic system. 23 Great Marlborough St, London W1F (theorganicpharmacy.com)

What appears to be nothing more than a quaint, street-side café hidden amongst the Piccadilly Circus-adjacent Soho lanes blossoms into a colossal dining hall below ground, complete with classic French décor (think marble columns, brass rails, gold leaf architraving and mirrors) and oversized menus entirely en Français. The wine list has everything you’d expect of this sort of establishment (try the Pouilly Fuissé 2011 Domaine Trouillet), but the food is really something else. Choose from the likes of bœuf bourguignon and choucroute de la mer, then lean back and let yourself be transported to the Continent, body, soul and stomach. 20 Sherwood St, London W1F (brasseriezedel.com)

Hawksmoor Air Street The specialty here is steak, and lots of it. Duck out of Regent Street’s hectic bustle and ascend to the elegant bar for perfectly mixed martinis (with enormous, fleshy olives), then sashay into

‘We defy you to resist such tempting The Organic Pharmacy

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HAWKSMORE ON AIR STREET

kensington place

Floridita

brasserie zedel

the enormous restaurant with its frosted stained glass windows overlooking the street below and Art Deco furnishings. The steaks are thick, cooked to absolute perfection over real charcoal and sourced from British cattle, while we defy you to resist such tempting sides as lobster mac & cheese and beef dripping potatoes. 5a Air Street, London W1 (thehawksmoor.com)

Kensington Place This little gem isn’t on Regent Street, but if a day in the midst of London’s bustle has you craving a little peace and quiet, we recommend heading westwards to ever-elegant Notting Hill. This is a restaurant dedicated to local, simple, no-nonsense dining, with a light, airy dining space and perhaps the city’s most talented barman. The food is unfussy but precise, with a heavy emphasis on fish (the restaurant also has its own fish shop) and relaxed atmosphere – ideal for a lazy lunch or casual dinner. 201-209 Kensington Church St, London W8 (kensingtonplace-restaurant.co.uk)

With live music, white leather booths and moody lighting, this underground grotto feels more jazz club than restaurant – but once you’ve acclimatised (and as long as you had a fairly lively night in mind), you’ll realise that’s no bad thing. The menu is mainly Caribbean, Mexican and Latin American-inspired, with criminally fresh tilapia and shrimp ceviche – but Floridita’s real forte is, without a doubt, rum. Start and end the night glued to trendy bar stools whilst liberally sampling the vast cocktail menu. The mojitos are outstanding, but true aficionados shouldn’t miss out on the ‘Rum Cruise’ dessert alternative. 100 Wardour St, London W1F (floriditalondon.com)

Sartoria The only restaurant to call London’s legendary Savile Row home (the name is Italian for tailor), this sleek and classic Italian eatery is one of the city’s most sophisticated and takes its inspiration from the restaurants of 1930s Milan. The clientele, like the menu, are conservative, while the food simple and sublime, oozing quality. The lobster linguine has attracted notable praise, but we love the soft veal Milanese and tender pencil lamb. Cocktails are also truly fantastic, while the wine list is extensive to say the least and esteemed Head Sommelier Michael Simms (one of London’s most experienced) is worth a visit all on his own. 20 Savile Row, London W1S (sartoria-restaurant.co.uk)

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explore…

Mexico Mexico is often missed off the Caribbean wish-list but it shares the same azure seas and golden beaches as Barbados and Jamaica. It is also home to one of the most distinctive cultures in the world and not to be missed is a visit to the UNESCO heritage sites such as the Chichen Itza. Where to stay: The blissful Viceroy Riviera Maya is an adult only resort set in the serenity of a rainforest environment. The exclusive 41 suites sit amongst lush vegetation and look out onto the stunning sea front. The Wayak Spa, located in a dramatic tropical setting, is a ‘must do’.

The Caribbean & Mexico

St Vincent & The Grenadines Slow-paced, unspoilt and idyllic this stunning archipelago of islands is flanked by beautiful beaches, welcoming locals and oozes adventure. With neighbours, Bequia and Mustique, close by island hopping is a must. These Caribbean gems harbour so much natural beauty and heritage that they are just begging to be explored. Where to stay: The exclusive Petit St Vincent, a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, epitomises peace and tranquillity. With just 22 cottages, no phones and no internet, guests can experience what it is like to be within their own private paradise.

The Caribbean is ubiquitously associated with island lifestyle attracting some of the biggest names in world resorts. Luxury travel expert, Christine Power takes a look at some of the most popular destinations to inspire you

Turks & Caicos Not only is this a tropical oasis with plenty to see and do, but it is also the most undiscovered region of the Caribbean. This breath-taking cluster of 40 different islands and cays (only 8 of which are inhabited), is home to Huffington Post’s Best Beach in the World – Grace Bay. Pristine white sandy coastlines, crystal clear waters and water sports await your arrival. Must do’s include a visit to Atlantis Paradise Island water park, whale-watching and snorkelling around the extensive coral reefs. Where to stay: The 1,000 acre, private island sanctuary that is Parrot Cay, set along a milelong stretch of white sandy beach and only reachable by speed boat.

BREATH-TAKING SNORKELLING

SUGAR BEACH ST LUCIA

PARROT CAY TURKS & CAICOS

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Viceroy Riviera

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Travel

TULUM, MEXICO

St Lucia St Lucia can offer you hiking through the Pitons, exploring the rainforest, snorkelling amongst the vast coral reefs or simply the perfect sands to relax. And all of this comes with the unique combination of African, Indian, Caribbean, French, Spanish and English influences. With its UNESCO World Heritage status and voted ‘World’s Leading Honeymoon Destination’ eight times by the World Travel awards, St Lucia has something for everyone. Where to stay: The five-star Sugar Beach Viceroy Resort is the perfect base for a St Lucian adventure offering stunning views of the Pitons and aquamarine waters of the Caribbean Sea. Sugar Mill rooms, luxury villas, villa suites and glorious beachfront bungalows are all available, and a visit to the world-class Rainforest Spa is not to be missed.

my SUITCASE E S S E N T I A L S #1 Sunglasses, £97, Scarlett of Soho (scarlettofsoho.com)

#2 Shorts, £138, We Are Handsome (wearehandsome.com)

Barbados

SANDY LANE BARBADOS

PARROT CAY TURKS & CAICOS

ST VINCENT & THE GRENADINES

Distinctly Caribbean but with a feeling that is inherently familiar to the English, Barbados is a firm favourite with customers due to the variety of activities, vibrant nightlife and fascinating history. Visitors to this beautiful island will delight in the contrasting landscapes, relish in the delicious cuisine and enjoy an array of activities such as shopping, kitesurfing and cultural exploration. A trip to Oistins Fish Fry is a must; dance and enjoy the party atmosphere whilst fresh seafood is cooked in front of you. Where to stay: The elegant and extremely hospitable Sandy Lane resort is synonymous with excellence, sophistication and celebrities. Iconic and famed for its unrivalled setting on the legendary Platinum Coast, Sandy Lane boasts a fleet of Rolls Royce Phantoms, a complimentary tennis club, golf and a luxurious Spa. Christine Power is a luxury travel expert at Destinology. 47–49 Alderley Road, Wilmslow, SK9 1NZ. (01625 88 55 88)

#3 Bag, £120, East (houseoffraser.co.uk)

#4 Bikini, £157, We Are Handsome (wearehandsome.com)

#5 Sandals, £285, See by Chloé (houseoffraser.co.uk)

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Travel | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Weekend away …The Quin, New York WORDS: GEMMA KNIGHT

t’s all about New York this season (when isn’t it?), and with the delights of chilly carriage rides through a red leaf-filled Central Park and the Rockefeller Christmas tree awaiting, what city could make a nicer autumn getaway? We booked through luxury bespoke travel company Carrier, who can also claim the new Park Hyatt, Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons amongst their New York offerings, in addition to a huge range of globally renowned hotels and a recent partnership with onefinestay, meaning they’ve just added a whole host of homes around the world to their portfolio. They also provide the Carrier Concierge, a service which helps to book tickets, make dinner bookings, arrange private shopping appointments and the like – a huge bonus when it comes to making the most of a short trip to the Big Apple. The Quin opened last November, so can still lay claim to being a relative newcomer on New York’s quirky and crowded hotel scene. Nevertheless, it has very successfully managed to carve out a niche for itself, thanks in no small part to its low-key approach and knack for sophistication. The first thing that strikes you is the location – which, it has to be said, takes some beating. Nestled in the very heart of Midtown, the hotel is surrounded by many of Manhattan’s most famous landmarks, the combined vibes of which are gently

referenced in the hotel’s design to create an experience intended to be Quin-tessentially New York (hence the name). The creative strain of this is borne out in the hotel’s art initiative, Quin Arts, an interactive programme celebrating its heritage through a series of events, exhibitions and lectures. Rooms are beautiful – perhaps on the small side by American standards, but neat, luxurious and lacking in nothing. With Dux beds, Nespresso machines, Venetian linens and touchscreen controls for everything from the lights to the curtains, the ambience is unfussy without seeming sterile, and it’s hard not to feel instantly at home. With all of Manhattan on your doorstep, it’s likely you won’t spend much time in the hotel’s Wayfarer restaurant, though it would be criminal to overlook it altogether. We’d recommend a long, leisurely breakfast, since the New York streets can be an overwhelming prospect on an empty stomach, with special mention going to perhaps the best eggs Benedict we’ve ever tasted. It was with a heavy heart that we departed at last – though with this simple concept done so flawlessly, it certainly won’t be the last time we call The Quin our home away from home in NYC. Prices from £1,310pp including flights and 3 nights accommodation on a room only basis. (0161 820 6002, carrier.co.uk)

‘The hotel is surrounded by many of Manhattan’s most famous landmarks’ 114

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Trendy tots If you’ve not yet discovered the Childsplay website, we’d very much suggest adding it to your favourites bar just in time for the release of its fabulous autumn/winter arrivals. The kids clothing company, which has actually been around since 1990 and stocks the likes of Armani, Hugo Boss, Dolce & Gabbana and Burberry, is a one-stop shop for everything from clothes and shoes to gorgeous accessories (we’ve got a particular soft spot for the new range of kids’ scarves from Armani) and will keep your brood bang on trend from toddler to teenagehood. (childsplayclothing.co.uk)

Kids’ news

Changing times For the almost-nappy-free stage, gorgeous kiddie brand Pink Lining brings you the Mini Yummy Mummy. This ‘just in case’ bag fits a small amount of nappies and wipes, so you can be fully equipped without being weighed down. Better still, it makes a lovely make-up bag once your tot has ditched the diapers for good. (pinklining.com)

Softly does it For parents keen to introduce their children to the finer things from their very first weeks, we can think of no better brand than Samuel and Owen. Founded by mum Emma Samuel when she was struggling to find individually designed furniture pieces for her children’s bedrooms, the ranges comprise everything from bespoke cribs to mobiles, chaise longues and pillows. This is baby essentials at their most deluxe. (samuelandowen.com) 116

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Family

Best buddies Dragging tired little ones around busy airports is very few parents’ cup of tea, so why not inject a bit of fun into the experience by equipping your child with a 3D Travel Buddie? Pint-sized passengers can choose from Lola the Ladybird, Rusty the Robot, Popo the Parrot and (our personal favourite) Archie the Alien, with each one boasting carry-on friendly dimensions, a retractable handle with a ‘grown-up’ and ‘kid’ height setting, and easy-roll wheels. From now on, the gauntlet of car park to departure gate will be a breeze. (trendykid.co.uk, johnlewis.com)

Having a ball As long-time fans of paint and wallpaper specialists Farrow & Ball, we were thrilled (and intrigued) to hear that its expert colour consultants had been asked to come up with ten creative colour schemes for children’s bedrooms. The schemes span a range of age groups and are intended to use paint and paper to create a perfect space for children to play, learn and grow. Our personal favourite, ‘A Place of Tranquillity’, was designed for nurseries by Emily and is a soothing wash of pale blues and patterned prints which combine to create a cocooning sensation with a warm, calming heart. (farrow-ball.com)

d e MR HENDRIX h s a e nl U

he exciting, bewitching night of Halloween has had me spellbound since I was just a scrap of a Pomeranian pup. This Halloween Anji (my owner) and I are planning to go full pelt to turn our home into a scary haunted house for our friends and their canines, a time to get together dogs, owners, ghosts and ghouls! As a shirt and tie man, Halloween is a time for me to get creative with my costume, and my fangtastic four legged friends rarely let me down either! My beautiful cockapoo girlfriend is going as a devil-cat while witches, skeletons and Frankenstein’s monster will all have a fur-raising time well into the witching hours. Last week Anji and I high-tailed it to Lymm Dam, one of our favourite places to blow away the cobwebs. A sanctuary for birds, wildfowl and a myriad of wildlife both in and out of the water, the panoramic view across the dam is quite breathtaking in any season, though autumn has its own particular charms (especially as I find myself blending in with the fallen leaves). Until 1824 the only way of crossing the valley below St Mary’s Church was via a path leading to a footbridge over what was then just a pool and a stream. William Lever began construction of a dam, with the intention of building housing on the land, resulting in the formation of Lymm Dam, though the houses never materialised. St Mary’s Church now stands on the bank overlooking the dam. The churchyard contains the war graves of twelve service personnel, nine from World War I and three from World War II. Lymm Dam has a magical quality, attracting dog walkers, bird watchers and families alike. Take the time to explore this stunning part of Cheshire. You won’t be disappointed. Until next time! Love and Licks,

Mr Hendrix (mrhendrix.com)

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tnschool.co.uk tnschool.co.uk

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• • • • • • • •

Traditional values with a modern outlook Traditional values with a modern outlook Co-educational from age 3 to 13 Co-educational from age 3 to 13 Day school with optional boarding from Year 3 Day school with optional boarding from Year 3 36 acres of grounds with outdoor classrooms 36 acres of grounds with outdoor classrooms

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

“I am so impressed with the way the school “I am so impressed with the way the school manages to identify and nurture diverse manages to identify and nurture diverse individual talents in every single pupil. individual talents in every single pupil. Certainly for my daughter the resulting self Certainly for my daughter the resulting self confidence and self esteem has enhanced confidence and self esteem has enhanced her development across the full spectrum of her development across the full spectrum of school activities and I know that she will leave school activities and I know that she will leave as a mature and confident 13 year old.” as a mature and confident 13 year old.”

@TerraNovaSchool @TerraNovaSchool

Terra Nova School Terra Nova School

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Family

A Square D deal

esigner Beatrix Ong MBE isn’t the first high-fashion name to harbour affections for SpongeBob SquarePants: Moschino’s yellow spotted backpacks and toothy cropped-sweaters are currently selling upwards of £500 a piece on matchesfashion.com, while Marc Jacobs is said to sport a lifelike homage on his bicep. After a stint as Jimmy Choo’s creative director (at the age of 22), and the launch of her own eponymous shoe line, Ong will be combining her ‘two favourite things’, turning all things yellow and porous into luxury accessories, bed linen, crockery and clothes for a five year project with Nickelodeon to launch next spring. Are you ready kids? I can’t hear you… (beatrixong.com)

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Domestic, childcare and private catering staff for your home and family.

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 | Family

Jo Salter (centre left) with The Queen’s School Headmistress (centre) and prizewinners

The sky’s the limit

The classroom Rock star lessons The Joy Division and New Order guitarist Peter Hook was the latest in a series of public speakers, including an airline pilot and top business woman, to address pupils at King’s Girls’ Division on the secret of success in their own chosen field. He admitted: ‘It was totally odd that I have stood in front of 100,000 people playing guitar and not been as nervous as I was speaking to 100 girls.’ The lecture was a huge draw with many of the older generation bringing vinyl albums for signing.

Jo Salter MBA, Britain’s first female Tornado fighter pilot, spoke to pupils at The Queen’s School about her experiences at their annual prize-giving cathedral service. Jo, who has retired from active duty but still trains new pilots, shared some wise words about achieving her goals as well as describing the incredible excitement of flying a £25 million plane only metres from the ground! (queens.cheshire.sch.uk, josalter.co.uk)

Hook’s newest book, Power, Corruption & Lies: Inside New Order is out soon

DON’T FORGET MANCHESTER SCIENCE FESTIVAL 23 October – 2 November, at MOSI manchestersciencefestival.com

The future engineers Cheadle Hulme School sixth form students, Peter Ronshaugen (left) and Josh Sweeney (right) have been awarded Arkwright Engineering Scholarships, identifying them as two of the country’s future frontrunners in engineering and technical design. The renowned scholarships provide students with a £600 financial award to enhance their A-Level studies and activities to develop their understanding and experience of engineering. The school also receives £400 for each scholarship and will use some of this to help fund a new 3D printer for the Design Technology department. (cheadlehulmeschool.co.uk) 121

Adderley: A resid ence that inhabits you

Once youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen Adderley, you will find it occupies your thoughts like no other. Such grace in such space is all too rare. For this residence has been created as a celebration of grand living. Its statement entrance. The capacious rooms for entertaining. The five bedroom suites, off-the-charts de luxe. The pool, the spa, the grounds, the vista and exquisite finishings at every turn. And beyond the gates: the rarefied environs of the finest par t of Wilmslow. However : there is just one Adderley. We recommend you visit immediately. For more information about Adderley, Wilmslow, Cheshire call 01942 263485 or visit us at www.eventusproperties.co.uk

Eventus Properties Ltd Oakland House, 21 Hope Carr Road, Leigh, Lancashire, WN7 3ET T. 01942 263485 E. info@eventusproperties.co.uk www.eventusproperties.co.uk

homes and

interiors showcasing the

finest HOMES & PROPERTY IN CHESHIRE AND BEYOND

American woman

Autumnal

Meet CEO of Casa Forma, Faiza Seth

dream

Cosy, rustic charm with Ralph Lauren Home

Romantic violet

Bring colour into your home with Vic Brotherson image: the profile bed from roche bobois, page 124 (image courtesy of roche bobois)

Home & interiors news

#2 KEEPING IT SIMPLE

#1 THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Designed by Robertro Tapinassi and Maurizio Manzoni, the new Profile bed is a modern interpretation of mid-20th century Scandinavian style, deliciously combined with Roche Bobois’s trademark sumptuous materials and bold colours. This luxurious piece has a solid wood structure and is upholstered in Cabaret velvet available in several colours, though we’re rather taken with the chocolate brown edition. (roche-bobois.com)

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The Knutsford showroom of luxury interiors company Plain & Simple Kitchens may be only a stone’s throw from many of our front doors, but still there’s no substitute for lazily browsing through its entire collection of beautiful designs from the comfort of your own sofa. As a result, we were thrilled to hear about the launch of its new super-streamlined website, designed to showcase the brand’s entire portfolio, plus past projects, videos, a virtual tour of the showroom and updates on the latest news and offers. (plainandsimplekitchens.com)

Homes and Interiors

#3 Refined Luxe This autumn, Occa Home reveals its latest concept. Refined Luxe focuses on minimal shapes, modish materials and lustrous accents in key furniture pieces, all of which have been hand-picked by Occa Home founder, Kate Mooney and her team of interior design experts. With hundreds of leading brands available, in order to help you to recreate this look, you’ll be spoilt for choice. From dining furniture and beds to lighting and decorative accessories, add a touch of frost ahead of winter, using shimmery accents, to ignite the glimmer of winter magic. (occa-home.co.uk)

#4 Tweed with a Twist 1940s wartime saw tweed at the peak of its popularity, used in suits, flat caps and dresses. It was also the decade which saw the birth of interiors company Barker and Stonehouse. This autumn, the company harkens back to 40s fashion in its four new collections. Tweed with a Twist takes a contemporary approach to use of the traditional material, presented in furniture and quirky accessories which will bring warmth to urban homes. (barkerandstonehouse.co.uk)

#5 The Silver Surfer With more than a century’s worth of classic creations, this year marks the 110th anniversary of Georg Jensen. Since 1904, the Danish design name has been a pioneering one in the world of silverware, extending from classical to modern in the form of home pieces and jewellery designs. Delving into its rich heritage, Georg Jensen: Reflections will explore the historical journey of the brand, containing photographs and drawings from Jensen’s extensive archive, exposing tricks of the trade and showcasing elegant designs and technical innovations. Georg Jensen: Reflections, text by Murray Moss, £55 (hardcover) Available from 21 October (rizzoliusa.com)

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interview

Living the

Autumnal dream

This autumn, turn over a new leaf and indulge in the well-kept secret that is Ralph Lauren Home, says Alice Tozer

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Homes and Interiors

ctober means autumn good and proper. So, out with the summer rugs’n’shrugs and in with a totally contrasting interior mood. At Ralph Lauren Home, another season always implies a renewed set of furnishing delights. At the core of the Home wing of this eponymous designer range is American style, frontlining sophistication and attention to detail. Ralph Lauren Home is a label that has spread the American (lifestyle) dream worldwide, variously reflecting the New England Coast, Native American culture and Hollywood shimmer and shine. It´s quite possible you live in a cocoon of Ralph Lauren sunglasses and polo shirts, and that the Home range has passed you by. It may be news to learn that the Home wing of Ralph Lauren is up and running with as much success as you would expect from every orifice of this million dollar brand, and has been doing so since 1983. Further still, Mr Ralph Lauren was the first US designer to launch a serious home furnishings collection. Ralph Lauren Home doesn´t stop at luxury beds and wallpapers, but overspills in glorious gilded luxury into the realms of bath linens, beach towels, crystal, china and silver, not omitting lighting, window hardware, furniture, fabric, trimmings and wallpaper. (Laura Ashley should rightly feel inadequate.) Mr Lauren has seen his brand as a whole lifestyle since the start: ‘I didn´t think in terms of making a new set of sheets or a new jacket, but of where this woman lives, what she might do at

Brookfield Collection by Ralph Lauren Home

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interview

the weekend, where she’ll go, and who she’ll be with. I see the whole picture.’ Ralph Lauren Home always takes a certain swig of inspiration from the label’s catwalk creations. In past years’ autumn Home collections you can observe, for example, a leather buckle tray and desk blotter with polo blue grosgrain trim. You can also find an ornately carved rococo revival bed dressed in the finest cloths inspired by classic Ralph Lauren menswear. Italian-made leather and brass stirrup napkin rings feature the signature Ralph Lauren equestrian motif, whilst one entire bedroom in the Home range finds inspiration from the Ralph Lauren runway, with a bohemian mix of luxury and vintage. Bizarre to think that the Ralph Lauren empire started with a mere necktie line in 1967, under the label

Polo. Five years later, the trademark Ralph Lauren polo shirt entered the game. The company is now immense, split essentially into the four areas of apparel, home, accessories and fragrances. The company’s brand names are a giddying mix of variations on a theme, encompassing Polo by Ralph Lauren, Ralph Lauren Purple Label, Ralph Lauren Collection, Black Label, Blue Label, Lauren by Ralph Lauren, Rugby, Ralph Lauren Childrenswear, American Living, Chaps and Club Monaco. Whilst the brand is American born and bred, it cannot hide a love affair with England and this is undeniably apparent in the Home range, where an English country estate feel is never far away. This international fleck doesn’t stop at the English border but rather continues to reflect Lauren’s vision of how modern people with sophistication live; in other words, exposed to many corners of the globe. Whether it’s the sleek urban aesthetic of a city loft, the natural tones and textures of the desert or the spirit of adventure of safari; the romance of seaside living or the faded florals and classic ticking stripes of American country, Ralph Lauren Home juxtaposes them all. As adaptable to the world as it is, Ralph Lauren will always be most loyal to a classic look. In the wider context of the recession, one might have expected it to suffer, particularly given that there is reportedly a new general consumer trend of rejecting ‘the classics’ in favour of so-called emotional ‘wow’ pieces which re-interpret the classics. Where

left and opposite; Brookfield Collection by Ralph Lauren Home

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Homes and Interiors

clothes are concerned, this might imply for instance a basic white shirt but with an outrageous cuff. And yet financial analysts observed that Polo Ralph Lauren appeared recession proof with galloping month-uponmonth sales and profit gains. By not over-depending on classic terrain but never departing totally from it, Ralph Lauren Home exhibits a visible symbiosis whereby the unexpected ‘wow’ cohabits harmoniously with the trusted ‘classic’. (ralphlaurenhome.com)

‘I didn´t think in terms of making a new set of sheets or a new jacket, but of where this woman lives, what she might do at the weekend, where she’ll go, and who she’ll be with’ - Ralph Lauren

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jackson-stops.co.uk

Alderley Edge A state of the art contemporary mansion within a prestigious village.

• 3 reception rooms • media room • 7 bedrooms • 5 bathrooms • leisure suite with pool, gym & sauna • triple garage • gardens • EPC – C Guide Price: £3,295,000

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 An exquisite manor house set amidst sublime gardens & grounds.

• 3 reception rooms • orangery • library • study • 7 bedrooms (6 en suite) • leisure suite • 2 bedroom cottage • fishing lake • championship floodlit Astroturf tennis court • golf tee & green • helipad • woodland • approaching 25 acres • EPC – C Price on Application

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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

Prestbury A magnificent, opulently fitted, generously proportioned, Arts & Crafts style house with south facing views.

• 4 reception rooms • study • 6 bedrooms • 7 bath/shower rooms • office/gym • garaging • approximately 1.44 acres • EPC – C Guide Price: £2,695,000

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

Prestbury One of the most impressive Arts & Crafts houses in the country with outstanding southerly views.

• 3 reception rooms • study • 7 bedrooms (all en suite) • lodge providing ancillary accommodation, or potential office or leisure suite • approximately 10 acres • EPC – E Guide Price: £5,950,000

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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

Alderley Edge A magnificent family house wrapped in exquisite gardens at the end of a private road.

• 3 reception rooms • 2 conservatories • study • 6 bedrooms • 5 bath/shower rooms • garaging with office/party room above • just under 0.6 of an acre • EPC – D Guide Price: £1,995,000

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

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

• 3 reception rooms • study • 7 bedrooms • 3 bathrooms • integral staff flat • 3 bedroom cottage • large Listed barn • garaging/stabling • tennis court • swimming pool • in all about 28.5 acres Guide Price: £4,500,000

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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

Bowdon

An individually designed property in the heart of Bowdon.

A Victorian villa with period features in need of some updating.

• 1 reception room • 5 bedrooms • 4 bathrooms • garaging

• 2 reception rooms • study area • cellarage • 5 bedrooms • 2 bathrooms • attic playroom • gardens • EPC – D

Guide Price £895,000

Guide Price £1,000,000

• gardens • EPC - E

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Hale An individual architect designed property in mature gardens in a stunning location.

• 3 reception rooms • 5 bedrooms • 3 bathrooms • garaging • gardens • EPC – E Guide Price: £1,750,000

People Property Places

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

Hale Barns A stunning contemporary masterpiece by Bowdon Homes adjacent to open countryside.

• 2 reception rooms • 5 bedrooms (all en suite) • garaging • gardens • EPC – C Guide Price: £2,500,000

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Bowdon An exquisite detached property in a tranquil position in the heart of Bowdon.

• 3 reception rooms • study • 3 bedrooms • 3 bathrooms • garaging • gardens • just under 1/4 of an acre Guide Price: £1,200,000

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

People Property Places

INSPIRATION

American woman

Over lunch at The Arts Club we meet Faiza Seth – a passionate philanthropist and the glamorous CEO of interior and architectural firm Casa Forma w o r d s : d a n i e l l a i saacs

s a self-confessed workaholic, Faiza Seth finds it hard to relax. And this comes as no surprise – between being the CEO of bespoke interior and architectural design firm Casa Forma and overseeing an entire school in Hyderabad, India, Seth is clearly a woman of action. As she

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elegantly glides into our meeting at The Arts Club, Hermès Birkin in hand, she immediately explains exactly why Casa Forma was created; to fill a niche at the onset of one of the most trying of economic climates in over half a century. ‘I saw lots of properties that were screaming out to be modernised,’ says Seth. Casa

LEFT: faiza seth RIGHT: down street

Homes and Interiors

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Countless hours are spent with clients to gain a real understanding of their particular style and way of lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

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INSPIRATION

Forma was formed to provide a comprehensive architecture and design service for the most soughtafter residential and commercial properties in London, India, Dubai and around the world. The service had to be bespoke and Seth and her team of 21 were adamant that the ‘client comes first’ and is ‘always right’. Countless hours are spent with its clients to gain a real understanding of their particular style and way of life. With over 60 properties completed since 2007 and 21 projects currently in progress, Casa Forma is quickly

gaining momentum. Its craftsmanship and high level of detail is evident in its award-winning property in Davies Street, Mayfair, known as The Manor. The floors consist of a beautiful selection of natural materials including stained walnut and ebony Makassar timbers, which sets the sophisticated tone of the property. Moon onyx decorates the foyer walls, with dramatic back-lighting, bestowing a chic, subtle glow. Seth is most proud of the company’s recent achievement, One Hyde Park, which she describes in a Californian twang as ‘pure awesomeness’.

down street (PHOTO BY JAMES BALSTON)

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Homes and Interiors

‘Everyone brings their own experiences and background cultural sensitivities’ – Faiza Seth, Casa Forma

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INSPIRATION

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Homes and Interiors

OPPOSITE PAGE: down street (PHOTO BY JAMES BALSTON) RIGHT: soham for kids

Decorated with intricate Art Deco pieces with impeccable attention to detail, the property is testament to the now globally renowned firm. Casa Forma has headquarters in Dubai, in partnership with the Royal Family, and is also developing a team to be based in Brazil. With a network consisting of designers from Switzerland, Iran, Italy and a host of other countries, its expansion is natural. ‘Everyone brings their own experiences, background and cultural sensitivities,’ Seth says. The brand was simply made for an international clientele. But Seth is not easily satisfied. She has huge ambitions for the firm for the future, including a higher profile in Brazil and the Middle East and potentially seeing the launch of a luxury store. However, when Seth takes time off from Casa Forma, she does not kick off her heels and relax in her Mayfair home. A large part of her time is spent focusing on her philanthropic pursuits. From a young age she volunteered in her local community in Chicago, and charity quickly became a major influence in her life. In 2010, she partnered with the Hope Foundation and created Soham for Kids, a school in Hyderabad, which focuses on equipping students with skills to learn how to be more independent as they grow older. ‘We’re all part of one community,’ says Seth. ‘“Soham” is a Sanskrit word meaning “I am”, and it’s something that unites us all.’ Visiting every two months, she pays close attention to the quotidian of the school; she chooses the children’s meals, their curriculum and makes it

her duty to visit the home of every student before their entry into the school. Three years on and Soham for Kids is a world-renowned organisation and Seth is always warmly welcomed by the Hyderabad community when she goes. Although the charity funding at present relies on pledges from her contemporaries – including the first Asian woman in the House of Lords, Baroness Jenkin and International Head of Asian Art at Christie’s, Dr Amin Jaffer – Seth is working towards donating a percentage of Casa Forma’s profits directly to Soham for Kids in the future. Casa Forma and Soham for Kids seem to be ideally aligned, with a shared value of hard work and attention to detail at the fore. With Seth’s determination and ever-positive outlook for making a difference, it seems there couldn’t be a better person to get the job done. After our meeting, she dashes off to One Hyde Park, to be followed by a finance meeting and then a conference call with the head teacher of her school – all in a day’s work.

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When aa couple couple from from Hale, Cheshire When began creating creating their their dream dream home home four began four years ago they years ago they knewknew whatwhat they they wanted; wanted; outindesign in their own stand outstand design their own signature signature surroundings. There would surroundings. There would be no be no shortcuts, and Diane’s client shortcuts, and Diane’s client Kim, had Kim, had very specific design ideas in very specific design ideas in mind. They mind. They heard about Alno by Diane heard Alno by Diane Berry Berry about Kitchens through friends. ‘The Kitchens through friends. ‘The name name kept coming up’ says Kim, who is kept coming up’London says Kim, originally from andwho had is visited originally London and had her homefrom city for inspiration too.visited They her home city for inspiration They consulted kitchen companiestoo. closer to home as well but decided Diane Berry consulted kitchen companies closer to was the for them. home as best well choice but decided Diane Berry ‘What struck me about Diane Berry was the best choice for them.

was theirstruck approach; it wasDiane so different ‘What me about Berry to other companies’ was theirkitchen approach; it was soexplains different Kim. Diane is verycompanies’ holistic in her to other kitchen explains approach and really encouraged Kim. Diane is very holistic in her Kim to think about her lifestyle and herKim to approach and really encouraged family’s needs, even the pet’s! think about her lifestyle and her family’s Diane wants to understand how her needs, even the pet’s! clients’ live, and really appreciates that Diane wants to understand how the design should complement andher clients’ live, and really appreciates that work around them. the should and Atdesign the start of thecomplement design process, work around them. Calder Peel architects in Altrincham At the start ofchoosing the design recommended theprocess, kitchen worktopPeel firstarchitects and foremost which Kim Calder in Altrincham admits wouldn’tchoosing have been top recommended thea kitchen priority. Kim had her heart set on aKim worktop first and foremost which

specific textured granite which they admits wouldn’t have been a top searched highhad andher lowheart for eventually priority. Kim set on a sourcing it in Sheffield. Kim also they wanted specific textured granite which asearched hidden pantry to be worked into high and low for eventually the design, hugely practical hiding sourcing it in Sheffield. Kimfor also everyday kitchen clutter from guests! wanted a hidden pantry to be worked This is where Diane and her team’s skill into the design, hugely practical for really come in to play; they listen to hiding everyday clutter from their clients idea’skitchen and then fine-tune guests! This is where Diane and her the details making the best of their team’s skillmaking really come in to play; and they ‘wish lists’ them functional listen to their clients idea’s and then bespoke to boot. the details making theatbest fine-tune Kim wanted the kitchen to be the of heart of their home, the social aspect their ‘wish lists’ making them functional was hugely whilst being and also bespoke toimportant, boot. functional for Kim, her husband two Kim wanted the kitchen to beand at the

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etro feel ne matt ew, the l shade

HOLISTIC DESIGN

by diane berry kitchens children agedhome, 11 and 8. Berry A keen baker,Ltd, heart of their the social aspect The unusual lighting gives the space a truly unique feel, whilst Diane Kitchens they look great they’re hugely practical in highlighting forhugely Kimareas makes the most of132 a steam oven, was also important, whilst being Bury New Road, cooking, preparing food and of course eating. Theasopen wellplan as for using theher flexi hob, and functional Kim, husband and two Prestwich, Manchester living area is extremely family friendly allowing the couple the Teppanyaki cooking any menu. children aged 11 andto 8.suit A keen baker, chance to be with their young children whilst preparing dinner. M25 0AA The ground floor of their home is The dining table is a great addition to the island unit andmakes keeps the most of a steam Kim oven, www.dianeberrykitchens.co.uk very open plan, and the kitchen has the space open and sociable.

as well as using the flexi hob, and gone on to influence the surrounding diane@dianeberrykitchens.co.uk cooking to suit any menu. their neutral Tel: and0161 earthy 798 5335 The ground floor ofeffect their is home is very tones. The kitchen’s actually open plan, and the kitchen has gone quite warm, despite the vast panes on to surrounding of influence glass andthe minimalist cleanrooms lines. with their neutral units and earthy tones. The The Walnut are a contrast to kitchen’s is actually quite warm, the largeeffect glazing which mirrors the outdoorthe eating along withand an despite vast area panes of glass outdoor fireplace in keeping with the minimalist clean lines. The Walnut units welcoming feel. are a contrast to the large glazing which

mirrors the outdoor eating area along with an outdoor fireplace in keeping with the welcoming feel.

‘We are so pleased with the finished room which just works so Teppanyaki rooms with well for us as a family’

Diane Berry Kitchens Ltd 132 Bury New Road, Prestwich, Manchester M25 0AA www.dianeberrykitchens.co.uk diane@dianeberrykitchens.co.uk Tel: 0161 798 5335

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RECREATE THE LOOK Helen Green Design’s Natalia Miyar takes us inside a stunning Belgravia residence, the Lateral Apartment W o r d s : T I F FA N Y E A S T L A N D

f there’s one thing this project succeeds at, it’s balance. Aside from boasting the Helen Green Design aesthetic of liveable luxury, the Lateral Apartment achieves what many attempt but fail; it somehow finds that happy medium, appealing as much to him, as it does to her. Situated on a beautiful 19thcentury crescent in Belgravia, the Lateral Apartment spans approximately 2,400 square feet of living space. Inspired by a mixture of natural materials, this project layers contrasting textures and finishes to create a truly stunning home. From its beautiful big entrance to

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the bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms, attention to detail has been paid at every turn. Design director, Natalia Miyar explains: “It is important to concentrate on the property as a whole as well as each room individually. To create a continuous flow each corner of a property needs to be carefully considered.” While Helen Green Design prides itself on treating all of its clients with the same level of integrity, it also proudly adopts a very unique and personalised approach to each project it undertakes. So much so, that for some projects Helen Green Design will create a bespoke

Homes and Interiors

furniture offering on top of its existing line. The company will also source artwork from all over the world, travelling to art fairs with clients to help pick out unique pieces to incorporate into the home. For the owners of this property, a couple, comfort was just as important as aesthetics. Using a very neutral colour palette, they wanted a home that was beautiful to look at, yet relaxed at the same time. The master bedroom, perhaps the best example of this, combines contrasting colours and prints for a truly effortless yet chic feel. But for Miyar, the highlight is an installation of metallic leaves: “We spent quite some time getting the sequence right.” The outcome? “Tactile and airy at the same time.” To ensure they’re achieving what they set out to do, Miyar and her team involve the client at every stage of the process by meeting on a regular basis. This particular project took approximately six months from the initial concept development through to completion. “We usually have two designers working on a project of this size, along with an interior architect if need be,” explains Miyar. For the team at Helen Green Design, every project is a learning curve: “We take something new and exciting from each project we work on, whether it’s the creation of a new, bespoke, specialist finish or the combination of two materials, we enjoy the challenges involved in creating something new.” (helengreendesign.com)

‘We take something new and exciting from each project we work on’

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#4 #7

CLASSIC AND REFINED ‘Stick mainly to classic pieces with a contemporary twist’ #1 Missoni home tobago cushion, £82 (amara.com) #2 Maelstrom no.28 original artwork, £2,200 (luxdeco.com) #3 Giant black ceramic ginger jar, £445 (andrewmartin.co.uk) #4 Stone side table, £2,775 (mpdshop.co.uk) #5 Eichholtz columbia chair, £792 (occa-home.co.uk) #6 Mint green & lilac merino & cashmere throw, £128 (heals.co.uk) #7 Surface Vase, £270, (luxdeco.co.uk)

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Intoto Kitchens provides a bespoke service creating the perfect kitchen for every client. As one of the World’s leading quality kitchen brands and part of the most established fitted kitchen businesses in the UK, we mix German quality and craftsmanship with our specialist design service. Created specifically for you and your lifestyle, each of our kitchens is designed, produced and professionally installed by our experienced Installation team and project managers, whilst being supported by our KBSA Consumer Care Protection Insurance. Appointed as a Neff Master Partner & Exclusive Brand Partner, our clients benefit from exclusive products and additional savings across leading appliances, worktops & accessories. Providing a free Survey and Design service to clients, we also work

closely with Architects, Designers and Developers form an early stage, to deliver the perfect balance in kitchen living spaces across the Cheshire and the North West. If you’re looking for inspiration and would like to see how an Intoto kitchen might look in your home, visit our showroom to discuss your ideas and plans, or contact us for a free survey and design consultation.

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Exclusive new holiday homes minutes from Abersoch Within 2-hours’ drive you’ll arrive at The Warren’s gates. Opening onto a world that is the ultimate in exclusivity and opulence. The Warren’s beautifully appointed chalets are a truly luxurious home-from-home. And The Warren’s superior facilities offer everything you and your family need to enjoy perfect holidays and weekend breaks away together. From sports and activities, to leisure and dining, there’s something to suit all tastes. “When you go for just a weekend it’s really like going on a holiday and when you get back to work on the Monday it feels like you’ve been away for a whole week, it’s so relaxing.” The Warren’s latest development of just 6 stunning, fully-ﬁtted chalets is selling fast. And with prices for these and our other chalets ranging from £150,000 - £450,000, your dream of escaping to an idyllic hideaway is more affordable than you think. To avoid disappointment, please arrange your VIP viewing today.

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02/05/2014 15:09

gardens

Romantic violet As the golden tones of autumn surround us, we take inspiration from Vic BrotherSon as we bring dramatic jewel tones into our home with amazing results

ic Brotherson’s latest book, Vintage Wedding Flowers, tackles every bride’s conundrum of choosing individual flowers. We think her beautiful creations can give us all some inspiration to bring colour into our homes this season, particularly the chapter ‘Romantic Violet’. ‘I can hear my own voice questioning all the brides who come to us. “Have you had any thoughts on what you would like?” Some are

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excited and enthusiastic, brimming with ideas and expectations. Others are terrified and merely say, “I trust you to do whatever you think will look nice!” ‘I’d be delighted to do that, but feel strongly that wedding flowers should be an individual signature – a layering of seasonality, favourite flowers and family traditions that capture moments and memories. ‘Once the doors of possibility have been opened to them, everyone has wonderful stories that can be woven into the day through the flowers, creating a modern interpretation of a very ancient ritual. ‘So root out old photographs, question your grannies, think about the houses you grew up in, the flowers you picked from the garden, the long

‘It is a good idea to have an underlying thread that runs throughout the whole wedding, from invitations through to the venue and dresses’

Homes and Interiors

For richer, for poorer Rich and lavish, green and natural flowers cascading down from the ceiling create a floral chandelier above a banquet of fruit and flowers. Suspended flowers are the perfect way to avoid a container in the middle of the table. It is one of my missions as a florist to find a tall or high, inexpensive but effective solution to height and drama. I look for hanging points at every venue I visit â&#x20AC;&#x201C; this one is great, but a handy grill above is the cheat, otherwise we have to grapple with rigs â&#x20AC;&#x201C; costly and difficult to hide.

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A feathery bouquet The bouquet is a gathered bunch of poppies, Blue Curiosa roses, thlaspi, jasmine and clematis, in colours ranging from deep purples to apricots. The brideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bouquet is a mix of virtually all the beautiful textures and colours of late summer and early autumn, from dahlia, verbena, astrantia, clematis, snowberry, Amnesia rose, phlox, wax glower, delphinium, cosmos and the most beautiful mottled hydrangea.

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Homes and Interiors

walks you took, the perfume you used to make, the flowers you pressed between piles of books and the first bunch you received. These are all things that will help to create wedding flowers that are completely yours. ‘It is a good idea to have an underlying thread that runs throughout the whole wedding, from invitations through to the venue and dresses. I prefer not to use the word ‘theme’, as anything that involves that word makes me shudder, imagining balloons and chair bows and strict colour rules. ‘My aim is to open up the possibilities of flowers for table settings, bouquets and buttonholes so you have a reference point for different styles whatever your budget. Also to encourage you to be adventurous in your choices. ‘Primarily, though, you should choose flowers that suit your day and character, so you create beautiful, timeless wedding flowers you can enjoy forever, as the photographs will stand on your mantlepiece, and those of friends and family, for decades to come.’ Romantic Violet: dark, decadent, dramatic flowers, including hellebore, ranunculus, dahlia and scabious, evocative of still life paintings, with touches of the delicate and gardeny. Containers are a mixture – from pewter and silver to salvaged old poison bottles, simple jugs and urns. The beautiful Vintage Wedding Flowers by Vic Brotherson is published by Kyle Books, priced £25. Photography by Catherine Gratwicke. We love it on our coffee table.

Tied posies, snowdrops, muscari, clematis and jasmine nestle together in tied bunches that are perfect for bridesmaids. The mixed shapes and textures give a lovely meadowy outline to the bunches. One tied with string, the other with ribbon, it is always a good idea to choose a tie that blends with the style of the flowers and will work against the dresses. String always looks rustic and natural, as well as ribbons, lace, ric rac, even trailing ivy. The options are truly endless.

Gleaming old silver and pewter tankards, teapots and sugar bowls are filled with flowers and scattered down the dining table. Perfect colours for a winter wedding with candlelight and delicious food.

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Pink Ribbon Ball Manchester Cathedral Saturday 25 April, 2015 Pricing from ÂŁ150 per person or ÂŁ1,500 per table Tickets include champagne reception, four-course meal by Harvey Nichols with fabulous entertainment

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When your hom e is part of who you are For a certain type of person, their home deﬁnes them. It plays a fundamental part in their contentment with life. If that sounds like you, we should meet. Because at Eventus we understand you want your residence to be the sum of a thousand extraordinary parts. Where every room makes a statement. Every space exudes style and grace. And every detail - from light switches and skirting boards to the pool tiles and landscaping - has been considered and ﬁnessed. That’s why Eventus exists. To design, build and deliver residences that are as extraordinary as their owners. For more information about Eventus call 01942 263485 or visit us at www.eventusproperties.co.uk

Eventus Properties Ltd Oakland House, 21 Hope Carr Road, Leigh, Lancashire, WN7 3ET T. 01942 263485 E. info@eventusproperties.co.uk www.eventusproperties.co.uk

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06/03/2014 11:21

Cheshire Mag Full Page_Layout 1 21/05/2014 10:35 Page 1

Casa Tessuti T H E H O U S E of F A B R I C S and H O M E F U R N I S H I N G S

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SUPPLIERS OF DESIGNER FABRICS & LEADING BRAND FURNISHINGS AT PREFERENTIAL PRICES FABRICS ~ WALLCOVERINGS CURTAINS ~ CARPETS ~ LIGHTING UPHOLSTERY ~ FITTING If you would like to arrange an initial meeting, without any obligation, please call Leo on 07450 106435 or email on leo@casa-tessuti.co.uk

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It takes 89 years to create movement this beautiful. The new 55" BeoVision Avant. An Ultra High-Definition, 4K Bang & Olufsen Smart TV with iconic sound. Experience it in store now. Recommended price ÂŁ5,995*. bang-olufsen.com Bang & Olufsen of Wilmslow 1-3 Bank Square Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 1AN United Kingdom Tel: 01625 527666 Email: wilmslow@bang-olufsen.co.uk Web: www.bang-olufsen.com/wilmslow

*Recommended price for BeoVision Avant 55" includes BeoRemote One. Price excludes placement option on either wall, table or floor starting from ÂŁ695. Energy class C.

BEAUTIFUL THINGS

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Homes and Interiors

BAROQUE BEAUTY This daybed from Mexican company, POLART is the perfect seat for glamorous gardens. Influenced by the classic lines of Baroque, we love the idea of sinking into this chaise with a hot chocolate and good book in hand. It offers more than good looks however, as it has been designed especially with the British outdoors in mind as well as the Mexican Riviera. The seat and back are foam covered for comfort but have two layers of coating to waterproof and resist mildew so you can leave it out all year round. Regal recliner and practical piece of furniture or garden focal point, either way, we love it. (ksl-living.fr)

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LOCAL PROPERTY

Honeywood ALDERLEY EDGE

n exquisite modern family house with circa 10,000 sq ft of accommodation, with bespoke interior and commanding views, Honeywood is bursting with grace and dripping with opulence. The house boasts extremely high ceilings, huge windows and lavish interior, all totally hidden from view, to create a secret world of luxury, tucked into the hillside of Alderley Edge village. The current owners have remodelled and extended this sumptuous house with an attention to detail and no expense spared mantra. The accommodation is flexible, with the addition of an outstanding leisure suite. The front garden consists of a south-facing walled garden with a

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mellow red brick wall encompassing a stunning flagged courtyard with Haddonstone fountain, flower borders and topiary. However the majority of the gardens lie to the rear, overlooked from the balcony off the master bedroom and the stone-flagged terrace, accessed from the kitchen and bar. The rear garden provides a secret haven, totally screened from the world, with intricate areas of planting bordered by box hedging. There is a majestic iron gazebo at the bottom of the garden, providing a seating area to look back and admire the house. Alderley Edge, guide price: ÂŁ3.95m Jackson-Stops & Staff, 8 Water Lane, Wilmslow, SK9 5AA (01625 540340, jackson-stops.co.uk)

Homes and Interiors

The Willows GRAPPENHALL

he Willows sits in roughly one acre of grounds and is constructed of mellow Cheshire brick with large sash windows, set into semi-circular bays, all surmounted by a slate roof. These large original looking windows flood the house with natural light and, together with the exceptionally high ceilings, give the house a real feeling of grandeur and spaciousness. Each room is generous in proportion and is adorned with period fittings such as ceiling roses, moulded ceilings, picture and dado rails, high skirting boards and open-stone fireplaces with Living Flame gas fires inset. The current owners have extensively refurbished the house to include an impressive leisure suite and huge extension to the kitchen. The drawing room is south-east facing and has a large bay window

opening out onto the front gardens, while the east wing houses a decadently large snooker room, which is open-plan to the snug. A corridor leads to a good-sized gym, and to the fabulous leisure complex. This was built in 2005 and houses a wonderful 8m swimming pool, with expensive stone tiling to the walls and floors, a sauna and shower room; all with French doors out onto the terrace within the rear garden. The first floor has a luxurious master suite, with views of the front and rear gardens, a fitted dressing room and a beautiful bathroom. There is a guest bedroom with en suite shower room and three further double bedrooms, served by a family bathroom. Grappenhall, guide price ÂŁ1.5 million Jackson-Stops & Staff, 8 Water Lane, Wilmslow, SK9 5AA (01625 540340, jackson-stops.co.uk)

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LOCAL PROPERTY

Broadleys ALDERLEY EDGE

magnificent six bedroom family house which sits in approximately 0.6 of an acre at the end of a private road, Broadleys was built in 2000, constructed of cream rendered elevations on a stone plinth. This house is both elegant in nature and ambassadorial in proportions. The impressive facade alludes to a most gracious and opulent interior, with rooms adorned, stunning fireplaces and high ceilings with coving and ceiling roses. There is a real feeling of space and grandeur with a granite topped oak kitchen, beautiful bathrooms and a wonderful oak staircase. The accommodation is ideal for a family with a layout that is flexible in nature. The crowning

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glory of this house is its location, being within Alderley Edge, yet tucked away at the end of a prestigious private road. The gardens wrap around the house, which sits centrally within its grounds. A wide stone terrace abuts the rear elevation, accessed off the conservatory and drawing room. The lawns are well kept and level, with a small ornamental pond fed by a waterfall lying within one of the borders. The rear gardens back onto open countryside, which provides a stunning pastoral backdrop to the house. Alderley Edge, guide price: ÂŁ1.995 million Jackson-Stops & Staff, 8 Water Lane, Wilmslow, SK9 5AA (01625 540340, jackson-stops.co.uk)

Homes and Interiors

Broadoak PRESTBURY

luxurious five bedroom family house with a fabulous leisure suite and breathtaking rural views on the outskirts of Prestbury, Broadoak was recently built and designed by the current owners to an extraordinary standard, constructed of mellow red brick elevations, and sitting in approximately 2 ½ acres of beautiful grounds. 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 about 10,100 sq feet, laid out over three floors, with the lower ground floor housing the leisure suite that is 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, which is both comfortable and convenient. 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. Prestbury, guide price: £4.875 million Jackson-Stops & Staff, 8 Water Lane, Wilmslow, SK9 5AA (01625 540340, jackson-stops.co.uk)

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Keeping Keeping your your

dreams dreams afloat afloat Release Releasethe thereality realitywith withyour yourequity. equity.

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Mark Mark Gregory Gregory Founder Founder

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Promotion

To To benefit benefit from from a free a free no no obligation obligation initial initial consultation, consultation, please please callcall 0800 0800 783 783 9652 9652 or or email email mark@equityreleasesupermarket.co.uk mark@equityreleasesupermarket.co.uk forfor further further details details on on ourour range range of of services. services.

www.equityreleasesupermarket.co.uk www.equityreleasesupermarket.co.uk These These are are lifetime lifetime mortgages mortgages andand home home reversion reversion plans. plans. To understand To understand theirtheir features features andand risks, risks, askask for afor personalised a personalised illustration. illustration. There There will will be abe fee a fee for mortgage for mortgage advice.This advice.This will will depend depend upon upon youryour circumstances, circumstances, but but we estimate we estimate thatthat it will it will be ÂŁ895. be ÂŁ895. Equity Equity Release Release Supermarket Supermarket Ltd Ltd is authorised is authorised andand regulated regulated by the by the Financial Financial Conduct Conduct Authority. Authority. FCAFCA registered registered no. no. 584063 584063 2

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international property

Château chic Step inside the grandiose Château Louis XIV, created by luxury property developer COGEMAD and inspired by the Palace of Versailles, to discover its 17th-century charm in all its extravagance and glory

eventeenth-century design is the epitome of superfluity, and the French style of this era, even more. The rows of towering colonnade façades, ceiling murals of baby blue skies with angelic cherubim and panels of Baroque marble from this time, are some of the most extravagant examples still admired today. Any attempt to recreate this distinctive guise has to be done with elegance and awareness of its history, and French real estate development company COGEMAD has done just that with a château located in the commune of Louveciennes, situated on the outskirts of Paris. The Paris-based brand was formed over 25 years ago and was founded by international businessman Emad Khashoggi, when he and his team of architects and designers set out to create exquisite properties, ranging from classical French châteaux to the ultimate contemporary house in the Middle East. The company made its UK debut in September of this year. Among the COGEMAD property portfolio is the magnificent Château

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Louis XIV, which was built as a scaled down Palace of Versailles, the former French royal residence. This estate is set over 50 acres of landscaped gardens, reminiscent of André Le Nôtre’s designs for Versailles, featuring parterre flowers, gold-leaf fountains and a hedged labyrinth. However, the 17th-century

‘This estate is set over 50-acres of landscaped gardens, reminiscent of André Le Nôtre’s designs for Versailles’ influence stretches much further than just the grounds. One of the eight reception rooms hosts a chamber with a 17-metre-high domed ceiling, decorated in a fresco-inspired fashion. The theme continues through to the library, which features a huge chestnut brown marbled fireplace with a painting of King Louis XIV hanging over the 

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international property

images: COGEMAD Château Louis XIV. Images produced by Dog Man Star creative agency. Photographed by Michèle BlochStuckens. Model: Sofiya Nenasheva, Hair & make-up by Giulia Cohen Styling by Patrick Boffa

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mantel, alongside antique white and harvest gold panelled walls and gilded, suspended chandeliers. The château also houses Turkish baths, La Cornue kitchens and an indoor spa. COGEMAD has managed to match history with the everyday necessities and luxuries of the 21st century, melding them together in perfect harmony. This particular property has several areas dedicated to relaxing and entertaining such as an indoor squash court, an underwater lounge and a room devoted to evening soirees. It’s an ideal place to fill with friends and family of all generations,

which is made all the more convenient with particulars such as a children’s pool, stables with eight boxes and a ‘nanny’ suite. The château is made complete with all the gadgets you could need; a silent reversible air conditioning system with a humidifier, underfloor heating and iPad/iPhone control of the house systems – including the fountains. COGEMAD brings a new dimension to haute couture living with properties fit for a King (or Queen). COGEMAD (cogemad.com). For further enquiries please contact Alicia Jumman (020 3697 4277)

Rather than simply being a place to rest your head, your bedroom is also your sanctuary. It’s the place where you than simply place to can trulyRather be yourself, awaybeing froma work, rest your head, your bedroom is your children and the stresses and also sanctuary. It’s the place where you strainsyour of day to day life. can truly be yourself, away from work, Luxurious furniture that simplyand your children and the stresses oozesstrains elegance and style, transforming of day to day life.

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Bedrooms

HALF PRICE SALES & LETTINGS FEES

(Limited Period Launch Offer)

An Estate Agency that’s like a breath of fresh air. Lock & Parker are the next generation of Estate Agents. We provide a professional, proactive sales and lettings marketing service. Our passion for property is self evident in our unique approach to each and every client. Our service is ‘personally’ tailored to you, because you are individual - and so are we.

For a free, no obligation valuation call us on freephone 0800 689 1117 or on 01625 588 960

Unlock the potential of your Home.

Y RT PE G O IN PR AIN ST M LA RE

The Tatton, Eden Park, Alderley Edge 6 Bedroom, 6 Bathroom Detached Villa with Leisure Suite & Annexe (NB: This property is currently under construction at a ‘shell stage’ and provides a unique opportunity to fit it out to your exacting requirements) With its six bedrooms (four of them en-suite) and separate staff quarters, Tatton stands as an imposing family house offering an exceptional standard of accommodation. Despite its size, it nestles in its setting to give a true sense of intimacy and privacy. It also boasts a subterranean ‘spa’ complete with a pool, steam room, gymnasium and wine store. A true sanctuary in which to shut out the world and completely relax.

£3,195,000

LD N SO LA % P 80 FF O

Davenport, Butley Hall, Prestbury

Scottmount, Butley Hall, Prestbury

3 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms , 1800 sq ft Apartment

3 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms , 1600 sq ft Apartment

If you enjoy entertaining, Davenport boasts a dining area with space for a 10-seater table. This luxurious apartment has a very generous kitchen, complete with a lovely breakfast area, and the dining space situated directly next to it. The master bedroom suite incorporates an en-suite bathroom and a wonderful floor to ceiling bay window.

Homely and welcoming, Scottmount features a very spacious kitchen with a lovely breakfast area. Directly adjacent is a comfortable dining area, and living room. The master bedroom suite incorporates an en-suite bathroom and dressing area.

£875,000

Lock & Parker Estate Agents, 10 London Road, Alderley Edge SK9 7JS Freephone: 0800 689 1117 Alderley Edge Office : 01625 588 960 www.lockandparker.co.uk

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luxury overseas property we’ve picked our favourite properties from around the world for your viewing pleasure

MIAMI

#1 44 W Rivo Alto Drive

A perfect balance of European aesthetic and Balinese touches, 44 West Rivo Alto is one of the finest homes on the Venetian Islands. Exemplifying minimalist architecture and design throughout its 7,000sqft floor plan, it includes a Gaggenau Kitchen, palatial master suite and cutting edge security, lighting and entertainment systems. The grounds offer complete privacy and the ultimate sunbathing setting: saltwater pool, summer kitchen and dock with wide bay views. On the market for $15,900,000 through ONE Sotheby’s International Realty; (877 630 8155; onesothebysrealty.com)

FRANCE

#2 Languedoc-Roussillon Castle Nestled in lush greenery, this castle was built between 1860 and 1864, under the Second Empire. It owes its inspiration to the architectural plans for a hunting pavilion from Gabriel, the architect of Louis XV. It offers 550sqm of living space and several outbuildings and is settled on an area of more than 4 hectares. Its location and history make this castle one of the most notable of the Languedoc region. It boasts equestrian facilities, a wine cellar, marble flooring throughout and an outdoor swimming pool. On the market for €3,700,000 through Immobilière Foch Sotheby’s International Realty (+33 (0)4 67 57 34 10; anciennesdemeures.com)

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Homes and Interiors

BARBADOS

#3 Serenity

Located on one of the most exclusive ridges overlooking Barbados’ Platinum Coast, this exquisitely designed villa embodies the best Caribbean living has to offer. The lower level of this six bedroom home features an

impressive array of amenities, including a state-of-the-art cinema with a 15 ft wide screen, cutting-edge surround sound system and luxurious armchair seating. Available at a guide price of $15,000,000 through Barbados Sotheby’s International Realty (246 432 5050; sothebysrealtybarbados.com)

SAN FRANCISCO

#4 Steel Condo

Situated in a historic warehouse building amidst one of the most attractive and energetic pedestrian districts in downtown San Francisco, this apartment boasts two fully enclosed bedrooms with an exceptionally gracious master suite featuring sitting area, enormous pass-through closet and a luxurious master bath. A stunning roof plaza provides ample outdoor area as well. Available at a guide price $1,385,000 through Sotheby’s International Realty San Francisco Brokerage; (415 425-1516; sothebyshomes.com/ San-Francisco-Real-Estate)

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luxury overseas property

5 VENICE

#6 Palazzo Vendramin Palazzo Vendramin is the restoration of a 15th Century Palazzo in the heart of the Cannaregio district. Comprising 13 individually designed apartments ranging from pied-a-terres with canal views to a four bedroom triplex, Palazzo Vendramin has been sensitively transformed by noted architect Alberto Torsello. On the market from €680,000 to €4,300,000 through Savills (020 7016 3740; savills.com)

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MIAMI

#5 1600 Ponce De Leon This waterfront masterpiece is perfect for those looking to spend their time outdoors. Landscaped by world renowned architect Raymond Jungles, the property boasts 1.94 acres of land along with a guest house and private dock. Aside from outdoor pursuits, this Georgian manor also benefits from two kitchens, wine cellar, eight bedrooms and a workshop. On the market for $32,000,000 through ONE Sotheby’s International Realty (877 630-8155; onesothebysrealty.com)

Homes and Interiors

PORTUGAL

#7 Vale De Lobo

This unique six bedroom villa has a fabulous frontline location with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. The architectural style is ultracontemporary and a clever design maximises the views whilst ensuring total privacy from the garden and swimming pool area. The build is of the highest standard with luxurious materials used throughout the property. On the market from €4,500,000 through Savills (020 7016 3740; savills.com)

FRENCH RIVIERA

#8 Mougins

A charming 18th century stone cottage in hewn stones with a swimming pool, set within 3,000sq metres of flat, landscaped grounds with mature vegetation. The

property is ideally located near the village of Mougins, with its many restaurants and galleries, and just a short drive from Cannes’ main roads and shopping. On the market from €1,250,000 through Savills (020 7016 3740; savills.com)

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t: 01704 544 222 e: info@portraitpools.com w: portraitpools.com

Homes and Interiors

BEAUTIFUL THINGS

HOLDING THE FORT Unlike Thomas Croft and his team of talented architects, we’ve never been inside Sir Paul McCartney’s home – but we’d imagine it’s pretty damn spectacular. Thomas specialises in ‘contemporary interventions’ of historic buildings and this stunning 18th century Whitstable barn conversion is his own country getaway. With commercial clients including the Howard de Walden Estate, Sotheby’s, Vitsoe and Cutler & Gross, and resident A-listers queueing up for his services, we’d love to see what goes on behind those authentically restored doors. (thomascroft.com)

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LLAMA DEVELOPMENTS – PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

INNOVATIVE AND UNIQUE DESIGN Discover a Company offering a complete in house service of Award Winning Architecture, Designers & Craftsmen

ased in Cheshire, and working in all the prestigious areas in the UK and beyond, Llama Developments specialise in creating unique, ‘one off’ private residences for our select group of Private Clients.

Every aspect of our Developments have been meticulously researched, planned and designed, all in house with attention paid to even the smallest of details which most people might overlook, but not us or our clients. We use the best materials, technologies and suppliers which meet the high standards we set, and which also have a similar work ethic as we do. We are passionate about design, which is fundamental at every stage of our developments. As such we have our own Interiors Company which completes all the Interior Design for our projects. This sister company, Janey Butler Interiors, is also about to offer its Interior Design Services and unique suppliers to individuals who are not looking for the larger building works that Llama Developments takes on, but would like a particular room or home re-designed and furnished to the highest standards, with items and pieces unique to us in the UK. Working with our own Home Automation Team, this also extends to Media Rooms and Home Cinema’s, all with our unique style and blend of materials. Janey has travelled extensively around the globe, which has enabled her to discover suppliers and materials that are not found in High Street Stores in the UK. This journey of discovery has inspired Janey’s love of nature and natural materials, and influenced her calming, elegant and inviting design style. Janey Butler Interiors has a new Showroom coming later this year in Knutsford. For more information call 0844 809 4469 or visit www.llamadevelopments.co.uk