Canary Wharf Magazine April 2018

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from the editor issue no.

153

april 2018

The Times They Are a-Changin’. Luxury is in a spin. Social media is transforming the reasons we buy things. Ecommerce is transforming how. Consumers have grown savvy to branding. Sustainability, transparency, authenticity. Experiences not material things. Right here, right now. Millennials, millennials, millennials. How to make their wares relevant to contemporary culture is the most pressing question puzzling companies today. The quest for an answer has given rise to a new breed of brand director: the Super CEO. Equal part business person, maverick and motivational speaker, this Common Project-sneakered impresario is on a mission to prove that they’re down with the kids – and able to communicate in a language that next-gen consumers will understand. Ironically, for a group of nonconformists, each of these Super CEOs, in the luxury sector at least, seems to be answering the digital question in the same way. They’ve collectively decided it’s all about cross-industry ‘lifestyle stories’ pushed via self-serving social media influencers and arranged marriages between themselves and celebrity ambassadors. Last month, IWC Schaffhausen launched a marketing campaign with Bradley Cooper sat on a runway on a motorbike in front of a vintage aeroplane. Celebrity – tick. Lifestyle – tick. Vintage cool factor – tick, tick, tick. The image was a carbon copy of an advertisement that Breitling had created with David Beckham just a few years ago. Literally down to the brown leather jacket both Cooper and Becks are wearing. And there’s the thing. In an attempt to become all things to all people, brand identities are becoming blurred. What do you stand for if you’re doing the same thing as everyone else? The archetypal Super CEO Georges Kern is widely credited for transforming IWC from a niche tool-watch maker into a global mega brand. Now CEO of Breitling, Kern is currently attempting to revive the chronograph specialist without alienating the brand’s core customer base (p44). Swapping watches for underwear, Marcel Hossli parted ways with Patek Philippe a decade ago to become CEO of luxury nightwear company Zimmerli. Hossli talks pants, product and entrepreneurship on page 64. Our cover image shows the fabulous new BMW i8 coupé in all it’s glory. If you’re hankering for a new 18-plate to complement your summer wardrobe, our motoring special, beginning on page 71 may tick all the boxes.

conten t di r ecto r Dawn Alford

managing E dito r Richard Brown

cont r ibuting edito r s Mhairi Graham David Taylor Joann Khatib

a ssistant edito r Melissa Emerson

EDITO R IAL ASSISTANT Abisha Sritharan

A R T EDITO R Laddawan Juhong

G ene r al M anage r Fiona Smith

P r oduction Hugo Wheatley Jamie Steele Alice Ford

P ro pe r t y D i rectoR Samantha Ratcliffe

E xecutive D ir ecto r Sophie Roberts

M anaging D i recto r Eren Ellwood

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Richard brown, managing editor

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BMW i8 Coup. Photograph courtesy of BMW

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HUGO BOSS UK LTD. Phone +44 (0)20 7554 5700 boss.com

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153

A PRIL 2 0 1 8

Contributors

contents

issue no.

Chris Allsop Chris is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in The Guardian, The Sunday Times, Travel Magazine, and Spear’s. This month, Chris delves into the invisible revolution of artificial intelligence. (p.14)

18 FEATURES

14 ARTIFICAL INTELLIGENCE: THE INVISIBLE REVOLUTION Will 2018 be a landmark year for the UK’s AI businesses? 18 MARTIN FREEMAN: FAME MEANS NOTHING From sitcom favourite to movie star - the award-winning actor talks TV, typecasting and the thrill of acting 38 MEN’S JEWELLERY: CHAIN REACTION Say goodbye to dog tags and surfer beads and say hello to punky pendants 44 BREITLING REBRANDED The company’s new top brass signals a future away from aviation 71 MOTORING: 4X4 WARS We review the best 4X4s money can buy and preview premium people carriers

LIFE & STYLE 28 48 58

8

STYLE EDIT What’s cool on the catwalk this spring? STREET LIFE Downdown LA style cool with the seaon’s street style fashion shoot STYLE HIM Update your wardrobe this fall

Jeremy Taylor

TRAVEL

80 PACK YOUR BAGS New openings and travel news for summer 82 SAN FRANCISCO: THE CITY BY THE BAY The location, the history, the architecture and the cuisine make this destination unlike any other 84 GOODNESTONE HOUSE: A PALLADIAN PARADISE Steeped in history and beautifully restored, Goodnestone House in Kent and its stunning surroundings are the stuff of dreams 88 SURF’S UP IN INDONESIA Nihi Sumba Island allows guests to enjoy swim, spas and surf – all with a clear conscience

PROPERTY

104 FELICITY J LORD Five minutes with the company’s senior partner 110 HOT PROPERTY WITH THE ACORN GROUP A luxury home with plenty of scope 122 INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO Royal Albert Wharf combines style and comfort

Jeremy is a freelance features writer and regular contributor to the FT and Sunday Times Magazine. This month he reviews the best 4X4s money can buy (p.71)

Mike Ruiz Mike has worked for Vanity Fair, Condé Nast Traveller and Italian Elle, specialising in fashion, beauty and photography. This month he has shot our LA Fashion shoot. (p.48)

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EVERYTHING YOU SHOULD KNOW THIS MONTH

the agenda

no.

01 hit the road

The future of supercars

The order books for BMW’s i8 Roadster are now open. Its arrival – alongside an update to the i8 Coupé – adds to BMW’s range of lower-emission supercars – a collection that the company says can usher in the future of sports cars. The i8 Roadster is certainly impressive. BMW’s eDrive technology has been given a boost, with significantly more instances of electric-motor-only driving. The i8’s lithium-ion battery has also been updated – the Roadster can now cover up to 33 miles with zero emissions, and the Coupé 34 miles. The Roadster’s soft-top roof opens and closes in 16 seconds at a speed of up to 31 mph. It also folds away perpendicularly, giving you 100 litres more storage space. The clever touches don’t stop there: opening the roof raises the rear windows by about 30 mm, reducing turbulence. You’ll be grateful for the reduction: the Roadster goes from 0-62 in 4.6 seconds, with a top speed of 155mph. BMW i8 Coupé from £112,730, Roadster from £124,730, bmw.co.uk


no.

02 old flames

the scents of home

Perfumer Francis Kurkdjian has ventured into home fragrance territory with a series of five scented candles, inspired by his olfactory memories of meaningful places. La Trouverie evokes the fresh straw and lavender of a farmstead in the French countryside where he played as a child, and Anouche recalls his grandmother’s rose petal and plum jam. The candle jars – crafted from bisque porcelain from Limoges – each take a week to make, and were fired at extremely high temperatures to enhance the depth of colour of the hand-painted inner glaze. Burn time is around 55 hours. £70, selfridges.com

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03

truth and justice

the superheroes come to town

DC Exhibition: Dawn of Super Heroes is now open at the The O2, giving fans the chance to get up close to original comic pages, sketches, film props and costumes, from DC films including Batman V Superman and Justice League. We met costume designer Michael Wilkinson: “I spent about 12 months on Batman V Superman – it was an amazing journey, culminating with a costume department of 120 people. I love the scale of designing costumes for a superhero film – the stories and themes are big, and require a bold, impactful style of costuming. And the research is exhaustive – we look at how each character has been portrayed over the decades, in order to work out what our version is going to be.” Wilkinson also designed the look for Wonder Woman’s screen debut. “Her costume has a symmetry and classical detailing that echo the idealised armour of the Greek and Roman periods, combined with a modern aesthetic. We wanted to hint at her formidability and immortality by having her armour scratched and dented by thousands of years of combat.” See it up close for yourself until 9 September. dcexhibition.co.uk

RIGHT: ©2018 Warner Bros. Ent. All rights reserved. TM & © DC Comics ©2018 Warner Bros. Ent. All rights reserved. TM & © DC ComicS

michael kors collection s/s18

no.

no.

04

season’s best

spring fashion

Canary Wharf ’s three-day Spring Fashion event this April offers store discounts of up to 30 per cent, as well as fashion shows and musical entertainment. A maternitythemed pop-up unit in Jubilee Place will showcase the best of the spring season’s maternity wear available from the surrounding stores, and a stylist will also be on hand to advise expectant mothers. Meanwhile, Efendi Dry Cleaners is celebrating its 15th anniversary in Canary Wharf, so if you’re planning on investing in a mac (a big S/S18 trend) it’s worth enquiring about its specialist services. It re-proofs all types, but specialises in caring for Burberry trenches – which require specialist attention to retain their sheen. 6-8 April, canarywharf.com; Efendi Dry Cleaners, Jubilee Place

Sleeveless trcnch, £99.99, Mango, Canada Place

Page Crossbody bag, £495, Coach, Cabot Place


05

sound waves

a gadget refresh

B&O Play has launched a seasonal, limited-edition range of headphones and speakers in ocean-inspired shades – Aloe, a light, natural green shade inspired by a fresh ocean crest; Steel Blue, a dark turquoise resembling the ocean at night; and Teal, a rich, dark green. The

lu x u ry lon don.co.u k

Beoplay H4 wireless headphones are part of the collection, as are two portable speakers, the P2 and A1. The latter has up to 10 hours battery life, connects wirelessly to any Bluetooth device and is pocket-sized – perfect for a day at the seaside. Bang & Olufsen, South Colonnade

the agenda

no.

13



THE INVISIBLE REVOLUTION

f e at u r e

lu x u ry lon don.co.u k

Will 2018 be a landmark year for artificial intelligence? As pundits eagerly refer to the AI Spring, governments sit up and take notice and various sectors brace themselves for tech-related disruption, Chris Allsop weighs up the evidence

“N

ow, as we enter 2018,” Ralph Haupter, the president of Microsoft Asia, wrote at the start of the year, “we are at the cusp of a new revolution, one that will ultimately transform every organisation, every industry and every public service across the world.” He was referring to artificial intelligence (AI) – the arrival of the thinking machines. One of the tech events of 2017 that no doubt prompted Haupter to wax lyrical was the success of AlphaGo Zero. This Google-developed, game-playing algorithm took only three days to teach itself Go, the ancient Chinese board game, to a standard unapproachable by the best human players alive. It was a high-profile breakthrough for AI, taking machine learning (the process of using data selected by humans to create a model) into the realm of deep learning; this is, broadly speaking, when AI can learn from examples and select what it thinks is the most important data, rather than be directed by programmers. And when CES 2018, the splashy top-of-the-year tech show that sets annual trends, opened in Las Vegas a few days after Haupter’s statement, many tech reporters were hungry for that AlphaGo Zero follow-up that would indicate that the age of sci-fi-style AI had finally arrived. Reading between the lines of their professionally enthusiastic product reports, one could sense a shared assessment that it hadn’t set their hearts racing: same as the last few years, with added gloss. The Internet of Things was well served with new launches, particularly in the bedroom and the bathroom, with smart mattresses and – this must have had the hackers rubbing their hands – intelligent toilets. Drones

15


CLOCKWISE FROM RIGHT: A Mini Drone, A Passenger Drone, Hanson Robotics’ Sophia, A Driverless BMW 5 Series Taxi

were everywhere, while the advances in robotics were literally embodied by Sophia, Hanson Robotics’ humanoid robot that, last year, Saudi Arabia named its first robotic citizen. Sophia ‘walked’ (gingerly) for the first time this year, and ably answered questions that she’d received in advance from reporters. And, while this was the latest step towards the goal of artificial general intelligence (currently she’s about as intelligent as an amoeba, according to her developer, David Hanson), the journalists’ reports and the Sophia performance seemed at odds with Haupter’s words. But the obsession with headlining humanoid AI, and, indeed, with high-level advances such as AlphaGo Zero, can be misleading. In his statement, Haupter went on to quote Harry Shum, who leads Microsoft’s AI and Research Group and has described how artificial intelligence will affect our lives as an ‘invisible revolution’. “AI will be more pervasive – and yet less invasive – than any previous technology revolution,” Haupter observed. Paradoxically, it was outside of CES where this was best illustrated. “Totally boring,” was the headline from CNET concerning its correspondent’s safe journey in one of the driverless BMW 5 Series taxis that carted attendees to destinations around the city. For the locals who watched the branded BMWs with

the lurid orange hubcaps drive boringly by (with a safety driver in the front seat, ready to take control if required) the passengers might have been software salesmen on their way to an appointment.

The AI Spring

While AlphaGo Zero was establishing itself as the greatest Go player of all time (until AlphaGo Zero Plus, perhaps), the fallout was continuing from the 2016 US presidential election and Russia’s alleged cyber-meddling. While it hasn’t been specifically proven that AI was employed across social media to cause voter mayhem, the blight of fake news and the blossoming of AI are a particularly combustible mix. The arrival of deepfakes (the use of machine learning to convincingly face-swap in videos) is an indicator of how much more sophisticated Russia’s suspected online interference could become. Deepfakes, AlphaGo Zero, and the self-driving BMWs are all part of what has been dubbed by some – including John Giannandrea, Google’s head of machine learning – as the ‘AI Spring’. Whether we’re fully in that spring, or on its cusp, is up for debate. What isn’t so debatable is what has brought us here: the confluence of mass distribution, the use of internet-connected devices that generate enormous amounts of data, and the tools necessary to recognise the patterns within that data that can allow us to contemplate the AI revolution – in this case, cloud computing and software algorithms. And that revolution has already arrived, in that invisible, creeping way that Shum identified. Digital assistants such as Amazon’s Alexa are already making their way into the heart of people’s homes – these assistants will become significantly brighter over the course of this year. Robot bricklayers, such as Fastbrick’s Hadrian X, can produce a square metre of wall in two and a half minutes, and a complete house structure in 16 hours. Tech research company Gartner predicts that AI bots will power 85 per cent of customer service interactions within two years. Debates are ongoing about how much autonomy should be given to weapons that can think for themselves. Governments that seemed almost nonchalant five years ago are now wide awake to the possibilities. Last year, China unveiled ambitions to become


f e at u r e

the world leader in AI by 2025. The gauntlet thrown down to the current AI leader, the US, caused commentators to draw comparisons with the Cold War space race (although the Trump administration response has so far been sluggish at best). The UK’s spring budget included an investment of £270 million into research into AI and robotics (research by Accenture estimates that realising the UK’s potential in this sector could add £654 billion to the economy by 2035). An all-party parliamentary group on AI was established in January last year to tackle forthcoming ethical and legislative dilemmas. And, while AI supremacy is currently a two-horse race between the US and China, top talent has also coalesced in Toronto and London (often in foreign-owned labs). The architect of AlphaGo Zero, for example, was Londonbased DeepMind. London is the “SAS of deep learning”, says Calum Chace, the author of Surviving AI. “It has hundreds of PhDs and is probably the most advanced AI research centre in the world.”

The Blighty Brain Trust

The UK’s AI know-how is highly regarded internationally, and over the past couple of years the acquisition of home-grown startups and engineering talent has led to the handing over of some serious money by the tech giants. DeepMind was the big buy in 2016. Purchased for a reported £400 million by Google without even launching a single product, the world-beating lab employs around 250 top-level AI researchers, from Bayesian mathematicians to cognitive neuroscientists. Other headlining purchases of UK talent have included Apple’s acquisition of VocalIQ, the specialist in natural language processing; Microsoft picked up SwiftKey, which uses machine learning to power its keyboard; and Twitter

lu x u ry lon don.co.u k

bought video processing startup Magic Pony, founded by graduates of Imperial College, for $150 million. Over the past three years, a new AI company has been launched almost every week in the UK. The startups to watch this year include BenevolentAI (a company applying AI to accelerate the drug development process) and cyber-security firm Darktrace (valued at £639 million) – and this indicates which industries will be upended first in the forthcoming technology tsunami. Some, like the financial sector, are already feeling the ripples. “The AHL hedge fund started using AI seriously in trading in 2014, and within a year it was generating half of the division’s profits,” says Chace. “With $5 billion under management, AHL is one of the largest parts of the Man Group, which in turn is the world’s largest publicly traded hedge fund, managing $96 billion.” Last July, JP Morgan also successfully trialled a deep reinforcement learning system for the execution of LOXM trades. “The execution of trades involves no selection of which equities to buy,” Chace explains, “but decisions about when to carry out the trades and in what volumes can significantly affect the price achieved, and it was previously considered a skilled task for humans.” More mundane AI fintech applications include the detection of bogus credit card transactions and the growing trend towards automated financial advice, with ‘robo-advisers’ that use algorithms to respond effectively to clients’ banking habits. It’s the same in healthcare, where platforms are in development that can transform your smartphone into an AI-powered melanoma detection device. But it’s the less cool applications that will have wider impact – such as applying AI to dramatically reduce the thousands of deaths that occur each year due to adverse reactions to medication. In the legal sector, AI will offer a more affordable solution than traditional solicitors, while the “totally boring” self-driving cars could save an estimated 300,000 lives per decade in the US, according to McKinsey, as well as $190 billion in related annual healthcare costs. “From now on, I think that every year will be a landmark year for AI,” says Chace. “AI is much more than a fourth industrial revolution. During this century, it will change everything about being human.”

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imageS: Victoria Will


PROFILE

Fame means

nothing

– not in the grand scheme of things

Actor Martin Freeman has followed an eclectic path, in roles that led from The Office via the hobbitlands of Middle-earth to the complex, troubled Dr Watson and, most recently, the Black Panther’s CIA sidekick. But, despite this stellar trajectory, he can’t take fame too seriously Words: Jan Jacques

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19


I

f Martin Freeman is ever in danger of developing a swelled head over his stratospheric rise from much-loved but hapless Tim in The Office to international movie star, latterly in Black Panther, it seems his children will keep his feet firmly on the ground. When I ask whether his kids are excited about Black Panther, in which he stars with Lupita Nyong’o, Andy Serkis and Michael B Jordan, he laughs. “They’re equally as excited about whatever I work on – and that’s to say, they’re not very excited at all.” You could be forgiven for thinking Joe, 12, and nineyear-old Grace are two exceptionally picky children. After all, Black Panther is the hit of the season, and, unusually for a superhero blockbuster, has achieved both critical acclaim (a 97 per cent positive rating on the Rotten Tomatoes website) and an enthusiastic audience reaction. But, concedes Freeman, there are still some thrills to be had when your dad is a star. “They’re more excited by the people I get to work with. They’re in awe of Danai [Gurira] and Lupita, Daniel [Kaluuya], Chad [Boseman].” Black Panther has been praised for being the first Marvel film with a black lead, a predominantly black cast, and strong roles for women. However, when I mention that it is being heralded as a Hollywood game changer and important for cultural race relations, exasperation shows. “I’m getting asked about that an awful lot and I’m keen to reiterate, it’s not just about race and changing the structure of Hollywood – certainly the story isn’t about that,” he explains. “Yes, it’s a first of its kind with a cast of majority black actors and it’s also a very empowering film for female actors but that’s not the crux of the action. It appears to me an archaic notion to focus on, and I know it’s hugely significant, but isn’t that wrong?” It should not make headlines, he says, that “there are characters in the story, some are black, some are brown, some are white – that’s life.” He adds that he hopes this is an issue that can be laid to rest. “I hope we don’t have to address this anymore when it comes to a film, but look at it instead as a piece of entertainment that will engross the viewer, thrill them, challenge them, put forward yes, sociocultural issues, but on the whole, leave the audience exhilarated. Then we’ve all done our job right.” How does working on such blockbusters compare to TV? He smiles again. “It’s really similar to me. The camera is the same and whether it’s something smaller or something huge like this, the job is always the same for me. Filmmaking is a group of people coming together and trying to tell a story in the best way.” But he does concede there are contrasts. “Yes, surely. On movies with huge budgets, you’re looked after very well. Between accommodation, travel and food, they want to make your environment as comfortable as possible so you can do your job to the best of your ability. So there’s the difference.” Freeman’s career has spanned the genres: comedy, sci-fi, action, costume drama, porn. Well, the last he has a little issue with. According to popular belief, his character in Love Actually was a stand-in on a porno movie. But he wants to clear his reputation: “We weren’t working on a porno, we were stand-ins on a very highbrow, sort of racy Merchant Ivory. It’s all a misconception.” His career

highs include starring film roles in The Hobbit trilogy, The World’s End and Captain America: Civil War. TV roles in Fargo and Sherlock have distinguished him as a versatile actor, and, among other accolades, he has Emmy, BAFTA and Empire awards. Freeman is affable and friendly, if a little detached; it’s clear the promotional trail isn’t his favourite path. Born in Aldershot, Surrey, he is the youngest of five siblings. His parents separated when he was a small child and he lost his father when he was only 10 years old. Brought up as a Roman Catholic, he attended a Catholic school before enrolling at the Central School of Speech and Drama, and in 2001 he had a huge breakthrough with British comedy series The Office, created by Ricky Gervais. The comedy proved a big hit and Freeman endeared himself to audiences with his portrayal of Tim Canterbury, a lovable, underachieving sales rep with a crush on the company secretary. “I think I’m particularly fond of The Office, because that’s where it all took off for me,” he says. “I wouldn’t be here talking to you without it. At the time, it was the biggest thing I’d ever done and the first time I’d had that giddy excitement. It changed my life, it was when I started getting stopped on the tube. I love it. If I catch it by chance, I’ll always sit down to watch, because it’s my kind of show, it’s everything I like.” I ask if any one role has particularly inspired him, and he replies thoughtfully: “I’m pretty proud of everything I’ve done. There’s stuff I’ve done, and if I’m lucky 20 people have seen it – perhaps fewer – and I’m as proud of those as I am of the super-popular projects I’ve worked on. I don’t discriminate.” Freeman’s CV is strikingly diverse – was being cast in similar roles something he fought against? “Typecasting?” he replies. “It’s been a mixture. I think people thought I was genuinely a stand-up from doing The Office, particularly in the first few years after, and clearly I am not – but I could have made a nice profession doing comedies and all that. I love to make people laugh.” I wonder what sort of work he’d refuse. “I do say no,” he insists. “It comes down to my own taste, what I would and wouldn’t watch. But I also have people working for me to whom I am very grateful, for clearing the path and shining a light on me by saying ‘he would be interested in doing that’.” Playing Dr Watson in Sherlock, alongside Benedict Cumberbatch in the title role, is something he’d love to reprise, but he can’t say if it will happen. “It’s a fortuitous curse that we’re all so very lucky to be so damn busy. It’s a blessing, overwhelmingly a blessing – but for Sherlock, it’s a curse.” He laughs, adding: “It’s not a curse. But Benedict, Steven [Moffat], Mark [Gatiss] and myself – we’re a disparate group leading very disparate lives. I’m not being cagey when I say I really don’t know. It might happen, yes.” This stellar cast, he says, likes to take its time, with quality control in mind – but Sherlock remains one of his favourite acting projects. “I love doing the show and I’m like a little kid when those scripts come through my letter box. I get genuinely breathless.” You won’t see it on his long list of accomplishments, but Freeman is one half of the most successful ‘conscious uncouplings’ since Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin. When the star split from actor wife Amanda Abbington after 16 years together, there was no announcement, unlike Paltrow and Martin’s famous declaration. So


PROFILE Image: James Gourley

“I’m like a little kid when my scripts come through my letter box. I get genuinely breathless.”

determined were they not to make a fuss, that news didn’t leak out until eight months or so after it had happened in 2016. It’s only recently that Freeman, 46, has felt comfortable expressing his feelings about what eventually (to his disquiet) did become newspaper fodder. And he is clearly relieved that, although separated, his good relationship with Abbington continues, and both are devoted parents. He recently told The Times: “We have a fine old time, me and my kids, and I know they do with Amanda. And fortunately, me and Amanda get on like a house on fire. We’re very close.” And the secret of their success? “I think we just like each other,” he says. “Amanda always made me laugh. I always thought she was brilliant at her job and I respected her as an actor. I’ve probably shared more fun with her than anybody. And yeah, I love her. I really love her. We get on amazingly well.” In a Radio Times interview, he added: “We’re honest to God doing it [separating] in about as civilised a manner as I’ve ever heard of.”

lu x u ry lon don.co.u k

He filmed the last series of Sherlock after he and Abbington had separated; a case of life imitating art, as the fictional Watson also split from his wife – played by Abbington. It’s a tribute to their professionalism that no one was any the wiser during filming. This ability to draw a firm line between the personal and the professional perhaps explains his pragmatic attitude to fame. “I think it’s important to never believe it, never take any of it seriously. It’s not like it means anything in the grander scheme of things,” he says. “When you do, that’s when the problems start.”

21


spring fashion event On the 6, 7 and 8 April the Canary Wharf malls will play host to exceptional catwalk shows, with a maternity wear twist. Pick up tips on how to wear a trend from a celebrity stylist and make the most of exclusive discounts.

spring fling

MANGO

g e t y o u r s p r i ng s t y l e s o r t e d t h i s mon t h w i t h t h e h e l p o f c ana r y w h a r f ’ s f a s h i on w e e k e n d


this season

Lavender knit, £95, LK Bennett, Jubilee Place

st

PRETTY

s m u ha

PAstels

tem ve i

The catwalks were awash with ice cream pastel hues for S/S18; think blushing pinks and soft purples. And while the trend isn’t groundbreaking, the pretty shades gives us the perfect way to ease into the new season.

Block colour tassel earrings, £10, Accessorize, Canada Place

SKIRTING AROUND

Trousers, £49.99, Mango, Canada Place

Leather Lucy biker, £55, Oasis, Jubilee Place

With the sun finally peaking through, it’s time to re-address your skirt game. Every girl needs a mini, midi and maxi in her spring wardrobe.

Blue bag, £70, Dune London, Cabot Place

Lottie bag, £425, Aspinal of London, Cabot Place

Heeled leather sandals, £209, Sandro Paris, Jubilee Place

Blue heels, £80, Dune London, Cabot Place

michael kors

Floral skirt, £25.99, Zara, Cabot Place

Suede midi skirt, £585, Paul Smith, Cabot Place

Striped stretch cotton-blend blazer, £395, Hackett London, Cabot Place LK

Modern Classic Shirt, £44.99, Superdry, Canada Place

Plain Twill Bermuda Shorts, £49.95, Massimo Dutti, Cabot Place

Mini Tulips skirt, £250, LK Bennett, Jubilee Place

Mule Sneakers, £29.99, Zara, Cabot Place

Hackett

spring styling Go bold or go home. The men’s spring style is all about bright staple pieces teamed with neutral colours. Invest in a coloured blazer and loud shorts.

Carnation Silk-Georgette skirt, £65, Michael Kors, Jubilee Place

canarywharf.com

@yourcanarywharf

@canarywharflondon


Maternity workwear

As days turn into weeks and then months into your pregnancy, your body will be changing a fair bit and the mission of finding work-appropriate clothing can often be daunting. Maternity wear has a tendancy to be fairly generic, but you can easily put Dusty pink pleated arm top, £89, COS, Jubilee Place

Rio blazer, £235, Reiss,Cabot Place and Jubilee Place

together outfits with regular clothing to work for you. Unbuttoned blazers can work wonders for your outfit and loose

Hobo bag in Lilac pebble, £350, Aspinal of London, Cabot Place

Alana blouse, £89, Hobbs, Canada Place

Luisa ballerina shoe, £175, LK Bennett, Jubilee Place

fitted tops with detailing on the sleeves draw attention away from the bump. Of course, accessoring always helps too pick out a smart bag and smart shoes to

Floral Chiffon dress, £215, MICHAEL Michael Kors, Jubilee Place

complete your look.

Yellow floral dress, £70, Oasis, Jubilee Place

Aspinal of London - Dune - Gant - Hobbs - LK Bennett (exclusions apply) Maje (exclusions apply) - Monica Vinader Print maxi dress, £29.99, Zara, Cabot Place

Sweaty Betty - Ted Baker - Whistles

Asics - Charles Tyrhwitt - Penhaligon’s Pickering posy dress, £75, Cath Kidson, Jubilee Place

Dresses can often be the most pleasant thing to wear when your carrying, especially in the warmer months – pick something floaty and floral to be comfortable and on-trend. Libby dress, £299, Hobbs,Canada Place

DRESSES

- Paul Smith - Sandro (exclusions apply) -

Oliver Bonas - Reiss - Swarovski

Stylish Comfort Audrey red ballerinas, £199, Pretty Ballerinas, Jubilee Place

You don’t have to wear unflattering shoes to be comfortable – pick out a fashionable flat shoe or low-heeled sandal this spring.

Bardon shoe, £125, LK Bennett, Jubilee Place

Flower sandal, £110, MICHAEL Michael Kors, Jubilee Place

Gigi shoe, £90, Dune London, Cabot Place


Octavia sunglasses, £12, Accessorize, Canada Place

eat out When cravings strike on your day out shopping, stop into one of Canary Wharf’s many restaurants.

Crystaldust Cross Ring, £69, Swarovski, Cabot Place

Zina off the shoulder, £39, Monsoon, Canada Place

Maternity daywear Ivory dress, £89, COS, Jubilee Place COS

Staying stylish when you’re expecting is actually a lot easier than it looks. You won’t even need to compromise on your personal style. Pick out pieces you love and invest in them a size or two

le pain quotidien

bigger than usual. Of course,

For soups, salads and appetising lunch dishes, Le Pain Quotidien in Jubilee Place has you covered.

there will be some exceptions, however the Canary Wharf malls Cassie Jeans, £54.99, Superdry, Canada Place

are stocked with modern styles Powder blue bag, £275, LK Bennett, Jubilee Place

to flatter your baby bump. Head down to the fashion weekend and visit the maternity pop-up in Jubilee place, with a stylist on-hand to help.

top tips: Maternity style

Thomasina sandal, £135, LK Bennett, Jubilee Place

brights

Sunshine stripe maxi dress, £79, Monsoon, Canada Place Colour block vest, £28, Oasis, Jubilee Place

franco manca

1. Opt for flowing pieces; give your

For sourdough pizza unlike any other, head to Crossrail Place’s delicious Franco Manca.

bump the space it needs and choose loose-fitting clothing. Not only will it be easy to wear and pair, you can wear it throughout your pregnancy. 2. Go regular; your wardrobe doesn’t have to be filled with maternity

the parlour

clothing. There are plenty of pieces from regular collections that can work just as well. 3. Belt up; the power of a belt during pregnancy is truly underestimated. Lottie pink sunglasses, £12, Accessorize, Canada Place

Feel confident with your bump in bright colours this spring and summer. Opt for a few show-stopping colour block pieces or something with a pretty print and accessorise with matching sunnies.

Anything that starts big that you can nip in with a belt give your body shape, while remaining comfortable. 4. Give in to comfortable shoes; no matter how much you may want to

Miami Beach shorts, £24.99, Superdry, Canada Place

slip into your favourite heels, choose shoes that will help relieve your feet. For those that can’t resist, opt for a stylish kitten heel.

Pink transparent heel sandal, £175, Bimba Y Lola, Jubilee Place

For the best of British food, make your way over to The Parlour, overlooking Canada Square Park.

Letterbox Saddle bag, £450, Aspinal of London, Cabot Place

canarywharf.com

Ole & Steen Ole & Steen, in Crossrail Place, is perfect for a treat to grab and go.

@yourcanarywharf

@canarywharflondon


Eye Spy Canary Wharf ’s Tom Davies Bespoke Opticians celebrates 15 years and a brand new London factory Words: joann khatib

T

om Davies not only celebrated 15 years since he launched his bespoke eyewear service last year, he also made the bold decision to move his production line from China back to the UK. With a brand new factory open in London, Davies has plans to train a new generation of eyewear craftsman, combining the latest manufacturing techniques with traditional handcrafting skills that the brand stands for. Founded in 2002, Tom Davies Bespoke Opticians has gone from strength to strength and quickly catapulted into becoming one of Britain’s leading bespoke eyewear brands. It wasn’t long before word of the its attention-to-detail and excellence spread and Hollywood came knocking on its door.


“Canary Wharf is one of my biggest and best with a prestigious clinic, plenty of space and top equipment. ”

Davies has since created frames for films including The Tourist and for the iconic Clark Kent in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, as well as designing personal frames for the likes of Angelina Jolie and Ed Sheeran. It’s all about handmade quality when it comes to Tom Davies and that’s exactly what makes the brand and eyewear really stand out from the crowd. It started when Davies identified the customer’s need for properly fitting frames that didn’t compromise on style, and he came to realise that bespoke was the only way to go. Its stores offer a full bespoke service, using only the very best materials – principally natural horn, pure titanium and cotton acetate – with all frames being made by hand by truly exceptional craftsman. The bespoke consultation starts with getting to know the customer, learning about the lifestyle they lead, their occupation and any issues with their current frames. The designer will then take precise measurements and photographs to create drawings of a frame that perfectly fits. Once the client is happy with the look and feel, the design is sent off to be crafted in the brand new British factory. Finally, all bespoke frames are finished with the name of the customer engraved discreetly on the inside of the temple arm. While the brand mastered the craftsmanship behind producing beautiful frames, Davies also looked at the science behind the lens. With the very latest technology available, the stores also boast a clinic, alongside expert eye technicians offering in-depth and detailed eye exams. This guarantees that the lens made fits exactly with the client’s unique eyes and it can also spot any abnormalities that need to be addressed. Almost two years ago, Davies successfully opened his Canary Wharf store in Cabot Place and strongly believes that out of his five stores in London, this is still his favourite. “Opening a store in Canary Wharf was a really good step to take. People that work here are a natural fit to our bespoke design consultation service,” Davies said. “It is also one of my biggest and best with a prestigious clinic, plenty of space and top equipment. I always feel that it’s important to invest about an hour when it comes to ensuring our customer’s glasses are the best they can be. However, our process also depends on who the client is and how much time they’ve got. Hence, for our busy clients in Canary Wharf, our team have been trained to do bespoke services in ten minutes. It’s totally possible to pick a frame, check what needs to be tweaked, then get it made.” Tom Davies Bespoke Opticians, Cabot Place; tdtomdavies.com

canarywharf.com

@yourcanarywharf

@canarywharflondon


Tall tales

The S/S18 collection from Austrian designer Lena Hoschek is inspired by traditional costumes from Hungary and the folk art of the Matyó community. Red is the primary colour that runs throughout the collection, and embroidered tulip leaves, rose buds and hearts give the blouses and 50s-style dresses a bohemian flavour. shop.lenahoschek.com

Style edit Words: melissa emerson

back to the future

Fendi has collaborated with Net-a-Porter on a capsule collection of 44 pieces, which launches exclusively on the site this April. The range of largely monochrome shoes, accessories and clothing is centred on the revival of the brand’s FF logo, which was designed by Karl Lagerfeld in 1965. net-a-porter.com

small talk

Maje is celebrating the second anniversary of its M Bag by launching a petite version of it – the M Mini. There are suede and leather options and colourways to tie in with the rest of the S/S18 collection. From £165, Maje, Jubilee Place


erdem s/s18

on the Fringe testing the waters

A collage of vibrant florals, coral and Japanese koi carp, and a tuna print inspired by Paul Smith’s own visits to the Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo, are the key prints for the brand’s oceanthemed S/S18 collection. Paul Smith, Cabot Place

acne studios s/s18

Elisabetta Franchi s/s18

balmain s/s18

TREND

FA S H I O N

Fringed-sleeve dress, £1,215, Stella McCartney, farfetch.com

ues ontin ynat c o o, M d Mamb bran artist ggage t e lu e te r n t a r with s deco Parisia tions ation r a r o t b s a ll le illu its co ers. on-sty carto t hold e s o umen wh c o d .com d oynat es an 45, m 4 pouch £ , e ett y poch Audre

Bag charm, £50, amandawakeley.com

Maldives woven leather tote, £780, Michael Kors Collection, Michael Kors, Jubilee Place

Jorella Highgrove swimsuit, £90

Rio jumpsuit, £895, galvanlondon.com

pool party Imasio Contrast swimsuit, £75

Fringed suede loafers, £595, Sergio Rossi, farfetch.com

lu x u ry lon don.co.u k

Ted Baker’s new swim collection is a decadent blend of tropical floral prints and bold colours. This hand-drawn hummingbird print (left) can be found on a swimsuit, as well as a matching asymmetric cover-up and flip flops. Ted Baker, Canada Place

29


B E AU T Y

one of the family

YSL Beauté is expanding its Touche Éclat range. The new foundation comes in 12 shades and turns to a hydrating liquid on contact with skin – so it spreads easily and leaves a mist-like glow – while the three skin primers target specific skin concerns. Pink is for dullness. All-In-One Glow Foundation, £33.50, Blur Primer, £30,

Beauty

yslbeauty.co.uk

Words: melissa emerson

la dolce vita

The sand, sea and glamour of the Mediterranean inspired Bobbi Brown’s Spring in Capri collection. Cue the golden Champagne Quartz, Caviar and Oyster shades in this eye palette – blend with the intense dark navy for a summery smoky eye. Capri Eyeshadow Palette, £49.50, Bobbi Brown, Cabot Place

think pink

Kjaer Weis’s new organic lip gloss is as moisturising as a balm thanks to rosehip and sunflower seed oils, which also keep it from feeling sticky. Each of the six semi-sheer shades, from raspberry red to pink-tinged nude, comes in a weighty silver compact – sustainable refills are available. Lip Gloss, £29,

Kjaer Weis, net-a-porter.com

Professor Bader’s stem cell expertise makes this skincare experiment a success The Cream, £205,

augustinusbader.com

double take

Guerlain has launched two completely new eye products this spring: an eyeliner with a wheel-shaped applicator, and the Brow Duo. Use the latter’s mascara wand to groom and set brows, and its crayon-like cream highlighter to brighten and define features. Roll’Ink Liner, £24, Brow Duo, £22, Guerlain, johnlewis.com

30

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put your fashion foot forward

Emilia Wickstead has collaborated with Bodyism, bringing the brand’s feminine grace to an activewear collection for the first time. The pieces include a rain-resistant nylon jacket, a sports bra, leggings and a fleece-lined sweatshirt, and the pastel shades and floral prints make them as fit for brunch dates as they are the gym. From £80, bodyism.com

sweet spot

Cacao + Collagen is a high-protein Peruvian chocolate brew by Ancient+Brave. Just blend with hot water and sip on skin-nourishing collagen, liver-cleansing beetroot and vitamin C-rich baobab. Hot chocolate has never felt so healthy. £22, ancientandbrave.earth

image courtesy of emilia wickstead x bodyism

patched up

For those shy of the needle, Vitamin Injections London has launched a glutathione patch. Worn for 12 hours, it slowly deposits the substance directly into the bloodstream to help the body rid itself of toxins. £110 for a month’s supply, vitamininjections.co.uk

beauty boost

This small bottle from juice delivery service Purearth contains a large hit of Vitamin C. Count on the tangy blend of goji berries, pomegranate, dragon fruit and apple cider vinegar to clear skin and promote hair and nail growth. £3, purearth.co.uk

Survival of the fittest Build healthy habits for body and mind role model

Former Victoria’s Secret model Tatiana Kovylina uses her understanding of how to flatter the female form in her activewear label Silou. The contemporary, minimalist styles and muted colours make mixing and matching easy, and new styles for S/ S18 include the full-length stretchy Tatiana unitard and open-backed Audrey bra top. siloulondon.com


H E A LT H & F I T N E S S

what’s new in superfoods?

Pimp your water

In one of our green juices there’s 1kg of veg.

How to choose the best juice CPress expert Grace Kingswell explains

What gives ‘superfoods’ their powers? Superfoods contain a higher than average concentration of nutrients beneficial to our health. These include phytochemicals, vitamins, antioxidants, amino acids and enzymes. Unlike ‘regular’ foods, superfoods often contain upwards of 10-12 of these. What are adaptogens and should we be incorporating these? Adaptogens tend to be ancient or Ayurvedic herbs that are ground into powders. They help your body adapt to biological and psychological stresses by making it easier for you to balance your hormonal systems. The benefits come from prolonged use, so don’t expect to instantly feel amazing after putting maca in your postworkout smoothie... They tend to have wildly confusing names like rhodiola rosea, astragalus and holy basil.

Why cold press juicing? We use a two-tonne hydraulic press machine that slowly massages and presses the fruit and veg to extract the juice. The cell walls of the fruit or veg are not ruptured and broken during the process (as they would be in a rotary juicer) so you don’t lose as many vital vitamins and minerals, and the resulting juice is cleaner and crisper. If not drunk immediately, it can be bottled and has an average shelf life of three days. That’s without any heat treatment or pasteurisation. What are the latest superfood ingredients to look out for? CBD oil from the cannabis plant (the nonpsychoactive part) in our new chocolate brownies – it’s great for relieving anxiety and inflammation; turmeric – try it in hummus; and blue algae, a powerful antioxidant from the spirulina family. Which superfoods can help with stress? Anything with magnesium, such as raw cacao, as it helps to relax the muscles. Which aid better sleep? Potassium-rich foods are great for a good night’s sleep, as is camomile flower extract.

The Drinkfinity system consists of a reusable drinking bottle and pods which contain a combination of dry and liquid ingredients in fruit flavours. These are sealed separately, until you pop one (the bottle is essential for this) and release the blend into your water. A partnership with TerraCycle means you can return the pods for recycling too. Bottle, £20, pods, £6.50 for four, drinkfinity.co.uk

CPress, Crossrail Walk

Why opt to take superfoods in juice form? We’re pretty sure that no one would want to chow down on some raw turmeric root, so a cold-pressed juice is a great way to take in a high percentage of the available vitamins, minerals and enzymes, but without the fibre.

lu x u ry lon don.co.u k

33


FRIDAY

6 — SUNDAY 8 APRIL

canarywharf.com

@yourcanarywharf

@canarywharflondon

#SpringFashionCW #StyleYourBump


JEWELLERY

Poetry in motion

Jacqueline Rabun debuted her first collection for Georg Jensen in 2000, featuring an egg-shaped resin bracelet, symbolic of the enduring relationship between parent and child. The curvilinear design is reintroduced this spring in a 26-piece collection, beautifully hand-sculpted in sterling silver and 18-carat rose gold. Offspring collection, from £95, georgjensen.com

Gem Investments Words: MHAIRI GRAHAM

Crowning glory

In anticipation of the royal wedding, British jeweller Annoushka has designed two new Crown rings. Each is hand-set with 72 sizzling pink rubies and sapphires that are certain to make you feel like royalty. From £1,800, annoushka.com

April flowers

Celebrate the arrival of spring with Harry Winston’s sparkling Forget-Me-Not collection. New pieces elevate the sweet, star-shaped flower in vivid blue and hot pink sapphires, complemented by diamonds – of course. POA, harrywinston.com

Diamonds from down under

Australian fine jeweller Alinka has landed at Harvey Nichols. Founded by Alina Barlow in 2015, the brand creates contemporary, sculptural designs with a rebellious edge, bedecked exclusively with black and white diamonds. From £295, harveynichols.com

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37


Charlie

Roll neck, £150, John Smedley, johnsmedley.com Trousers “Duke Windowpane”, £295, New & Lingwood, newandlingwood.com Trainers, “Tom” Sneakers, £325, Harrys of London, harrysoflondon.com

Viktorjia

Shirt, £230, Corneliani, corneliani.com Trousers, POA, Dolce&Gabbana, dolcegabbana.com Shoes, £1,100 Dolce&Gabbana, store.dolcegabbana.com Earrings, POA Chanel @ Susan Caplan, susancaplan.co.uk


StreetLife Photographer: Mike Ruiz @Mikeruiz.com Stylist: Kristine Kilty



This page: T-shirt, £210, Brunello Cucinelli, selfridges.com Jacket “Charles” double-breasted jacket, £1,075, Stella McCartney, stellamccartney.com Trousers “Julian” Trousers, £430, Stella McCartney, stellamccartney.com Slides, £210, Stella McCartney, stellamccartney.com Opposite page: Short-sleeved sweater, £235, Thom Sweeney, matchesfashion.com Trousers, £175, Kent & Curwen @ Mr Porter, mrporter.com Trainers “Tom” Sneakers, £325, Harrys of London, harrysoflondon.com



Charlie

Paisley shirt, £255, Etro @ Harrods, harrods.com Trousers “Edmondton Herringbone”, £295, New & Lingwood, newandlingwood.com Shoes “Edward” Loafers, £395, Harrys of London, harrysoflondon.com

Viktorjia

Dress, £2,800, Dolce&Gabbana, store.dolcegabbana.com Earrings, £295, Dolce&Gabbana, store.dolcegabbana.com Boots, £625, Dolce&Gabbana, store.dolcegabbana.com


This page: Top, £69.95, APC @ Harrods, harrods.com Washed Denim Jeans, £510, Berluti @ Mr Porter, mrporter.com Trainers “Tom”, Sneakers, £325, Harrys of London, harrysoflondon.com Blazer, £350, Hackett, hackett.com Opposite page: Shirt, £230, Corneliani, corneliani.com Washed Denim Jeans, £510, Berluti @ Mr Porter, mrporter.com Glasses, £170, DSquared2, www.dsquared2.com Shoes, £470, DSquared2, www.dsquared2.com



This page: Polo shirt “Isis” Polo Shirt, £135 John Smedley, www.johnsmedley.com Trousers, POA, Dolce&Gabbana, dolcegabbana.com Necktie, £50, Penrose London, penrose-london.com Bag, POA, Dolce&Gabbana, dolcegabbana.com Earrings, POA, Chanel @ Susan Caplan, susancaplan.co.uk Opposite page: Printed Shirt, £155, Enlist @ Mr Porter, Mrporter.com Chinos, £129, Brooks Brothers, brooksbrothers.com Trainers “Tom” Sneakers, £325, Harrys of London, harrysoflondon.com Shades, £258, Prada @ Harvey Nichols, harveynichols.com

Hair & Makeup: Ozzie Gutierrez using Marc Jacobs & Embryolisse Models: Charlie Matthews @ DT Model Management & Viktorija L @ Hollywood Model Management Photography Assistant: Ozzie Gutierrez



Forget dog tags and surfer beads – men’s jewellery got an upgrade

Chain reaction W o r d s : R a c h a e l Tay l o r

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: ring, £POA, ara vartanian; skull queen karma bead, £89 and love knot bead, £79, both thomas sabo;

M

uch ado was made in the press recently about Ed Sheeran’s decision to wear an engagement ring. The shock! The horror! A bizarre quirk of an out-oftouch celebrity, surely? But the truth is that men are becoming much more adventurous when it comes to jewellery, and designers are responding with collections and collaborations that offer so much more than dog tags and surfer beads. “Tainted by the 1970s moniker ‘medallion man’, gentlemen and jewellery have taken several years to become reacquainted,” muses British jewellery designer Stephen Webster, who has been courting the purses of both men and women for most of his career. His jewels, sold under the tagline “jewellery to separate the men from the boys”, include punky razor blade-inspired pendants and single diamonddotted drop earrings. These come from the Thames collection, a collaboration between Webster and Blondey McCoy, the young fashion-designer-turned-skater. While Webster’s personal brand of bling attracts a rock ’n’ roll crowd that has always been more comfortable with a skull ring and layers of lariats ( fans include singer James Bay), he feels that the scope is widening for masculine jewels. “The democratisation of men’s jewellery has now led to men from all walks of life being able to find a place for jewellery in their wardrobes,” he says. Harrods agreed with him, and held a Stephen Webster men’s jewellery pop-up shop last year. Research released by Barclays in November suggests that British men are now spending an average of £300 more a year on clothes, shoes and grooming than women. It also claimed that men are devoting more money to fashion than to drinks with friends or tickets to sports events. With so much being diverted to looking good, it’s understandable that these modern men desire a little flash for their cash – and what would surely be described as a cocktail ring should it be found on the finger of a woman is now finding its way onto male digits. Oscar Graves, a jewellery brand that launched last year, sells dress rings for men. “Our ethos is quite simply to be the first label to offer a genuine alternative for styleconscious men when it comes to luxury rings,”

grey riot ring, £325 and the cuban ring, £2,995, both oscar graves


JEWELLERY

image courtesy of oscar graves

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39


PROPERTY

image courtesy of oscar graves


JEWELLERY

says Pearse Curran, creative director of the Dublin-based brand, which can be found in Wolf & Badger’s Mayfair store. “No other area of fine jewellery has been neglected more over the past century than men’s rings.” To redress the balance, Oscar Graves proffers engorged signet rings in silver or gold, set with faceted blue Burmese spinel and smoky quartz, sized to be worn on ring fingers rather than pinkies; as well as heavyset diamond-pavé rings inspired by the Baroque period. This is not to say that pinky rings, the classic male trinket, are out. Plain silver signet rings were worn on pinkies by male models during the S/S18 runway shows of Givenchy, Isabel Marant and Paul & Joe (the latter dressing only its male models in jewellery, while females were left unadorned). There are also plenty more adventurous options out there, like Foundrae’s unisex Scarab rings that layer colourful flashes of enamel over gold to mimic cigar wrappers. An increase in jewellery collections being branded as unisex is a key driver of the expanding choice for men. As gender norms are redefined in every walk of life, jewellers too are less keen to put shoppers in boxes. For instance, Webster and McCoy’s Thames collection is technically a unisex line, despite its masculine undertones. When Kate Moss, who once described jewellery as her “drug of choice”, collaborated with Brazilian jeweller Ara Vartanian last year on a collection of precious talismans littered with inverted gemstones, rose-cut diamonds, swords and sickle moons, it identified as gender neutral. A group of male and female models, who looked like they’d just drifted out of a spiritual retreat, were drafted in to show the versatility of the collection for the official campaign. Brooches for men were another catwalk hit this season, and in the world of high jewellery, brands like Chaumet have reported men buying pins to liven up lapels. Even suiting, the most masculine of attire, is benefitting from jewels as modern dandies sneak a little personalisation into boardrooms and black-tie events. Jeweller Shaun Leane, whose recent sale of couture fashion jewels at Sotheby’s New York raised $2.6 million, launched his first men’s collection in a decade last year. The Arc collection includes slick silver and gold vermeil tie clips and cufflinks that are perfect for this purpose. Also central to the collection are necklaces, bracelets and cuffs designed to be stacked. Vartanian too has responded to the trend for male stacks in his main collections, with edgy zig-zag rings set with black diamonds that slot into one another. Thomas Sabo also has its eye on male shoppers, and this year the jewellery brand launched Rebel Charms, its first charm collection for men. Rather than build up your bracelet, these masculine charms, with motifs like feathers, skulls and snakes, are supposed to be clipped onto necklaces. In its first week, an oxidised silver feather charm from the men’s collection sold in such volumes that it became the brand’s bestseller, over and above any of its women’s charms.

lu x u ry lon don.co.u k

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: 18Ct white gold and black diamond single earring, £1,600, KATE MOSS X ARA VARTANIAN; SCARAB CIGAR RING, $2,850, FOUNDRAE; 18ct white gold and moonstone ring, £2,800, KATE MOSS X ARA VARTANIAN; TV RING, £2,400, AND razor blade ceramic RING, £1,450, BOTH STEPHEN WEBSTER X BLONDEY MCCOY; ARC earrings, £115 each, SHAUN LEANE; 18ct yellow gold, ruby and black diamond single earring, £4,200, KATE MOSS X ARA VARTANIAN

“The reaction we had at the launch was incredible,” says marketing director Louisa Hopwood. “We had influencers who would see one of my team wearing it and literally take it off their necks.” Layers of charm necklaces are perfect selfie fodder for the stylish man, yet it seems the democratisation of jewellery stretches far beyond posing on Instagram. It is no longer just metrosexuals who are wearing fashion-led jewellery every day. As one passionate male jewellery collector told me: “My jewellery sets me free from the mundane; it allows me to express my style. My mates used to laugh at me in the pub when I’d come in with stacks of bracelets and rings across my hands, now they just want to know where I get them.”

41


A Ring to It This month, David M Robinson introduced a brand new handmade diamond engagement ring selection to its bridal collection


pa r t n e r s h i p

D

avid M Robinson has introduced a brand new collection of five exquisite handmade engagement rings to its stunning bridal collection, just in time for wedding season. Every bespoke DMR story starts at the workshops and this time is no different. Master Goldsmith, Rupert Haworth, crafted the collection from the current workshop, just a stones throw away from the original location set up in Liverpool almost 50 years ago by David Robinson himself. The exclusive collection of rings, which were designed and handmade in Liverpool, all use simplicity as a main source of inspiration. You won’t find diamond encrusted bands or any unnecessary detailing, this collection is all about stripping it back and focusing on the the stunning diamond at it’s centre. The selection perfectly epitomises the best of DMR’s bespoke services, which not only includes designing rings from scratch alongside the guidance of clients, but also encompasses remodelling heirlooms and taking diamonds or gems from old pieces of jewellery to use within a more modern piece that is unique to you. Clients are involved in the process from start to finish, from discussing initial ideas to suggesting metals and cuts, but the experts are there to give their professional

“It has been fantastic to bring together a mix of techniques for this collection, including many workshop processes that have been used for many hundreds of years.”

guidance for those that are unsure. The meticulous attention-to-detail the dedicated team bring means that clients can be as involved as they like and rest assured that they will be walking away with a piece unlike any other. DMR values their customers opinions, so when it came to crafting the brand new collection, suggestions were taken on board. “This handcrafted bespoke collection has allowed us to create a set of beautiful oneoff rings. Each has its own DMR DNA with subtle sweeps and curves that can only be achieved by hand and all finished to the highest standard. Each ring has a special meaning that can be treasured forever,” Haworth said. “It has been fantastic to bring together a mix of techniques for this collection, including many workshop processes that have been used for many hundreds of years. We’re excited to hear the feedback from our customers.” Each engagement ring boasts a plain band, handcrafted in platinum, 18ct yellow or rose gold, and allows the diamond to talk for itself. The sparkling stone comes in a few different shapes and sizes, but the most striking of the five rings incorporates the latest engagement ring trend; the trilogy ring. The stylish threestone ring, inspired by the engagement ring presented to Meghan Markle by Prince Harry, is striking to say the least. The 18ct yellow gold ring features a cushion cut diamond weighing 0.90cts, set alongside two round brilliant cut diamonds. With the largest team of in-house goldsmiths in the North West of England, DMR remains proud of its roots and the bespoke pieces of jewellery it continues to craft for clients. Visit its Canary Wharf Jubilee Place store to find out more about the bespoke services available. David M Robinson, Jubilee Place; davidmrobinson.co.uk

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43



WAT C H E S

In the Hot Seat You have around a one in three chance of breaking your spine but are trading a violent event for probable death. So just what goes through your head before activating an ejection seat, and what happens to your body after? One man who knows is Breitling Jet Team pilot Bernard Charbonnel Words: Josh Sims

W

ith her short skirt, heels and come-hither expression, she’s a rather unexpected sight in the side office of an aircraft hanger – especially since she’s suggestively straddling a bomb. She’s not real, of course, but a stylised mannequin, riding her destructive charge. On this is written a place and a date: Valkenswaard, Holland, September 15th 2012. That was the day that Bernard Charbonnel was the man who fell to earth. Charbonnel was a fighter pilot in the French Air Force, flying Jaguars and Mirages. He has some 8,500 flight hours under the belt of his G-suit. Now he’s one of seven elite pilots flying for the Breitling Jet Team, Europe’s only civilian aerobatic team, akin to the Red Arrows or Blue Angels: barrel rolls and looping the loop in his twoseater Albatros fighter trainer aircraft, just two metres from his colleagues, at 600mph, is all in a day’s work. “I’m honestly never scared when I fly,” says Charbo, as he’s nicknamed. “I’m only scared that I won’t be able to do my job. Certainly you get stressed. But it’s the stress of the performer. Thankfully, for a guy like me, short and strong, dealing with the G-forces is easier – the gap between heart and head is shorter...” Yet every day, at team briefing, he gets to see that woman: a cheeky gift from the then president of Breitling (now under new management, Breitling has subsequently dropped all such provocative pop-art mannequins from its marketing). It’s a reminder of the day he became an elite among the elite: as a pilot who had to eject from his aircraft. “It was,” he says, “my only

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ejection. It’s a very, very rare event.” Charbo describes said event not stony-faced and pale, but with a big smile and boyish excitement. And with the professional distance and ease of someone discussing how, say, his car exhaust once gave way on the motorway. “My turbine failed – and then it exploded,” Charbo says, matterof-factly. “There’s a big ball bearing linking the crank shaft to the compressor and a pipe inside that broke. I felt some vibrations, and could smell burning. A red warning light came on in the cockpit and then came the explosion. My wingman told me there were five-metre flames coming out of the rear of the aircraft and that I had to shut the system down to prevent fuel getting to the flames. So the engine stopped, of course. And this aircraft, well, it only has one engine...” Nickname: Charbo Within two Position: Right seconds of engine inside wingman shut down, Charbo had made the decision Flight hours: 8,500 to eject. From first vibration to ejection was just 40 seconds – during which time Charbo had assessed the mechanical situation, acted on it, made a mental note of his Albatros’s position, speed and altitude, conducted a visual survey of the surrounding countryside to see if there were any options to land the aircraft and, having decided there were not, directed the aircraft away from any population centres below, towards forestry. “Strangely, the adrenaline in your system actually makes you feel very strong, and it sharpens your

45


perceptions. All the time the plane is descending very rapidly – although the sensation is less of you going down, as the ground is coming up to you, and fast,” he says. “Of course, you’re still surprised it’s all happening, because for all of your training you never expect it to actually happen. But you’re so busy with certain things you need to do, that you don’t have time to think about your situation. You’re too busy to be scared.” Pity then, the man in the back seat, who had nothing to do: on this rare occasion – and in the West there have been around just 8,000 ejections since the ejector seat was invented shortly after World War Two – Charbonnel had a passenger with him. This was one of the Air Team’s technicians, a man who knew the aircraft intimately from a mechanical perspective, but did not regularly pitch one around in the sky, nor undergo ejection training. For 40 long seconds he waited, perhaps pondering the fact that survival rates for ejector seats stand at around 89 per cent, and only at 51 per cent for ejections at less than 500 feet; or that ejection involves experiencing a pull between 12 and 15G, albeit for a fraction of a second; and that it hasn’t been unknown for pilots to be paralysed by the explosive force of ejection; or to be left permanently two inches shorter from the force of their spine accelerating into their skull; or for their limbs to be broken by what’s known as wind blast – the impact on an arm or leg of being suddenly introduced to air moving at several hundred miles an hour. So he waited. And waited, while the aircraft tumbled towards the earth. Until he got the pilot’s order – “Eject, eject, eject!” – at which point, like the pilot, he tucked his feet under his seat, grabbed the red handle between his legs with both hands, pressed the triggers with both thumbs and pulled up. This initiated a fully automatic sequence of events that blows off the cockpit canopy, with a rocket mechanism propelling the occupant and the seat he’s in up and away from the aircraft, crucially clear of the tail fin, before deploying the parachute at the optimum height available. It was hitting a tail fin, in fact, that knocked unconscious and killed test pilot Douglas Davie when he scrambled out of his ailing Gloster Meteor in 1944 – the incident that encouraged the British Air Ministry to begin development of some kind of escape system suitable for this new, much faster kind of jet-powered aircraft, one that would be successfully developed by self-taught engineer James Martin, based on ejection systems actually created by Saab in Sweden and by Heinkel in Germany during the war.

“For the technician it was not a good experience: 40 seconds of pure stress and fear. For me it was actually good fun,” says Charbo, laughing, somewhat guiltily. “From the pulling of the handle to being out there and under the canopy of your parachute takes just three seconds. It’s odd how you go from this speed and commotion and noise to floating in complete calm and silence in that three seconds. You go from intense stress to this intense awareness that you’re alive. And in that three seconds I heard everything, saw everything, smelled everything – it was a movie in slow motion. I’ve only had that experience once before, when I was in a car crash. “I actually saw the aircraft, completely vertical, plough right into a field, and I was so happy to see it do that – because the very worst thing for a pilot is to see his plane land in a crowd. There’s a limit to what you can do – if you’re at too low an altitude. When you have to eject, you have to eject. But, still, that’s the worst thing. Seeing that your aircraft hasn’t done anyone else any harm is the best thing.” Charbonnel landed in the middle of a cornfield, the crop three metres high around him. An indication of just how collected he was, he immediately penned a brief report on the aircraft’s condition at the time of the problem. He spent the next quarter of an hour wandering around, trying to find his way out the field. He was met by Dutch policemen, whom, he says, aggressively questioned him in custody for the next eight hours. Charbonnel does not have much good to say about Dutch policemen. Charbonnel was flying the next day. And for the next 10 days or so he was, metaphorically and, in a way, literally, on cloud nine. “I just had this incredible feeling of happiness. I just felt so good – I had none of the usual aches and pains. I felt like I was in perfect condition. Of course, again it’s just the adrenaline still in your system,” says Charbo, bringing mere sensation back to hard reality, as perhaps only a fighter pilot that views ejection much like a Sunday stroll might. “And yet, I wish that feeling had stayed with me.” Has he taken any lesson away from his extraordinary experience? Is there any lesson he might draw from it for others? “Yes,” he says – but it’s not one that might be expected to please any Maverick. “When you’re facing a major incident like that, you have to follow the rules. That’s it. That’s the lesson,” he says. “You just have to do what you’re meant to do – because it works. When you train for this kind of thing, it’s all written down in a book. And you follow the book. And, you know, next time – if there is a next time – I’d do exactly the same.”


WAT C H E S

Breitling

Rebranded The watchmaker’s new top brass signals a future away from aviation Words: Richard Brown

F

ew men have achieved more in Watch Land in the previous decade-and-a-half than Mr Georges Kern. Taking the reins of IWC in 2002, the German-born 36-yearold became the youngest CEO in parent company Richemont, owner of Cartier, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Panerai and Piaget, among others. Through sporting partnerships, celebrity emissaries and a strategically-positioned product offering, the TAG Heuer alumnus transformed IWC from a periphery player

Navitimer 8 automatic 41, £3,850 Chronograph 43

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into one of luxury’s most visible lifestyle brands. If you weren’t into watches 10 years ago, chances are you wouldn’t have known the acronym IWC denoted a mechanical watchmaker from Switzerland. Invitations to Kern’s gala dinners at the annual SIHH trade fair became the hottest tickets in town. Secure one and you might find yourself sharing a dance floor with Cate Blanchett, Adriana Lima, Bradley Cooper and Lewis Hamilton – just some of the more prominent members of IWC’s new army of superstar ambassadors. In November 2016, Richemont announced a major shake-up of its management structure. The group chose to promote Kern to head of watchmaking, marketing and digital for the entire organisation. The following year Kern was invited to stand for election to the Board of Directors. Then, in July 2017, his employers released the following statement: “Richemont regrets to announce the resignation with immediate effect of Mr Georges Kern… Georges has been offered an interesting opportunity to become an entrepreneur.” Three months earlier, CVC Capital Partners, Europe’s largest private equity group, and previous owners of Formula One, had acquired an 80 per cent stake in rival watchmaker Breitling ( for an estimated £750 million). By July, the group had secured the services of Kern as its new CEO, reportedly in return for a significant stake in the watch company. Just six months later, Kern unveiled his vision, embarking on a global press tour alongside new creative director Guy Bove (previously product development director at Chopard) and new chief marketing officer Tim Sayler (headhunted from Audemars Piguet). Buzzwords from the Zurich leg – “simplify”, “smaller” and “strengthen” – point toward a slimmed-down product line, both in terms of the number of

Navitimer 8 B01 Chronograph 43, £5,900 in steel, £15,980 in red gold

references Breitling will offer and the case sizes it will produce (the company will no doubt have one eye on Asia, where its current oversized chronographs have historically failed to find a market). Elsewhere, much bandied-about “tradition”, “reassurance” and “history” suggest Breitling will follow the rest of the industry in reissuing watches from its extensive back catalogue, tapping into the prevailing popularity of all things vintage. There’ll also be a shift away from aviation – Breitling’s heretofore raison d’être – into watches for “land” and “sea” – again, perhaps, with Asia in mind, where the romance of aviation resonates less strongly than in Europe and the US. Current Breitling fans should not fear a complete reimagining of the brand they covet, however. Rather than a myopic attempt to reinvent what Breitling embodies in the pursuit of short-term profit, Kern says he is simply revisiting the foundations on which Breitling was built – innovative, genre-defining tool watches – before the brand got all large and laddish in the nineties and noughties. The best indication of where Kern’s Breitling is heading came with the new Navitimer 8 collection, the first, five-model line of watches released under the creative stewardship of Bove. Characterised by bevelled lugs, a notched bezel, a railway minute track, and a logo that does away with the pair of wings that previously stretched from behind an italic ‘B’, the collection is decidedly retro. And, at first glance, rather un-Breitling. The range-topping Navitimer 8 B01, powered by Breitling’s in-house movement, as well as the mid-tier Navitimer 8 Chronograph (with a Valjoux base movement) and Navitimer 8 Unitime all feature 43mm cases. The Navitimer 8 Day-Date and entry-level Navitimer 8 Automatic measure 41mm and both run on modified calibres from ETA.

Navitimer 8 chronograph 43, £4,550 automatic 41

NAVITIMER 8 AUTOMATIC DAY & DATE 41, £3,500

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Style Brief

Your monthly sartorial meeting Words: David taylor

Alpin landscape print coat, £450

Chapman hooded jacquard trench, £850

Aquascutum

Aquascutum was founded in 1851 by tailor John Emary with a mission statement of producing clothes that remained stylish while protecting the wearer from Britain’s famously unpredictable weather. The new collection is a return to roots, inspired by the rugged nature of the country’s northern landscapes. The colour palette takes the rich tones and textures of the Scottish Highlands; from earthy clays, moss and mahogany to vibrant winterberry and forest green. aquascutum.com


STYLE

Bag it up

The Suit Carrier Holdall, £650, Bennett Winch, bennettwinch.com

Chester Barrie Denim Collection

The double denim trend shows no signs of abating. Championing a more formal approach, Savile Row tailor Chester Barrie has created a button-down shirt from luxuriously soft Japanese denim. Dress it up with light chinos, a knit tie and a patterned spring blazer. £110, chesterbarrie.co.uk

The G21 Smoke, £1,595, Gladstone London, gladstonelondon.com

V Line backpack, £1,850, Valextra, valextra.com

Hurlingham striped holdall, £155, Hackett London, hackett.com

Mr P Capsule two

New season, new Mr P capsule. The label’s first spring/summer collection is inspired by ’60s Los Angeles, the era of Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein. The pieces are made in Italy, Portugal and Japan, and include a suede tan jacket, cotton camp-collar shirt and a striped cotton rollneck. mrporter.com/mrp

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Pauline 24h bag in Taurillon Gex leather, £3,510, Moynat, moynat.com Brown leather holdall, £165, John Lewis, johnlewis.com

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Fine&

dandy

Do you know a shawl from a shahtoosh or a jabot pin from a tie pin? Neither did we until we met Mark Francis Vandelli, the distinguished authority on men’s style Words: Hannah Lemon

M

ark Francis Vandelli is a name that often has people rolling their eyes. He was made famous by Made in Chelsea, the Channel 4 socialite ‘drama’ full of It people with names like Binky, Toff and Habbs, hailing from South Kensington and Knightsbridge. One of the programme’s most memorable characters has been Mr Vandelli himself, who replaces personal gossip with witty repartee: “Do you know what I find ghastly? People who jog in public”, or “I don’t have any resolutions whatsoever. How could I possibly improve upon myself ?” With this in mind it’s hard not to imagine Vandelli strutting around ballrooms in bespoke suits and turning his nose up at any canapé with a toothpick in it. But when I was introduced to him at an awards ceremony, it became evident that half of this dandyish persona is a tongue-in-cheek exaggeration for the Made in Chelsea producers. Weeks later, when I phone him, he’s bunged up with cold but ever charming. I can tell certain comments are delivered entirely for a reaction; an embellishment of the character he has created. When I ask him how he’s bearing up, he replies: “Colds – they’re just so common.” I titter down the phone and

“There’s nothing as demoralising as feeling underdressed”


style

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spend the next half an hour listening to his rolling ‘Rs’ and accentuated ‘ohs’ as he talks about his foray into fashion. His mother, Russian model Diane Vandelli, was a muse of Yves Saint Laurent “at a turning point in London in the 70s when everything was changing and people were quite rebellious”. Although Vandelli remarks that for someone who spent her life in couture, she cares very little about it now. In fact it is his father, Italian industrialist Marzio Vandelli, who seems to have passed on the mantle of debonair dressing. Vandelli’s abundant vocabulary has me Googling phrases (a shahtoosh, for your information, is a shawl), but despite the big words, he is unexpectedly self-depreciating. “Never overdo it. I should know, I’ve done it many times,” he says. With a capsule collection for Hawes & Curtis under his crocodile belt, various television shows with his “best friend” Viscountess Emma Weymouth of Longleat, as well as endless public appearances and private party invitations, there’s not a moment that a hair or handkerchief is out of place. How would you describe your style? As curated and timeless and, I suppose, elegant; but that’s not really for me to say. What’s your favourite item of clothing? An era that shaped my understanding of menswear was when Tom Ford was at Gucci – a fundamental epoch for fashion. I still wear those pieces a lot.

What would you never leave the house without? A watch and pocket square. They must complement an outfit and provide a subtle indication of taste. I seldom wear a modern watch. It’s terrible when you realise there’s someone wearing the same model. Name your favourite brands? Gérald Genta was a genius who designed some of the most iconic watches for Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet in the 70s. Cartier was already creating timeless watches in the 20s and 30s, which were recently reproduced in its Collection Privée. I collect those too, but you know what I really love that no one wears? Graff watches, they’re fabulous for the evening. Any other accessories? Actually, I have to say – almost at any time of year – a shahtoosh goes down very well. How about ties? I’ll wear a tie in the office, at a wedding or a funeral. I don’t particularly approve of ties in the evening – it’s not ‘me’. But what I truly detest is the loosened tie, circa midnight, with shirt buttons undone. That’s when you know a man’s given up. Would you ever wear a pre-tied bow tie? I should really say I’d never do such a thing. For velvet, though, I make an exception. Tying one’s own can prove quite disastrous: they can become a gigantic, cravat-like error hovering above one’s shirt.

How has your family influenced what you wear? My father was a bon viveur, a flâneur and a gambler. At my age, he was in black tie most nights. As a result he’s left me an inordinate number of smoking jackets and a vast archive of eveningwear. It harks back to a bygone era of glamour and sophistication: two things that have unfortunately become increasingly rare.

“Elegance never goes out of fashion”

“One should never clash with the artwork”

“Don’t be fooled. I prefer receiving awards to presenting them”


style

What’s the most sentimental piece that you own? My jewellery. Mostly family pieces, many of which I’m gradually converting into cufflinks, shirt studs, jabot pins and so on. I also collect Art Deco jewellery, mostly Cartier and Lacloche Frères that I buy at auction. Unfortunately, jewellery is also very easy to lose – a wonderful diamond and sapphire panther of mine went for a walk a little while ago and never came back... What do you dislike about current trends for men? There’s nothing worse than men having the hem of their trousers so high that you see their ankles. It looks totally uncivilised. A man’s best friend is a great tailor because they’ll always make him look his best, whatever the occasion. Are there any colours that you like to avoid? Mustard. I avoid mustard at all costs. I find it absolutely abominable. There is nothing that could ever please me about such a colour. Who is your favourite tailor? I adore Neapolitan tailoring. It’s really the birthplace of great menswear and a constant inspiration for my own collections. If your blazers are handmade in Naples you can throw them into a suitcase, pull them out and be sure they’ll look as though they’ve just been pressed.

“When your parents are your inspiration. Capri, summer 1980”

What has been your biggest fashion faux pas? Overdoing it – wearing the whole look from the fashion show. It denotes a total lack of originality and the demise of spontaneity. You have to think twice before wearing the velvet blazer, with the evening trousers, with the full length mink, with diamond stud buttons, with the jabot pin in your bow tie, with a patent shoe... sometimes you just have to pare it down. How would you decribe true luxury? Finding something that no one else has: a cobbler in Portofino who makes beautiful suede loafers that are so soft you can roll them up. Designers and manufacturers who still produce unique pieces using artisanal methods – those are the chicest luxuries. What do you wear when you’re relaxing? I don’t understand the need to have a different wardrobe for occasions in which no one can see you. I was brought up to dress on my own the way I would at a dinner party. After all, you never know who’s looking... Best piece of advice? Appropriacy. To dress in a manner befitting your figure, age (unfortunately), complexion – if you must – and lifestyle. That said, there’s nothing as demoralising as feeling underdressed. As long as one’s selective when accepting invitations, it’s really very difficult to overdress. And if that’s the case, it may just be a sign that one needs better friends.

“Neptune’s back in the office”

“Like father, like son. St Tropez, 1979” “Minimalist? This is positively Spartan”

“Walking is such a chore” LU X URY LONDON.CO.UK | 663 3


“Successful people

wear good underwear”

Why a man at the pinnacle of the watch industry took on a very different brief Words: David Taylor


STYLE

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W

hen you’ve put good underwear on, you should forget it immediately. When you feel it during the day, it distracts you. You feel that something isn’t right.” Marcel Hossli is passionate about pants. The CEO of luxury garment maker Zimmerli is an expert in luxury branding, though his previous job was a far cry from his current sector. “I used to be in the watch business. I’m a mechanical engineer, and I love watches – I got infected by the watch virus,” Marcel jokes to me when we meet at the George Club. Mount Street. “I was looking to get into watches, and had a friend who used to work for Swatch. This was in the hot period, so he got me a job at Swatch as a product manager in 1994. “I worked for Swatch for three years, then went to Lucerne and worked for Bucherer, taking over responsibility of its watch brand. We developed the newly positioned Carl F. Bucherer, named after the founder. I spent eight years there, then moved to Patek Philippe in Geneva.” Prestigious indeed. Why switch between a profession you love to a small brand in a different industry that you know very little about? “I was at home one Saturday morning and saw in the newspaper that Zimmerli were looking for a new CEO,” Marcel explains. “It had always been my dream to manage a small but very fine Swiss company. They were looking for somebody who had worked for luxury businesses – they weren’t asking for specific product-related experience. They knew they had a very good product, but they had no clue about marketing and branding.” It’s a job Marcel has taken on for the last decade, growing Zimmerli from a niche brand into one of the world’s leading producers of quality underwear, nightwear and loungewear, with approximately 600 outlets worldwide, including a 250 sq ft shop floor in Harrods. Zimmerli was founded in 1871 by Pauline Zimmerli after her husband’s dyehouse went bankrupt. Seeing a gap in the market for high-quality hosiery and socks, Pauline began selling further and further afield from her small home town of Aarburg. With a rapidly growing demand for her products in Paris and elsewhere, the entrepreneur actually invented a machine to knit ribbed elastic fabric, sending her plans over to the USA and receiving her first two-needle knitting machine in 1874. The entrepreneurial spirit has persisted throughout the company’s history, which has continuously produced clothing since the day of its inception. I sat down with its most recent entrepreneurial chief to discuss modernising a traditional company, and why the world’s leaders should all wear Zimmerli. How much of an entrepreneur was Pauline Zimmerli? She was an innovative person. Her two sons were in the business too – they travelled to the United States, took the orders there, came back. The whole process took months, but Pauline Zimmerli only focused on producing very high quality products. That’s why she was so successful: she sold most of her products in the western part of Switzerland, where you have the watch industry, already a very rich industry at the time. Zimmerli has always been very innovative, and that’s part of our philosophy. You have a total of ten boutiques around the world. How do you decide which cities to open in? We have a very selective distribution, but you can find Zimmerli in places from Los Angeles to Toyko to Melbourne. We always try

to work with the best partners at the most prestigious locations. It’s about expanding the Zimmerli universe. Luxury is never mass. You need to be selective in what you are doing, in terms of fabrics, the way you distribute and so on. How do you ensure Zimmerli stays relevant? You need to know who you want to appeal to. You need to be relevant, to reinvent yourself; not in a drastic way, but a brand should always have movement, otherwise you’ll die with your customers. When we entered the Russian and Chinese markets, there were different customers with different expectations. They’re younger, especially in China, and they’re looking for new things. If they hear that Zimmerli’s producing the finest underwear in the world, but they don’t like the style, they won’t buy it. How important is respecting Zimmerli’s past? Hugely. We have some products where the design is 50 or 60 years old, but you always need to readjust the style. Take the Porsche 911: it was first produced in 1964 and is still a huge success. If you compare the first Porsche with the latest Porsche you can see it’s the same product, but it’s evolved over time, and that’s what we’re trying to do. What makes Zimmerli different? We are always trying to find ways to increase the sense of wellbeing whenever you’re wearing our products. When you get up in the morning you take a shower, and the first thing you put on is underwear. If you put something on and it’s caressing your skin already because the fabric is so fine, you feel well in yourself. It’s a change in attitude. You don’t feel scrappy, you feel that you have a purpose, that you are somebody. People don’t necessarily think of the value of good underwear, but I always say that successful people wear good quality underwear. It changes their attitude in the morning. How important is it that your products are made in Switzerland? Very. We have the tag on every single piece of underwear. It’s all made in our own factory in the south of Switzerland. I think the big asset of Switzerland is the notion of having a good-quality product. Everybody knows Swiss watches: Rolex, Omega, Patek. You wouldn’t necessarily think of fashion when you think of Switzerland, but the value of ‘Made in Switzerland’ is so strong that it really helps. ‘Made in Switzerland’ is a quality seal, a promise that it’s the real product. What’s it like to work for Zimmerli? The average time that people have been with us is 14 years. One lady who’s just retired was with us for 41 years as a seamstress. You need to find new staff, but it’s not easy. They’re walking a fine line: on the one hand, they need to work at a really high level of quality but on the other, they can’t spend half an hour on a piece of underwear. You need to find a good compromise: they need to be really quick and productive, but also extremely skilled. What motivates you about this job? Every day is still a pleasure, and that’s what’s so great about this job. In the morning when I get up, I love to put on my Zimmerli and go to work. Would you describe yourself as a brand man? Absolutely. Maybe I’ll still be here in 10-15 years. That’s very possible. Do you smile every time you sit down. Yes! ‘Great, I can’t feel my pants!’ Very good.


STYLE

Left: Pauline Zimmerli and family Clockwise from Right: Zimmerli advertising compaigns thorughout history

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67


A

For goodness’

sake

One of the world’s most ancient alcoholic drinks just got hip Words: Oliver Hilton-Johnson

crisis in the Japanese sake industry has resulted in one of the world’s most ancient drinks becoming the coolest tipple to request this season – 6,000 miles from its natural home. Just as gin was the drink of 2017 and the Aperol spritz has also enjoyed time in the spotlight, sake is set for a revival and stats from UK importers are proving that it’s becoming a popular alternative to wine at dinner parties. A downturn in the domestic market led producers of Japan’s national drink to turn to foreign markets, and business is beginning to turn around for the country’s approximately 1,200 producers. For centuries the drink has largely been confined to being a popular accompaniment to sushi in the west. In the east its origins can be traced back to China in around 4800BC, but the Japanese began to make it their own once rice cultivation was introduced around 300BC. I have been drinking sake for about 18 years, after first experiencing it during a trip to Japan. My first sip was not particularly alluring – it was an extremely poor futsu-shu (non-premium) sake, served piping hot, and caused a terrible burning sensation down my throat. I now understand the vast difference between poor and premium quality; discovering the drink anew a few years later was the epiphany that started my headlong plunge into sake. About 60-65 per cent of sake made in Japan is non-premium and, although some of it is perfectly drinkable, it’s well worth learning how to spot a great sake. Premium sake is radically different, superbly so, and also relatively new. In its current fruity and expressive guise, it came into being in the 1980s and only gained a foothold in the UK much later. So if you’ve tried sake before and didn’t like it, I would encourage you to give it another chance. Sake now is the best it’s ever been and is only getting better, due to the dedication and hard work of a new generation of sake brewers in Japan. Most people’s idea of sake is that it’s sold in shots, like tequila, and is super-strong. But it’s actually only a little stronger than most wines. On average it is 15-16 per cent alcohol by volume, compared with 12-15 per cent for wine. On average, sake is way less acidic than wine (hence its versatility), has fewer calories from residual sugar and, when drunk in moderation, won’t give you a hangover. In America, where the sake scene is much more mature than in the UK, sake is pervasive in the big cities. Japanese producers and marketers often work with local importers to develop labels with cool names such as Bride of the Fox, Hawk in the Heavens and Wandering Poet – this also happens with brands for the UK market. One of the many joys of sake is that it can be paired with the different cuisines of the world, much as you might enjoy a glass of a particular wine with a particular plate of food. Brewers are encouraging people to consider the drink as an accompaniment to all foods, not just sushi – and this seems to be working. I have seen sake on the drinks menu at pizza restaurants and noodle houses, and I even saw someone asking for it instead of champagne at The Savoy. With over 25,000 sakes available in Japan, there


FOOD & DRINK

is a sake to pair with most kinds of food. More than fine wines, I find that when the right sake is combined with food it will make what you’re eating taste even better. But you don’t need to worry too much, as sake is much more forgiving with its food pairings than wine – there’s a lovely Japanese expression that loosely translates as “sake isn’t choosy about the food it pairs with.” Warm sake helps brings out the savoury nature of umami tastes, making it a delightful accompaniment to sushi, foie gras, game meats or anything with a fuller flavour. Crisp, chilled sake is a popular accompaniment to oysters. Calamari or fish and chips are also well matched with a fruity, chilled sparkling sake, while prosciutto goes with a rich sake which draws out the salty, umami flavours of the ham. Cheeses such as mature cheddar, parmesan and blue varieties are all strong in umami and could be matched with sweet, aged sake which is rich in amino acidity. Mixologists are busy creating summer cocktails and what makes sake even more interesting for them is that it can be served ice-cold, at room temperature, warm or even hot. When tasting sake, do as wine lovers do: sniff it, take a sip and swirl it around your mouth and tongue before swallowing. There are few ‘vintage’ sakes. While there are some aged sakes which are fabulous in their complexity, they make up a tiny percentage of the overall output and most sakes are meant to be drunk soon after purchase. One final thing to remember. If you’re with a friend, it’s nice to pour their sake for them. It engenders camaraderie and it’s a great way to get to know one another. Kanpai!

“Warm sake helps brings out the savoury nature of umami tastes”

Oliver Hilton-Johnson, a sake specialist and sake educator for the British Sake Association, leads talks, tastings and food pairings throughout the UK

At a restaurant near you Sticks’n’Sushi Sticks’n’Sushi serves top-quality, fresh food based on an exceptional combination of traditional sushi and yakitori sticks fresh from the grill. Fashionable, friendly and affordable, the restaurant group has taken the UK by storm after becoming one of the most successful in Denmark. A good range of sake includes sparkling, warm, cold, spicy and traditional, such as the Sho Chiku Bai Nigori Silky Mild, £20 for a 375ml bottle and a dry, elegant premium Junmai Daiginjo at £70 for 720ml. Crossrail Place. E14

Roka Canary Wharf’s award-winning Japanese restaurant serves contemporary Japanese robatayaki cuisine in striking surroundings. You can choose from an impressive list of 40 sake drinks in its bar and lounge overlooking Canada Square. Among them is Dassai 23 Junmai Daiginjo, a velvety sake with notes of ripe melon and peach priced at £70 (apparently given to former US President Obama by Japanese PM Shinzo Abe during his 2014 visit to Japan) and a more affordable Urakasumi Honjikomi Honjozo at £28 for a 300ml bottle. The Park Pavilion. E14

Yuhoki Yuhoki offers authentic Japanese cuisine with a touch of fusion, ideal for anyone looking for a quick bite in a relaxing environment. Enjoy a delicate Ozeki Premium Junmai, one of the three sake products that Ozeki first brewed in California in 1979. This is great with sushi and tempura dishes, and priced at £21 for a 750ml bottle. Another option is Ozeki Karatamba, a highlight from the master brewers known as the Tamba toji, which has a rich taste and feels smooth on the palate. It pairs particularly well with spicy dishes and fried foods. 115 Meridian Place, E14

www.foodandsake.com

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MOTORING

4X4 Wars

Battle of the Heavyweights 2018 will be the year of the ‘Super’ SUV as even more manufacturers hope to capitalise on a sector that shows no signs of slowing. Canary Wharf Magazine reviews the best 4X4s money can currently buy and previews the premium people carriers being rushed into production Words: Jeremy Taylor & Richard Brown

T

he world of luxury motoring is about to step up a gear as Rolls-Royce, Lamborghini and Aston Martin launch big-budget SUVs onto the market for the very first time. The automotive equivalent of a Swiss Army knife, this new generation of super sports utility vehicles will blend outsize practicality with astonishing performance. These are SUVs that will carry the family and a pet pooch, yet still crack the

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The Tesla Model x 100D. Image courtesy Tesla

0-62mph barrier in less than five seconds. Even Ferrari boss, Sergio Marchionne, has reportedly said the company will build an SUV in the future – although a production decision will not be made until 2020. Meanwhile, a Ferrarideveloped 503bhp engine for the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio is due in the summer. In the meantime, here’s a round-up of the best SSUVs either currently on the market or scheduled for the road in the next 12 months…

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Bentley Bentayga Diesel The success of Bentley’s first ever off-roader created a 4X4 space race among all other luxury car marques. So just how good is the SUV everyone else is now chasing? Words: Richard Brown

Price: from £135,800 Engine: 4.0-litre V8, 429bhp 0-62mph: 4.8 seconds Top speed: 168 mph Economy: 35.8mpg

When the EXP 9 F concept first batted its eyelashes at the motoring press in 2012, attendees at the Geneva Motor Show reacted as if Bentley had just pulled back the curtain and committed hara-kari. ‘Monster!’ they screamed, as they passed around the sick bowl. And, to be fair, they had a point. The goggle-eyed wagon looked like Woody Allen from the front and Kim Kardashian from behind. Three years later, the EXP 9 F had morphed into the Bentayga; a sporty, streamlined off-roader this time more akin to the Porsche Cayenne than a Thames barge. Its gaping, Frankenstein headlights were now flush with the rest of the car; its face rearranged to resemble something closer to the Continental’s. Even still, at first glance, she was hardly a looker. Not that any of this mattered, of course. Bentley’s first SUV was always going to sell faster than the company could rush it off the production line. Marketing the motor as the quickest and most expensive 4x4 ever created only helped to fuel pre-orders. First in line was HM The Queen. Enough people queued up behind her for the entire initial production run to sell out in advance. Bentley had planned to produce 3,500 Bentaygas a year. In 2016, it sold 5,586. The SUV became the company’s most popular model immediately, outselling the Continental by more than double. So just how high has Bentley set the Super SUV benchmark? We collected our ice-white press car from the belly of Westfield Shepherd’s Bush, where H.R. Owen Bentley has a showroom. The V8 diesel option retails from £135,800 (the Bentayga is also available with a V8 petrol engine and in allsinging W12 mode). Ours had been upgraded with £69,580 worth of extras. These included contrasting stitching, for a paltry £1,560, veneered picnic tables, a snip at £1,640 and a boot mat for £495 – the bargain of the lot. When we told the Bentley attendant that we were heading for Cornwall, he said we should get there and back on one tank of fuel. We looked at him as if he were mad and took off for the high cliffs of the south west. The first ‘F*#k Me!’ moment came on the M4 when the traffic cleared and my right foot suddenly got a little heavy. The Bentayga can’t boast best in class acceleration. It will get you from 0 to 62 mph in 4.8 seconds, but the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S, BMW X5 M and Ranger Rover Sport SVR will all get you there quicker. Really, though, the Bentayga exists in a class of its own. It shouldn’t be possible for


MOTORING

anything that weighs 3.25 tonnes – that’s 250kg more than the Range Rover Sport SVR – to possess this turn of pace. Certainly nothing as smooth, silent and lavishly upholstered. The V8 engine under the hood is capable of 429 bhp and 900 Nm of torque, making it the most powerful diesel SUV ever created. The surge of power you get with a tap of the right pedal is simply extraordinary. Bentley has the driving position nailed. Steering is so light you can sneeze and accidentally change lanes. Seats are armchair comfortable. It’s the difference between Cineworld and Everyman Cinema; you pay a premium for plumper surroundings, but afterwards everything else seems plasticky and cheap. ‘F*#k Me!’ moment number two came after we connected the Spotify on my phone via Bluetooth to the car’s Naim sound system, effortless even for this Luddite. Bentley has had the good sense to make the infotainment system touch screen, doing away with any dangerously distracting, infuriatingly over-sensitive rotary controller. Back to that sound system. It adds £6,615 to the inventory but morphs the car into the editing suite of a music studio. Our cabin reverberated with more bass than a deep house super-club in a disused air hangar in Ibiza. If you want to know what the car is capable of off-road, you’ll have to consult the internet. The fear of having to explain to the Bentley press team how I’d managed to beach the Bentayga on a stretch of sand near Padstow was enough to persuade me to stick to the tarmac. Proper, bolder motoring journalists that have taken the car off-piste all sing of its cross-country credentials. What I can tell you is that the Bentayga has serious presence. And not just because it is physically cosmic (14cm longer and 15cm wider than a typical Range Rover). Point its basking shark grill towards the rear end of whatever is in front on the motorway, and you’ll soon have the lane to yourself. People in more affordable posh cars – which is everyone – pretend not to look at you. You can feel the buyer’s remorse – particularly among drivers of Porsche Cayennes and Maserati Levantes. You’ve all gone out and bought a shiny new dinner suit. You’re the only one wearing Tom Ford. The Bentayga is also remarkably agile. Nothing tests a man’s mettle like manoeuvring out of a tight spot in front of other men. This is especially true when you’re evidently an out-of-towner driving a status symbol down a one-lane track lined by high-sided dry-stone walls. Thankfully, the Benayga’s front and rear cameras and 360-degree parking sensors made reversing into a passing spot (almost) no stress at all. Keep calm and look smug as you avoid scratching those pearly-silver 21-inch rims. Boot space isn’t huge. We tried to cram the sister’s two Akitas in there. We might have managed had it not been for the severelyangled rear windscreen – a win for aerodynamics over practicality. Perhaps a blessing, given that £500 boot mat. Not so much of a problem was two weekend bags, a couple of picnic hampers and four pairs of wellington boots. You look forward to getting back in the Bentayga. You find excuses to stay in her longer. Did we get to Cornwall and back on one tank? No, but we might have, had we not opted for the long way, the scenic route, between every beauty spot and pretty fishing village. Ashamedly, we got more out of the Bentley than we did out of Boscastle. After a week of narrow lanes and near scrapes it was back to the motorway, where you realise just how good the Bentayga is. Speed typically comes at the cost of comfort; comfort compromises speed. The Bentayga sacrifices nothing. You’ll get to 62mph in the same time as an Aston Martin Vantage. But do so from the comfort of a suite at the Four Seasons. Primus inter pares. First among equals. For the moment, the Bentayga simply doesn’t have any. H.R. Owen Bentley, Westfield, W12, hrowen.co.uk

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Bentley Bentayga W12 Price: from £162,700 Engine: 5,950cc 12-cyl, 608bhp 0-62mph: 4.0 secs Economy: 21.6mpg

With a top speed of 187mph, the W12 has been making hay at the top end of the four-wheel drive sector since it was launched in 2016, well ahead of rivals. There are special-edition Bentaygas for fishing and falconry, a Breitling Tourbillon clock costing £110,000, or a Mulliner hamper at £21,000. However, it will be fascinating to see how Bentley responds when the new rash of SSUVs finally arrives in 2018. Whatever you think about the styling, the cabin is a wondrous place to sit. I recently drove the W12 for a week and felt like I had signed in to an exclusive gentleman’s club. Everything within touching distance is made of something luxurious that has been stitched together by craftsmen. That tranquillity is shattered with a blip of the accelerator. It brings a 6.0-litre, 600bhp W12 engine to life with startling effect. Effortless power means this £162,700 Bentayga will sprint to 60mph in 4.0 seconds – quite outrageous for a car weighing this much. What’s not to like? Well, the fuel bills can be eyewatering but there are ‘modest’ diesel options to ease the pain on your wallet. JT

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Maserati Levante S Sports Utility Vehicles should be fast and practical – does the new Maserati Levante measure up? Words: Jeremy Taylor

Price: from £70,755 Engine: 3.0-litre V6, 424bhp 0-60mph: 5.2 seconds Top speed: 164 mph Economy: 25.9mpg

How do manufacturers emphasis the ‘S’ in their SUV? Maserati’s answer is to inject some Ferrari spirit into a petrol version of the Levante. The 275bhp diesel model sent Maserati sales soaring when it was launched in 2016. But British buyers had to wait more than a year to get their hands on the tastier 424bhp S, with a petrol engine built by Ferrari. Levante is the first sports utility vehicle in Maserati’s 104-year history. The svelte styling is rivalled only by Alfa Romeo’s new Stelvio. The Audi Q5 looks positively dull by comparison. And while German SUVs are more likely to hold their value, wouldn’t you rather drive home from work in a Maserati? Displaying a trident badge on the grille makes every journey an occasion. To prove the point, Maserati invited me on a 1,000-mile drive from Goodwood to its Italian headquarters in Modena. The three-day journey would be a chance to see if the company’s newest offering is as smart as it looks. A key rival for the Range Rover Sport and Porsche Cayenne, the Levante S will have to be good to enter such a crowded marketplace. Storming down the coast road south from Calais, the extra power of the S is immediately apparent. While the diesel does the job adequately, the S has more than a splash of attitude. Wind up the twin-turbo V6, hear those quad exhaust pipes crackle and I defy you not to have a rush of blood to the head.

There are more roomy SUVs that offer better economy but Ferrari has done a fine job injecting some flair in the Levante. The engine is unique to the S and won’t appear in any rival cars from the Fiat group. If the rasping exhaust doesn’t get you noticed, the gaping front grille of the Levante surely will. Pulling in to the Hostellerie La Briqueterie in Vinay, even Parisian guests can’t resist a peek. The Maserati has a distinctive look all of its own. The next day, I’m in the Alps en route to Switzerland. The S has an Intelligent Sport mode that ensures the drivetrain is always in the right gear to maximise torque. For twisty mountain roads with few overtaking opportunities, it’s the perfect car. Inside, Levante is really rather beautiful. It doesn’t have an ugly screen bolted to the top of the dashboard, while the quality of the leather is exceptional. And there’s plenty of time to enjoy it, stuck in a 90-minute traffic jam into Geneva. On the fast-flowing Italian motorways into Modena, even the locals seem impressed by the S. You know you’re driving something special when the passenger in the car behind films your every move. Maserati plans to launch a hybrid version of the Levante but, truthfully, if your budget will stretch to the S, I’d have no hesitation in recommending it. An SUV for the extrovert that turns heads for all the right reasons.


MOTORING

Range Rover Sport SVR Price: from £97,625 Engine: 5.0-litre V8, 567 bhp 0-62mph: 4.5 secs Top speed: 175.8 mph Economy: 22 mpg

Porsche Cayenne Turbo S Price: from £121,550 Engine: 4.8-litre V8, 550 bhp 0-62mph: 3.9 secs Top speed: 177 mph Economy: Not Available

Faster still is the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S, which will keep up with a supercar yet costs around the same as the SVR. Unfortunately, the latest 2018 model also has styling issues – note the huge grille modelled in the shape of a dumbbell. Oddly, it makes the Cayenne look less Porsche-like than ever. Look beyond that and this is a world-class SSUV. This version has a new chassis, more power and is slightly lighter. Combined with Porsche driving dynamics, it makes for a typically competent and entertaining vehicle. The latest engine is a 4.0 litre twin turbo V8, mated to a new, eight-speed auto gearbox. The car is quieter, more refined and more frugal than ever before, too. It’s also more expensive at £121,550. Loaded with technology and bags of space, this is a luxurious jack-of-all-trades, for people in a serious hurry. JT

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At the more ‘affordable’ £100,000 end of the luxury SUV market (£99,680) will be the facelifted Range Rover Sport SVR, due out shortly. Powered by an upgraded, supercharged V8 that produces 567bhp, the 0-62mph sprint is reduced to 4.3 seconds. Now, Range Rovers have long been the embodiment of good taste but I’m not sure the red and black leather interior in my SVR does the cabin any favours. It’s no wonder the Sport has a slightly ‘downmarket’ image in some circles. Whatever you think of the styling, there’s no denying the SVR is a phenomenal driving machine. Fuel is guzzled at an alarming rate but it is ridiculously fast, either on a motorway or across country. If the SVR doesn’t get you recognised just hit the sports exhaust button. The grumble from the quad tailpipes is stupidly loud. Also launching in the spring is the Sport P400e, Jaguar Land Rover’s first plug-in hybrid model and good for 101mpg, if you believe the official figures. JT

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ALL Words: Jeremy Taylor

Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupé

Tesla Model X 100D Price: from £90,800 Engine: 449kW electric motor,

Price: from £104,075 Engine: 5.5-litre V8, 585 bhp 0-62mph: 4.2 seconds

BMW X6 40d

0-60mph: 2.9 secs Top speed: 155 mph

Top speed: 155 mph

Range: 351 miles

Economy: 23.7 mpg Price: from £62,020

Mercedes model badging is as clear as UK Brexit plans but the GLE is essentially a lower, streamlined version of the ML that’s more driver-focused. If you can’t bring yourself to drive a conventional SSUV, what about an SUC? BMW started the trend with the X6 M, Mercedes refined it with the GLE 63 S Coupé. Restricted boot capacity, yes, but a more streamlined shape makes it easier on the eye. No downsizing to a more economical engine here: the 63 S is loaded with a glorious if dated 5.5-litre V8. It’s ridiculously raucous but who buys a super SUV to be sensible? The GLE Coupé is a big-boned bruiser of a vehicle. It stands on 22-inch wheels, pumps out a throaty soundtrack and rivals the Lamborghini for outrageousness. It’s a Marmite car. I’m somewhere in the middle because with air suspension and excellent handling, the 63 S makes light work of almost anything you can throw at it. A joy around town, awesome on a high-speed continental dash. Rear visibility and back seat space are restricted but to feel it thunder to 60mph in 4.2 seconds is worth the £104,075 ticket.

611bhp

Engine: 2993cc 6-cyl, 313bhp 0-60mph: 5.8 secs Top speed: 147 mph Economy: 40.9mpg

I never warmed to the oddlooking X6 until I had the chance to drive the 40d. Suddenly, I didn’t care about a heavily-stylised rear-end that ate into interior space. Without a family and their belongings, the BMW works. The X6 divides opinion. On the road, it has neat handling for such a big car, aided by fourwheel drive and some enormous wheels. Hard suspension makes it a bit clunky around town but not unbearable. The interior is pure BMW. I’m a big fan of the wide infotainment screen, which is one of the best on the market. It’s just a shame the carbuncle doesn’t lower into the dashboard when not in use. For even more power try either the 50d, or the outrageously fast 50i petrol. The mid-range 40d has more than enough grunt, however.

The SUV of the future? Well, it’s actually here now with eye-catching gull-wing doors and a 17-inch infotainment screen. Model X is a seven-seater like no other – but will it work for you? The great bits about the Tesla are also the most annoying. Those roof-hinged doors are a showstopper – they also don’t work so well in a multi-storey car park, or in a tight space. And while the Model X is supercar quick, I still couldn’t get over my range anxiety when pressing the accelerator hard. Would I have enough juice left in the battery pack to get home? Styling is more coupé than SUV but with four-wheel drive and space for seven, it is immensely practical. There’s no engine up front either, which frees up a good amount of space under the bonnet for more luggage. Loaded with batteries, the Model X is heavy but still glides around a fast corner in silence. If ever in doubt, just remember that you have more than enough performance on tap to compete with a Porsche 911 Turbo…


MOTORING

Coming Soon….

Lamborghini Urus Price: from £165,000 Engine: 4.0-litre V8, 641 bhp 0-62mph: 3.6 secs Top speed: 190 mph Economy: 18.5 mpg

First off the blocks for 2018 is the Lamborghini Urus. Unveiled in Italy in December, the 4.0-litre, twin-turbo V8 looks every bit as bonkers as the company’s Huracan and Aventador supercars. Built on the same underpinnings as the Bentley Bentayga, Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne – Lamborghini is part of the Volkswagen Group after all – the squat, dramatic styling has already polarised opinions. What isn’t in question is the all-wheel drive performance: 0-62mph in 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 189mph. Practical? The suede-lined boot measures a whopping 616 litres, enough for an awful lot of shopping bags. Due for launch in the summer, Urus isn’t Lamborghini’s first SUV. That honour belongs to the LM002, a beastly looking ‘truck’ from the 1980s that featured a 5.2-litre Countach engine. Weighing 2.7 tonnes, it guzzled fuel at an alarming rate and became known as the ‘Rambo Lambo’. The new Urus will be priced from £165,000 and being a lifestyle vehicle, you can choose some reassuringly expensive accessories to match. Apart from the obligatory designer luggage, step into a pair of Enzo Bonafè moccasins, or wrap up in a limited-edition jacket made by Hettabretz.

Rolls-Royce Cullinan

Rolls-Royce is being rather coy about the name of its first SUV. After years of speculation, its working title, Cullinan, is now its official moniker. The name of the largest diamond ever found seems suitably grand for an SUV that appears enormous in every spy shot. This long-awaited gem will likely to be powered by a V12 and offer four-wheel drive in a Rolls for the first time. Otherwise, details like price and exact launch date are scarce. But as this will likely be the most expensive SUV ever built and equipped with the most prestigious of badges, there will be no shortage of takers. The company has also branded its car with new acronym HSV, or high-sided vehicle. Isn’t that commonly known as a lorry?

Aston Martin DBX

The DBX will likely be a plaything for the future James Bond. It won’t arrive until late 2019, around the same time as the next 007 movie. Drawings and a concept show car suggest a svelte and more stylish assault on the crossover market. Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer says that unlike some other SUVs, the DBX has not sacrificed any beauty to achieve practicality and performance. If he’s right, it could be the car that puts the company into the black for the first time in its history. It will share aluminium architecture with the DB11 and offer both V8 and V12 engines – the latter expected to top 600bhp. There is also talk of a hybrid that could shatter the 0-62mph time of 4.0 seconds for the current fastest SUV, the Bentley Bentayga W12.

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T R AV E L Image credit: Clara Cao

The IguazĂş Falls is the largest waterfall system in the world and is nearly three times wider than Niagara Falls. It sits on the border of Argentina and Brazil and the surrounding Atlantic Forest is home to over 400 species of bird, as well as tapirs, capuchin monkeys and pumas. New lodge Awasi IguazĂş offers kayak excursions for those keen to get closer to nature. See more on p.80

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Living the high life in San francisco

living the high life at goodnestone park in kent

experiencing a private surf spot in indonesia

by the bay

antiques and austen

catch a wave


Nha Trang Fishing Village 2, Luu Thanh Qua

Pack Your Bags

Mapping out this year’s most desirable destinations

The water flower, Mai Loc

Words: melissa emerson

in the picture

The work of local artists can be viewed throughout Vietnamese beach resort The Anam, and the hotel has now launched an art trail. Guests can choose from a list of painters, sculptors and photographers and visit their villages and workshops in the picturesque Khanh Hoa province, to learn more about their craft, before dining at a local seafood restaurant. From $200 per night, art tours from $77 per person in a group of six, theanam.com

grand designs

The St. Regis Bali celebrates its tenth anniversary this year and its 41 villas have been upgraded for the occasion, with revamped interiors and new entertainment systems. Opt for a Lagoon villa for a private pool surrounded by tropical gardens or a Strand villa to be right on the beach. From £575 per night, stregisbali.com

images: Nano Esteva Photography

modern mallorca

The family-owned Hotel Es Princep is now open adjacent to the Baluard del Princep, Palma’s city wall. Sip cava on the panoramic rooftop terrace – complete with a pool – for the best views of this historic quarter and the ocean beyond, or sample cocktail wizardry in its bar, Gremium. From €240 per night, esprincep.com


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Jungle book above and below: images Benoit Linero right: image courtesy of Sydell Group

image credit: Federico Garcia

On the money The renaissance of LA’s downtown district continues with the arrival of NoMad Los Angeles, a 241-room hotel housed in the grand 12-storey Giannini Place building. Its Italianate grandeur stems from its time as the headquarters of Bank of Italy (which

later became Bank of America). Original marble floors and the 1920s blue and gold lobby ceiling have been restored, and these colours resonate throughout the hotel. Rooms are luxuriously appointed: expect kingsize beds, custom-dyed Persian rugs, marble

writing desks, original artwork curated by a Paris-based design studio and, in some rooms, freestanding bathtubs. Don’t miss the views of the skyline from the poolside café and cocktail bar on the roof. From $315 plus tax per night, thenomadhotel.com

image credit: Federico Garcia

image credit: Federico Garcia

turn back time

Cugó Gran Macina Grand Harbour hotel in Senglea, Malta, has just opened in a prominent 16th century building. It once hosted a crane structure that hoisted heavy cargo in the marina, and its original vaulted ceilings allow for mezzanine floors in some of the guest rooms, all of which are suites. Valletta is just five miles away, and as this year’s European Capital of Culture, is worth a day trip. From €215 per night, designhotels.com

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awasi Iguazú

This riverside property in Argentina is just 20 minutes from the Iguazú Falls in the Atlantic Forest. Its 14 villas are built on stilts and a private guide and four-wheel drive are allocated to each one. All villas have outdoor showers and private plunge pools to aid relaxation after a day’s exploring. From $950 per person per night on an all-inclusive basis, awasiguazu.com

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THE CITY BY THE BAY San Francisco’s stunning location, peppy history, quirky architecture and varied cuisine make it a destination like no other – and it also offers one of the world’s most sumptuous hotels Words: Joann Khatib

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can’t help but see San Francisco as a city that doesn’t have to try. Like that nonchalant person at school that everyone wanted to be friends with, it’s effortlessly cool. While it is buzzing with people – it’s the 13th most populous city in the United States – it has a laid-back atmosphere like no other. With some of the most significant movements in recent history being rooted in this vibrant destination, including the advent of the hippies, campaigning for gay rights, and the 1967 Summer of Love, it’s no wonder it has managed to achieve its supremely trendy vibe. San Francisco is famous for its exceptionally steep hills and, driving in, I was relieved that the US favours automatic gears over manual. The hills, which have gradients of up to 31.5 per cent, are easy enough to drive over with some nerve, but be prepared to put some effort in if you plan to walk around, as most people do. The city is filled with varied and eccentric architecture, colourful homes and incredible street art. And, as you start to explore, you will notice just how beautifully diverse its population is. You certainly won’t be short of things to do in San Francisco – from crossing the famed Golden Gate Bridge and taking a selfie on Lombard Street, with its eight hairpin turns, to visiting Fisherman’s Wharf to take in the ocean views and cute boutique stores, and chat to the sassy sea lions that have made Pier 39 their home. Chinatown is also well worth a visit, Alcatraz is an essential part of the San Francisco experience and making a trip to the Twin Peaks at sunset or sunrise is a moment you’ll never forget. For those with a little more time, consider booking a day trip to Napa to taste some of the finest wines in the world or, for more adventure, head out to the spectacular Yosemite National Park. San Francisco can easily win anyone over with its dazzling charm and welcoming ambiance.

THE HOTEL

The Fairmont San Francisco is everything you’d expect; sophisticated, breath-taking in its opulence and impressively lavish. Its high ceilings, exquisite chandeliers, marble floors and gorgeous lobby furnishings will awe you from the minute you walk through the doors. While the lobby


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radiates heritage and glamour, the 606 rooms and suites are surprisingly modern, decked out with flatscreen TVs, striking marble bathrooms and elegant, tasteful furnishings. Book yourself a room overlooking the Bay in the 23-storey hotel and you won’t regret it. The panoramic view of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island is possibly the only thing that will tempt you out of your huge, heavenly bed. The hotel is perched on the top of Nob Hill, which gives it the advantage of stunning, uninterrupted views over the city and the ocean. Being on top of the hill is fantastic when you’re walking down but the way up is a little more taxing; however the city’s much-loved cable cars – a must-try for visitors – stop conveniently close by. The hotel is located just a short walk away from the shops in Union Square and Chinatown and it’s only a short ride to Fisherman’s Wharf and the Financial District. The Fairmont opened in 1907, and has famously hosted every US president since William Howard Taft took office in 1909. This is perhaps no surprise – a glowing attitude from the staff, from the first cheerful ‘good morning’, suggests nothing is too much trouble. You’re also spoiled by three eateries to choose from. The relaxed Caffè Cento offers coffee, tea and snacks, while the fine dining option, Laurel Court, specialises in firstclass local produce to match its first-class service. The restaurant produces its very own charcuterie and its breakfast buffet is remarkably extensive. The Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar, frequently voted the best happy hour in the city, is the place for a lively evening of music, rum-infused cocktails and divine dishes.

THE FOOD

San Francisco is renowned for having one of America’s most exciting food scenes, with thousands of restaurants to choose from. Mix exceptional local ingredients with a whole bunch of innovative thinkers and you’re guaranteed to find food to fall in love with. Unsurprisingly, the city’s seafood is particularly good – the locals insist their Staying at the Fairmont clam chowder is unbeatable – and the Asian San Francisco: food scene is authentic, appealing and The Signature Bay View King downright delicious. room rate starts from $509 If you’re looking for fine dining you won’t (approx. £364) per night be disappointed, with a number of Michelinstar restaurants to be found across the city, ranging from American and Mexican food to French and Portuguese. Asian fusion eatery Benu is particularly popular. Alternatively, if you’re up for a little exploration, there are endless options to choose from; head to one of the many celebrated food trucks, visit the Bay Area for places overlooking the water or just try walking around downtown and seeing what takes your fancy. You can find every cuisine imaginable, including the likes of Burmese and Sardinian. One place that is high up on my must-try list is actually very close to home. The Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar at the Fairmont Hotel is second to none. This tiki bar not only outperforms when it comes to its mai tais and exquisite Polynesian-themed food, but its tropical interior is unlike anywhere I’ve ever been before. A live band floats out to perform on the pool in the centre of the restaurant, while hourly thunder, lighting and ‘rain showers’ give that authentic rainforest feel. Go all out and order a Tonga Pupu’ Platter to share for starters. Gorgeous flavours including tuna poke, coconut shrimp and sesame chicken will delight your taste buds and keep you reaching out for another appetising mouthful.

staying there

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A Palladian

Pa r a d i s e

Steeped in history and stunningly restored, Goodnestone House in Kent is perfect for large parties and lovers of literature alike Words: Dawn Alford


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Images courtesy of Katya de Grunwald

J

ane Austen painted a heavenly picture with words when she wrote: “To sit in the shade on a fine day, and look upon verdure, is the most perfect refreshment.” She could easily have been referring to one of her favourite estates, Goodnestone in rural Kent, where the lush green gardens are the stuff of dreams. With ravishing orchards and rolling parkland, this was a place where she loved to walk. And my first thought on arrival was that the house and grounds would make a wonderful set for an Austen adaptation. We spent an unforgettable weekend in the grand old Queen Anne house, which has been lovingly renovated at a cost of more than £2.5 million.

I explored the Palladian mansion with husband Peter and daughters Hannah and Megan (not forgetting Chester the dog), taking in the majestic, opulent detail. Later we were joined by friends who were taken on the tour and were similarly awestruck. We had the whole house to ourselves, and wanted to be everywhere at once, scared of missing even one fabulous aspect. Goodnestone, the family seat of Julian Plumptre, the 22nd Lord FitzWalter, was built in 1704 and sits in 15 delectable acres in the village of the same name, near Canterbury. As is the case with many stately homes, it had fallen into disrepair and it was up to interior designers Francesca Rowan-Plowden and Marcus Crane to bring the 12-bedroom stately home into the 21st century. “It was a wonderful privilege to work with such a magnificent house, bringing the life and soul back into it,” says Rowan-Plowden. Crane adds: “It’s wonderful that many future generations will be able to enjoy this luxurious home.” I think we can safely say they’ve done a superb job. The mansion has the luxurious feel of a world-class hotel, yet the rich history and centuries-old features are resplendent. Luxurious fabrics from Colefax and Fowler and Lewis & Wood are combined with wallpapers from Zoffany and de Gournay. And their search for antiques was meticulous. Responsible for every last detail from the pictures to the crockery, they were careful to weave the FitzWalter family personalities into the mansion. A quick Google tour will show up many fine holiday rentals and high-end homes to rent, but Goodnestone is in a class of its own. It’s also the perfect location for a birthday to remember and provides a genuinely romantic wedding venue. There is a divine separate function room in the grounds – although such a description doesn’t do it justice. The management team also has an extensive list of caterers, sports coaches, historians and beauty therapists who can visit the house, which could offer a fantastic distraction should you need to be pulled away from simply relaxing. There are now 11 bathrooms and 12 bedrooms, all named after family members. Combined subtly with the exquisite decor are all the modern facilities we love, such as Sonos music systems, WiFi and cosy central heating. I liked the extras that we mere mortals don’t always have in our homes. The boot room was also perfect for Chester to sleep in and the glasses room is a large, sparkling white room reserved for cabinets full of crystal glassware, alongside two dishwashers especially for glass and a thoughtfully stacked wine rack. We adored the grand old library with its many shelves of leather-bound books. In striking contrast to the rest of the house, the kitchens are slick and modern and an absolute joy in which to cook. On our first evening we prepared

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Get there Prices vary for whole house occupancy depending on the number of guests. As an indication, a two-night weekend stay for 18 guests starts from £4,680. Goodnestone House, Goodnestone, Kent CT3 1PL, +44(0)1304 695097, reservations@goodnestone.com

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a simple pasta dish but ate in style in the formal dining room. The polished mahogany table could seat 24 and, rather than huddle together, which would perhaps have been the sensible thing to do, we spread out, with my husband and I taking our seats at opposite ends. The children came in handy when we needed to pass the condiments – and later played under the table just as children would have done in this room for centuries. But the most remarkable features are the surrounding grounds. There is a cricket pitch with a quaint old pavilion, croquet lawns, and woodland you want to get lost in. When you first arrive, it’s difficult to comprehend how you will enjoy all the space in just a weekend. Yet within a few hours, we’d viewed the paintings, toured the grounds and even played on the baby grand piano in the hallway, and Goodnestone quickly felt like home. Once we were back in our own house, which now feels as though it’s the size of a postage stamp, Megan developed delusions of the grandeur we’d all dearly love to experience in real life, and now routinely drops into conversation with her friends tales of “when we were at the mansion” as though she were born into high society. The house is run by the very charming Johnny Williams, who lives in a nearby cottage and is always available to answer questions or meet requests – and tells wonderful anecdotes, including tales of the time he spent as Sting’s chef. The team at Goodnestone Park has a long list of trusted suppliers to create an unforgettable bespoke stay. It can cater for civil ceremonies and accommodate up to 24 guests. And the 12th-century Holy Cross Church is a stone’s throw from the house – perfect for weddings for Jane Austen fans. Austen regularly visited her brother Edward, who lived on the estate for some years. The memorable double wedding in Pride and Prejudice was inspired by Edward’s own double wedding at Holy Cross – his bride’s sister and her husband shared the ceremony. For our family, Goodnestone was a truly magical experience, with history seeping from every brick. And its charm rubbed off on all of us – for a while, my husband even began to look like Mr Darcy.

lu x u ry lon don.co.u k


Blinds

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Surf’s up at Nihi Sumba Island

Guests at this Indonesian ecolodge can enjoy riding, swimming, trekking, a seaside spa and exclusive access to one of the world’s top surf breaks – all with a clear conscience Words: Abigail Butcher

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I

t’s 7am and I’m sitting on a surfboard in the Indian Ocean, bobbing up and down as the waves roll in, set after set, waiting for a good one. Finally, the right wave starts to take shape. “Paddle,” shouts Grant, the surf instructor, swimming behind me as I glance over my shoulder and paddle as hard as I can. “One, two, three, up!” he shouts again, over the roar as the wave starts to break – and I’m up. Crouching low, I wait until I’ve found my balance and then bend down to grab the right edge (rail) of my board and steer it left, along the wave, for what feels like minutes. It can only have been a matter of seconds before the wave broke over the reef below and the water ran out of energy towards the beach. For the first time in my life, I slowly sat back down on the board rather than falling flat on my face or back – absolute result. I’ve been surfing badly a couple of times a year for about 10 years, achieving nothing more than standing up, wobbling and riding a wave in if I’m lucky for a few seconds before hitting the deck. Finally, I’ve cracked it. But the joy is that this isn’t just any wave, it’s Nihiwatu – also known as Occy’s Left or God’s Left – a world-class, much-hallowed break off the south-western edge of the remote Indonesian island of Sumba. There are just three of us on it, including instructor Grant Beck (who competed in the World Surf League’s 2016 Jeep Longboard Championship), and that’s one of the reasons why this barrelling left-hander is special. The number of surfers is capped at 10 a day and only guests at Nihi Sumba Island, the luxury eco-hotel that owns the surrounding land and, therefore, shore access to the wave, are allowed on Nihiwatu. It’s a controversial issue for surfers, whose very ethos is freedom, but it has been this way since 2001. As a beginner-intermediate, taking baby steps on a grown-up wave, I’m revelling in the fact that I don’t have to fight for my place or feel intimidation from world-class surfers who would otherwise be riding this beautiful wave. Sumba is part of the Lesser Sunda Islands in eastern Indonesia and stepping off the plane here is to step back in time. This island has a rich tribal history and its people live a way of life seemingly untouched for generations. Headhunting has long been forbidden, but animal sacrifices are still a strong part of the culture and something we witnessed first-hand during the 90-minute drive from Tambolaka Airport to the hotel. If you think Sumba is not for the squeamish, however, think again. Nihi Sumba Island is a secluded eco-lodge set in 560 acres of tropical forests and rice terraces, offering as gentle and luxurious a stay as you can imagine. Each of the 27 thatched private villas


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is tastefully decorated using local materials. Many feature outdoor bathrooms and all have incredible sea views and a minibar that includes scrumptious treats such as chocolate from the on-site factory and of creating a sustainable lodge that would plough sweetened coconut shavings. profits back into the local community. Some 30 years To lie in bed at night and listen to the waves later, although Graves has now sold the hotel to crashing along the 1.5 miles of private beach, just yards entrepreneur Chris Burch and hotelier James McBride, from the villa, is heaven on earth. Better still, gallop that ethos is still going strong: more than 90 per cent one of the resort’s horses in the surf at sunset and of the staff are Sumbanese and the hotel funds The you’ll feel you’re in a dream. Horses are an intrinsic Sumba Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation set part of Sumbanese culture and, while I’ve ridden up to support the indigenous people of Sumba. horses all my life, I’ve never had an experience Since its inception in 2001, The Sumba like it – foaming surf dripping off my legs Foundation has reduced malaria in and the smooth chest of Hunter, the Audley Travel the West Sumba area by 85 per cent, Australian thoroughbred I galloped offers tailor-made trips supplied more than 60 water wells the length of the beach, the power to Indonesia. An eight-night and 240 water stations, supplied of the water matched by the power Hidden Beaches trip costs from 16 primary schools with water, of this beautiful animal. Like my £5,442 per person (based on two toilets, tables, chairs, library morning surf, the sunset gallop sharing) and includes one night books and supplies, along will remain etched in my memory at The Legian Bali on a bed-andwith three hot meals a week, for a lifetime. breakfast basis and seven nights at and established four health Nihi Sumba Island, formerly Nihi Sumba Island on a full-board clinics that provide healthcare known as Nihiwatu, was founded basis. All flights and transfers to more than 25,000 people. by surfer Claude Graves. He and his are included. It’s an impressive record by any wife Petra were seeking the perfect audleytravel.com standards and to know that money location for an exclusive luxury surf spent staying at Nihi Sumba Island lodge and stumbled across the spot in goes directly into improving the well-being 1988. It had the quality of sand and the perfect of the community is priceless – and makes the bitter wave and seclusion that the couple sought, along with argument of that private wave all the more acceptable, the proximity to Bali – it’s a 90-minute flight from in my view. Ngurah Rai International Airport. Back to the hotel and, as well as surfing and The Graveses lived in a tent on the site for three horse riding, there is sport fishing, yoga in the hilltop years while liaising with the local community to pavilion with 360-degree views, and visits to local buy the land and seek acceptance for their vision Sumbanese villages or to see the work of The Sumba Foundation. Another not-to-be-missed highlight is the NihiOka Spa Safari, a 90-minute trek through rolling countryside and rice fields followed by breakfast with fresh coconuts and a half or full-day spa experience in a private cliffside room. After a scrub, signature massage and reflexology, I chose to plunge into the surf on the beach. On emerging from the water I was met by a smiling member of staff proffering a towel and water from a fresh coconut. Evenings at Nihi Sumba Island are spent sipping cocktails at the Boathouse seafront bar and enjoying fresh, local food in the open-air clifftop Ombak restaurant. When the time of year is right, guests can help to release turtle hatchlings into the sea. Nihi Sumba Island is one of those places that you dream about and, once you’ve visited, you will dream of returning to. The knowledge that staying in this lodge is of benefit to the local community as well as your own well-being is something to be cherished.

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CANARY WHARF

ARTs + events MADE LONDON

window galleries the art and design window galleries Showcase up-and-coming artists, designers and craftspeople and are located in canada place

4 – 27 April

Agalis Manessi

Kath hope

Aline johnson

Wednesday April 25 - Sunday April 29

Agalis works with the tradition of Maiolica, a ceramic process developed over five hundred years ago, and celebrates this rich historical medium through many diverse influences ranging from the sophistication of Italian Istoriato dishes through to the simplicity of humble folk wares. Her subject matter is derived from portraits, figures and animal studies drawn from literature, life or inspired by characters from paintings. Agalis’s work can also be seen at MADE LONDON in the East Wintergarden agalismanessi.com

Wednesday – Friday: 11am – 7pm. Saturday and Sunday: 12 noon - 6pm East Wintergarden 43 Bank Street Free The unrivalled MADE LONDON contemporary design and craft fair is returning to Canary Wharf. Discover some of the best designers and makers in the country showcasing and selling their unique handmade products in the stunning surroundings of the East Wintergarden. The show will feature high quality homeware, fashion, jewellery, lighting and furniture from a range of materials including ceramic, textile, wood, leather, silver and more. The show offers a friendly and relaxed atmosphere for browsing with the opportunity to source that exclusive item for your home, a stunning gift for someone special or that one piece you have been waiting for. The makers and designers will be on hand to chat about their work, the design processes, commissions and future collections. madelondon-canarywharf.com

David Tragen David Tragen specialises in contemporary furniture and lighting. His product range takes its inspiration from beauty found in the natural world. The use of contrasting materials, gentle curves and the visual interplay between mass and void can be seen in many of his pieces. His latest projects include the Strata Range; sculptural furniture which focuses on using a series of layers to create a sense of movement. David’s work can also be seen at MADE LONDON in the East Wintergarden, 25-29 April. davidtragen.co.uk


Paint Jam Sessions Thursday April 26 1-2pm Pollock Splatter Painting £12 Thursday May 24 6-8pm Paint Your Portrait £15 Crossrail Place Roofgarden Paint Jam London returns to Canary Wharf with their pop-up art studio and a range of art workshops. Whether you’re a novice or an enthusiast, take a break from your daily routine and explore your creativity. Each session will have a different theme where you will learn some new techniques, find out about the artists who inspired them and then paint your own original artwork on canvas to take home with you. With hour-long lunchtime sessions or longer evening sessions to choose from, there is sure to be a workshop which will inspire you to drop in and pick up a brush. Booking fee applies seetickets.com//tour/paint-jam-at-canary-wharf paintjamlondon.co.uk

Lunch Market Wednesday 4 April 11am – 3pm Cabot Square Wednesday 2 May 11am – 3pm Montgomery Square Free This tantalising monthly event runs from April until September. Hundreds of tasty dishes and treats are assembled from top quality ingredients and will be on offer to make your lunch break extra special with a choice

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of over 25 stalls. Expect to find exotic fare from the Caribbean, China, Italy, India, Peru, Portugal, Sweden, Scotland and Vietnam, such as spicy patties, empanadas, noodle salads, and zingy ceviche. Enjoy Kansas-style food from Prairie Fire BBQ, colourful vegan salads from Rainforest Creation, Summer Rolls from Rao Deli, Takoyaki from Juzu, vegetarian Indian dishes from Joginder Supper club, Korean food from Goko and Chinese dumplings from Ugly Dumplings as well as an array of sweet, mouthwatering sponges and meringues.

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Virgin Money London Marathon Sunday 22 April, from 9am Free The 2018 Virgin Money London Marathon will celebrate the unique spirit of the world’s greatest marathon, showcasing the extraordinary stories of its runners, champions, volunteers, supporters and spectators through the new Spirit of London campaign. Check out all the entertainment and London Marathon special offers at mile 19 of the course. Great for families, take advantage of Canary Wharf ’s five malls and do a spot of shopping, dine out at one of the fine restaurants, or simply enjoy a drink, all the while soaking up the entire Marathon atmosphere at Canary Wharf. Watch all the action and cheer on the thousands of runners as they dig deep for the strength and energy to get them round the 26.2 mile course.

RSC Live: Macbeth Tuesday 1 May, 7pm (doors 6.30pm) East Wintergarden 43 Bank Street £10 per screening Captured live from the RSC in Stratfordupon-Avon is this Shakespeare masterpiece. Returning home from battle, the victorious Macbeth meets three witches on the heath. Driven by their disturbing prophecies, he sets out on the path to murder. This contemporary production of Shakespeare’s darkest psychological thriller marks both Christopher Eccleston’s RSC debut and the return of Niamh Cusack to the Company. A full bar is available and unreserved cabaret style seating. Tickets will be available on the door, subject to availability. Booking fee applies

seetickets.com/tour/rsc-live-macbeth; 0871 220 0260

onscreen.rsc.org.uk


AOP50: Images that Defined the Age Celebrating 50 years of the Association of Photographers Monday 16 April – Friday 1 June Lobby, One Canada Square Free, open daily

jillian edelstein, nelson mandela

spencer Rowell, l’enfant

AOP50 is a major retrospective exhibition comprising iconic images by some of the world’s most well-known and respected photographers. Established in 1968 by a group of leading advertising and fashion photographers, the AOP has grown to become one of the UK’s leading and most respected membership organisations for professional photographers working in the commercial sector. To recognise this important milestone, this exhibition, curated by Zelda Cheatle, presents a collection of images that illustrate the impact, diversity and quality of work by its members, including Tessa Traeger, Clare Park and Nadav Kander. Their work will have been seen by the public the world over - from iconic images of celebrities like Twiggy, to major advertising campaigns, as well as documenting some of the world’s turning points, including wars, famine and humanitarian disasters. Many of their images have defined a generation and helped to shape public opinion and create change. the-aop.org

For all the latest news from Canary Wharf follow us:

@yourcanarywharf

@canarywharflondon

To sign up for our FREE monthly What’s On enewsletter or to receive our seasonal What’s On brochure through the post, please email arts+events@canarywharf.com

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canary wharf news

Canary Wharf Sports Personality of the Year Announced Canary Wharf Group is delighted to announce the winner of the Canary Wharf Sports Personality of the Year Award, Caroline Dubois, whose impressive achievements in boxing wowed the judges. Caroline was crowned winner for her achievements in 2017 at a ceremony held at Canary Wharf ’s East Wintergarden on Thursday 15 March 2018, amid strong competition from a remarkable array of nominees. Caroline is a 17-year-old boxer from Repton Amateur Boxing Club in Tower Hamlets. Introduced to boxing at nine years old, Caroline started competing when she was just

11 and her career now consists of a 22 bout run, remaining unbeaten in domestic and international competition. The awards celebrate the best local sporting talent, deserving local athletes, sports clubs and administrators for their achievements over the past 12 months. Three local sporting groups, Lee Valley London Skating Club, Oaklands Weightlifters and London Disability Swimming Club, were also recognised for their achievements last year. Visit canarywharf.com or contact the Community Affairs team on 020 7537 5123 for further details

Early Bloom 2018 – Open for Applications As part of Bloom 2018, the award-winning Crossrail Place Roof Garden will play host to ‘Early Bloom’, a community arts festival between 31 May - 3 June. Programmed by The Space Theatre for the fourth year, ‘Early Bloom’ is a great opportunity for local performers to showcase their work and connect with other artists. Open to performers of all ages and experience levels, applications are welcome from theatre, dance, music and spoken word artists. Performances should be suited to an outdoor performance space and be appropriate for all ages.

‘Early Bloom’ dates:

31 May and 1 June: 7-9pm 2 and 3 June: 12-6pm

‘Late Bloom’ will take place in August. For more information and application forms please visit space.org.uk or email info@space.org.uk



London homes a

& property showcasing the finest homes in your area

c o v e r i n g c a n a r y w h a r f, t h e r o y a l d o c k s , s t r a t f o r d , b o w & w a p p i n g

zero deposit a ne w scheme aiming to improve the rental process for l andlords and tenants

A property at Royal Albert Wharf by Notting Hill Sales. See page 122 for more information


MOVE. FASTER WITH KNIGHT FRANK. If you are considering selling or letting a property this year, now is the time to speak to an expert. We pride ourselves on exceptional service and unrivalled market knowledge, with a global network of 418 offices accross 60 countries that can showcase your property to the widest possible audience. Call us today on 020 3641 6112 to arrange your free market appraisal. Guide price: £1,100,000

Basin Approach, Limehouse E14

A wonderfully refurbished three bedroom duplex penthouse offering views into Limehouse Marina. 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, reception room, kitchen, roof terrace, concierge and private parking. EPC: D. Approximately 121.19 sq m (1,304 sq ft). cwharf@knightfrank.com Office: 020 3641 6112

@KF_Eastlondon KnightFrank.co.uk

Guide price: £1,150,000

Dunbar Wharf, Limehouse E14 A beautifully refurbished two bedroom apartment with stunning views across the River Thames. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, reception room, kitchen, balcony, concierge and private parking. EPC: C. Approximately 104.23 sq m (1,122 sq ft). cwharf@knightfrank.com Office: 020 3641 6112

Canary Wharf Mag Sales april crop

16/03/2018 13:03:30

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VIDISTES ENIS QUAM VIDIST TES ENIS HJI Our local expertise and global network mean that we can find a reliable tenant for your property; and with an average tenancy of nearly two years, Knight Frank not only helps you find them – but keep them as well. If you are considering letting a property this year, please contact us on 020 8166 5366 or visit KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings All potential tenants should be advised that, as well as rent, an Guide price: £595 per week

St Thomas Wharf, Wapping E1W

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A beautifully presented two double bedroom, 2nd floor apartment in this attractive development on Wapping High Street. Recently refurbished reception room with double doors leading to a private balcony, comprising of a stunning kitchen and bathroom. EPC: B. Approximately 72 sq m (771 sq ft). Available furnished. wappinglettings@knightfrank.com Office: 0 2 0 8 1 6 6 5 3 6 6

administration fee of £288 and referencing fees of £48 per person will apply when renting a property. There will also be a £48 charge to register your deposit with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme if applicable. (All fees shown are inclusive of VAT.) Please ask us for more information about other fees that will apply or visit www.knightfrank.co.uk/tenantfees.

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

Guide price: £575 per week

St. Bartholomew House, City EC1A A one bedroom apartment to rent in a heritage building. Luxury bathroom and open plan dining/kitchen area complete with beautiful wooden flooring and built in wardrobes. EPC: C. Approximately 55 sq m (589 sq ft) wappinglettings@knightfrank.com. Office: 0 2 0 8 1 6 6 5 3 6 6

canary wharf template - April 2018

22/03/2018 15:32:07


Port East Apartments, Nr Canary Wharf E14 A well presented one bedroom apartment This one bedroom apartment is located on the fifth floor within the Port East development. Bedroom, bathroom, reception room, kitchen and private parking. EPC: E. Approximately 70.91 sq m (763 sq ft). Available furnished

KnightFrank.co.uk/canarywharf canarywharflettings@knightfrank.com 020 3641 9294

Guide price: £420 per week KnightFrank.co.uk/CWQ290355 All potential tenants should be advised that, as well as rent, an administration fee of £288 and referencing fees of £48 per person will apply when renting a property. There will also be a £48 charge to register your deposit with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme if applicable. (All fees shown are inclusive of VAT.) Please ask us for more information about other fees that will apply or visit www.knightfrank.co.uk/tenantfees.

april Lettings 2018

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

20/03/2018 11:58:37



five minutes with... How do you feel the market will perform this year? We have already seen an uplift in activity so far and we expect this to continue through to spring. However, this year will be all about buyer confidence, and with mortgage rates at an all-time low and government assistance packages out there, now really is a great time to get onto the property ladder, especially with possible further interest rate rises. Nonetheless, make sure you do your homework, ensuring that you do a checklist (cost of buying exercise) and take plenty of advice.

Chris Lee Senior Partner, Felicity J Lord How did you get into property? I was previously in the recruitment business but realised I needed to be out of the office more frequently, rather than being chained to a desk. So – nearly 20 years ago now – I joined the big wide world of estate agency.

How did your office refurbishment go? It was actually rather stress-free as we relocated to a larger unit a few doors down from where we were. This allowed the builders to work around the clock with no disruptions and they were able to complete the work on schedule. The

new office has ample space with seating areas for clients to relax. The location also attracts a lot of footfall, being so wellplaced at the entrance to Shad Thames, just under Tower Bridge. It has a fabulous view of (what we feel) is the best-looking landmark in London. What are the main areas of the city that your office covers? We cover most of the Southbank, taking in London Bridge, Borough, Bankside, Shad Thames and Tower Bridge.

What is it that you enjoy most about your work? We get to meet so many interesting people and this is an aspect of the job that I enjoy, but you can’t really beat delivering a sale for a client – it’s a huge decision for most people.

What makes your office stand out in the Shad Thames area? We are committed to offering a service that is second to none. We open our phone

Do the seasons dictate business? Previously, you could always sense what the market was going to do and when, as the trends were almost identical from year to year. However, in recent times, it’s been more difficult to call.

this page, clockwise from top: hop studios; tower bridge; hop studios; alaska buildings


PROPERTY

image credit: Everett - Art / Shutterstock.com

Nowadays, we are seeing such luxuries as on-site golf simulators, relaxation spas and cinemas and soft shell crab is incredible, and the tasting menu is out of this world. It’s a great place to go for cocktails too. Where’s on your travel bucket list? I’ve ticked a few places off over the years, and my trip with my wife to the Maldives to celebrate our anniversary is one that’s difficult to beat. However, Machu Picchu in Peru to do some trekking and Iceland to see the Northern Lights are next on the list.

lines from 8am until 10pm, seven days a week, to ensure our clients can easily reach out to us. Sellers also appreciate an agency with plenty of knowledge and amongst the team we have over 60 years’ worth of experience within the London market. How does technology help you? Last year, we invested heavily in a new social media tool called FLINK. With this highly sophisticated technology based on scientific algorithms, we are able to identify what you can call ‘passive’ buyers and tenants – customers that haven’t yet decided to register with an agent. In its infancy, it’s already proved to be a game changer. Are new build homes or period properties more popular at the moment? Period properties have, in recent years, led the way, including the stunning warehouses we sell in and around Shad Thames. However, some of the new iconic buildings currently under construction are attracting some discerning buyers who

lu x u ry lon don.co.u k

want the ultimate in modern architecture, or just want to be the first person to own the property. What features do people look for when buying a home? It depends on trends at the time, but lighting and luxury kitchens and bathrooms are always at the top of wish lists. Nowadays, we are seeing such luxuries as on-site golf simulators, relaxation spas and cinemas. What’s the best meal you’ve had out in London? I’ve been lucky enough to have enjoyed plenty of incredible meals in London, however, being a real lover of Japanese food, it has to be Roka. The black cod

Who would be your three dinner guests from history and why? If I can include any of my grandparents in this, then they’d be top of my list. However, I’d be really keen to sit down with Bobby Moore and hear just how great it felt to win the 1966 World Cup. Secondly, and an unusual one, Imhotep. He was an Egyptian architect (I always wanted to be one) who apparently designed the first pyramid. I’d love to find out exactly how it was constructed. And lastly, Van Gogh, to see if he really was a creative genius, and not just a mad man. Shad Thames Felicity J Lord, 34 Horselydown Lane, SE1, 020 7089 6490, fjlord.co.uk

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Dunbar Wharf, Narrow St, Limehouse E14

Price: £960,000

ea2 are pleased to offer for sale thisWapping generously proportioned Wellington Terrace, E1W modern built 2 double bedroom, 2 bathroom second floor riverside apartment located within this ever popular£695,000 in Narrow Street.The apartment benefits from a spacious reception with RiverViews and double doors leading to a larger then average balcony. Spacious entrance hall 2development double bedroom, 2 storey house set within this gated CCTV development. The property has been fully modernised to include with 2 double bedrooms with one en-suite shower room and further guest bathroom. Separate fully fitted and integrated kitchen.Wood floors. Security video entry-phone system. double glazing, replacement ceilings, wood floors, , alarm, central heating system operated via remote control, smart phone or Secure underground parking space. Ropemakers Field Park and Limehouse Marina within close proximity.The apartment is conveniently located close to multiple transport links to internet. Lounge. Fullyproviding fitted kitchen. Double bedrooms with Hill fitted wardrobes. Underground parking space. include Limehouse station DLR access to Canary Wharf and Tower along with the C2CGarden. service toSecure Fenchurch Street. Potential to extend into the loft subject to planning permission. Close to Wapping station and local amenities.

Wapping High Street, Wapping E1W

Price: £1,150,000

Rare opportunity to buy a freehold detached House in Wapping - ea2 are pleased to offer for sale this 2 bedroom 4 storey detached house, approx. 1400 sq ft offering a wealth of living accommodation.Whilst the property is spacious and fantastic as it is the property has been granted planning consent for a ground floor extension and 4 new dormers increasing Tudor House,Tower Bridge, SE1 £1,595,000 accommodation to 4 bedrooms. Planning no. PA/15/01880. Proposed plans in photos.The property currently consists of spacious kitchen diner with access to patio garden. Ground 6th luxury 2 Double Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Open Plan Reception largediner. balcony. bedroom with en-suite floorfloor cloakroom. Spacious reception to the first floor with unique spiral staircase leading downRoom, to the kitchen To theMaster second floor is a 3 piece bathroom suite, bedroom no.2 and and in wardrobe. Modern Integrated Balcony, 24 Hour Porter by Harrods Estates, Residents lobbywalk area with spiral staircase to 4th floor. On the topKitchen, floor is the master bedroom suite with en-suite shower room. Garage. Close toGymnasium, Wapping stationSwimming and local bus routes.

Pool, Lifts to all floors. Close to Local Shopping Facilities, Walking Distance to London Bridge.

ea2 Estate ea2 Estate AgencyAgency Heritage | 35a Court Wapping | 8-10High Sampson StreetStreet | Wapping | Wapping | London | London E1W 1NR E1W 1NA t: 020 7702 3456 t: 020 7702 3456 | f: 020 7702 9168 www.ea2group.com | enquiries@ea2group.com www.ea2.co.uk | property@ea2group.com


Tower Walk, St Katharine’ Dock E1W

Spirit Quay, West Wapping E1W

Overground and close to Waitrose. Rental Price: £1,558 Per Week

Rental Price: £550 Per Week

St Thomas Wharf, West Wapping E1W

Matilda House, West Wapping E1W

ea2 are pleased to offer to let this recently re-furbished 2 double bedroom ea2 are pleased to offer for rent this substantial 3800 sq ft 4 bedroom, 4 modern built house within this very popular canal side development of West bathroom, 4 storey townhouse located within this prime location with views Wapping. Offering a fitted kitchen with breakfast area, first floor reception & over historicMews, St Katharine’s Dock. TheE1W property further benefits from 2 Roding Wapping £1,300 per week dining area,with ground floor cloakroom with 2nd receptions, kitchento diner, patioto and 2 terraces. Garage. Close to4the City of house for ea2 are pleased be able show you this 6 bedroom bathroom rental a garden. This property is afloor bathroom. Garden. Within easy accessClose to the to City. Near to supermarket. London and Tower Hill station. Available very unique property and has viewsnow. over the canal. Would suit 6 professional people. Tower HillWaitrose and Wapping

ea2 are pleased to offer for rent this stunning 2 double bedroom, 2 bathroom ea2 estate agency are pleased to offer for rent this immaculate top floor 2 bedroom, 2 riverside apartment located on the 2nd. floor of this beautiful warehouse conversion. bathroom apartment located close to St Katharine’s Dock and the City.The apartment Secure underground parking. Close to St Katharine Docks,Tower Hill and Wapping has been extensively modernized and benefits from a fully fitted kitchen diner with Cascades Tower, Docklands E14 £500 per the week stations and local amenities.The property boasts exposed brickwork and south breakfast bar, lounge and 2 en-suite Bathrooms.With a multitude of windows 2 double 2 bathroom 11th apartment within this secure modern development. Comprising reception facing river bedroom, views from the balcony, lounge andfloor bedroom. Fully Furnished. apartment is both light and airy and hasaviews of the River Thames and Hermitage room with water/ City views, fitted kitchen, master bedroom with walk-in wardrobe suiteHill bathroom, additionalDock and the City of London. Basin. Close&toen Tower station, St Katharine’s

shower Balcony. pool, Gymnasium & Tennis court. Concierge. Rentalroom. Price: £650Swimming Per Week Rental Price: £525 Per Week

ea2 Agency Estate Agency | 35a Wapping StreetStreet | Wapping | London E1W E1W 1NR 1NA ea2 Estate Heritage Court | 8-10High Sampson | Wapping | London 020 7702 3456 t: 020 7702t: 3456 | f: 020 7702 9168 www.ea2group.com | enquiries@ea2group.com www.ea2.co.uk | property@ea2group.com


Mayfair Showroom 66 Grosvenor Street, London, W1K 3JL 28 offices in central London and over 60 across the capital

High Holborn, WC1V ÂŁ3,250,000

A six bedroom Georgian house with high ceilings and period features throughout. The property has two reception rooms which have full-length sash windows, open fireplaces and wooden flooring. There is an eat-in kitchen and a private roof terrace. Dexters Covent Garden 020 7067 2424

Hertsmere Road, E14 ÂŁ1,499,950

This penthouse conversion is set on the top two floors of an 18th Century Grade I Listed warehouse. The property has a large kitchen/reception room, three double bedrooms and three bathrooms. Further benefits include two parking spaces and a 24 hour concierge, energy rating e. Dexters Canary Wharf 020 7517 1199

dexters.co.uk


Northumberland Avenue, WC2N £1,400 per week

Set on the third floor of a period conversion, this three bedroom apartment has a large reception room with double height ceilings and wood flooring throughout. The property has a modern kitchen, two bathrooms and plenty of storage, energy rating d. Dexters Covent Garden 020 7067 2400

Grange Road, SE1 £1,200 per week

A two bedroom, two bathroom loft style apartment within a warehouse conversion. The property has a large reception room with wood flooring, a mezzanine level and a private terrace. Further benefits include exposed brickwork, exposed beams and vaulted ceilings, energy rating f. Dexters London Bridge 020 7650 5101 Tenants fees apply: £180 per tenancy towards administration, £60 reference fee per tenant and £144 for a professional check in (All inc of VAT).


HOT PROPERTY

The Tudors, br6 This stunning home with a tiled first-floor exterior and gable roof, built in the 1930s, is set in 0.75 acres of attractively-landscaped gardens. It is for sale for the first time in over 40 years, in the highly desirable and wellmaintained Farnborough Park, a private gated estate offering 24-hour security for residents. The village of Locksbottom is within a few minutes’ walk and has an array of shops, restaurants, traditional public houses and two major supermarket chains. Shopping centres including Bluewater and The Glades in Bromley are also within easy reach. The existing property extends to almost 5,500 sq ft with accommodation arranged over two floors. The ground floor entrance hall leads onto the principal reception rooms, many of which retain charming original features and working fireplaces. The kitchen and dining area is approximately 23ft x 19ft (to the widest point) and is well-lit thanks to a conservatory overlooking the centre of the garden. A formal dining room and spacious games room are also accessible from the kitchen area.


PROPERTY

For spaces in which to relax, there’s a family room that leads onto a more formal main reception room with dual-aspect views over the landscaped grounds. The first floor, accessible via two staircases, boasts six bedrooms, including a master with en-suite shower room, and a separate family bathroom. The property also benefits from a self-contained swimming pool complex with changing and bathroom facilities. A utility room connects to the double garage, which is approached by a carriage driveway for added grandeur. Due to the size of the plot, there is the potential to extend, modernise and redesign the property (subject to local authority planning consent). The agent Langford Russell – part of The Acorn Group – retains details of early stage architectural designs that propose the removal of the existing dwelling house, and construction of a 9,000-10,000 sq ft state-of-the-art family residence. These plans are available on request to seriously interested parties although – as no approaches have yet been made to the appropriate management and planning departments – the agent is inviting offers subject only to contract for the existing dwelling house at this time. Offers should be presented in writing to Langford Russell, 423 Crofton Road, Locksbottom, Kent BR6 8NL and be supported by proof of funding, solicitor details and a timescale in which the buyer intends to complete. Offers invited in excess of £2.5m. For more information contact Chris Salt or Michelle Briley at Langford Russell on 01689 882 988, langfordrussell.co.uk

Farnborough Park has excellent transport links with Orpington Station (1.7 miles away), Bickley Station (2.9 miles) and Bromley South (3.2 miles) all providing a direct service into London Bridge, Cannon Street, London Victoria and Blackfriars. A fast service from Orpington to London Bridge takes 15 minutes and from Bromley South to London Victoria takes 17 minutes. By car, the M25 is easily accessible (4.4 miles), as is the A21 (1.6 miles), Biggin Hill Airport (4.1 miles) and Gatwick Airport (within 40 minutes).

lu x u ry lon don.co.u k

Affordability solved for tenants The Acorn Group has announced a partnership with Zero Deposit. Its aim is to improve the rental process for landlords and tenants, by offering an alternative to the traditional security deposit. The scheme enables tenants to pay the equivalent of one week’s rent – to purchase a Zero Deposit Guarantee for their landlord – in place of the traditional six-week tenancy deposit. It effectively gives landlords the same protection as a six week tenancy deposit and tenants still have to pass a rigorous referencing process, so the quality of applicants will not change. By offering this product, The Acorn Group’s landlords will potentially be able to open up their property to a wider audience. One of the key drivers in creating Zero Deposit was to help solve affordability challenges for tenants who, on top of rent and the other costs of moving, are expected to part with up to 6 weeks’ rent for their security deposit, for the duration of their tenancy. Even worse, when moving from one rental property to another, tenants may have to find their next deposit before they get their last one back. These affordability issues can lead to delays in tenants being ready to move into properties and thus extend void periods for landlords. Tenants remain fully liable for any rent and financial loss or damage due to the landlord throughout the tenancy and the product is delivered in partnership with The Dispute Service (TDS), which uses its experience to provide expert adjudication services and ensure a fair resolution of any disputes at the end of the tenancy. CEO of The Acorn Group, Robert Sargent (pictured above), says: “It’s an ongoing goal of our residential letting and management teams to provide all residents letting through our business with real financial options. Zero Deposit negates the need for them to lock away a significant amount of capital during their tenancy, whilst not eroding the comfort our landlords get from the payment of a security deposit. “We look forward to giving our customers the choice of how they approach funding a new tenancy and considering the best use of their finances over what is often a long-term decision to rent rather than buy. ”

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Beckenham 020 8663 4433 Bromley 020 8315 5544

Chislehurst 020 8295 4900 Locksbottom 01689 882 988

Orpington 01689 661 400 West Wickham 020 8432 7373

Mottingham SE9 Built circa 1876 is this exceptional Victorian detached family home with additional detached coach house.

£2,695,000 F/H Six bedrooms

Three bathrooms

Three receptions

EER E

Contact Chislehurst 020 8295 4900

Farnborough Park BR6

West Wickham BR4

A unique family home located in a quiet no-through road within the prestigious Farnborough Park Estate.

Impressive detached house offering 1,900 sqft of accommodation and a south west facing garden.

OIEO £2,000,000 F/H

£829,995 F/H

Five bedrooms

Five bathrooms

Five bedrooms

Two bathrooms

Three receptions

EER C

Two receptions

EER E

Contact Locksbottom 01689 882 988

The Acorn Group, incorporating:

Contact West Wickham 020 8432 7373

langfordrussell.co.uk


THE TUDORS FA R N BOROUGH PA R K - OR PI NGTON BR6

Offers invited in excess of £2,500,000

For sale for the first time in over 40 years, this six bedroom residence extends to almost 5,500 sq ft and offers great potential to redesign, extend or redevelop (STPP). Located on a private estate and set in the heart of a dual frontage 0.75 of an acre plot with attractively landscaped gardens.

For more information contact Chris Salt or Michelle Briley at Langford Russell T: 01689 882 988 • E: locksbottom@langfordrussell.co.uk • W: langfordrussell.co.uk


Wharf Street SE8 Stunning two bedroom, two bathroom contemporary apartment, within a luxurious riverside development.

Price £500,000 Leasehold Two bedrooms

Two bathrooms

One reception

EER B

West Greenwich Office 020 8858 9911

Quentin Road SE13 An elegant three storey Victorian house with a larger than usual courtyard garden.

Price £1,150,000 Freehold Four bedrooms

One bathroom

One reception

EER D

Blackheath Village Office 020 8318 1311

johnpayne.com

@johnpayne


Manor Park SE13

Calvert Road SE10

Edwardian family home located in one of the most sought after roads in Hither Green.

Extended and stunning period family home located in a great location close to all amenities.

Price £1,375,000 Freehold

Price £850,000 Freehold

Five bedrooms

Two bathrooms

Four bedrooms

Two bathrooms

Two receptions

EER E

Two receptions

EER E

Lee Office 020 8852 8633

East Greenwich Office 020 3846 1414

Coleraine Road SE3 Delightful semi-detached house located in the heart of Westcombe park with views across The City.

Price £1,295,000 Freehold Five bedrooms

Two bathrooms

Three receptions

EER E

Blackheath Standard 020 8858 6101

Blackheath Village Blackheath Standard Greenwich (West) Greenwich (East) Lee

020 8318 1311 020 8858 6101 020 8858 9911 020 3846 1414 020 8852 8633


Greenwich South Street SE10

Devonshire Drive SE10

Eastcombe SE7

Period four bedroom semi-detached house situated in West Greenwich.

Unique and beautifully presented three double bedroom property, close to transport links.

Bright and modern two bedroom, two bathroom semi-detached house.

£2,800 PCM

£2,300 PCM

£1,850 PCM

4 Bedrooms • 2 Bathrooms • 2 Receptions • EER D

3 Bedrooms • 2 Bathrooms • 1 Reception • EER E

2 Bedrooms • 2 Bathrooms • 1 Reception • EER D

West Greenwich Office 020 8858 9911

West Greenwich Office 020 8858 9911

Blackheath Standard Office 020 8858 6101

Kirkside SE3

Wallace Court SE3

Lee Road SE3

Unique and high specification one double bedroom hall floor flat to the market.

A two bedroom, two bathroom apartment located in the popular Kidbrooke Village.

Newly refurbished first floor studio apartment located in the heart of Blackheath Village.

£1,400 PCM

£1,700 PCM

£1,150 PCM

1 Bedroom • 1 Bathroom • 1 Reception • EER D

2 Bedrooms • 2 Bathroom • 1 Reception • EER B

0 Bedrooms • 1 Bathroom • 1 Reception • EER D

Blackheath Standard Office 020 8858 6101

Blackheath Village 020 8318 1311

Blackheath Village 020 8318 1311

Signal Townhouses SE10

Dupree Road SE7

West Park SE9

Unique and contemporary three bedroom home close to great transport links.

Beautiful family home situated on a popular road close to all amenities.

Impressive and substantial garden flat located close to Mottingham train station.

£1,750 PCM

£2,250 PCM

£1,500 PCM

3 Bedrooms • 2 Bathrooms • 1 Reception • EER B

5 Bedrooms • 2 Bathrooms • 2 Receptions • EER C

2 Bedrooms • 2 Bathrooms • 1 Reception • EER D

East Greenwich Office 020 3846 1414

East Greenwich Office 020 3846 1414

Lee Office 020 8852 8633

Our standard tenant fees are £120 agreement fee and £90 per person reference fee. Other fees may apply, visit johnpayne.com/tenantfees for more information.

johnpayne.com

@johnpayne


London living meets village life

The Crescent STUNNING NEW SHOWHOME OPEN DAILY Prices from £810,000 - £825,000 Ready for occupation

With just three 3 bedroom townhouses still remaining at The Crescent, there’s never been a better time to visit the new Showhome, open daily. As part of Meridian Gate, these spacious open plan homes have an ideal location between the newly created Cator Park and the established 16.7 hectare Sutcliffe Park, a nature reserve rich in wildlife. The Crescent is a short walk to the heart of The Village Centre, where the fantastic amenities include a supermarket, coffee shop, dentist, doctor, pharmacy and train station. With trains to London Bridge in just 16 minutes*, Kidbrooke Village offers the very best of London living in a contemporary village environment.

Call 020 3411 7692 to book your viewing appointment today. Delivered in proud partnership with:

Sales & Marketing Suite open daily 10am to 6pm (Thursdays until 8pm). Wallace Court, 40 Tizzard Grove, London SE3 9FD. Photography depicts streetscene and Showhome at Kidbrooke Village and is indicative only. Prices and information correct at time of going to press. *Source: www.tfl.co.uk

www.kidbrookevillage.co.uk Proud to be a member of the Berkeley Group of companies


Computer generated image

EXPECT MORE OF EVERY THING ACCEPT NOTHING LESS ABERFELDY VILLAGE, E14 Studio Apartments From £314,950 1 Bedroom Apartments From £399,950 2 Bedroom Apartments From £459,950 ●

Zone 2 location, just 4 minutes from Canary Wharf * & 12 minutes from Bank**

Excellent rental yields

Contemporary luxury specification

Beautifully landscaped linear park

Gym, 24-Hour Concierge & Media Lounge

MARKETING SUITE OPEN 10am-6pm Mon-Sat 10am-4pm Sun

Computer generated image

Prices correct at time of issue. *Fastest journey time from Canning Town station, source: tfl.gov.uk **Fastest journey time from East India station, source: tfl.gov.uk

020 8168 0021 hello@be.co.uk

be.co.uk


Galliard_HTB_CanaryWharfMag_FPC_29.3.18 23/03/2018 09:22 Page 1

GALLIARD HOMES PRESENT

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HELP TO BUY SEMINARS PRESENTED BY VISIONARY FINANCE & GALLIARD SALES DIRECTOR

PLUS ALSO SEE US ON STAND 215 PROPERTY INVESTOR & HOMEBUYERS SHOW SAME WEEKEND, EXCEL LONDON

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020 3874 1047 RSVP@galliardhomes.com


PENTHOUSES WITH A VIE W SE1’s Coda Collection at The Music Box are ready to move into. Each offer panoramic London skyline views, inspirational architecture and outstanding interiors. • Final 3 penthouses from £2,500,000 • 24 hour concierge service • Great Zone 1 location • 2 minute walk to Southwark tube station*

020 3772 7725 themusicboxse1.com

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SELLING AGENTS

* S O U R C E G O O G L E . PR I C E S A N D I N FO R M ATI O N CO R R EC T AT TI M E O F PR I NTI N G . PH OTO G R A PH D EPI C T S A CO DA CO L L EC TI O N PENTH O U S E TER R AC E .

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N O W

O

D 70OL S

V E R

%

MAKE IT HAPPEN Move fast if you want to take advantage of the spectacular views and prime location of London Square Canada Water.  1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments, all with balcony or terrace  Spectacular views and prime location  Central landscaped courtyard and concierge service

 Less than 10 minutes’ walk from Canada Water tube station

LONDON HELP TO BUY† EXAMPLE

Apartment 27 - 1 bedroom - priced at £520,000

 London Help to Buy† now available on selected plots  Move in from April 2018

+ + =

Your 5% deposit £26,000 Government’s 40% Equity Loan £208,000 You arrange a mortgage of £286,000 YOUR NEW HOME

Stunning 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments from £520,000 The Sales Suite and Show Apartment, 24 - 28 Quebec Way, London SE16 7LF, open 7 days a week.

Call 0333 666 0106 or email CanadaWater@londonsquare.co.uk

www.londonsquare.co.uk

External computer generated image depicts London Square Canada Water and is indicative only. Travel times sourced from Google Maps. †London Help to Buy is subject to the Homes and Communities Agency’s (HCA) terms and conditions and is available on new build homes up to £600,000 to customers where the property represents their only residence. You will require a minimum deposit of 5%, a Homes and Communities Agency equity loan of 40% and a mortgage of 55%. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or any other debt secured on it. Check that these mortgages will meet your needs if you want to move or sell your home or you want your family to inherit it. If you are in any doubt seek independent financial advice. Please ask your Sales Executive for details. Details and prices are correct at time of going to press. March 2018.


PROPERTY

INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO

ROYAL ALBERT WHARF, E16 When combined, the Royal Albert, Royal Victoria and King George V docks enclose 250 acres of water. However, the transformation of this historic trading centre into a modern residential and commercial hub has perhaps been hampered by its peripheral position in the city and a lack of transport links. All that is now changing, and rapidly. New dockside development Royal Albert Wharf, by Notting Hill Sales, is located just a few minutes’ walk from DLR station Gallions Reach. Later this year, it will be just five stops from brand new Crossrail station Custom House. Up to 12 services an hour will provide rapid connections from here to stations including Canary Wharf, Liverpool Street and Tottenham Court Road. The development is also in close proximity to London City airport. Jenny Murphy, head of sales and marketing at Notting Hill Sales, says: “The property market in this east London district is certainly seeing the benefit of the Crossrail effect. With property prices already creeping up along the Crossrail route, many buyers are keen to take advantage of the growing popularity of the area.” The wider regeneration of the

122

Royal Docks is set to result in over 9,000 homes being built by 2027, so buying early in this newly forged waterside community might be a wise move. Much of the Royal Albert Wharf development is right on the water, and as well as apartments, the site will be home to a number of shops, restaurants and cafés, some along the water’s edge, where a 100-year-old Edwardian pump house still operates. As well as on the on-site amenities, the nearby RAW Labs studio hosts talks, events and workshops including life drawing classes, film screenings and exhibitions. It might be a historic setting, but the two- and three-bedroom apartments are brand new and hassle-free. Kitchens boast soft-closing wall units and integrated Zanussi appliances, while bedrooms come with fitted wardrobes, and some with en-suite shower rooms. Interiors are bright thanks to full-height windows, and all homes benefit from private outdoor space. It’s worth noting that Help to Buy is available on a selection of homes, and Notting Hill Sales will also pay 100 per cent of the stamp duty on selected properties.

Price

From £495,000 for a twobedroom apartment and from £677,500 for a three-bedroom apartment 020 8357 4579 nhillsales.com

lu x u ry lon don.co.u k


HELP TO BUY AT ROYAL ALBERT WHARF at the royal docks in london’s zone 3 2 Bed apartments with waterside views From £495,000

80% SOLD On a two bedroom flat with a full purchase price of £495,000, you’ll only need a 5% deposit of £24,750 and a 55% mortgage of £272,250. London Help to Buy will give you a 40% equity loan of £198,000 interest free for the first five years.

truddle @ savills.com | 020 3627 4988 royalalbertwharf.com

Terms and conditions apply. Please speak to a Sales Advisor for further details on Help to Buy. Pricing correct on at the time of printing. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE OR ANY DEBT SECURED ON IT.



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