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contents feature 13

Happy Birthday...

A nnabel Harrison explains why Gucci, Mulberry, Reiss and Vivienne Westwood are standing the test of time

16

The Man Behind the Camera

Shamone, top left: Ivory knitted silk asymetric drape cocktail dress, pumps as before Kym, left: Geometric printed silk satin drawstring kaftan (made to order), pumps as before, pair of gold cuffs Shamone, above: Floor length silk chiffon dress with stretch metalic printed rayon body (made to order), gold chain ankle boots with Swarovski stud detail

R ichard Brown finds out why John Wright has earned a reputation as one of Britain’s most dynamic photographers

collection 28

Diamond Geezer

E mma Mills talks to Stephen Webster about being an artisan and embracing glam rock

interview

In His Shoes Photo: Sophie Delaporte

Despite being a much-lauded shoe designer with an A-list following, it’s not your average man behind the label. As Nicholas Kirkwood opens his new store on Mayfair’s exclusive Mount Street, he talks to Elle Blakeman about footwear inspiration, loud music and why women refuse to give up the platform

I

t’s a stiflingly hot day in London when I meet Nicholas Kirkwood at his über-chic new store in Mount Street, Mayfair’s most élite road. He leads me through the light-filled, airy space stacked with stunning heels at every turn, as I try not to get distracted and instead focus on where I am putting my now rather boringly clad feet (peach cut-out heels, for the record).

We reach the basement of this beautiful Grade-II listed building, a Geppetto’s workshop of sorts, and Kirkwood politely apologises for the heat: “We have air-con upstairs in the shop, but it doesn’t quite stretch to down here,” he says.

I am astounded at how down-to-earth the man himself is.

After all, this is the designer who has won countless awards in his short career, including the prestigious Accessory Designer of the Year award at the 2010 British Fashion Awards; he is the designer openly praised by Manolo Blahnik for his unique style; and last, but by no means least in this celebrity-driven world, he decorated Sarah Jessica Parker’s famous-in-their-own-right feet in her Sex and the City 2 tour – surely the most watched soles on the planet.

So how did this ordinary man rise up to become such an insider name in just six short years? The answer, of course, is that he’s anything but ordinary. Having studied fine art at Central St. Martin’s and unsure about what direction to take, the young Kirkwood went to work with hat designer, Philip Treacy. “Women would bring in these fantastic outfits and I

would try to find a hat to match. At the time there were some amazing things happening with clothes – McQueen, Hussein Chalayan – but the shoes were really dull, as if from another decade. I knew I liked accessories, and I just thought that there was a lot more that could be done with shoes. So I looked into a course in London and I ended up at Cordwainers.”

This ‘thought’ paid off, as the industry quickly sat up and took note of his innovative, architectural designs, earning him several emerging designer awards. His pioneering approach to shoe design, and the materials manipulated to make them, from degradé silks to shaved stingray and rubberised leather, showed that this was not a man who shied away from a challenge. So where does the inspiration for these ground-breaking – literally – designs come from?

“I just sit down with a pad of paper and a cup of tea and some really loud music”, [electro or rock, if you’re interested] “and just start doodling. Then I’ll see something else that will take it in a new direction and eventually at some point you’ve got to stop and say, ‘Okay, I better start making them now’.” Does he pay attention to what’s going on in the industry when designing? “Obviously I consider the seasons, but I then just do what I enjoy.

When I started out I really looked up to people like Roger Vivier, Andre Perugia and Ferragamo. They were really pushing boundaries and doing incredible things, and the technologies they were using at the time were really new.”

This desire to constantly create something fresh is evident throughout his collections. “I have just been working with the Keith Haring foundation, incorporating his artwork into a mini couture collection, [which has now gone to exhibition]... Because his shapes are so bold, I thought it would be really interesting to see if you could take that artwork and use it in a different way, and not just on a flat surface.”

Kirkwood clearly believes that two heads are better than one, with a long list of collaborations behind him.

“Shoes lend themselves to collaborations as they are an accessory to the rest of the outfit, so in a way I’m always collaborating. It allows me to do something I wouldn’t normally do in my own collection. So working with Rodate it could be doing a candlewax heel, or big studs and spikes. These are things that I would never put in my own collection because it goes outside the look I’m trying to get, but at the same time I really enjoyed doing it.”

As any dedicated shoe shopper will tell you, heels have

concierge

become increasingly vertiginous thanks to the platform, the popularity of which had shown no sign of waning until recently, when Tom Ford declared: “When a woman looks like she has copies of the Oxford English Dictionary attached to her feet, it’s time for the fashion pendulum to swing the other way”. Where Tom Ford goes, the industry follows, so how does Kirkwood feel about the potential impending death of the platform? “I’ve been doing that for years but the problem is no one is buying them!” he says. “There’s definitely a push from the press and certain designers are trying to go lower, but the problem is that women have become used to that extra inch or two and they are reluctant to give it up. They don’t want to be shorter.”

It is this knowledge of what women want that has made him so successful. Rather than simply picturing a red-carpetsauntering A-lister, Kirkwood identifies various scenarios and personalities, bringing his work to life. “I imagine all different types of women in my shoes, so ‘the department store girl’ or ‘the downtown hip girl’. I don’t have a celebrity muse.” And yet celebrities still flock to the brand. “There are some really cool women out there wearing my shoes – Julianne Moore, Sarah Jessica Parker, Beyoncé…” Does this unaffected designer ever get excited to see his creations being worn? “When I started I thought, that’ll be the best thing ever to see someone in your shoes, and then at a party someone said: ‘She’s wearing your shoes!’”

So, awards, glamour and now one of the chicest shoe shops around – with floors designed by Richard Woods, who Nicholas lived with in his Philip Treacy days: “I saw what he did at the late Isabella Blow’s house and I thought that it would be perfect for the shop” – what does rest of 2011 hold for the brand? “A couple of collaborations will come out next year, plus we’re bringing out a men’s collection, and potentially bags as well. Oh, and we’re going to open a store in New York.” “Where in New York?” I enquire; after all, Mount Street is fairly hard to top. He ponders for a moment.

“I’m not sure. But it will be somewhere good,” he says, smiling. I have no doubt it will. n www.nicholaskirkwood.com

concierge 48

The Beauty of Gilt

E ssential BodyAmr for the most stylish and glamorous women

59

interview

58

In His Shoes

E lle Blakeman meets Nicholas Kirkwood, the shoe designer with an A-list following

calibre 78

In Pursuit of Glory

T hree of England’s rugby stars on what will prove key to success at the World Cup

comment 88

feature

The Ultimo Dream

M ichelle Mone OBE speaks about business and building the Ultimo brand

connoisseur 100 Formula Fun Bel Trew checks out the pit-stops of Asia’s Lion City ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix

In adhering to the rule that “every great photo must surprise us”, John wright has earned a reputation as one of Britain’s most dynamic photographers. Richard Brown meets the man behind the camera

“I’m a little bit ‘Mount Everest’.

If it’s there,

I want to do It.”

Y

ou may not recognise the name but if you’re a regular reader of magazines like Q or NME, you’ll undoubtedly recognise his pictures. with a photo-call reading like a Who’s Who of music, television and cinema, John wright has photographed everyone from Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney to Lily allen, Rihanna and Lady Gaga. His iconic images capture faces we’ve seen a thousand times in ways that we never have. away from the world of entertainment, the Glaswegianborn, self-taught photographer’s lens has fallen upon a list of household names that stretches from Gordon Ramsey to Gordon Brown, via sporting starts like Jenson Button, Kevin Pietersen and half the Manchester United team.

You would, then, forgive the guy whose career began as a glorified tea boy for a syndication agency for occasionally finding himself star-struck. But apparently not.

“Professionally? never. which I think might be the secret behind whatever success you perceive me to have had. I’m

not sure how much respect it instils in someone if, when you meet them, you immediately put yourself beneath them by being awestruck. I’ve got as much respect for the people I photograph as I have for anyone else in the room, but not any more and not any less.” away from work, John admits he was awestruck just once, when a chance meeting with Chris Moyles, whose radio show is a favourite of John’s, proved enough to reduce him to “a stammering mess.” who, then, has John most enjoyed shooting? “It doesn’t come down to the name of a band or the name of an individual. Musicians are a real pleasure to work with.

Bands understand that it’s a game and they have a visual personality to go alongside their music. You tend to find that you pick up a camera and they deliver a persona that gives you something to work with – the basis for finding that way of surprising the viewer.” and the hardest people to work with? “Footballers. It’s just not part of their gig.” as a ‘celebrity photographer’ (a phrase he despises), John is commissioned to shoot some of the world’s biggest

17

regulars 11 editor’s letter

77

sport

27 watches & jewellery

99

travel

47 fashion

111 food & drink

67 health & beauty

118 out & about

69 interiors

121 property

contributors...

RUNWILD M

E

D

I

A

G

R

O

U

P

Editor-in-Chief Lesley Ellwood

Editorial Director Kate Harrison

Editor

Annabel Harrison

Fashion Editor Lucie Dodds

Motoring Editor Matthew Carter

Assistant Editors Richard Brown Gabrielle Lane

1. David Kuo is one of the uK’s leading

commentators on money matters. He is a director at The Motley Fool as well as providing daily insight and financial news for BBC London’s Breakfast Show.

2. Martin Bamford is one of the youngest and most successful financial planners in the uK. He runs his own firm of financial advisers – informed Choice – and regularly contributes to various financial publications.

3. Matthew Carter is a London-based freelance journalist who’s been writing about cars for most of his working life. A former editor of Autocar magazine, he is a serial car owner.

4. Clare Murray is founder and managing partner of specialist law firm, CM Murray LLp. Clare and her colleagues advise a wide range of companies, professional firms and senior individuals on employment, partnership and business immigration law issues.

Head of Design Hiren Chandarana

Senior Designer Dalton Butler

Designer

Ashley Lewis

Production Manager Fiona Fenwick

Production Daniel Harris

Senior Project Manager Ella Kilgarriff

Head of Finance Elton Hopkins

Managing Director Eren Ellwood

5. Carol Cordrey is an art critic and editor

with popular columns in many magazines. Each year she organises sponsored art competitions offering attractive prize money and judged by distiguished artists.

The Beauty of Gilt As photographed by John Wright See p. 48

16 Heron Quay, Canary Wharf London E14 4JB T: 020 7987 4320 F: 020 7005 0045 www.runwildmedia.com

Runwild Media Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Runwild Media Ltd. take no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved.

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10/02/11

12:13

Page 1

www.justerinis.com 0207 493 6174

September

from the editor...

P

eople constantly make the mistake of comparing London with New York, Milan and Paris and that’s not what it’s about. London has its own fashion identity. You come here to find the next Alexander McQueen or John Galliano.” If there is one woman in the fashion industry with whom it is impossible to argue, it is the indomitable Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of style bible American Vogue.

Although similar praise has been widely echoed, last month London officially overtook New York and cemented its status as the fashion capital of the world, according to a study by Global Language Monitor, which tracks trends in print and social media.

Anna Wintour is right. London has made its own indelible, unique stamp on the fashion industry, as exemplified by style icons across the decades, from the peerless Audrey Hepburn to young Brit pioneer Emma Watson via the widely-imitated Twiggy and Princess Diana.

Two Kates have flown the British fashion flag on the global stage, in very different ways but with equally profound effects; the welldressed, well-spoken Duchess of Cambridge has championed British designers and a classic, modest style while the effortlessly chic, cutting edge cool Kate Moss has been single-handedly responsible for starting numerous trends.

In tribute to London’s phenomenal fashion scene and to the new collections debuting across the world this month, welcome to our Fashion Forward September Issue. First, happy birthday to three British fashion houses celebrating their 40th anniversaries (p. 13): David Reiss’s eponymous company, with dresses fit for a

princess; Brit lifestyle brand Mulberry, loved for its Alexa bag and for bringing country chic to city lifestyles; and Vivienne Westwood, the eccentric doyenne of Anglomania, punk and pirates. Happy birthday, too, to fashion powerhouse Gucci, celebrating 90 years of style.

Fashion is as much about looking forward as looking back so, in this spirit, Elle Blakeman discovers more about shoe designer of the moment, Nicholas Kirkwood (p. 58) and speaks to the three winners of the prestigious ‘new generation’ Fashion Fringe competition (p. 61).

For our exclusive fashion shoot, we chose a brand whose name is more under the radar than it should be, given that it is favoured by Florence Welch, Beyoncé, Kylie and Cindy Crawford, produces utterly gorgeous collections and we love it. Ladies, this is essential BodyAmr (p. 48).

This shoot was made all the more exciting because we collaborated with world renowned photographer John Wright, who has shot everyone from Michael Jackson to Lady Gaga.

This is another name worth remembering and Richard Brown finds out why (p. 18). The roll call continues with fashion powerhouses Chanel, Ralph Lauren, Burberry, Armani and Bulgari.

What am I investing in this season? Sequins, but not too ostentatious. Seventies style, but not too hippy. Leather and lace, but not too risqué. Bring on A/W11.

Annabel Harrison Editor

fashion

feature

Happy

Birthday...

ViVienne WeSTWooD

40

40

40

ReiSS

MuLBeRRy

90

GuCCi

Annabel Harrison explains why the fashion houses of Gucci, Mulberry, Reiss and Vivienne Westwood are standing the test of time “Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” Few names are more synonymous with the world of fashion than Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel. She opened her first millinery shop in Paris 99 years ago, in 1912, and her influence has spanned a century, bequeathing the fashion industry the iconic linked double C, the enduringly stylish monochrome palette and the beloved, quilted Chanel 2.55 handbag.

Just nine years after Coco set up shop, a young man named Guccio opened a small luggage store and leather goods company in his native Florence, with a vision for his brand inspired by London.

This luxury brand, known globally as Gucci, is celebrating its 90th birthday this year and three British fashion houses are also celebrating anniversary milestones of 40 years: David Reiss’ eponymous company, propelled to worldwide recognition after being singled out as a favourite of Catherine Middleton; Mulberry, the Brit lifestyle brand most well known for its iconic Alexa and Bayswater bags; and Vivienne Westwood, the eccentric, colourful doyenne of punk, pirate and Anglomania fashion.

13

GROWN-UP GORGEOUS

FIT FOR A PRINCESS In just 40 years, Reiss has grown from a single store in London to a global brand with more than 100 stores and just as much energy and drive as displayed in 1971. Founder David Reiss recognised a niche in the market for affordable, premium quality tailoring and opened the first Reiss store on Bishopsgate in the City of London. Since then, the iconic, directional and modern brand remains true to its design philosophy. The son of a City tailor, Reiss effectively capitalized on the worldwide power and potential of his brand name, as well as his sharp eye: “If I see something I like, I can immediately see the bigger picture.”

Reiss has, over the years, continued to broaden its ever-widening design proposition; 2000 saw the launch of Reiss’ highly anticipated first womenswear collection and in 2005 global expansion was announced with the opening of the first of nine US stores. This expansion was given a royal boost in May when the Duchess of Cambridge pledged her allegiance to the British brand; just back from her honeymoon, Catherine wore a Reiss ‘Shola’ dress to meet Michelle Obama in London during the President’s official visit and the Reiss website promptly crashed due to phenomenal interest from the princess-loving public.

Always sartorially savvy and equally keen to cater for the gentlemen, Reiss introduced a Personal Tailoring service last year, selling made-to-measure suits of Savile Row quality but with a cost from £550, just £100 more than its most expensive off-the-peg suit.

David Reiss’ vision continues to propel Reiss forward and ensures that it expands, evolves and excites; there is no doubt that the next 40 years will result in as much growth and praise for Reiss as the past four decades have seen. www.reissonline.com

In his younger days, Guccio Gucci worked in the Savoy Hotel for a time and while there he was inspired by London and the refined aesthetic of English nobility. Upon return to Italy, he set himself the task of match-making this sensibility with the craftsmanship skills of local artisans in Tuscany. Within years, word had spread about this equestrian-inspired collection of bags, trunks, gloves, shoes and belts. Innovation was high on the agenda and soon the scarcity of supplies during the dictatorship pushed this further, resulting in burnished cane being used as the handle of the Bamboo bag. This saddleshaped bag became the first of Gucci’s many iconic products and its popularity has endured.

Almost a century later, the House of Gucci is celebrating 90 years and with it comes the 1921 Collection, an exclusive range of men’s and women’s ready to wear and accessories. “I wanted to pay homage to the icons, craftsmanship and luxury materials for which the House has become renowned,” explained Creative Director Frida Giannini. “Each item tells a story, representing a chapter within the House’s rich narrative history.” Thus the new Jackie bag nods to the Gucci shoulder bag carried by Jackie O during the Jet Set era; the classic Horsebit Chain handbags were originally inspired by aristocratic, horseriding clients; leather is the familiar protagonist, even on timepieces; and Gucci green from the archives lines the inside of the women’s and men’s moccasins.

Immerse yourself in the rich historical past and modern present of this fashion powerhouse by reading the hardcover tome entitled Gucci: The Making Of. Edited by Giannini, the coffee-table essential includes rare photographs, love letters and original essays from Gucci stylist Katie Grand and W magazine’s Editor-inChief Stefano Tonchi. www.gucci.com

fashion

feature

BAGS OF STYLE Inspired by the cool of the city and the craft of the countryside, Mulberry was established in 1971 and the brand has since carved a niche for itself as an idiosyncratically British luxury label. Roger Saul set up the company in Somerset with £500 he inherited on his 21st birthday and it went from strength to strength for three decades.

A boardroom coup in 2002, when Saul was ousted, marks the beginning of the shift from respected, small-scale company to modern phenomenon.

And this phenomenon is all about the bags. Over the past decade, the name Mulberry has become almost inseparable from fashion week front rows and outfit descriptions of the hoards of women toting its handbags; from young professionals to A-listers and leggy teens to stylish yummy mummies, there is no typical Mulberry bag owner. Everyone else wants one. A catwalk collaboration with Luella Bartley produced the Gisele bag, named after the Brazilian supermodel, which gave rise to the iconic, cult-status Bayswater and satchel-style Alexa.

The ultimate stamp of fashion approval came with victory as Designer Brand of the Year at last year’s British Fashion Awards, beating Burberry and Victoria Beckham. Although designer handbags have historically been of Italian or French heritage, Mulberry is quintessentially English, through and through, right down to the practicality of including a shoulder strap with every bag and its support of British craftsmanship.

In July, analysts reported Mulberry as the world’s bestperforming fashion retail stock over the past year. By the end of 2011, Mulberry will have more overseas stores than it does in the UK. This is a brand set to stay. www.mulberry.com

ANGLO, PUNK AND ROCK ‘N’ ROLL If Kate Moss is the Queen and Kate Middleton the Princess, then Vivienne Westwood is the brilliant, ground-breaking Godmother of British fashion. It’s hard to imagine a London fashion scene without the eccentric, fieryhaired Dame stalking down the catwalk, dwarfed by six foot supermodels decked out in her creations.

It all began in 1971 when Westwood and her partner Malcolm McLaren rebelled against the enduring hippie trend. Interested in music and memorabilia, biker boots and leather, they opened a shop at 430 Kings Road named Too Fast to Live, Too Young to Die, branded with a skull and crossbones. Their provocative t-shirts, ‘rubberwear for the office’ slogan and DIY straps and zips aesthetic led to the media labelling the look Punk Rock. The Pirate Collection came next, marking Westwood and McLaren’s first catwalk show in 1981, followed by ‘the Pagan Years’, tweedy collections that parodied the upper class.

The Pirates and Punk phases are testament to Westwood’s ability to kick-start trends that will span decades. Today, the pirate flag is still flying high thanks to high profile designers such as Jean Paul Gaultier and Alexander McQueen. Punk lives on in Balmain’s studded, leathery glory, emblazoned across Henry Holland’s t-shirts and girls like Alice Dellal, who dresses as though she’s stepped out of the 80s.

Anglomania is a central thread of the brand’s success although Dame Vivienne firmly believes that fashion is a combination and exchange of ideas between France and England; “on the English side we have tailoring and an easy charm, on the French side that solidity of design and proportion that comes from never being satisfied because something can always be done to make it better, more refined.” Too cool to celebrate officially this year, we nonetheless salute the Dame for her outstanding contributions to fashion. n www.viviennewestwood.co.uk

15

“I’m a little bit ‘Mount Everest’.

If it’s there,

In adhering to the rule that “every great photo must surprise us”, John wright has earned a reputation as one of Britain’s most dynamic photographers. Richard Brown meets the man behind the camera

I want to do It.”

Y

ou may not recognise the name but if you’re a regular reader of magazines like Q or NME, you’ll undoubtedly recognise his pictures. with a photo-call reading like a Who’s Who of music, television and cinema, John wright has photographed everyone from Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney to Lily allen, Rihanna and Lady Gaga. His iconic images capture faces we’ve seen a thousand times in ways that we never have. away from the world of entertainment, the Glaswegianborn, self-taught photographer’s lens has fallen upon a list of household names that stretches from Gordon Ramsey to Gordon Brown, via sporting starts like Jenson Button, Kevin Pietersen and half the Manchester United team.

You would, then, forgive the guy whose career began as a glorified tea boy for a syndication agency for occasionally finding himself star-struck. But apparently not.

“Professionally? never. which I think might be the secret behind whatever success you perceive me to have had. I’m

not sure how much respect it instils in someone if, when you meet them, you immediately put yourself beneath them by being awestruck. I’ve got as much respect for the people I photograph as I have for anyone else in the room, but not any more and not any less.” away from work, John admits he was awestruck just once, when a chance meeting with Chris Moyles, whose radio show is a favourite of John’s, proved enough to reduce him to “a stammering mess.” who, then, has John most enjoyed shooting? “It doesn’t come down to the name of a band or the name of an individual. Musicians are a real pleasure to work with.

Bands understand that it’s a game and they have a visual personality to go alongside their music. You tend to find that you pick up a camera and they deliver a persona that gives you something to work with – the basis for finding that way of surprising the viewer.” and the hardest people to work with? “Footballers. It’s just not part of their gig.” as a ‘celebrity photographer’ (a phrase he despises), John is commissioned to shoot some of the world’s biggest

interview

feature

17

stars and yet it’s a world he only entered after a time spent shooting subject matter at the opposite end of the fortune spectrum; John is most proud of the photos from this period.

“They were taken whilst I was doing Third World reportage.

I stumbled across a tiny article in The Mirror about a British girl living in India. After studying Fine Art at university, this girl had spent a year travelling before ending up in Nagpur, India, where she started helping out at a leper colony. She came back to England, sold everything she owned, flew back and dedicated her life to helping female leprosy sufferers.

“I went out to meet her and in just eight hours was blown away by the extent to which somebody could dedicate their lives to helping others. She was literally going into slums, getting down on her hands and knees and treating people who had this terrible disease. I spent three days with her, photographing the hell out of it. I came back and the Daily Mail, who I was working for, ran a three page spread about what this girl was doing and told people how they could donate.”

Calculating how much that appeal raised was easy; each donation made by a Daily Mail reader was sent to an incorrect address thanks to a misspelling John had made in the address under the article. “Until that point, this girl had been sleeping on a roof top, living on £4,000 a year raised through her mum’s rotary club. In a week we raised £85,000.” A year later, Leah Patterson was narrowly beaten to Woman of The Year.

At the start of a promising career, and bolstered by the belief that he could do something worthwhile with his camera, John set forth “to save the world.” As the name he began to carve for himself grew, so did the charities he worked for. Unfortunately, for a man determined to make a difference, the complex parameters in which some multinational charities are obliged to work proved hard to fathom. “After a while you realise that some charities

are actually enormous corporate institutions with huge overheads, huge offices and huge numbers of staff. I’m not saying that the essence of any charity isn’t anything but good, but the reality is that I was finding myself in a country with a charity that would be treating the animal of a family whose children were clearly, clearly, in more need. You’re in a country where £1.40 can save someone from a life threatening disease and just because it’s not within that particular charity’s remit, they can’t do it. It just finished me.”

John found it increasingly hard to justify what he was doing, realising that he was using his subject matter for photographic vanity rather actually helping people. He moved into celebrity photography partly as an “antidote” to what his work had become and partly because that area had always existed in his mind as being one of the top echelons of photography. If the images he captured of Leah are the ones that invoke the most pride, I ask John which is the most technically difficult photo he’s ever taken. The answer comes courtesy of an image he was commissioned to shoot many years later.

“It’s one that doesn’t even appear in my portfolio, it was such a nightmare. The brief was to capture 14 of the biggest names in music in one picture that would run in Q magazine’s January 2010 edition under a feature titled Artists of the Century. It turned into 34 different shoots just for this one picture. Having to shoot the subjects on different days in different cities meant constantly replicating the lighting positions and the camera positions to the exact millimetre. In the end, the shot incorporated more than 30 people. We travelled everywhere; London, Manchester, LA, New York, Berlin. It took up a year of my life. A fantastic project but never, ever again.”

In this age of international interconnectedness, John could operate from anywhere in the world. So why does he work in

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Overleaf: Rihanna Left to right: Lady Gaga; Lily Allen; Paloma Faith; fashion shoot; Kara Tointon

London and why, in particular, out of a recently refurbished railway arch in Shoreditch? “I chose London because it has become home. I’m not a penthouse living type of guy. I have a family in the suburbs who I return to every night and who I drop off to school most mornings. And Shoreditch because that’s the first place I get off the train.”

That may be so, but surely the reputation of this part of East London as a Mecca for indie fashionistas and alternative music lovers hasn’t been lost on someone who spends their time photographing some of the planet’s most recognisable rock stars? “It has sort of come up around me,” John explains. “We’ve been here, or hereabouts, since before the ‘Shoreditch boom.’ We recently had the opportunity to move but I chose to stay in Shoreditch; it’s a fascinating place to be. From the absurdity that is the roof top pool we’re sitting beside to the gentlemen alcoholics who sit outside the skate shop on Bethnal Green Road.

You see it all; the little Asian boys patrolling in their gangs, the rich, the famous, the wannabees. I was walking to the studio the other day and passed this guy on the corner of the street taking a hit on his crack pipe. It was just heartbreaking. But it’s always changing. I think Redchurch Street will become one of the streets in London. I think it’s going to be the new Floral Street in a few years time.” This is coming from a man who certainly knows what’s cool – John speaks from behind mirrored aviator shades atop Shoreditch House, cigarette in hand – I can definitely take his word for it.

Listening to the acclaimed photographer talk about his profession, it’s clear that he still gets an incredible buzz from doing what he does for a living. He admits that if he were ever to be stopped in his tracks by the thought ‘Wow, I’ve made it!’ then that would be the time to “go off and do something else.” Luckily, John’s constant ambition to portray new subject matter in new lights will ensure that doesn’t happen anytime soon. “I’m certain I’ve got the best job in the world,” he says. And the best part? “I get to tell really famous people to do silly things like star jumps and to jump through hoops!” n www.johnwrightphoto.com

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THE POWER OF PRESENCE For over 40 years, Range Rover has stood for a unique combination of luxury, style and capability. With the arrival of Range Rover Evoque, that essence now takes shape in a new, agile and compact form. It joins the current line-up on 9th September: with a choice of petrol and diesel engines, design themes and approved accessories to meet your needs and express your personality. From £27,955 on the road.*

LOOKERS LAND ROVER 50 LOMBARD ROAD, BATTERSEA LONDON SW11 3SU 0843 022 6898 LOOKERS LAND ROVER 152 DUKES ROAD, WESTERN AVENUE, PARK ROYAL LONDON W3 0SL 0843 022 6894

Be one of the first to experience the Range Rover Evoque when it arrives – call us to book a test drive.

RANGE ROVER EVOQUE *£27,955 is based on manufacturer’s RRP and refers to eD4 Pure 6-speed manual model.

RANGE OF FUEL ECONOMY FIGURES FOR THE RANGE ROVER EVOQUE RANGE (INCLUDING RANGE ROVER EVOQUE COUPÉ eD4) IN MPG (L/100KM): URBAN 23.7 (11.9) – 47.9 (5.9) EXTRA URBAN 40.9 (6.9) – 62.8 (4.5) COMBINED 32.5 (8.7) – 57.6 (4.9) CO2 EMISSIONS 199 – 129 G/KM.

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The Eco Fashion Party Eco fashion consultant Elizabeth Laskar explores if the way we are buying clothes is changing, affected by a wave of fashion innovation which is inspiring consumers, designers, retailers and manufacturers

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ith the rise of ethical fashion brands and widespread adoption of ethical policies, it seems we are at the start of a sea change. A quick browse on the internet brought up an article

by Oprah Winfrey declaring, “No more hemp sacks!

Eco-clothing used to be like high-fibre cereal – crunchy, healthy and a little boring. Now it’s possible to do good and look good.” Oprah is not the only one who has realised the extraordinary growth, benefits and feel-good factor of eco-fashion; over the last ten years I have seen eco fashion become sophisticated, desirable and preferred.

This month, London explodes into a frenzy of catwalk shows and parties at London Fashion Week. Buyers and media from all over the world come to see the brands that London Fashion Week represents. But there is something extraordinary about LFW because it has set the global benchmark for eco fashion design. Over the last five years it has pioneered change in the global fashion week circuits by offering the world some of the best eco fashion brands in a dedicated area called Estethica.

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The ground-breaking Estethica has been curated by the British Fashion Council together with the award winning duo Orsola de Castro and Filippo Ricci, from the eco fashion brand From Somewhere. There has been a palpable sense of excitement in walking around Estethica, talking to designers and understanding the story behind each piece of clothing; you walk away after an unforgettable experience feeling a deeper connection to your clothes.

The UK has always been at the forefront of pushing creative boundaries in design and continues to lead in trends so perhaps it is not a surprise that London Fashion Week has taken the leap with eco fashion. With Harold Tilman CBE (Chairman of the British Fashion Council), Livia Firth and the crème de la crème of eco fashion designers and media from the UK, Estethica celebrated its fifth year this May – it was a party not to be missed.

This season we will see some newcomers at Estethica including an eco-lingerie and lounge wear brand called Charini. Using hand woven silks from the foot hills of Kandy in Sri Lanka and Beeralu lace, which has been hand crocheted by a small community of artisans, the collection is not only celebrating heritage crafts but also helping to keep Beeralu craft alive in a modern industrialised culture. Each stitch is carefully made with knowledge that has been passed down from generation to generation; what the consumer is purchasing is essentially a piece of history as well as luxury. What is even more exciting about Charini is that she has designed her collections to eliminate all wire, plastics and moulding by using clever design methods to give the wearer’s body support. The pieces are simply exquisite and ooze sophistication.

Another inspiring story for the fashion season is the home grown veteran of design, Vivienne Westwood, and her collaboration with the International Trade Centre’s Ethical Fashion Programme of the United Nations. On her recent visit to Africa, Westwood designed a new line of bags and accessories made from carefully selected recycled materials and hand made in Kenya by marginalized communities of women.

As pictured here and overleaf, the products are stunning, well made and fun while at the same time making a positive impact on poverty through trade. This is a success story in fashion and one that will be told by the customer, time after time – it’s a story that wants to burst out of you when you wear it, as it’s almost impossible not be inspired by this luxury fashion from Africa designed by Vivienne Westwood.

Leading up-cycling brands From Somewhere and Junky Styling have championed the way for other designers and retailers to design and produce collections with luxury recycled materials. Award-winning brand From Somewhere uses the most exquisite cashmeres and tweeds from Italy to produce timeless pieces for its customers. The brand works and trains a cooperative in Italy to produce the pieces while a design studio in the UK brings innovation, creative design and pattern cutting to the mix, making each piece is interesting, extraordinary and unique. Speedo has been so impressed with the innovation that it approached From Somewhere and in collaboration has produced a collection of dresses made out of Speedo swimsuits.

The eco fashion arena is full of innovation and creativity, offering designers and retailers the opportunity to experiment in developing new materials and design concepts. Whether working with a scientific team to create new bio-degradable fibres or working with unused textiles, the fashion sector can actively support sustainable livelihoods.

As a celebrated voice of eco fashion, Livia Firth recently accompanied her husband, Colin Firth, to the Oscars wearing a beautiful dress created by UK designer Gary Harvey, a stalwart at Estethica. This show-stopping gown was made from 11 unworn vintage dresses, Livia looked stunning and this in turn showed the world that fashion is changing.

I have focused on success stories and shared some of the good news within the eco fashion sector. However, it is important to fully appreciate that the challenge runs deep and wide and there are still mountains to climb in addressing the widespread misuse of natural resources, exploitation of labour and the vast production and disposal of waste. Eco fashion is positively addressing many of these issues and tirelessly continues to roll the stone up the hill – as an inspirational movement we can enjoy making fashion responsible together.

The eco fashion story moves apace and is here to stay.

In a nutshell, eco fashion is environmentally and socially conscious fashion, design-led and durable. The last decade has seen trail-blazing pioneers set the path for the industry to follow. Individuals, celebrities, designers, retailers and manufacturers are now all stepping up alike; perhaps it is about time we all joined the party. n info@elizbethlaskar.com www.ethichic.co.uk www.ecostyleagency.com

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sTephen WebsTer WaTch classics ......................................... neW collecTions .............................

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The TimeWriTer

190 years after the invention of the chronograph, Montblanc pays homage to the art of time measurement with the Nicolas Rieussec Horological TimeWriter

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n 1821 a French watchmaker was tasked by his King with inventing an instrument that would record the exact times run by horses in a race and Nicolas Rieussec succeeded, creating the world’s first chronograph.

190 years later, in 2011, Montblanc is celebrating that invention with the exquisite Nicolas Rieussec Horological TimeWriter anniversary set.

Encased in a glass dome, the 19 kilogram table-top chronograph remains true to Rieussec’s early designs by employing a push button mechanism and rotating disks to act as a stop clock, while Montblanc’s watch-winder keeps

watches powered by an electric motor (produced by a company commissioned by NASA to provide motors for Mars expeditions). Completing the set is a limited edition 18 carat rose gold version of the Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph Automatic, a collection that caught the imagination of the watch industry, when it launched three years ago, by measuring instances of time with rotating disks rather than conventional rotating hands.

If you’re harbouring visions of the TimeWriter on your mantle-piece, join the queue. Only 19 of the set were made and many were snapped up immediately after the launch earlier this year. n

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Three of the Best…

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LADIES wAtchES

J12 chRomAtIc DIAmonDS EDItIon chAnEL, £PoA www.chAnEL.com

SwISS EXPoRtS SoAR While some luxury sectors continue to struggle with the effects of the recession, the watch industry is going from strength to strength. Exports of high-end Swiss-manufactured timepieces in the first half of 2011 recorded a 19.3 per cent increase on the same period a year earlier. A figure that places the sector above 2008’s previous benchmark result,

the value of Switzerland’s watch export industry between January 2011 and June 2011 stood at almost £6.8 billion. While all of Switzerland’s watch export markets witnessed a positive trend, it was Hong Kong that placed the highest order, followed by USA and China.

DIAmonD LInk wAtch In whItE GoLD RALPh LAUREn, £121,000 www.RALPhLAUREnwAtchES.com

SoURcE: fEDERAtIon of thE SwISS wAtch InDUStRy`

One to Watch: Each month Sandy Madhvani, Showroom Manager at David. M. Robinson in Canary Wharf, selects his favourite watch from the newest models

“TAG Heuer’s stunning Monaco V4 features the world’s first patented beltdriven transmission in a watch movement.

Just one of the things that make the watch well worth its price tag.” t tAG hEUER monAco V4 nEXt GEnERAtIon In RoSE GoLD, R RhUtEnIUm AnD cERAmIc, £70,000 AVAILAbLE At DAVID m. RobInSon, JUbILEE PLAcE, cAnARy whARf

RoADStER whItE GoLD wAtch, DIAmonD EDItIon cARtIER, £PoA www.cARtIER.com

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Diamond

Stephen Webster’s cutting edge gems shook up a previously traditional industry, injecting a dose of much needed glamour and rebellion. Emma Mills talks to him about being an artisan, embracing glam rock and why he has to live by the sea. With exclusive images by Sarel Jansen

V

isiting Stephen Webster’s jewellery store in Beverly Hills is a unique experience, and perhaps the best demonstration of the kind of kudos and glamour that encapsulates the brand. Part bar, part shop, part art gallery, it is a fitting showcase on for what is now an iconic lifestyle brand. “I’d like to have some more stores like the one in Beverly Hills,” explains Stephen at his Mayfair offices. “It’s in an iconic location [Rodeo Drive]. Our bar and lounge is called No Regrets, I show art that I like and have musicians and DJs that interest me and we have evenings with 300 people spilling onto the pavement enjoying the atmosphere. And it’s great; it’s turned into something else. It’s still come out of the jewellery but it’s taken the brand to another place.”

The Stephen Webster brand is indeed a vital force in the world of jewellery and as Stephen will attest, the people buying his jewellery subscribe to the lifestyle associated with it.

Stephen’s glamorous, rockstar life has been well-documented,

Geezer but, as he says, that’s okay, because it is the biggest driving force in his design. “My life is completely an inspiration for what I do and what I create. You apply what you like in life to what you do. Otherwise it’s all a bit fake; you’d be making it up. So, everything I do, even the collaborations with other brands, is driven by the things in my life that I love.”

He points to a bespoke Harley Davidson petrol tank nestled on a windowsill amidst photos of the various personalities and celebrities he’s designed jewellery for. “That completely came together because of the kind of lifestyle I have and the people I meet. We were one of the first brands that made a launch a real party, you know, a good night out.

Now brands work with us because they want to buy into the image that comes with the brand.”

Clearly business is booming. But it wasn’t always this way. As with any brand that brings something aggressively different and new to the market, it has taken many years of working and waiting for the success that Stephen and his

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with something new and being in such a vibrant place gave me confidence in myself as a designer and a jeweller.”

Things were going well, and in 1989 Stephen decided to return to London to bring his jewellery home, but found a traditional marketplace that simply wasn’t ready for his bold, colourful work. And so began ten years of working in London and selling his jewellery in America. “It was strange.

There was only a few of us, we were a tiny little business and we’d make jewellery, flog it, and repeat. But I wasn’t building my brand or my business particularly.”

Strangely, despite the fact that Britain wasn’t ready for Stephen’s jewellery, it was exactly his Britishness that made him a success in the US. “We did our first show in Las Vegas.

And it was incredible. We had a product that was right for the market and no one else was doing it. It was quite British in a way; we were cheeky, bold and had an attitude in a world that had no attitude, just prestige and snobbery!” Stephen later says this show was one of the defining moments of his career, a celebration of a decade of work and recognition

Rayman Rayskin Ring

team now enjoy. “When I first tried to sell my jewellery here 22 years ago there was no place for it. I’d go into jewellers to show them my work and they wouldn’t know what to do with it.” Things did eventually change in Britain, but, despite his proudly British roots, the first part of Stephen’s career was focused across the pond in the US and Canada.

Having left school at 16, unsure of what he wanted to do but knowing he was creative and loved fashion, Stephen came across jewellery and decided then and there that it was to be his craft. “It just looked like what I’d always imagined I’d be doing; it made sense, making things and using my hands. I’d loved the small amount of stuff I’d done at school which was hands on, and I knew I could do this. And that I was going to be the best. And in some ways I have made that happen.”

Finishing a jewellery apprenticeship, Stephen moved to America to work for a jeweller who spent his days scouring the globe for some of the best gems in the world. He first worked in Canada for four years, until the business moved to Santa Barbara in California, which was to provide the inspiration behind his now iconic, bold designs. “I developed my style there, and taught myself to be a designer. Santa Barbara was full on and very exciting. I was getting the opportunity to work with amazing stones – things like savarites, tanzanites and tourmalines – they weren’t normal. The business then was all diamonds, pearls and sapphires. Being able to work

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from a market that had supported him throughout those early years.

For a time, American success was enough, but the tide was turning and Stephen knew it was only a matter of time before Britain woke up. In 1995 renowned jewellery house Garrard gave Stephen a show, which he says was the first sign of anyone in Britain showing any interest. “In some ways we were ready for when the rest of the world began to embrace jewellery as the next thing in fashion. By that I mean that it became fashionable to wear jewellery again. By then my style was edgy, inspired by tattoos and rock ‘n’ roll the press got hold of me, because they needed characters and a story, and things started to shift. Since then it’s felt like we are trying to run to keep up.”

Despite this mushroom effect on his business, and the fact that he now boasts a team that includes a designer from Chanel’s own jewellery house in Paris and graduates from the Royal College, Stephen refuses to stop being involved with design. “If I’m not involved people will know.

There’s something in the DNA and you can get it right or wrong, and that’s the challenge.”

It’s now 16 years since Stephen’s first show in London and he is still credited as one of the great jewellery innovators, working with new materials, designing new techniques and being at the forefront of a trend that has seen a massive upsurge in jewellery for men.

“It was a really conscious choice to get more men wearing jewellery. For a long time there were few places for a guy to look at a whole collection, all that was on offer to us was cygnet rings, cufflinks, pens and some other hideous things!

I launched the Ray Man collection which got a lot of press, and then another collection using iron which our male clients went mad for. It pushed enough boundaries but offered something men really loved to wear. And I think that’s where a lot of our success has been, understanding our clients. Men are loyal; once you’ve got them as a client they don’t stop buying things, they get right into it and buy into the lifestyle you’re offering. They’re the perfect clients really!”

Stephen didn’t stop pushing the boundaries there, crediting his unique Crystal Haze collection as not only his favourite,

but a vital chapter in his life. Crystal Haze is, essentially, a technique that Stephen invented and has used to great effect.

The process involves layering a stone under another stone, to make it look bigger. “The concept is extremely old, dating back to the Victorian era, but the way I used it was very new. And I suddenly had something no one else had,” explains Stephen.

“It changed everything for us. It felt really rock ‘n’ roll, like an illusion. I was credited with reinventing the cocktail ring, which set off something in New York, then Madonna had one, and then Crystal Haze became a whole collection.”

These days Stephen is still designing some of the most imaginative and exciting collections around; you only have to look at his latest Murder She Wrote range to see its genius lies in his playful and subversive streak. Then there’s the other side of his focus, his role as creative director of Garrard which sees him working with an established name as custodian of the brand. “It’s been really cool being part of that, especially since they gave me my first show in the UK. And something as old and respected as Garrard comes with a clout which is different to my brand – and it’s been exciting watching it develop.”

A busy man, then, but Stephen’s home life, split between Marylebone and the Kent coast, offers a place to get away and find new inspiration. “I love London - my walk to work has got to be one of the best walks to work in the world, from my flat on Monatgue Square down to Mayfair.

But my home is Kent. I have to be by the sea. It’s my second biggest inspiration, its rich blue colours, and its changeable nature – it has a really strange influence on my work and I love it. I wake up and can see France from my window, it’s magic.”

Stephen clearly finds inspiration everywhere and perhaps most pertinently is still moved and motivated by the rich history of his industry. “When you think about Lalique or Cartier, these people were incredible – you look back through their body of work and get a bit blown away by it.

And I love the way that a jeweller in history has been looked at differently over the years. Do you know that in Saxon times the craftsmanship was so incredible, that they’d cut the jeweller’s Achilles tendons so he couldn’t leave? It was better to cripple a jeweller than lose him!

“Even these days, people like my good friend Turkish designer Sevan Bicakci, amaze me. His headquarters in Istanbul are like an old jewellery house, this incredible building full of artisans. I love it when I see something that’s a combination of incredible design and craftsmanship, – because jewellery has got to be both.

You can be the best designer in the world, but it’s only half the story. Jewellery is a craft; we’re not artists, we’re artisans.” n

We were cheeky and bold and had an attitude in a world that had no attitude

Left to right: Crystal Haze Helix Marquise Ring with Green Agate Murder She Wrote Poison Apple Ring Jewels Verne Caged Cuff

Stephen Webster jewellery is exclusively available at Charles Fish, Cabot Place www.charlesfish.co.uk

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1 4 5

2 3

GLAM

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rock Don’t be afraid to make a gorgeously gold statement this season with snakeskin, skulls, chains and leather

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1 Gold tone Florentine style pendant, from a selection of Chanel pendants, £750 to £1050, Susan Caplan Vintage Collection, www.susancaplan.co.uk For The Queen pyrite drop earrings, £200, Isabel Marant, www.net-a-porter.com 3 1980s vintage Medusa cuff, £995, Versace, Susan Caplan Vintage Collection, as before 4 18 carat gold horsebit earrings, £1920, Gucci, www.gucci.com 5 B.ZERO1 4-band ring in 18 carat pink gold with black ceramic, £700, Bulgari, www.bulgari.com 6 Mixity brass metal/resin choker in black, £735, Yves Saint Laurent, www.ysl.com 7 Gold-plated Swarovski crystal elephant ring, £260, Roberto Cavalli, www.robertocavalli.com ‘Dark Mist’ 24 carat gold and black diamond earrings, £2,275, Gurhan at Harrods, www.harrods.com 9 Snakeskin and brass wrap bracelet, £190, Alexander McQueen, www.net-a-porter.com 10 Life ring in 18 carat yellow gold with white or yellow gold rope, ladies version £2,000, Asprey, www.asprey.com 2

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DIAMOND COLLECTION

CLASSIC

JEWELS

FOR

LIFE'S

• DIAMONDS EXCEPTIONAL

• FINE

WATCHES

OCCASIONS

18-19 BURLINGTON ARCADE, LONDON W1J 0PW T: +44 (0)207 499 7644 WWW.HEMINGJEWELS.COM

collection men’s luxury

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PrePAre for

Autumn

Get smart this season as prep-inspired looks return to our streets. Stay dapper with brogues, braces and bowties

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1 Image courtesy of Ralph Lauren 2 Full grain leather messenger bag, £285, Bill Amberg, www.mrporter.com 3 Stripped braces in red and navy, £75, Brookes Brothers, www.brooksbrothers.com 4 Steel cufflinks with polished finish, £89, Emporio Armani, www.emporioarmani.com 5 Plaited leather belt with metal prong buckle fastening, £165, Mulberry, www.mrporter.com 6 Marron brown brogue bourton shoe, £340, Tricker’s, www.my-wardrobe.com 7 Sheldrake vintage sunglasses in red havana with cosmik tone, £215, Oliver Peoples, available at David Clulow, Jubilee Place 8 Portuguese Automatic wristwatch, £POA, IWC, David M. Robinson, Jubilee Place 9 McQueen tartan bow tie, £110, Alexander McQueen, www.alexandermcqueen.co.uk

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Watch Classics Swiss watches have become more pared-down and traditional lately but what makes a watch a classic? Claire Adler talks to the experts

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Above: Hermes Temps Suspendu Right: Chopard Happy Sport Oval in 18 carat rose gold

lle Macpherson and Jennifer Aniston can often be found brandishing their man-sized Rolexes, while tennis ace Maria Sharapova was attached to her Tag Heuer Carrera throughout Wimbledon this year.

Viscount David Linley, chairman of Christie’s UK, is such a fan of watches that he sells handmade storage cases for serious collectors, while property mogul Nick Candy has a penchant for Rolex, Hublot, Audemars Piguet and number eight in limited editions.

But with thousands of different watches on the market, what’s at the heart of a watch classic?

Iconic watches tell great stories that we love to re-tell. This year sees Jaeger-LeCoultre celebrating the 80th anniversary of its classic Reverso. The watch was created in 1931 after British officers in India wanted a watch they could wear while playing polo and JaegerLeCoultre’s in-house historian and museum curator Sebastian Vivas says the watch is nothing short of iconic.

“The origins of the Reverso’s birth, its timeless style, our in-house watchmaking excellence and the manifold ways the watch can be personalised – via engraving, lacquering and enamelling – all contribute to rendering the Reverso both a classic watch and a cult object,” he claims.

There are some watches that seem to draw you into a narrative, inviting you to begin your own journey with them: consider the watch worn by Neil Armstrong when he took one big step onto the moon in 1969, watched by more than 60 million people worldwide (the Omega Speedmaster Professional); James Bond’s favourite watch (the Rolex Submariner, according to author of the original James Bond novels, Ian Fleming, or the Omega Seamaster 300 metre Diver Chronometer according to multiple blockbuster movies);

or the watch worn by racing legend Steve McQueen in the classic 1970 racing film, Le Mans (the Tag Heuer Monaco).

Tag Heuer equipped early racing cars with dashboard clocks in the 1860s, timed the Olympic Games in the 1920s, and its new Mikrograph, set to be another classic, is the first mechanical watch in the world to break down time, by measuring it to the nearest 1/100th of a second.

Patek Philippe’s World Time, first introduced in 1930, was the first watch to display time in all 24 time zones. One lady recently went into the Patek Philippe store on Bond Street to check the length of the waiting list for the enormously sought-after World Time 5131, a watch with an enamel dial.

An apologetic salesperson told her she might have to wait “up to ten years.”

A split second is all you need to recognise some classic watches – if only you know what to look for. Think of the Rolex Oyster cyclops magnifying lens date display at three o’clock, Breguet’s metallic blue hands with a bubble near the top, Hublot’s screws round its bezels inspired by portholes on yachts or Chopard’s Happy Diamonds, which float freely around watch dials.

Hermès has now taken the concept of timeless watches to a whole new level. World-class watchmaker Jean-Marc Wiederrecht, who has turned his hand to watches for Van Cleef & Arpels and Harry Winston in the past, recently created a new Hermès Arceau watch that, he explains, “suspends time.” At the touch of a button, all the hands jump to a position on the dial that fails to signify any sensible time at all – escapism of a new kind. Touch it again and it returns instantly back to reality. “We’re leveraging technical innovations for poetry in timekeeping,” says Hermès CEO of Watches, Luc Perramond. “There are a lot of people who want to design an iconic watch, but not many do,” adds Wiederrecht. A classic? Only time will tell. n

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collection special event

The Jewel in the City’s Crown Collectors from around the globe will flock to Goldsmiths’ Fair this month as the historic company presents one of the most prestigious events of its kind in Europe, and an exciting insight into the intriguing world of fine jewellery. Richard Brown reports

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aving played an integral part in London Jewellery Week 2011 in June when it hosted The Goldsmiths’ Pavillion at Treasure – a selling exhibition demonstrating contemporary UK jewellery talent – The Goldsmiths’ Company will once again showcase the country’s flair for jewellery design when its annual Goldsmiths’ Fair commences at the end of this month.

Established in 1983, Goldsmiths’ Fair has grown in stature to become what is now considered the ultimate one-stop destination for those seeking contemporary jewellery and silver by the most exciting independent designers in the UK. For two weeks, 180 designers, including ten recent graduates, will descend upon Goldsmiths’ Hall to present their latest collections. The result promises to be a dazzling display of virtuoso jewellery and silverware.

Set in Goldsmiths’ Hall, located in the heart of the City and on a site that the company has owned since 1339, the exhibition takes place against a background steeped in history. As the medieval guild for goldsmiths, as well as silversmiths and jewellers, The Goldsmiths’ Company has been responsible for authenticating the standard of precious

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metals since the 14th century. In fact, the word ‘hallmarking’ arises from the fact that such metals were inspected and marked at Goldsmiths’ Hall.

684 years after Edward III marked the beginning of the company’s formal existence as a craft guild, Goldsmiths’ continues as one of the few Livery Companies still carrying out its ancient functions, testing and marking objects made of precious metals above certain purities from its London Assay Office.

Honouring this celebrated history, Goldsmiths’ Fair provides a platform for talent, passion, creativity, innovative design and superlative craftsmanship. Forget mass production; the selling event, which is open to the public, is centred on the bespoke and the original, with each piece on show having been hand-made by dedicated craftsmen in small workshops around the country.

As well as providing the opportunity for visitors to become the owner of a bespoke piece of fine jewellery, the Fair encourages interaction with designers who will be explaining their techniques and inspiration. The two-way interaction adds a vital personal element to the whole process of buying, as well as making the experience enlightening and educational.

“The Fair is a hugely important event

Below left to right: Ming David Marshall Tom Rucker Shaun Leane

to many designer-makers,” points out Paul Dyson, Director of Promotion. “It presents an invaluable opportunity in terms of experience, exposure and direct contact with clients. Equally significant are the huge benefits the makers gain from exhibiting together, not only in terms of camaraderie but also through networking and the sharing of ideas and skills.”

Running from 26 September to 9 October, Goldsmiths’ Fair has become a must-visit for both in-the-know jewellery enthusiasts and collectors, looking to add bespoke, signature pieces to their collection. Whether you wish to acquire treasured one-of-a-kind gifts, statement silver pieces for the home, future heirlooms for the family, or cufflinks and silver accessories for men and fabulous jewellery for women, the Fair won’t disappoint. Make an investment in pieces that will only increase in value thanks to the combination of precious metals and superlative bespoke design, or simply head to Goldsmiths’ to get your Christmas shopping done early. n Goldsmiths’ Fair 26 September-2 October and 4-9 October Open 11am-7pm, Monday to Friday, and 10am-6pm, Saturday and Sunday www.thegoldsmiths.co.uk

SHOPPING It’s all In the bag Luxury luggage and accessory brand Tumi launch their sumptuous Autumn / Winter collection, combining their classic wheeled hard-shell cases, with an array of handbags, satchels, totes, and briefcases. In dusky shades of grey and copper, deep port-reds, seductive expresso and smart black, this season’s palette is a stylish addition to any ensemble. Whether you are heading for a day at the office, a night on the town or for a week at the beach Tumi have a bag to suit the occasion.

In collaboration with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Tumi are unveiling their limited edition pink travel collection.

20 percent of the sales of these products go to supporting the invaluable work into finding a cure to breast cancer in our lifetime.

Tumi Cabot Place Canary Wharf 020 7513 2456

bedford Collection

georgetown Collection

What’s In store for london 2012

Just in time for the back-to-school stock up and Christmas shopping, London 2012 opens the doors of its newest store in Jubilee Place, Canary Wharf in mid September. Coinciding with the launch of the latest Team GB and Paralympics GB range, the exciting new London 2012 Shop will showcase gifts and clothing featuring the vibrant London 2012 colours, the classic Olympic Museum Collection designs and many other exciting products. Wenlock, the official Olympic mascot, and Mandeville, the official Paralympic mascot, are also available in a range of toys, games and collectables. From the gift giver to the London visitor, from the collector to the child in all of us, there is something there for everyone.

London 2012 Shop Jubilee Place Canary Wharf

bedford Collection

bellevue Collection

SHOPPING

Lady in Red Shop in Canary Wharf and dress to impress in one of this season's hottest colours 3

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 9 1 Reiss A/W Collection, see store for details, Cabot Place & Jubilee Place 2 Square Pendant, £80, Jaeger London, Cabot Place 3 Sleeveless Pussybow Shirt, £20, River Island, Cabot Place 4 Belted Coat, £430, Jaeger London, Cabot Place 5 Plisse Skirt, £32, Warehouse, Canada Place 6 Shilo Heel, £160, L.K.Bennett, Jubilee Place 7 Empress Cuff, £79, Aspinal of London, Cabot Place 8 Ellie Bag, £345, L.K.Bennett, Jubilee Place 9 Watch, £360, Pandora, Cabot Place  Paolo Belt, £49, Reiss, Cabot Place & Jubilee Place

SHOPPING

Suited for Style Channel city chic with sharp tailoring and smart accessories from Canary Wharf 1 2

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 1 Hackett A/W Collection, see store for details, Cabot Place 2 Jersey Jacket, £550 and Striped Shirt from £45, Hackett, Cabot Place 3 Spot Cotton Handkerchief, £12.50, Charles Tyrwhitt, Canada Place 4 Mini-dot Tie, £75, Aquascutum, Cabot Place 5 Bedford Briefcase, £845, Tumi, Cabot Place 6 Leather Hip Flask, £40, Aspinal of London, Cabot Place 7 Patek Philippe Calatrava, £19,530, David M Robinson, Jubilee Place 8 Mayfair Cufflinks, £55, Hackett , Cabot Place 9 Meisterstrück Solitaire Doue Geometric Pen, £950, Montblanc, Canada Place  Chetwynd Brogue, £370, Church's English Shoes, Cabot Place  Polished Shoe, £210, Hugo Boss, Cabot Place

events DISCOVERY WALKS:

Discover Canary Wharf’s unique landscaped spaces and take a deeper look at how the area’s history has come to shape its future, through free Discovery Walks: Nature & History.

If you’ve ever wondered how Canary Wharf has come to be a world leader in contemporary urban design and a blueprint for ecological management these walks are for you. Nature explores Canary Wharf’s green public spaces and hidden wildlife habitats, while History traces Canary Wharf’s humble beginnings as a disused dock through to its iconic urban regeneration.

Discovery Walks will take you beyond the simple beginnings of this area to its dynamic future enhanced by its world class design, and thriving shopping malls, events, visual arts and community programmes.

Friday 16 September - Nature This walk will guide you through some of Canary Wharf’s 20 acres of landscaped open spaces and natural reserves. From green roofs and parks to colourful flower beds and aquatic features, walkers will discover the green areas and learn of the species of bird, fish and insects that the area attracts. Discover how these spaces are home to so many different species of flora and fauna and how Canary Wharf Group’s high standards of ecological management and sustainability have contributed to being named among The Sunday Times’ Best Green Companies in the UK since 2008.

Saturday 17 September - History History will help you to examine the extraordinary transformation of an area whose development was once considered an “impossible” task. Come and discover the secrets of the planning, design and construction of this remarkable London landmark, from the footprint of the boom then decline of the West India Docks and the area’s multi-cultural roots, to the devastation inflicted by WWII, to the area’s dramatic regeneration.

Walks start at the Canary Wharf Jubilee Line station. space is limited and available on a first come, first served basis.

Friday 16 and saturday 17 september Friday 6-8pm: nAtURe saturday 11am-1pm and 2-4pm: HIstORY throughout Canary Wharf FRee

THE LUNCH MARKET

Fast becoming a Canary Wharf favourite, join us for an alfresco feast as The Lunch Market returns to Canada Square Park for the final time this year, with more than 20 stalls brimming with delicious international foods. Inspired by the spirit of outdoor markets throughout the world, The Lunch Market offers an amazing assortment of tasty dishes for lunch with a difference.

Each lunch market offers a changing range of fabulous foods from a variety of cuisines – you might find spicy curries and tagines, fresh burritos with guacamole, delicious organic vegetarian food, chunky steak sandwiches, gourmet chorizo rolls, fresh ice cream and much more - so leave those sandwiches at home and join us for something a bit different!

tuesday 27 september 11am-3pm Canada square Park, Canary Wharf

an evening WiTh legends

You are invited to join rugby legends england’s David Trick (Tricky), Ireland’s rob Henderson and Saracens’ Hugh Vyvyan for some lively chat, reminiscing, questions and answers prior to the screening of Invictus PG starring Hollywood legends Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon, and directed by Clint eastwood. The 2009 film depicts the incredible true story of the rise and success of the host nation South Africa in the 1995 rugby World Cup. Tuesday 11 October an evening with legends 7pm (doors 6.30pm) Screening commences 8pm east Wintergarden, Bank Street e14 5NX Full bar and food available from doors opening £20 - ticketweb.co.uk or 0844 847 2268 (booking fee applies)

Coming to Canary Wharf this autumn…

CanaRy WhaRf Comedy Club

Celebrate the 2011 Rugby World Cup at Canary Wharf

Looking for nights of raucous comedy?

Then join us for a feast of established comedians and rising stars.

Tuesday 25 October & 8 November 7.15pm (doors 6.30pm) £12 - ticketweb.co.uk or 0844 847 2268 (booking fee applies) east Wintergarden, Bank Street e14 5NX Full bar and food available from doors opening

TouCh Rugby Challenge

CanaRy WhaRf Quiz nighT

Canary Wharf celebrates the 2011 Rugby World Cup by inviting the England Touch Rugby team to Canada Square Park where they will demonstrate the sport and their skills. There will also be the unique opportunity for teams to take them on and rugby enthusiasts to just turn up and take part in the rugby target challenge.

So why not enter a team or just turn up on the day and take part in this celebration of rugby.

Tuesday 11 October Touch Rugby Challenge 11.30am-2.30pm Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf Free To enter a team email arts&events@canarywharf.com

Mondays 10 October & 7 November 6.30pm (doors 6pm) east Wintergarden, Bank Street, £15 per team*, maximum 6 team members – All proceeds go to charity *Teams must register in advance via email to: arts&events@canarywharf.com Full bar and food available from doors opening

Visit canarywharf.com for regular event updates, pick up a brochure available throughout the Canary Wharf malls or email arts&events@canarywharf.com to be added to our mailing list.

Details correct at time of print.

For more information visit canarywharf.com

ART ScuLPtuRE IN thE WORKPLAcE

WINdOW GALLERIES The Art, Design & Lightbox Window Galleries in Canada Place retail mall are showcases for up-and-coming artists, designers and craftspeople.

Katharina Vones Until 23 September

Katharina’s Microcosms collection captures the harmonious imperfections of growth patterns found within nature and architecture. Towering skyscrapers with their mirrorpolished façades are a particular focus of interest, translated into multi-faceted jewellery that appears to grow on the complex surface of the human body.

kvones.com

Petra Bishai

Until 23 September

LAWSON OYEKAN: GLOBAL WORKING 19 September – 11 November 2011 Lobby, One Canada Square Four ceramic sculptures by Lawson Oyekan have long formed part of Canary Wharf’s permanent art collection, on display in the Lobby of One Canada Square. In September these are joined by an exhibition of the artist’s more recent works. Significantly larger pieces, they show how Oyekan’s ideas have progressed and demonstrate his extraordinary working practice.

For a number of years Oyekan has not had a permanent studio, mainly due to his ambition to work on a large scale but also, more importantly, to reflect on other cultures and to discover the effects that clays from different parts of the world have on his sculptural vessels. For him each vessel is a figure and the smaller items on pedestals are heads. His vessels hold mysteries, spirits and stories – many pieces include calligraphy – conjured up from his Yoruba origins, but married with contemporary culture from around the world.

Oyekan was born in London but brought up in Nigeria. He graduated from the Royal College of Art in 1988 and has since pursued a career as a sculptor working in both stone and clay. He has gained residencies in Britain, Europe and the United States and has exhibited widely, winning the Grand Prize at the World Ceramic Biennale in South Korea in 2001.

For information on the Visual Arts programme please visit canarywharf.com

Petra’s work is inspired by city life. Her beautifully constructed wall pieces, both mobile and fixed, incorporate industrial and hand-made staples in steel, 18 carat gold and silver.

petrabishai.co.uk

Madi Boyd and Jonathan Munro Until 28 October

Boyd and Munro work collaboratively in installation and holographic video. For the first time since winning the Randstad VJ award, they present images from filming at ZSL London Zoo.

madiboyd.com jonathanmunro.com

NEWS Shell Centre to be redeveloped by Canary Wharf Group and Qatari Diar Canary Wharf Group and Qatari Diar recently concluded an agreement with Shell International to redevelop the Shell Centre site at South Bank, in the heart of London.

The companies secured the site for £300 million and will be working on plans to develop a mixture of office, retail and residential space. George Iacobescu CBE, Chairman and Chief Executive of Canary Wharf Group said: “The South Bank is one of London’s best loved places. It is both a privilege and a great responsibility to be involved in this redevelopment project which will reenergise a key part of this area of London.”

Shell Centre

Canary Wharf to be the Backdrop for Star Strewn Film 25 Churchill Place

New Canary Wharf Tower to be built at 25 Churchill Place The last remaining site on the original Canary Wharf Masterplan is to be developed.

Construction on 25 Churchill Place will start later this year. The 20 storey building has been half let to the European Medicines Agency, who will move in from January 2015.

The other half of the building will be marketed by Canary Wharf Group as construction progresses.

25 Churchill Place will be one of Canary Wharf’s greenest buildings. Environmental features include elevators that store and reuse energy elsewhere in the building, the latest ultra-efficient air-conditioning equipment that recycles the energy from exhaust air and photo-voltaic cells to generate energy from the sun’s rays.

Canary Wharf is to form part of the set for a new feature film called Welcome to the Punch.

Written and directed by Isle of Dogs resident Eran Creevy, the film will star James McAvoy, Mark Strong and Andrea Riseborough.

Eran Creevy comments “It’s great to be shooting against the magnificent backdrop of Canary Wharf and modern London, we have a fantastically talented cast and crew, and I can’t wait to start filming.”

Welcome To The Punch finds ex-criminal Jacob Sternwood (Strong) forced to return to London from his Icelandic hideaway when his son is involved in a heist gone wrong. This gives his nemesis, detective Max Lewinsky (McAvoy), one last chance to catch the man he’s always been after.

As the two enemies hurtle towards an unavoidable face off, they start to uncover a deeper conspiracy they both need to solve in order to survive.

interview fashion feature

;NICHOLAS KIRKWOOD BODYAMR! ..................................................FASHION FRINGE ..............

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LONDON FASHION WEEK

Hot on the heels of New York, and skipping ahead of its European sisters Milan and Paris, comes London Fashion Week in all its androgynous, voluminous, dotty, fetish-fashion glory

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eople constantly make the mistake of comparing London with New York, Milan and Paris, and that’s not what it’s about. London has its own fashion identity. You come here to find the next Alexander McQueen.” If anyone has the authority to say so, it’s Anna Wintour, editor of fashion bible American Vogue, and she’s right. London has made its own indelible, unique stamp on the global fashion industry and London Fashion Week (LFW) serves to showcase not only established designers but also to highlight the best of the new kids on the block.

This September sees the ‘Big Four’ fashion capitals hosting their biannual, trend-setting Fashion Weeks in quick succession, drawing the attention of designers, fashionistas and press worldwide. Organised by the British Fashion Council and funded by a number of sponsors, the SS 2012 collections debut in London from 16 to 20 September. LFW boasts more than 50 official catwalk shows as well as another 45 off schedule, showcasing in excess of 170 designers and putting London and British fashion firmly on the international stage. LFW alone generates orders in the region of £100 million. n

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THE BEAUTY

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Sleek, modern evening wear, body-con micro dresses, spiked stilettos and gold shackled boots: essential BodyAmr for the most stylish women.

From sequins and drapes to seventies and fur, make a statement this season Photography: John Wright Styling: Jessica Rea Long

Kym: Power net and crystal bodice evening dress with peacock silk drape (made to order) Nude suede pump with patent leather toe cap and yellow gold heel Shamone: Ivory knitted silk asymetric drape cocktail dress, navy suede pumps with patent leather toe cap and pink gold heel All clothes and jewellery by BodyAmr All footwear by Gianmarco Lorenzi for BodyAmr

Shamone, top left: Ivory knitted silk asymetric drape cocktail dress, pumps as before Kym, left: Geometric printed silk satin drawstring kaftan (made to order), pumps as before, pair of gold cuffs Shamone, above: Floor length silk chiffon dress with stretch metalic printed rayon body (made to order), gold chain ankle boots with Swarovski stud detail

Kym, far left: Power net and lame cocktail dress Gold cuffs, gold tribal necklace Kym, left: Veiled powernet and crystal cocktail dress with cut out shoulders, grey suede and gold fringe thigh boots with gold toe cap

Kym: Veiled powernet and crystal cocktail dress Shamone: Fine knit rayon halter cocktail dress with “Mongolian biker” leather and fur jacket (made to order), sunglasses: stylist’s own

All clothes and jewellery from BodyAmr, www.bodyamr.com All shoes from the launch collection of Gianmarco Lorenzi for BodyAmr AW11 and available to order For stockists or bespoke enquiries, please contact Drew Muntz. Call 020 7691 2085 or email correspondence@bodyamr.com

Hair stylist: Enzo Volpe

Make-up artist: Nikki Palmer

Models: Shamone at Premiere and Kym at IMG

Location: Goldsmiths’ Hall.

Goldsmiths’ Fair of Contemporary Jewellery and Silver is taking place 26 September – 9 October www.thegoldsmiths.co.uk

fashion

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I heart (DK)nY DKNY has launched its new jewellery pieces for Fall 2011, capturing the edgy tone of New York cool which has become the label’s signature.

The range juxtaposes leather bracelets and a mix of metals and semi precious stones including rose gold, silver and grey. Fans of DKNY watches will also spot details like logo studs and D-shaped links which have been carried over, along with luxurious black and white ceramics.

fashion

news

www.DKnY.Com

Quote of the month:

GuCCI for a/w11 Rarely has one collection epitomised so many of the season’s key trends as the latest drop from Gucci. Look after look had the fashion press captivated in Milan as models took to the runway in a variety of show-stopping designs. At one end of the spectrum, summer’s colour blocking brights were reworked into sophisticated jewelled tones of

emerald and amethyst, but there was also a touch of the dark, gothic vamp as seen at Christian Dior.

Snakeskin and sharp tailoring can be referenced but the overall style was that of a poised and elegant country duchess. Think faux fur, fedoras and layering.

A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.

www.GuCCI.Com

MUST-HAVE ITEM:

While this shoe’s iconic red sole might alone determine its must-have status, its playful appeal makes it all the more charming. After all, if one is choosing Louboutins why not have them super-high, in an outlandish shade and edged with glitter and gold?

8 mIGnons In Chartreuse sueDe, ChrIstIan louboutIn, www.ChrIstIanlouboutIn.Com

www.balenciaga.co.uk

New Louboutins

CoCo Chanel

WEbSITE:

TREND:

A tempting scrolling function which rattles through the collections and optimised search facilities make the redesigned Balenciaga website a shopper’s dream. However, we love it for its archives, which include sketches from the first range in 1937 along with documentation of how the designs and marketing campaigns have evolved over the decades.

Sixties Style You could be forgiven for thinking summer’s 70s revival was going to pervade A/W11 too, and it well might, but those favouring monochrome and simple shapes are already unearthing last year’s chic shifts and rocking a slicker silhouette. This belted jersey dress by Milly at NET-APORTER has all the makings of a wardrobe staple. www.netaporter.Com

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In His Shoes Photo: Sophie Delaporte

Despite being a much-lauded shoe designer with an A-list following, it’s not your average man behind the label. As Nicholas Kirkwood opens his new store on Mayfair’s exclusive Mount Street, he talks to Elle Blakeman about footwear inspiration, loud music and why women refuse to give up the platform

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t’s a stiflingly hot day in London when I meet Nicholas Kirkwood at his über-chic new store in Mount Street, Mayfair’s most élite road. He leads me through the light-filled, airy space stacked with stunning heels at every turn, as I try not to get distracted and instead focus on where I am putting my now rather boringly clad feet (peach cut-out heels, for the record).

We reach the basement of this beautiful Grade-II listed building, a Geppetto’s workshop of sorts, and Kirkwood politely apologises for the heat: “We have air-con upstairs in the shop, but it doesn’t quite stretch to down here,” he says.

I am astounded at how down-to-earth the man himself is.

After all, this is the designer who has won countless awards in his short career, including the prestigious Accessory Designer of the Year award at the 2010 British Fashion Awards; he is the designer openly praised by Manolo Blahnik for his unique style; and last, but by no means least in this celebrity-driven world, he decorated Sarah Jessica Parker’s famous-in-their-own-right feet in her Sex and the City 2 tour – surely the most watched soles on the planet.

So how did this ordinary man rise up to become such an insider name in just six short years? The answer, of course, is that he’s anything but ordinary. Having studied fine art at Central St. Martin’s and unsure about what direction to take, the young Kirkwood went to work with hat designer, Philip Treacy. “Women would bring in these fantastic outfits and I

would try to find a hat to match. At the time there were some amazing things happening with clothes – McQueen, Hussein Chalayan – but the shoes were really dull, as if from another decade. I knew I liked accessories, and I just thought that there was a lot more that could be done with shoes. So I looked into a course in London and I ended up at Cordwainers.”

This ‘thought’ paid off, as the industry quickly sat up and took note of his innovative, architectural designs, earning him several emerging designer awards. His pioneering approach to shoe design, and the materials manipulated to make them, from degradé silks to shaved stingray and rubberised leather, showed that this was not a man who shied away from a challenge. So where does the inspiration for these ground-breaking – literally – designs come from?

“I just sit down with a pad of paper and a cup of tea and some really loud music”, [electro or rock, if you’re interested] “and just start doodling. Then I’ll see something else that will take it in a new direction and eventually at some point you’ve got to stop and say, ‘Okay, I better start making them now’.” Does he pay attention to what’s going on in the industry when designing? “Obviously I consider the seasons, but I then just do what I enjoy.

When I started out I really looked up to people like Roger Vivier, Andre Perugia and Ferragamo. They were really pushing boundaries and doing incredible things, and the technologies they were using at the time were really new.”

interview

This desire to constantly create something fresh is evident throughout his collections. “I have just been working with the Keith Haring foundation, incorporating his artwork into a mini couture collection, [which has now gone to exhibition]... Because his shapes are so bold, I thought it would be really interesting to see if you could take that artwork and use it in a different way, and not just on a flat surface.”

Kirkwood clearly believes that two heads are better than one, with a long list of collaborations behind him.

“Shoes lend themselves to collaborations as they are an accessory to the rest of the outfit, so in a way I’m always collaborating. It allows me to do something I wouldn’t normally do in my own collection. So working with Rodate it could be doing a candlewax heel, or big studs and spikes. These are things that I would never put in my own collection because it goes outside the look I’m trying to get, but at the same time I really enjoyed doing it.”

As any dedicated shoe shopper will tell you, heels have

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become increasingly vertiginous thanks to the platform, the popularity of which had shown no sign of waning until recently, when Tom Ford declared: “When a woman looks like she has copies of the Oxford English Dictionary attached to her feet, it’s time for the fashion pendulum to swing the other way”. Where Tom Ford goes, the industry follows, so how does Kirkwood feel about the potential impending death of the platform? “I’ve been doing that for years but the problem is no one is buying them!” he says. “There’s definitely a push from the press and certain designers are trying to go lower, but the problem is that women have become used to that extra inch or two and they are reluctant to give it up. They don’t want to be shorter.”

It is this knowledge of what women want that has made him so successful. Rather than simply picturing a red-carpetsauntering A-lister, Kirkwood identifies various scenarios and personalities, bringing his work to life. “I imagine all different types of women in my shoes, so ‘the department store girl’ or ‘the downtown hip girl’. I don’t have a celebrity muse.” And yet celebrities still flock to the brand. “There are some really cool women out there wearing my shoes – Julianne Moore, Sarah Jessica Parker, Beyoncé…” Does this unaffected designer ever get excited to see his creations being worn? “When I started I thought, that’ll be the best thing ever to see someone in your shoes, and then at a party someone said: ‘She’s wearing your shoes!’”

So, awards, glamour and now one of the chicest shoe shops around – with floors designed by Richard Woods, who Nicholas lived with in his Philip Treacy days: “I saw what he did at the late Isabella Blow’s house and I thought that it would be perfect for the shop” – what does rest of 2011 hold for the brand? “A couple of collaborations will come out next year, plus we’re bringing out a men’s collection, and potentially bags as well. Oh, and we’re going to open a store in New York.” “Where in New York?” I enquire; after all, Mount Street is fairly hard to top. He ponders for a moment.

“I’m not sure. But it will be somewhere good,” he says, smiling. I have no doubt it will. n www.nicholaskirkwood.com

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interview

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What You’ll Be Wearing Next Summer

With London Fashion Week upon us, Elle Blakeman looks to the Fashion Fringe stage to see what the cream of the next generation of designers will produce for S/S12

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or fashion insiders, the Fashion Fringe competition is a battle worth paying attention to. Now in its eighth year, the competition is responsible for propelling some of the most talented ‘new gen’ (new generation) designers to the next level, including Erdem and Basso & Brooke, and has previously been judged by industry royalty Tom Ford and Donatella Versace. True to form, this year’s judges include Roland Mouret and the always-in-fashion Claudia Schiffer (who has recently launched her own cashmere label), alongside founder, renowned fashion journalist Colin McDowell, who insists that this is the best year yet.

“There was an energy but a seriousness in our choices this year because, as several members of the jury who have worked with us before have said, this is potentially the strongest line up we have had in our eight years,” says McDowell. Mouret points out that “it’s not just exciting but also very relevant to feel part of Fashion Fringe, where so many young talents take their journey in this amazing, frustrating world of fashion.

“What’s better than to have Colin McDowell as a Fairy Godmother?” he adds. After a long, and fiercely fought contest, the judges narrowed their shortlist of 11 (“The fact that we couldn’t get it down to ten tells its own tale,” says McDowell) down to just three, each of whom made room for us in their busy preparations to tell us about their take on fashion. We strongly advise learning these names.

Heidi Leung A super-sweet and incredibly talented graduate of Central St. Martin’s, Heidi Leung has worked with renowned designers Edmond Chow (in San Francisco), Alexander McQueen and Christopher Kane How did you get started?

I was interested in punk DIY clothes, and also in the idea that romantic moments are more romantic when you are dressed for the occasion.

What does fashion mean to you?

To me it’s being able to become a character through dressing. You step out of your house and you can play any part you want, which is magical.

Who would be your dream person to dress?

Daphne Guinness. She’s fearless and just loves fashion.

And she’s not practical in any way.

Who do you look up to in the industry?

Diana Vreeland and Grace Coddington, as they both made great careers in fashion out of being who they are.

Which look do you wish you’d created?

Rococco – true luxury. Or the flapper look – I love 1920s glamour.

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Which look do you wish you’d created?

Elizabeth I. I wish I’d been around to be her personal stylist.

Sum up your collection in three words.

Ethereal. Smoke. Confident.

What is your fashion prediction for 2012?

I believe that doughy-neutral colours will really dominate. I’m feeling cleanliness and loving no-fuss-cleancut-functional-creativity.

What would you ban in fashion?

Harems come right up there, along with UGGs, cheap pumps and anything that has a bow on it.

Fyodor and Golan The formidable and über-sleek duo – Fyodor Podgorny and Golan Frydman – were named finalists after showing with Vauxhall Fashion Scout last season and have done stints at Alexander McQueen, Richard Nichol and Dries Van Noten

Sum up your collection in three words.

Orientalism; vintage resort.

What is your fashion prediction for 2012?

Colourful A/W collections I hope! Though I have not really thought that far and don’t try to predict fashion.

What would you ban in fashion?

Ultra low-rise jeans – they’re terrible!

Nabil El-Nayal A Royal Collage of Art graduate (on a MA scholarship scheme from the British Fashion Council) and winner of the Graduate Fashion Week Womenswear Award in 2008, Nabil has gone on to design a line of super-chic dresses for River Island How did you get started?

I don’t really recall wanting to do anything else; one of my earliest memories as a child is knitting. After loving all art subjects at school, I went on to study at the Manchester School of Art and later the Royal College of Art. What does fashion mean to you?

Aside from my mother, fashion is the most important thing to me in the world. I feel so complete when I dress a woman in my clothes; when she is happy, I get a rush of adrenaline through my body - it’s very addictive!

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How did you get started?

We’d been together for over four years but always worked separately with advice from each other. We launched our label a year ago as we felt that our work was growing organically together. Our dream is to create a FYODOR GOLAN Fashion House – for us it’s about exploring opposites so its personal and emotional, a Dr. Jekyll / Mr Hyde type of thing.

What does fashion mean to you?

Fashion is not the front or the back of a garment, but something in between; something holds it together with a bit of magic and imagination.

Who would be your dream person to dress?

We dream of dressing Marilyn Monroe. She had such a strong film image and a totally different image in real life, something of our duality – melancholy and energy. Today, we’d be honoured to dress Nicole Kidman and Cate Blanchett.

Who do you look up to in the industry?

We look up to people who inspire us – Elsa Schiaparelli in the past to Haider Ackermann. They show something extra besides business.

Which look do you wish you’d created?

The Elizabethan era, we love Queen Elizabeth. Her power and hunger for change and harmony is inspirational.

The way she communicated herself through her look.

Who would be your dream person to dress?

In the past, Eartha Kitt and Marlene Dietrich – both very powerful and confident women. Today I look to women who have that same power and allure; people like Daphne Guinness and also Madonna.

Sum up your collection in three words.

Flowers of evil.

Who do you look up to in the industry?

I am a big fan of Jens Laugesen.

What would you ban in fashion?

Fakes - nobody looks good in them. n

What is your fashion prediction for 2012?

Strong colours, strong attitude, strong personalities.

Design

divas

fashion

concierge

With the new Autumn/Winter Collection from Project D set to be another huge success, Gabrielle Lane talks fashion and future plans with label creators Dannii Minogue and Tabitha Somerset-Webb

W

ith the tagline declaring ‘beautiful dresses to make every woman feel beautiful’, Project D is on a mission to conquer the market. Representing their combined passions, style icon Dannii Minogue and talented designer Tabitha Somerset-Webb set out to create a range of glamorous gowns which would both appeal to, and work, for all women. “We want women to wear our dresses and to feel sexy and confident in them,” explains Tabitha. “The dresses are made to look as cool on a 25-year-old as they do timeless on a 60-year-old.”

To this end, the new Autumn/Winter collection includes eye-catching leopard prints and feminine florals for daytime, gorgeous ensembles of deep red and classic black for events and several signature showstoppers such as the striking, metallic Claudia mini dress. This will be the pair’s fifth range and it is proving just as popular as their previous design work.

“A/W main is an exciting collection! Dannii’s favourite is the Lily dress in the black jacquard. She’s saving it for a special occasion, as she loves it,” enthuses Tabitha. Tabitha herself favours the Kate, an easy day dress in a gorgeous polka dot. She also loves the Tyra, a more structured dress, tailored to make every figure look fabulous.

It is the fusion of the creators’ different preferences which holds the key to the brand’s wide appeal. Dannii continues to win admiration for her sophisticated style while Tabitha channels a fresh, rock ‘n’ roll edge. “My passions are usually bolder than Dannii’s,” Tabitha agrees.

“We both travel a lot so often pick up different ideas from round the globe and email them to each other excitedly.”

While dresses are clearly still on the agenda, Dannii and Tabitha also share an enthusiasm for all things beauty. “We are launching a range in Boots which will cover everything from body lotion to lip glosses so we are keen to see the reaction to it,” they explain, before openly disclosing their desires to move into maternity and wedding collections in the future. Of course, the irony is that such huge brand development and success leaves little time for pampering. “In an ideal world, before a night out we both love to have a long luxurious bath, exfoliate, moisturise and give ourselves a mani/pedi while rocking out to music on our iPods,” says Tabitha. “Although, neither of us have much time.”

However, their mission remains clear, as Tabitha explains. “I hope that both the brands will continue to grow and flourish. Project D is still in its infancy and my hope is that it has so much more to achieve – there is so much Dannii and I still want to do, but it’s all about taking it a day at a time. In ten years time we hope to be sitting in our penthouse office in Sydney looking out over the ocean and giving each other a high five!” n

Project D by Dannii and Tabitha is available at www.projectdonline.co.uk

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A BEAUTIFUL NEW HAIR CUT

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20/05/2011 15:16

health & beauty

concierge

health & beauty

news worK out weiGht loSS Last month Olympic Rowing Coach and training guru Terry O’Neill advised us on the fastest way to lose weight. This month we asked him why, for some of us, working out doesn’t always achieve the desired results.

He explained: “This is a common problem but can normally be explained by one of two simple answers. Either you are overeating to congratulate yourself on having done exercise or you have swapped some muscle for some fat;

since muscle is heavier than fat, your weight may have gone up. Watch your diet, make sure you’re not overeating and avoid energy drinks which will put back on all the calories you’ve just burned off. Measure your waist, thighs and biceps, and take pictures to compare before and after – you may just be changing shape which is what you want. Visit the website to make sure you’re training in the right way.”

raw fairieS 5-Day Detox Combining the skills of Cordon-Bleu trained chef Anya Ladra with the nutritional expertise of Christina Agnew, Raw Fairies is the number one luxury food delivery service in London. The concept is to aid detoxification and for five days, Monday to Friday, clients receive a selection of gourmet raw food, fresh fruit and vegetable juices and nutritionist-designed supplements.

Combining raw and organic ingredients provides vitamins and minerals and avoids the loss of energising enzymes through cooking.

Our tester slept better, had more energy and clearer skin and lost four pounds. Whether you want to trim down before a holiday or big event or kick-start a healthier lifestyle, the Raw Fairies 5-day package, discreetly delivered to your home or office, makes detoxing and healthy eating simple, easy and convenient. raw fairieS 5-Day Detox, £295 www.rawfairieS.com

www.concept2.co.uK/weiGhtloSS

treatment of the month: SEANHANNA EXECUTIVE BLOW-DRY Ever wished you could breeze straight from work to social events with salon-perfect hair? If so, are you often thwarted in the attempt because time isn’t on your side? Seanhanna has come up with the perfect solution. The London Hairdressers of the Year has introduced the Executive Blowdry – a fabulous new service available now at Seanhanna for just £20. This uber-professional, speedy blowdry includes a luxury shampoo and blissful head massage, as well as styling your hair however you like; I looked more like Cheryl Cole than I ever thought possible by the end. Do note that this is a walk-in service only and cannot be booked in advance. Subject to availability, the receptionist will allocate you a stylist anytime you pop in while passing, so give yourself a well-deserved treat.

catwalK nailS Stand out from the crowd with the forthcoming Facets of Fuchsia Nail Enamel from Revlon. Part of the bold Expressionists collection for the A/W11 season, the intense, glittery shade is sure to acquire cult status and shine under a few flashbulbs in the run up to Christmas.

Seanhanna executive Blow-Dry, £20

rrp £6.49

Sean hanna, juBilee place, 020 7513 2660

www.revlon.co.uK

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www.boconcept.co.uk

Marie in Shanghai

Urban Danish Design since 1952 Welcome to a new collection of urban Danish Design. Based on the Danish Design traditions of simplicity and functionality, we create furniture that is not only beautiful but useful too.

That was the vision of two Danish craftsmen back in 1952. And that is how we work today.

Come and visit us in store and speak to a consultant about our free Interior Design Service and pick up the new 2012 catalogue now.

BoConcept TCR 路 158 Tottenham Court Road 路 London W1T 7NH 路 0207 388 2447

239_UK_TCR_1-1 Shanghai-Imola_Sqmile.indd 1

2/8/11 21:38:33

interiors

concierge

interiors

news Ralph lauRen Ralph Lauren Home is the destination of choice for discerning clientele with a concept in mind.

While the label has chic neutral colour palettes, handsome armoires and chaise longues covered, colonial style beds, safari camping chairs and themed lamps all feature in the range, with each piece built to last for years to come. www.RalphlauRenhome.com

© The Assembly

mulbeRRy

basso anD bRooke Proof that every surface can be adorned with gorgeous prints comes in the form of the interiors projects of fashion design duo Basso and Brooke.

The pair have been at the helm of numerous successful collaborations including one which saw lampshades, console tables and a Bergere Gondola

chair wrapped in vibrant digital designs inspired by Turning Leaf wine. They continue to work in this capacity on a bespoke basis and will be releasing an eagerly awaited collection of soft furnishings and limited edition art prints on their website very soon. www.bassoanDbRooke.com

In keeping with the ethos of luxury British brand Mulberry, the eponymous home range includes accessories which are made individually by local craftsmen.

Blankets are woven with Scottish yarn, candles are made from natural wax and there are beautiful willow, leather and rope baskets created in Somerset by a team of hot air balloon makers. Aside from decorative items, cosy armchairs, stools, ottomans and fine fabrics have also been given the Mulberry touch. www.mulbeRRyhome.com

DVF In keeping with her fashion signature of contemporary patterns and smooth silhouettes, Diane Von Furstenberg’s home range is modern and fun. In Europe, the range is exclusively available at Selfridges and includes bed linen splashed with animal prints and bright colours and a range of beaded cushions.

The collection is inspired by the creator’s love of travel, nature and art and such is her flair that Claridge’s asked DVF to redesign its prestigious Piano Suite. www.selFRiDges.com

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the trend There’s nothing shabby about a chic, French style living space boasting classic furniture, pared-down paintwork, soft colours and antique glass accessories

Savior Dining Table, £POA Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic Couture www.rachelashwellshabbychiccouture.com

Provencal Round White Bedside Table £165, The French Bedroom Company www.frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk

Fleur de Lis Glass Jar, £20, John Lewis www.johnlewis.com

Fancy Floris Venetian Mirror, £175 The French Bedroom Company www.frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk

interiors

concierge

Pip Studio Khaki Dinner Plate, £25.95 Selfridges, www.selfridges.com

Christalle Chandelier, £195, The French Bedroom Company, www.frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk

Wild Flowers Wallpaper, £65 per roll Cole & Son, www.cole-and-son.com

Aqua Marine Dining Chair, £165 Sweetpea & Willow www.sweetpeaandwillow.com

French Boudoir Chair £1,654, Juliette’s Interiors www.juliettesinteriors.co.uk

Provence Eau de Source £24, Brissi, www.brissi.co.uk

71

concierge interiors Coudray Bodycare Range from £21.50, Cologne & Cotton www.cologneandcotton.com

Chateau Collection White Dressing Table with Mirror, £655 Lucy Willow, www.lucywillow.co.uk

Florentina Throw, £120 John Lewis, www.johnlewis.com

Floral Wardrobe, £5,025, And So To Bed www.andsotobed.co.uk

Kasbah Coffee Table, £698 Anthropologie, www.anthropologie.eu

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interiors

concierge

Dream

Live In

the

The future looks bright for Halcyon Interiors as the company embarks on another 30 years of leading the field in solutions to kitchen design

W

e all know that the kitchen is the heart of the home. Not only is it the space where we prepare, cook and eat our food, it’s also where every dinner party and house gathering seems to end up. What was once a purely functionary room now exists as a social space around which the rest of the home revolves. In fact, we Brits spend more time in the kitchen than in any other room.

It’s important, then, that our kitchens are able to function around our lifestyles while simultaneously reflecting our personalities. Equipped with the skill and experience to ensure that they do is leading kitchen designer Halcyon Interiors. In a similar way to how the mythical halcyon bird was said to charm the wind and waves into tranquillity, the company promises to transform your kitchen into a living space of calm and congruity.

Armed with 30 years of experience at the cutting edge of kitchen design, and specializing in Alno products – the world’s second largest kitchen manufacturer – Halcyon Interiors stands at the forefront of kitchen styling, supply, and customer service. Every Halycon kitchen is designed by its own creative team, fitted by its own installers and managed by its own dedicated project management team to ensure the living spaces created are as individual as the clients for whom they are designed.

With the popularity of open interior spaces and loft style living on the rise, the choice of the layout and styling of your kitchen has become even more important. As living habits change and the kitchen increasingly acts as an extended living area, they are no longer bound by the same design constraints as the kitchen of old.

While white may still prove popular as the focal point of the kitchen’s colour palette, soft, neutral tones are part of a growing trend while the introduction of new finishes like glass offer another dimension in design. Alno Stoneglass, for instance, where an image of stone is printed continuously onto the back of glass doors, gives the impression of solid stone and provides clean lines that flow uninterrupted around the room. Innovatively, the company also combines glass with other natural finishes such as wood veneer to create warm environments and add depths of texture to furniture.

Incorporating in its designs furniture from other leading brands, such as Miele, Gaggenau, Elica and Dornbracht, Halcyon Interiors provides homeowners with timeless styling and inventive spaces that are intended to last the test of time. n For more information, and to see examples of kitchen designs, visit www.halcyoninteriors.com

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exceeding your expectations

Luxury

Car Hire

Whether it’s for business, a special occasion, test drive or just for fun, VIP Car Hire can cater. We provide car hire from three days to 12 months and our fleet includes Ferrari 458 & F430, Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder, Bentley GTC, Range Rovers and many more all the way down to the Mini Cooper S. We also offer a nationwide delivery service with any of our cars.

contact@vipservices.co.uk www.vipservices.co.uk

Tel: 020 7407 2121

feature motoring interview

england rugby evoque ............................sir stirling moss

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Fashion on Four wheels

Ralph Lauren has always considered cars as art.

It’s not surprising, then, that his automobile collection features some of the most beautiful vehicles ever made

F

or our fashion issue, it is only fitting that this page features an automotive from one of the world’s most stylish car collections, amassed by legendary fashion designer Ralph Lauren. Built in 1930 and capable of reaching 235 kilometres per hour, the infamous seven litre straight-6-cylindered Mercedes-Benz SSK ‘Count Trossi’ (pictured above, bottom right) belongs to a collection of more than 60 automotive masterpieces owned by one of the 20th century’s most successful style kings.

Proving that Lauren’s appreciation of classic design and creative flair transcends the fashion

world into the automobile arena, the collection boasts some of the most prestigious sports cars ever created. From a brawny 1929 Bentley “Blower” to a streamlined 1996 McLaren F1 LM (one of only five ever produced), the collection traces the story of the sports vehicles over a period of seven decades.

Following the success of last month’s L’Art de L’Automobile exhibition in Paris, where 17 cars from the Ralph Lauren collection were displayed for the first time, you can experience this exquisite assembly of cars in the pages of Speed, Style and Beauty, a breathtaking volume of 29 works of art selected by the fashion designer himself. n

75

Gold Medal Fitness for Busy People

There aren’t many of us who can win a Gold Medal aged 20, and return to the same sport aged 40 aiming to win another next year. But that’s exactly what Greg Searle is attempting.

So how did he regain his fitness whilst juggling a full time job and a young family?

He used what little spare time he had wisely…on a Concept2 Indoor Rower. The Concept2 is recognised worldwide as providing one of the best all body workouts available – whether you’re an elite athlete or a complete beginner.

Not everyone has to have the same level of commitment that Greg has (he snuck away from the celebrations on Christmas Day 2009 to do a 5000m test in the spare bedroom!). For us mere mortals, just 20 minutes

three times a week promises improved energy, better fitness, and probably a trimmer waistline. For those willing to put in a little more effort…the opportunities are limitless…as Greg is hoping!

To find out more about the Concept2 Indoor Rower and how it would improve your health & fitness visit our website at concept2.co.uk where you can download the Free training guide, or create your own interactive training programme.

If you would like to talk to one of our knowledgeable staff please call 0115 945 5522 today or you could check out what Greg Searle is up to on www.concept2.co.uk/greg

ROWING Concept2 Limited Vermont House Nottingham NG11 7HQ | 0115 945 5522 | info@concept2.co.uk | www.concept2.co.uk

sports

calibre

Styling the nation

sports

news

Who said the Olympics had to be all about sport? Bringing a touch of fashion to the 2012 Games will be Stella McCartney who has been appointed creative director for the adidas Team GB clothing ranges. It will be the first time a sports brand has worked with a top fashion designer to produce competition wear for both the Olympic and Paralympic Teams.

“As a British fashion designer it is an amazing, once in a lifetime opportunity,” said McCartney, who will oversee the design of both the athletes’ kit and a special edition adidas Team GB lifestyle range. We look forward to seeing the touch of style McCartney will undoubtedly bring to the sporting proceedings.

from catwalk to croquet firSt beckS, now rafa Following in the wake of sporting legends David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo, Rafael Nadal has become the latest superstar to bare almost all for Emporio Armani so fans can get the look.

Fronting the Emporio Armani Underwear and Armani Jeans S/S11 collection, the two-time Wimbledon winner and current world number

two cuts an impressive figure in a series of black and white stills shot by fashion photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggot. Nadal may be renowned for his reserved on-court attitude but the tennis champ appears anything but shy in these sultry pictures. www.armani.com

polo in the city England’s polo players celebrated the close of the polo season in style this summer. In an event hosted by the team’s official tailor, Tony Lutwyche, players provided city workers with a treat when they took part in a pop-up polo match in Mayfair.

Kitted out in ‘Made in England’ Lutwyche blazers, captain Luke Tomlinson, James Beim and Malcolm Borwick took to their horses to play several chukkas outside Lutwyche’s Clifford Street store, before moving the game onto nearby Old Bond Street and Savile Row. As the owner of the only UK workshop capable of making authentically English suits at the luxury end of the market, Lutwyche has been hailed as the man who saved high-end English tailoring. www.lutwyche.co.uk

Croquet just got fashionable.

Adorned with Chanel’s signature white and black colours, this eyecatching wood croquet set, with aged calfskin trunk, will prove a stylish addition to even the most glamorous of garden parties.

Stepping off the catwalk and into the world of sport, the fashion house presents a range of athletic accessories that includes lacquered graphite tennis rackets, rosewood and aluminium parabolic skis and even a monochrome carbon-fibre surf board. The elegantly designed and beautifully styled sporting accessories will be available in Chanel stores this autumn. www.chanel.com

Sporting Soundbite:

hen you feel like you’ve W nothing else to give, the scream of the fans gives you that extra bit of adrenaline.

england rugby Star Shontayne hape on england fanS

77

In PursuIt of Glory Twenty of the world’s top rugby nations will descend on New Zealand this month to compete for the sport’s biggest prize. Richard Brown met three England players hoping to be named in Martin Johnson’s 30 man World Cup squad

M

emories of the last Rugby World Cup final will sit particularly poignantly in the mind of Mark Cueto. Four years ago, he was the man who carried the ball – along with the hopes of a nation – over the South African try line only to have his dreams dashed when the match’s television official deemed his leg to have entered touch before the ball was grounded.

That judgment may still remain a topic of debate. What’s not in question is the fact that seven matches against the world’s toughest rugby nations stand in the way of England claiming their second Rugby World Cup. Joining Cueto in the hope of repeating the scenes of jubilation that greeted the final whistle of the 2003 final will be rugby league-turned-union international Shontayne Hape and England newbie Tom Wood. Last month, I travelled to the team’s state-of-the-art Surrey training ground to talk to the trio about their pre-tournament preparation and the teams to look out for in New Zealand.

What will prove key to England’s success at the Rugby World Cup? Mark Cueto: It’s an old sporting cliché but taking every game as it comes. We mustn’t look too far ahead. Always look after the next game and the bigger picture will fall into place. From the start, every game is massive.

Shontayne Hape: It’s about having the belief. Every team that’s heading out to New Zealand is going there to compete.

We have to build on the performances we put together during the Autumn tests and the 6 Nations. The last time we won the World Cup was in a year that we had won the Grand Slam.

This year we’ve won the 6 Nations so we’re on the right path.

Tom Wood: Preparation is always the key and ours has been pretty intense. We’ve been doing a lot of rugby-specific training rather than just lifting weights. There’s been a strong element of wrestling and grappling. It’s also about focus. It’s different to a one-off test match, where you turn up on the day, perform and that’s the end of it. We’ve got to stay at the top of our game for a long period of time. Mental focus is going to be crucial.

Which teams are to be most feared?

TW: Fear’s the wrong word. The toughest team to play at a World Cup is perhaps France – and I guess that’s a potential quarterfinal for us. We can beat France comfortably on any given day but they are always capable of pulling out a big performance. When they’re on fire, they are hard to stop.

SH: Having made it to the final on the last two occasions, there will be a lot of expectation on England. Of course you’ve got the world number ones playing on home soil, then there’s Australia and South Africa who are always superb.

We recently saw how Samoa upset the Wallabies so there’s also a lot of underrated talent out there.

MC: New Zealand will be favourites; there will be a huge amount of support for them. That said, whoever you play is going to provide a challenge. Romania, for example, will be considered underdogs, but even against teams like that, there are plenty of opportunities where it can all go wrong.

Which other ‘underdogs’ should we look out for?

MC: No one saw Samoa’s recent big win against Australia coming and Argentina have a huge amount of quality. They

interview

Shontayne Hape

Tom Wood

Mark Cueto

Age Caps Team Position Height Weight

Age Caps Team Position Height Weight

Age Caps Team Position Height Weight

30 11 London Irish Centre 6’2” 16st 0lb

are a tough, hard working group of guys who will die for each other.

TW: You almost write off teams like Georgia and Romania, but in terms of physicality, teams like that really test you. Often what you will see is that the fitness and professionalism of the more established teams comes through to win the game, but it can be an absolute dog fight. Wales haven’t been at their best for a while but we know they’ve got quality players. Ireland has a group of big name players who may only have one last big tournament in them. It will mean a lot to those guys.

SH: In the run up to a World Cup you can only worry about your own preparations. Argentina are up first and are a strong team. That’s who we have to concentrate on beating. After that, we take it from there.

How has the squad bonded in the run up to leaving for New Zealand?

MC: We’re quite lucky; we’ve been together, generally, for the last 18 months. From that point of view, we’re as settled as any England team I’ve ever been in, on the field and off.

It’s not a case of having to do a huge amount of teambuilding; most of the guys know each other pretty well.

TW: We’ve been for meals out and we’ve had a few social events together. You forge a bond just by being in this camp.

How do you prepare the night before a big game?

MC: I’ve got loads [of rituals]. I’ve always been an OCD, superstitious sort of guy. You start with two or three when you’re 19 or 20 and by the time you’ve played as long as I have, you’ve picked up quirks along the way. There are things like shaving the day of games and sitting in a specific seat in the coach on the way to matches. I make sure I’m the last one out of the changing room, things like that.

TW: I’m bad at getting anxious and getting overly up for it too early. I have to focus on reigning myself in and making sure I peak during the game and not before.

SH: These will be the biggest games of my career so the night before I just have to stay as relaxed as I can. I try to chill out, listen to music, that sort of thing.

24 5 Northampton Saints Back Row 6’5” 16st 7lb

calibre

31 50 Sale Sharks Wing 6’0” 14st 11lb

friends, the buddies next to you. It’s the moment before battle, the adrenaline’s pumping, you just want to get out there and do the best that you can.

How much support do the England fans provide?

SH: They’re immense, at Twickenham especially. Playing France during the 6 Nations was a massive game for us. I remember there were 80,000 fans singing Swing Low, Sweet Chariot. When you’re tired and your lungs are busted and you feel like you have nothing else to give, you hear the scream of the fans and it gives you that extra bit of adrenaline.

TW: When you’re in the heat of it and you hear the roar go up as someone makes a break, or scores a try, that’s the moment you step back, take it all in and realise exactly what environment you’re in.

The New Zealand Prime Minister described you as ‘a bunch of wannabes’ and Jonah Lomu called you ‘imitators’ when it was announced you would be sporting the black away kit in the opening game. What’s your response?

MC: It’s a kit. England bring out a new kit every year. It makes no difference if it’s black, white, red, blue or purple.

TW: Water off a duck’s back. It’s got a rose on it. It’s an England kit.

The 2012 Olympic Games take place in London next year. If you could compete in and win any event, what would it be?

MC: It would have to be the 100 metre final wouldn’t it?

That’s the grand finale, that’s the one people talk about.

SH: It would be quite nice to beat Usain Bolt!

TW: Everyone wants to be crowned the fastest man or woman in the world but I’d like to win one of the less popular ones, archery maybe. I used to think of myself as a little Robin Hood as a kid.

SH: Archery?! He’s on another planet. The lad’s taken too many knocks to the head! n Shontayne, Mark and Tom were speaking at the Investec International between England and Wales on 6 August. www.investec.co.uk

All images courtesy of Action Images

What’s going through your head during the national anthem before kick off?

TW: God, it’s one of the best feelings.

It’s a realisation of a dream. My debut game was away in the Millennium Stadium. The noise in that place! 80,000 people with the stadium roof on... I can hardly describe the emotion. You want to make sure you do yourself justice and that you’re a credit to your country. It’s a feeling you never want to have taken away from you.

SH: You’ve just run out at Twickenham. You’re about to represent not only yourself but everyone who’s supporting you; your family, your

79

TUNNEL

of Love

Matthew Carter falls head over heels for Evoque, the first ‘baby’ Range Rover

“I

’d advise you to wind the window up,” says the genial guide, resplendent in the cleanest hi-vis jacket I’ve ever seen. We’re stopped at the entrance to the disused Edge Hill railway tunnel running beneath the streets of one of the grottier parts of Liverpool.

The tunnel was built in 1836, though the track has long been removed. What’s left is two kilometres of rutted pathway littered with industrial debris, muddy in parts and with a bonnet-high lake at the far end to wade through. It’s dark: no sunlight has made it through here in almost two centuries and goodness knows what’s dripping through the structure from above. “All I know is that it’s brown… that’s why I advise you keep your windows up,” says our man. That’s the sort of advice you heed.

We’re here because it forms part of the test route devised to launch to new Range Rover Evoque to the press. Edge Hill tunnel is normally off-limits and no wheeled transport has been through it for decades but Land Rover is important around here – Evoque (it rhymes with Coke) is built at LR’s

plant in nearby Halewood – and gets what it wants (dinner last night was held in Liverpool Cathedral, one of the more surreal ‘restaurants’ I’ve ever been to).

Testing though it is, there’s no doubting the new Evoque will make it through this bizarre piece of urban off-road terrain. After all, we spent the previous day driving from Anglesey’s airstrip (home to one William Wales and his new missus) and driven on- and off-road across vast swathes of North Wales to get to the ‘Pool. Based as it is on the hugely capable Land Rover Freelander, there was never any worry that the gullies, slippery tracks, muddy hills and forest pathways would stop the sophisticated, electronically controlled four-wheel drive chassis.

Evoque is blessed with Land Rover Terrain Response. You just dial in the surface ahead – be it mud, wet grass, sand or rocks – and the electronics work out the ideal drivetrain settings. You also get Hill Descent Control which uses the ABS and engine braking to inch you down steep inclines; the driver need do nothing other than steer. But the thing is, in real life Evoque is as likely to see a dirt track as the Beckhams

motoring

are to go on a camping holiday, and the Beckham reference is relevant, as we’ll see in a moment. Evoque was far more at home in (and under) Liverpool.

The clue lies in the badge. This is a Range Rover and not a Land Rover. Although just as capable as any four-wheel drive from the company, it majors on style and comfort more than its ability to get down and dirty. And it does the job. Everywhere we went in Liverpool (and we went to some strange places – the tunnel was followed by a run through a water splash in the Albert Docks in the centre of town), it turned heads. Much of this is down to its concept car looks. There are two versions of Evoque, a five-door and a rakish three-door that Land Rover likes to call a Coupé, no doubt to justify the extra £1,000 it’s asking for two fewer doors.

But it’s this Coupé version that really does the business.

Little changed from the LRX concept car of a few years back, this is a film star of a car. The exterior is a wonderful mix of rugged and sophisticated with the roofline swooping down at the rear to the point where it almost meets the rising waistline; the rear window is more of a letterbox. That dramatic roof line grabs a fair amount of headroom in the rear, though the rear seats have been cleverly sculpted so that adults will fit; mind you, getting there though the tiny slot behind the folded front seat takes a degree of flexibility that not everyone over the age of 16 may still possess.

Once inside, though, the cabin is spectacular. The driving position is 4x4 high yet still manages to feel low and sporty.

In part that’s down to the rakish centre console, the hooded dash instruments, the circular auto gear selector and, if you’re prepared to pay a little extra, the sports seats which wouldn’t look out of place in a racing car. The materials used are first class and the fit and finish is as good as anything from Audi or BMW but then this is a Range Rover, after all. And there’s plenty of opportunity to personalise the interior. There are three interior ‘themes’ – Pure, Dynamic and Prestige – and there are others to come, including one created by Victoria Beckham; let’s just hope she doesn’t go the Footballers’ Wives route.

There’s substance as well as style. We’ve already seen how good it is off-road, but it’s even better on-road. On the motorways, the 190bhp diesel is quiet, refined and punchy while the ride, especially with the optional MagneRide which uses electrically charged magnets in the dampers to simulate the ride comfort expected from an air suspension system, really works. Evoque handles well, too. There’s precious little body roll and it feels more like a hot hatch than a 4x4: it’s no wonder Land Rover is targeting owners of cars like the Audi TT. And yet those chunky wheel and tyres and the greater ground clearance mean Evoque handles speed bumps and city potholes with aplomb.

In fact, the only thing I can find wrong with the thing is the price. You’ll see adverts claiming prices start at £28,000, which doesn’t sound too bad except that’s for the basic-spec two-wheel drive version. The well-equipped Dynamic SD4 (the 190bhp one with 20 inch alloys, Xenon lamps, Sat Nav, rear parking camera and so on) starts at damn near £40k. And that’s before you’ve so much as looked at the option list (though the full length glass panoramic roof is a bargain at £460).

It’s a lot for a four-cylinder diesel. But judging by the bulging order books and the long waiting lists Land Rover knows exactly what it’s doing with Evoque. I want one. n

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IN BRIEF CaR: Range Rover Evoque Coupé SD4 Dynamic Auto PRICE: £39,990 ENgINE: 2,179 cc four-cylinder diesel PowER: 190 hp DRIvE: Four-wheel drive PERFoRmaNCE: 121 mph max, 0-60 mph in 8.0secs

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calibre special event

And the Winners Are… We have given eight lucky readers the chance to swap the boardroom for the track and compete in the Porsche Power of 4 Challenge. Richard Brown reports

Congratulations to the lucky winners:

Hailing from different parts of our corporate bank, but with diverse and keen interests in motorsport and all things ‘car’, we hope to concentrate this diversity into an unbeatable Scandinavian Flick winning team. What unites us is a desire to win that burns hotter than a 911 Carrera RS. Competing in the challenge will enable us to exercise this passion in a constructive and fun way. We hope to learn much and win everything.

Nigel Barton, Citigroup

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n July we teamed up with the Porsche Centre in Canary Wharf to offer our readers the opportunity to compete in Porsche’s The Power of 4 Challenge – a team-based event that comprises numerous driving challenges, incorporating both circuit-based and off-road activities, and promises to test competitors’ driving prowess and mental agility to the limit.

Having asked our readers to send in 75 words explaining exactly why they should be chosen to represent their company in The Power of 4 Challenge, along with the names of their three potential teammates, we were inundated with responses.

After working through entries sent in from the likes of HSBC – the team dreamed of “a day away from it all; racing around a track filled with fast cars and hopefully beautiful women… fantasising that we’re like The Stig” – and Property Book (a team of veteran track-day goers who longed for the chance to“show the German manufacturer how their cars should be driven”), we picked two lucky winners.

“Racing; it’s life. Everything that comes before or after is just waiting.” While, admittedly, we may not possess the same sex appeal as the legendary Steve McQueen, we certainly agree with the words he immortalised in the iconic LeMans. With Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton holding their own amongst the world’s F1 elite, let us prove there’s another four men in England that know what they’re doing behind the wheel!

Daniel Rider, Barclays Wealth On hearing the good news, Nigel said, “The Citi Flickers team is raring to go and honoured to be invited. We’ve heard that driving at the Porsche Experience Centre is a once in a lifetime opportunity for petrol heads. Team tactics will be developed as we’ll be preparing to win in the usual low key, publicity averse Citi way!” Daniel was “really excited about winning; now a degree of trepidation is setting in as it’s a competition!”

The two winning teams will join ten other groups to compete in The Power of 4 Challenge at the Porsche Experience Centre, Silverstone, on 23 September where they will be provided with the unique opportunity of driving all five Porsche models. Before then, the 48 drivers will be invited to attend an exclusive preevent briefing on 8 September in Canary Wharf. n Porsche Centre East London, 20 Canada Square, Canary Wharf For more information call 020 7718 5242 or email info@porschecanarywharf.co.uk

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Life in the fast Lane Matthew Carter talks to motor racing legend Sir Stirling Moss about retirement, modern F1, London and how he got that name

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or most 81-year-olds, a drive in the country usually means a gentle run in a family hatchback down a leafy B-road on a summer afternoon. For Sir Stirling Moss OBE, however, it means racing his Porsche RS61 in the Le Mans Legends event. Or rather, it used to mean racing at Le Mans. This year Moss drove back to the pits in the middle of qualifying, got out of the car and announced his retirement. “I scared myself and I always said that if I felt I was not up to it or that I was getting in the way of fellow competitors, then I would retire,” he said.

The decision brought to an end a remarkable career that began in 1948 when he was just 18.

Between then and 1962 he took part in 529 races, winning 212 of them. He won the British Grand Prix twice and the Monaco Grand Prix three times. He also won the great road races of the era – the Mille Miglia and the Targa Florio – as well as top sports car races like the Tourist Trophy. Just about the only race he didn’t win was the Le Mans 24 Hours. “I hated Le Mans.

Back then it wasn’t a race… I was a racing driver yet I was being told to drive carefully rather than race. I was told not use too many revs to preserve the engine, to be gentle with the brakes. I couldn’t be doing with that. These days, it is most definitely a race.”

Moss never won the Formula 1 World Championship either. He got closest in 1958 when he missed the title by one point. He won the last race of the season but the six points

Mike Hawthorn claimed for coming second was enough to give his British rival the title, even though Moss won four races that season to Hawthorn’s one. He never got as close again, finishing third in the title fight in 1959, 1969 and 1961 largely because he preferred to drive British cars, even if they were outclassed by the German or Italian opposition. He said at the time: “It’s better to lose honourably in a British car than win in a foreign one.”

Today he explains his rationale. “You’ve got to remember that back then memories of the war were still fresh in people’s minds and patriotism was all important. Whenever I could I drove British.” His top-flight career finished, however, at Goodwood in 1962, when he had a high speed accident in a Lotus. The crash put him in a coma for a month, partially paralysed the left side of his body for six and led to his (first) retirement.

Even though he was no longer an active racing driver, his name remained a byword for speed.

Time after time police would stop an errant motorist with the words: “Who do you think you are, Stirling Moss?” It even happened to Moss himself, “though I’m not sure whether the policeman was taking the piss or not.” Was he speeding? “Er, can’t remember,” comes the cautious reply. Either way, he has his father to thank for ‘the greatest advert’ he could have wished for, his memorable moniker. “My mother wanted to call me Hamish,” he recalls, “but my father, thankfully, wouldn’t hear of it. I was named after my mother’s home town in Scotland.”

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Sir Stirling made a racing comeback in 1980 driving an Audi in the British Touring Car Championship alongside team-mate, a young Martin Brundle. It was not a success. “The worst decision I ever made. It was the first time I’d raced a front-wheel drive car and my first time on slick tyres.” More success – and much more fun – came with a subsequent move to historic racing, Moss campaigning the sort of cars he raced when they were new.

Although he has now announced his (second) retirement, he won’t stray too far from the racetrack, remaining an insightful commentator on modern F1. “This season seems to be very exciting though I do worry there are too many ‘gizmos’ that can affect the result, such as the moveable wings and so on.” But he is a fan of KERS – the Kinetic Energy Recovery System, which uses energy created under braking to recharge a battery-powered electric motor to give a brief burst of extra power for overtaking. “It’s something for nothing, isn’t it? Every road car will have a similar system in the near future,” he says.

Speaking of road cars, Moss has always preferred small city cars when driving around London. He was one of the first to own a Mini back in the Sixties and today has just presented Lady Moss – his wife Susie – with a compact Aston Martin Cygnet which wears his famous number plate SM 7. And he remains resolutely a Londoner. Not even at the height of his fame was he tempted to move to a tax haven overseas.

“Good heavens, no. London is the centre of the world. It was, and is, the only place to live.”

Sir Stirling has lived in Mayfair since the 1950s and built his current house on Shepherd Street in the early 60s. “I was very fortunate to get one of the last bomb sites in the centre of Mayfair, south facing and in a cul de sac, where I was able to build my house.” Famously full of high-tech gadgets, it was here that Moss had another, more recent, accident. He went to step into the lift but it had failed to arrive and he fell to the bottom of the shaft, damaging his ankles. “Susie was magnificent. She ran down the stairs almost as fast as I fell to comfort me. I was very fortunate that an ambulance was in the neighbourhood and whisked me to hospital in no time.”

Now fully recovered, he will continue to do demonstration runs at events like the Goodwood Revival. Sir Stirling is also looking forward to Chelsea AutoLegends, an event of which he is the Patron. Held in the grounds of the Royal Hospital, Chelsea – home of the Chelsea Pensioners – on Sunday 4 September, Chelsea AutoLegends provides a remarkable showcase of some of the most iconic competition cars and bikes ever built. Le Mans racers, historic rally cars, supercars and classic bikes will all be on show. With countless other special displays, 50th birthday celebrations for the E-type Jaguar and

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Photograph: Matt Sills

Sir Stirling Moss in the Oscar. Photograph: Matt Sills

Mini Cooper, plus fairground rides, food stalls and a Swingin’ Sixties theme, it’s an event for all the family. The event also helps raise money for the Royal Hospital.

“I went to the first AutoLegends show last year and loved it. There were so many fabulous cars and familiar faces there, that I was delighted when they asked me to be Patron this year.

London deserves a show like this and if you miss it, you’ll be missing something special.”

He might have retired, but Sir Stirling shows no sign of slowing down. n www.chelseaautolegends.com

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BRITISH FASHION GONE GLOBAL

Burberry is now one of the world’s top five global luxury brands and American CEO Angela Ahrendts has been instrumental in the company’s financial success

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ess than ten years ago, Burberry had all but lost its luxury reputation and its iconic, distinctive check had become ubiquitous to the point of saturation. Ahrendts came on board in 2006 and the tide at once began to turn. She removed the Burberry check from all but 10 per cent of items and worked closely with chief creative designer Christopher Bailey to restore Burberry’s distinctive British heritage and design credibility. She also placed great importance on innovative digital technology; Burberry was the first label to simulcast a 3-D runway show and its

www.theartofthetrench.com website has attracted thousands of uploads. 7.5 million Facebook page ‘likes’ for Burberry speak for themselves.

When the recession hit, Ahrendts understood exactly what needed to be done and that speed was crucial. As a result, Burberry defied the odds; stock doubled in value in 2009, outperforming every other UK company and resulting in a brand worth £4.36 billion.

Today, Burberry is driven by innovative design, digital marketing and retail-led strategies. In the first quarter trading update of 2011, total revenue was £367 million, up 34 per cent. n

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THE ULTIMO DREAM

Annabel Harrison speaks to Michelle Mone OBE about business, building the Ultimo brand and Erin Brockovich

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ltimo is one of the UK’s leading designer lingerie brands, both in stores across the UK and online.

Launched in 1999, Ultimo was innovative in its patented use of silicone gel in its bras and the Miracle Solutions Plunge Bra was famously worn by Julia Roberts in Erin Brockovich, drawing global attention to the brand. In 2001, HRH Prince Charles invited Michelle to join the Board of Directors for The Princes Scottish Youth Business Trust and more recently his Board of Main Council.

Ultimo was the first UK lingerie brand to debut on the catwalk at New York Fashion Week in 2009 and this year has seen impressive growth for the company, including a new presence in Selfridges and expansion into fashion and beauty.

How did your career start?

I left school when I was 15 with no qualifications. My father had woken up paralysed from the waist down so I got a job with Labatt [Brewer’s] and started as a junior admin girl. I always have a goal and my goal was to be running Labatt Scotland within three years. My mum and dad always said to me; “think big – do big things, not small things.” I was promoted to Director of Scotland, working my way up 15 positions, within two years.

Then I was made redundant because Labatt’s sold out to Whitbread UK. That’s when I went to a dinner dance one night wearing an uncomfortable bra and I had a light bulb moment. That was it. I always wanted my own business. I didn’t have any knowledge of the clothing industry but when you’re really determined, you can do it.

Having left school at 15, do you think further education isn’t for everyone?

I think education is really important and something I wanted to do was to go to Uni. A degree will show people you have the ability to learn, and the theory part, but the practice part is what makes you successful. When we have graduates come into our business, some of them have that get-up-and-go attitude but some think they have the right to earn X amount of money because they went to Uni for three or four years. No, you haven’t – that’s the theory part. Now you have to start at the bottom and work your way up.

Did you ever dream that Selfridges would sell the pre-launch estimate of six weeks of stock within 24 hours?

Not at all – I was really surprised. I’d just had my third baby and I signed myself out of hospital for the launch because she came a month early... Looking back, I think, how did I do all that? But I look a few years back and I think how did I do all that then too? It’s not all been in the right direction – lots of mistakes, highs and lows – the best highs I have ever had and the lowest part of my life as well.

How would you sum up the typical Ultimo woman?

A woman who is independent, glamorous and makes the most of herself. She cares about her body, whether size 8 or 22 – that’s why we started the Real Women campaign. We’ve worked with some of the most famous women in the world [Helena Christensen, Kelly Brook, Rachel Hunter] but I wanted customers to be part of the campaign as well.

If you could go back and do anything differently, would you?

Trusting a distributor and handing over the rights to

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America, Canada and Australia. They were fraudsters and it almost sent the company bust – they ran away with £1.6 million and six months of stock. We had to pull out of America because of it. But if I hadn’t gone through that, I wouldn’t be the person I am today so things happen for a reason.

How much did the recession affect you and your business?

It has hit us and the way we’ve got around it is by starting up new brands. Joint ventures with Tesco and Asda, and our own brand with Debenhams, so we own eight brands. And inventions are key. We’ve done 12 inventions now and that’s where our niche is; we do things no one else does. We’ve started up Ultimo Couture – cocktail dresses, long evening gowns – and we’ve been working on perfume, beauty, body lotion, candles. The perfume launches in January next year and it’s been a huge investment but it’s part of my goal to turn Ultimo into a lifestyle brand and not just a niche lingerie brand. The name is fantastic, the brand is so well known and it’s in the press just about every day. Why Ultimo? I wanted something that would say ‘the best’.

How have you juggled work and motherhood during the course of your career?

I speak all round the world now. I never thought I’d be a speaker but, in my coaching, I talk about how you can be very successful in your career and as a mum and as a wife.

You can do all three. If you want to be successful, you can’t leave the office at five – what you put into your job, you’ll get back. Then again, you can’t leave your kids to fend for themselves and you can’t neglect your marriage so you’ve got to be good at all three. I do my best – I’m not superwoman but I try... It’s a juggling game every single day.

What has been the highlight of your career?

Being awarded an OBE by the Queen [for contribution to business] was such an incredible honour. Being brought up in the heart of the east end of Glasgow and going to Buckingham Palace... That’s the proudest moment. And Julia Roberts wearing the Ultimo bra in Erin Brockovich.

What qualities do you think are most essential in being successful in business?

Get-up-and-go, fire in the belly, a can-do attitude, a team leader, someone that you can trust who can think on their own feet and really contribute. When they leave on a Friday, they leave saying, ‘Look what I’ve achieved this week’. If they have that, and they know they have to work hard, they can be successful. I’ve always delivered and that’s why I got promoted – all the way up... Just do it, like the Nike adverts.

Who have been your role models in business?

When I was growing up, my friends had Duran Duran on their walls and I had Richard Branson. I just wanted to be him – I think he’s fantastic and so are the brands he has created.

What advice would you give to anyone looking to get into the world of business and fashion?

Don’t overpromise and under-deliver. We never ever do that. Keep surprising your customers, in a good way – make them want your product and get their attention. n www.ultimo.co.uk

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comment investment

All That Glitters?

Adrian Lowcock, Senior Investment Adviser at BestInvest, explores a question facing many investors

In just over a decade the gold price has rocketed 481 per cent (peak to trough). For some it’s been a profitable ride but with the gold price now back around its all-time high, the question remains; is it still a wise investment?

The answer to this question is more complicated for gold than other metals because of its perception as the ultimate store of wealth. This creates an intangible value which, of course, varies for each investor. By contrast, the main sources of gold demand and supply have varied very little. Gold mine production has increased only slightly year on year for the past ten and given that new mines take up to a decade to become operational, and that discoveries of new deposits are falling, this means mining alone is unlikely to produce a significant increase in supply. Until now, scrap gold has been the main source of new supply although it’s not expected to increase significantly from now.

Additionally, demand for gold has changed recently. The most telling change has been in relation to central banks in the developed world; these had been transferring gold to emerging markets, with China, Russia and India all markedly increasing their gold ownership. But while the appetite for gold among emerging market central banks remains undiminished – they still own far less than the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) average because the OECD banks no longer wish to sell.

Last year, for example, the IMF (International Monetary Fund) was the only major global financial institution to sell some of its reserves and almost all of the 403.3 metric tonnes were bought

by India and China. This is quite a sea change for the gold market as central banks are now a source of demand. This will help support the gold price and should provide some reassurance to investors as to the long-term demand picture. The long-term supply picture is also broadly supportive. This is because new deposits tend to be in more marginal

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areas and, frequently, in politically unstable parts of the world.

The recent surge in demand for gold exchange traded funds (ETFs) provides a good indication of how great an influence more intangible factors continue to have on the gold price. ETF demand accounted for 7.3 per cent of global gold supplies in 2010 and 14.6 per cent in 2009. This is a considerable new source of demand which has also helped to drive the gold price. However, this effect could be reversed.

These dynamics have pushed specialist gold funds to the top of the performance tables over the last year and, in the current environment, it’s difficult to see why the gold price should fall substantially. Quantitative easing has devalued all major currencies relative to gold, although this is likely to end soon. Meanwhile, markets remain concerned about inflation to which gold is perceived as a good hedge. More broadly, the gold price also benefits from geopolitical unrest and there is no shortage of this on today’s world stage.

Gold can therefore be considered a reasonable inclusion in a diversified portfolio, even at current prices, although it would be unwise to extrapolate gold’s recent outperformance.

Our view The introduction of gold-based ETF’s has created a new breed of investor which has helped drive the price of gold up over the last decade.

However these investors can easily sell should their view change which would cause a collapse in the price of gold. As such, investors should be cautious of using the past performance of gold as an indicator to the future gains. In the current conditions we prefer accessing gold through investing in companies that mine gold as opposed to the underlying metal itself. The price of gold mining companies remains cheaper relative to the current gold price and therefore offers a chance for better returns. n

personal finance

How To Spot A Bubble Dr David Kuo of The Motley Fool sets out the telltale signs of an investing bubble

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When you mention the word bubble, some people might think of pretty, shimmery air globules. Others might think of Michael Jackson’s chimpanzee. However, in the investing world, bubbles are formed when the price of an asset grows beyond what is generally accepted as being rational. Investing bubbles are not a new phenomenon: they have, in fact, existed since as far back as 1623 when ‘Tulipomania’ gripped the Netherlands. At that time, a single tulip bulb was selling for seven times the average annual wage and some farmers were selling tulips that hadn’t even been planted. However, it seems that for no particular reason, the price of tulips began to fall 14 years later, in 1637, and within days, thousands of tulip traders were ruined.

Growth will be forever: Bubble logic dictates that forecast for growth can be sustained for many years to come. Remember the days when property speculators would make money simply by buying houses and flats off plan? In other words, they would make money even before the property was built. Often, you will find that valuations are made using “finger in the air” analyses, rather than studying the market carefully. The reality, though, is that the projections are at best optimistic and at worst just wrong. Consequently, growth can slow significantly or even come to an abrupt halt without any warning. However, any attempt at trying to introduce even a modicum of logic into an irrational situation is generally dismissed as curmudgeonly behaviour by ardent proponents.

Tulipomania is only one of many bubbles that have caught investors on the hop. Others include The South Sea Company in 1720, Victorian Railways in the 1830s and, of course, the Internet, or tech-bubble, at the turn of the Millennium.

More recently, we have seen the formation and bursting of online gambling, or more specifically the poker bubble, and right now, we are watching the bursting of the sovereign debt bubble before our very eyes. Interestingly, the formation of investing bubbles tends to follow very predictable lines. Here are a few telltale signs.

Ordinary businesses shunned: As ‘bubblemania’ takes hold, there is often evidence that traditional businesses will be put on the back burner. Just look at how, when the poker bubble was at its most inflated, television stations were broadcasting poker games at the expense of other programmes, and it was reported at the time that one cable channel broadcast poker instead of traditional sports events.

Everyone making money: When the price of an asset rises rapidly, and when it seems that everyone is making money without any rhyme or reason, this could be a clear sign that a bubble is forming. Think back to the days when internet gaming sites floated on the London stock market in quick session, and some shares rose as much as 50 per cent on the first day of trading. It seemed that traders were on a feeding frenzy, buying almost every new internet gaming company that came to market indiscriminately.

Assets bought to sell, not for return: The biggest telltale sign of a bubble is when people with little or no knowledge about an investment pour huge amounts of money into the investment, hoping to make a quick turn rather than a stable return.

It is sometimes said that just because a bubble is inflating doesn’t mean you can’t make money from it. That may be true, but the problem is that it is always difficult to see a bubble from the inside. So, when you hear the phrase “This time it’s different” repeated many times over, then it is time to take note, take cover and take flight, because you have no way of knowing when the bubble will burst. n

Dr David Kuo, Director at popular financial website The Motley Fool www.Fool.co.uk

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The Equality Act How far can employers go under Positive Discrimination and Positive Action provisions under the Equality Act? Clare Murray investigates The short answer to this question is not very far at all. While some media headlines announcing the new provisions under the Equality Act (the “Act”) suggested that white males would no longer be able to find jobs as a result of new laws, the reality under English law is a far cry from those sensational stories.

Positive discrimination remains extremely rare and, whilst the Act has introduced new positive action provisions, these remain voluntary for private sector employers and are much narrower in scope than the concept of positive discrimination.

Unsurprisingly, the concept of positive discrimination – giving preferential treatment to a particular group, for example women or individuals of a certain races or religions – has long been a controversial one. The concept is not, however, new; for example, the right of women on maternity leave to be given preferential treatment in redundancy situations and allowing employers to give preference to individuals with certain protected characteristics where there is an “occupational requirement” (for example, for the role of Othello to be played by a black male) existed prior to the Act coming into force in October 2010.

The two new positive action provisions that have been created by the Act are (1) the general positive action provision; and (2) positive action in relation to recruitment and promotion. The general provision allows employers to take proportionate measures to enable or encourage people who are disadvantaged, have different needs or are under-represented in a particular activity, to overcome that disadvantage, meet those needs or increase participation.

Employers will need to be able to demonstrate that those circumstances exist by reference to evidence, although this need not be statistical.

In terms of the measures themselves, whether or not these are proportionate will depend on the seriousness of the disadvantage or underrepresentation, as well as consideration of other ways of achieving the same aim. A companymentoring scheme aimed at students from underrepresented groups within that organisation is an example of positive action that is likely to be protected by the general positive action provision.

The second provision is limited so as to only allow employers to take action to treat a person with a protected characteristic more favourably than others for recruitment or promotion purposes, where the individual with the protected characteristic is “as qualified” as those others.

Further, the employer must “reasonably” think that the person with that protected characteristic suffers a disadvantage connected with the protected characteristic, or be under-represented in their workforce and be taking action with the aim of overcoming or minimising the disadvantage or under-representation.

In reality, it is likely to be very rare that an employer will be left deciding between two candidates of equal merit and the Act prohibits a policy being put in place whereby persons are treated more favourably regardless of merit and experience. Whilst we continue, therefore, to be a long way off adopting anything like the affirmative action provisions of the US, the Act does open the door to employers who might wish to address under-representation of, for example, female board members, without putting to one side the issue of merit. n

Clare Murray is Managing Partner at specialist employment and partnership law firm CM Murray LLP. She can be contacted at clare.murray@cm-murray.com or 020 7718 0090. The contents of this column are for general purposes only. Specialist legal advice should be taken regarding specific circumstances.

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Westferry Circus, Canary Wharf, London, E14 8RS www.fourseasons.com/canarywharf Promotion maybe withdrawn at anytime at the discretion of Four Seasons Hotel London at Canary Wharf

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Cliff Top paradise

Perched on the Bukit peninsula 160 metres above sea level, Bulgari’s Bali Resort exists as a unique blend of traditional Balinese design and distinctive Italian style

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roving that the creative endeavours of fashion houses can extend far beyond clothes and jewellery, the breathtaking Bulgari Resort in Bali showcases what can be achieved when the worlds of luxury hospitality and Italian elegance collide. The fashion giant opened the 59 villa resort in 2006, just two years after the Bulgari Hotels & Resorts collection launched its debut property. After this success in Milan, Bulgari turned to Bali to create an exclusive resort that would be “true to its location and not just a picturesque representation of it.”

Thanks to intricate design details, such as hand-cut volcanic rock finishes, that’s exactly what Bulgari has done. The landscape of the resort has been designed with traditional Balinese yards in mind while terraces follow the ground’s natural inclination and site-specific plants adorn the hotel’s gardens, where Balinese Frangipane trees blossom.

If enchanting sunset views across the Indian Ocean don’t appeal, you can always take a lift down to the resort’s private stretch of coastline where dolphins can be spotted splashing in the sea. n www.bulgarihotels.com

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The sharpest suits in the City have been meeting here for centuries Located in the heart of the City for over 900 years, the Tower of London has played a central role in shaping British history. Leading men of state have been meeting at the Tower since the time of William the Conqueror, a tradition that continues today.

• Six venue areas that can be used either alone or in conjunction • Space for 12 to 300 guests • Rooms to suit all tastes for both daytime and evening events

© Royal Armouries

Discover dramatic surroundings at Historic Royal Palaces Visit www.hrp.org.uk or call 0844 482 7777 Historic Royal Palaces corporate events: Tower of London • Hampton Court Palace • Banqueting House • Kensington Palace • Kew Palace

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connoisseur

travel

A chAnge of pAce For the kind of travel experience that blends fashion and far flung destinations you can’t do better than the divine UXUA Casa Hotel on Brazil’s breathtaking Bahian coast. Designed and run by Wilbert Das, former creative director of fashion label Diesel, this eco-chic retreat has ten stunning casas offering the best in luxury beachside living. Not only is it popular during the heady party seasons of Christmas and New Year but it also boasts sterling fashion

kudos, having been the setting of the 2011 Pirelli Calendar, shot by Terry Richardson.

Each casa is individually designed inside and out with an architectural mix of Southern Bahian and Indian influences alongside a rustic modernism. Alongside the ten casas, the resort’s lush, tropical grounds offer guests a stunning aventurine quartz swimming pool, two restaurants, a library, gym and spa. www.uxuA.com

DesTinATion shopping If you fancy some late summer sun in September, but don’t want to miss your annual fashion fix of London (or any) Fashion Week, then head to Dubai, offering year-round sublime weather coupled with an impressive attention to fashion detail. The Avenues at the Atlantis Hotel is a luxuriously colourful marketplace where you can browse some of the world’s most iconic brands in nearly 40 high-end boutiques. Lose yourself in Rivoli, Paspaley and Tiffany & Co. for the most sought-after names in jewellery, pearls and diamonds. Head to Ondademar and Hamac for the best in stylish beachwear, while B More, Lacoste, Levant Couture and Rodeo Drive showcase catwalk fashion for the whole family. www.ATlAnTisThepAlm.com

cAmerA shy Designed especially for professional photographers, the new ultradiscreet version of the Leica M9 is a special addition to the brand’s exclusive range of photographic equipment. The M9-P will be available in a classic silver chrome or subtle black paint finish and will offer the same technical excellence that you can expect from the Leica range, including compact size, full-frame, 18 megapixel 24 x 36mm sensor (35mm format), sophisticated image processing and robust construction. The M9-P also includes a scratch-resistant, sapphire crystal covering on the LCD screen, making it extremely resistant to wear and virtually unbreakable. In addition, thanks to an anti-reflective coating on both sides of the cover, reviewing images on the display during composition and after capture is easy, even in unfavourable lighting conditions. from £5,395 www.leicA-sToremAyfAir.co.uk

TrAvel fAcT During London Fashion Week, the capital will play host to 65 catwalk shows and 45 salon shows and presentations in just six days.

Website of the month:

www.secretescapes.com

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Anyone looking for great value holiday breaks without compromising on luxury should head here. This members-only website runs exclusive flash sales of four and five star hotels and holidays with discounts of up to 70 per cent. All hotels are handpicked and include a great selection of idyllic country house hotels in the UK and exclusive boutique European destinations, as well inclusive packages for resorts further afield.

Brought to you in association with Small Luxury Hotels of the World, an unsurpassable collection of over 500 hotels spanning 70 countries, which offer an infinite variety of experiences.

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FormuLA Fun All images courtesy of the Singapore Tourist Board

Formula 1’s only night race returns to Singapore this September. In preparation, Bel Trew checks out the pit-stops of Asia’s Lion City

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otorsport’s sexiest event, Formula 1, is in the world’s headlines again.

Bahrain’s event was cancelled because of an uprising, F1 nearly got sold to news Corp, Ferrari was accused of spying and to top it all off, Prince Harry has reportedly nicked Jenson’s ex.

This September the scandalous F1 returns to Singapore, a squeaky clean city most famous for banning chewing gum. But underneath its well-mannered exterior is a city that is as silly as Dubai and as fun as London. It helps that the national language is English; Singapore was ‘acquired’ from a local sultan by a smooth-talking Brit, Sir Stamford raffles, in the 1800s and it became the jewel in the British Empire’s crown. In 1965 the tiny city-state, smaller than London, gained independence under a ‘benign’ dictatorship of parental Pms. Stick to the rules (not flushing a public toilet and bungee jumping are serious offences) because otherwise you could end up like British author Alan

Shadrake who was jailed for critiquing Singapore’s use of capital punishment.

However controlling the government is (the papers read like a parliamentary press release), they did something right: 46 years later Singapore is one of the top four financial centres in the world.

It’s no wonder all the big moguls are migrating here like Facebook’s VP Jim rogers, rolls-royce and LinkedIn. Luckily for us, where there are men in suits, there are fancy bars to water them.

The Formula 1 track is in the heart of the Central Business District (CBD) – a jawline of skyscrapers and glitzy waterfronts where rooftop bars are the speciality. The most garish is the marina Bay Sands resort, comprising three skyscrapers with a hectare-long cantilevered sky park and infinity pool slapped on top. Towering over the racing track, the bird’s eye view makes marina Bay Sands a must. It is a little known fact but Singapore is set to overtake Vegas in gambling revenues next year and marina Bay Sands houses one of the two casinos in the city. Play at being Bond over an

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Earl Grey Martini at the roof top club Ku Da Ta. If 340 metres of floating platform isn’t quite dizzying enough, the aptly named 1-Altitude might suffice. A blustery 282 metres above sea level and 63 floors up, this al fresco bar offers unparalleled 360 degree views.

Avoid stormy weather (an occupational hazard of living in a tropical climate) and Friday nights (the bar is choked with suits). Bizarrely, at this height, mobiles think they are in Indonesia, so drunk, rambling calls can get pricey.

Toast the glorious elevation (and temporary migration to Jakarta) with The Narcissist, with rosemary infused raspberries (S$16).

Apart from these minor indulgences, Singapore has learnt from the Disneyland disaster of Dubai. It’s packed off the really naff stuff to a desert island. Literally.

Sentosa Resorts island, south of

Singapore, is a veritable orgy of superlatives; it houses the world’s largest oceanarium, the tallest duelling rollercoaster and one of the most expensive casinos ever made.

It’s pretty ironic that Sentosa means ‘peace and tranquillity’ in Malay. The reality is Universal Studios, a casino, a circus, fake surfing and water canon laser shows packed into a whirlwind synthetic wonderland.

Singapore was savvy enough to keep the shopping on its main island.

Designer labels are beginning to recognise Singapore as the gateway to the Asian market (the fastest growing economy in the world) and Men’s Fashion Week was even held in Singapore for the first time a few months ago. Orchard Road, the main shopping district, is like Oxford Street, perforated with malls. Unlike London, which separates its designer stores from high street riff-raff, Singapore

connoisseur

is refreshingly practical. Prada, New Look, Uniqlo and Hermes are huggermugger under the same roof.

You can take the colonies out of the empire but you can’t take the empire out of the colonies. Nestled in amongst the ‘scrapers are remnants of good old British architecture. Raffles hotel, birthplace of the Singapore Sling (S$18), is probably the most iconic cenotaph. The Fullerton hotel, formally the poshest post office on the planet, and the Supreme Court buildings cluster around the best of British traditions: a cricket ground.

The Singapore Cricket Club, on the Pedang, is like being in a gentleman’s club circa 1900; hopeful applicants have to schmooze committee members over G&Ts. Office blocks, malls and mansions aside, the real Singapore is actually a melting pot of Chinese, India, Malay and Arab cultures. Behind

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connoisseur travel

Bel’s Best Of.... eAtING Indulgence: Iggy’s.

This Asian fusion restaurant will set you back S$250+ but you’re worth it, right?

Hilton Hotel, 581 Orchard Road +65 6732 2234, www.iggys.com.sg the painfully shiny exteriors you can find a lovably grubbiness. The best way is through the food (no pun intended). Singapore’s national dish is possibly the most delicious thing you’ll ever eat. Chilli Crab, or its younger gastronomic sibling Black Pepper Crab, was invented in the 50s in the seafood centres on the East Coast, which are still packed today. A crab the size of your face is cooked with a deliciously more-ish sauce and bibs and a toolkit of cracking devices are distributed.

The aim is to eat more than ends up down your front (Chili Crab S$55 for two at Long Beach, East Coast).

Lunch in Singapore is an institution.

In some offices they dim the lights and play music to remind employees to go to eat. Everyone from builders to businessmen then descends on Hawker centres – essentially large open-air warehouses of food stalls dotted around the city. The Hawker stalls serve up some of the best and cheapest local cuisine – try Chinatown, just north of the CBD (approx. S$6 per dish).

Little India and the Arab Quarter are also welcome breaks from the corporate indigestion of the city. In Arab Quarter (a tidier version of Dalston) trendy young things smoke shisha and hang out in ‘concept’ spaces like Bar Stories, a tiny upstairs storytelling bar that doesn’t have a menu but invents bespoke concoctions for its guests (S$22 per cocktail). Hidden gems are tucked into every corner of these two areas, offering up good value, delicious grub.

One culinary tradition that cannot be missed is brunch. Forget fry-ups, brunch is a five-hour champagneswigging eat-a-thon in Singapore.

Most hotels and restaurants put on a decadent spread but nothing will rival Hotel St. Regis’s gastronomic debauchery at Brasserie Les Saveurs.

It comprises all you can drink Moet & Chandon and all you can eat oysters, fillet beef, sushi, pastries, macaroons,

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tapas, foie gras and crème brulee at S$130 a pop.

Alcohol is expensive in Singapore: a wise man picks up a bottle in duty free on his way in. A wise man also chooses his night out carefully: there are two sides to Singapore after hours. One is the hellish Clarke Quay, where battered big-bellied bankers try to bed local girls. The other is Zouk, listed as one of the top 20 clubs in the world. Not far from both is Club Street, with lazy roof top bars and dancing.

If it wasn’t for the deafening sound of the Formula 1 cars (ear plugs = a must) you could be forgiven for getting distracted by all the city has to offer.

Shopping, drinking, fine dining, fake surfing – it’s got it all. Just remember, love, leave the chewing gum behind. n More information Singapore Grand Prix: +65 6738 6738 www.singaporegp.com Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Avenue, +65 6688 8868 www.marinabaysands.com 1-Altitude 1 Raffles Place, +65 6438 0410 www.1-altitude.com Raffles 1 Beach Road, +65 6337 1886 www.raffles.com Sentosa www.sentosa.com.sg St. Regis Brunch 29 Tanglin Road, +65 6506 6888 www.stregissingapore.com Bar Stories 57A Haji Lane, Arab Quarter +65 6298 0838 Zouk 17 Jiak Kim Street, +65 6738 2988 www.zoukclub.com

Japanese: Aoki Sushi.

The best sushi outside Japan, as recommended by the Japanese expats.

1 Scotts Road, +65 6333 8015 www.lesamis.com.sg Dim Sum: Nanxiang.

It has the best Shanghai dumplings in town.

200 Victoria Street, Bugis Junction +65 6835 7577, www.nanxiang.com.sg Family: Chuan Yi Pin. This place is always packed. A Steam Boat (essentially an Asian fondue) is a fun way to get the kids involved, as you chose what you cook in the savoury broth.

North Bridge Road, +65 6884 4582

DRINKING Best Views: Lantern Bar. Give your ears a break with waterfront views of Formula 1 from a distance.

Fullerton Hotel, 1 Fullerton Square +65 6733 8388, www.fullertonhotel.com Chill Out: Loof.

A great little rooftop bar with good cocktails away from the hubbub. 331 North bridge road tower +65 6338 8035, www.loof.com.sg Show Off: The Tippling Club.

Mixologist barmen shake up (overpriced) alcoholic magic tricks.

8d Dempsey Road Singapore +65 64752217, www.tipplingclub.com Cheap & Cheerful: Blu Jaz Cafe.

A colourful expat hangout that does good value drinks and food.

11 Bali Lane, Arab Quarter +65 6292 3800 www.blujaz.net

ACtIVItIes Try Wakeboading at Ski360, surf on Sentosa, cycle around the tropical national park Pulau Ubin or experience the cage-free National Zoo.

LONDON CITY TO CHAMBERY, GENEVA AND ZURICH FROM ONLY £63 ONE WAY. GET CLOSER TO THE ACTION. Fly from London City and be on the slopes of some of the finest ski resorts in the world within 90 minutes.

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Fares are for one-way economy (Euro Traveller) flights from London City Airport. All fares include all applicable taxes, fees and charges correct at 20 August 2011. Fares are only available on selected flights, limited seats available. Fares are based on debit card payment, credit card charges apply. Advertised fares are available only on ba.com. Additional charges may apply if purchased through other BA outlets or travel agents. Bookings cannot be refunded but changes are permitted before the day of departure for £60 per person per transaction, in addition to any difference in fare. Services operated by BA CityFlyer.

A Little

secreT

Having never been to Malta, let alone Valletta, Cat Hughes had preconceptions of package holidays with lobster-coloured sun worshipers. These were completely overturned when she discovered Valletta is the perfect weekend getaway

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y first impression of this little Mediterranean island was of many ancient yellow buses hurtling through the narrow streets at speed. These are an odd collection, as most are Leyland buses from varying periods – the earliest being from the 50s. However, every bus seemed unique and had its driver’s personalities stamped all over it. The taxi driver who drove us from the airport to the hotel told us that Arriva will be taking over, and the rickety yellow buses will soon be gone, which I thought was rather sad, as the colourful buses had so much character.

This loss to Valletta will be akin to the loss of the Routemaster buses in London and the buses are not the only revamp the city will see. During my time in Valletta, the famed gatehouse, which was built in the 1500s, was undergoing major renovation. The works were so complex that the city decided that the Valletta Grand Prix would have to be postponed till later in the year.

Valletta, Malta’s capital, has seen many changes in its time.

It was founded by the Order of St. John back in the 16th century and since its birth has been besieged by the Ottoman Turks, the French and the British. Finally, in 1964, Malta became an independent state and it was the British and the Germans who changed the city the most. During World War Two, it was the Germans who bombarded the city; there are still parts that are yet to be rebuilt and the ruins stand there as a testament to the horrors the people endured and for their steadfast bravery, honoured in 1942 by King George VI, who awarded the island the St. George’s Cross.

When the British came in 1800 and created a major naval base, they set about building many Colonial structures, the finest of which is the Phoenicia Hotel where I stayed. The hotel has also recently been renovated but its old grandeur still shines through. Back in its heyday, the hotel was the centre of high society; naval officers, grandees, and even Her Majesty The Queen herself have danced in the Art Deco ballroom that looks out over the harbour. HM The Queen actually lived in Malta when she was a princess, after she married the Duke of York, who was stationed there while he was a British naval officer. The hotel sits in seven acres of pretty gardens, at the bottom of which is a swimming pool with beautiful harbour views. In fact, you will find that most places have a harbour view.

Valletta is a gem of a city and it can easily be explored in a long weekend; the island is just three and a half hours away from the UK and it’s warm even in winter. For such a small place, the city boasts many cultural treasures, and the star is St. John’s Co-Cathedral, which rivals the continent’s most elaborate ecclesiastical buildings. The Co-Cathedral, built by the Order of St. John, is an oppressively grand

connoisseur

baroque structure and is famous for housing some of Caravaggio’s finest works of art – the most notable being The Beheading of St. John the Baptist. Other places worth seeing are the National War Museum in St. Elmo, the National Museum of Fine Arts and the Casa Rocca Piccola, a 16th century nobleman’s house with a vast World War Two shelter underneath. The family that owned the house opened up the shelter beneath to the people of Valletta as a refuge throughout the war. It was said that 200 people lived there during the worst of the bombings.

Of course, the best way to explore any city is by foot and it is only this way you’ll see the best that Valletta has to offer. Take a walk around the perimeter of the city; it’s easy enough to do this in an hour or two and you never know what you’ll find around the corner. The views of the harbour are beautiful – its azure waters make you want to jump right in – and it’s as if you’ve found a secret corner of the Med. Valletta may not have a Michelin-starred restaurant, but its food is still tasty. Rabbit is a very traditional dish and Italian food is also popular. The local Maltese wine is cheap and good – if you can find it, have the farmhouse wine – and the whites especially can be well worth ordering. One of the best restaurants is the Venezia, an Italian restaurant in an old captain’s palace, with views that face the grand harbour and Valletta. If you are looking for something a little different, the Phoenix Restaurant in the Phoenicia is also excellent; its cuisine offers an avant-garde take on traditional Maltese food.

When the need to get out of London arises, consider Valletta. It may not be the most obvious choice for a weekend away but its compactness makes it the perfect getaway. n Colorful, traditional fishing boats against the backdrop of Marsaxlokk village

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Air Malta has daily flights from London Heathrow and London Gatwick and up to five flights a week from Manchester. Economy class fares start from £99* return (*£139 return from Heathrow including taxes and charges). For hotels, car hire, flight booking and more, visit www.airmalta.com or call 0906 103 0012. Stay at the Phoenicia Hotel from £80 per person, based on accommodation in a Classic Plus room only.

To book call 0808 238 1710 or visit www.phoeniciamalta.com

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under

scilly’s spell Beverley Byrne explores the Isles of Scilly, falling in love with a holiday destination which feels foreign but, at the same time, so much like home

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lying over the Isles of Scilly archipelago, it’s hard to believe I’m only 28 miles off the coast of Cornwall’s Land’s End. Below me the ocean shallows are Caribbean turquoise and islands are fringed with half-moon sandy beaches. There’s even the odd palm tree. It’s only as we’re coming in to land on the island of St Mary’s, with its flower-filled fields and classically British patchwork of wood and heathland, that I’m reminded this is still dear old Blighty.

After landing at St Mary’s endearingly Lilliputian airport, I’m greeted by Chris, the congenial porter of the Star Castle Hotel. En route to Hugh Town, the capital and centre of commerce for the islands, we pass a small cottage called, somewhat bizarrely, Nowhere. “See that cottage?” says chatty Chris. “A lad who lived there went to join the army. When the sergeant asked where he was from, he said ‘Nowhere’. Thinking he was being clever, the sergeant shouts, ‘Now then boy, don’t mess me about. Where are you from?’ The answer came, ‘I’ve told you, I’m from Nowhere, Scilly’.”

The Isles of Scilly may look like a foreign country but, it seems, the Scillonian sense of humour remains resolutely ‘seaside postcard’ British. The same can be said for the historic Star Castle. As Chris negotiates the granite gateway of the hotel, I see the date l593 carved above the imposing fortification. Built during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I to protect the Scillies from the threat of a second invasion after the defeat of the Armada, the castle’s keep and outer walls take the form of an eight-pointed star – a Cornish symbol dating back to the Crusades. Erected on the fortified Garrison Hill to the west of the island, it commands panoramic views of Hugh Town, its picturesque harbour and the deep channel between St Mary’s and Tresco.

Whilst the fortress exterior might seem forbidding, inside there’s not a screaming sergeant in sight. This award-winning, family-run hotel prides itself on friendly but efficient personal service and the homely ambience is enhanced by a cosy interior – all polished antiques, sumptuous furnishings and historic memorabilia – plus Monty and Henry, the wagsome Labradors. My room in the main castle (there are also garden suites) is charming with views – through the castle crenellations – to the harbour crammed with brightly coloured boats.

Dinner is served in what was the original officer’s mess room. The grand Tudor fireplace and candles flickering in converted arrow slits are reminders that this belongs to the age of Drake and the sea dogs. It’s thrilling, in a Horatio Hornblower sort of way, to enjoy a sumptuous dinner featuring local produce and vegetables from the hotel’s kitchen garden in this atmospheric room. A fine wine list contributes to the house party atmosphere.

During the evening, the hotel proprietor greets his guests and reminds us that Tim, the hotel boatman, will be around during breakfast. Next morning Tim, another joker, arrives. “What sort of boat do you have, Tim?” “Calypso.

She’s a nice little thing – oars for all of you!” Tim offers trips to the other inhabited islands, Tresco, St. Martin’s, Bryher, and his personal favourite, St. Agnes, but there are literally hundreds of many smaller uninhabited islands and rocky islets offering attractions for everyone from wildlife enthusiasts to scuba divers.

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I sign up for a trip to Tresco, famous for its lush subtropical Abbey gardens. Calypso turns out to be 31 feet of gleaming teak with handsome yet sturdy dimensions. As she cuts through the waves, Tim points out places of interest – treacherous rocks upon which countless sailors have lost their lives, Samson island (inhabited until 1855 when the population, consisting of only two families, was removed due to severe nutrient deprivation, mainly caused by a diet of limpets and potatoes) and the UK’s tallest lighthouse, the Bishop Rock. Tresco is a paradise island of golden sands, rugged rocks and soaring, singing skylarks.

Attracted by the towering palm trees on the horizon, I head straight for the gardens which, started in the 1830s, have developed into a shockingly fecund collection of subtropical plants.

Outside the gardens, Tresco is a bucolic, if not slightly unreal, experience. The island has 150 residents, the majority of whom are employed by the family-run Dorrien Smith estate, which has the leasehold. Charles and Diana took their boys here and its otherwordly, reclusive atmosphere makes it a Mecca for the glitterati. With no cars, one pub, a village store, a tiny church with a tinier school nearby, strolling around Tresco makes me feel like an extra in a cross between The Wicker Man and The Prisoner.

In the afternoon, I take a sightseeing bus trip round the island courtesy of local Scillonian Glyn, who lends further insight into the history of the island and local life, as the bus heads downhill on a lane bisecting fields festooned with narcissi. There’s such a quaint 50s feel about this sleepy island, I half expect Glyn to stop the bus, whip out a primus stove and brew us all a nice cuppa. This retro ambience, plus Glyn’s entertaining commentary, makes a major contribution to my falling under the Scillies’ spell.

The Isles of Scilly are populated with genuine characters and it is this, along with the family atmosphere at the Star Castle hotel, the stunning scenery and wildlife that makes this a unique destination. If you’ll forgive the pun, you’d be silly not to go there. n For more information visit www.simplyscilly.co.uk The Star Castle Hotel, 01720 422317, www.star-castle.co.uk

GettinG there SAiL: The Scillonian III ferry sails from Penzance to St Mary’s (0845 710 5555; www.islesofscilly-travel.co.uk)

FLY: The Skybus flies from Landsend, Newquay, Exeter, Bristol and Southampton (0845 710 5555; www.islesofscilly-travel.co.uk) British International runs a helicopter service from Penzance to St Mary’s from £145 return (01736 363871; www.islesofscillyhelicopter.com)

rAiL: First Great Western has trains to Penzance There is also an overnight sleeper (0845 700 0125; www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk)

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THE INTERNATIONAL HOTEL The perfect venue for events

Day delegate rates *£35.00 per person • 14 meeting rooms • Maximum capacity of 500 delegates • All rooms with natural daylight • Dedicated 1st floor conference centre • Waterside location and views

The Hotel is open to Non-residents Contact the meeting and events team on 020 7712 0100 Or email: conf712@britanniahotels.com Please quote: Canary Wharf magazine

• 442 bedrooms • 2 restaurants • The conservatory bar • Full leisure club - members • Car parking

Time to book your Christmas party too…..

Private functions or come and join a party

The International Hotel 163 Marsh Wall, Canary Wharf London E14 9SJ *Rates valid until 30th October 2011, subject to availability, terms & conditions apply

food & drink

connoisseur

food & drink

news

Feng SuShi This September, Japanese restaurant group Feng Sushi will open a restaurant in Billingsgate Fish Market, its seventh in the capital.

With space for only six covers, it will focus predominantly on a delivery and takeaway service for local homes and businesses in Canary Wharf and the surrounding area. The finest quality sustainable fish will be sourced daily from the market to provide a menu that centres around classic and modern sushi and sashimi, along with seasonal specialities such as MSC mackerel donburi. www.FengSuShi.co.uk

Sneak Peek

available From 1 SePtember, £49 Per PerSon

Get some top tips for this year’s autumn and winter fashion with a visit to the annual Fashion and Champagne Afternoon Tea at The Lanesborough. Following on from the top notch Hervé Léger event last year, the hotel has invited the inimitable Amanda Wakeley to showcase her latest designs, accompanied by sparkling glasses of fizz and the best in award-winning afternoon tea. Held in the beautiful Aspley’s restaurant, the exclusive event will offer a unique chance to see Amanda Wakeley’s A/W11 collection.

www.langhamhotelS.com

4Pm, 13 october, £49 Per PerSon

www.StePhenwebSter.com

www.laneSborough.com

Just in time for London Fashion Week, luxury hotel The Langham has launched its inspired Bijoux Afternoon Tea which celebrates the playful and dramatic jewellery designs from Stephen Webster’s latest collection, Murder She Wrote.

The tea includes edible masterpieces which substitute sparkling diamonds for shimmering icing and dense gold for light cake. The Poison

NEWS:

Apple, for instance, is replicated as a red peppercorn and dark chocolate shortbread, while a lightly perfumed Guinness macaroon with blackcurrant jelly conjures images of Webster’s Crystal Clear Diamond.

QuotE:

Food liNgo:

Grey Goose Winter Ball

Café de Paris Sauce

Back for its fifth year and hosted at Battersea Park, to benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation, The GREY GOOSE Winter Ball will welcome El Bulli catering to create a menu that will excite, challenge and delight guests. El Bulli is renowned for pushing the boundaries of gastronomy and having closed its doors in July, The GREY GOOSE Winter Ball, 29 October, will offer guests a rare chance to enjoy the El Bulli experience in the UK.

This complex sauce is traditionally served with steak and was created in the 1940s by Café de Paris in Geneva. To this day the ingredients of the sauce remain a closely guarded trade secret. The closest any restaurant has come is Le Relais de Venise L’Entrecôte, with branches in Marylebone, Paris and New York.

Its sauce is made from chicken livers, fresh thyme, full cream and Dijon mustard.

I can spend hours in a grocery store.

I get so excited when I see food, I go crazy. cameron Diaz

WEbSitE:

www.ladyblonde.com

bijoux tea at the langham

Lady Blonde’s clever search function makes finding the best places to eat, drink and entertain simple. Search for the kind of place you want to go (wine bar, cafe, restaurant), what you want to do (cocktails, after work drinks, Sunday lunch) and who you’re going with (girlfriends, colleagues, in laws) and the site recommends a selection of the best, tried and tested places throughout London.

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Dram Magic Dave Waddell explores what Scotland has to offer by way of its whisky industry and more than 100 stunningly located distilleries, via Glasgow and Islay

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he Glengoyne Distillery has drawn the short straw. It’s late in the morning on day three of a whistle-stop tour of a smidgen of what Scotland has to offer and after countless drams and three flights, I’m on my knees. While a firm convert to the cause, I have to confess that the thought of yet more whisky leaves me reeling.

I need not worry. Met by Arthur MacFarlane, our genial host and guide, we are immediately and charmingly introduced to a bottle of Glengoyne 17 Years Old. Released in 2003, smooth, clean and cherry sweet, all spicy feints, vanilla and Christmas notes, slightly nutty and wonderfully light on its feet, it is a well-known drop, the recipient of many an accolade, including multiple golds at the San Francisco World Spirit Championships. It is also the ultimate pick-me-up: one dram and I am a new and powerful man, all thoughts of rest and home instantly dispelled.

The lowest of the highland distilleries, Glengoyne is situated north of Glasgow, below Dumgoyne, and is in location and look distinctly different from Islay’s Ardbeg and Bowmore, the two distilleries thus far toured. It also produces a very different style of single malt whisky.

Ardbeg and Bowmore are island distilleries. Built on the coast, they face the sea and their whiskies are huge, smoky-

sweet monsters. Glengoyne, by contrast, is tucked away in a pretty little valley, impassable come heavy winter, but green and filled with midsummer flowers at the beginning of August. Its soils are volcanic, not peat-based, which means that traditionally, when it would have grown its own barley, it relied much more on its copper stills than it did on the taste of its malt. Today, while the picture may have changed with regard to the sophistication of the malting process, and indeed to its wood policy, things at Glengoyne are much the same: “We don’t have the peat,” says MacFarlane, “so we must rely on copper for our taste.”

Time and material are crucial to the final expression of a given whisky. At Glengoyne, long fermentation times are matched by long distillation processes. Fermented in Oregon pine vats, the emphasis here is on producing a wash (beer) high in esters – light, sweet and fruity flavours.

Chasing fruit and flowers, Glengoyne’s copper philosophy – the more the better – is combined with the slowest distillation time in Scotland. The material effect of the copper (it holds on to heavier more sulphuric compounds), together with the unique shape of its stills, means that Glengoyne’s non-matured spirit is already lighter and fruitier than most so-called new-makes. From there it is pumped under the A81 (yes, I know, but it’s perfectly

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true: the warehouses are located on the other side of the main road) and matured in ex-sherry casks made of either American white or European red oak.

“The quality of the wood is absolutely key,” says MacFarlane. Take, for example, the 17 Years Old, the dram of which continues to march me lightly across Glengoyne’s steel walkways, its tidy concrete floors and out into the distillery’s front yard. Matured in charred ex-Oloroso sherry casks, the carbonised innards of the cask continues where the copper left off, removing unpalatable flavours, while a combination of the spirit, the wood and air is responsible for the above-mentioned sweetness, an injection of vanilla, and for that dark taste of currants and cloves.

At the end of our tour, with MacFarlane’s explanations as to the effects of wood, copper and time beginning to merge beautifully in my whisky-matured brain, we are shown into Glengoyne’s brand new Sample Room, where, at a table filled with representative samples of Scotland’s main whisky-producing regions, we are positively encouraged to concoct our own whisky blends. Transported back to the school laboratory, and let loose, this is exceptional fun.

With elements of the 17 Year Old hanging spore-like in the upper regions of my olfactory passages, but still basely influenced by the previous day’s dally with Islay’s monsters, I am driven to create the Bonza Blend, a whisky whose fruit and flowers are inextricably held together by a thin and almost imperceptible thread of smoke. Do contact me for tasting notes, the recipe and any other Bonza secrets.

Seriously, from the point of view of making the most of touring Scotland’s whisky distilleries, the chance to actually make a whisky comes at just the right time: the end. We have enjoyed – at the Hotel du Vin, under the kindly tutelage of whisky expert Neil Ridley – pairing whisky to pudding; we have survived – by the skin of our whisky tasting teeth – a Professor Bill Lumsden-led session in Ardbeg’s holiest of

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holies, The Chairman’s Study; and we’ve spent a rare half hour in a dank warehouse with Eddie MacAffer, Distillery Manager at Bowmore, cracking into a fresh first-fill bourbon cask of 1999. Joyful, sensual and educational, these, by no means the tour’s only highlights, inform my whisky making, and while I am under no illusions as to the future fortunes of the Bonza Blend, which presently sits, untouched, poor thing, in a kitchen cupboard, wedged between a can of beans and a bag of flour, I know enough to know that its very existence takes me that bit closer to the stuff of whisky, to the magic of the dram. n

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Dave WaDDell’s tour of Glengoyne (www.glengoyne.com), Ardbeg (www.ardbeg.com) and Bowmore (www.bowmore.com) distilleries anticipates this year’s The Whisky Exchange Whisky Show, a luxury tasting experience designed to showcase many of the world’s premium whiskies. Tickets cost £95 per day and include a two-course lunch, whisky samples from each exhibitor, whisky food pairings and two dream dram tokens. For further information visit www.whisky-show.com.

To create your own Scottish distillery tour visit www.visitscotland.com/surprise Overnight accommodation in Glasgow is available at the Hotel Du Vin at 1 Devonshire Place. For further information visit www.hotelduvin.com.

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Best for Evenings

A

Jake Crimmin, head sommelier at Gaucho, offers his advice about the best wines to enjoy when winding down after work

lthough the sun is now shining through my wine shop window, I presume with some certainty that by the time you read this, the average Londoner is yet to have their full solar fix. With autumnal chills moving in, I thought it good karma to share with you my top terraces to squeeze out the last drips of summer and some gorgeous drinks to enjoy while there.

Why not take an afternoon sup on an English sparkling wine? Join the ongoing celebration of recent years during which our fizzies have triumphed against the French, garnering numerous awards. Kick back with the gorgeous views of the Thames offered on the terrace of The Gun (27 Coldharbour, E14 9NS) with a glass or three of Chapel Down Pinot Brut Reserve 2004; rich, ripe and beautifully crisp. This is made using the champagne method from Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir grapes, and is great with just sunshine or with a pot of the chilli rice crackers from the bar. If a French friend looks upon your choice with some disdain, just point out where the champagne method was originally invented: England.

As afternoon turns to evening, cross the peninsular to my native Gaucho (29 Westferry Circus, E14 8RR) for one of central London’s few west-facing, riverside terraces and bask in golden rays

until sunset. Try a glass of Argentina’s answer to ultimate refreshment with its national white variety, Torrontés. In particular the Seleccion ‘G’ Torrontés 2010 is beautifully aromatic, with enough elderflower florals to leave you reminiscing about a meadow in springtime. It’s perfect with a river view sunset and heavenly with the Ceviche Spoons of salmon, scallops and lemon sole.

Should your preferred form of imbibing come in a pint glass, try The Grapes (76 Narrow Street, E14 8BP) for a fine selection of ales in surroundings that are steeped in history. Head down early and you might bag yourself a spot on the small, yet beautifully formed terrace, precariously suspended over the river. Should this spur on your appetite, I can heartily recommend the cosy, award-winning fish restaurant upstairs, as well as the steely mineral Riesling Tesch ‘unplugged’ 2009.

Bottles up! n www.gauchorestaurants.co.uk/wineboutique

Canary Wharf’s cool new rendezvous at the Museum of London Docklands

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First Class at

FIRST EdITION 27880 First Edition LCP - 01.indd 1

07/09/2010 11:49

Richard Brown visits one of Canary Wharf’s oldest eateries. “Champagne?”, asked the sommelier as we took our seats in one of the restaurant’s curtained alcoves. “Personally, I can’t think of a better way to start a meal.”

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either could we. As the cheerful wine expert disappeared in search of bubbly (two glasses of Moutard Grande Cuvée, Côtes du Bar), we decided we were in for an enjoyable evening.

This was First Edition, an independently owned restaurant that for the past 14 years has managed to excel in an increasingly competitive area, with very high standards. Located in Cabot Place, opposite Boisdale, First Edition was opened in the 90s by Pamela Schneider, a one-time dancer in Las Vegas’ world famous Bluebell Show who recognised the potential of the booming Canary Wharf estate and snapped up this prime location.

Like Pamela’s story, First Edition isn’t quite what you’d expect to find amongst this glass metropolis and, in truth, it’s a shock to the system when you enter.

Reminiscent of the type of washedout beach house that might appear in a Ralph Lauren advert, First Edition is an amalgamation of white-washed walls, time-worn tables and coastal water-colours set amongst pervading New England hues. It’s a light and airy establishment that transports you to a place far away from the city, making the restaurant a pleasure of a place to be.

While it’s true that First Edition becomes more of an after-work watering hole in the evenings, that doesn’t mean its menu should only be explored during lunch. In fact the sound of animated, out-of-office chitchat lends the restaurant a lively ambience that is only enhanced by the amount of light the eatery enjoys

thanks to floor to ceiling windows.

Neither my colleague nor I knew quite what sort of food we fancied but we needn’t have worried. Incorporating everything from confit of duck to salmon steak teriyaki, First Edition’s menu runs all the way from Britain to Japan via, most notably, France.

Showcasing an ability to adapt to modern trends, several dishes are available with either a teriyaki, curry, mango or homemade peppercorn sauce, while vegetarians are catered for with a range of pastas dishes, salads and homemade tofu cakes.

After much deliberation I opted to start with crunchy coconut king prawns in a mango sauce. Served with their heads and tails left on and their bodies coated in breadcrumbs, each of the three prawns were moist and meaty and complemented by the sweet, tanginess of the sauce – a sauce that itself worked fantastically well with the smooth and fruity 2009 Cuvée Le Bosq Vin de Pays du Gard selected by our ever helpful sommelier.

Just as appetising was my guest’s bresaola of beef with rocket, marinated artichokes and parmesan shavings: the fresh, crisp rocket, soft parmesan and wafer-thin sliced beef created a brilliant fusion of textures and tastes.

Accompanied by a light-bodied 2009 Beaujolais Villages, the dish was a tantalising taster of what was to come.

For me, that was an eight ounce fillet steak with a peppercorn sauce and fries. If the prawns constituted the delicate part of the meal, then the steak was definitely the no-nonsense part.

Ordered medium-rare the meat came

crispy on the outside while fiery red on the inside. While usually I prefer my chips chunkier, especially with steak, the thinly sliced fries proved delicious. The dish was washed down with an agreeably spicy 2001 Malbec ‘Collection’ Michel Torino.

Keen to explore the diversity of First Edition’s menu, my guest chose the swordfish tandoori. Thick, firm and moist, the swordfish steak tasted about as far removed from fish as fish could be. While the swordfish was a real treat, the curry sauce and rice, while perfectly appetising in themselves, would perhaps have worked better with chicken or lamb. We could, on the other hand, find no fault in the accompanying Pinot Grigio ‘Capito’ Veneto.

To finish, I opted for chocolate terrine with wasabi sauce. While the two flavours struggled to compliment each other on the same plate, the terrine itself was a delectably chocolatey way to end a meal. My friend, who had chosen the more conservative lemon tart special, had nothing but praise for a dessert he could only describe as “spot on”.

With a menu that boasts foods from across the globe and a comprehensive, well-balanced wine list, First Edition’s strength lies in its ability to cater for any taste at any time. Couple that with a bright and airy environment and cheerful staff who are constantly on hand to offer advice, and you see why this independently owned restaurant has stood the test of time while many other establishments have tried and failed. n www.firsteditionrestaurant.co.uk

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The best food and drink that Canary Wharf has to offer American

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2 Yabsley Street, E14 020 7515 8177 tHe Battery

docklands Bar and grill

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la figa

25 Cabot Square, E14 020 7513 0300 reeBok restaurant

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Spanish camino

28 Westferry Circus, E14 020 7239 9077 el faro

Turnberry Quay E14 020 7987 5511

Turkish Hazev

2 South Quay Square Canary Wharf, E14 0207 515 9467

CWpromotion

Whose choice is it anyWay? Based in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and furnished with some of the most impressive facilities in the country, Woldingham is one of the UK’s leading all girls’ independent boarding and day schools. Louise Hamilton tells us more Parents underestimate how quickly children make up their minds about a school. Yes, they can be influenced by trivia (teddy bears may be a determining factor) and need to be guided through the decision process (childhood friendships, no matter how psychologically formative, can be transitory).

So, from my pedestal of experience and reason, I implore you, let your daughter ‘try on’ each school, and I don’t mean just touring with a welcoming and informative registrar.

Spend a night if you’re thinking of boarding, an afternoon with the PE Department if you’re passionate about sport, ask to spend time with an appropriate year group, question girls in busy corridors, ask to be put in touch with current pupils living nearby – hook your daughters up – anything that goes beyond the polished prospectuses and league table comparisons.

The adage ‘parents know best’ isn’t always true. Yes, we have the benefit of experience and can emotionally detach ourselves from the decision process in a way that a child cannot. However, we can’t presume to know, 100 per cent of the time, what’s right for them.

In the same way I wouldn’t let my daughter Livvy tell me which house to buy, I can’t imagine not showing her the house first, and asking her what she thinks of the room that could be hers. Livvy’s opinion is weighted against other factors that she may not be privy to or understand. But, no matter how small a weighting I give her opinion (and by the way – it’s massive), it can still sway our family vote.

Come and try us on for size - you might be pleasantly surprised. We do have teddy bears, but we promise they won’t be the reason you’ll want to join (well, not the only reason anyway). www.woldinghamschool.co.uk

• A leading Catholic independent boarding and day school for girls aged 11 to 18 • Situated in Surrey, 6 minutes from the M25 • Only 35 minutes from Central London • A wealth of academic and extra-curricular opportunities

Join us for Open Day on 24 September 2011 No appointment necessary

Woldingham School, Marden Park, Woldingham, Surrey CR3 7YA t: 01883 654206 e: info@woldinghamschool.co.uk

www.woldinghamschool.co.uk 117

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out about

Ghost the Musical Audiences for this West End hit will fall into two categories; those that have seen the classic ‘90s film and those who have not. Both will love it. Telling the timeless story of Sam and Molly’s love that crosses death’s divide, Ghost the Musical strikes the perfect balance of having you tap your foot one minute and wipe away tears the next. Combining strong performances, catchy songs and slick dance routines with incredible staging and a powerfully poignant narrative, every element of this show has been honed and polished, creating a production that can’t help but to enthral and entertain.

Piccadilly Theatre www.ghostthemusical.com

the luxury WeddinG shoW Doing exactly what it says on the tin, The Luxury Wedding Show London promises to showcase the most lavish of all things wedding when it opens its doors on 22 October. Uniting the UK’s most influential wedding industry names under one roof, the exclusive two-day event has been designed to cater for bridal parties looking for something extra special. Private consultations are available with premier wedding planner Mark Niemierko, while bridal photographer Julia Boggio, floral designers McQueens and occasion-wear designer Claire Thorogood will all be on hand to give their valuable advice.

The Saatchi Gallery, King’s Road, SW3 4SQ 22–23 October www.theluxuryweddingshowlondon.co.uk

out & about

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FasHion For tHe Masses London Fashion Week calibre at discounted prices. Guests will also have the chance to see the latest in A/W11 trends as a wide variety of collections take to the catwalk.

Clark Gable and Joan Crawford for Dancing Lady, 1933 by George Hurrell © John Kobal Foundation, 2011

It may take place on the same catwalk at the same venue, but while London Fashion Week is a trade-only event, Vodafone London Fashion Weekend is open to consumers, enabling members of the public to share in the industry’s seasonal highlight. Essentially a designer shopping event, the weekend allows visitors to shop from designers of

Somerset House, 22–25 September www.londonfashionweekend.co.uk

HeaVenly HollyWooD FasHion tHrougH tHe ages For the curators at the Museum of London, fashion and clothing have always possessed the same historical importance as any other artefacts of material culture. That’s why their dress collection comprises 24,000 objects, including 60 complete outfits, which stretch from the late 16th century to the present day.

The core of the collection consists of noteworthy fashionable dresses and accessories, with 20th century garments incorporating a wider range of socio-economic, ethnic and cultural groups. The gallery is free of charge and open daily, so you can get your fashion fix whenever you want.

150 London Wall, EC2Y 5HN www.museumoflondon.org.uk

This exhibition offers an intimate insight into Hollywood history from 1920 to 1960.

Nearly all of the iconic vintage prints have been drawn from the archive of the John Kobal Foundation, a collector and author who sought to understand the importance of photography in creating the stars of the era. These include the now-legendary Clark Gable, Marlene Dietrich, Joan Crawford, Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers and James Dean. A fully illustrated paperback book accompanies the exhibition.

Glamour of the Gods: Hollywood Portraits Photographs from the John Kobal Foundation 7 July–23 October 2011 National Portrait Gallery, St Martin’s Place WC2H 0HE www.npg.org.uk/glamour

Hair & FasHion

By royal appointMent

Whether blonde, brunette or redhead, hair is fashion. As a living, growing embodiment of cultural codes and meanings, hairstyles have the potential to turn someone into a walking work of art; when combined with the latest in clothing trends, they can create unforgettable, iconic images. Exploring the fascinating relationship between the worlds from which the book takes its name, Hair & Fashion (by Lee Widdows & Caroline Cox, £30) considers the historical development of this association through glamorous and evocative images, including ground-breaking fashion shoots as well as new, specially commissioned photographs.

It wowed the world when it was unveiled four months ago. Now take the chance to get up close and personal with the most talked-about dress of the century. Until 3 October visitors are invited to the Ballroom at Buckingham Palace to view the Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding dress. Designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, a closely guarded secret only revealed on the wedding day itself, the dress is on display alongside the diamond earrings, wedding shoes and Cartier ‘Halo’ tiara also worn by the Duchess.

www.vandashop.com

The Ballroom at Buckingham Palace Until 3 October www.royalcollection.org.uk

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THE RISE OF BUY-TO-LET

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september

Welcome note...

I

n the last issue of London Homes & Property we saw how many investment opportunities the capital’s rental market was presenting ahead of the 2012 Olympics.

Now in this September issue of the magazine we are seeing that the buy-tolet market is buoyant in every sector, especially when it comes to prime city properties and homes which will accommodate students (p.154). Canning Town is also set to be the new property hotspot thanks to the multi-million pound, mixed use Vermilion development which will bring shops, jobs and gorgeous apartments to the area (p.124).

If you’re interested in moving out of central London but remaining within a convenient commuting distance, then you may wish to read about the Dene Terrace development in Kent which offers high end London style in a rural setting (p.153).

Back at home; be sure to visit the Bangladesh Trade Expo, held in Canary Wharf this month, which is the largest exhibition of its kind ever to be held in the UK. It promises to be a very interesting event. Read all about it on page 124.

Happy Hunting!

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contents 124

156 living local

124 Area News 148 Mortgage Update

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154 Property Latest 156 Development Focus 162 State of the Market

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By Richard Brown

Pioneering Plans for Canning Town DeveloPmenT English Cities Fund has announced the name and launch date of Vermillion, the first phase of its East London mixed-use scheme. Work has now begun on phase one of the redevelopment of Rathbone Market, which will include a new market square, shops, offices and community facilities as well a 271-apartment residential building to be completed

by Summer 2012.

Sales agent Hamptons International has already received interest in the apartments which are located just five minutes from Canary Wharf. David Caught, residential sales and marketing director of English Cities Fund said: “The fact that Vermilion is situated at the heart of East London, minutes from Canary Wharf, the O2 Arena, London City Airport and the Olympic sites, means that it is a very attractive scheme. We have already had a large number of enquiries about the development even though work is still in the primary stages.”

Also announced is the fact that Vermilion will boast a self-sustaining eco-garden that will aim to offset

Image Courtesy of Canary Wharf Group

Transport latest…

It may be three years before the £500m Canary Wharf Crossrail station is set for completion, but Michael Bryant, operations executive for Canary Wharf Constructors, is sounding satisfied with the project’s progress. “We`re hitting our milestones and that`s very pleasing,” said Bryant earlier this year. “We`re digging out the ticket hall at the moment and I anticipate we`ll start the excavation of the platforms by the end of January.” When complete the station will be around 260m long and incorporate 100,000 square foot of retail space.

the carbon emissions generated in its construction.

The garden has been created to harness water shed from adjoining properties to feed its pond, plants and water features. Rain water will also make its way from the roofs of surrounding buildings onto the podium garden where it will be filtered by plants and then circulated around the courtyard.

“The ethos of the scheme is to encourage a low-carbon lifestyle,” said lead landscape architect Andrew Thornhill. “We’re hoping that the residents at Vermilion will embrace this philosophy.” www.vermilion.com

UK’s first ever Bangladesh Expo The first ever Destination Bangladesh Trade Show will be at Canary Wharf on 16 and 17 September 2011. The event, has already won the support of the UK’s first Bangladeshi MP, Rushanara Ali, who represents Bethnal Green and Bow. Destination Bangladesh Expo 2011, is expected to attract around 5,000 visitors, aims to create an international spotlight for Bangladeshi trade, exports and tourism in the UK. www.destinationbangladesh.co.uk.

DiD you know?

51 per cent of Londoners visited a museum or gallery in the last twelve months, compared to 42 per cent for the UK as a whole.

Olympic inspired World record attempt Between November and the beginning of the London Olympics in 2012, East London artist Clare Newton will be travelling throughout London collecting tens of thousands of images of people mid-jump for what she hopes will become the world’s largest photograph. Each participant photographed will be clearly identifiable in the final piece and contributors are invited to sign their image at the project’s final exhibition which will be hosted by London’s ExCel. To take part in the world record attempt and land yourself in the Guinness Book of World Records, email heritage@equinoxpartners.co.uk.

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Knight Frank

The Sanctuary, Reardon Path, Wapping E1W

Swan Court, St Katharine’s Dock E1W

Smart and spacious one bedroom apartment with River views available furnished. Accommodating double bedroom, bathroom with shower, sitting/dining area with open plan kitchen. This apartment boasts wooden floors an underground parking space and is located in the heart of Wapping.

Lovely two double bedroom two bathroom garden apartment to rent in the ever popular City Quay development in St Katharine’s Dock, moments from Tower Hill and the City. This spacious unit has been updated with Lutron lighting, remote control blinds, Swedish wooden floors and contemporary furnishings.

£350 per week

£725 per week

KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings 020 7480 6848 wapping@knightfrank.com

KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings 020 7480 6848 wapping@knightfrank.com

E1 Waterside, Wapping High Street, E1W

Capital Wharf, Wapping High, Wapping E1W

Contemporary two double bedroom two bathroom riverside apartment set in this small modern development in west Wapping close to Waitrose and St Katharine’s Dock. This stylish apartment has been fitted to a very high standard boasting modern furnishings, beautiful bathroom suites with showers, a private balcony and underground parking.

Riverside two double bedroom modern apartment set in this popular 24 hour portered development. Offering a fully fitted kitchen, two en-suite bathrooms and guest WC, large terrace, wooden floors, underground parking, gym and stunning south facing river views.

£695 per week

£575 per week

KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings 020 7480 6848 wapping@knightfrank.com

KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings 020 7480 6848 wapping@knightfrank.com

Knight Frank

Ontario Tower, London E14 9JB

Landmark East Tower, London E14

Ontario Tower is a 29 storey development with amazing views. This furnished studio apartment is available in October. Located on the 15th floor, it offers surprising space with separate sleeping area and fully fitted kitchen.

The Ontario Development offers health spa, gym, 24 hour concierge. Close to Canary Wharf, DLR and Jubilee Line.

We are pleased to offer this one bedroom apartment. With unique features that are hardly found elsewhere in Canary Wharf, this apartment features floor to ceiling windows with excellent views. With a modern style open plan kitchen, this apartment offers wonderful dining options. The block is located within easy walking distance of Canary Wharf.

£330 per week

£395 per week

KnightFrank.co.uk 020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

KnightFrank.co.uk 020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

Ingot Tower, London E14

Lumina Building, London E14

This lovely apartment in Silver Wharf that sits alongside the Limehouse cut canal. This smart apartment comes complete with two double bedrooms and one bathroom, open plan reception and modern fully fitted kitchen. Off the reception is a large terrace offering uninterrupted, far reaching south facing views of Canary Wharf and the Waterfront.

We are proud to offer this well presented apartment located within 10 minutes walk of Canary Wharf and transport links.

Offering modern living with all the creature comforts along with excellent storage. The apartment consists of reception, semi open plan kitchen, two double bedrooms, two bathrooms and a balcony and also comes with a porter.

£330 per week

£375 per week

KnightFrank.co.uk 020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

KnightFrank.co.uk 020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

Knight Frank

Horizon Building, E14

St Davids Square, E14

We are delighted to offer this two double bedroom apartment which is located in a desirable location. In brief this apartment includes a fully modern kitchen and two well equipped bathrooms. The rare feature of limestone flooring being included in the entrance hall and wood flooring in the reception. Within extremely easy access of Canary Wharf.

A luxury two double bedroom split level penthouse apartment with cathedral ceilings available to rent. The reception room has additional mezzanine dining area, which leads through to kitchen. Large balcony offers partial river views accessed by both bedrooms. Furnished.

£450 per week

£450 per week

KnightFrank.co.uk 020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

KnightFrank.co.uk 020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

Farnsworth Court, SE10

Port East Apartments, E14

Spacious apartment to let in Greenwich Millennium Village.

Comprises of a large open plan kitchen with dining area, spacious reception leading to the terrace with spectacular views, two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Covering approx 1500sqft it is offered unfurnished and is close to the 02 Dome, local amenities and transport. Available with parking.

Knight Frank are delighted to offer this two bedroom unfurnished apartment within this Grade I Listed building of Port East. This apartment is full of character, exposed brick, wood beams and solid oak wood flooring all running through this property. The property is south facing and benefits from 24 hour porterage and protected parking.

£475 per week

£625 per week

KnightFrank.co.uk 020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

KnightFrank.co.uk 020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

Knight Frank

Ocean Wharf, London E14 A light and spacious duplex penthouse which has been refurbished to extremely high specification. Situated within Ocean Wharf the property has four bedrooms, three terraces and stunning views of the river.

Berkeley Tower, London E14

Leasehold

A generously proportioned three bedroom, three bathroom apartment. Located on the 14th floor of Berkeley Tower, the apartment offers wonderful far reaching river views from the reception, dining area and master bedroom.

Leasehold

£1,150,000

£1.450,000

KnightFrank.co.uk 020 7512 9966 cwharf@knightfrank.com

KnightFrank.co.uk 020 7512 9966 cwharf@knightfrank.com

Dunbar Wharf, London E14 A much sought after two bedroom riverside apartment situated on the second floor of a well maintained portered development. The predominantly south facing apartment benefits from two private balconies overlooking the river.

Trinity Wharf, London E14

Share of Freehold

This wonderful three bedroom apartment is nestled on the banks of the River Thames with views towards Canary Wharf. Recently upgraded to a high specification, the property offers well proportioned accommodation and underground parking.

Leasehold

£725,000

£535,000

KnightFrank.co.uk 020 7512 9966 cwharf@knightfrank.com

KnightFrank.co.uk 020 7512 9966 cwharf@knightfrank.com

Knight Frank

Old Sun Wharf, London E14

Discovery Dock, London E14

On the first and second floors of a popular block on the riverfront in Limehouse, a two bedroom, two bathroom flat with an attractive very light and bright reception room facing due south with far reaching views up and down stream.

Share of Freehold

This modern two bedroom apartment is located on the second floor of this sought after development situated close to Canary Wharf. The property comes to the market as an investment opportunity with the benefit of a tenant in place.

Leasehold

£555,000

£530,000

KnightFrank.co.uk 020 7512 9966 cwharf@knightfrank.com

KnightFrank.co.uk 020 7512 9966 cwharf@knightfrank.com

Cubitt Wharf, London E14

Seacon Tower, London E14

Unique two bedroom apartment situated on the third floor of a warehouse conversion. Presented in excellent condition throughout, the apartment benefits from a private balcony overlooking the river as well as two good double bedrooms.

Leasehold

A well proportioned one bedroom apartment situated in Seacon tower within a short walk of Canary Wharf. The apartment is presented in good internal order and offers far reaching river views.

£455,000

£325,000

KnightFrank.co.uk 020 7512 9966 cwharf@knightfrank.com

KnightFrank.co.uk 020 7512 9966 cwharf@knightfrank.com

Leasehold

savills.co.uk

West India Quay E14

Discovery Dock East E14

Reception room  kitchen  dining area 2 bedrooms (with en suites)  study  guest cloakroom  concierge  parking space,

Reception room  kitchen  2 bedrooms  2 bathrooms  balcony, concierge  gym  parking space

Guide £1.595 million Leasehold Savills Canary Wharf

canarywharf@savills.com

Guide £595,000 Leasehold 020 7531 2500

Savills Canary Wharf

canarywharf@savills.com

Eaton House E14

Belgrave Court E14

Reception room  kitchen  2 bedrooms (1 en suite)  bathroom  2 balconies  concierge  gym  parking space

Reception room  kitchen  bedroom with en suite bathroom  cloakroom, balcony  concierge  gym  parking space

Guide £685,000 Leasehold Savills Canary Wharf

canarywharf@savills.com

020 7531 2500

Guide £540,000 Leasehold 020 7531 2500

Savills Canary Wharf

canarywharf@savills.com

020 7531 2500

savills.co.uk

New Crane Place, E1W

Dundee Court, E1W

Reception room  kitchen  2 bedrooms  2 bathrooms (1 en-suite)  concierge  original warehouse features  Juliette balcony  parking space

Reception room  kitchen  2 bedrooms (master bedroom with en suite bathroom)  bathroom  Juliette balcony  daytime porter  parking space.

Asking price: £650,000

Asking price: £625,000 Savills Docklands

docklands@savills.com

020 7456 6800

Savills Docklands

docklands@savills.com

Jacana Court, E1W

50-51 Bankside, SE1

Reception room  kitchen  2 bedrooms  2 bathrooms  balcony  24 hr concierge  parking space

4 reception rooms  kitchen  5 bedrooms  2 bathrooms  south facing shared garden  conservatory  shared garage

Asking Price: £6 million

Asking price: £1.3 million Savills Docklands

docklands@savills.com

020 7456 6800

020 7456 6800

Savills Docklands

docklands@savills.com

020 7456 6800

savills.co.uk

New Providence Wharf E14

berkeley tower E14

2 bedrooms  2 bathrooms (1 en suite)  reception room  open plan kitchen  balcony with river views private parking  leisure facilities  communal garden 24hr porterage

2 bedrooms  2 en suite bathrooms  guest WC  kitchen  reception room  balcony  private parking  porterage  landscaped communal gardens

£495 per week Furnished Savills Canary Wharf

canarywharf@savills.com

£695 per week Flexible Furnishings 020 7531 2500

Savills Canary Wharf

canarywharf@savills.com

E1 Waterside E1W

Christopher Court E1

2 bedrooms  2 bathrooms (1 en suite)  open plan kitchen  reception room  wrap around balcony overlooking river Thames  private parking

Duplex apartment  3 bedrooms  2 bathrooms (1 en suite)  open plan kitchen  reception room  dining area  balcony 2 roof terraces  communal gardens  24hr porterage

£695 per week Furnished Savills Docklands

docklands@savills.com

020 7531 2500

£1,000 per week Furnished 020 7456 6800

Savills Docklands

docklands@savills.com

020 7456 6800

Savills, for those who live the river

There are so many reasons to love the river. And so many reasons to live on it.

From the dramatic skyline and stylish developments of historic Docklands to the vistas of Chiswick and Chelsea and the dreamy banks of Richmond and Barnes – London river property has a lifestyle and an energy of its own.

Savills Waterfront is a specialist department adding expertise to your property sale. Our dedicated team from offices across London has all the know-how of the Thames-side market, the lock-up and leave developments and the large laid back family homes on both banks.

If you’re thinking of buying, selling, renting or letting on the river set sail with Savills Waterfront.

Sarah Gretton Savills Waterfront 020 8877 1222 sgretton@savills.com

savills.co.uk

SALES

Rosefield Gardens, E14

£149,950

St Davids Square, E14

£259,950

Tazman Court, E14

£340,000

NOTICE OF OFFER: We would advise that an offer has been made for the above property in the sum of £170,000. Any person wishing to increase on this offer should notify the SELLING agents of their best offer prior to exchange of contracts.

A third floor one bedroom apartment in immaculate condition.

The flat is well proportioned and has a balcony with River Views. The development is sought after with fantastic amenities including 24hr concierge, gym & swimming pool.

A contemporary 9th floor one bedroom apartment finished to a high specification with well proportioned living space, balcony and panoramic views. Unrivalled facilities include gym, pool, health spa, restaurant and amazing rooftop cocktail lounge.

Lanterns Court, E14

Port East Apartments, E14

Belgrave Court, London, E14

£435,000

£765,000

£700,000

A highly desirable 940ft² brand new two bedroom first floor apartment for the discerning buyer. Suitable for buy to let investors and owner occupiers alike, this property will be highly sought after. Gym, Concierge and close proximity to South Quay DLR.

A stunning 1300ft² split level Grade 1 listed two bedroom, two bathroom warehouse conversion. Modern fitted kitchen and open plan lounge with access to a private balcony. Rarely available and only metres away from the business district.

Includes parking and 24hr concierge.

A luxury two bedroom 5th floor apartment in the prestigious Canary Riverside. Presented in excellent condition with good views of the River Thames and benefits including parking, security, concierge, and the best restaurants that Canary Wharf has to offer.

West India Quay, E14

Brightlingsea Place, E14

Waterman Building, E14

£975,000

This amazing 1568ft² one bedroom duplex apartment is the finest we have seen. Double height ceilings, floor to ceiling glazing with unrivalled panoramic views, parking, concierge and access to room service from the neighbouring 5 star Marriot hotel. West India Quay DLR.

All Awards 2010/11

£1,175,000

A stunning 1700ft² three bed townhouse in the heart of Limehouse with parking. Versatile accommodation includes reception with large balcony separate dining room and kitchen and two en-suite bedrooms. DLR and mainline rail service within easy reach.

£1,799,950

A spectacular four bed, three bath duplex penthouse boasting over 2220sqft of internal space, with unparalleled views from four stunning terraces. Bespoke finishes throughout provide unique living accommodation quite unlike any other. Superb location. Viewing highly recommended.

020 7715 9700 joneslanglasalle.co.uk

LETTINGS

Aqua Vista, E3

£200pw

Zeta, SpacE1, E1

£250pw

Aqua Vista, E3

£275pw

Brand new 9th floor studio apartment in eagerly awaited canal side development in trendy Bow, minutes from the heart of Canary Wharf’s financial centre with rapid and easy access to the City, Central and Greater London by public transport.

Brand new first floor studio apartment located in dynamic Brick Lane area. Impeccable finish with an intelligent use of space and light. Fully furnished to a high standard, early viewing recommended.

Brand new one bed luxury apartment finished to the highest standard with stylish kitchen, luxury bathroom, bicycle storage, communal gardens/roof terrace and concierge. Available for immediate occupation, fully furnished to a luxury standard.

Baltimore Wharf, E14

Aqua Vista, E14

Frances Wharf, E14

£300pw

£330pw

£350pw

Stunning new 7th floor studio suite offering luxury living.

Dockside development set around a tranquil boulevard offering 24hr concierge service. Located next to Crossharbour DLR, and a short walk to Canary Wharf itself.

Brand new two bed luxury canal side apartment in trendy Bow, minutes from the heart of Canary Wharf and easy access to the City and Central London. Features include bicycle storage, communal gardens/roof terrace and concierge.

Bright and modern two bed 2nd floor apartment next to Limehouse Cut offering excellent value for money in this secure development. Lovely private balcony offers courtyard views.

Available 5th September 2011.

Landmark East, E14

Baltimore Wharf, E14

Landmark East, E14

£540pw

Stunning two bed, two bath 17th floor apartment with views towards Canary Wharf and the 02 Arena. The internal finishes are second to none and features included 24hr concierge and gym. Close to Heron Quay DLR and Canary Wharf Jubilee Line.

£550pw

Superb two bedroom 6th floor flat in a dockside development.

Comprises private balcony and is fully furnished to the highest standard. On-site concierge, next to Crossharbour DLR Station Canary Wharf.

11 Westferry Circus, Canary Wharf, London, E14 4HE

£625pw

Stunning two bed two bath 40th floor apartment with views towards Canary Wharf and the 02 Arena. The internal finishes are second to none and features included 24hr concierge and gym. Close to Heron Quay DLR and Canary Wharf Jubilee Line.

dockland.sales@eu.jll.com

www.alanselby.co.uk Sales

Chapel House Street E14

£POA A double fronted Victorian Dockers cottage set on this quiet residential road within 300 metres of Mudchute DLR station. This property requires extensive modernisation but would make a beautiful home. Formerly a 3 bedroom house but is currently being used as a 2 bedroom with large bathroom (formerly bedroom 3). The accommodation comprises; sitting room, dining room, kitchen and lean to the property also offers a south facing rear garden and a paved front garden.

New Atlas Wharf E14

£414,995 Offering fantastic views from the reception room across a park and onto the River Thames, this 5th floor 2 bedrooms 2 bathroom apartment is set within the New Atlas Wharf development which boasts a 24 hour porter, gymnasium, Jacuzzi and steam room as well as secure underground parking. The property consists of reception room, separate kitchen, bathroom and en-suite to the master bedroom as well as a south facing balcony.

Lumina Building E14

£434,995 With Spectacular westerly views across a Dock and on to Canary Wharf with the city beyond this stunning 7th floor 2 bedroom apartment offers light and spacious accommodation comprising reception room with floor to ceiling windows access to the balcony and a modern open plan kitchen, master bedroom with access to the balcony and en-suite and bathroom. The development itself offers 24 hour concierge and secure underground parking.

Estate Agents | Land & Development Consultants

www.alanselby.co.uk Lettings

Naxos Building, E14 • One bedroom • Furnished • River views

£335 per week

• Two bedrooms • Two bathrooms • Furnished

• Leisure facilities • 24 hour concierge • Gated development

020 7519 5900 | info@alanselby.co.uk

Vanguard Building • 2 bed 2 Bath • Secure parking • Direct River Thames views

020 7519 5900 | info@alanselby.co.uk

£395 per week

• Balcony • Concierge • Secure parking

020 7519 5900 | info@alanselby.co.uk

£430 per week

• 24 hour porter • Leisure facilities • 6th floor

Ocean Wharf E14

Langbourne Place E14 • Four bedrooms • Duplex Penthouse • River View

£1100 per week

• Secure underground parking • Day porter • Close to Canary Wharf

020 7519 5900 | info@alanselby.co.uk

Estate Agents | Land & Development Consultants

bedrooms • Two £349,950 • Two bathrooms • Balcony

£335,000

Rich Street, Limehouse, E14

£265,000 • Marina views £399,950

£299,950 • Balcony £349,950

House, Limehouse, E14 •Fleet One double bedroom •• 11th Twofloor double bedrooms •• Balcony Two bathrooms •• River views Parking

Actions speak louder than words.

Adriatic Building, Limehouse, E14 • Investment opportunity • Two bedrooms • Balcony • 24 hour concierge

Contact our sales team today for a free, no £364,950 obligation valuation.

• River views • 11th floor £375,000

LD

020 7538 9250

• Large balcony £390,000

SO

£525,000

• Two double bedrooms • Two bathrooms Neutron Tower, Virginia Quay, E14 • Split level apartment Two double bedrooms • Fully• furnished

LD

LD

bedrooms • Two £425,000 • Two bathrooms • Direct river views • Balcony

Millennium Drive, Docklands, E14

SO

SO Cardale Street, Isle of Dogs, E14

• Three double bedrooms • Two bathrooms • Large through reception/dining room Chinnocks Wharf, • Good decorative order Narrow Street, E14

Court, Narrow Street, E14 • TwoLamb double bedrooms • Private balcony double bedrooms • Two • Bright and spacious bathrooms • Two • Secure car parking underground parking • Secure

LD

Dogs, E14

D

• Two bedrooms • Separate kitchen/diner Shackleton Court, Isle Of • Secure parking Direct river views • • Air conditioning

Proton Tower, East India, E14

SO

LD

SO Milligan Street, Limehouse, E14

L SO

£629,950

D

D

L SO

L SO Wharfside Point, Blackwall, E14

Medland House, Limehouse, E14 • One bedroom • Open plan reception room apartment • Penthouse • Wooden flooring terrace • Large • Concierge underground parking • Secure £245,000 views • Marina

New Providence Wharf, E14

Dunbar Wharf, Limehouse, E14

Two bathrooms •£495,000 • Two bedrooms • River views • Balcony

• One double bedroom £615,000

• Two double bedrooms • Valet car parking • River views Millennium Harbour, South Quay, E14 • Balcony

£449,950

• Two double bedrooms • Two bathrooms • River facing terrace Millennium Drive, Isle Of • Secure parking

Dogs, E14

• Secure car parking • River views • Refurbished throughout £275,000

www.lourdes-estates.com

020Lourdes Estate Agents, 94-96 Three Colt Street, Limehouse, London, E14 8AP 7538 9250 www.lourdes-estates.com Lourdes Estate Agents, 94-96 Three Colt Street, Limehouse, London, E14 8AP

L SO D

D

D

L SO

L SO Wharfside Point, Blackwall, E14

Unicorn Building, Limhouse, E1W

Aqua Vista, Bow, E3

£275 perviews week • Marina £629,950

£325 per week views • Marina £399,950

£375 •per week Balcony £349,950

• Medland One bedroom House, Limehouse, E14 • •Open plan reception room Penthouse apartment • •Wooden Largeflooring terrace • •Fitted kitchen Secure underground parking

Dogs, E14

• £395 week bathrooms • Twoper Two bedrooms

• Balcony

£335,000

Milligan Street, Limehouse, E14 • Three bedrooms • Two bathrooms • Large reception • Separate kitchen diner

Contact our sales team today for a free, no £450 per week obligation valuation.

LD

• Two double bedrooms • Shackleton Two bathrooms Court, Isle Of • Split level apartment Direct river views • •Fully furnished

Actions speak louder than words.

Court, Narrow Street, E14 • BrandLamb new development • Two double double bedrooms • Twobedrooms • Two bathrooms • Two bathrooms • Large •private terrace Secure underground parking

SO

LD

SO Millennium Drive, Isle of Dogs, E14

Fleet House, Limehouse, E14 • One bedroom • Private double bedrooms • Twobalcony • River views bathrooms • Two • Fully furnished • Parking

Free Trade Wharf, Wapping, E1W

• Two double bedrooms • Two bathrooms Neutron Tower, Virginia Quay, E14 • River views Two double bedrooms • Private• balcony

Large balcony £475 •per week River views

• • 11th floor £375,000

SO LD

LD

LD

SO

SO Basin Approach, Limehouse, E14

Dunbar Wharf, Limehouse, E14

Dundee Wharf, Limehouse, E14

bedrooms • Twoper £550 week • Two bathrooms Direct river views • • Balcony

bathrooms • Two £725 per week • Two bedrooms River views • • Balcony

Oneweek double bedroom £795 •per • Secure car parking • River views • Refurbished throughout

• Two double bedrooms • Two bathrooms • Sixth floor Wharf, Narrow Street, E14 • Chinnocks Floor to ceiling windows

£525,000

020 7538 9250

• Two double bedrooms • Two bathrooms • Two private terraces Millennium Harbour, South Quay, E14 • River and park views

£449,950

• Sub penthouse apartment • Three double bedrooms • 360 views of the river • Large Millennium private terrace Drive, Isle Of

Dogs, E14

£275,000

www.lourdes-estates.com

020Lourdes Estate Agents, 94-96 Three Colt Street, Limehouse, London, E14 8AP 7538 9250 www.lourdes-estates.com Lourdes Estate Agents, 94-96 Three Colt Street, Limehouse, London, E14 8AP

living local

HOT PROPERTY: Rooms with a View

The prestigious Canary Riverside development is the setting for this spectacular apartment. The property features three double bedrooms, three bathrooms, a large kitchen and dining area and has been decorated in a contemporary and highly attractive style throughout, which capitalises on its light and airy feel.

Floor to ceiling windows in the living area offer unrivalled views of the River Thames and city life

beyond and make it the perfect entertaining venue.

The property also benefits from both a parking space and an onsite concierge service, equipping it well for modern lifestyle demands. However, it is situated within easy reach of the DLR and shops, bars, restaurants and business centre of Canary Wharf, enabling a brief and simple commute for those who live and socialise in the area.

Belgrave Court, e14 ÂŁ1.5m Savills www.savills.co.uk

020 7531 2500 143

2011-08-16 12:07:25

94.126.43.186

WAPPING

Ivory House East Smithfield E1W A charming penthouse apartment in this delightful warehouse conversion situated within London’s premier marina residence. Benefitting from two roof terraces and offering triple aspect views directly onto St Katharine Docks the apartment extends to approx. 2,246 sq ft, offers a host of characterful warehouse features, wonderful high ceilings and is lavishly presented throughout reception room with dining area | 4 bedrooms (1 en suite bathroom/1 en suite shower room) | 1 further shower room | kitchen | galleried study porter | private parking | balcony | 2 roof terraces

Guide price ÂŁ3,000,000 leasehold

cluttons.com

020 7488 4858 wapping@cluttons.com

|

20

2011-08-16 12:10:37

94.126.43.186

WAPPING

Cinnabar Wharf Wapping High Street E1W A beautifully finished penthouse apartment arranged over two levels within this visually stunning development on the banks of the River Thames, taking in views of Tower Bridge and 'The Shard of Glass'. This south-facing apartment offers excellent living and entertaining space, with riverside terraces on both levels and access to an additional roof terrace of approx. 671 sq ft reception room with dining area | 3 bedrooms (1 en suite bathroom/1 en suite shower room) | 1 further shower room | kitchen | guest cloakroom | porter | storage room | secure private parking | private roof terrace | 2 riverside terraces

Guide price ÂŁ2,250,000 leasehold

cluttons.com

020 7488 4858 wapping@cluttons.com

Hampstead NW3 Conveniently located for Golders Hill Park and Hampstead Heath, a substantial double fronted detached five bedroom family house with off street parking.

This stylish contemporary home offers well planned and spacious accommodation and features far reaching views from the magnificent master bedroom suite which is set over the entire top floor.

The garden level is currently utilised as a large family room opening to the garden with a kitchenette, shower room and large storage room but could easily be used as a self-contained unit.

Price on APPlicAtion | FreeHolD resideNtial sales resideNtial lettiNGs prOpertY maNaGemeNt

265818_CW_TK_SEPT11.indd 1

18/08/2011 10:18

2658

Redington gaRdens nW3 A four bedroom raised ground & first floor maisonette, accessed via its own private entrance and forming part of an attractive red brick ambassadorial residence.

The apartment is presented in very good condition throughout, spanning approximately 2,000 sq ft and boasting a wonderful 28’ dual aspect reception room together with four well proportioned bedrooms. In addition, the flat enjoys a private patio garden, beautiful lawned communal gardens and off street parking on a first come first served basis.

The property is ideally located at the end of this quiet cul-de-sac and is within close proximity of Hampstead Village and the Heath.

ÂŁ2,250,000 | Share of freehold 20 HeatH stReet HaMPstead ViLLage London nW3 6te

10:18

265818_CW_TK_SEPT11.indd 2

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living local

WILL IT, won’t it?

Ron Radway considers whether the Bank of england Base rate will rise in the near future

W

ill the Bank of England base rate rise in the next few months? I don’t know, is the very firm answer!

The consensus of expert punditry suggests that the rate will not rise, at least substantially, until late 2012 at the earliest.

However, these are the same expert pundits who didn’t foresee the credit crunch and can’t cure the euro and dollar deficit crisis now, nor predict where it will lead us.

So, can this current rate stability be relied upon? Throughout history the rate has fluctuated, sometimes wildly. In 1975 the rate was 11.25 per cent and varied by only one point during the next two years. However, in 1977 the rate fell to as low as five per cent before rising inexorably to 17 per cent at the end of that decade. While the 1980s produced less erratic figures, there were still surges and falls up until 2003 where the situation became more stable. However, we then saw the credit crunch which yielded an unprecedented low of 0.5 per cent in March 2009, where it remains.

148

Clearly the situation is unpredictable, even more so, because retail rates are dictated by market conditions and therefore independent of Bank of England constraints.

For the borrower, analysis is irrelevant if a particular product is unsuitable from an emotional perspective. If you can cope with the vagaries and fluctuations of a tracker rate then go for it, or if you prefer the guarantee which a fixed type brings then don’t be disappointed if the base rate recedes.

Both tracker and fixed rates are currently very attractive. Trackers with a switch facility are becoming more prevalent for the undecided, while the five year fixed deals are offering exceptional value for money.

With lenders regaining an appetite to lend (to borrowers that fit their template) and remortgaging enjoying a revival, this is the best time to dip your toes into the mortgage market. Enjoy it while it lasts! n Ron Radway is a mortgage consultant with OneCall Financial Advice Centre. For further details visit www.onecallonline.co.uk or call 020 3174 0422

River Habitat RiverHabitat.co.uk

BelgRave Ct, CaNaRY RIveRSIDe, e14 FANTASTIC RIVERVIEW FLAT WITH EASY CANARY WHARF WALK

BaRtHolomew CouRt, vIRgINa QuaY, e14 SUPERB PURCHASE OPPORTUNITY WITH LARGE BALCONY

n 1,592 Sq. Ft. Beautiful Two, Double Bedroom Apartment n Stunning Floor To Ceiling Curved Windows n Juliet Balcony With Breathtaking N.W. View n Parking Space. Available Mid-December 2011

n Spacious Two Bed, Two Bath, 5th Floor, River View Flat n Panoramic Views Of River And 02 Dome n Easy Walk Into Canary Wharf n Balcony And Secure Underground Car Parking Space

£1,200,000 LEASEHOLD

£395,000 LEASEHOLD

mauRetaNIa BuIlDINg, atlaNtIC wHaRf, e1 LOVELY TWO BEDROOM FLAT RIGHT ON THE RIVER

eatoN HouSe, CaNaRY RIveRSIDe, e14 A BEAUTIFUL ONE DOUBLE BEDROOM FLAT

n Two Double Bedrooms, One Bath Flat on Third Floor n Open-Plan Layout in Large Dimensioned Flat n Beautiful Direct River Thames Views. Fabulous Balcony n Easy Walk to Canary Wharf along River and Narrow Street. n Allocated Underground Car Parking Space.

n 859 Sq. Ft. with Balcony n South Facing n Double Bedroom, Good Sized Reception, Bathroom, Cloakroom n One Underground Car Parking Space n High Spec including Coil Fan Heating and Cooling System n Portered Building, 24 Hour Security

£405,000 LEASEHOLD REDUCED

£480,000 LEASEHOLD

• info@RiverHabitat.co.uk • T: 020 7791 9830 • F: 020 7791 9831 • The Suite LG. 655 Commercial Road, Limehouse, London E14 7LW

Fisks Docklands Ltd 2 Parker House Admirals Way London E14 9UQ A Fisk Ltd Franchise

T: 020 7517 8810 F: 020 7517 7902

Strattondale Street

Boardwalk Place

• • • • • •

• • • • • •

Three storey Town House Four bedrooms Potential for a loft conversion Contemporary style kitchen and bathroom Large private rear garden UPVC double glazing throughout

£424,950 Freehold

new Providence wharf • • • • • • • •

1,600 sq ft Premier Suite Three bedrooms, three bathrooms South facing wrap around balcony Panoramic views of the Thames Extensive leisure facilities Secure parking bay 24 hour Concierge & Security Chain free

£1,085,000 Leasehold

Two bedrooms, two bathrooms Marina views Secure parking bay 24 hour Concierge & Security Chain free Choice of two

from £404,950 Leasehold

dockands@fisks.co.uk www.fisks.co.uk Residential Sales Lettings Property Management

LAWRENCE_WARD_CityMag_Sep2011:Layout 1 19/08/2011 17:44 Page 1

London's Finest Properties

LETTINGS

SALES

California Building, Deals Gateway, SE13

Barge Walk, City Peninsula, SE10

Royal Arsenal, SE18

• One Bedroom/ One Bathroom • Exceptional Order Throughout • Fully Furnished • 24hr Concierge • On Site Pool And Leisure Facilities • Moments From South Quay DLR

£300.00 per week

• Two Bedroom Apartment • Fully Furnished • 2nd Floor • Parking Available • Concierge Service • Nr. North Greenwich

• 3rd Floor 2 Bed Duplex Apartment • Unique And Historic Riverside Development • Secure Allocated Parking • Exceptional Transport Links • 24hr Gym, Concierge And On-Site Bars / Restaurants

£370 per week

£392,500

£249,950

The Oxygen, Royal Docks, E16

New Providence Wharf, Canary Wharf, E14

No 1 Pepys Street, E1

£400 per week

£440 per week

£399,999

£435,000

The Landmark, East Block, E14

Mulberry Court, Shadwell, E1

New Providence Wharf, E14

• Two Bedroom Apartment • Fully Furnished • 27th Floor • Fully Equipped Gymnasium • 24hr Concierge Service • Walking Distance to Canary Wharf

• Three Bedroom Apartment • Two Bathroom • Fully Furnished • Ground Floor • Parking Available • Nr. Shadwell St

New Providence Wharf, Canary Wharf, E14

• 2 Bedroom / 2 Bathroom Apartment • Highly Prestigious Riverside Development • Excellent Condition Throughout • Valet Parking • 24hr Concierge and Exceptional Leisure Facilities

• Stunning 10th Floor Apartment • Uninterrupted River Views From Front And Rear • Excellent Condition Throughout • Secure Underground Parking • 24hr Concierge And Exceptional Leisure Facilities

£550 per week

£625 per week

£468,950

£555,000

• Two Bedroom Apartment • Fully Furnished • 1st Floor • On-site Facilities • 24 Hour Concierge • Nr. Deptford Bridge DLR

Wotton Court, Virginia Quay, E14

• Two Bedroom Apartment • Fully Furnished • 9th Floor • Balcony • Secure Underground Parking • Concierge Service

• Two Bedroom Apartment • Fully Furnished • 9th Floor • Balcony • Parking Available • Concierge Service

• 4th Floor • Stunning Riverside Development • 2 Bedroom / 1 Bathroom • Balcony • Valet Parking • Moments from DLR and Jubilee Line

Lowry House, Canary Central, E14

• 4th Floor • Spacious 1 Bedroom / 1 Bathroom • Exceptional Order Throughout • Secure Allocated Parking • Fully Furnished • Porterage

Sales | Lettings | Corporate Services | Property Management www.liferesidential.co.uk

Central London 020 7582 7989

West London 020 8896 9990

Finchley 020 8446 9524

Docklands 020 7476 0125

Deptford & Greenwich 020 8692 2244

newHOMES

Your essential guide to new local developments. Read up to the minute information about star apartments, good investments, yet to be launched to the market properties, and the best in innovative design, architectural excellence and chic, city style. This dedicated section covers luxury projects throughout Blackheath, Camberwell, Dulwich and other select areas of South East London.

Best of Both

luxury rural TOWNHOuSES

Buy-to-Let

THE PrOCESS MaDE EaSy

newhomes

ProPerty Latest

By Ben West

Prime centraL London saLes and Lettings reach aLL time high Prime London property prices have risen by 9.6 per cent in the last year and are now 35 per cent higher than the postcredit crunch trough in March 2009. Not only that, but prime London property prices rose by 0.7 per cent in July, taking values to a record high.

The prime London rental sector is also booming: on average, rents are now one per cent higher than their previous peak in March 2008.

“Once again the main reasons for high strength demand in the prime central London market are the overseas purchasers and low stock

levels,” says Noel Flint, head of London residential at Knight Frank. “In the last month our offices have seen more interest from buyers from continental Europe, possibly due to the ongoing Eurozone crisis as well as London providing a more cosmopolitan lifestyle.”

Snazzy Student accommodation The student accommodation sector has remained extraordinarily buoyant despite the downturn, kept afloat by the imbalance of supply and demand of student housing felt in many university cities across the UK. With the assurance of a guaranteed long term income and appealing yields, investors have been snapping up purpose built student accommodation residences left right and centre, with an estimated £347,675,000 committed to the sector in the UK since the beginning of 2011, according to the latest report from CB Richard Ellis 2011.

Indeed, student numbers have been rising year-on-year over the last five years, increasing by four per cent last year alone, according to the report, with the growth in university students putting considerable pressure on the existing student housing stock across the country.

However, if your memories of student digs are of shabby box rooms and a kitchen in disrepair, today’s students are rather more discerning.

A great number are now seeking high quality housing, contemporary interiors and city centre locations.

An early Ramadan this year meant that Middle Eastern buyers spent less time in London earlier this year, however Flint predicts that September will see increased interest from Middle eastern buyers escaping the hottest months in their home countries.

Launch of new Buy to Let centres

Buy-to-let investors are always looking for more efficient ways of investing in buy-to-let properties.

For this reason the Buy to Let Centre has launched, consisting of 65 high street-based branches across the UK located within leading independent estate and lettings agents.

The Buy to Let Centre was founded by industry experts Tim Hammond and Richard Rawlings and is run alongside their Homebuyer Centre branch network.

Whilst other companies dealing in buy-to-let investment may focus on seminars, schemes and secret strategies, Buy to Let Centres focus on local area knowledge, local property market expertise, and independent and impartial advice.

“We start with your requirements, demonstrate realistic returns and provide expert opinion and advice

Has glass got class?

According to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), adding a conservatory can raise your house’s value by a respectable four to five per cent. “When care is taken, conservatories can be a work of art, our purchasers are always wowed when they walk into a conservatory that has had time, thought and energy put into it,” says James Wyatt, partner of estate agency Barton Wyatt.

The benefits of a conservatory are multiple. They can provide greater living space and can add light into a home. For the same reasons, estate agencies are also reporting increased interest in orangeries.

on the best and most credible buy to let and property investments on the property market,” says Hammond.

“Our branches enable you to invest anywhere in the UK and our local experts manage the property sourcing, lettings and management for you. We’ll help you acquire high yield properties in areas with strong tenant demand and maximise the return on your investment. You can be assured of independent and impartial advice,” says buy-to-let industry expert, Kate Faulkner.

“Too often I see buy to let investors fall for unrealistic claims of ‘below market value’, achieving ‘financial freedom’ and hoping to ‘become a property millionaire’ with little money and in a short time, which is unrealistic.

Buy-to-let is a long term investment and it’s essential people have the right strategy to meet their objectives. They need to seek local expert advice on house prices and rents and take time comparing property deals. During this difficult market, successful buy-tolet is possible, but you need to work with property professionals on the ground who are motivated by your long term success.”

The Buy To Let Centre www.thebuytoletcentre.com

NEWS IN BRIEF SpEEdINg up thE coNvEyaNcINg pRocESS Kinleigh Folkhard and Hayward (KFH) have introduced a new quick conveyancing service, which has dramatically reduced the time it can take to buy and sell.

Londonwide Conveyancing is a panel of carefully selected law firms geared to speeding up the conveyancing process.

As they are used to working with each other, communication is considerably better than normal. The new initiative has resulted in the average time to get a sale to exchange reducing to 24 days, compared to an average turnaround time when using solicitors outside the scheme of nine weeks and five days. The lack of delays results in far less clients dropping out during a sale, too.

Londonwide Conveyancing, 0800 023 1800 www.londonwideconveyancing.com

ElItE INSuRaNcE Debrett’s, the modern day authority on etiquette, has launched its own range of insurance for affluent home owners. Debrett’s Prestige Insurance was developed in response to the needs of its professional audience, in association with hand-picked expert advisers.

Cover for property, fine art and other valuables such as motoring and aviation equipment is available and can be subsumed into a single policy by a dedicated broker who acts on behalf of the client.

The service is available to anyone whose contents are worth over £75,000 or whose home has a greater value than £1m.

For more information visit www.debretts.com

155

newhomes

DEVELOPMENT FOCUS City Style in the Garden of England Urban EvolUtion arE offEring gorgEoUs family homEs, within Easy commUting distancE of thE city

W

e are all aware that the London property market offers some magnificent homes. However, city professionals desiring a more rural setting will often look further afield, seeking to maximise space and value for money without compromising on style.

With this in mind, acclaimed designers Urban Evolution have recently launched a striking new development of 14 unique townhouses, set in an elevated position in Chislehurst, Kent.

Located on Woodclyffe Drive, Dene Terrace offers tremendous views of woodland and the perfect opportunity for residents to immerse themselves in village life. However, the site is just 300 metres from Chislehurst station, enabling an easy commute to London Bridge (18 minutes) and Waterloo East (21 minutes).

Urban Evolution is renowned for its high end projects in Belgravia and the surrounding areas and each of the Dene Terrace properties occupy an impressive 3,700 sq ft. They are based around a large entertaining space consisting of three reception rooms and a family kitchen and breakfast room with a flexible layout to suit the buyer’s lifestyle. It may be that future residents prefer to dine in the area which leads out into the garden, or choose to theme this space as a beautiful sitting room.

In addition, each home offers five bedrooms, including the master suite, which has its own roof terrace, three bathrooms and a laundry, which ensure they are well equipped for family living.

In keeping with the high specification finish one would expect in London, atmospheric Lutron lighting installations are fitted to main rooms, oak flooring, handmade joinery and brass door fittings feature throughout and the homes are as energy efficient as possible, befitting of a modern luxury development.

Outside, the properties have an attractive Georgian style as well as private, landscaped front and rear gardens. They are set back within an elegant gated community to ensure privacy and security and parking is allocated underground for two cars.

The local area is both an attractive and interesting base for young families who tend to stay for years to come. Seven out of the 12 schools located within

Star apartment

a five mile radius of Dene Terrace have been rated as Outstanding by Ofsted, which should be a great incentive for parents.

In addition there is picturesque countryside all around ready to be explored, leisure facilities include golf courses, horse-riding, tennis and cricket clubs and the local village is a haven of boutique shops, highly regarded restaurants, and friendly people.

With such a lovely location and sophisticated design, it is surprising, but obviously no less encouraging, that the prices for the townhouses are less than those of Hampstead, Fulham and other neighbourhoods with a similar commute time.

Factors such as this have led to Dene Terrace being awarded numerous prizes from publications and industry bodies including Best UK House and the silver award for Interior Design from What House and Best Property in Kent from the UK Property Awards. n

Set over five floors, the two show homes are as grand and spacious as they are attractive. The third reception room can be used as a slick cinema/media room or an open galleried dining room, depending on the buyer’s preference, while the top floor forms a master suite with a dressing room, large bathroom and sweeping terrace offering lovely views over the treetops.

The finest finishes are incorporated into the show homes. The dĂŠcor is plush yet neutral creating a chic and relaxing ambience. Integrated audio and high-definition SKY TV attest to the latest technology and the curtains and blinds in principal rooms are electric.

The kitchens are warm and inviting spaces, with all units and islands hand-made to ensure a perfect fit. Oak flooring serves as a high quality statement feature and marble worktops have been provided by Carrera, alongside double ceramic sinks, Perrin & Rowe taps and Siemens appliances.

The bathroom tiles are both natural stone and ceramic and Lefroy Brooks sanitary ware.

Available from ÂŁ1,385,000. www.deneterrace.co.uk

157

LUXURY HOLIDAY LODGES FOR SALE in the Surrey Hills

Haulfryn’s Edgeley Country Park at Farley Green offers a relaxing haven of stunning luxury lodges surrounded by 26 acres of secluded woodland. With fantastic on park leisure facilities and its close proximity to golf courses, horse riding and the popular Surrey Cycleway, Edgeley Country Park is the perfect retreat to escape from everyday life.

At Haulfryn we know how important rest, relaxation and time away from the daily stresses and strains of life is.

With your own luxurious home away from home you can get up and go whenever you want and start enjoying yourself the instant you arrive.

- Luxury lodges from just £67,995 - New development for 2011 - Stunning views of the Surrey Hills - 12 month holiday season - Indoor swimming pool and fitness suite - Fully managed letting service

We cater for most budgets with prices ranging from £67,995 to £264,000.

Welcome Welcome toto a new a new chapter chapter inin Bentley Bentley history. history.

The The new new Continental Continental GT GT – a– remarkable a remarkable fusion fusion ofofbreathtaking breathtakingperformance, performance,sensuous sensuousluxury luxury and and modern modern technology. technology.

This This stunningly stunningly sculpted sculpted coupe’s coupe’s sharp sharp features features areare indicative indicative ofof Bentley’s Bentley’s DNA. DNA. It It harnesses harnesses anan incredibly incredibly powerful powerful 567bhp 567bhp(575PS, (575PS,423kW) 423kW)FlexFuel FlexFuelW12 W12engine enginesporting sportinginnovative innovative

capa capa bilities bilities forfor everyday everyday driving. driving.

This This is is matched matched with with anan exquisitely exquisitely handcrafted, handcrafted,contemporary contemporaryinterior interiortotoensure ensureyou youarearetransported transportedbyby all-wheel all-wheel drive drive across across countries countries and and continents continents inin superior superior comfort comfort and and elegance. elegance.Supreme Suprememotoring motoringthat thatis isunmistakably unmistakablyBentley.

Bentley.Welcome Welcome toto the the new new Continental Continental GT GT

† † oror visit visit www.bentleymotors.com www.bentleymotors.com For For more more information information call call 01270 01270 535032 535032

TheThe name name ‘Bentley’ ‘Bentley’ andand thethe ‘B’ in ‘B’wings in wings device device areare registered registered trademarks. trademarks. © 2011 © 2011 Bentley Bentley Motors Motors Limited.

Limited.

Model Model shown: shown: Bentley Bentley Continental Continental GT,GT, mrrp mrrp £135,760. £135,760.

Price Price correct correct at time at time of going of going to press to press andand includes includes VAT VAT at 20%. at 20%.

Price Price excludes excludes road road fund fund licence, licence, registration registration andand delivery delivery charges. charges. †Calls †Calls willwill be be recorded recorded for for training training purposes. purposes.

CALL NOW FOR OUR MANAGERS SPECIALS

Fuel Fuel economy economy figures figures forfor the the Continental Continental GT GT inin mpg mpg (l/100km): (l/100km): To book your VIP park experience Urban Urban 11.1 11.1 (25.4); (25.4); Extra Extra Urban Urban 24.9 24.9 (11.4); (11.4); Combined Combined 17.1 17.1 (16.5).

(16.5).

CO CO Emissions Emissions (g/km): (g/km): 384.

384.

2 2 or to request a brochure

Call: 08433 092395 Visit: www.edgeley-country.co.uk HAU411_Edgeley_City&CanaryWharfMag_FullPage.indd 1

20/7/11 14:03:58

These are modern times.

The world, has changed. It’s as though we don’t have enough time. We’ve replaced words with letters, conversations with status updates, and faces with avatars.

Wouldn’t it be nice to talk to real people who really do :) and actually LOL? We think so too.

Estate Agents

020 7474 5505 docklands@madisonbrook.com www.madisonbrook.com

Bespoke living Emerson Park, Hornchurch, Essex A mansion of grand proportions, built to the highest 9 Stunning Bedrooms 4 Large Reception Rooms 8 Bathrooms Cinema Room

Large Open Garden Intelligent Lighting Gated Carriage Driveway

Freehold For Sale Offer in excess of ÂŁ3,000,000

Tel: 020 8518 6555 148 Cranbrook Road, Ilford, Essex IG1 4LZ Fax: +44 (0)208 518 6444

www.pmcompany.co.uk All enquiries welcome

UNIQUE HOMES, UNIQUE SERVICE, UNIQUE PEOPLE A t a i l o r e d s e r v i c e f r o m L a n g f o rd R u s s e l l f o r d i s t i n c t i ve a n d e x c l u s i ve h o m e s

CHARTHAM HOUSE, KESTON VILLAgE, BR2

Just 14 miles from Central London, this spectacular new manor house has a unique woodland setting sited upon a south-facing plateau with wonderful views over open countryside. c.10, 000 sq ft.

Six bedrooms and bathrooms, four principal receptions including a breathtaking dining room with a dramatic vaulted ceiling. Complete with home cinema, bar area, gymnasium and steam room.

£4,850,000 Freehold

PARK AVENUE, FARNBOROUgH PARK, KENT

One of the few original houses on this exclusive private Estate occupying a magnificent plot of approximately 1.5 acres with manicured lawns, all weather tennis court, orchard and woodland.

Five double bedrooms, three reception rooms c. 3200 sq feet.

There is further potential, subject to renewed planning permission to extend the house over and beyond the triple garage block.

£2,850,000 Freehold

UNIQUE is a Specialist Division of Langford Russell

Unique at Langford Russell Chislehurst Office 13 High Street, Chislehurst, Kent BR7 5AB Tel 020 8378 1222 Email enquiries@uniquepropertiesuk.com

Offices Also At: Beckenham & Bromley

www.uniqueproper tiesuk.com www.langfordr ussell.co.uk

newhomes

State of the market ALASDAIR CARPENTER, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF LOURDES ESTATE AGENTS, COMMENTS ON THE STATE OF THE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY MARKET

OLYMPIC VILLAGE SOLD

t

© London 2012

he East London property market is today the beneficiary of yet more good news. The 27 hectare Olympic Village has been sold for £557m to a Delancey and Qatari Diar partnership. The deal agreed with the Olympic Delivery Authority also includes provision for a future profit share for the public sector and is in addition to the £268m already secured by the sale of 1,379 affordable housing units on the site.

The deal sees Delancey and Qatari Diar acquiring 1,439 homes on the Olympic Village site, plus six further development sites adjacent to the Village with the potential for a further 2,000 new homes.

The bulk of these new properties will be rented

out, rather than sold, creating a UK private sector residential investment fund. Deals of this nature have become increasingly attractive to large investment funds and consortiums in recent times due to the bullish rental market. Many commercial property funds are now shifting focus to the residential market. This is relatively new to the UK as these funds have previously focused their attentions on the US and German property markets where rental demand has been strong for decades.

Such is the interest in the UK market, Delancy and Qatari Diar had to fight off a rival bid from Hutchison Whampoa, a company owned by Hong Kong billionaire Li Ka-shing.

Jamie Ritblas, Delancey’s chief executive has said “This is a long term project for us. We are looking to retain the neighbourhood and create a place where people will want to live, work and play for years to come.

This will be welcome news to everyone involved in the legacy left by the Olympic Games and tax payers in general. Originally the Olympic Village was supposed to be a private venture but when the credit crunch hit and funding all but dried up, the Government were forced to take control. The cost to the tax payer was a constant talking point. Now at least the bulk of the cost will be recuperated and the future of the site has been guaranteed.

In addition to affordable housing and luxury homes, Delancey have committed to providing schools, healthcare facilities and open spaces. This is a clear indication of the confidence large investors have in the long term future of East London. It is also a big step towards the communities that Londoners had always hoped would be created by the Olympic legacy.

Who said August is a quiet time for the property market?! n Lourdes Estate Agents 020 7538 9245 www.lourdes-estates.com

162

T H E U LT I M AT E C O L L E C T I O N The Landmark E14 is proud to launch The Ultimate Collection – the most refined and stunning apartments within the highest point of The Landmark. The collection comprises eight high level premier Apartments and Penthouses on the 43rd and 44th floors, boasting unbeatable and rare views across the river to the City of London and Canary Wharf.

Prices from £975,000 - £1,650,000 * Now available for viewing w w w. T H E L A N d M A r k - E 1 4 . C O M

For more information, please call:

020 7078 7981 *Prices correct at time of going to press

HIRSH L O N D O N

TRILOGY COLLECTION HANDMADE IN PLATINUM

Famous for engagement rings www.hirshlondon.com

WEST END 56-57 BURLINGTON ARCADE W1J 0QN T 020 7499 6814 - CITY 9 HATTON GARDEN EC1N 8AH T 020 7831 3333