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CONTENTS 16

Fit for a King

Off the Clock

Olivia Sharpe welcomes the V&A’s hotly-anticipated retrospective exhibition Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty

Kari Colmans stands in the shadow of Cindy Crawford as she marks 20 years as the face of Omega

Some Like it Haute

Changing Rooms

Annabel Harrison meets Tamara Ralph and Michael Russo, the couple behind the eponymous British couture house

Anthony James Armstrong heads to the home of one of Belgravia’s top interior designers, Nicola Fontanella

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All White on the Night

Stockholm Style

Meet three of Browns Bride’s most popular designers and its creative director Caroline Burstein, as the boutique passes its tenth anniversary

Sweden is famed for flat-pack furniture, ABBA and, of course, meatballs. But on a trip to the country’s capital, Kate Vandy discovers a city brimming with gastronomic delights

This magazine is distributed throughout the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, including Chelsea, Kensington, Knightsbridge, Notting Hill and Holland Park, and parts of Belgravia, Fulham and Hyde Park

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On the Cover... The fashion industry is all in a flutter this month as it gets ready to pay tribute to one of its all-time greats: Alexander McQueen. The undisputed king of British fashion passed away on 11 February 2010 and his legacy will be holding court throughout the year with a series of events marking the fifth anniversary of his death; the most anticipated being the V&A’s retrospective, Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty, opening this month. In our cover story, the exhibit’s curator Claire Wilcox, and jewellery designer Shaun Leane, talk about what it was like working with the late designer.

Cover image: Butterfly headdress of handpainted turkey feathers, Philip Treacy for Alexander McQueen, La Dame Bleu, S/S 2008 © Anthea Simms

23 Sole Survivor

M A R C H 2 0 1 5 s i ss u e 0 3 7 Editor Annabel Harrison Deputy Editor Olivia Sharpe Contributing Editors Kari Colmans Richard Brown Hannah Lemon Editorial Assistants Liane Nelson Phoebe McDowell Senior Designer Sophie Blain Production Alex Powell Hugo Wheatley Oscar Viney Alice Ford Client Relationship Director Friday Dalrymple Executive Director Sophie Roberts General Manager Fiona Fenwick

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From the EDITOR “When I’m dead and gone, people will know that the twenty-first century was started by Alexander McQueen,” said the late fashion designer, who has left a legacy, five years after his death, as revealing of the mood of London’s fashion scene today as it was on the eve of his runway debut in 1993. As the capital is poised for the arrival of the V&A’s much anticipated retrospective Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty Olivia Sharpe speaks to the exhibition’s curator Claire Wilcox, and jewellery designer Shaun Leane, about what it was like working with one of the greatest designers of our generation (p. 16). Elsewhere in our biannual fashion issue, I meet Tamara Ralph and Michael Russo, the dynamic founding partners of the eponymous British couture house Ralph & Russo. The trailblazing brand has had unprecedented success both on the international stage and Knightsbridge’s luxury scene after only a decade – and it was in fact in the Royal Borough that the pair, partners in life as well as business, met through the most serendipitous of circumstances, quite literally bumping into one another on Chelsea’s Fulham Road. Read about their love affair with tulle, crystals, and all things London (p. 28). And join Kari Colmans as she meets Jimmy Choo’s creative director Sandra Choi, who is bringing back the tradition of made-to-order. She’s taking the brand onwards and upwards, one bespoke stiletto at a time (p. 23). Also in this issue, you’ll find our pick of the best runway trends (p. 68) and how to make them work for you (p. 72), while MAC’s director of make-up artistry Terry Barber tells Ellen Millard how to embrace the “no make-up” effect without looking like you’ve just rolled out of bed (p. 92). And if the chaos of London Fashion Week has you packing for a hasty sojourn, we suggest three very different options for some early spring sunshine: Tuscany (p. 102), Stockholm (p. 110) or the colourful Chennai (p. 106). As the late McQueen once said: “Fashion should be a form of escapism.”

Editor

Annabel Harrison

ind tes omi tabilis duo fratres curren 014

Vogue on Alexander McQueen. Black dress with acres of tulle underskirt. Patrick Demarchelier/Vogue, © Condé Nast Publications Ltd.

Vogue on Alexander McQueen. Latticed chiffon animal-print dress 2004’s Pantheon as Lecum collection, © Nick Knight

Vogue on Alexander McQueen, Kate Moss in black chiffon see-through gown. Lachlan Bailey/Vogue, © Condé Nast Publications Ltd

Fit

For a

King As London awaits the arrival of the V&A’s phenomenal retrospective, Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty, Olivia Sharpe speaks to the exhibit’s curator Claire Wilcox and jewellery designer Shaun Leane about what it was like working with one of the greatest fashion designers of our generation

Right / Tulle and lace dress with veil and antlers, Alexander McQueen, Widows of Culloden A/W 2006-07, Raquel Zimmerman, VIVA London. Image: firstVIEW

FEATURE

Portrait of Alexander McQueen, 1997, Photographed by Marc Hom ÂŠ Marc Hom / Trunk Archive

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Vogue on Alexander McQueen, Blue ostrich feather dress, April 2000 Vogue, © Mario Testino

Dress of dyed ostrich feathers and hand-painted microscopic slides, Alexander McQueen, Voss, S/S 2001, Erin O’Connor Image: REX

Butterfly headdress of hand-painted turkey feathers, Philip Treacy for Alexander McQueen, La Dame Bleu, S/S 2008, © Anthea Simms

he fashion industry is all in a flutter this month as it gets ready to pay tribute to one of its all-time greats: Alexander McQueen. The undisputed king of British fashion passed away on 11 February 2010 and his legacy will be holding court throughout this year with a series of events marking the fifth anniversary of his death – the most anticipated of all being the V&A’s retrospective, commencing this month. To this day, I vividly remember hearing of McQueen’s untimely death. Tributes poured in from some of the most influential fashion figures, including Anna Wintour – who touchingly spoke of the “complex and gifted young man, born not far from here, who as a child used to sit on the roof of his tower block and watch the birds circling overhead” – and judging from the star-studded crowd at the memorial service at St Paul’s Cathedral, it was clear that they were not simply honouring a legend but their good friend, Lee. Therefore, when I sat down to write this article, I initially found myself at a loss to know what to say; after all, having never been privileged enough to meet him, I cannot share any of own memories or anecdotes but merely relay what is already evident: that he was a truly visionary artist. Claire Wilcox, however, the curator behind the V&A’s exhibition, had a more personal relationship with Alexander McQueen. As well as having studied his career in depth, she’s also had first-hand experience working

with him, the pair having met back in 1999 when Claire was devising the museum’s first Fashion in Motion event. While it is now one of the V&A’s most popular series, she explains how, at the time, showing a live fashion show off the catwalk was a “radical step” so it was little wonder that the avant-garde designer, famously dubbed ‘enfant terrible’ or the ‘bad boy of British fashion’, was more than willing to jump on board. “He was unlike anybody I’d ever met before,” she reminisces, fondly. “His way of communicating was quite different from the way I

So many of his catwalk presentations have gone down in fashion history would have communicated but somehow we managed to understand each other.” As well as comprehending her vision, Claire was pleasantly surprised at how “phenomenally scrupulous” McQueen was at representing his own unique concept, remembering how he would meticulously ensure that every aspect of the show, from the garments down to the hair and make-up, resembled that of his catwalk presentation: “There was no compromise but we were very appreciative of this because our intention was to show visitors fashion as it manifested itself on the performance stage of the catwalk, which is very different from readyto-wear.” Indeed, if there was anyone who understood about performance, it was McQueen. Many of his catwalk presentations have gone down in fashion history; for example, the memorable moment when Shalom Harlow’s white muslin dress was spray-painted by robots at the end of the S/S 1999 show or the finale of the Widows of

Left / Vogue on Alexander McQueen, Cate Blanchett, Regan Cameron/ Vogue © Condé Nast Publications Ltd

FEATURE

Culloden A/W 2006/7 show when his close friend Kate Moss appeared as a holographic 3D image (this was particularly controversial as it followed soon after the model’s drug scandal). It has been noted how McQueen’s theatrical performances seemed at odds with the shy and reserved man responsible for them, who would invariably disappear at the end of his shows. Then again, the designer was clearly not afraid of being outspoken and his often sharp tongue has been well-documented, for instance the time when he called former head designer at Givenchy, John Galliano “irrelevant” or when he reportedly said: “what the f*** does she know about fashion?” in reference to Victoria Beckham. Claire hints that she, too, had been on the receiving end of what she politely refers to as his “forthright and direct nature” but, on the other hand, is quick to draw attention to his “raucous laugh” and “sensitive” disposition. Like his shows, he appeared to be a master of contradictions. Claire insists that the V&A’s retrospective, like the original 2011 exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, will not focus on his personal life but rather on his creative output. However, the curator does acknolwedge how, seeing as the exhibit will chronologically chart the breadth of his womenswear collections in ten sections, from his MA graduate collection in 1992 to his final, unfinished A/W 2010 collection, we will be able to learn something about the man himself, who was once quoted as saying that there was something very much “biographical” about what he does. “His collections were often a reflection of what he was interested in at the time or how he was feeling, so inevitably there was a personal investment,” she remarks. McQueen was born in Lewisham, South London and grew up in East London, the youngest of six children. His father was a taxi driver while his mother, whom he remained very close to throughout his life, was a teacher. Although he didn’t flourish at school, leaving the education system with only one O-level to his name and dismissed by his teachers as an ‘East London oik’, this was not the reaction he got from the fashion industry. Immediately spotting his innate talent, he was given a tailor’s apprenticeship at Anderson & Sheppard in Savile Row before moving to Gieves & Hawkes. “He always knew he wanted to be in the fashion industry but he also knew that his route would not be via the education system but via the ancient

traditions of Savile Row,” confirms Claire. McQueen did break away from the confines of tailoring, however, when he began cutting clothes for major London shows at Bermans & Nathans, before leaving for Milan to work as a pattern-cutter. By the time the 21 year-old returned to London where he completed a Master’s Degree in Fashion Design from Central Saint Martins, Claire notes how he had “transformed from being a highly skilled tailor and technician to a fashion designer”. Like watching a great musician play an instrument, watching McQueen with a pair of scissors was, according to the curator, like watching a true artist at work: “He had such a facility with his hands,” she muses. “Seeing his hands working so fast and yet always so accurate, truly amazed me.” His tenpiece graduate

Bird’s Nest headdress with Swarovski gemstones Philip Treacy and Shaun Leane for Alexander McQueen, Widows of Culloden A/W 2006–07. Image courtesy of Swarovski Archive

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Razor-clam shells dress, Alexander McQueen, Voss, S/S 2001, Erin O’Connor. Image: firstVIEW

Alexander McQueen, It’s Only a Game, S/S 2005. Image: firstVIEW

collection (bought in its entirety by Isabella Blow, who played a substantial role in the designer’s life and career) focused on his strengths, showcasing his masterful tailoring skills and revealing, for the first time, his interest in 19th-century London. Named Jack the Ripper Stalks His Victims, it featured locks of hair stitched and bonded under linings. McQueen’s ‘Londonness’, which reappeared just four years later in his A/W 1996 show, Stages Dante (taking place in a Spitalfields church, it made reference to his maternal ancestors, the Huguenots who had moved here centuries before), will be elaborated upon in a section of Savage Beauty: “It is a particular combination of historicism and modernity, which is similar to the work of John Galliano and Vivienne Westwood; while rule-breaking, it also acknowledges traditional skills. Up close you can admire the conceptual qualities but then you can also take a step back and see it on the catwalk where the narrative evolves.” Narrative, indeed, plays a substantial role in all of McQueen’s collections. Highland Rape (A/W 1995-6), for instance, focuses strongly on the designer’s Scottish heritage and while initially sparking fury for its controversial use of rhetoric, it was in fact supposed to be a patriotic metaphor for the country’s violent past. While he wasn’t a good student, McQueen was clearly fascinated by history. According to Claire, he’d spend hours in the V&A’s galleries poring over the archives. Along with historicism, nature was also a

defining feature of McQueen’s work. A large section of the exhibition, named Romantic Primitivism, will explore his fascination with the animal world and will present garments crafted from horn, skin and hair, along with standout pieces from within the Cabinet of Curiosities. Inspired by the 18thcentury practice of collecting unusual objects from around the world to make remarkable cabinet displays, this section will form the heart of the show and will showcase many of McQueen’s most provocative and subversive designs, including the extraordinary bird’s nest hat, created in collaboration with milliner Philip Treacy, jeweller Shaun Leane and crystal house Swarovski. Sadly, not all of the pieces on display will be the originals but some have very kindly been recreated by Leane and Treacy especially for the exhibit. Alexander McQueen often fed off the inspiration of other artists who, in turn, were as equally inspired by the designer. Speaking to Shaun Leane, who will be creating a capsule jewellery collection in homage to his creative relationship with the designer which spanned over 17 years, he attributes much of his creativity to McQueen who gave him “the perfect platform to challenge the traditional notions of jewellery.” The pair first met at Central Saint Martins, where Shaun was completing a goldsmith apprenticeship, and, both full of youthful ambition and talent, they quickly struck up a friendship. When visiting Shaun in Hatton Garden, where he was working in a Victorian workshop, McQueen would marvel at his friend’s skill at restoring antique jewels and

A large section of the exhibit will explore his fascination with the animal world

Spray-painted dress, Alexander McQueen, No 13, S/S 1999

FEATURE Untitled from the series, Alexander McQueen Working Process, 2013, © Nick Waplington

Vogue on Alexander McQueen, © Mario Testino

subsequently commissioned him to create pieces for his catwalk show. “I was a conditioned goldsmith so to meet the scale of the pieces for catwalk I needed to experiment in less expensive materials,” Shaun explains. “I felt rather daunted at first but it was Lee who challenged me by saying, ‘Shaun, you are a great craftsman; just apply those skills to different materials and you can create anything’.” Clearly able to spot genius in others, McQueen drew Shaun out of his comfort zone and the results were astonishing. Among the show-stopping pieces he created during their partnership was a cast-aluminium corset in the shape of a ribcage and a collection of silver tribal jewellery for McQueen’s Eshu A/W 2000-1 collection, inspired by the West African Yoruba people. Coinciding with the V&A’s exhibition is Tate Britain’s Nick Waplington/Alexander McQueen: Working Process, a behindthe-scenes look at the 2009 Horn of Plenty collection as documented by photographer Nick Waplington, and Proud Chelsea’s McQueen: Backstage – The Early Shows, which will showcase British photographer Gary Wallis’ never-beforeseen archive of McQueen’s early forays onto the global fashion stage. If this wasn’t enough, four books on the designer will also be released over the course of the year, including the V&A’s coffee-table tome (available 2 March). If you cannot wait for this, Vogue On: Alexander McQueen contains a remarkable collection of photographs relating to the designer’s work, extracted from Vogue’s archive. With this and so much more to come, there is always the fear that people won’t be able to absorb all the information on offer. But for Claire Wilcox, it doesn’t matter if people don’t take in everything, just as long as they take away with them one crucial message: “By bringing all of his pieces together, it is truly breathtaking to see what he achieved in just under 20 years. We want visitors to draw inspiration from Alexander McQueen’s creative life and how he pushed the possibilities of fashion to its absolute limits.”

MORE INFORMATION • Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty, 14 March – 2 August; vam.ac.uk/savagebeauty In partnership with Swarovski and supported by American Express, with thanks to MAC Cosmetics, technology partner Samsung and made possible with the co-operation of Alexander McQueen.

• Alexander McQueen (1069-2010), edited by Claire Wilcox, available from 2 March, £45 hardback, 310 x 240mm, 350 colour illustrations, vandapublishing.com

• Nick Waplington Alexander McQueen: Working Process, 10 March – 17 May, Tate Britain, tate.org.uk

Vogue on: Alexander McQueen by Chloe Fox (Quadrille, £15)

• McQueen: Backstage – The Early Shows, by Gary Wallis, 4 March – 5 April 2015, Proud Chelsea, 161 King’s Road, SW3 5XP proud.co.uk

Left / Jellyfish ensemble and Armadillo shoes, Alexander McQueen, Plato’s Atlantis, S/S 2010, Polina Kasina, © Lauren Greenfield/INSTITUTE

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interview

Sole Survivor Kari Colmans talks to Jimmy Chooâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s creative director Sandra Choi about returning to bespoke design and being inspired by strong women

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As a woman who could fully relate to Carrie Bradshaw when she said “I will literally be the old woman who lived in her shoes!” Sandra Choi’s job is one of those you dream about on a grey January afternoon when you’re slumped at your desk and staring down at a pair of two-week old Nikes that have already lost their box-fresh appeal. And so it was with a twisted arm and many “do I have tos” that I found myself at the newly refurbished Jimmy Choo Bond Street Townhouse, there to fill Choi’s shoes for an hour and design my very own bespoke pair of heels. The tradition of custom-made shoes can be traced back to the brand’s roots in the mid-nineties, whereby Jimmy Choo (the man) would cobble together all manner of slinky stilettos from his Hackneybased atelier on the whim of Vogue’s accessories editor Tamara Mellon, who later became his partner in crime, helping to facilitate the expansion of what was once a humble cobbler’s studio to one of the biggest and most successful fashion brands the world over. What happened next has become embedded in fashion folklore, but to sum it up; Choo fell out with Mellon (2001), and then Mellon fell out with everybody else (2011), pocketing (allegedly) £85m in the process. You’ll have to lower your brow and purchase a copy of In My Shoes for all the mud-slinging details (she claims Choo never designed a single pair), but now Choi is running the show – and it appears, amid the emotional wreckage, that it was always her who kept the plates spinning anyway. Born in the UK on the Isle of Wight, and educated in Hong Kong, Choi relocated to London as a teenager to finish her education. During this time, Choi went to work with her uncle, Jimmy Choo. At his side, perfecting the art of creating couture footwear, she eventually abandoned her studies at Central St Martins School to devote herself to the enterprise full time. Indeed, Sandra Choi has actually been serving as the company’s creative director since the brand’s inception and the first store on Motcomb Street in 1996.

Choi selected her favourite red-carpet ready silhouettes for inclusion in the made-to-order service: the iconic Anouk, Lance (pictured below), Xenia and Tite models, all of which can be crafted in myriad colours, textures and finishes. For an extra touch, you can also personalise the soles of the shoes, ideal for blushing brides, or anyone who quite likes the idea of monogramming for the sheer novelty factor, but only in a place where nobody else can see it. “I believe it’s important for a luxury brand to provide luxury,” says Choi. “It’s as simple and straightforward as that. We’ve always aimed to maintain attention to detail and this service brings customer involvement [to the fore]. Whenever we can make the process more personal it allows us to faithfully preserve our heritage. Personalisation reinforces the luxury experience. “The luxury market has grown significantly in the last few years with more customers than ever having access to such items,” Choi continues. “As luxury brands have had to cater more to commercial needs, I think returning to personal pieces, to really make the customer feel special, was inevitable.” Choi says her favourite material from the bespoke service is python in lime green. “Every now and then I include lime in the main collection, but failing that I know I can find it in bespoke. That is the beauty of this offering as you don’t need to bow down to trends. It’s like having your own personal design studio.” I’m tempted to believe that Choi wouldn’t need a style to feature in any official collection to be able to get her hands on it, but I hope she’s impressed by my own sartorial judgements: no other shoe has logged more distance on the red carpet than Lance, so this is the model that I settle on in an unusual mint green in soft leather with a KC in gold on the sole. I hope I’ve done Choi proud as the specifications are communicated to Italy, due to be delivered around eight weeks later. She says she visits the factories often, and

“I think anybody can have it all if they really want it and are willing to work hard”

interview

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interview

Skypes them daily – “part of the Jimmy Choo magic happens there, so it is impossible to stay away too long” – as the design of each model is a “very involved” process. “I come up with the inspiration and then from that a sketch is created,” she says. “The functionality of the shoe has to be communicated to the pattern cutter which is why we fit a prototype several times. Even the plainest pump can take the same amount of time as the most intricate, laser cut design. Millimeters definitely matter.” The team will travel on an “inspiration trip” twice a year. “We have ventured as far afield as Japan and Rio and as close to home as Shoreditch and Notting Hill. We also keep a close eye on what is happening on the runway. The clothes will often influence the collection. In short, inspiration comes from everywhere.” When asked what one pair of shoes she’d choose to wear for the rest of her life, she replies that it’s “too hard to choose”, but that if I were to “hold a gun to her head”, then she would say boots: “High or low, you cannot go wrong!” And when she’s not wearing her own brand, she loves Mary Katrantzou, Erdem, J Brand, Solange Azagury and Toga, as well as “any vintage finds”. Talk turns to the tribal artisan and modernist graphic lines of the S/S15 collection, which references both Swedish and African elements. The signature Choo zebra print has been contrasted with tactile raffia, flashes of lemon yellow and deconstructed geometric colour blocking, but you’ll also find muted pastels and varying shades of denim. She is also moving beyond the stiletto by continuing to shout about block heels, sculpted wedges, and smart, super chic flats.

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“Inspiration was taken from tribal prints with influences from abstract artist Hilma Af Klint. My muse was a modern day Josephine Baker; I admire her spirit and strength. Her bohemian style and eclectic ethnicity meant she was an icon of her time and wasn’t afraid to break the rules. I found myself imagining what she would be like if she were alive at this time. Baker embodies the wild, sexy, eccentric elements in this collection.” On the subject of admirable women, when it comes to achieving the work-life Holy Grail, she says she does it “with a lot of support” as well as being extremely organised. “I respect my work time; when I leave home I am only focused on Jimmy Choo and on the flipside when I come home, I am only focused on my family and being at home. I think anybody can have it all if they really want it and are willing to work hard.” With more and more women taking to the helm of the world’s biggest brands, does she think this will have a positive impact on the luxury fashion industry? “I’m not sure it really matters,” she muses. “Women have proven that they can do anything.” As Carrie Bradshaw has taught us: “The higher the heel, the better you feel.” 27 New Bond Street, W1S jimmychoo.com

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Some Like It

Haute A trailblazing British couture house has had unprecedented success both on the international fashion stage and Knightsbridge’s luxury scene in less than a decade. The brand’s dynamic founding partners tell Annabel Harrison about the rise and rise of Ralph & Russo In the ferociously competitive, exclusive world of high fashion, it can take brands decades to make serious waves in the market, usually after having spent millions on shows at the carousel of biannual Fashion Weeks, employing the most sought-after designers and establishing boutiques around the globe (unless you’re Victoria Beckham or the Olsen twins; your profile may allow you to bypass a stage or two of the lengthy, expensive process). There’s only room for a handful of brands at the top of this elite food chain and their showcases take place twice a year in Paris; if you’re invited to take part in Haute Couture Week, welcome to the inner circle. Getting to that stage requires the ticking of a lot of boxes. For starters, you’ll need an atelier in Paris, with 20 full-time members of staff. You must design made-to-order, handmade pieces, for private clients, who’ll attend more than one fitting. You’ll need to get those creative juices flowing too; you’ll be expected to present between 2535 original designs to the public twice a year. Even the term ‘haute couture’ is protected by law in France and rules state that only “those companies mentioned on the list drawn up each year by the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture… are entitled to avail themselves” of it. This January, the runway roll call bestowed just 21 brands with this honour, including established names you’d expect to be old hands at haute couture, such as

Chanel, Dior, Valentino, Versace and Elie Saab (younger than the French and Italian houses but still founded an impressive 33 years ago). However, there’s one inclusion on the list that made its debut only last year and, startlingly, didn’t even exist until 2007. When I speak to Ralph & Russo’s co-founder Michael Russo about this remarkable achievement, he declares being invited to Paris Haute Couture Week as a Guest Member was the highlight of 2014: “To show our creations there alongside other iconic couture houses was just incredible.” Ralph & Russo is the first British label in a century to do so; the last was Maison Lucile – founded by early 20th century designer Lady Duff-Gordon – in 1915. Holding back from showing a collection until the time was right “was one of the biggest and hardest decisions we’ve had to make”, Michael explains. “Over the years, we did receive invitations to show our pieces publicly but until January last year, we had only shown them to private clients. But Paris Couture Week was the right time and the right moment to show the world who we are and what our vision is.” I should point out that Michael has an Australian accent, as does co-founder and creative director Tamara Ralph, despite the brand’s British status; it transpires that although both founders are

interview

All images courtesy of: Ralph & Russo

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Fashion in Motion: Ralph & Russo © Victoria and Albert Museum, London

Australian, the brand was founded in London and so we can be justly proud of it. In fact, the Royal Borough has been central to the Ralph & Russo story so far; it was here that the pair, partners in life as well as business (they’re happily engaged), met through the most serendipitous of circumstances. Tamara, recently landed in London, went out to explore her new home and, quite literally, bumped into Michael on Chelsea’s Fulham Road. They started talking and, two years later, Ralph & Russo was launched. The showroom and atelier (by appointment only, of course) are discreetly located in Knightsbridge – Tamara and Michael have a property nearby – and last year, a Ralph & Russo boutique launched in Harrods (as did its accessories collection). Having moved from her native Australia a decade ago, Tamara now sounds like a fully-fledged Londoner. “It is one of the greatest cities in the world and I’m constantly inspired. There’s a fantastic

collection of Impressionist paintings at the National Gallery and Knightsbridge is just such a beautiful area. From Harrods, the florists and CUT at 45 Park Lane to the V&A; it has it all!” Michael is similarly enthusiastic about the fashion here – “Londoners can be quite avantgarde with their style choices; they’re fearless and more directional than in other cities”. Of the V&A he says: “It’s such a beautiful institution; the history, beauty and romance behind the art within the museum are elements that are also embodied in every Ralph & Russo creation”. This mutual appreciation is no doubt why, last autumn, the V&A played host to a rare Ralph & Russo catwalk show as part of its live Fashion in Motion series, designed to bring the excitement and spectacle of the high-fashion catwalk to a wider audience. Models wearing a dream-world parade of fairytale gowns swept down the runway, culminating in a finale featuring the most elaborate and time-consuming dress that Ralph & Russo has ever created. “With 600 metres of silk tulle, 40 different types of bead and 25 different types of Swarovski crystal, this wedding dress took 3,900 hours to create,” Tamara explains. “Luckily not everyone gets married in the same month!”

interview

This creation is the epitome of what can result from the imagination of someone like Tamara, who comes from three generations of couturiers. “I’ve sketched dresses and clothes for as long as I can remember. I began sewing and creating pieces for myself at the age of 12 and naturally the first thing I made was a dress. It was such a thrilling moment to see one of my sketches come to life and soon I was creating pieces for my girlfriends.” Now it’s women who want to wear the most intricate, extravagant and opulent pieces that money can buy that Tamara is dressing. She describes the definitive Ralph & Russo client as “strong, confident, elegant and wonderfully feminine” and many would agree that one of her most high-profile admirers, Angelina Jolie, could be described as such. In recent months the Hollywood star has worn the label both to receive an honorary damehood from HM the Queen and to the UK premiere of her film, Unbroken. Tamara hand-draws an illustration for every couture design – these encompass eveningwear, bridal, cocktail, tailored or daywear – whether the owner will be Angelina, an international businesswoman or an Arabian princess. Next, nimble-fingered couturiers will drape, cut and pin the creation to the body before stitching and sewing each panel, crystal and embellishment by hand. As Tamara describes this process, I recall the enchanting scene in Cinderella when her ballgown is made by magic by the fairy godmother before her very eyes. Each unique gown can take hundreds, or thousands, of hours (and up to 30 pairs of industrious hands) to create; expect to wait six to eight weeks, from illustration to finished product, if you’re in the market for this type of couture piece. You might think there aren’t many women who are prepared to pay five and even six figure sums for couture creations but, judging by the success that Ralph & Russo has enjoyed, you’d be wrong. The images from the latest couture week have just been released and Olivia Palermo praised Ralph & Russo’s S/S15 show as one of the best on her website: “One had the feeling of witnessing the presentation of a collection that surpassed the special and crossed over into the rarified world of collections that are painstakingly crafted with love and a total devotion to beauty.” An haute couture gown may be something that most of us can only dream of owning, but if that’s the case, then let us dream on. Ralph & Russo, 39 Sloane Street, SW1X 9LP 020 8878 5399 (by appointment only) ralphandrusso.com All images courtesy of: Ralph & Russo

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All White

Night

on the

Image courtesy of Monique Lhuillier

FEATURE

Annabel Harrison speaks to three of Browns Bride’s most popular designers and to creative director Caroline Burstein, as the boutique passes its tenth anniversary

speak from experience when I say that choosing a wedding dress, even for the most decisive of brides, is difficult. That’s not to say it isn’t wonderful, emotional, romantic and special. It is all of those things. But it is, after all, still just a dress, and one that, for most of us, is the most expensive item we’ll ever wear (and for the shortest length of time). So the pressure – to pick the most flattering, special and ‘you’ style, shade, length and designer – is on. Seven Monique boutiques, nine appointments and 15 designers Lhuillier later, my dream dress was to be found in the embroidered, bejewelled dressing up box that is Browns Bride (although I can’t yet tell you who designed it, as my wedding is imminent and the groom remains firmly in the dark!) It is here that many of the bridal world’s most lusted-after gowns, created by the cream of the British and international design crop, are to be found. Part of the Browns fashion empire, which was founded by Joan Burstein in 1970, Browns Bride was launched in 2004 and Joan’s daughter Caroline, creative director since 2007, is justifiably delighted. “We have grown considerably in the past 10 years, choosing our designers with the greatest care and striving to offer only the most beautifully crafted gowns... I take great pride in my team, from our stylists who are so caring and helpful to our seamstresses who have ‘magic fingers’.” Thanks to the influence of her fashion-orientated mother – “It’s in my DNA; I was learning to fold sweaters before I could walk!” – and having been part of the family business since her 20s, Caroline is an ideal person to make the best creative decisions for the brand. This season, Caroline singles out a beautiful, delicate lace creation by Mira Zwillinger with a matching soft tulle illusion cape as her favourite gown but, despite the fact that many brides are “returning to traditional and romantic wedding dresses” like this ‘Charlie’ dress, Caroline notes that they also want to be different and as such, seek out international designers. So arguably her most important task is to curate a selection of designers that ensures a variety of styles within the boutique; “Our buying is always done with the diversity of our customer in mind. Our brides are the savvy, intelligent, confident, strong women of today.” Such women include Jessica Ennis and Isabella Branson, who both chose dresses by Monique Lhuillier for their own big day.

Dream a Little Dream This year marks 20 years since Monique Lhuillier was inspired to launch her own couture bridal range, following a disappointing search for her own wedding dress and a spell learning and perfecting her craft at the Fashion Institute for Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles. Her first bridal collection debuted in 1996 to high acclaim and in the ensuing two decades, the brand has built steadily, counting Halle Berry, Reese Witherspoon and Michelle Obama as fans, and now encompasses ready-to-wear collections, as well as bridal. Philippine-born Monique explains that her latest bridal collection was “inspired by the surreal beauty and fantasy of a jewellery box. In each of my gowns there is a feeling of ethereal playfulness and subtle glamour. One of my favourites, the Elizabeth, is extremely dreamy.” This tulle illusion A-line gown is a princess dress through and through, twinkling with rose gold embroidery that cascades down the long sleeves and over the bodice. Despite the traditional shape of this gown and others in the collection, Monique notes that many of her British brides are taking more risks. “Some are opting for an unexpected hue. Over the past few seasons, I have experimented with colour in my bridal collections, using subtle pastel shades of blush, hydrangea, pistachio and mist. I think it makes a bold statement and it can be quite enchanting for the bride looking for something non-traditional.” How does it feel to design dresses that women spend so much time searching for, and then wear with such pride and joy? “It truly is an honour to have brides select my designs to wear on one of the most important days of their lives. My philosophy is to create clothing that makes women feel confident and beautiful. Being able to make a bride feel this way is a gift that I never take for granted.” The Elizabeth dress

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Mira and Lihi

Grown-Up Glamour

The Nella dress

Mira Zwillinger dresses are, in fact, now designed by both Mira and her daughter Lihi, making the company, established in 1991, very much a familyrun affair. The Israeli brand has expanded over the past 24 years to include evening dresses, cocktail wear, suits, leather pieces and, of course, the much coveted wedding dresses, known for their intricate detail, elegant designs and exquisite materials. Mira, rather poetically, The Alex dress says that “fashion and design were things I loved from day one”, although Lihi initially wanted to be a vet. “Animals were my love. But I grew up in the fashion world and without even noticing I The Kate dress began to develop my own style and love of fashion. When I studied fashion design it was clear that I wanted to join my mother’s business and design collections with her. It happened very naturally.” I must say that although the You Shall Go Alex gown is indeed beautiful – Mira’s favourite from the current collection to the Ball because of its “sex appeal and elegance” – I agree with Lihi; the Nella The story of how this dress is one of the most gorgeous fashion business was recent MZ creations. “It’s rich, soft, founded has a fairytale airy and elegant; a fairytale gown”, beginning. Reem says Lihi and, looking at it, it doesn’t Acra, while attending surprise me that she is feeling most the American Reem Acra inspired by “snowflakes and sparkles” University of Beirut, at the moment. Despite the Nella’s went to a party appeal (and the Kate, and the Lyla) to wearing a gown made from her mother’s embroidered those channelling their inner princess, silk organza tablecloth. She caught the eye of a fashion Lihi observes that London brides are editor who offered to host the first Reem Acra fashion becoming “more open-minded and less show 10 days later; subsequently, as Caroline Burstein traditional”. As a result, she says, in tells me, “a style-setting friend wore Acra’s first bridal the next collection we can expect to design to her society wedding, sparking international see “lots of sparkle, glamour and an interest for the designer and Reem Acra Bridal was interesting colour palette!” born”. The year was 1997 and ready-to-wear collections

FEATURE

BRIDAL STYLE These three Browns Bride designers are bound to be on many women’s must-try lists this year Peter Langner Founded in: 1991 Nationality: German Famous fans: Gemma Arterton, Kayte

Natalie dress

Walsh and Holly Robinson Poppins dress

What Browns Bride says: “In just 10 years Peter Langner has become synonymous

‘I’m a Sensation’ dress

followed six years later. Lebanese-born Acra, now based in New York, cites travel as one of her biggest inspirations, as well as “the people I meet every day and the young generation. I adore mixing the old and the new, the West and the East. The world is an inspiring place if you know how to look at it.” It only takes a glance at her exquisite gowns to see how her passions translate into fabric form, stoked as a child by visits to the souks in Lebanon and knowledge passed on by her mother; “I have always been a fashion designer in one sense or another. A fashion designer is what I am and what I shall always be.” Although Acra demurs when I ask if there is one woman who perfectly embodies what her brand means, she does admit that it is “always a great moment when someone like Madonna, Angelina Jolie or Evangeline Lilly chooses to wear one of my designs”. One thing is for sure; if you want to feel “sophisticated, empowered, discerning, elegant and beautiful” on your wedding day, then a Reem Acra gown is surely the most wonderful way to do so. Browns Bride, 12 Hinde Street, W1U 3BE, 020 7514 0056/57; brownsfashion.com/bride

with impeccable quality, style and refinement. He studied at L’Ecole de la Chambre Syndicale de Paris and then worked for a number of major French fashion houses including Christian Dior and Christian Lacroix. The Peter Langner bride expresses the essence of elegance. Famous for his architectural dresses, Langner controls every aspect of his work from his studio in Rome.” Romona Keveža (pictured right) Founded in: 1999 Nationality: Canadian Famous fans: Angelina Jolie, Helen Hunt, Nicole Kidman, Penelope Cruz What Browns Bride says: “Keveža’s signature collection embodies refined luxury and offers brides exquisite fabric and intricate detail with a fit that is simply unparalleled. In 2006, the designer launched Legends by Romona Keveža, which highlights lace and reflects the spirit of icons Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy.” Johanna Johnson Founded in: 2005 Nationality: Australian Famous fans: Meryl Streep, Felicity Jones, Emily Blunt, Minnie Driver What Browns Bride says: “Johnson is known globally for her luxurious red carpet and bridal gowns, imbued with timeless, old Hollywood glamour. The latest collection ‘Still Is The Night, Not So My Heart’ was inspired by chorus girls in the 1920s; there is a strong focus on accessories and a ‘new softness to silhouettes’.

Reem Acra Couture

(says Johnson).” The Temple dress

The Bacall dress

035

collection

TAG’s new It girl With 9.5 million Instagram followers, and more than two million more on Twitter, it’s a shrewd move for TAG Heuer to bag fashion’s current It girl, Cara Delevingne, as its newest female ambassador. Queen of the media jungle, the 22-year-old model speaks to the online generation that the Swiss watchmaker has set within its sights. The catwalk princess was officially unveiled as part of the TAG family at a party in Paris, where she was presented with a prop in the form of a lion cub – the combo proved as cutesy as you’d expect and not at all, as we discovered, a random choice. The model just so happens to be born under the zodiac sign of Leo, making this the perfect pairing. Commenting on the partnership, CEO Jean-Claude Biver said: “TAG Heuer has set its sights on ‘it-ness’, and Cara is just the person to help us get there.” tagheuer.co.uk

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box

JEWELLERY BY OLIVIA SHARPE

Come into Fashion

Animal Farm Julie Parker has carved out a niche for herself as one of the world’s foremost authorities on pearls and pearl jewellery. While modest and unassuming in person, the revered British jewellery designer has previously worked for the likes of Asprey, Hamilton & Inches and Theo Fennell, not to mention private commissions for members of the Royal Family. Her latest partnership is with pearl purveyor Assael, who called upon her to create a collection of bejewelled pieces focusing on the world’s endangered species in order to raise money for the Wildlife Conservation Society and Tusk, a wildlife conservation group established 20 years ago in response to the poaching crisis in Africa. Each piece, representing a different endangered animal, comprises more than 1,000 diamonds and a rare giant baroque South Sea pearl, and may either be worn as a pendant or admired as an objet d’art.

Despite having been around since 1860, Italian maison Faraone has remained relatively under the radar but this year sees the jeweller step into the limelight with the unveiling of a new collection; Via Montenapoleone. The line of pret-a-porter jewellery, designed to complement the more traditional haute joaillerie collection, One of a Kind, takes its name from the famous Milanese shopping street where Faraone first set up shop and continues to boast a showroom at number nine. Comprising three new ranges – Sfere di Faraone, Campanelle and F di Faraone – each one features easy-to-wear pieces, which cater for a younger clientele. faraonegioielli.com

Endangered Species collection by Julie Parker, available from 30 March assael.com

Going on 30 As she celebrates her 30th anniversary this year, British jeweller Cassandra Goad has chosen to mark the occasion by launching a floor dedicated to customisation at her flagship Sloane Street store. Since starting her business in 1985 (when the age of bespoke had not yet dawned), she has been committed to offering her clients pieces that are individual to them and the new area showcases this, housing cabinets displaying sketches and tools that lead to the creation of a new jewel, along with a film that plays out Goad’s travels around the world that have inspired new designs and collections.

Cutting Edge At this year’s Paris Couture Week, Chanel presented its new high jewellery collection, Les Intemporels de Chanel:

Chanel’s latest high jewellery collection is inspired by the symbols that make up its founder Gabrielle Chanel’s universe. These include: comet, star, ribbon, camellia and lion.

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Cassandra Goad, 147 Sloane Street, SW1 cassandragoad.com

From top/ Camelia Ganse earrings, Ruban ring & Lion Talisman necklace, POA, Chanel Fine Jewellery, chanel.com

C E L E B R AT I N G 3 0 Y E A R S

Aurora Inspire romance with this 0.86ct Fancy Intense Australian Argyle Pink Diamond Ring, reflecting the warm, vibrant and fiery hues of its extraordinary and ancient origins. A highly prized, rare and collectable jewel.

To receive the beautiful Calleija brochure, please contact us The Royal Arcade Old Bond Street London london@calleija.com +44 (0)20 7499 8490

The Westin Martin Place Sydney sydney@calleija.com.au +61 (0)2 9233 6661 calleija.com

Marina Mirage Main Beach Gold Coast mirage@calleija.com.au +61 (0)7 5528 3666

Chanel S/S15

Material Girl Designers experimented with unusual materials, from perspex to Plexiglas, for their S/S15 accessories

1 Silk-faille and gold-plated necklace, £175, Etro, net-a-porter.com 2 Coral feather earrings, £60, Etro, etro.com 3 Resin and wooden bracelet, £200, Marni, 26 Sloane Street, SW1X 4 Floral resin, gold-plated and cotton rope necklace, £530, Marni, as before 5 Resin floral earrings, £290, Marni, as before 6 Gold-coloured brass choker, £730, Balmain, balmain.com 7 Kompoloi gold-plated, jade and cotton bracelet, £135, Iam by Ileana Makri, net-a-porter.com 8 Colour-block ring, £190, Fendi, matchesfashion.com 9 Surf earrings with feather, £238, Etro, as before 10 Gold-plated leather necklace, £85, Isabel Marant, net-a-porter.com 11 Plexiglas stone cuff, £180, Stella McCartney, matchesfashion.com 12 Golden metal chain bracelet interlaced with leather, POA, Chanel, chanel.com 13 Uniparo necklace, £78, Weekend Max Mara, matchesfashion.com 14 Magenta square column necklace in 18-carat gold-plated brass cap and hand-dyed perspex, £270, Lily Kamper, lilykamper.com 15 Plexiglas cuff, £345, Valentino, net-a-porter.com

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ELIZABETH STREET ELIZABETH STREET SW1 SW1 Bespoke fine jewellery We invite you to visit our website www.devroomen.co.uk 59 Elizabeth Street, London, SW1W 9PP +44 (0)207 730 1901

Off The

Clock As Cindy Crawford marks 20 years as the face of luxury watch brand Omega, Kari Colmans stands in the shadow of one of the world’s first supermodels

“This is awkward,” Cindy Crawford smiles, as she leans in to sign a life-sized campaign shot of herself on the wall of the newly launched Omega flagship store on Oxford Street. “I look like I’m wearing the same jacket now as I am in the picture, but I promise I’m not!” The camera bulbs spark as she flashes that world-famous smile, one that has graced every high-fashion glossy in the world, and with it launched the era-defining age of the supermodel. She’s dressed impeccably in a smart navy blue snakeskin blazer, white T-shirt and navy trousers with pewter court shoes, as if she needs the height: I feel like a munchkin, I laugh, as she apologises for towering above me as we have our photograph taken – I’m sure I’m not the first to have pointed it out. “I get that all the time. And this lighting is just not flattering!” By her side is brand president Stephen Urquhart, ensuring that one of Omega’s most valuable assets is sparkling at all times, which of course isn’t hard. I’m told my limited questions can only be watchbased – presumably to avoid any conversations about her 13-year-old daughter Kaia’s Teen Vogue modelling debut, the ever ubiquitous fit-not-thin debate, or other tales from her cover girl heyday spent posing alongside the likes of Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista and Christy Turlington. Cindy insists she’s enjoying doing the rounds in London, and talk inevitably turns, over a very English cup of tea, to the weather. Used to the yearround Malibu sunshine, where she lives with her family (her husband, the nightlife entrepreneur Rande Gerber,

and their two children) the muggy grey day outside doesn’t offer the warmest of receptions. “Originally I’m from a small town in Illinois,” she shrugs, where she was born to parents Dan, an electrician, and Jennifer, a hospital worker. “And I have certainly lived in cities like New York for 15 years and loved it, but when it comes to choosing a place to raise my family I like a smaller town feel on the beach. And I like the warm weather, despite being from such a cold place originally.” But since moving to New York in 1986, landing her first Vogue cover that summer, she’s gotten used to jet-setting around the globe, especially with a second home in Los Cabos, Mexico, where her good friends the Clooneys also have a place. In her warm yet professional manner, she neatly steers the conversation back on-brand. She recalls a trip to Peru in September which saw Omega partner with Orbis, a sight-saving and international blindness prevention charity that happens to operate the world’s only flying eye hospital on

COLLECTION

043

a plane fitted out like a surgery. “I was able to take my daughter and it was just an incredible experience,” she says. “It’s amazing to be able to share these experiences with my own family now.” An ambassador since 1995, Cindy has worked with Omega longer than any of the company’s other star endorsers, and will be celebrating two decades with the company this year. “I always say that I’ve been with Omega longer than I’ve been with my husband,” she smiles. “They are like family now.” Cindy says the alliance was made through a shared value of “tradition, quality and timelessness”, something that is still true today. “I think my relationships are also a kind of investment in people. When you get married you invest in each other… and we are happily married,” she jokes. “We’ve never even had a fight! I’ve been with the company so long now – I think people just look at me and think ‘Omega’. We both know there is a long term commitment there.” Aside from the PR-machine in motion, she seems at ease; approachable with a hint of that otherworldly supermodel air, which to be honest,

I’m relieved about. You don’t get to marry (and divorce) Richard Gere by being just your average girl next door. One of the first watch labels to employ an ambassador (and a female one at that), Omega went from selling only 20 per cent of its watches to women, to what is now more of a 50/50 share – although, it must be said, this hike isn’t exclusive to Omega. According to market intelligence agency Euromonitor International, sales of women’s luxury timepieces increased 49.8 per cent worldwide from 2009-14, with £6,181 billion worth of women’s luxury timepieces sold. With top-tier horologists clearly thinking outside the ‘shrink it, pink it’ box when it comes to ladies’ watches, I ask if she feels women are taking more of an interest generally in an area that has typically been marketed to the male consumer. “First of all, more and more women are working today and they are successful in their own right in terms of business. They can afford to buy these pieces for themselves as opposed to waiting to receive them as a gift from somebody else. Also, I think now more than ever women are appreciating the quality of the

“I always say that I’ve been with Omega longer than I’ve been with my husband. They are like family now”

COLLECTION

movement and the design as a whole. “On the other hand, we are also thinking of watches in terms of making a fashion statement: really, you don’t need to wear a watch to tell the time anymore, because we all have our phones with us. If I travel I don’t always remember to reset the time straight away, because I think of my watch as part of my overall look. A watch used to be essential. I used to sleep in a watch because I like knowing what time it is. I’m a very punctual person. You don’t really have the necessity of a watch anymore, so there’s been a real shift in people’s mindsets – you have to just want it, which is a harder sell in a way. It has to be more romanced.” Today, Cindy’s modelling the De Ville Prestige Butterfly with a white gold and diamond bezel (£15,860); she laughs as she checks its face and realises that it’s set wrong, most probably on Californian time. I ask if she’d usually be sporting such a blingy look on a weekday morning. “I think women want to develop their watch wardrobes the same way they do [with jewellery]. For me, a first watch has to be something that you can wear all the time, especially in LA as it’s so casual. I usually wear this,” she says, picking up a piece from the table in front of us. “I usually wear a gold-on-gold Aqua Terra during the day. I tend to plan my jewellery around my watch unless it’s a black-tie event, and then I would say the other way round, because you pick the dress and the jewels first. I really like the Ladymatic for special events, but I don’t own one,” she quips, with a nudge in Urquhart’s direction. “I think for women, [it is important] to start with that great everyday watch, followed by something for the evening. Those are the two essentials.” While she looks impeccable for her 48 years – the Bourneville-like hair, the legs that go on forever, that defiant, signature trademark perched just above her lip – I’m pleased to find the evidence of years spent smiling at the camera haven’t been blasted from her complexion. Aside from being the ultimate poster woman, would she consider a Bond girl cameo, considering Omega’s longstanding partnership with the franchise? “Oh I think those days are over!” she laughs. “No, actually I do not like acting. I did a commercial this past weekend with Sofía Vergara who is so funny. I was supposed to be acting with her and I kept saying to the director ‘just please remember I’m not an actress.’ She was doing all these crazy things with her face! I am very comfortable being myself in front of the camera but not trying to be someone else.” And when you’re Cindy Crawford, why would you want to be? Omega, 373 Oxford Street, W1C 020 7907 2566; omegawatches.com; euromonitor.com All images courtesy of: Omega

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Trident_ redefined.

THE NEW

TRIDENT

C60 TRIDENT PRO 600 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Swiss made dive watch with automatic mechanical movement, unidirectional rotating ceramic (ZrO2) bezel and water resistance to 60 bar/600m. Available in 38mm and 42mm case sizes, five dial/bezel combinations and four strap styles.

SwISS MOvEMENT

E xc lu S I v E ly ava I l a b l E aT

032_ChristopherWard_KensingtonChelsea.indd 1

ENglISh hEaRT

christopherward.co.uk

06/02/2015 15:51

WORLD

of WATCHES BY RICHARD BROWN

Bremont’s starring role Bremont has launched the eponymous Kingsman collection, developed in collaboration with director Matthew Vaughn for his film Kingsman: The Secret Service. The collection comprises three new models that eagle-eyed movie-goers will spot throughout the critically-acclaimed comedy, strapped to the wrists of stars including Colin Firth, Michael Caine and Mark Strong. The Bremont Kingsman Special Edition is available in rose gold (£14,250), stainless steel (£4,295) and DLC (£4,395). bremont.com / mrporter.com

A watch to set your calendar by Blancpain’s new self-winding 5939A mechanism comprises 379 parts in a calibre that’s just 7.25mm thick and 32mm in diameter. That’s even more impressive when you consider that the calibre will keep track of the varying month lengths and leap years in the complex Gregorian calendar without any need for adjustment until 2100. You’ll find the 5939A inside the Villeret Perpetual Calendar, a watch with an eight-day power reserve and presentation box that doubles as a humidor. Villeret Perpetual Calendar, £40,900, Blancpain, blancpain.com

Equestrian Elegance

Period Piece As previous clients go, they don’t come much more prestigious than Queen Marie-Antoinette of France, for whom Breguet counts as its first female customer. In designing its leading ladies pieces, Breguet looks to the bows, ribbons, lace and frills of costume dresses, which it mimics through the use of mechanisms and gemstones. The company’s Volants de la Reine evokes the beauty of a dress in motion, while the rustling of frills can be imagined in the gem-set bow that clings to the bezel.

Anyone in the market for a sleek, unpretentious stopwatch might like to consider the new Conquest Classic Moonphase from Longines. The cultivated chronograph measures 42mm in diameter, houses a self-winding, mechanical movement and comes complete with a day-and-month display at 12 o’clock. You’ll pay £2,210 for the steel option, and £7,490 for its rose gold sister. longines.com

Volants de la Reine, £91,500, Breguet, breguet.com

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Again That Time

The world’s finest watchmakers descended upon Geneva once more this January, for the 25th edition of the SIHH – the world’s most luxurious trade fair Words: Alex Doak

COLLECTION

Think ‘trade fair’, think provincial aircraft hangar full of lean-to cubicles offering free biros, right? Well, not quite in the case of the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie – or “Ess Ee Ash Ash” as its sophisticated Francophone exhibitors have it. Here, inside Geneva Airport’s sprawling Palexpo complex, 15,000 visitors come every January to revel in the latest top-end timepieces from Switzerland’s finest, embraced in a cocoon of tasteful eggshell tones, with sushi on tap. Not a biro in sight. SIHH’s studied calm is exactly why Baume & Mercier, Cartier, Piaget, Gérald Genta, and Daniel Roth all broke away from the exuberant jamboree that is the spring Baselworld fair in 1990, setting up their own at Palexpo. That was exactly 25 years ago, and we’re now up to 16 brands, thanks to Richemont Group’s booming portfolio, which now includes Montblanc, Jaeger-LeCoultre and Panerai, plus a select few, horologically qualified friends, including Audemars Piguet and Parmigiani Fleurier. The champagne flows and the conversation sparkles – undoubtedly laying waste to hundreds of well-intended Dry Januaries. But we’re here for the watches, primarily. For not only is SIHH the only opportunity you’ll have to handle the rarer creations before they’re snapped up and squirrelled away in collections, but it’s a bellwether for the year ahead and a feel for things to come at Basel. By all rights, the pervading mood should have been cautious this January, given the Russian slowdown, China’s ever-stricter gifting restrictions and of course the Swiss National Bank’s abrupt uncapping of the franc just days before SIHH opened for business. But while there were undoubtedly fewer horological fireworks going on, a keener focus could be felt on every brand pavilion; a sense of doing what’s right for the brand, and getting it “just right”. Nonetheless, some fun was still to be had, spotting trends and making lists. So here are the five best things we learned from this year’s SIHH…

1. You can be girly AND grown-up Men the world over are breathing a sigh of relief, as they are waking up to find their own watches still present and correct on the dresser. The era of the adopted ‘boyfriend’ watch is coming to an end, as women who want a watch with soul – especially a dress, or cocktail watch – are being directly served at last. “So determined was I to prove that I wasn’t a silly girl,” admits Laura McCreddie, editor of women’s watch website Eve’s Watch, “I used to match stiletto heels and delicate frocks with that most appropriate of companions: a Bremont Solo; a watch more suited to a cockpit than cocktail hour. But I soon realised that I was ignoring a lot of brands making delicate dials under which beat a mechanical heart.” The trend for brains as well as beauty continues this year, with Richard Mille’s frankly jawdropping 19-02 Tourbillon Fleur, whose magnolia petals open up every five minutes to reveal its merry-go-round tourbillon carrousel, which floats out of the dial by a millimetre. If you don’t have $1.1m to splash about however, look no further than ladies’ one-stop-shop for all things classic and cocktail: Cartier. The grande dame of Paris is famed for its innovative case shapes, and the dainty, ovoid Clé is no exception – so named for its snap-fit crown, shaped like an old winding key; a joy to idly twiddle. (Pink gold with diamonds pictured, £24,400.) For something a little more muted and versatile, Germany’s venerable A. Lange & Söhne has made an interesting move: its gent’s Saxonia is being shrunk from 37mm to 35mm, in response to ladies’ request for a traditional, clean men’s style that actually fits their wrist. In an industry where everything seems to be getting bigger, this spells an intriguing trend.

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2. Big is still, er, big Men need not worry, however: those original exponents of the oversized wrist gadget are still doing what they do best. Panerai for example, each of whose 47mm-wide Luminor Submersible 1950 Carbotechs (£12,700) is unique, thanks to a fascinating new composite case material: thin sheets of carbon fibre compressed with a high-end polymer, PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone) to make it even beefier. The randomly striped, matt-black case is something worthy of Batman’s utility belt. More suited to Bruce Wayne, perhaps, is IWC, who arguably invented the oversized watch in the first place 75 years ago, in response to a request from two Portuguese businessmen who wanted to wear pocket-watch precision on their wrists. The anniversary is marked this year with a complete refresh of the modern collection, renamed “Portugieser” featuring the German-Swiss brand’s very first annual calendar movement (£16,900), which need only be adjusted every leap year.

3. The handwound chronograph is well and truly back Before the 70s, every watch with a stopwatch – or ‘chronograph’ – function was manually wound. Which meant that each movement sported a gorgeous Y-shaped bridge, from which the timing mechanism’s gear train was suspended. When winding rotors were successfully added in 1969 by Heuer and Zenith, then Valjoux in

COLLECTION

1974, there was no room for such fanciful architecture, and things started to look a lot plainer. Thank goodness for Patek Philippe, then, which finally created its own manual movement a few years ago, the atelier’s hand-polishers and decorators revelling in the sweeping curves of its bridges, which gleamed through the sapphire caseback. This year, compounding the manual chrono’s comeback, those other two haut-de-gamme Genevoise maisons, Vacheron Constanin and Piaget, have caught up. In fact, Vacheron stole the entire SIHH show with its new Harmony collection, three of the five launch models boasting its exquisitely architectural new chronograph calibre – traditionally finished, but packed with patented tweaks fit for the 21st century (rose-gold monopusher model pictured, £53,450). Piaget, on the other hand, in keeping with its reputation for black-tie refinement, has notched up another ‘world’s most thin’ record, with its Altiplano Chronograph (£21,100), just 8.24mm high in total. A return to more gentlemanly technicity, in other words.

4. Watchmakers are still stargazing It’s no surprise watch designers revel in the dance of the night sky – aside from the sheer romanticism of moon phases, rotating celestial charts or sunset indicators, astronomy has direct relevance to the development of mechanical timepieces. After all, we only switched to atomic clock-regulated Universal Time Co-Ordinated as recently as 1961 – before that, the boffins in Greenwich were still correcting GMT by celestial observation. But for something that’s literally heaven-sent, why not try a watch with a dial made from meteorite? There were two to be found at SIHH this year: a royal-blue Tonda 1950 at Parmigiani Fleurier (£14,900) and Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Master Calendar (circa £9,100) whose steely, geometric face comes from a shooting star discovered in Sweden, in turn originating from an asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. How cool is that?

5. Bicolour’s a thing… again If Audemars Piguet says bicolour is back, then bicolour is most certainly back – especially when it’s unleashed via that most 70s of icons, the Royal Oak (£18,700). Simply pair its cool pink gold and steel with a chunky, clinking

tumbler of Scotch and extra-wide lapels. Alternatively, there’s the most ‘accessible’ in our list, Baume & Mercier’s Classima Men Automatic Two-Tone – a bargain at £2,750, with crisp new lines and pinstripe dial, all the better for straddling the boardroom and bar. Make it a double, you dapper tycoon, you.

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Birds of a Feather A new exhibition at Proud Chelsea, A Life with The Royal Ballet, exposes the enigmatic world of ballet through the eyes of ex-dancer and British photographer Colin Jones. Never-before seen vintage prints taken over the past 50 years offer an extraordinary perspective of life with the world’s most famous ballet company, capturing rare moments of intimacy, including this striking image of Daria Klimentova as Odette in the final act of Swan Lake during a performance in Sydney, Australia in 1999. The latest exhibit acts as an encore to the success of Jones’s 2011 exposé, Fifty Years of the Royal Ballet. A Life with The Royal Ballet by Colin Jones Proud Chelsea, 29 January – 1 March 161 King’s Road, SW3 5XP; proud.co.uk

Daria Klimentová as Odette in the last act of the English National Ballet’s Swan Lake in Sydney, Australia; 1999 © Colin Jones

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Golden Age Taking inspiration from the Old Masters, 17th century Dutch still life paintings, artists Paulette Tavormina and Suzanne Jongmans explore the use of light and shadow, creating such dramatic effects that the viewer can often mistake the photographs for actual paintings. Based in New York, Tavormina likes to visit farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; markets in search of the perfectly imperfect flora that fill her photographs, reminiscent of still life painters Giovanna Garzoni and Adriaen Coorte. Jongmansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s photography, on the other hand, investigates the relationship between present and past in context with the vulnerability of time by using old foreign materials and reworking them into a new setting; think of a modern day Vermeer. Both artists will be on display at the Stephanie Hoppen Gallery this month. 2015 Photography Show, from 3 March, Stephanie Hoppen Gallery 17 Walton Street, SW3 2HX stephaniehoppen.com Below, clockwise from left/ MoMinfinity2; Mind Over Matter - Gratitude; Cornucopia 2014

spotlight on Kensington, Chelsea & knightsbridge: news, events, reviews & local interest stories

SPOTLIGHT

Special K The King’s Road has long been synonymous with upscale shopping, with an array of luxury boutiques and high street stores to keep you on your fashion A-game from season to season. A recent new arrival is pop-up boutique Kith & Kin, featuring five of London’s finest independent fashion and accessory brands. Items on offer have been tailor-made to cater for the busy, fashionforward Londoner; think practical block heels by Peponita, stylish and colourful dresses by Matilda & Quinn, lingerie and loungewear from Rose Fulbright and heritage-inspired classic jewellery by Kastur Jewels. Open until 12 March Kith & Kin Pop-Up Boutique, 330 King’s Road, SW3 5UR kithandkinshop.co.uk

Be There or Be Square This spring sees Eaton Square concerts welcome special guests from the Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts. Exploring the blurred boundaries between religious and secular music, the new season presents internationally renowned artists alongside emerging new talent. Performers include Grammy nominated vocal ensemble Stile Antico and pianist Leslie Howard, who will play alongside the Wu Quartet with works by Beethoven and Franck. The Eaton Square Concerts strives to deliver chamber music of the very highest quality so make sure you don’t miss out on this musical delight. St Peter’s Church, 119 Eaton Square, SW1W 9AL eatonsquareconcerts.org.uk

Objects of Desire Exhibitors at this year’s must-see jewellery event, Desire, which is returning to the Chelsea Old Town Hall from 6 March, include jewellers who work with many different materials, from gold, silver and platinum to palladium, aluminium and copper, along with gemstones, sea glass, buttons, pearls, enamelwork and beads. If you are looking for a special gift, you can speak to any of the makers about commissioning bespoke pieces of jewellery or silverware, or even remodelling old jewellery to give it a more contemporary feel. Desire, 6-8 March, Chelsea Old Town Hall, SW3 5EE; desirefair.com

Left/ Rachel Emmerson necklace Above, from top/ Jen Ricketts wine coaster; Martyn Pugh ring

spotlight on Kensington, Chelsea & knightsbridge: news, events, reviews & local interest stories

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A Woman’s Right to Shoes We at The Kensington & Chelsea Magazine stand firmly behind the philosophy that you can never have too many shoes. So if you are looking to expand your ever-growing collection, the Kensington Shoe Event is just the place to visit. As one of the leading events for discerning footwear buyers, you will have your pick from a selection of high-quality vendors; and with everything from boots and loafers to trainers and pumps on offer, there is bound to be something for everyone. Held at the Kensington Close Hotel, the show is informal and relaxed, and all are welcome. The Kensington Shoe Event, 1-3 March Kensington Close Hotel, Wrights Lane, W8 5SP thekensingtonshoeevent.co.uk

Staying Power The latest exhibition at the V&A, Staying Power, sees a powerful collaboration between the museum and the Black Cultural Archives to highlight conceptual explorations of race and identity by documenting the experiences of black people in Britain. Witness an intimate portrayal of British-Caribbean life in London during the 1960s and ‘70s by Neil Kenlock, Armet Francis, Dennis Morris and Charlie Phillips, as well as Raphael Albert’s depictions of black beauty pageants to help celebrate the growing black community in Britain. Photographer Maxine Walker draws attention to racial stereotypes through her ‘Untitled’ series of self-portraits showing different skin tones and hairstyles. In addition to the photographs, Black Cultural Archives has collected spoken stories from a range of subjects, making this a truly rich, multidimensional exhibition. Staying Power: Photographs of Black British Experience 1950s-1990s, 16 February – 24 May The Victoria & Albert Museum; vam.ac.uk

Feminine Form A thought-provoking exhibition by French Lebanese artist and painter Mouna Rebeiz makes its way to the Saatchi Gallery this month. In her first solo show in London, the artist uses the Tarbouche (a hat often referred to as a fez), a traditional male symbol across the Middle East, to express the female form. With influences from both Lebanon and France, Rebeiz aims to dissect the emphasis both cultures place on the dual role of the woman by employing this well-known image. After the exhibition comes to a close, the pieces will be auctioned at Sotheby’s and all of the proceeds will go to support the charity, Innocence in Danger: a world movement for the protection of children against all forms of sexual abuse. Le Tarbouche, 27 February – 3 March, Saatchi Gallery saatchigallery.com

From top/ Al Vandenberg, High Street Kensington from the series On a Good Day; Armet Francis, Self-Portrait in Mirror, London, 1964, gelatin silver print Neil Kenlock, Untitled (young woman seated on the floor at home in front of her television set), C- type print, London, 1972

Bloody Mary by Mouna Rebeiz - Oil on canvas 200cm x 200cm

spotlight on Kensington, Chelsea & knightsbridge: news, events, reviews & local interest stories

SPOTLIGHT

A Night at the Opera

New to the Borough: Mauro Guerresco

Puccini’s acclaimed tragic love story, Madam Butterfly, is being revived this month at the Royal Albert Hall. The masterpiece, directed by David Freeman, tells the story of doomed love and deadly passion which has been vividly brought to life with an enchanting Japanese water garden, courtesy of set designer David Roger. If your Italian is a little rusty, there’s no need to worry because the opera is being sung in English using the translation by Amanda Holden and accompanied by none other than the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Oliver Gooch. The opera’s celebrated solo, One Fine Day, showcases Puccini’s ravishing score which masterfully blends eastern and western styles.

You no longer need to trawl the high street in order to find your ski wardrobe; luxury brand Mauro Guerresco has just landed on our doorstep, housing everything you could possibly need to get slope-ready. Originating from the plush Italian ski resort Cortina, the family-run company is renowned for its fur and leather creations, and the new store carries the best-selling fur-lined parkas, alongside capes, cropped fur jackets lapin skin hats and one-off horn handle leather bags. And it’s not just the clothes for sale; nearly all of the furniture on display, from the vintage cow-skin armchairs to bleached antler mirrors to even an original 1900’s gym bike, can also be purchased. Mauro Guerresco, 310 King’s Road, SW3 5UH mauroguerresco.it

Madam Butterfly, 26 February – 15 March, Royal Albert Hall royalalberthall.com

Helping Hand In order to help support the cause for art, which is invariably overlooked and underfinanced, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, in partnership with the Chelsea Arts Club Trust, has introduced two new bursaries for budding artists and designers as part of the artists’ studio programme. The bursary will give the successful candidate access to a free studio space for up to three years, annual contributions towards materials, utilities and invaluable professional development opportunities which might include mentoring with an industry professional. Deadline for applications is 28 February rbkc.go.uk

Indeterminate System by previous bursary recipient Julian Wild, Japanned hardwood 2010

Made in Italy Calling all film buffs to the Cinema Made in Italy festival which returns to London this year at the Ciné Lumiere in South Kensington. The festival showcases some of the best and most recent Italian productions alongside exclusive Q&A sessions with directors and actors. Organised by the Istituto Luce, Cinecittà’s promotional department in Rome and the Italian Cultural Institute in London, the five day event has a line-up of nine feature films and one which is still to be announced. The films have all been carefully selected, with many having already won awards from different festivals. Get into the Italian mood with The Mafia Only Kills in Summer (pictured) or be transported back to the First World War with Greenery Will Bloom Again. Cinema Made in Italy, 5-9 March, Ciné Lumiere 17 Queensberry Place, SW7 2DT filmitalia.org

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Biting Back

Lynn Dennison: Dress, Sea, dimensions variable, mixed media 2013 Image courtesy of Lynn Dennison

Brunel Museum Rotherhithe, Grand Entrance Hall Image courtesy of Aidan Cusack

Sculpture Shock Explore sculpture this spring with the Royal British Society of Sculptors. From 2 March, artist Lynn Dennison, winner of the Sculpture Shock Award: Subterranean category, takes up residency in the Sculpture Shock studio in Kensington to explore the unseen world beneath our city. A Slade graduate, Dennison’s acclaimed video installations are inspired by her relationship with landscapes. The work she creates in residence will challenge traditional, clinically-white gallery environments. The artist has previously exhibited in London, China and Japan. From 2 March, Sculpture Shock: Subterranean sculptureshock.rbs.org.uk/subterranean

Expect an interesting crowd at Bite your Tongue – the Serpentine Gallery’s retrospective of American painter Leon Golub’s work, commencing 4 March. At a time when abstract art was all the rage, Golub instead preferred to draw inspiration from the human figure and the world around him, believing that art should have political relevance. His painting techniques involved layering and scraping away paint with a meat cleaver. In 1960s Chicago, Golub became a member of the cutting-edge political artist’s group known as ‘Monster Roster’ which challenged American foreign policy and the Vietnam War with slogans, graffiti and figurative paintings. In the 1970s Golub was beset with self-doubt and cut up much of his work. Luckily he recovered and painted around 100 portraits over the next ten years, including Nelson Rockefeller, Fidel Castro, Richard Nixon and Henry Kissinger. Visitors to the Serpentine Gallery will also be able to see the artist’s dramatic floor-to-ceiling canvas. 4 March – 17 May The Serpentine Gallery, Kensington Gardens W2; serpentinegalleries.org

Mercenaries IV, 1980, Acrylic on linen, 304.8 x 584.2 cm, Collection of Ulrich and Harriet Meyer

with Jessica Carlisle about From the Foreshore exhibit by artist Sophie Charalambous Q: How did you discover Sophie Charalambous and is this her first show with you? A: I first discovered Sophie’s work in an exhibition at the Prince’s Drawing School (now the Royal Drawing School) in 2013 and was immediately struck by her talent. Sophie is an alumni of the school and now tutors students there. I’m very excited to be showing her work for the first time.

Sophie Charalambous, On the Foreshore, 2014 Mixed media on khadi paper 151cmx112cm

Q: What attracted you to the artist’s works? A: I love the theatricality of Sophie’s paintings – the way she uses light and shadow to such dramatic effect to create richly atmospheric scenes. Her smaller sketchbooks have great immediacy and charm, while the larger paintings are complex and lyrical with a narrative element.

between the water and the land, but also the past and present. Standing on the detritus of centuries, one cannot help but think of what has passed before. Her new paintings skillfully capture the atmosphere of the foreshore – a place rich in history, atmosphere and allusion. Amidst the flux of the city she depicts the impermanent beauty of stark shapes against empty skies. Q: Which artists influence Sophie? A: Sophie takes inspiration from artists as diverse as Edgar Degas and James Ensor but also from the theatre, in particular shadow plays and the Elizabethan stage.

Q: The exhibition is about the river foreshore; why is the artist drawn to this subject? A: Sophie is drawn to “edge-lands”, liminal places where different worlds collide. The banks of the River Thames are a hinterland not only

From the Foreshore: 3 – 8 March Jessica Carlisle Gallery, 83 Kinnerton Street, London SW1X 8ED jessicacarlisle.com

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ART ANTIQUES

From Coast to Coast “Besides being a respected and published astronomer, John Brett was an exceptional artist, drawn to the wonders of nature and romance of the British Isles,” comments Tom Rooth, director of Victorian pictures at Christie’s South Kensington. Brett’s coastal scenes were the product of his travels around the coast on his schooner, The Viking. During the 1870s he frequently visited Cornwall and it was in the summer of 1877 that he produced the present masterpiece, Housel Bay, the Lizard peninsula. With Pre-Raphaelite attention to detail, Brett’s jewel-like colours capture the beauty and freshness that anybody who has ever experienced Cornwall on a summer’s day will recognise – the work draws the viewer in, and one cannot help but feel the tranquillity enjoyed by the painter on that hot summer’s afternoon, nearly 140 years ago. Brett’s work in Cornwall in many ways anticipated the Newlyn and St Ives Schools, where artists were drawn to the county due to its unspoilt beauty, rugged landscapes and wondrous light. Housel Bay, the Lizard peninsula, Cornwall by John Brett, A.R.A. (1831–1902) Signed and dated ‘John Brett 1877’ (lower left) Victorian, Pre Raphaelite & British Impressionist Art Sale Oil on canvas, Estimate £15,000-£25,000 12 March 2015 (Sale 10452) Christie’s South Kensington, 85 Old Brompton Road, SW7 christies.com

Fair Share The Chelsea Antiques Fair, set in Chelsea’s elegant Town Hall, offers a friendly venue in which to admire antiques. Whether you have £50 or £5,000 to spend, there is something for everyone, from local shoppers looking to buy something for their home to collectors wishing to add to their treasures. The 40 exhibitors showcasing at the event will be delighted to share their specialised knowledge with you. Items being presented range from beautifully made furniture, exquisite jewellery, early 20th century decorative art, silver, ceramics and even millions-of-years old fossils. As the fair’s official organiser, Caroline Penman Josef Lorenzl, comments: “Many locals return to Dancing Girl £2,250 the Fair each year but we also get a huge amount of foreign visitors, who all tend to find something to take home with them; there is a lot of choice at reasonable prices.” Since the demise of the Grosvenor House Antiques Fair, the Chelsea Antiques Fair is now the oldest in Britain. 18-22 March Chelsea Old Town Hall, King’s Road, SW3 5EE Admission: £5, but e-tickets & details on: penman-fairs.co.uk T: 01825 744074 The Fair supports the local charity Children’s Hospital Trust Fund To be opened by actress Susan Hampshire OBE at 3pm on Wednesday 18 March Richard Hoppe — c.1914-20, Johann Oertel, Black Cut to Red Glass Vase, £325

Countdown On 18 March, the BADA Antiques & Fine Art Fair, now in its 23rd year, opens its doors once again in the Duke of York Square. Guests will find furniture, both antique and contemporary, as well as jewellery, fine glass, porcelain, paintings, clocks and carpets, in a spacious, purpose-built pavilion. Highlights include an exquisite Art Deco diamond and coral brooch presented by new exhibitor John Joseph; Anthony Woodburn will bring a magnificent William and Mary turtle shell and gilt mounted table clock dating from 1695, and Beaux Arts will unveil a striking bronze sculpture by Elisabeth Frink, Assassins II (1963), which explores the darker side of human ambition and the desire for power. 18-24 March Duke of York Square SW3 bada-antiques-fair.co.uk From top/ William and Mary turtle shell and gilt mounted, Quarter repeating, Spring table clock by one of the Master Clockmakers. Thomas Taylor Londini fecit circa 1695; Elisabeth Frink, Assassins II, 1963, Bronze with Brown Patina, H: 20.5 inches (52.1 cm), FCR129 Edition 5 of 8, Beaux Arts London

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Set in Stone Ella Harris gets a sneak preview of the sculptures by Paul Hosking and Nigel Hall due to grace the Kensington Aldridge Academy and Leisure Centre this month London is a particularly accomplished city when it comes to providing accessible art to the public. With a plethora of free museums and art galleries as well as statues thoughtfully placed throughout the capital, there is never a shortage of cultural amusements. The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea is a leader of this movement, consistently finding ways to enrich local areas, most recently, for the new Kensington Aldridge Academy and Leisure Centre. Six local residents, who make up the Public Art Panel for the project, have selected two exceptional artists from a long list of contenders to illustrate the spaces in and around the buildings: Paul Hosking and Nigel Hall. Both will provide installations, to be completed by the end of March, with the help of £150,000 worth of funds accrued from past developments; Hosking’s work will decorate the main entrance of the leisure centre, while Hall’s will be placed outside the front of the academy. The academy, which opened in September last year, places particular emphasis on entrepreneurship, the performance and creative arts and sports. The school plans to offer 900 places for 11-16

year olds and up to 240 places for sixth form students once fully open. Residing next to this building is the leisure centre which includes a swimming pool, gym and eight-court multi-use halls. For the first artwork, Hosking has masterminded three large-scale sculptures laser cut from mirrored acrylic on aluminium. Hosking is known for his witty interpretations of objects, having developed his style in solo exhibitions across London, Los Angeles, São Paulo and Berlin. The emerging artist, who studied at Plymouth Art College and Goldsmiths College in London, has created colourful, curvilinear forms that will be installed on the wall that runs between the main entrance and the café. To continue this discourse between sculpture and space, outside Nigel Hall has created a five-metre high, magenta steel construction of three intertwined oval rings. The hoops will differ in thickness and height to demonstrate the upward progression from heaviness to lightness, all securely bolted into a concrete base of grey stone. Hall is a widely collected artist from the West of England College of Art in Bristol who has had a number of exhibitions including a solo display at the Royal Academy in 2011. These two talented artists’ creations are set to reflect the area’s focus on entrepreneurship, community and diversity and are sure to inspire future generations of creatives who work in these very buildings. aldridgefoundation.com/kensington-academy

Top row from left/ Soglio at Schoenthal Switzerland (a previous work by Nigel Hall); The proposal for Hall’s sculpture outside the leisure centre; Crossing (Horizontal), 2006 (a previous work by Nigel Hall) This image/ Crossing (Vertical) at Yorkshire Sculpture Park (a previous work by Nigel Hall)

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East meets West As part of the Buta Festival of Azerbaijani Arts 2015, this month sees the Saatchi Gallery pay tribute to the work of one of the country’s most prolific artists, Farkhad Khalilov. Phoebe McDowell reports Azerbaijan is a country rich in culture and heritage but it is only recently that its artists have begun to capture the attention of the western world – and this is largely thanks to the Buta Festival. It was created to provide a window into the Azeri Arts in London, and now in its second year running, it certainly seems to be on the right track. Among the series of events happening across the capital is the much-anticipated Farkhad Khalilov exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery, curated by Paolo Colombo. Taking place from 11 to 23 March, it will will no doubt see art enthusiasts flock to Chelsea to see the work of one of Azerbaijan’s most renowned contemporary artists. Following his first solo exhibition in London in 2011, this is a rare opportunity for the European art community to view Khalilov’s canvases within this iconic setting. The latest exhibit will largely focus on the artist’s most recent paintings whereby he has freely improvised with expressions of abstract emotion and feelings to create truly thought-provoking pieces. However, those who favour Khalilov’s earlier works will not be disappointed, as the display will span his entire career to date. Khalilov is known for working within the milieu of the Caucasus region and his minimalist landscapes paint a fascinating picture of his native Baku. His unique, colour field painting style is how he claims he sees the world around him and is perfected in hours of studio work creating rich textures and delicate compositions. As well as his artistry, Khalilov is also famous in his native country for being the official People’s Artist of Azerbaijan and chairman of the Union of Artists of Azerbaijan. He has previously had successful solo exhibitions in leading cities around the world, including Baku, Moscow, Paris and Berlin, with many of his works being held in state museums. Other unmissable events taking place as part of the festival include the premiere of The Pursuit of Now – a new collaboration between male contemporary dancer, Akram Khan and international jazz pianist Shahin Novrasli. Khan will improvise to set pieces accompanied by Shahin and his musicians at Sadler’s Wells on 17 and 18 March. 12-23 March Farkhad Khalilov, Saatchi Gallery, Duke of York’s HQ, SW3 4RY; saatchigallery.com

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Sonia Rykiel

Burberry Prorsum

Natural Instinct Nothing says spring/ summer like a smattering of nature-inspired designs, but this year’s trend is far from the dainty florals of seasons past. More savage garden than botanical beauty, models donned the catwalk in feathered dresses at Fendi, Dalmatian-spotted suits at Giorgio Armani and tropical prints at Matthew Williamson.

S/S15

TREND REPORT If your LFW ticket was lost in the post, don’t fear – we’re here to help guide you through our favourite seasonal trends. Credit cards at the ready...

Shape Up Where once shoulder pads signalled the silhouette of a woman who means business, this season it’s all about box-fit jackets, striking origami folds and angular cut-outs. Hugo Boss, Osman and Antonio Berardi were among the designers showcasing the structural trend at this season’s previews.

Stella McCartney

Antonio Berardi

Osman

Dior

Valentino

Phillip Lim

Fendi

Tibi

Valentino

Louis Vuitton

Tommy Hilfiger

Roberto Cavalli

Gucci

Sonia Rykiel

Saint Laurent Matthew Williamson

7os Swagger Good news! 70s throwback outfits are no longer reserved for fancy dress parties. Designers embraced the vintage era across the catwalk this season, showcasing fringed leather, kneehigh boots, denim and dungarees. For a look that will stand the test of time, opt for suede skirts, denim jackets and elongating flares.

Valentino

Louis Vuitton

Temperley

Gucci

Hermès

Dolce & Gabbana

Chanel

Diane von Furstenberg

Earnt Stripes Deckchair-esque stripes and Breton prints fit for a sailor make up this season’s most wearable trend. Chanel kept it classic with a navy blue-and-white ensemble, while Louis Vuitton was more daring with leather bright orange stripes in both a horizontal and vertical design.

Mellow Yellow Say goodbye to the moody greys of A/W14 and prepare to stand out in this season’s signature colour: yellow. For the brave amongst you choose bright canary or classic mustard, or for a subtler statement, go down the pastel route with a soft lemon hue.

Burberry Prorsum

Phillip Lim

Hugo Boss

Hermès

Burberry Prorsum

Hermès

Max Mara

Diane von Furstenberg

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Perfect Fit S/S15 saw the catwalk positively awash with denim as designers experimented with this diverse fabric. Always one step ahead of the fashion game, model and writer Alexa Chung has put her own unique spin on this popular trend and created a capsule collection for denim and lifestyle label AG Jeans. The 20-piece spring 2015 line sees denim shown in a variety of different styles, from 70s high-waisted jeans and 60s shift dresses, to vintage overalls and classic shirts, all of which seamlessly blend Chung’s quirky British style with AG’s heritage. A perfect fit. Alexa Chung for AG Jeans, available from net-a-porter.com

HER STYLE By olivia sharpe

Mulberry’s new ‘It’ Girl Some of the more common practices undertaken after a bad break up can include crying profusely, watching terrible films, eating junk food or dying one’s hair a regrettable colour. This, however, is clearly not the case for Cressida Bonas. After her public split from Prince Harry last year, the 25-year old beauty hasn’t hidden herself away, but has instead thrown herself into her work and it has evidently paid off; it was recently announced that she would succeed fellow British model Cara Delevingne by becoming Mulberry’s new muse. The brand’s latest campaign, due for release in March, will star both Bonas and actor Freddie Fox, who make the perfect pair as they show off their dancing skills with a blend of improvised and rehearsed moves. Happily ever after doesn’t have to include Prince Charming, it would seem. mulberry.com

Step up 2 Following the success of Silver Linings — a capsule collection of designer shoes created to mark the opening of Shoe Heaven — Harrods has once again put its best foot forward and launched a limited edition collection of the ultimate fantasy shoes. Iconic styles, such as Charlotte Olympia’s kitty flats and Tods’ classic Gommini loafers, have been given a decadent makeover by each of the luxury footwear brands, whether covered with Swarovski crystals, adorned with pearls or coated in crocodile skin. Undoubtedly the most lavish pair come courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana, who will be offering a madeto-order service on an exquisite new design featuring a brooch embellished with violet amethysts, green tourmalines and yellow berylliums. Step out of the Ordinary, available from March Shoe Heaven, Fifth Floor at Harrods, Brompton Road SW1X harrods.com

Dior’s Debut Tensions run high in Frédéric Tcheng’s 2012 fly-on the-wall documentary Dior and I, which hits cinema screens this month. Heading behind the scenes at the fashion house, the featurelength film shadows the then newly appointed artistic director Raf Simons during the eightweek countdown to his debut haute couture collection. From the nerve centre of the operation at the ateliers, where a handful of talented seamstresses hand-stitch his creations, the flick follows Simons as he attempts to fill the shoes of his predecessor John Galliano and uphold the legacy established by the house’s founder, the inimitable Christian Dior himself. Definitely not one to be missed. Dior and I is in cinemas from 27 March diorandimovie.com

Raey of Sunshine

Upstairs, Downstairs

Matches Fashion recently announced that it would be adding to its vast repertoire of more than 400 luxury fashion brands with the re-launch of its own womenswear collection, RAEY. The contemporary label, designed by the in-house team led by creative director Rachael Proud (formerly at Christopher Kane), has a modern, minimalist aesthetic with a slightly masculine edge, featuring classic wardrobe staples, including a white jumpsuit, navy trench coat, lightweight utility dress and slouchy cashmere tracksuits. We already have our eyes firmly fixed on a lemon yellow slouchy cashmere coat, ideal for those fresh mornings in early spring.

Historical costume research has always played a vital role in Vivienne Westwood’s creative process, often reimagining key trends of the past into contemporary collections. For her latest S/S15 Red Carpet collection, Westwood looked to the work of 19th century pioneering English designer, Charles Frederick Worth, considered the founder of haute couture. The Eleanor dress evokes a 1950’s French maid, featuring an apron asymmetrically stitched to the dress in delicate chiffon, while English gingham and black lace have been used to mirror the Upstairs Downstairs themes running through the line. Last season’s non-corseted floor-length Amber dress has been refreshed in this season’s colours and fabrics. The Vivienne Westwood Red Carpet S/S15 collection, available in select Vivienne Westwood boutiques vivennewestwood.com

Available at matchesfashion.com

High on the Agender In a bold new move that directly challenges society’s preconceived notions of gender, this month will see Selfridges open a ‘gender-neutral’ fashion space, which will take over three floors of the Oxford Street department store and has been designed in collaboration with Faye Toogood. Five exclusive unisex collections will be launched, as well as an additional 40 brands (which can be worn by either sex) having been selected as part of the initiative. Throughout March and April, Selfridges will also work with a number of contributors to help bring the project to life in-store and online – through design, music, film, photography and in-store conversation. Available from 1 March Agender for S/S15 at Selfridges & Co selfridges.co.uk

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Walk the

Line Embrace military chic and vivid silhouettes with wearable wardrobe staples Photography:

Phillip Waterman

GRAPHIC CONTENT Top, £395, shirt, £355, and ‘DKNY X I Still Love You NYC’ choker, £88, all DKNY, 27 Old Bond Street, W1S

Stylist:

Jess Stebbings

MILITARY PRECISION Silk evening dress, £3,850, and calf-skin belt, £310, both Ralph Lauren Collection, 1 New Bond Street, W1S; Plume earring, £190, Eddie Borgo, harveynichols.com

Jacket, ÂŁ219, and skirt, ÂŁ75, both Isabel Garcia Gold Label, shop.isabelgarcia.it

FLOAT AWAY Silk Dress, ÂŁ2,295, Burberry Prorsum, 2 Brompton Road, SW1X

Lillie Dress, ÂŁ668, DVF, 25 Bruton Street, W1J Hair & Make up by Lou Box using Chanel SS15, Chanel Body Excellence and Redken Hair Melissa Bell @ Select Models Shot on location at Hotel Hospes Palacio de los Patos, Granada, hospes.com British Airways currently flies from London City to Granada twice a week, with three flights a week in the summer, and is the only airline operating to the Spanish city from the UK ba.com/londoncity

Gieves & Hawkes S/S15

Following Suit Tape measures, chalk, fabric swatches and pins are out in full force once again as Harrods’ bespoke styling service returns this month to the Knightsbridge department store. Extending far beyond the archetypal three-piece suit, the service also caters for casual loungewear, denim and custom-made accessories from internationally renowned brands, including Gieves & Hawkes, Brioni, Ralph Lauren, Turnbull & Asser and Tom Ford. Completing the final stitch when it comes to exclusivity and individuality are the personalised monogram and engraving services from Corneliani and Deakin & Francis. And if you do not possess natural design flair, not to worry; illustrious industry experts are on hand to impart their wisdom.

The Art of Observation

We can forgive you for thinking that no camera can outshine the GoPro and anything that tries is merely a pale imitation. But that is where you are wrong. Techies far and wide are hotly anticipating the spring launch of 360fly, a new sportscam that captures 360 degrees of horizontal video and 240 degrees of vertical video. This will enable you to re-watch any footage from all angles, so whether you’re in the sea, on the slopes or just in the park, you’ll never miss a moment.

harrods.com/made-to-measure

£440, 360fly.com

HIS STYLE By PHOEBE MCDOWELL

Beard Envy

Secret Service

A real source of envy amongst men is the ability to grow a beard, and a real source of envy amongst those who can, is a well-groomed one. This is something grooming specialists Murdock knows all too well. The brand holds the philosophy that “like all important things in life, [a beard’s] success depends on preparation”, and to say that its new Beard Collection prepares you is really quite an understatement. The shampoos and conditioners are designed to remove environmental pollutants, reduce tangles and frizz, while the emollient oil softens and strengthens. All in all, we predict these new products will result in your facial hair being a source of much admiration.

Following the success of its January launch, Kingsman has returned this month with a second instalment. The sartorial range is the result of a collaboration between luxury online retailer mrporter.com and acclaimed film director Matthew Vaughn, and is based on his comic book turned film, Kingsman: The Secret Service. The second drop is an expansion of the first and includes beautifully tailored suits and accessories. After all, in the words of Colin Firth’s character, Harry Hart: “A suit is a modern gentleman’s armour”.

Murdock London, 137-138 Sloane Street, SW1X murdocklondon.com

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Suits from £1,495 mrporter.com

www.my-perfect-t.com

lifestyle

History in the Making

Britain is a nation saturated in rich culture and history. That is why quintessentially British fragrance house Jo Malone has chosen to encapsulate our most defining periods into five scents, available from March. These include Tudor Rose & Amber, an embodiment of Tudor England; Lily of the Valley & Ivy, inspired by Georgian Britain; Pomegranate Noir, capturing the Victorian period; Geranium & Verbena, epitomising the Edwardian era, and finally Birch & Black Pepper, which sums up Britain today. The limited edition collection, aptly named Rock the Ages, incorporates many of the brandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s staple ingredients but master perfumer Christine Nagel has also dabbled with different concoctions in order to create truly unique fragrances. Which era defines you? Rock the Ages, ÂŁ42 for 30ml each; jomalone.co.uk

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XXXXXX IN FOCUS

On the Crest of a Wave Crestron, the home automation specialist, has updated its stunning Chelsea showroom for 2015

Since its opening in 2013 the Crestron showroom has become a hub for homeowners, interior designers and architects looking for home technology solutions. The space presents Crestron’s entire portfolio, featuring two sophisticated living room spaces, a reception area, an office and a kitchen area. Recently upgraded with the latest technological innovations, it is the ideal setting to experience integrated automated control for your home. The stunning showroom sits on the second floor of the South Dome at Design Centre Chelsea Harbour: created in collaboration with renowned interior designer, Louise Bradley, she has implemented a beautiful interiors scheme to match the technical excellence of Crestron’s integrated technology. The showroom manager, Linda Furino, is on hand to provide her wealth of knowledge on the best ways to integrate automated control into your home. “We have two living spaces with the full range of Crestron technology, including lighting and HVAC controls,” she explains. “Visitors will be able to experience our integration in a working, tactile environment. The interior design has created a unique representation of our ‘Integrated by Design’ ethos where great technology and great design work in harmony.” As you enter the showroom you are welcomed into a plush living room area, with a 50-inch smart TV hidden behind a sliding wall and a cinema screen that floats down from the ceiling. Crestron-controlled electronic candles gently flicker below, giving

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the room a warm glow. It has been furnished in soft greys and cream, providing an elegance that is then complemented by the colour-coordinated Crestron remotes and touch panels. Behind the living room area lies a sleek white kitchen enhanced by Crestron lighting and a temperature-controlled wine fridge. Every effort has been made to give the impression of a real living space, thereby demonstrating how unassumingly these products can be integrated into the home without taking away from the interior design. It showcases everything from luxurious cinema room technology to fully integrated environmental and AV controls for the home. Crestron understands that it not only helps to demonstrate how home automation can be integrated into a space, but also the importance of having a good source of information. The home automation specialist has therefore created a display area to give visitors the chance to see the range and variety of quality finishes, keypads and panels available. The options are endless when it comes to choosing the right design to suit your interior. The control panels and touch panels come in a range of finishes, and can be coordinated with all of your Crestron kit. To book your personal tour of the showroom, please visit crestron.eu/showroom

& GARDEN

HOME

BY liane nelson

True Love Bath Time There is something unmistakably comforting about going home to a hot bath after a long day and so it is essential to have a bath that is both inviting and practical. For an elegant and luxurious statement, look no further than Victoria+Albert Baths, a company that offers a modern day approach to classic Victorian and Edwardian bath designs. The traditional collection features quarry cast: a special blend of volcanic limestone offering a scratch resistant exterior that is both lightweight and strong so ideal for fragile flooring in older houses. With these indulgent baths, you may find it difficult to get out. vandabaths.com

Stepping outside of her comfort ‘bridal’ zone, revered American fashion designer Vera Wang has come across the pond and launched a new collection in partnership with Wedgwood, the historic English homeware company. Celebrating the global expression of love, the With Love Treasures range comprises silver plate and enamel treasure boxes alongside picture frames. Each treasure box comes in a different colour and with its own gold charm, such as the lighthearted butterfly, the mythological apple or the blue dragonfly, all of which symbolise love from different parts of the world. wedgwood.com

Apple of Thine Eye We all know how essential the kitchen is in any home, providing a hub for entertaining as well as the focal point for creating delicious meals. So a stylish kitchen is an absolute must. Fully aware of this, Italian manufacturer Steel offers beautifully crafted and bespoke kitchen appliances for a chic and contemporary look. And we hasten to add that contemporary doesn’t have to mean all monochrome; appliances and hobs are all available in a range of colours: choose from sunshine yellow and forest green to a vibrant apple red. Available from bradshaw.co.uk

Ready to Go If you’re feeling a bit lost with where to begin when it comes to decorating your home, Prêt a Meubler will be your beacon in the dark. Meaning ‘ready to furnish’, Prêt a Meubler is a go-to source for all decorative inspiration, offering an eclectic mix of antiques, contemporary furniture, homewares and art from around Europe. Choose unique pieces such as a beautifully painted Belgian ceramic pot or a contemporary dining chair. pret-a-meubler.com

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Crestron presents

DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY WORKING TOGETHER

Crestron offers lifestyle technology, providing greater comfort, convenience and security. Manage and control audiovisual equipment, energy, lighting, shades, security and HVAC from anywhere, any time using touchscreens, remotes and smart devices. To experience the lifestyle that Crestron technology can offer you, visit the Design Showroom at the Design Centre Chelsea Harbour.

To book your personal tour, visit: www.crestron.eu/showroom Crestron Design Showroom South Dome, 2nd Floor Design Centre Chelsea Harbour London SW10 0XE

ShowroomAdvert_A4.indd 1

E showroom@crestron.eu T 020 7352 0028

08/02/2015 19:42

& GARDEN

HOME

A Piece of Italy New Age Walls Inspired by different artistic movements focusing on the interpretation of colour, the Substance and Extravagance collection from Rubelli upholds the notion of Italian craftsmanship, with a stunning selection of fabrics and wallcoverings. Strong Venetian ties can be seen throughout, as the new range encompasses the best of traditional luxury in a reinvented modern setting. The Lady Roxana Wall (pictured here) has been inspired by an original floral pattern of the same name from the second half of the 19th century. Lady Roxana Wall is available in two colours, £560 per metre; rubelli.com

Conran Italia is taking its customers on a 100 year journey of Italian design and culture with its new edit of home accessories and furniture. The pieces will reflect several aspects of continental life from the 20th century to the present day – from the aromas of its cooking to the sound of Vespas zipping by. Highlights include a collection of Magnus Long furniture, hand-blown Murano glass and Paola Navone monochrome serveware. Flauti Murano Glass Pendants from £1,350, available from March conranshop.co.uk

All about Design This month, the Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour will welcome leading architects, designers and tastemakers for the ultimate design event, London Design Week 2015. Attracting design-hungry fans from London and overseas, the event will showcase a comprehensive collection of the latest fabrics, furniture, wall coverings, lighting, accessories, outdoor living, tiles and carpets. With more than 500 brands, you can expect an action-packed programme, including conversations with lead designers as well as all-access showroom sessions, leaving you inspired and one step ahead when it comes to contemporary home design. Trade preview: 8-10 March All welcome: 11-13 March dcch.co.uk

Countryside Chic For those looking to add a bit of country comfort to their city nest, Redloh House Fabrics offers a range of artisan fabric and wallpaper designs, perfect for placing the finishing touches to any room. Upon visiting the showroom, which you will find tucked away in a country-style cottage just off the King’s Road, you will be immersed in a selection of beautiful florals, pretty pastels and embroidered cushions of natural linen and silk, all of which come from a variety of designers each bringing forward their unique style and inspirations. redlohhousefabrics.com

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Changing

Rooms Anthony JAMES ARMSTRONG heads to the home of one of Belgraviaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top interior designers, Nicola Fontanella

INTERIORS

There’s a point in the early evening around dusk, when the dark hasn’t quite taken sufficient hold, when the curtains can remain open but the dwindling light is just weak enough to switch a few lamps on inside. For the nosey interiors’ enthusiast, this is the ideal time of day. A glance through someone’s old sash window can provide inspiration, interest, amusement, repulsion, even sorrow. I’m always doing it – I just can’t help myself. But I’m not alone in this habit, as Nicola Fontanella, interior design extraordinaire, reveals to me at her Belgravia home. Having begun her business, Argent Design, in the front room of her then basement flat in Lennox Gardens, Nicola swiftly outgrew her makeshift office and set up shop in Marylebone. “I used to park my car where Madonna had just bought her house. I’d walk past and at the time David Collins (the interior designer who passed away in 2013) was doing Madonna’s first refurbishment. I used to look in and see what needed doing, thinking ‘oh, one day I’m going to get that job’,” says Nicola, sitting at the dining table of her sleek Belgravian basement.

“I’m sick of seeing new-builds – I hate them with a passion: white box rooms” “Madonna went to five different people with the brief: you tell me how you think I live. By chance and luck I put together a very Art Deco vibe using wonderful paintings – Tamara de Lempicka, Francis Bacon – which were all things that she already owned. She was like ‘yeah, you’ve got it.’ Being nosey pays off.” Other notable homes designed by Nicola include Guy Ritchie’s (“very different – very Sherlock-Holmes”), Freddie Ljungberg’s and Naomi Campbell’s, all of whom Nicola charmingly calls her ‘bijou clients’. Bijou indeed, considering the colossal projects Argent Design undertakes for major developers around the world. London is especially busy – Belgravia in particular. Recent projects include a Georgian mansion block resurrected for a Neo-Georgian revival in Covent Garden and a most exciting boutique block of flats on Chelsea Island for the developer, Capital and Counties. “We’re doing the whole thing. I’m taking a very different view on it because I’m sick of seeing newbuilds – I hate them with a passion: white box rooms,” Nicola says, radiant in an emerald green dress, which,

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incidentally, matches a potted plant just behind her chair. Remarkable. “They just look like hotel bedrooms. There’s no feeling, no history. What’s very interesting, and what we’re doing with this new block – which is my new little baby at the moment – is to take a very different view.” When an interior designer tells you she’s taking a ‘very different view’ to your property, a touch of concern may take hold. And it did for the developers of the Chelsea block. “We only had the big presentation two days ago and I thought that I was either going to get fired or they’d clap. I decided to bring a bit of British history into those friggin’

“I am slightly eccentric. I like to think that I appeal in one shape or form to a wide audience” white boxes,” Nicola exclaims, animatedly. “I said, look, you’re in Chelsea, everyone doing new-builds in Chelsea does these white boxes, and it sells. It sells and it’s safe. Why do you want to do that? Overseas buyers want a bit of history, a bit of heritage: let’s have a panelled wall in the drawing-room, for example. Let’s have something that makes it known we’re in England!” Nicola argues, triumphantly. Suffice it to say, the directors agreed. Nicola, quite rightly, takes great pride in her long-standing and successful relationships with her developers. It’s rare that such trust is placed in a designer to go in such an alternative direction. “My developers keep coming back because they always know I’m going to come up with a new show. We want to make a point of being different. Not for the sake of being different but because we want to put something back. I said to them ‘go big or go home’.” Novel, individual touches make Nicola’s house highly original. We hop up from the table and bounce over to the entrance doors of the basement to admire the self-designed handles, Art Deco in style. “If you turned this the other way round, you would see that it is an original Cartier brooch,” Nicola says. Inspiration is drawn from the worlds of antiques, fashion and jewellery – pretty much anything but trade magazines. “They are so over – I hate them. I think they’re wrong for anyone who wants to move forward,” she expounds. I agree. Turn the corner and a bright orange ‘pimped-out WWII bomb’ is sitting upright. “Don’t you think it’s fun?” she asks, smiling. A Banksy hangs on the wall behind, with a staircase of onyx below, sweeping round and up to the hallway. An early 19th-century Venetian mirror expands the smaller space, flanked by two antique lights of the same era, bought from Denton’s on Kensington Church Street (a favourite of Nicola’s). Contemporary and Art Deco pieces

fill the drawing room, the main feature of which is a selfdesigned amethyst fireplace with a Lalique centrepiece. I find myself stroking a stingray-clad AC unit. What a place. Nicola’s home reflects who she is and what she does. Touches of her professional projects are dotted around, a celebration of her inimitable touch. Argent Design’s portfolio, which includes large mansions in Miami (150,000 sq ft of property there alone), a restaurant with a private club room in St Petersburg and an apartment overlooking Lord’s Cricket Ground, has, I note, a distinct style for bold shapes and new art, all placed in harmony with traditional antiques. It’s an exciting and individual concept, and one which works. Nicola brings good taste to where it is most needed, and does so with aplomb. “I am slightly eccentric, I suppose. I like to think that I appeal in one shape or form to a wide audience. I have clients who are in their 20s and others in their 70s. When you’re 70 you don’t want to feel 70; when you’re 20 you don’t want to feel 20. I get it.” argentdesign.co.uk

INTERIORS

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020 7499 7161

GENEU.COM

HEALTH BEAUTY BY OLIVIA SHARPE

Come Rain or Shine Even in springtime with the weather so unpredictable, it can be next to impossible to keep one’s lips looking and feeling hydrated. Thankfully, Estée Lauder has come up with a cure for the dreaded chapped lips with its new Pure Colour Envy Shine Sculpting Lipstick collection featuring a unique modern formula for long-lasting moisture. As well as hydrating properties, the lipsticks also contain multi-faceted colour pigments that give unbeatable colour projection as well as long-lasting shine. Available in a number of different shades, our personal favourite includes the Surreal Sun which gives a warm hue to any complexion. Available from March NEW Pure Colour Envy Shine Sculpting Lipstick, £24 esteelauder.co.uk

Balancing Act Adding to the ever growing list of revolutionary products that have been created to non-surgically reverse signs of ageing is Hourglass’s new, musthave Cosmetics Equilibrium Biomimetic Skin Active Serum. The night-time balancing treatment relies on bio-identical phosphatidylglycerol which, to translate, is an organic compound that has been found to normalise skin cell growth and thereby counteract the visible signs of ageing. Priced at a somewhat hefty £245, we advise you to use it sparingly.

Love is in the Air French actress Clémence Poésy once again stars in the campaign for Chloé’s latest fragrance, Love Story. And with her delicate beauty and grace, we could not imagine a better choice. Directed by Mélanie Laurent, the campaign, which sees Poésy in a beautiful pink, low back dress on a night out in Paris, perfectly captures the subtle romance and elegance of the brand’s new scent, which features floral notes of neroli, orange blossom, jasmine stephanotis and cedar. £47 for 30ml, Chloe Love Story eau de parfum 0800 083 6312

£245, exclusive to Liberty London liberty.co.uk

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Return of the

MAC MAC’s director of make-up artistry Terry Barber talks to Ellen Millard about this season’s trends, working with Grace Jones and the “anti-Kardashian effect” Whether your beauty knowledge is vast or verging on nonexistent, chances are you’ll have heard of that illustrious make-up rule: emphasise your lips or your eyes, but never both. An advocate of minimalism, MAC’s creative director Terry Barber has been championing that very statement since the early 90s. Starting out as a sales assistant at the launch of MAC’s first ever European shop in Harvey Nichols, Barber quickly moved up the ranks, and has now been with the brand for 20 years. During this time he worked on creating a trademark understated look to counter the heavy-duty make-up of the 80s. The result was a clear, fresh complexion. For Terry, less is always more. “People can wear as much makeup as they want, but my advice would be to say ‘you don’t need it’. Simple as that.” With a CV that includes working with the likes of Grace Jones, Sienna Miller and the late Alexander McQueen, it comes as no surprise that Terry’s stripped-back approach to beauty is at the forefront of this season’s key looks. Talking freckles, pastel colours and ‘no make-up’ make-up, Terry lends us his expertise on the S/S15 trends.

HEALTH & BEAUTY

On the most popular looks for S/S15… “Interestingly at MAC we did a trend called ‘no make-up’. The idea was to replace statement or heavy coverage make-up with something that gives the face a mood. For example, we reworked the sun-kissed look by making it a lot cooler and more sophisticated, with freckled faces and golden glowing skin. I think we’ve moved away from wanting to look like you’ve just done a crash-tan in Marbella. There’s this ‘outdoorsiness’ to make-up at the moment; it’s quite healthy and rugged. I think in terms of eye make-up it’s about doing one thing at a time. You could do either an eye shadow, which might be a bit stretched out and quite 70s, or you could go for eyeliner, but very rarely both. I think that’s the modern take now. It’s quite feminine again – we’ve had seasons and seasons of that slightly masculine boyish eyebrow, but now it’s all moved back to the eye, the lash-line and the liner.”

“There’s this ‘outdoorsiness’ to makeup at the moment, it’s quite healthy and rugged”

“Avoid an all-over solid tan and go for a golden bronzer just on the cheeks” On taming the tan… “I tend to dislike trends that dictate that women should look flawless; I find that quite boring. The modern woman is much more aware of being effortless and not too perfected, so avoid super-done foundation and heavy contouring. I think smokey eyes are taking a bit of a back seat in favour of warmer, bronze tones for summer. I’d also opt for a fresh pink or peach lip rather than the beige concealer look. Avoid an all-over solid tan and go for a golden bronzer just on the cheeks. I always recommend having points of your face highlighted, so your complexion resembles that first day of summer when you’ve caught a little bit of sun.”

On grown-up glasto… “For a few seasons now I’ve done shows for Marques’Almeida and we made the girls look like they were returning from Glastonbury. We used chalky pastel colours and finger smudged them under the eyes. This summer is going to be all about the real girl and how she uses colour. I think the popularity of the festival circuit is having a huge influence on everything; think field style rather than street style.”

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On not keeping up with the Kardashians… “I think most of the trends are more accessible at the moment. If you start with a natural looking base as the canvas, you can then add a red lip or a volumising mascara. MAC’s Ruby Woo lipstick is perfect for everyday, because you can wear it with almost no other make-up and it will still make an impact, with minimal effort. There is sometimes a misconception that doing your make-up properly is going to involve hours in front of the mirror, but that’s not the case. It’s much cooler for your make-up to look spontaneous and a bit haphazard. If it’s too perfect it can look slightly dated. I think it’s the anti-Kardashian effect; contouring has had its day – it’s been abused by too many YouTube videos. It’s almost impossible for women to contour anyway; they’re not going to define their faces with 14 shades of concealer. A natural, sun-kissed glow is much more effortless; you don’t have to have a mask on.”

On his favourite shows this season… Ruby Woo lipstick, £15.50

“If it’s too perfect it can look slightly dated”

“I love working with Marques’Almeida because they have a great background story. The founders were grunge kids in the 90s and everything they design evokes their nostalgia for grunge. I also enjoy the shows that I work on in Italy. There’s a new designer called Marco de Vincenzo whom I adore. I sent his models down the catwalk with radiantly dewy eggshell skin. Another of my favourites is Jean-Pierre Braganza – I opted for bold, biker girl eyeliner for that show, which is a look that always makes women feel sexy.”

On the biggest make-up faux pas…

“ I like to tell stories with beauty” On working for MAC… “I started at MAC in 1994, and it’s just like working with a family. I’ve never felt that because I’m working for a brand that I’m not a make-up artist. MAC has given me a very rounded career. I like to tell stories with beauty as well as just doing make-up.”

“A woman should never think she has to put make-up on every single millimetre of her face. It looks more modern when you take things away. It’s good to think in terms of balance; if you do a red lip, keep it simple with subtle eye make-up, but if you opt for a dark pencilled eye, wear almost nothing on your lips. I have always followed Coco Chanel’s advice on accessorising – take off the last thing you put on.”

HEALTH & BEAUTY

On the best beauty advice he’s received… “Val Garland once said to me: ‘sometimes it is your decision as a make-up artist to do nothing’. The eye of the make-up artist has changed – we make less make-up look extremely beautiful. When I worked on a MAC counter in Harvey Nichols in the 90s, people would want to buy so many products, and I spent half the time telling them ‘you don’t need it’.”

“We make less make-up look extremely beautiful”

On his creative influences… “My biggest influences come from great fashion photographers. I find the history of the genre and the figures behind the camera fascinating. Photographers like Helmut Newton, Peter Lindbergh and Corinne Day have made a real impact on aesthetics, sometimes more than the actual designers themselves – apart from Yves Saint Laurent, who’s a bit of a hero of mine.”

On the products we should be buying this season… “MAC’s Prep and Prime Natural Radiance is amazing. I would say a super-volumising mascara like MAC’s In Extreme Dimension mascara is another must-have – coat the top and bottom lashes to achieve a 70s effect. Every woman should own a foundation that’s as sheer as she can possibly get away with. I love our Studio Face and Body foundation because it never fails to make skin look great. A good red lipstick has endless possibilities – you could either layer it on for full-on glamour, or use it as a stain and rub Face and Body Foundation, £21.50 it in with your finger, but wear it on a naturally made-up face. Women should own a brow gel as well, not necessarily to add colour, but to brush your brows up. Grooming your brows makes such a difference to your face.”

Prep + Prime Natural Radiance, £29.50

“I would say a supervolumising mascara like MAC’s In Extreme Dimension mascara is another must-have ”

“My biggest influences come from great fashion photographers” In Extreme Dimension Mascara, £19

On A/W15 trend predictions… On working with his idols… “I’ve had the privilege of working with some legendary women that I’ve loved ever since my youth, in particular, Grace Jones. I remember ending up in a studio shooting a V Magazine cover with her and Jean-Paul Goude and I was literally pinching myself thinking ‘how on earth did I get here’? Posters of their work adorned my bedroom wall as a kid.”

“I think we’ll be keeping the natural skin look. There might be a few new luxury elements, and probably a lot of red lips. Eye make-up will be strong, and we’ll see metallic glosses and more texture. I’m envisaging something quite feminine but with a cool, nonchalant edge. I’m sure they’ll be some unexpected and striking new directions too, but we’ll have to wait and see.” maccosmetics.co.uk

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Kids KINGDOM BY Phoebe McDowell

Off the Deep End It’s rare that you’ll find a childrenswear collection that will incite uncontrollable jealousy among adults but when it comes to Baby Dior’s new S/S15 range, this is exactly what has happened. Taking inspiration from post-war New York fashion, key pieces for spring include darling sunray-pleat dresses and ‘Corolle’ skirts, while the classic Dior ‘New Look’ silhouette has been updated with punchy blocks of colour. The boys’ collection is equally as dapper, comprising crisp white and cobalt blue shirts, tailored shorts and snazzy trainers. Baby Dior, 87-135 Brompton Road, SW1X 7XL dior.com

Little Mayhem If you didn’t already know that there is a four-year-old (yes, four-yearold), fashion blogger who has been enlisted by Crewcuts to help create a whimsical capsule collection, you do now. The teeny bopper first caught our eye when she used paper to recreate red carpet looks for her blog, Fashion By Mayhem. And now, it’s clear that J Crew’s creative director Jenna Lyons was equally as impressed, as the two have partnered together on a nine-piece collection of children’s clothing, available this spring. As the name Little Mayhem suggests, the range is creative, free-spirited and nonchalant. With a fashion repertoire that most of us can only dream of, we are confident that this won’t be the last we hear of this mini fashionista. Little Mayhem, available at jcrew.com

Soft Touch If you have a penchant for cashmere matched with a concern for the environment, Cashmirino is certain to become your new go-to brand for your children’s wardrobe. Created with loving affection and skilled craftsmanship, all garments are spun from the finest natural fibres (cashmere, cotton and linen) sourced from Inner Mongolia. One of our favourite pieces from the new S/S15 line is an A-line dress in Liberty of London fabric with hand-embroidered ruched criss-cross detailing. Cashmirino, 31 Burlington Arcade, W1J 0PY cashmirino.com

March on Moschino Moschino’s S/S15 collection lands on luxury childrenswear website Alex & Alexa this month; the Italian rule-breaker has reinvented its ‘Prehistoric’ S/S15 Moschino Cheap & Chic ready-to-wear collections so expect plenty of leopard spots, zebra stripes and dinosaur spines. While all pieces have an injection of rebellious fun, stand-out separates include the animal print biker jacket and the playful tees featuring dressed up dinosaurs riding skateboards, reminiscent of the legendary ‘Chewits’ adverts. “I like to wear it, wear it.” Available from March alexandalexa.com

Dog-Fashion The strict, thematic approach that Armani Junior has adopted for S/S15 is a welcome move, with both the boys’ and girls’ collections comprising three themes to suit all occasions. While some inspiration has been taken from the adult counterpart, the junior range still maintains a youthful gaiety, featuring floral trims and ties, nautical stripes, polka dot inlays, gingham accents and paisley fabrics. A showstopper from the boys’ range includes a suave striped seersucker jacket, while for girls, it’s got to be the distressed denim shorts and jeans with winsome, bow waist ties. All young Armani fans can complete the look with matching accessories; the colourful straw hats and oh-so-cool panamas are essential for the bright summer months. armani.com/gb/armanijunior

Water Babies Since the successful launch of Stella McCartney Kids back in 2008, it was almost inevitable that the luxury fashion brand would, in due course, embark upon a new venture. Cue the new swimwear collection for S/S15 which, true to form, is effortlessly chic. Playful designs include underwater 3D prints and black cartoon-like sandcastle kingdoms. Particularly cool are the nostalgic, 50s-inspired illustrations of dusty pink Cadillac’s, larger-than-life drive-in signs, pineapples and palm trees. If you’re not yet sold, the built-in +50 UV protection, along with the brand’s continued commitment to sustainability, should do the trick. stellamccartney.com/gb/ kids_section

Dive on in

Start with a Bang With the wealth of children’s literature now available, it’s becoming more and more unlikely that your youngsters have delved into your favourite books growing up. However, a facsimile of Ian Fleming’s classic novel, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang has, since becoming available in January (marking the 50th anniversary of the publication of the final volume), made it a definite possibility. The terrifying figure of the Child Catcher and the eccentricity of Caractacus Potts have been brought to life by the artwork of revered British illustrator John Burningham. There are two versions available, one of which, the Deluxe edition, comes in a grey slipcase accompanied by a portfolio of two prints signed and numbered by Burningham.

Explore the deep, dark depths of the ocean at the Natural History Museum’s newly curated Coral Reefs exhibition. If the interactive spectacle of over 200 specimens of coral, fish and fossil doesn’t spark an insatiable curiosity in your child, then the highdefinition, 180-degree panoramic dive certainly will. Considering there are 500 million people reliant upon coral reefs for their livelihood, and the irrevocable damage inflicted by climate change, pollution and overfishing, it has never been more important to explore and investigate this environmental issue. From 27 March Natural History Museum, Coral Reefs: Secret Cities of the Sea; Adult £10, Child and concession £4.50, Family £24; nhm.ac.uk

The Deluxe edition, £600; queenannepress.com

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To subscribe, please visit rwmg.co.uk/subscribe now * While stock lasts. The limited offer ends on 31 March 2015. Pay for your subscription with your credit/debit card or PayPal account; all transactions are made through PayPal. This price includes taxes, packing & postal charges. The delivery is made by First Class Royal Mail Service and is available in the UK only. If you have any queries regarding Terms & Conditions, your subscription or international deliveries please contact the Runwild Media office on 020 7987 4320, Monday to Friday between 9am to 5.30pm (GMT) or email info@rwmg.co.uk. Registered office and postal address: Runwild Media Group, 6th Floor, One Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5AX

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high life

ChloÉ’s Debut Capitalising on its prime position opposite London’s most exclusive shopping street and the hype surrounding London Fashion Week, the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park has partnered with luxury French fashion house Chloé on an exclusive new package. This comprises a one night’s stay for two in the Knightsbridge Turret Suite with sweeping city views and an à la carte breakfast overlooking Hyde Park; personalised service at the Chloé boutique on Sloane Street, where you can pick up the hotly-anticipated Drew bag from the Spring/Summer 2015 collection; a complimentary bottle of the brand’s new fragrance, Love Story, and lastly, a Chloé-inspired afternoon tea in the enchanting tea room at The Rosebery. Until 9 March: Chloé Debut Package, from £1,568 at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park; mandarinoriental.com

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Travel

THE WORLD BY LIANE NELSON

Out of Africa Overlooking the floodplains of the Moremi Wildlife Reserve, the Belmond Khwai River Lodge is home to a collection of luxury ‘tents’; featuring raised wooden platforms and thatched roofs, they allow you to experience an African safari holiday without having to ‘rough it’. During the day you will be immersed in a world of wildlife with private guided safaris and talks, while in the evenings you can enjoy al fresco dining with views of the reserve and a history of stargazing mythology, before heading back to your tent which is fully equipped with a four-poster bed, bathroom and a stocked mini bar. belmondsafaris.com

A Spanish Getaway If sun, beach, sangria and paella together equals your dream holiday, then head to the newly opened Sant Francesc Hotel Singular and soak up the Mallorcan sun in style. Converted from an old manor house into a charming boutique hotel, the Sant Francesc sits in the shadow of one of Palma’s oldest churches, the Sant Francesc Basilica, in a prime location of the old town. After a day of exploring the city centre, you can cool off with a dip in the rooftop pool or else pamper yourself with a massage at the hotel’s spa. As for dinner, there is no need to venture further than the garden restaurant where you can taste the finest, authentic Mediterranean cuisine. slh.com

Worth a Thousand Words Whether you are a skilled photographer or a rookie, the photography retreat at Amanzoe luxury resort on the Peloponnese in Southern Greece is the perfect location for anyone looking to snap pictures they can treasure for a lifetime. During the trip, you will spend three days exploring the historical region of the peninsula’s ancient ruins and natural beauty, with highlights including a visit to the Sanctuary and Theatre of Asclepius in Epidaurus. Here you will be able to capture street life in the narrow streets and piazzas of the quaint seaside town Nafplio and trek up the volcanic coastline of the Methana peninsula. When you are not playing paparazzi, you can kick back and take in the fantastic views of the olive groves and Aegean Sea at the resort. 24-28 April 2015, from £1,960 per person for a four night package, amanzoe.com

Urban Retreat Nestled in a thriving cultural hotspot of one of Asia’s bustling cities, Raffles Hotels & Resorts brings its newest flagship to Jakarta, offering a haven of calm and, of course, luxury in the vibrant metropolis of Indonesia. Tastefully designed, the hotel pays homage to iconic Indonesian artist Hendra Gunawan whose works bring vibrant colour to the rich and elegant interior. Guests can choose from a variety of dining options, with three bars and three restaurants onsite, covering everything from a three course meal to an afternoon tea or simply an aperitif served poolside. While we do not suggest you spend all of your time in the hotel, you cannot stay at Raffles Jakarta without paying a visit to its lavish spa equipped with treatment and relaxation rooms, as well as a full service beauty salon. Raffles Jakarta is currently accepting reservations for stays beginning 1 March raffles.com

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not just a hotel,

a way of life

VISIT HRHI.COM

Porto Calls Beverley Byrne spends an idyllic few days in the Tuscan countryside at Cala del Porto, soaking up its laidback atmosphere, the Italian sunshine, and some of the finest contents of the local wineries

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olce vita moments don’t get better than this. Viewed from the sun-scorched roof terrace of the ultra-modern Rocca di Frassinello winery in Tuscany, the undulating ribbons of golden vines stretching towards the horizon are mesmerising. Even more seductive is the thought of last year’s harvest, maturing slowly in barrels in the dark, amphitheatrical cellar beneath my feet. This sleek repository of fine Tuscan vintages, designed by legendary architect Renzo Piano, may look more like a contemporary art gallery than a winery but that’s exactly the point. According to our guide and wine expert, Magdi Lamci, Rocca di Frassinello wines are the result of a radical concept combining aesthetics and revolutionary production processes. “The six labels produced here represent a unique collaboration between ingenuity and excellence”, says Magdi, before adding the magic words, “come, let’s taste some wine”. Not surprisingly, the wine tasting experience at Rocca di Frassinello is as fashionably chic as the surroundings. Even the slender, stainless steel spittoon drawers are things of beauty, discretely concealed within the vast, frosted glass

Only 3,000 bottles of the Baffonero are produced each year conference table, laden with crystal glasses. Moving from the reasonably priced (and delicious) entry level Poggio alla Guardia through to the fat, fruity Super Tuscan Rocca di Frassinello, aged for ten months in those oak barrels, we arrive at the exquisite grand finale. Only 3,000 bottles of the Baffonero (moustache) made from 100 per cent merlot are produced each year so for around 140 euros a bottle, it’s definitely something to take home for a special celebration. This visit to Rocca di Frasinello in the ravishing Grosseto region of Tuscany is just one of the bespoke tours arranged by my hotel, the Cala del Porto in Punta Ala. Just two hours from the cultural blockbusters of Pisa, Siena and Florence, the Hotel Cala Del Porto showcases Tuscany’s laidback alter ego. Situated on the beautiful Maremma coast with the island of Elba on the horizon, this Relais & Chateaux Baglioni hotel combines sophisticated luxury with impeccable service and cinematic vistas. Beyond the cypress-shaded pool and colourful gardens, the panorama embraces a glittering bay and the fashionable Marina di Punta Ala which inspires the retro-style marine theme, distinguishing each of the

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37 recently restyled rooms and suites. Classic Tuscan cuisine elevated to gourmet standard is served with élan at the Belvedere restaurant and La Spiaggia, set beside the hotel’s private beach. A complementary shuttle service transports guests from hotel to beach where La Vela Club is the latest addition to the hotel’s raft of attractions. This exclusive beachside complex comprises an elegant rooftop restaurant and bars, plus fitness centre and spa. With this contemporary contrast to the hotel’s sumptuous traditional style, La Vela completes the Cala del Porto’s portfolio of timeless glamour. Difficult as it is to extricate myself from the hotel’s infinite allure, there is much to explore in this glorious region of Tuscany. The countryside features many ancient, atmospheric villages often dominated by impressive churches outside which children play and elderly women, dressed in black, walk tiny dogs. Massa Marittima is one such village and it is home to our guide, Magdi. Together with his wife Monica, Magdi runs Enoteca Il Bacchino, a boutique delicatessen specialising in regional produce and over lunch, I sample his knowledgeable wine recommendations, precisely chosen

With the marina so close to the hotel, water sports and sailing trips are a breeze to complement Monica’s culinary skills. The result is a simple but dazzling display of gastronomic excellence. Fortunately, there is plenty to combat an expanding waistline. The hotel can arrange countless activities, from horse riding at sunset across the blonde beaches to golf, hiking or mountain biking through the wild interior. Naturally, with the marina so close to the hotel, water sports and sailing trips are a breeze. Legend has it that the Venus of the Tyrrhenian sea let slip seven pearls from her necklace as she emerged from the sea to “embrace the sunset”. These pearls then transformed themselves into the islands of the Tuscan Archipelago; Elba is the largest of these ‘seven sisters’ islands and a must-visit, either by chartered yacht or ferry which runs regularly from Piombino, an hour’s drive from the hotel. If, like me, you’re keen to get beneath the water as well as on it, the island of Giglio is a diving and snorkelling paradise, despite being the site of the tragic Costa Concordia disaster; not even this can detract from Giglio’s natural beauty and the surrounding waters. The reefs and coral beds around the island are the last resting places for ships and archaeological relics which create a divers’ paradise but you don’t have to be a dive expert to appreciate the aquatic wonders: simply stick your head

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below the surface of the water and you’ll see an array of beautifully coloured fish abounding in the shallow reefs. A visit to the Calidario thermal baths near the coast at Venturina is another must for water babies. Here the small lake fed by hot water springs echoes back to the time when Etruscans and Romans enjoyed baths and massages in this charming setting. At the centre of the Calidario estate an ancient Tuscan villa has been converted to accommodate the restaurant and ‘Thermarium’ – an indoor structure comprising steam baths, saunas and a Roman mosaic pool plus modern aromatherapy and chromatherapy showers. Massages are available, in addition to special treatments designed to energise, revitalise and relax the mind and body. With such life-enhancing experiences almost on one’s doorstep, the Cala del Porto makes discovering the alternative to Chianti-shire simple. Tuscany may be the

traditional destination of choice for hedonists but the real dolce vita begins at the Cala del Porto.

more information Four nights at Cala del Porto with Wexas Travel (wexas.com/caladelporto; 020 7838 5892) available from £830 per person including breakfast, return flights to Pisa and four days’ car hire (price is based on ‘stay four nights, pay for three’ offer which is valid from 18 April – 29 May and 14-28 September 2015). Other dates are available on request but may incur a supplement (baglionihotels.com/caladelporto)

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Charmed by

Chennai

Beyond India’s bustling city of colourful rickshaws and saree markets, is the tranquil haven of The Leela Palace. Hannah Lemon finds it hard to leave this lap of luxury

Chennai, formerly Madras, has often struggled to gain recognition alongside its more successful and populous cousins Delhi and Mumbai. But on arrival, I can soon see the attraction of Tamil Nadu’s capital. Nothing compares to the city’s colour and vibrancy; the luminous materials of sarees flash up and down the streets and even the lorries’ petrol tanks are jollied up with illustrations in bright, primary yellow, blue and red paints. The city has evolved over the last few years into a buzzing metropolis with the help of booming car industries; BMW, Ford and Renault-Nissan are just a few who have production plants in the area. It is also the happy home of the largest information technology park in Asia. The surrounding areas may be a culture shock to some; whether alone or with a guide, Westerners receive constant hassling for spare rupees. But there is never a shortage of friendly smiling faces too. A short 20-minute drive from the airport and I feel like I have experienced all of this. Getting around during rush hour can be a mission (hour-long traffic jams are notorious) and when the roads are clear there are a few reckless drivers to spice a journey up, so I am relieved to find that the hotel has provided a chauffeur for the duration of my stay. As well as people crowding the motorways (I learn that you can fit at least four people

on the back of a small motorbike), there are a few stray cows, also known as “brake inspectors,” the friendly driver explains to me as he slams his foot down. When I arrive at The Leela Palace, tucked away from the hustle and bustle, I am soothed by the enchanting Indian finesse and tradition. After a welcome introduction with a garland of flowers and a red bindi pressed on my forehead by staff at reception, I am shown to my room, one of 326 at the hotel. There is a spacious bathroom and dressing room with mood lighting and sound system throughout – just so you don’t miss any television commentary while you pop to the loo – and all the usual extras you would expect (Wi-Fi, laptop sockets and refreshments). The view from my window is stunning and despite the heavy rain of the monsoon season (October– December) I can still see the cool cobalt colour of the Bay of Bengal and the tiny footprints of a fisherman making his way across the shore to deeper waters. After travelling just over 11 hours on the plane to get here, I don’t feel particularly energised and decide to stay in the hotel for the majority of my first day in India. I am delighted to discover that the 11-storey hotel is equipped for my every need. At one end, there is the quiet and calm of the art gallery (paintings by up-and-coming Indian artists feature widely across the interior), restaurants,

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the spa, swimming pool, hairdressers and gym, all priding themselves on the latest technologies. On the other side, the hotel caters for just about any event. When I am shown around, there is preparation for a wedding underway, with rows of tables in the Grand Ballroom ready to serve up to 1,500 guests. People mill around with decorations and lights and a troupe of dancers practise a routine on a large stage at the back. There are also secluded boardrooms for business meetings and an office area for those wanting a quiet place to retreat for private business calls. Vivid oranges and reds form a delightful decor in the foyers and fresh flowers stand in polished silver bowls (I can see my reflection clearer in the hotel’s vase than in my mirror at home). The spacious marble rooms, embellished with mother of pearl and gold leaf, are a signature style of Chettinad architecture. Decorative Hindu elements illustrate the design too; a long rectangular fountain at the building's entrance is surrounded by a sculpture of the Tree of Life made of lapis lazuli. There are also statues of the pot-bellied Hindu deity Ganesha, distinguished by his elephant head. The concierge service is the best I have experienced (and are ever likely to). Cheery staff are at my beck and call for everything. It takes some getting used to; at one point during a meal I lift a hand to refill my glass but am hurriedly surrounded by waiters who apologise profusely for leaving it empty, so I decide it’s best not to try anything like that again. I unsurprisingly and rather easily settle into the rhythm of it. In the spa there is an attendant waiting

with a towel, slippers and dressing gown prepped for me and while I get changed they even tumble dry my bikini for the journey back to my room. With this tailored service comes the need to tip; I suggest leaving a wodge of notes at the end of your stay. It’s up to your discretion how much you leave but do bear in mind that the average wage in Chennai is only about £2 a day. If you manage to tear yourself away from the hotel, the temples are the main must-see attractions. The Kapaleeswarar Temple is close by in Mylapore or you can visit a collection of temples in Kanchipuram, one of

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the seven sacred cities of Hinduism, which involves a two-hour drive. Be prepared to get stuck in; I take my shoes off (a mark of respect), feel the grit underneath my feet and wander round the temples learning stories about the formidable Lord Shiva and his sons Ganesha and Kartikeya from a guide (I would definitely be lost without one). I am not allowed into the individual shrines but can peek in and watch as people queue to be blessed by monks. The kanchi Kailasanathar temple and the gaudy Ekambareswarar temple are the highlights; at the latter, any women unlucky in love can get blessed at the mango tree with the promise of a happy marriage. While in Kanchipuram, definitely pay a visit to a saree workshop. I visit three old men who work handlooms to put together the most intricate sarees; it takes up to two months to make a wedding saree and they weave in real gold threads. There is also a shop next door to provide the finished product. On the way back, a drive by the Marina beach is a

Dine at Spectra for tastes from the Middle East, Thailand, Italy and Japan must; it claims to be the world’s eleventh longest beach and is a place where locals congregate, talk to friends, stop for a nap and play football. The fish market here is a fascinating if somewhat pongy experience; locals sell the catch of the day on makeshift benches, while others make a living on the other side of the road which is scattered with little huts and benches made of rubbish. Despite the seeming affluence of the surrounding hotels, there is still a long path out of poverty for a large part of the population. For another outing, glimpse into the historical past of the city with a visit to the British settlement at Fort St George. There are a selection of galleries, museums and churches that illustrate their time here. Stop in at the spice

shops and mini supermarkets to stock up on dried fruits, spices and nuts. I take this as an opportunity to buy large amounts of saffron, a pinch of the price than it is at home. While there you can also take a peak into the gold and silver jewellery shops, which offer affordable but excellent quality traditional items. Back at the hotel, you can reenergise with an array of cuisines. I witness the tandoor chefs in action in the Indian restaurant Jamavar and am soon ordering a plethora of uniquely seasoned dishes. Tiger prawns are freshly marinated in lemon juice and cardamom and roasted in a tandoor and the lamb is cooked tenderly on the bone with exotic herbs and spices. And while you may be in India, there is food from every other continent available. Dine at Spectra for tastes from the Middle East, Thailand, Italy and Japan, or the restaurant China XO for a feast of noodles and crispy Peking duck. All are expertly prepared by specialist chefs from each nation. When it is time to leave the hotel and all the opulence that comes with it, I am most upset about being parted from the people who have made me feel so exceptionally at ease. Time spent relaxing by the pool, consuming far too much food and enjoying all the facilities of the Leela Palace exceeded all my expectations. As my plane touches back down in London, I wonder how on earth I am meant to adjust back to normal life.

MORE INFORMATION The Leela Palace Chennai offers rates in a Deluxe Room from £100 per night including breakfast; theleela.com, 0800 026 1111 British Airways operates a service from London Heathrow to Chennai from £549 return. britishairways.com/en-gb/destinations/chennai 0844 4930 787

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CITY BREAK

Stockholm

Style

Sweden is famed for flat-pack furniture, ABBA and, of course, meatballs. But on a trip to the country’s capital, Kate Vandy discovers a city brimming with gastronomic delights As far as beautiful cities go, Stockholm must surely be near the top of the pile. Situated on the Baltic Sea, it is made up of 14 islands and in every direction is a vision of grand, terracotta-coloured buildings, bordered by clear blue waterways and the green of the city’s many natural spaces. Nestled in the central Norrmhalm district is my first port of call; the Miss Clara Hotel is part of the Design Hotels group, which sets expectations understandably high. But fortunately I wasn’t disappointed. One of the city’s most recent openings, the hotel oozes a super-stylish Nordic vibe. It was a girls’ school when it opened in 1910 and its magnificent art nouveau features have been retained throughout its 92 rooms. After a quick check-in, I head straight for my simple yet sleek suite, adorned in soft Scandinavian fabrics and retro fittings, before enjoying a leisurely street-side drink at Miss Clara’s bar. Make your way across Sveavägen (one of the main streets in Stockholm upon which Miss Clara is conveniently situated) to collect one of the city bikes. If the weather is behaving itself, cycling or walking is the best way to explore Stockholm’s safe and compact streets. The sun is fortunately shining as I take to the road and follow it through Gamla Stan (the Old Town), passing the gorgeous 18th century Stockholm Palace and Nobel Museum as I make my way towards my favourite part of Stockholm; Djurgården Island. It’s a picture-perfect scenic ride with the water in one direction and leafy green trees in the other. Pleasingly, it’s a cycle-only path for nearly the entire 20-minute ride. I cycle past the ABBA Museum, the Vasa Museum and Skansen as I head towards the island’s real highlight – Rosendals Trädgård and Café. It’s like something out of a dream; colourful meadows of wild flowers sprawl, gardeners work away in fields picking berries and tending to vegetable patches and in the centre of this working garden is an enormous glass greenhouse serving the most deliciously healthy food. The café uses organic and

biodynamic ingredients that all come from the garden that surrounds it. The pastries and bread are made on site too. It’s a clear and bright day, and I enjoy tomato and chilli soup, homemade sourdough bread, followed by a cinnamon bun and coffee. From Rosendals, I ride down to the island’s ferry port and return my bike to one of the stands; for novices, the Stockholm City Bike is much like the Boris bike, except it’s lighter and much easier to ride. I catch a ferry across to Södermalm Island and spend the afternoon exploring the gems at Fotografiska – Stockholm’s wonderful photography museum – until it’s time to return for a restorative sauna and supper at Miss Clara’s Gastrologik restaurant. When I find the entrance (harder than expected), I enter an understated yet beautifully stylish room. Most tables at Gastrologik are communal but you can request

One of the city’s most recent openings, Miss Clara Hotel oozes a stylish Nordic vibe a table on your own if you so wish. I am welcomed in and seated next to a lovely Swedish couple visiting their daughters for the weekend, before the head chef, Jacob Holmström, comes to greet us and provides us with our first course. There is no menu at Gastrologik; besides any food allergies and specific requirements, the chef will serve you the best food on offer and in season that day. The menu is given to you after the meal, which results in surprise after surprise while dining. Each and every course is exquisite and definitely takes the top spot in terms of favourite dining experiences to date. Some of the highlights are the lovage soup, an enormous scallop, a quail’s egg marinated in homemade pea soy sauce, fallow deer with polypore mushroom, kale and lingonberries,

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Photography: EQRoy / Shutterstock.com

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and who could forget the spruce ice cream? Despite the quantity served at this exceptional supper, I still find space to devour a Miss Clara breakfast the following day. The organic Scandinavian spread features own-recipe sausages, waffles, homemade breads, gluten-free cakes and homemade granola and jam. I soon realise that another energy-burning, exploration-focussed cycle is definitely in order so I bike through the endlessly pretty Gamla Stan and across to Södermalm. No time should be spent here without a fix from Drop Coffee – ‘fika’ is the Swedish word for a coffee break and it’s an important part of the day – so this was my first pit stop, followed by some shopping in the area’s amazing high-end, second-hand store, Acne and Marimekko, for some typical Scandi treats. Head to Nytgortek 9 for a fortifying lunch, undoubtedly one of the trendiest casual eateries in town and definitely the best place to people-watch. I go traditional and opt for meatballs, mashed potato and lingonberries, followed by the Swedish cheesecake Ostkaka, which bears very little resemblance to the New York kind. A brisk walk back to Miss Clara is the only way to prepare for a much-anticipated supper at Mathias Dahlgren’s Matsalen, the most well-known Michelin star restaurant in town. Upon arrival I’m ushered to the chef’s table and in fact, each and every diner is taken to their seat via the kitchen, which does a great job of destroying any image diners might have of a restaurant kitchen being a place of stress and shouting. I dine on charcoal-baked king crab with horseradish emulsion, smoked sour cream with caviar, and dried raspberries with fresh berries and vanilla ice cream. We finish with fika after dessert – coffee and simple but magnificent chocolate cake with cream. By this point I start to wonder how much fika one woman can take. It is with a heavy heart (and full stomach) that I say farewell to Stockholm the next day but I’m off to Malmo next, at the country’s southern tip, and have high hopes. A double room at Miss Clara starts from £130 per night (room only); missclarahotel.com For more information: visitsweden.com

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2014/15 CoolBrands.uk.com

1936 Bière Brewed by the Locher family at the foot of the Swiss Alps using only the purest water, 1936 Bière has a unique, fresh and ultra clean taste.

The water used to brew 1936 Bière filters through the Swiss Alps, taking up to 25 years to reach the source. This unique water is combined with raw ingredients – Swiss hops and golden barley grown at high altitude on the mountains – to create a beer totally free from artificial preservatives or additives. Long famous for its innovative prowess in the development of new beers, the 1936 Bière brewery also leads in the field of climate protection.

B REWED

S WIT Z ERLA ND

1936biere.com #1936biere icerinkcanarywharf.co.uk 1936biere.com

Advert.indd 7

28/10/2014 14:02

& DINING

DRINKING

BY liane nelson

A Healthy Fix

Sunday Best There are few pleasures in life more enjoyable than Sunday brunch. Indeed, there is nothing quite like the prospect of an indulgent midday feast and a stiffening Bloody Mary to help wash away one’s Sunday blues (often the result of Saturday night’s antics). Once considered a strictly New York tradition, brunch has slowly made its way across the pond over the past few years and if you’re searching for a truly authentic experience, look no further than American chef Dean Yasharian’s offering at Bar Boulud, which launched this year. The trendy outpost of renowned chef Daniel Boulud’s New York flagship is located in the basement of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. The three-course menu begins with an aperitif of either fruit or vegetable juices, as well as an alcoholic option for those committed to hair of the dog. This is followed by a beautifully prepared buffet of charcuterie, pastries and a choice of salads. Famished diners are welcome to continue replenishing their plates or else move on to the second course. Served à la carte, you cannot go wrong with the baked egg brioche; the soft, sweet bread, topped with a perfectly cooked poached egg and complemented with either salty smoked salmon, ham or spinach, is a truly mouth-watering experience. Alternatively, for those of you who prefer something more akin to lunch, the confit duck served with a poached egg and hash browns or the roasted prawns with garlic and parsley are both equally delicious. And of course, it wouldn’t be staying true to the restaurant’s reputation if there wasn’t a burger option. Chef Yasharian has adapted Bar Boulud’s finger-licking, signature dish into a brunch-appropriate version: a succulent grilled beef patty with streaky bacon, Cheddar cheese and finished off with a fried egg. Finally, those who have room for dessert can enjoy a choice of either the trifle, brownie or freshly-made waffle. I don’t know about you but Sunday just became my favourite day of the week. Olivia Sharpe

Based on its founders’ ‘healthy 6’ ingredients philosophy, authentic family-run Japanese restaurant Tombo’s menu is therefore ideal for the figureconscious diner. With core ingredients consisting of seaweed, miso, tofu, multigrain rice, sesame seeds and green tea or its more concentrated version of matcha powder, you can enjoy a meal without having to count the calories. If you’re having trouble deciding what to have, why not opt for the ‘make your own bento box’ and have a taste of everything, from miso-marinated salmon to tofu or sashimi? Don’t also forget to try Tombo’s unique selection of Japanese green tea and matcha, known for their health benefits and metabolism boosting properties, and with desserts such as the matcha gateau on offer, you can most certainly have your cake and eat it too. Tombo, 29 Thurloe Place, SW7 2HQ tombodeliandcafe.com

Sunday Brunch, 11am – 3.30pm; £39 per person Bar Boulud at Mandarin Oriental, barboulud.com

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& DINING

DRINKING Macaron Day

Now in its third year running in the UK, 20 March will see the pastry industry once again pay homage to the glorious macaron. A total of 62 pastry chefs in France and abroad will participate in this initiative, which has been instigated by celebrated chef Pierre Hermé and members of the Relais Desserts. All those involved will be unleashing a mélange of new flavours and recipes and proceeds made on the day will go towards the Cystic Fibrosis Trust to help fund ground-breaking research; all the more reason to satisfy your sweet tooth, totally guilt free.

A Taste of the Middle East

20 March at participating locations pierreherme.com

Centred on easy and relaxed café food, Comptoir Libanais offers the bold flavours of Middle Eastern cuisine in a colourful and vibrant setting. With founder Tony Kitous’s vision being to make Lebanese food as popular as Italian, we would say he’s definitely on the right path, with ten branches now located across London. Specialities include a range of mouth-watering tagines, such as baked aubergine in a rich tomato and chickpea sauce, lamb kofta with succulent tomato, carrots, peppers and courgettes garnished with mint yoghurt and let’s not forget the delicious falafel wrap smothered in a divine tahini sauce. Lebanese pastries paired with a pot of fresh rose mint tea are also served. Comptoir Libanais, Duke of York Square SW3 4LY; lecomptoir.co.uk

Flaming Good

The Key to Success The Cross Keys is set to reopen its doors in mid-February following a complete refurbishment. Featuring an extensive range of real ales, along with upscale pub fare reaching above and beyond the traditional fish and chips (think roast wild duck with foie gras pastille, lamb pot au feu and a Jerusalem artichoke and truffle lasagne) it’s little wonder this 300 year-old establishment has seen the likes of Dylan Thomas, Bob Marley and The Rolling Stones pass through its doors. The Cross Keys, 1 Lawrence Street, SW3 5NB thecrosskeyschelsea.co.uk

Located in the heart of South Kensington, Galante bar evokes the dazzling cocktail era of Buenos Aires; think Santiago Policastro, the most distinguished bartender in Argentine history, with a splash of Hollywood glitz. Signature cocktails include the Galante, comprising rum dry vermouth, cherry brandy and Kirsch, and the Cha-Cha-Cha, boasting a smooth blend of gin, apricot brandy and fresh peach topped with champagne. If you’re feeling particularly daring, the aptly-named Del Inferno is a must-try: a truly fiery combination of vodka, kirsch, dry vermouth and maraschino liquor finished with a rum-soaked flaming twist of lemon. Hot stuff. Galante, 87 Sloane Avenue, SW3 3DX bargalante.com

W11

A Royal Affair

Located within the stunning grounds of Kensington Palace, The Orangery is the ideal place to go for a decadent breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea. The stunning 18th century interior provides the perfect backdrop for the restaurant’s quintessential English dishes, which include potted Hereford rabbit leg and Devon guinea fowl breast paired with roasted garlic, baby carrots, black cabbage and truffle jus. To start the morning right, try the full English breakfast complete with streaky bacon, field mushrooms, vine tomatoes, Cumberland sausages, black pudding and scrambled free-range eggs. Following this stomach-bursting affair, you can walk off your food coma in the lovely surrounding gardens. The Orangery, Kensington Palace W8 4PX orangerykensingtonpalace.co.uk

All About That Style New kid on the block Zinnia is a must-try for swanky diners who appreciate excellent food and drink in a buzzing atmosphere. Focusing on Japanese fusion, this restaurant and lounge serves up an eclectic mix of sushi, small bites (such as Szechuan glazed pork belly and confit duck onigiri), as well as larger dishes of lamb cutlets with grilled aubergine and miso mustard and aged sirloin tataki. If you’re with friends, make sure to pay a visit to the lounge where you can enjoy a range of signature cocktails such as a wasabi martini or a glass of classic sake. Zinnia, 86 Fulham Road, SW3 6HR zinnia-restaurant.co.uk

Tuck In The Tommy Tucker is by no means your average pub. Recently opened, its delectable menu is the work of chef Claude Compton, who has successfully bridged the gap between the simplicity of street food and the elegance of fine dining. This Fulham-based gastro pub showcases a hearty menu of beef fillet, wood pigeon, smoked beef short-rib and chargrilled lamb, with reinvented classic sides of sweet potato mash and chicory chop salad. It also boasts an adventurous selection of wine, beer and spirits, including homeinfused gins and bourbons, not to mention its own conditioned wine cellar for aficionados to store and sell their own wine. Now that’s what we call a proper pub. The Tommy Tucker, 22 Waterford Road, SW6 2DR thetommytucker.com

A Classic Never Dies Harrods now has a total of 25 restaurants and cafés but arguably its most famous remains the Georgian restaurant, first opened in 1913. Last year saw it undergo an extensive refurbishment courtesy of renowned interior designer Christopher Guy; taking inspiration from the 1920s and 30s, the elegant decor features sumptuous dining chairs, intimate curved booths and statement chandeliers. And you can be sure that the food is just as decadent and opulent as the interior. While also serving lunch, its claim to fame lies in its exquisite afternoon tea. There are various options available but we heartily recommend the Champagne Afternoon Tea; along with a complimentary glass of rose champagne, it serves all the classics such as freshly baked scones with clotted cream, delicate finger sandwiches and fresh strawberries, along with a few surprises, such as a prawn cocktail salad and a delightful mini trifle served in a jam jar. We defy any of you to finish all of that, but fortunately you do not have to feel ashamed asking for a doggie bag, as your charming waiter will be sure to offer you one at the end of your meal. Champagne Afternoon Tea, £49.50 per person The Georgian Restaurant at Harrods, Brompton Road

117

Photography: Dave Benett

Tinie Tempah and Tinchy Stryder

Tinie Tempah

Harriet Verney

Chris Robshaw and Camilla Kerslake

Sean Frank

Max Roger

Model

Jess Plummer

Model

Lara Mullen

Model

Bip Ling, Lee and Mikey Trapstar, and Harif Guzman

Model

Will, Lee and Mikey Trapstar

Model

LONDON LIVING Photography: Getty Images

Picture Perfect WHAT: Christian Lacroix, SUPA Model Management and Grey Goose London Collections: Men cocktail party WHEN: 12 January WHERE: Mondrian London, South Bank WHO: Robert Cavalli, Hum Fleming, Rosie Fortescue, Alistair Guy, Anders Hayward, Mark-Francis Vandelli and Sacha Walckhoff WHY: Christian Lacroix combined forces with SUPA Model Management to host a suave cocktail party in Mondrian London’s Rumpus Room, which, having only opened last year, has already become one of the top venues for the most exclusive events. The stylish crowd, which included Lacroix’s latest muse, the beautiful Anders Hayward, took in the stunning city view while sipping on Grey Goose’s signature Crystal Lyan cocktail. However, it wasn't long before this was overshadowed by the photographs of Hayward himself which were displayed for the first time on the night. And with GQ fashion editor Gary Armstrong and Rizzle Kicks’ Jordan Stephens both on the decks, you can be sure that no one left the party early.

Rosie Fortescue and Hum Fleming

Robert Cavalli and Mark-Francis Vandelli

Jack Fox and Billie JD Porter

Alistair Guy and Betty Bachz

Charlie Casely-Hayford and guest

Charley Palmer Rothwell and Jordan Stephens

Fall into the Trap WHAT: Harvey Nichols presents Haculla x Trapstar Redline at London Collections: Men WHEN: 10 January WHO: Sean Frank, Bip Ling, Lara Mullen, Jess Plummer and Tinchy Stryder WHY: Giving us yet another example of the wonders that can happen when the worlds of art and fashion collide was the new fashion collection courtesy of New York based artist Harif Guzman and British cult streetwear label Trapstar; Haculla X Trapstar Redline. To mark the successful collaboration, Knightsbridge department store Harvey Nichols hosted a gothic-themed launch party at The College, the former site of Central Saint Martins. The 12-piece capsule collection was showcased live as guests downed Chivas Regal Whisky sours, while model and blogger Bip Ling DJ'd.

Robert Newmark and Gillian Anderson Price

West is the Best WHAT: West Thirty Six restaurant launch WHEN: 29 January WHERE: 36 Golbourne Road, W10 WHO: Olympia Campbell, Gemma Chan, Quentin Jones, Chelsea Leyland, Jack Whitehall and Jo Wood WHY: Hurrah! The director of Beach Blanket Babylon has brought West London another buzzy joint, and this time, the members' club-style establishment is an all-day affair. To celebrate, the new venue – which we predict will become a permanent feature on the local residents’ repertoires – threw a launch party attended by the great and the good. Guests were so much enjoying the rotisserie chicken on offer, which was being washed down with Collins’ cocktails, that they almost failed to notice Chelsea Leyland on the decks, until a few people hit the dancefloor and the party really took off.

Sarah Ann Macklin and Chelsea Leyland Gemma Chan and Jack Whitehall

Brix Smith-Start

Jo Wood

Diana Vickers and George Craig

119

Photography: Justin Goff/GoffPhotos.com Dina Marchand, Sebastien Legrand and Laurence Berman

Jessica Bridges, Ben Street and Piffa Schroder

The Bed, the Bricks and the Shark WHAT: London Art Studies Evening Class launch WHEN: 20 January WHERE: Bulgari Hotel, Knightsbridge WHO: Kate Gordon, Sanchia Grimaldi, Andy Harrison, Nathalie Hambro, Liz Hoggard and Piffa Schroder WHY: The Royal Borough’s art buffs and aficionados alike were in tow at London Art Studies (LAS) evening class launch at the Bulgari Hotel, a series founded by LAS’s founder Kate Gordon. An inaugural lecture entitled ‘The Bed, the Bricks and the Shark’ was given, followed by a thought-provoking look into controversial and iconic British art works of late, courtesy of art historian Ben Street. Guests throughout the night were treated to a delectable selection of canapés and wine at the Bulgari Hotel - what better a location to immerse oneself in contemporary art and design?

Sanchia Grimaldi and Kate Gordon

Ben Street and Sara Jensen

Inga Krymskaya and Kate Gordon

Sebastien Legrand, Kate Gordon, Sylvain Ercoli and Ben Street

Isabella Maidment, William Skeaping, Helen O’Neil and Jo Miller

Sue Peart and Margo Marrone

Nicholas Foulkes, Jennica Arazi, Prince Hubertus von Hohenlohe and Count Rudi von Schönburg Prince Hubertus von Hohenlohe and Rolf Sachs

Count Rudi von Schönburg and Ann Sadler Giovanni Corrado and Veronica Shamoon

Tia Graham and Susanna Abu Zalaf

Hitting the Mark WHAT: Jimmy Choo & Esquire London Collection: Men launch party WHEN: 10 January WHERE: Mark's Club, Mayfair WHO: David Gandy, Tinie Tempah, Aluna Francis, Miles Kane, Robert Konjic and Dermot O’Leary WHY: Kicking off the hotly-anticipated London Collections: Men once again was the exclusive party co-hosted by Jimmy Choo’s creative director and this month’s K&C interviewee Sandra Choi, along with Esquire editor Alex Bilmes. The art of drinking was taken very seriously with an extensive cocktail list from Haig Club and Ciroc, and dotted around Mayfair’s Mark's Club were an array of familiar faces from the world of fashion. Daisy Lowe unashamedly hit the dance floor solo in support of her DJ chum Nick Grimshaw, before The Kills frontman and Kate Moss’s husband Jamie Hince stole the spotlight with his performance on the decks.

Open Book WHAT: Marbella Club Book Launch WHEN: 15 January WHERE: The Connaught, Mayfair WHO: Nicholas Foulkes, Prince Hubertus von Hohenlohe, Jennica Arazi and Count Rudi von Schönburg WHY: The crowd at The Connaught certainly seemed to emulate the glamour and panache of those who once frequented The Marbella Club in the 60s. Members of the media joined guests from the upper echelons of society, including Spanish royals and aristocrats, to celebrate the launch of Nicholas Foulkes’ new book focusing on the legendary resort. Reminiscent of the effortlessly refined evenings at The Marbella Club, guests enjoyed Spanish truffle croquettas and tuna tartare-stuffed pimientos del piquillo, along with the traditional vodka-based drink, Sau-Sau. Unsurprisingly popular was the Iberico ham and Manchego cheese station. The decadent feast was followed by a speech from Foulkes, who explained the hotel’s past and the book’s conception. Muy bien.

LONDON LIVING Photography: Nick Harvey/Jimmy Choo Sandra Choi, Alex Bilmes and Pierre Denis

David Gandy

Dermot O'Leary

Sandra Choi and Caroline Flack

Lara Mullen and Harriet Verney

Daisy Lowe, Pierre Denis, Sandra Choi, Alex Bilmes and Nick Grimshaw Pierre Denis, Daniel Br端hl and Sandra Choi

Daisy Lowe and Jack Guinness

Nick Grimshaw

Dougie Poynter

Jamie Hince and Sandra Choi

Alex Bilmes, Tinie Tempah and Sandra Choi

121

The Concierge What is it you require, sir? How may I help, madam? The Concierge is here to help with every need, whim or wish, however great or small Apparel

Katharine Pooley

Hydrohealing Spa

Bibendum

Repairs & Cleaning

160 Walton Street, SW3 2JL 020 7584 3223 katharinepooley.co.uk

216a Kensington Park Rd, W11 1NR 020 7727 2570 hydrohealing.com

81 Fulham Road, SW3 6RD 020 7581 5817 bibendum.co.uk

Jeeves of Belgravia 123 Fulham Road, SW3 6RT 020 7589 9229 jeevesofbelgravia.co.uk

Sloane Tailors & Dry Cleaners 69 Lower Sloane Street SW1W 8DA 020 7824 8644 sloanetailorsanddrycleaners.co.uk

Precious Pieces Jewellery Valuation & repair

Bourbon Hanby 151 Sydney Street, SW3 6NT 020 7352 2106 bourbonhanby.com

Hawkes and Son 50-52 Walton Street, SW3 1RB 020 7589 2523 hawkesandson.com Watch Repair

Ligne Roset

Strip Wax Bar

Le Café Anglais

23/25 Mortimer Street, W1T 3JE 020 7323 1248 ligne-roset.co.uk

112 Talbot Road, W11 1JR 020 7727 2754 stripwaxbar.com

8 Porchester Gardens, W2 4DB 020 7221 1415 lecafeanglais.co.uk

OKA

Urban Retreat at Harrods

Chelsea Brasserie

103 Lancaster Road, W11 1QN 020 7792 1425 okadirect.com

87-135 Brompton Road, SW1X 7XL 020 7893 8333 urbanretreat.co.uk

7-12 Sloane Square, SW1W 8EG 020 7881 5999 chelsea-brasserie.co.uk

Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic Couture

Medical & Dental Services

The Cow

202 Kensington Park Road W11 1NR, 020 7792 9022 rachelashwellshabbychiccouture.com

Cadogan Street Dental Office

89 Westbourne Park Road, W2 5QH 020 7221 0021 thecowlondon.co.uk

Sub-Zero & Wolf

Chelsea Consulting Rooms

251 Brompton Rd, SW3 2EP 0845 250 0010 subzero-wolf.co.uk

2 Lower Sloane Street, SW1W 8BJ 020 7763 9100 chelseaconsultingrooms.com

Pampering & Wellbeing

Medicare Français

Electric House

Hairdressers

Cartier 143-144 Sloane Street, SW1X 9BL 020 7312 6930 cartier.co.uk

The Watch Gallery 129 Fulham Road, SW3 6RT 020 7952 2731 thewatchgallery.co.uk Vintage Watch Sellers

For the Home

191 Portobello Road, W11 2ED 020 7908 9696 electrichouse.com

Gaucho 3 Harrington Gardens, SW7 4JJ 020 7370 4999 medicare-francais.co.uk

Hari’s

89 Sloane Avenue, SW3 3DX 020 7584 9901 gauchorestaurants.co.uk

The Ledbury Restaurant Smile Style Dental Care

305 Brompton Road SW3 2DY 020 7581 5211 harissalon.com

146 Holland Park Avenue, W11 4UE 020 7727 5810 smilestyledental.co.uk

Light Hair Studio

42 The Dental Practice

293 Westbourne Grove W11 2QA 020 7792 0100 lighthairstudio.com

42 Pembridge Road, W11 3HN 020 7229 5542 42thedentalpractice.com

127 Ledbury Road, W11 2AQ 020 7792 9090 theledbury.com

The Lonsdale

Watches of Knightsbridge 64 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7JF 020 7590 3034 watchesofknightsbridge.com

47 Cadogan Street, SW3 2QJ 020 7581 0811

The Mitre The Portobello Clinic

Richard Ward 82 Duke of York Square SW3 4LY 020 7730 1222 richardward.com

FurniturE, SOFT furnishings

12 Raddington Road, W10 5TG 020 8962 0635 portobelloclinic.com

Haute Cuisine Dining

& APPLICANCES

Beauty Salons & Spas

Hutch Interiors

The Chelsea Day Spa

61 Golborne Road, W10 5NR 020 3659 4320 hutchinteriors.com

69a King’s Road, SW3 4NX 020 7351 0911 thechelseadayspa.co.uk

48 Lonsdale Road, W11 2DE 020 7727 4080 thelonsdale.co.uk

40 Holland Park Avenue, W11 3QY 020 7727 6332 themitrew11.co.uk

One Kensington 1 Kensington High Street, W8 5NP 020 7795 6533 one-kensington.com

Bar Boulud Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park 66 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7LA 020 7201 3899 barboulud.com

Restaurant Gordon Ramsay 68 Royal Hospital Road, SW3 4HP 020 7352 4441 gordonramsay.com

CONCIERGE

Scalini 1-3 Walton Street, SW3 2JD 020 7225 2301 scalinionline.com

Umami 100 Cromwell Road, SW7 4ER 020 7341 2320 umamilondon.co.uk

Members Clubs

cleaners

dog training

Chelsea Arts Club

Hillside Clothes Care

M.A. Dog Training and Services

143 Old Church Street, SW3 6EB 020 7376 3311 chelseaartsclub.com

118 Kensington Park Road W11 2PW 020 7243 6900 hillsidedryclean.co.uk

07547 716076 madogtraining@gmail.com madogtrainingandservices.co.uk

The Sloane Club Lower Sloane Street, SW1W 8BS 020 7730 9131 sloaneclub.co.uk

moving services

Infusion Haberdashery and Dry Cleaners

La Bottega

Business Affairs

14 Gloucester Road SW7 4RB 020 7581 6980 labottega.co.uk

computer & technology help

3 Chepstow Road W2 5BL 020 7243 8735 infusion-haberdashery.co.uk

Richard Darsa

Housekeeping

78 Cadogan Place, SW1X 9RP 07768 200 551 richard@darsa.net

St. Anneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Housekeeping

Delicatessens

Ottolenghi Delicatessen 63 Ledbury Road W11 2AD 020 7727 1121 ottolenghi.co.uk

Partridges 2-5 Duke of York Square SW3 4LY 020 7730 7102 partridges.co.uk Chocolatiers

Melt Chocolates 59 Ledbury Road, W11 2AA 020 7727 5030 meltchocolates.com

William Curley 198 Ebury Street, SW1W 8UN 020 7730 5522 williamcurley.co.uk

PICTURE FRAMER

Frame Set & Match

Couriers

19 Bolsover Street, W1W 5NA 020 3397 7495 stanneshousekeeping.com

Runners 4 U Couriers

Pets

111 Old Brompton Road SW7 3LE 020 7589 7635 sk@framesetandmatch.com

Canine Culture

psychotherapist

15 Elgin Mews, W11 1PU 020 6305 8941 runners4u.com

Selena Courier Service 27 Eardley Crescent, SW5 9JS 020 7912 0062 selenacourier.co.uk Luxury Car Services

Avolus Luxury Transport

Beethoven Centre, Third Avenue, W10 4JL 079 4952 3710 canineculture.co.uk

Purple Bone 95 Notting Hill Gate W11 3JZ 020 7985 0903 purplebone.com

38 Lombard Road, SW11 3RP 020 7978 6506 avolus.com

Little Luxuries

lifestyle services

Nikki Tibbles Wild at Heart

london lifestyle service

222 Westbourne Grove W11 2RH 020 7727 3095 wildatheart.com

Drinking

White Circle Collection

Boujis

71 Walton Street, SW3 2HT 020 7989 9890 whitecirclecollection.com

43 Thurloe Street, SW7 2LQ 020 7584 2000 boujis.com

Abels Moving Services UK Residential, European and International Removals & Storage 020 3773 5796 info@abels.co.uk abels.co.uk

Flowers

specialist services BUILDER

Childcare

William Gaze Ltd The Cadogan Arms

Kensington Nannies

298 Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Road, SW3 5UG 020 7352 6500 thecadoganarmschelsea.com

3 Horton Place, Kensington High Street, W8 4LZ kensington-nannies.co.uk

Basement, Loft & Extension Specialist 28 Imperial Square 020 7078 8874 williamgazeltd.com

Suzanne Thomas 07770 378791 suzannethomas @suzannethomas.co.uk suzannethomas.co.uk SHORT-LET RENTAL MANAGEMENT

Easy Rental Services aurelie@easy-rental-services.com +44 7817 722073 easy-rental-services.com EMOTIONAL WELLBEING THROUGH WRITINg

Ease your emotional baggage through writing. Sit with a writer and, using a specially developed format, write out your traumatic event or problem to release it. To book 60 or 90 minute appointments email info@lilybass.com or call 07733 112333 lilybass.com

123

Suppliers of quality bespoke doors and ironmongery to some of the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest homes. Showrooms: Esher, Surrey & Chelsea Harbour 01932 851 081 or 0207 376 7000 info@solidwoodendoors.com www.solidwoodendoors.com

HOMES showcasing the

finest HOMES & PROPERTY from the best estate agents

Balancing Act Sales and lettings go head-to-head in the countdown to the election Image courtesy of Hamptons

savills.co.uk

1 AN ELEGANT AND SPACIOUS HOUSE IN A LOVELY TREE LINED STREET sutherland place, w2 Reception room ø kitchen/family room ø master bedroom with en suite bathroom ø 4 further bedrooms ø 2 further bath/shower rooms ø guest cloakroom ø vault ø patio garden ø 217 sq m (2,338 sq ft) ø EPC=C Guide £4.5 million Freehold

Savills Notting Hill Oliver Lurot olurot@savills.com

020 7727 5750

savills.co.uk

1 A STUNNING DETACHED HOUSE BACKING ONTO HOLLAND PARK abbotsbury road, w14 Double drawing room ø dining room ø kitchen ø master bedroom suite ø 7 further bedrooms (3 en suite) ø cinema and gym ø garden ø off-street parking ø garage ø 626 sq m (6,746 sq ft) ø EPC=D Guide £25 million Freehold

Russell Simpson

Savills Kensington

Jake Russell jrussell@russellsimpson.co.uk

Johnny Fuller jlfuller@savills.com

020 7225 0277

020 7535 3300

1 2

savills.co.uk

CAMPDEN HILL GARDENS, w8

STRATFORD ROAD, w8

Reception room/dining room ø kitchen ø master bedroom suite ø second bedroom ø shower room ø 57 sq m (613 sq ft) ø EPC=C

Reception room ø kitchen ø master bedroom with en suite bathroom ø 2 further bedrooms ø further bathroom ø private entrance ø 119 sq m (1,279 sq ft) ø EPC=D

Asking £895,000 Leasehold

Guide £1.795 million Leasehold

Savills Kensington bharvey@savills.com 020 7535 2980

ABINGDON ROAD, w8

GLOUCESTER SQUARE, w2

Double reception room ø open plan kitchen/dining room/family room ø 2/3 bedrooms ø 3 bath/shower rooms ø cloakroom ø landscaped front garden ø rear patio garden ø 126 sq m (1,358 sq ft) ø EPC=D

Reception room ø kitchen/dining room ø 3 bedroom suites ø guest cloakroom ø courtyard ø 175 sq m (1,886 sq ft) ø EPC=D

Guide £2.85 million Freehold

Guide £2.65 million Leasehold JSA: Hamptons

Savills Kensington sbirch@savills.com 020 7535 3300

Savills Notting Hill bdavies@savills.com 020 7727 5750

3 4

1 2

savills.co.uk

HEREFORD ROAD, w2

WESTBOURNE PARK ROAD, w11

Reception room/kitchen ø 3 bedrooms ø 2 bathrooms ø balcony ø communal gardens ø gym ø 2 off-street parking spaces ø 119 sq m (1,276 sq ft) ø EPC=C

Open plan reception room/kitchen ø 3 bedrooms (1 en suite) ø further bathroom ø roof terrace ø off-street parking ø 109 sq m (1,174 sq ft) ø EPC=D

Guide £1.995 million Share of Freehold

Guide £1.75 million Leasehold

Savills Notting Hill afrankish@savills.com 020 7727 5750

WETHERBY GARDENS, sw5

LIMERSTON STREET, sw10

Reception room ø kitchen ø 2 bedrooms (1 en suite) ø further bathroom ø balcony ø terrace ø communal gardens ø 88 sq m (949 sq ft) ø EPC=E

2 reception rooms ø kitchen/breakfast room ø 3 bedroom suites ø bedroom 4/study ø cloakroom ø 2 terraces ø garden ø 164 sq m (1,768 sq ft) ø EPC=E

Guide £2.35 million Share of Freehold

Guide £3.65 million Freehold

Savills Chelsea plister@savills.com 020 7578 9000

Savills Chelsea cbubear@savills.com 020 7578 9000

3 4

1 2

savills.co.uk

LETTINGS LAYOUT ONLY

ABBOTSBURY CLOSE, w8

CADOGAN SQUARE, sw1

4 bedrooms ø 2 reception rooms ø eat-in kitchen ø 2 bathrooms ø west-facing patio garden ø off-street parking ø 163 sq m (1,754 sq ft) ø Council Tax=G ø EPC=D

2 bedroom suites ø reception room ø separate kitchen ø lift ø communal garden access (separate negotiation) ø 116 sq m (1,249 sq ft) ø Council Tax=G ø EPC=D

Unfurnished £1,800 per week

Furnished £1,700 per week

+ £276 inc VAT one-off admin fee and other charges may apply* Savills Kensington lgood@savills.com 020 7535 3333

+ £276 inc VAT one-off admin fee and other charges may apply* Savills Knightsbridge cbshanahan@savills.com 020 7584 8585

PONT STREET MEWS, sw1

VANTAGE PLACE, w8

3 bedrooms (1 en suite) ø reception room ø eat-in kitchen ø family bathroom ø 2 terraces ø off-street parking ø 139 sq m (1,496 sq ft) ø Council Tax=H ø EPC=C

4 bedrooms ø reception room ø kitchen ø 3 bathrooms ø guest cloakroom ø underfloor heating ø decked terrace ø 208 sq m (2,242 sq ft) ø Council Tax=H ø EPC=C

Unfurnished £1,550 per week

Furnished £2,950 per week

+ £276 inc VAT one-off admin fee and other charges may apply* Savills Knightsbridge cbshanahan@savills.com 020 7584 8585

+ £276 inc VAT one-off admin fee and other charges may apply* Savills Kensington lgood@savills.com 020 7535 3333

3 4

*£36 inc VAT for each additional tenant/occupant/guarantor reference where required. Inventory check out fee – charged at the end of or early termination of the tenancy and the amount is dependent on the property size and whether furnished/unfurnished. For more details, visit www.savills.co.uk/fees.

L L O

1 2

savills.co.uk

LETTINGS LAYOUT ONLY

LADBROKE ROAD, w11

CATHCART ROAD, sw10

6 bedrooms ø reception room ø dining room ø kitchen ø 3 bathrooms ø cloakroom ø garden ø 260 sq m (2,794 sq ft) ø Council Tax=H ø EPC=E

6 bedrooms (3 en suite) ø drawing room ø open plan kitchen ø bathroom ø garden ø balcony ø 254 sq m (2,734 sq ft) ø Council Tax=D ø EPC=D

Unfurnished £3,500 per week

Unfurnished £2,950 per week

+ £276 inc VAT one-off admin fee and other charges may apply* Savills Notting Hill ndennis@savills.com 020 7727 5751

+ £276 inc VAT one-off admin fee and other charges may apply* Savills Chelsea stiarks@savills.com 020 7578 9011

ONSLOW MEWS EAST, sw7

ST. STEPHENS GARDENS, w2

4 bedrooms suites ø reception room ø kitchen ø 3 terraces ø 2 garages ø wooden flooring ø air conditioning ø 247 sq m (2,666 sq ft) ø Council Tax=H ø EPC=D

Bedroom ø reception room ø kitchen ø bathroom ø balcony ø communal gardens ø 54 sq m (581 sq ft) ø Council Tax=D ø EPC=D

Flexible furnishings £2,950 per week

Unfurnished £595 per week

+ £276 inc VAT one-off admin fee and other charges may apply* Savills Chelsea jargles@savills.com 0207 578 9020

+ £276 inc VAT one-off admin fee and other charges may apply* Savills Notting Hill ndennis@savills.com 020 7727 5751

3 4

1 2

savills.co.uk

LETTINGS LAYOUT ONLY

OXFORD GARDENS, w10

PEMBRIDGE ROAD, w11

2 bedrooms ø reception room ø kitchen ø bathroom ø 58 sq m (621 sq ft) ø Council Tax=E ø EPC=D

2 bedrooms ø reception room ø kitchen ø 2 bathrooms ø roof terrace ø 82 sq m (879 sq ft) ø Council Tax=D ø EPC=D

Flexible furnishings £490 per week

Furnished £995 per week

+ £276 inc VAT one-off admin fee and other charges may apply* Savills Notting Hill amackinnon@savills.com 020 7727 5751

CHEPSTOW VILLAS, w11

NEWTON ROAD, w2

3 bedrooms suites ø 2 reception rooms ø drawing room ø dining room ø kitchen ø cloakroom ø 245 sq m (2,640 sq ft) ø Council Tax=E ø EPC=E

3 bedrooms ø reception room ø kitchen ø 2 bathrooms ø utility room ø garden ø parking ø 208 sq m (2,236 sq ft) ø Council Tax=H ø EPC=F

Furnished £2,000 per week

Unfurnished £2,500 per week

+ £276 inc VAT one-off admin fee and other charges may apply* Savills Notting Hill ndennis@savills.com 020 7727 5751

+ £276 inc VAT one-off admin fee and other charges may apply* Savills Notting Hill amackinnon@savills.com 020 7727 5751

3 4

savills.co.uk

LETTINGS LAYOUT ONLY

A BEAUTIFUL GRADE II LISTED HOUSE IN THE HEART OF OLD CHELSEA cheyne row, sw3 Master bedroom suite ø 4 further bedrooms (2 en suite) ø 3 reception rooms ø eat-in kitchen ø utility room ø wooden flooring ø outside studio ø garden ø 325 sq m (3,500 sq ft) ø Council Tax=H ø EPC=C

Savills Chelsea Danielle Fearnon dfearnon@savills.com

020 7578 9020

Flexible furnishings £4,250 per week + £276 inc VAT one-off admin fee and other charges may apply* *£36 inc VAT for each additional tenant/occupant/guarantor reference where required. Inventory check out fee – charged at the end of or early termination of the tenancy and the amount is dependent on the property size and whether furnished/unfurnished. For more details, visit www.savills.co.uk/fees.

Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Bassett Road, W10 A beautifully presented very spacious raised ground floor flat situated on this wide tree lined street.The flat has a fantastic south facing living room with huge ceiling height, large bay window and period fireplace. The kitchen is off the hallway and well equipped. One of the bedrooms has dual access from the living room behind double doors or from the landing, ideal for a home office. The second bedroom has high ceilings and full length wardrobes. There is modern bathroom which benefits from natural light. EPC: C

Hamptons Notting Hill Office Sales. 020 7717 5311 | Lettings. 020 7717 5341

£1,300,000 Share of Freehold • • • • •

High ceilings Reception room Kitchen Two bedrooms Bathroom

Westgate Terrace, SW10 This beautifully presented two bedroom, split level property has recently been refurbished to luxury standards. Forming part of an attractive period building, this second and third floor duplex has been interior designed through-out and features a large reception room with beautiful cornicing and balcony, stunning custom built kitchen and a private elevated south west facing terrace. EPC: C

£1,895,000 Leasehold • • • • • •

Hamptons Chelsea Office Sales. 0207 835 1444 | Lettings. 020 7717 5433

Two bedrooms Two bathrooms Magnificent kitchen/reception room Vaulted ceilings with exposed wooden beams Balcony & private south –west facing terrace 1,088 sq ft

Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Observatory Gardens, W8 A beautifully presented three bedroom, three bathroom maisonette on the raised ground and lower ground floors of this highly regarded development with underground parking and 24 hour porterage. EPC: G

£2,250,000 Leasehold • • • • •

Hamptons Kensington Office Sales. 020 7937 9371 | Lettings. 020 7717 5459

Three Bedrooms Underground Parking 24 hour Porterage Patio Approximately 1,144 sq ft

William Mews, SW1X A very well presented and contemporary mews house which features a first class roof terrace, situated in a tranquil mews in the heart of Prime Central London. This stylish mews house offers 2165 sq. ft. of well proportioned accommodation. EPC: D

£3,850,000 Leasehold • • • • • •

Hamptons Knightsbridge Office Sales. 020 7717 5461 | Lettings. 020 7717 5463

Two reception rooms Roof terrace Large eat-in kitchen Three bedrooms Bathroom En-suite shower room

Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Elystan Place, SW3 Formally two separate houses which have been combined to create a low build family home. The property has been redesigned to exacting standards. French doors span the width of the property, leading directly onto a private south facing garden. The property provides open plan living space with an abundance of natural light throughout. EPC: C

£3,650,000 Freehold • • • • • •

Hamptons Sloane Square Office Sales. 020 7717 5481 | Lettings. 0207 717 5483

Three bedrooms Two reception rooms South facing garden 1,955 sq ft Period style Natural light throughout

Kings Road, SW10 Two bedroom, two bathroom ground floor apartment in a gated development with facilities such as 24 hour concierge, underground parking, gym, swimming pool and communal gardens. EPC: E

£875 per week • • • • •

*Tenant Charges Tenants should note that as well as rent, an administration charge of £216 (Inc. VAT) per property and a referencing charge of £54 (Inc. VAT) per person will apply when renting a property. Please ask us for more information about other fees that may apply or visit www.hamptons.co.uk/rent/tenant-charges

Hamptons Chelsea Office Lettings. 020 7717 5433 | Sales. 0207 835 1444

•

Reception Kitchen Two bedrooms Two bathrooms Concierge Lift

(charges apply)*

Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Kensington High St, W14 £5,000 per week* A stunning three bedroom penthouse. EPC: C

Drayson Mews, W8 £2,200 per week* A unique two bedroom mews house. EPC: C

Melbury Road, W14 £8,950 per week* An impressive five bedroom house. EPC: E

Five Star Accommodation isn’t always a hotel. Hornton Street, W8 £1,000 per week* A spacious one bedroom apartment. EPC: C

Whether it’s for one week or several months, contact our Short Lets team to help find you your dream short term accommodation.

Adam & Eve Mews, W8 £900 per week* A one bedroom duplex with terrace. EPC: D

Or if you are a Landlord and would like to see the rental your property could achieve through our bespoke marketing and dedicated Short Lets department, contact us on 020 7717 5459.

Addison Road, W14 £7,500 per week* A phenomenal five bedroom home. EPC: E

shortlets@hamptons-int.com

Elsham Road, W8 £1,000 per week* A bright two bedroom apartment. EPC: D

Argyll Road, W8 £3,250 per week* A superb five bedroom property. EPC: D

Palace Gate, W8 £2,500 per week* A fabulous three bedroom duplex. EPC: E

Warwick Gardens, W14 £895 per week* A wonderfully presented first floor apartment. EPC: D

Hamptons Kensington Office Lettings. 020 7717 5459 | Sales. 020 7937 9371

Rental prices quoted include all utilities *Tenant Charges Tenants should note that as well as rent, an administration charge of £216 (Inc. VAT) per property and a referencing charge of £54 (Inc. VAT) per person will apply when renting a property. Please ask us for more information about other fees that may apply or visit www.hamptons.co.uk/rent/tenant-charges

Montpelier Mews, SW7 This beautifully presented four bedroom mews house has been finished to exacting standard and is situated in the very heart of Knightsbridge. EPC: C

£2,000 per week Furnished • • • • •

Hamptons Knightsbridge Office Lettings. 020 7717 5463 | Sales. 020 7717 5461

•

(charges apply)*

Four bedrooms Four bathrooms Central Knightsbridge location Contemporary styling and finishes Hardwood floors Wealth of natural light

Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Eaton Mews North, SW1X A truly stunning three bed mews house arranged over three floors in the heart of Belgravia. The property has a large open plan reception room with a fully fitted kitchen. The master bedroom has a luxury en suite bathroom and a juliette balcony and two further bedrooms, both with en suite. EPC: E

£1,500 per week Unfurnished • • • • •

Hamptons Sloane Square Office Lettings. 0207 717 5483 | Sales. 020 7717 5481

Mews house Three bedrooms Three bathrooms Off street parking Utility room

(charges apply)*

PROPERTY

Through the Portal Laurence Lai, Partner and Office Head of the South Kensington branch of Knight Frank introduces an exclusive not-for-profit website to make property searches easier You may have seen the signs, or the red, white and blue target pinpoint logo or you may also by now have seen the national television advertisements playing at peak time on our screens. The reason behind all this excitement is that on Monday 26 January 2015, OnTheMarket.com was officially launched to an eagerly awaiting public. OnTheMarket.com is a new and simple way to search for property on the internet. The aim is to provide all potential buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants with an exceptional property search service. The technology is state-of-the-art and the website will seamlessly adapt to fit all screen sizes. No irritating ads, no unnecessary information, no spam mail and no nonsense. Just hundreds of beautifully presented homes for sale or for rent at all price points across the UK. What’s more, as a mutual business without external shareholders, OnTheMarket.com will ensure that the focus remains on continuously improving the property search experience. Every property you see at OnTheMarket.com is on the market with full-service, office-based estate or letting agents who are experts in their local areas. This is a significant step for the UK property market as the creation of a new portal will offer consumers more choice and will challenge the existing duopoly of Rightmove and Zoopla. It is our belief that a property

portal operated on a not-for-profit basis and existing purely to promote the properties from the best estate agencies can only benefit sellers and landlords while also offering the best entry point to the market. If I may, I would like to leave you with one last thought. By Christmas of 1990, Tim Berners-Lee had built all the tools necessary for a working World Wide Web. Twenty four years later, KnightFrank.com was visited by people from 230 countries. The expectation is that OnTheMarket.com will be as successful (if not more) than this. Knight Frank, 157 Gloucester Road, SW7 4TH; 020 7871 4111 knightfrank.co.uk

Bramham Gardens: £3,100,000

Brechin Place: £4,950,000

143

KnightFrank.co.uk

Academy Gardens, Kensington W8 Contemporary apartment in luxury development

An excellent and immaculate three bedroom Grade II apartment, situated within one of Kensington's most prestigious developments. 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, double reception room, study, dining area, kitchen/breakfast room, concierge, leisure facilities, lift, 2 underground parking spaces. Approximately 268 sq m ﴾2,889 sq ft﴿ Share of Freehold Guide price: £7,950,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/kensington kens@knightfrank.com 020 3551 5156

﴾KEN140162﴿

Kens & Chelsea - Academy Gardens

05/02/2015 16:57:54

KnightFrank.co.uk

Victoria Road, Kensington W8 A family house with patio garden and terrace

This four bedroom house is ideally located at the quieter end of one of Kensington’s most desirable roads, offering good entertaining space, a pretty patio garden and terrace. 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, reception room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, guest cloakroom, patio, terrace. Approximately 284 sq m ﴾3,060 sq ft﴿ Freehold

KnightFrank.co.uk/kensington kens@knightfrank.com 020 3551 5156 bse.london sales@bse.london 020 7243 6161

Guide Price: £7,950,000 ﴾KEN150002﴿

The Kensington & Chelsea Mag - 32 Victoria Road - NEW

05/02/2015 16:23:18

KnightFrank.co.uk

Courtnell Street, Notting Hill W2

Beautifully refurbished family home

Located in the ever popular 'Artesian Grid', this is a beautifully presented town house that offers flexible accommodation and open plan living. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms ﴾2 en suite﴿, reception room, games room, open plan kitchen, guest cloakroom, garden. EPC rating E. Approximately 275 sq m ﴾2,960 sq ft﴿ Freehold Guide price: £5,350,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/nottinghill nottinghill@knightfrank.com 020 8166 5449

﴾NGH140134﴿

Elm Park Road - Feb, Elm Park Road

05/02/2015 16:56:23

oad - Feb, Elm K&C Elm Park February Park Road Road - -9Feb, courtnell Elm Park Road

05/02/2015 16:56:2306/02/2015 05/02/2015 11:59:07 16:56:23

23 07

KnightFrank.co.uk

The Old Dance School, Chelsea SW3 Stunning first floor apartment

A former dance studio which has been refurbished into a beautiful first floor flat with high ceilings throughout. Master bedroom with dressing area and twin en suite bathrooms, guest suite, 40ft drawing room with 5 south facing windows, kitchen, air conditioning, basement storeroom. EPC rating D. Approximately 172 sq m ﴾1,860 sq ft﴿ Leasehold: approximately 107 years remaining Guide price: £4,250,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/knightsbridge knightsbridge@knightfrank.com 020 3641 5913

﴾SLA140431﴿

K&C March 15 The Old Dance School

05/02/2015 10:27:21

KnightFrank.co.uk

Chepstow Crescent, Notting Hill W11 For sale two flats in the same building in Notting Hill

A rare opportunity to purchase a well presented first and second floor flat, offering an incoming purchaser an exciting potential to create an impressive maisonette, subject to planning and the necessary consents. 2 bedrooms, 2 shower rooms, kitchen/reception room, dining room, balcony. Flat B & C EPC rating D. Approximately 81 sq m ﴾876 sq ft﴿

Share of Freehold

KnightFrank.co.uk/nottinghill nottinghill@knightfrank.com 020 8166 5449

Guide price: £1,500,000 ﴾NGH140243﴿

K&C February - 18 Chepstow Crescent

05/02/2015 16:49:32

KnightFrank.co.uk

Colville Road, Notting Hill W11

Lovely two bedroom flat for sale in Notting Hill

An opportunity to acquire a beautiful first floor flat, presented in immaculate condition and located in the heart of Notting Hill. 1 bedroom, bathroom ﴾en suite﴿, reception room/open plan kitchen, study, guest cloakroom. EPC rating E. Approximately 47.4 sq m ﴾510 sq ft﴿

Share of Freehold

KnightFrank.co.uk/nottinghill nottinghill@knightfrank.com 020 8166 5449

Guide price: £895,000 ﴾NGH140213﴿

K&C February - 8 Colville Road

05/02/2015 16:55:41

KnightFrank.co.uk

Courtnell Street, Notting Hill W2

Beautifully refurbished family home

KnightFrank.co.uk/nottinghill nottinghill@knightfrank.com 020 8166 5449

﴾NGH140134﴿

K&C February - 9 courtnell

06/02/2015 11:59:07

K& K

KnightFrank.co.uk

Colville Road, Notting Hill W11

Lovely two bedroom flat for sale in Notting Hill

Share of Freehold

KnightFrank.co.uk/nottinghill nottinghill@knightfrank.com 020 8166 5449

Guide price: £895,000 ﴾NGH140213﴿

K&C March - SK Nevern Square

06/02/2015 16:14:30

K&C K&CFebruary March - SK - 8 Colville Nevern Road Square

05/02/2015 06/02/201516:55:41 16:14:30

KnightFrank.co.uk KnightFrank.co.uk

Shafto Mews, Knightsbridge SW1X Argyll Road, Kensington W8 Lovely mews house ideal for family living

A unusually beautifully bedroom family home An spaciouspresented five house perfect for entertaining with two large reception rooms

leading to ahome prettyincorporates patio and garden. 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2 reception This family both style and space to create a perfect livingrooms, area which kitchen, cloakroom, terrace and garage. ratingfurther E. bathroom, is complimented bygarden, outdoorpatio, space. 5 bedrooms ﴾3 en EPC suites﴿, 1 Approximately 269 sq m ﴾2,895 sq ft﴿living kitchen and dining room and garden. EPC double reception room, open plan rating D. Approximately 358 sq m ﴾3,861 sq ft﴿ Available furnished

KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings knightsbridge@knightfrank.com KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings 020 7591 8601 kensington@knightfrank.com 020 7937 8203

Guideprice: price:£3,250 £5,950per perweek week Guide ﴾KEQ204545﴿ ﴾KNQ181965﴿

All potential tenants should be advised that, as well as rent, an administration fee of £276 will apply when renting a property.

Please ask us for more information about other fees that may apply or visit KnightFrank.co.uk/tenantcharges All potential tenants should be advised that, as well as rent, an administration fee of £276 will apply when renting a property. Please ask us for more information about other fees that may apply or visit KnightFrank.co.uk/tenantcharges

K&C mag March 6 Shafto Mews

05/02/2015 13:54:52

Kensington and Chelsea Mag

05/02/2015 16:31:03

KnightFrank.co.uk KnightFrank.co.uk

Shafto Mews, Knightsbridge SW1X Shafto Mews, Knightsbridge Lovely mews house ideal for family living SW1X

Lovely ideal for family An unusuallymews spacioushouse house perfect for entertaining withliving two large reception rooms leading to a pretty patio and garden. 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms, An unusually spacious house perfect for entertaining with two large reception rooms kitchen, garden, terrace and garage. EPC rating2E. leading cloakroom, to a pretty patio andpatio, garden. 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, reception rooms, Approximately 269 m ﴾2,895 sq ft﴿terrace and garage. EPC rating E. kitchen, cloakroom,sqgarden, patio, Approximately 269 Available furnished sq m ﴾2,895 sq ft﴿ Available furnished Guide price: £3,250 per week

KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings knightsbridge@knightfrank.com KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings 020 7591 8601 knightsbridge@knightfrank.com 020 7591 8601

Guide price: £3,250 per week

﴾KNQ181965﴿

﴾KNQ181965﴿ All potential tenants should be advised that, as well as rent, an administration fee of £276 will apply when renting a property. Please ask us for more information about other fees that may apply or visit KnightFrank.co.uk/tenantcharges All potential tenants should be advised that, as well as rent, an administration fee of £276 will apply when renting a property. Please ask us for more information about other fees that may apply or visit KnightFrank.co.uk/tenantcharges

K&C mag March 6 Shafto Mews K&C mag March 6 Shafto Mews

05/02/2015 13:54:52 05/02/2015 13:54:52

KnightFrank.co.uk KnightFrank.co.uk

Shafto Mews, Knightsbridge SW1X Chepstow Place, Notting Hill W2 Lovely mews house ideal for family living

Spacious flat laid over the firstwithand second floors An unusually spacious houseout perfect for entertaining two large reception rooms leading to a pretty patio and garden. 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms, A lovely flat ideally located in this charming street close to Notting Hill Gate and kitchen, cloakroom, garden, terraceen and garage. EPCbathroom, rating E. double reception Westbourne Grove. 2 doublepatio, bedrooms, suite shower, Approximately 269 sq m ﴾2,895 sq ft﴿ room, eat‐in kitchen. EPC rating E. Approximately 103.7 sq m ﴾1,117 sq ft﴿ Available furnished Guide Guideprice: price:£3,250 £1,050per perweek week ﴾KNQ181965﴿ ﴾NHQ87682﴿

All potential tenants should be advised that, as well as rent, an administration fee of £276 will apply when renting a property. Please ask us for more information about other fees that may apply or visit KnightFrank.co.uk/tenantcharges All potential tenants should be advised that, as well as rent, an administration fee of £276 will apply when renting a property. Please ask us for more information about other fees that may apply or visit KnightFrank.co.uk/tenantcharges

KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings knightsbridge@knightfrank.com nottinghilllettings@knightfrank.com 020 7591 8601 020 7985 9990

K&C mag March 6 Shafto Mews

05/02/2015 13:54:52

Courtnell

06/02/2015 15:04:16

KnightFrank.co.uk KnightFrank.co.uk

Shafto Mews, Knightsbridge SW1X Neville South Kensington SW7 Lovely mewsStreet, house ideal for family living Exceptional sixhouse bedroom house with outside space An unusually spacious perfect for entertaining with two large reception rooms leading to a pretty patio and garden. 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms, This house is flooded with natural light and has been sympathetically extended whilst kitchen, cloakroom, garden, patio, terracefeatures. and garage. EPC rating E. retaining many of the splendid Victorian 6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms. 4 reception Approximately 269 sq m ﴾2,895 sq ft﴿ rooms, eat‐in kitchen, 2 utility rooms, 2 cloakrooms, balcony, patio garden. EPC rating D. Aproximately 357 sq m ﴾3,3842 ft﴿ Available furnished

Available unfurnished Guide price: £3,250 per week

KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings knightsbridge@knightfrank.com KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings 020 7591 8601 southkenlettings@knightfrank.com 020 3641 6024

Guide price: £4,750 per week

﴾KNQ181965﴿

﴾SKQ209651﴿ All potential tenants should be advised that, as well as rent, an administration fee of £276 will apply when renting a property. Please ask us for more information about other fees that may apply or visit KnightFrank.co.uk/tenantcharges All potential tenants should be advised that, as well as rent, an administration fee of £276 will apply when renting a property. Please ask us for more information about other fees that may apply or visit KnightFrank.co.uk/tenantcharges

K&C mag March 6 Shafto Mews PUB - K&C Mag - March 2015 - FINAL

05/02/2015 13:54:52 06/02/2015 10:40:30

Immaculate plot with South-facing patio

Matching people and property in London for 150 years.

Westbourne Grove W11 ÂŁ4,950,000 A fantastic low build house providing fabulous rooms for entertaining and four-double bedrooms, located in the heart of Notting Hill. Freehold. EPC=E

Prime Sales: 020 7368 4197 PrimeSales@marshandparsons.co.uk

Ledbury Mews West W11 ÂŁ3,250,000 A stunning three-bedroom mews house comprising a beautifully finished en suite master bedroom and a generously sized garage for off-street parking. Freehold. EPC=C

Notting HIll: 020 7313 2890 sales.not@marshandparsons.co.uk

Portobello Road W11 ÂŁ2,950,000 Located on the iconic Portobello Road, this recently refurbished, fabulous three-bedroom house offers three reception rooms and two terraces. Freehold. EPC=F

Notting Hill: 020 7229 4815 sales.not@marshandparsons.co.uk

Hob Mews SW10 ÂŁ2,800,000 This beautiful three-bedroom mews apartment, located in an exclusive new development boasts a 35ft reception/dining area, a fantastic roof terrace and secure underground parking. Share of Freehold. EPC=B

Chelsea: 020 7591 5570 sales.chs@marshandparsons.co.uk

Onslow Gardens SW7 ÂŁ2,695,000 Situated in a white stucco fronted building, this classic first floor two-bedroom period conversion boasts beautiful high ceilings and a large roof terrace with stunning garden views. Leasehold. EPC=C

South Kensington: 020 7590 0800 sales.skn@marshandparsons.co.uk

Holland Park W11 ÂŁ1,800,000 Located in one of Holland Parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s renowned Italianate villas, this exceptional two-bedroom apartment offers large proportions, a separate kitchen and master bedroom with en suite bathroom. Leasehold. EPC=E

Holland Park: 020 7605 6890 sales.hol@marshandparsons.co.uk

Ovington Street SW3 ÂŁ2,250 per week This stylish three-bedroom apartment, refurbished to a high standard boasts a large reception room with wooden floors, three bathrooms and a beautiful terrace. EPC=E

Chelsea: 020 7591 5570 lets.chs@marshandparsons.co.uk

Pembridge Square W2 ÂŁ1,350 per week A magnificent three-bedroom property offering an open-plan reception/dining room, high pitched ceilings and stunning southerly views over the private garden square. EPC=D

Notting Hill: 020 7313 2890 lets.not@marshandparsons.co.uk

PROPERTY

PrimeQResi

Property News

Journal of Prime Property

PRIME RESI provides us with a comprehensive monthly round-up of key news about the local luxury property market

Basement Ban RBKC basement ban claims development in Holland Park: CPC Group’s proposed 24-unit scheme on Holland Park has been turned down by the Royal Borough’s planners on architectural grounds due, in part at least, to the council’s mega-basement ban policy. It was to be designed by architects Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands (LDS) (the ones behind Fitzroy Place, the new Bonhams HQ and more) for Christian Candy’s operation. The development would have seen a 26-unit 1930s mansion block – Duke’s House, as sold by Savills (below) – replaced with 24 high-spec apartments housed in five pseudo-villas. RBKC’s planning committee decided to veto the project in the Holland Park Conservation Area by eight votes to four, despite case officers originally recommending it for approval and even praising LDS’s designs for delivering “an enhancement of the conservation area”. Locals appear to be over the moon, with the Kensington Society reporting a fullyfledged “triumph” after their 15-minute presentation slot. One of the core sticking points for planners was the inclusion of a 17-metre deep underground section, which they saw as being at odds with the council’s anti-basement stance and which would require “excessive excavation” to deliver. Other gripes included a heightened “sense of enclosure” for some of the neighbours, some missing trees, and the loss of two housing units.

Attack the Block Planners turn off Kensington Odeon scheme: There’s been a big twist in the ongoing plot to redevelop Kensington High Cinema Kensington High Street’s Odeon by SA 2-0) Photography by: Lewis Clark (CC Street’s Odeon cinema. After being recommended for the green light, Minerva’s Squire and Partners-designed scheme (an update to an approved plan from 2012) was unexpectedly thrown out at an RBKC planning committee meeting, to the tune of eleven votes to one. The redevelopment, which would have retained the original (unlisted) façade whilst providing 63 new homes and some new cinema screens, was reportedly met with 43 objections and some heavyweight residents’ petitions. A number of celebs, including Benedict Cumberbatch, Sir John Hurt and Richard Curtis, lent their support to a campaign against the project and Prince and Princess Michael of Kent even sent a letter, saying how much they enjoyed frequenting the cinema. The original plan from 2008 only provided for 40 homes and didn’t include some surrounding sites. According to the Architects’ Journal, developer Minerva has pledged to “review the reasons for the refusal before deciding on its next steps”.

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Market Comment Striking the Balance Elena Dimova, managing director of CENTURY 21 Sophia Elena, explores the relationship between sales and lettings

The sales market seems to dominate headlines when it comes to property. In recent weeks and months, the focus has been around the slowdown in annual growth. In London, to some extent, this reflects recent tax regime changes to Stamp Duty Land Tax and Capital Gains Tax for overseas buyers from April 2015. Furthermore, there are jitters over the upcoming General Election and the prospect of a mansion tax for properties above £2 million. We want to explore the relationship between the sales market and the rental market in order to analyse the prospect of three-year tenancies and rent increase caps, which have been proposed by one of the main parties. This may sound great if you are renting and pretty harsh if you are a landlord dependent on rental income to cover a mortgage. The rental market has three main relationships with the sales market. Firstly, it provides a return on investment – rental yield – which will typically be expected to cover repayment of debt used to acquire a property. Mortgage repayments are affected by interest rates. Secondly, the viability and appetite for rental investments adds or removes supply from the sales market. Thirdly, cheaper rent (due to rent controls) takes away from the demand for sales properties. The rental market is currently operating relatively efficiently and pretty close to the definition of a free market. A landlord may choose what level of rent to ask and a tenant may choose what level to offer. If a landlord asks too much, they risk losing a tenant to another landlord and vice-versa. Supply and demand determine the rental price. If the rent is capped, rental yield will suffer, and therefore, so would the sales price, all other things being equal. If rental investments are less attractive, this will add to supply in the sales market and cheaper rents will take away from the demand to buy. This is something worth considering. We consistently write about all the compelling reasons to own property in Prime Central London. Make no mistake, like any other market, if you constrain it enough something is going to give. CENTURY 21 Sophia Elena, 10 Clarendon Road, W11 3AA 020 7229 1414; century21uk.com

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Window of Opportunity Buyers looking for a fresh start need look no further than Melbury Court on Kensington High Street for an exciting chance to renovate. Hannah Lemon meets Mark Sommerville at the penthouse apartment to discuss his own new beginnings at the Hamptons flagship office

Photography by: Rob Cadman

PROPERTY

It’s not every day that you get to see an untouched apartment in Prime Central London, especially one with 2,721 square feet over one floor. I am standing with Mark Sommerville from Hamptons International in the penthouse suite of Melbury Court and am completely in awe of the retro furnishings. The apartment, which has been a family home for the last 65 years, is complete with a vibrant pink bath and matching checked wallpaper. The colour scheme is eclectic to say the least; the living area is decorated with strips of a vibrant green carpet and the wallpaper is furry. The 50s interiors may provide amusing to the modern eye but underneath it all is an exciting blank canvas for any enthusiastic buyer looking to invest in a project. On the market at £4.25 million, the fifth floor apartment has stunning views over the north and south areas off Kensington High Street. With seven bedrooms, two bathrooms, three reception rooms and a kitchen, the future occupant won’t be short of space. Plus there is an old bell system should a buyer want to keep the servants’ quarters in tact. “If you did it up, it could end up going for £2,500 per square foot – £6.5 million – for a beautiful lateral flat,” says Mark. There’s no denying this would be an appealing investment, even when taking into account extending the lease and the cost of doing it up. The area, of course, is not lacking in prime property; the Holland Green development next door is going at circa £4,000 per square foot. So it’s not surprising that this apartment has already sparked some interest. “Downsizers are interested,” says Mark. “Lateral living appeals to a lot of European and international buyers who don’t like our Victorian houses. Plus it’s got a lift, a 24-hour porter service and parking. It pretty much ticks every box.” When it comes to what clients are looking for in the area, Mark is definitely in the know. He moved from sales manager in Notting Hill to head up the Kensington branch, the flagship of Hamptons International, on 2 January. He has big shoes to fill; he will be taking over from Andrew Phillips who has been running the office for the last 18 years and who made headlines by selling one of the most expensive houses in London for 2014 at £50 million. But Mark has already built up an extensive knowledge of the market in Kensington. “I’ve worked in the area for 15 years. Prior to joining Hamptons, I set up an office in South Kensington then moved on to set up one in Notting Hill. The Royal Borough has always been my stomping ground so it’s great to be back in Kensington.” The six strong team in the office are a formidable bunch. “We’ve worked out that we have 100 years experience between us,” laughs Mark. “Our branch is second in terms of the number of instructions listed on Rightmove in the area.” The team covers anything from a garage in Holland Park to a house in Academy Gardens but the bread and butter falls between £3.5 million–£10 million. Mark suggests that it will be busier at the lower end of the market during the subdued period in the run up to the election, with it settling back to normal after May. “If mansion tax does comes in there will be some rustlings and some inconveniences, but generally in Kensington it will stay the same. It won’t affect clients looking at around £8 million–£10 million (we’ve agreed sales this year at that price), because the mansion tax could

cost the same as it does to fill up the yacht at that level! It will be the flats at £2 million–£3 million or the older individuals with lots of assets but no cash in the attic that could cause more stock to come to the market.” Mark’s consensus is that the lead up to the election will just make vendors more savvy. “I think the time has passed for sellers to put a property on at an inflated price to see if it will sell. That probably won’t happen again until 2016/17.” The house we are standing in is testament to the fact that people are willing to sell and at the right price. “It’s not a question of putting the biggest price on it and letting the internet take over,” says Mark. “You have to advise buyers so they understand the values and are confident in their decisions.” Hamptons Kensington, 8 Hornton Street, W8 4NW; 020 7937 9371 hamptons.co.uk; sommervillem@hamptons-int.com

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So 020 7221 1117 hello@crayson.com www.crayson.com 10 Lambton Place, London, W11 2SH

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Selling property. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what Crayson are known for. For us, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about getting the best possible price for our clients, regardless of how the market is performing. To find out more about our professional approach to selling property, please get in touch.

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Lansdowne Crescent, Notting Hill W11 Surprisingly spacious lower ground action in a fancy area, with the sort of outside space you only get in Londonâ&#x20AC;Ś Reception room, kitchen/dining area, two double bedrooms, one bathroom and terrace with direct access to communal gardens. 932 sq ft/86.6 sq m Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea EPC rating band D Share of freehold Sole Agent ÂŁ1.35 million

10 Lambton Place, London, W11 2SH

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Pembridge Villas, Notting Hill W11 Planning permission has been granted to create a unique stand-alone Notting Hill townhouse, complete with carriage driveway in the Royal Borough. Potential to create; Drawing room, dining room, kitchen/dining room, study, master bedroom suite, five further bedrooms, five further bathrooms, two bedroom staff accommodation, swimming pool complex and gym. Front and back gardens & off street parking 4-5 cars Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea 9,895.5 sq ft/919.3 sq m EPC rating band D & E Freehold Sole Agent Guide Price ÂŁ16.75 million

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10 Lambton Place, London, W11 2SH

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22 Pembroke Square, Kensington W8 A big house for sale in perfect Pembroke Square - beautiful, elegant, quiet and of course, extremely well located. Double Reception room, kitchen/dining room, master bedroom suite, two ensuite bedrooms, one further bedroom/one further bathroom, utility room, wine cellars and garage by arrangement. Front and Back Gardens & Terrace Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea 3034 sq ft/282 sq m EPC rating band E Freehold Joint Sole Agent â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Savills Kensington Price ÂŁ5.25 million

10 Lambton Place, London, W11 2SH

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We are on the look out for new property to market in 2015. If you are thinking of selling your property, please get in touch or pop in for a chat.

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Charles House, Kensington High Street, W14 ÂŁ1,825,000 Leasehold A stunning two bedroom apartment (1,100 sq ft/ 102 sq m), situated on the eighth floor (with lifts) of a new prestigious development by St Edward Homes. This apartment benefits from a large reception room with glazed doors onto a balcony. The flat has an underground parking space. The apartments at Charles House are situated within the prestigious Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and further benefit from a private swimming pool and spa, private cinema, business suite and 24 hour concierge provided by Harrods. Entrance hall | Reception room | Open plan kitchen | Master bedroom with en suite bathroom | Further bedroom | Shower room | Balcony | Secure underground parking space | 24 hour concierge service | Leisure complex including: gym, swimming pool, cinema and business suite | EPC: B

Kensington | 020 7727 1500 kensington@winkworth.co.uk

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