Mayfair Magazine March 2015 by Runwild Media Group

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Contents | The mayfair Magazine

Contents March 2015 Features

Collection

020 | The family stone We meet Italian fashionista and jewellery designer Delfina Delettrez ahead of her Mount Street debut

025 | TAG’s new It girl Queen of the media jungle Cara Delevigne stars as TAG Heuer’s newest female ambassador

040 | Made in Britain Rupert Sanderson talks us about his appearance at the GREAT Festival of Creativity in Shanghai 056 | My Fair Lady Ahead of the National Portrait Gallery’s exhibition on Audrey Hepburn, we remember her fashionable life 074 | Super charge Richard Yarrow tests the new sleek and powerful Porsche Cayenne Turbo

018

regulars 012 | Contributors 014 | Editor’s letter

026 | Off the clock We meet the ever-stylish supermodel Cindy Crawford as she marks 20 years at Omega

017 | My life in Mayfair: Oscar Udeshi, founder and head designer of Udeshi

030 | Jewellery news

018 | Couture culture Our latest dispatch on the arts, film and theatre releases

032 | That time again Alex Doak reports from this year’s SIHH to discover some intriguing trends in the world of watches

111 | Remembering Mayfair: Lady Duff-Gordon

Fashion 039 | Style spy

037 | Watch news

056

025 8

044

044 | Style update 046 | Taking flight We showcase ethereal, billowing silk dresses from the S/S15 collections in this month’s fashion shoot

Contents | The mayfair Magazine

Contents March 2015 Art

Interiors

Travel

Food & Drink

061 | Art news

067 | Interiors news

079 | Travel news

100 | Food & drink news

062 | Exhibition focus: Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty

068 | Designing the future Bang & Olufsen’s CEO Tue Mantoni talks innovation and technology as the brand opens on Hanover Square

080 | The art of the vine Angelina Villa Clarke discover the beauty of the grape vines at Les Sources de Caudalie in France

102 | Dining out: The Restaurant at Bonhams

064 | Prize lots

mayfair

Resident’s Journal

Our insiders’ guide to Mayfair in association with The Residents’ Society of Mayfair & St James’s (from page 105)

072 | Perennial ingenuity As the wedding season approaches, Wildabout flowers know exactly how to make the big day seriously special

084 | Mansion house For a weekend of grandeur outside of London, head to Luton Hoo 086 | Where east meets west Discover Istanbul with a stay at the super sleek Swissôtel The Bosphorus 088 | City break: Ascona Discover an off-the- beaten-track treasure in Switzerland 090 | Suite dreams: The Dorchester

Property 127 | Property showcase: One Nine Elms Strutt & Parker’s Mayfair showroom showcases a new London development 128 | Hot property A new penthouse apartment on Davies Street arrives on the market 130 | Property news The latest news in prime central London property from PrimeResi.com and Knight Frank 160 | A prime central star Pastor Real Estate comments on the new demand to purchase and rent in Tyburnia

162

090

Beauty 093 | Beauty news 096 | Backstage beauty We bring you the latest beauty trends as seen on the S/S15 catwalks

062 10

098 | Spa review: Baglioni Hotel Spa

167 | The magnificence of Mount Street Wetherell releases a new report on how Mount Street’s regeneration has become a model for public realm improvements

167

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

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Contributors | The mayfair Magazine

MARCH 2015 s issue 042

The

contributors

Acting Editor Kate Racovolis Collection Editor Annabel Harrison Acting Assistant Editor Chanel De Yong Editorial Assistant Amy Welch Brand Consistency Laddawan Juhong Senior Designer Lisa Wade Production Hugo Wheatley Alex Powell Oscar Viney Alice Ford Editorial Director Kate Harrison Client Relationship Director Kate Oxbrow General Manager Fiona Fenwick Executive Director Sophie Roberts Managing Director Eren Ellwood

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Penelope Sacorafou Penelope is a historian and co-founder of Fox & Squirrel, a company that offers creative walks for the culturally curious. This month she pens our Remembering Mayfair column, and traces the life of 19th century fashion designer, Lady Duff-Gordon.

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

Alexander Beer

Richard Yarrow

Carol Cordrey

Self-taught director and photographer Alexander Beer has been shooting since 2009 and has previously worked for Mayfair’s H. Huntsman & Sons and Richard James. Set against a pale blue backdrop, he photographs beautiful dresses for spring in this month’s fashion shoot.

Former associate editor of Auto Express, Richard is an accomplished motoring journalist. This month he test drives the new Porsche Cayenne Turbo, which combines a near perfect balance of power and elegance all in one car that is already a modern classic in the motoring world.

Carol is an art critic and editor. She organises the annual London Ice Sculpting Festival and is permanently on the art scene bringing us the latest happenings. This month she discovers Andrea Byrne’s floral works, and attentiongrabbing photography from Barbara Kruger.

Also published by

DISTRIBUTION: The Mayfair Magazine is distributed in Mayfair, St James’s and Belgravia as well as selected parts of Knightsbridge, Chelsea and Marylebone.

Members of the Professional Publishers Association

cover

On the

Audrey Hepburn, Italy 1955. Copyright Norman Parkinson Ltd/Courtesy Norman Parkinson Archive. this image is also available for purchase at normanparkinson.com

MIXTE storage & ODESSA dining table. Design: Mauro Lipparini. VIK carver chair. Design: Thibault Desombre. HEX HEX rug. Design: Bertjan Pot. TRĂ&#x2030;PIED floor lamps. Design: Normal Studio.

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Editor’s Letter | The mayfair Magazine

editorA

From the

EDITOR’S PICKs

#1 S/S15 Runway Palette, £45, Burberry (burberry.com)

#2 Timeless bracelet, from a selection, Delfina Delettrez (delfinadelettrez.com) #3 Alba bag, £1,350, Jimmy Choo (jimmychoo.com)

udrey Hepburn – Hollywood darling and style icon – has influenced pop culture for decades. Her status as one of the most photographed celebrities of her time continues to prevail, from the moment she sipped on her coffee with croissant in hand – most elegantly I might add – in front of Tiffany & Co. on Fifth Avenue in New York. Ahead of the National Portrait Gallery’s exhibition this summer, we’re starting the spring season by celebrating her style (page 56), and bring you inspiration from both classic and contemporary designers throughout the pages of this issue. Jewellery designer Delfina Delettrez – a fourth generation Fendi – is the new name to know in Mayfair and on Mount Street, as she opens her first London boutique. We meet the fashionable Italian to talk fashion and family and why the 27 year old’s quirky take on fine jewellery has rightly earned her a cult following from the famous and fashionable around the world (page 20). Rupert Sanderson also speaks to us about the power of British brands and their increasing relevance in China, as he takes part in this year’s GREAT Festival of Creativity, which celebrates the best of Britsh style, in Shanghai (page 40). Hanover Square also sees a new retail addition to its landscape, as Bang & Olufsen opens its first UK flagship. Its energetic CEO Tue Mantoni shares his vision for the innovative technology brand and how it has created the world’s first touchscreen made of wood (page 68). The designers, heads of business and brands you will encounter in this issue are all vastly different, but all encapsulate, in some way, a vision to be timeless and enduring. As Hepburn said: ‘Elegance is the only beauty that never fades.’

Kate Racovolis Acting Editor Follow us on Twitter @MayfairMagazine

above: burberry prorsum (see page 96)

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The mayfair Magazine | Regulars

My life in MAYFAIR Oscar Udeshi founder and head designer of Udeshi

‘M ‘One has to innovate and cater to the market, which is for lighter, more comfortable clothing’ – Oscar Udeshi

clockwise from top: oscar udeshi (photo by james williamson). restaurant 34. cufflinks, £365, tie, £125, velvet dinner jacket, from a selection and shirt, £205, all udeshi (udeshi.co.uk). udeshi’s davies street store (photo by james williamson)

ayfair is the centre of London – if not the world – for our clients. The best restaurants, hotels and shops in the world are all here, yet it still retains the feel of a cosy neighbourhood as opposed to an impersonal shopping mall. Mayfair is unique; nowhere else in the world is there this combination of commerce, retail and residential property. When we opened on Davies Street, it was hedge fund alley. But anyone who is anyone has to walk up Davies Street from Berkeley Square to Claridge’s or Bond Street station. Hedge funds, private equity, private banking, oil, shipping, art, auction houses, yachts, private jets, luxury cars; all these industries are never more than 500 yards away from our Davies Street store. Investing in luxury products is a question of taste and mental state. A £5 quartz watch will tell the time better than a half-amillion pound tourbillon; but one buys the tourbillon not because of its ability to tell time, but because it is the pinnacle of mechanical watchmaking with hundreds, if not thousands, of hours required in its construction, and what it represents to the wearer and the image he or she wishes to project. One can buy a suit from a supermarket, or get a bespoke suit; it depends what is important to the individual. If a suit doesn’t fit, or is uncomfortable to wear, a man will not wear it, even if it is pleasing on the eye. This is why all men should appreciate women who wear high heels – if men had to wear them they wouldn’t last more than a second without moaning. [At Udeshi] we spend a lot of time researching styles from the past, their patterns, their construction and why certain details were added and what they do. With this we have a better understanding of the language of tailoring, so when we produce a new style, we have this depth of knowledge to create innovative garments that still have a link to the past. Traditional bespoke tailoring has moved to lighter fabrics (which are more comfortable but don’t tailor as well), and with the renewed interest in bespoke – a return to a more shaped, sexy silhouette – think Michael Caine in Get Carter, whose suit was tailored fewer than 500 metres from us. One has to innovate and cater to the market, which is for lighter, more comfortable clothing, and a more distinct silhouette that is different from ready to wear. Both are good things. Mayfair has grown up. Five hour-long martini or Champagne fuelled lunches are no more. The recession has culled the hooray Henry and the expense account to be replaced by BRIC millionaires who demand, and will pay, for the best. My favourite place in Mayfair is the garden of Dunhill or the terrace of George in summer, perfect for breakfast and a cigar. I visit 34 or Harry’s Bar for dining, and Bob Forstner on Park Lane – they have a vintage Mercedes I have been lusting after.’ 17

agenda

literary itinerary

Suitably dressed

Richard Haines, Prada A/W 2012-13, created for Il Palazzo, 2014. © Richard Haines, from ‘Menswear Illustration, by Richard Kilroy, published by Thames & Hudson at £19.95.’

Fashion-forward gentlemen, take note: this month, Paul Smith’s Albemarle Street store will host an exhibition of fashion illustration from Richard Kilroy’s book Menswear Illustration. The book showcases intricate drawings by many fashion designers both famous and up-and-coming, from the likes of Cedric Rivrain who has drawn for Lanvin, and Richard Haines’ work, which has been taken up by Prada. Paul Smith’s store provides the perfect sartorial setting in which to marvel at these illustrations. Paul Smith, 9 Albemarle Street, W1S (paulsmith.co.uk). Menswear Illustration by Richard Kilroy, £19.95 (Thames and Hudson)

Couture culture

Paul Smith combines style with fashion illustration at on Albemarle Street, James McAvoy stars in the West End and we bring you the ultimate handbag essentials

theatre

The Ruling Class armchairs, casually jumps down from a giant crucifix he uses as his bed, sings, dances and rather flirtatiously addresses the audience. At one point he crosses the stage on a unicycle, smiling insanely.

‘McAvoy, as the lead role, plays sophisticated insanity with aplomb’

lthough James McAvoy has spent the majority of his career starring in films such as X-Men and Atonement, he fares more than well on the West End in the resurrection of Peter Barnes’ 1960s satire The Ruling Class. Barnes’ political discussion follows the fictional character of the 14th Earl of Gurney who believes he is God and, despite his madness, ends up assuming his inherited place in the House of Lords. McAvoy, as the lead role, plays sophisticated insanity with aplomb. He nimbly walks along 18

But McAvoy transcends all these characteristics in the second half as his character takes on a darker identity. He replaces feverish energy with a subtle and brooding malice – it’s sure to be one of the most mesmerising performances to hit London this year. His performance is supported by a strong cast – notably Kathryn Drysdale as his wife and Ron Cook as his uncle Sir Charles Gurney – making this performance one that is not one to be missed. The Ruling Class is on at Trafalgar Studios until 11 April (trafalgartransformed.com) WORDS: HANNAH LEMON

A square drenched in opulence and steeped in history, Place Vendôme is renowned for being one of the most stunning places to visit for the rich and famous in Paris. Alexis Gregory’s fashionable book from publishers Assouline features a detailed chronological account from the square’s history from its beginnings under Louis XIV’s rule, to its life in the 21st century renowned as Paris’s centre of style. The square is still celebrated for its links to haute couture and fine jewellery, such as Coco Chanel, who used the square as constant source of inspiration for her collections. It is the incredible range of personalities and creative influences that have chosen to base their brands here that has given Place Vendôme its unique reputation. This beautifully illustrated book is the perfect coffee table addition for style aficionados around the world. Place Vendôme, by Alexis Gregory, £55. Available at Maison Assouline, 196A Piccadilly, W1J (assouline.com)

The mayfair Magazine | Regulars

5 top picks

IMAGE Courtesy of Curzon Artifical Eye

Handbag essentials Revamp your handbag with these modern classics, from a jewel-encrusted mobile phone by Savelli to an iconic fountain pen from Montblanc

film

#1 Bag, £1,995, Anya Hindmarch (anyahindmarch.com)

Still Alice

ased on Lisa Genova’s 2009 novel of the same name, Still Alice is an inspiring drama featuring an astounding performance from BAFTAwinning actress Julianne Moore and is extremely moving in a gentle way. The Richard Glatzer and Wash Westmoreland film renders one of the most frightening struggles within a family dynamic on the big screen. At age 50, Alice Howland (Julianne Moore) seems to have the perfect life – three loving children, Anna (Kate Bosworth), Tom (Hunter Parrish), Lydia (Kristen Stewart), a devoted husband, John (Alec Baldwin), and a great job. However, in setting up this near-perfect world, it’s almost expected that it will fall apart (as dramatic films of this genre often do) when

Price: £98 for 30ml available at Avery Perfume Gallery (020 7629 1892; averyfineperfumery.com/)

her life unpredictably takes one of the most turbulent of turns when Alice is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. We see Alice going from patches of forgetfulness to near-wipeout. At first, John tries to deny her disorder, which makes it uncomfortable for the family to accept the reality of the situation. We witness his discomfort and anxiety for his wife, which is cleverly heightened by cinematic close ups. Which an all-star cast, this film makes for a truly thoughtprovoking lens into Alzheimer’s, and it captures the drama and emotion surrounding its characters. It’s kept raw and very real, and makes for moving and memorable viewing from start to finish. Still Alice will be released in cinemas on 3 March WORDS: CHANEL DE YONG

#2 Hairbrush, £110, Mason Pearson (masonpearson.co.uk)

#3 Great Characters John F. Kennedy Special Edition pen, £690, Montblanc (montblanc.com) #4 Lipstick in Indian Rose, £37, Tom Ford, (tomford.com)

‘Mayfair’s Avery Perfumery has created the ultimate wardrobe of scents for spring’

#5 Ruby Passion phone, from £45,960, Savelli (savelli-geneve.com)

the

family stone Jewellery designer and fourth-generation member of the Fendi family, Delfina Delettrez always wanted to carve out her own identity. Now opening on Mount Street, we discover what makes this fashionista Mayfair’s new name to know

WORDS: CHANEL DE YONG

elfina Delettrez Fendi may come from one of the first families of fashion, but she is not the kind of woman to rest on her industry-entrenched laurels. It was always this trendsetter’s ambition to revolutionise the jewellery industry on her own. ‘I understood that women needed to change the way they were approaching jewellery,’ she says in her heavy Italian accent. ‘Traditionally, jewellery is passed down through the generations. There was a time when women did not have a choice about what to wear and were scared by its opulence.’ It’s hard not to admire the 27 year-old Delettrez’s desire for success. Her first standalone shop outside of Italy opens on Mount Street this month, and will sit among the many traditional and global brands that line the now iconic street. The store, designed by renowned architect Rafael de Cárdenas, represents the essence Delettrez, with a green faux malachite leather feature wall, which exudes a sense of

glamour, but in a contemporary way. ‘There are lots of different materials and surfaces used – matte, industrial organic, and reflective surfaces – it looks futuristic,’ says Delettrez. ‘I like to imagine the store as a

‘It is a big presence on your shoulders – like a ghost behind you, but it made me work harder’ modern jewellery box, and it has to be an intimate space to represent this.’ Although Delettrez was born into fashion royalty – a fourth generation member of the Fendi dynasty – she wasn’t one to use her family’s prestigious name to launch her career. ‘You carry a lot of responsibility,’ she says. ‘There is a positive and a negative aspect [to it] like everything. It is a big presence on your shoulders – like a ghost behind you – but it made me 

The mayfair Magazine | Feature

Photo by Danko Steiner

work harder because I wanted to create my own identity.’ Being part of the Fendi family, however, has had some influence on her work as one of the sources of Delettrez’s strength. ‘They are a continuous inspiration to me. They have taught me respect for each aspect of the creative process from the mental to the manual one,’ she explains. ‘I had huge freedom of expression as a child. I was taught to consider beauty as not something that is ephemeral, but of great substance.’ Ultimately being

surrounded by a family run business was always going to be an advantage,’ she explains. ‘Business wise, they prepared me to understand what I had to face by starting my own brand. I knew I would have to sacrifice aspects of my life.’ It seemed that Delettrez was destined to work in the world of fashion in some way. ‘I knew I had artistic DNA. Since I was a child I was immediately drawn towards my mum’s work, but I was more inspired by the hard manual work rather than the end result – this aspect is reflected in the choice of my work,’ she says. Unlike many conventional jewellery brands, her work tends to break all the rules. ‘My way of working is totally led by mistake and experimentation. This way you have total freedom – you can create your own guidelines.’ No doubt having access to an array of creative forces, her inspiration instead comes from her own life. ‘My experience is my mentor – I am inspired by the past, present and future. I am of course very curious about human beings – not just by their anatomy but by their physiology.’ We only need to look at Delettrez’s past to fully appreciate and understand where her self-sufficient drive came from. Born and raised between Italy, Brazil and Rome, she became a mother at age 20 while studying costume design. And without formal jewellery training, it was her natural curiosity

Opening spread: Stonehand ring. This spread, left: Magic Triangle Piercing Ring. Right, clockwise from top: Eyes On Me Chain; Glittered Lips Piercing Earring; Eyes On Me Piercing Bracelet. All Delfina Delettrez

‘[Diamonds] are extremely poetic, stro

The mayfair Magazine | Feature

that has led her to create her own, incredibly successful brand. Her inquisitive nature led her to look beyond the obvious definitions of what constitutes a stone; Delettrez believes that certain gems can carry a spiritual meaning of their own. Naturally, one of her favourites is one of the most luxurious – white diamonds. ‘They are extremely poetic, strong and pure – they are unbreakable,’ she says. Her pieces are made by hand, which means they all differ in some way, as no two stones can be cut in the same way. It’s a detail-focused business – particularly when it comes to delicate stones and designing jewellery. For S/S15, Delettrez is continuing to create jewellery that are conversation pieces, rather than mere accessories. Certainly not your average display of fine jewellery, the new collection is showcased on a robotic arm, which is aptly named Handroid. The pieces are inspired by the simple, traditional form of wedding rings, but she completely reinterprets them in her own, very ‘Delfina’ way. ‘I always say women are not content with a standard ring – I wanted to change this idea. I worked with platinum for the first time, but ultimately I was looking for the perfect shape and the end the result was a spiral. In nature, this is a symbol for perfection. ‘The collection had to be comfortable.

For me, comfort is just as important as the aesthetic and I wanted a piece that is just as beautiful when worn, as when it isn’t. I created one ring in many different versions, because I like the fact women can choose to get engaged with one, two, or even with eight diamonds, but I guess the more diamonds you have, the more engaged you feel!’ she says. So who is her typical customer? ‘I don’t think I have one. But, I am really surprised by classic women who can wear the most extreme jewellery – I call them ‘icebreaker pieces,’ she laughs. ‘They wear these pieces so naturally as if they were a classic pearl necklace – almost like an extension of their body,’ she says. ‘I don’t want to stop on one theme, I want to create a vast universe, and this is why women from different generations and worlds are intrigued by my creations.’ Delfina Delettrez, 109 Mount Street, W1K (delfinadelettrez.it)

ic, strong and pure – they are unbreakable’

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

The mayfair Magazine | Collection

ith 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)

tag’s new it girl 25

The mayfair Magazine | Collection

clock Off the

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

‘T

his 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 watch-based – 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 year-round 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 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

‘Sales of women’s luxury timepieces increased 49.8 per cent worldwide from 2009-14’ 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 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

The mayfair Magazine | Collection

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 long-standing 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

Collection | The mayfair Magazine

Jewellery news Endangered species inspire a new fine jewellery collection and we bring you exceptional pieces from Chanel and Faraone WORDS: OLIVIA SHARPE

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. Endangered Species collection by Julie Parker, available from spring (assael.com)

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. Camelia Ganse earrings and Lion Talisman necklace, from a selection, Chanel Fine Jewellery (chanel.com) 30

COME INTO FASHION 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) 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. Cassandra Goad, 147 Sloane Street, SW1 (cassandragoad.com)

That

time

again

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 W o r d s : A l e x D oak

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hink ‘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…

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.

You can be girly AND grown-up

Watchmakers are still stargazing

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 jaw-dropping 19-02 Tourbillon Fleur, whose magnolia petals open up every five minutes to reveal its merry-goround 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.

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 CoOrdinated 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?

‘We only switched to atomic clock-regulated Universal Time Co-Ordinated as recently as 1961’

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‘In fact, Vacheron stole the entire SIHH show with its new Harmony collection’

The handwound chronograph is well and truly back Before the 1970s, 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 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 Constantin 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.

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

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)

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)

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

Equestrian Elegance 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-andmonth display at 12 o’clock. You’ll pay £2,210 for the steel option, and £7,490 for its rose gold sister. (longines.com)

The Themayfair mayfairMagazine Magazine| |Regulars Fashion

To the manor born Only the most debonair of gentlemen will know that H. Huntsman & Sons know how to create one of the best suits on Savile Row. The tailor has counted the likes of Gregory Peck, Laurence Olivier and Cecil Beaton as fans. For S/S15, the brand have crafted a series of suits made from lightweight wools and linens that encapsulate the heritage of British country estates. What attire could better suit a brisk walk around the manor with the hounds in tow? H. Huntsman & Sons, 11 Savile Row, W1S (020 7734 7441; h-huntsman.com)

Style spy WORDS: AMY WELCH

Best foot forward Using some of the finest of leathers, Hugo Boss’s classic monkstrap shoes are a handsome accessory for business or leisure. You need only the addition of a trusty trench coat for a thoroughly transitional and contemporary wardrobe for spring. Similarly, the newly renovated BOSS store on New Bond Street showcases such modern aesthetics with a touch of understated class. Contrasts of matte fabrics and high gloss surfaces feel substantial yet airy within the store, providing a fitting backdrop for the brand’s pared-down spring collection. T-Legionio Double Monk Leather Shoes, £430, Hugo Boss, 122 New Bond Street, W1S (020 7499 5605; hugoboss.com)

Timeless travel If you are going to travel, you might as well travel in style. Globe-Trotter’s dove grey watch case is the ultimate accompanying accessory this spring. Through vulcanised fibreboard and soft chamel materials, the quintessentially English luggage company has championed a fresh take on how to transport your timepieces. With space to pack up to six watches, the only item to concern yourself with is narrowing down which timepieces to pack. Classic watch case, £625, Globe-Trotter, 35 Albemarle Street, W1S (020 7529 5950; globetrotter1897.com)

Live smart It’s masculine, athletic and may change the entire watch industry as we know it. Montblanc’s pioneering TimeWalker Urban Speed Chronograph is the first luxury timepiece to incorporate fine horological traditions with wearable technology. The noir watch face concentrates on authentic automatic windings while the new e-strap at the rear encompasses touchscreen controls, activity-tracking and smart notifications. Finally, a smartwatch which actually looks rather smart. TimeWalker Urban Speed Chronograph and e-Strap, from £2,350, Montblanc, 119 New Bond Street, W1S (020 7629 5883; montblanc.com) 39

b ri

China’s influence over the luxury goods market is undeniably strong. We meet Rupert Sanderson, one of the designers who is taking part in this year’s GREAT Festival of Creativity in Shanghai this month, to discuss his expansion to the East and the power of being a British brand

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here is no denying the power that British luxury brands have in China is formidable. Numerous labels have recently opened boutiques in both mainland China and Hong Kong to adapt to this growing demand for exceptionally crafted luxury goods, particularly those brands that are steeped in heritage and history. This March, some of Mayfair’s most quintessential British brands – including Gieves & Hawkes, Norton & Sons and Dunhill – will be heading for Shanghai to take part of the GREAT Festival of Creativity to celebrate and demonstrate the best of British creativity. The festival, which is to be opened by

HRH The Duke of Cambridge, is bringing to the fore the power of Brand Britain abroad, which has in turn also increased the desirability of these brands in Britain too. The initiative has already proven to be a successful one, driving a direct return to the economy here of over £1bn since the program’s launch, which now operates in 144 countries. Mayfair based Rupert Sanderson, whose elegant heels are often donned by celebrities on the red carpet, explains why he’ll be among the designers at this year’s festival, and why he has already broken into one of the world’s fastest-growing markets.

The mayfair Magazine | Feature

There is a huge appetite for British culture, and a genuine fascination with its breadth and depth. There are so many facets to our culture that people find interesting – from the traditional red buses through to the most avant garde and challenging music and art. We are known as a wellspring of invention. It’s a unique combination of things that make this nation engaging to the rest of the world. I think Chinese customers are fascinated with the products and services that have a European and historical provenance. They are exotic and have been previously unavailable in China.

What is interesting about the GREAT Festival of Creativity to you? I think a lot of creative industries in the UK are understandably wrapped up in their own world so they don’t really recognise actually how vast the ‘creative’ (in its widest sense) industry really is. This is an opportunity to really see it, to see how much of our economy, how much of our industry, is based around creative endeavours. It’s going to be fascinating to see the great and good of Britain’s creative industries in one place. What are some of the challenges that have come with entering China at a time when its luxury environment is shifting? The Chinese have a very particular take on what they want from luxury and it doesn’t necessarily eclipse the European understanding of luxury. Adaption and responding to what Chinese customers really want without compromising the very essence of what you do, is perceived as luxury. Why do you think the influence of British culture abroad is important?

Has there been a general trend to follow the other well-known designer labels such as Ann Demeulemeester, Burberry, and Michael Kors which have opened flagships in China? There is an increasing interest in the less widely advertised names as the Chinese consumer becomes more curious and more sophisticated. In their desire to be more distinctive and have more knowledgeable about design and luxury, Chinese customers have accelerated their learning, much faster than was probably previously expected. They have a ravenous appetite for authenticity. I think this is what the smaller brands have to offer. How are you hoping to stand out against your peers? It’s important having a store in Shanghai with a view to opening more stores in China. This will hopefully stand us in good stead in carving out a niche and understanding who we are. We also have a distinctive product that has been developed 

This page, above and right: Campaign images courtesy of Eddie Wrey. All other images courtesy of Rupert Sanderson

with the Chinese customer in mind and this has been reflected in our stores in Hong Kong for four years. It’s exciting to have a core product that is distinctively Rupert Sanderson. Are there any plans to make limited-edition items specifically for the Chinese market? We are constantly reviewing what we are doing within the collection, and we have a select part of the offering that is skewed towards the Chinese consumer. We have a number of styles that have their own lasts to make the fit more suitable to Chinese women. We have a finishing technique using 24 carat gold leaf on a number of the shoe accessories which is exclusive to the greater China market, and this is helping us stand out and be distinctive within our peer group by offering something that is unavailable anywhere else in the world. How does the definition of ‘style’ change from Britain to China? How would you describe style and fashion there, compared to in Britain? It’s difficult because I think style has had various incarnations for centuries and centuries. I think China’s recent history has almost been starved of style development and it’s fascinating to see it making up for lost time. The speed at which the Chinese consumer is understanding luxury and style is extraordinary, so I suspect we will be overtaken quite quickly in terms of consumption and understanding of the current trends, and what’s fashionable, new and exciting.

The mayfair Magazine | Feature

Why was opening a shop in Mayfair important? When I opened my first store I felt Mayfair was an obvious and exciting choice. It was largely underdeveloped, and with its proximity to Bond Street I found a location that I completely fell in love with. I didn’t look at anything else other than the one that I found. I felt it was a perfect combination of that Mayfair exclusivity, in a little street that I particularly liked. It adheres to our ‘London’ credentials perfectly. It is London at its most stylish, which has had a regeneration over the last five or six years. People have really fallen back in love with Mayfair as the most exclusive quarter of London. What is your definition of creativity? Endless reinvention. What inspires your own creativity? The simple answer to that is that everything has to inspire you. You have to seek the inspiration in everything and create the space around you to be able to respond to that. What is next for you? I am looking forward to seeing what comes from our travels to China, our businesses, and the women that are increasingly falling in love with our shoes in China. The GREAT Festival of Creativity is on from 2-4 March in Shanghai (greatfestivalofcreativity.co.uk; greatbritaincampaign.com)

Beauty | The Fashion | Themayfair mayfairMagazine Magazine

Sleeping beauty Who wouldn’t want to go to bed looking chic and wake up just as glamorously? Nightwear expert Olivia Von Halle certainly does, and her new S/S15 collection boasts timeless, beautifully cut silk pieces with intricate print detailing, to give you that stylish Audrey Hepburn-esque elegance from the moment you wake up. A popular choice among many celebrities including Victoria Beckham, Gwyneth Paltrow and Lena Perminova, these are staple pieces with the power to redefine the meaning of ‘beauty sleep’. Olivia Von Halle (oliviavonhalle.com)

Style update WORDS: CHANEL DE YONG

Treasure trove A striking and well-crafted jewellery box never fails to catch our eye. When added to your dressing table, it is the perfect piece in which to keep your most treasured and prized possessions. Asprey’s traditional classic medium-sized jewellery box designed in brick alligator is definitely an eternal ornament for your dressing table. From the removable shelves to the additional separate hidden compartments, you can be sure that your jewels will be stored safely and most elegantly. Brick alligator medium jewellery box, £16,125, Asprey, 167 New Bond Street, W1S (asprey.com)

Checkmate What does your bag say about you? Daks’ sophisticated checked bag exudes sublime style and is the perfect piece for any occasion. What better way to celebrate the turning of the season with Daks S/S15 handbag collection, highlighting how bold clean lines against a smooth finished background can create the ultimate timeless accessory. Ladies, should you arrive at a dinner party with a gorgeous Daks bag, you will certainly not be short of attention and the envy of other female guests. Portobello large shopper bag, £235, Daks, 101 Jermyn Street, SW1 (daks.com)

Tender is the night Look and feel every inch the princess in Jenny Packham’s new style for its S/S15 lingerie collection, inspired by old Hollywood glamour and 18th century romanticism. The delicate colour blocking against the elegant floral patterned prints compliment the romantic soft silk nightdresses, which are adorned with exquisite lace. Black Chantilly lace kimono, £620, Jenny Packham, (jennypackham.com)

100% natural cashmere WWW.CASHMIRINO.COM LONDON- BURLINGTON ARCADE, 31 - W 1 J OHH MILANO - VIA SAN PIETRO ALL’ORTO, 3 - 20121

Taking flight Bid farewell to heavy winter coats and cashmere, and welcome in billowing silk dresses in fresh, pastel shades for an effortlessly glamorous look p ho t ogra p her : ale x ander beer s t yl i s t: o z z y shah

The mayfair Magazine | Fashion

Dress, ÂŁ1,250, War The Robe (wartherobe.com)

Dress, price on application, Luisa Beccaria (luisabeccaria.it). Ring, ÂŁ69, Joubi (joubi.co.uk)

The mayfair Magazine | Fashion

Dress, £2,985, Stella McCartney (stellamccartney.com). Cuff, £360, Atelier Swarovski by Masha Ma (swarovski.com). Diamond earrings, price on application, Harry Wisnton (harrywinston.com). Heels, £890, Aquazzura (aquazzura.com) 49

Gown, price on application, Luisa Beccaria (luisabeccaria.it). Feathered bolero, ÂŁ285, James Lakeland (jameslakeland.net). Diamond earings, price on application, Harry Winston (harrywinston.com)

The mayfair Magazine | Fashion

Dress, £995, Stella McCartney (stellamccartney. com). White gold diamond earrings, £5,200, Amrapali (amrapalijewels.com). Heels, £555, Aquazzura (aquazzura.com)

The mayfair Magazine | Fashion

Dress, £3,640, Roberto Cavalli (robertocavalli. com). Heels, £485, Bionda Castana (biondacastana.com). Ring, £125, and pendant, £509, both Joubi (joubi.co.uk).

Assistant: Ben Duah Model: Sarah Louise at Models 1 Hair: Fábio Nogueira at Frank Agency Make-up: Aly Hazlewood (aly-hazlewood.co.uk) Retouching: Pavel Zolin (ipaulus.com) 53

Blazer, £180, Classic Shirt with Contrasts and Trims, Linen, £89, Bermuda Shorts: Cotton, £89

The mayfair Magazine | Feature

Italian influence We meet Milan-based fashion designer Maria Busquets to discover the beauty behind Burlington Arcade’s elegant childrenswear brand Cashmirino

‘W

hen you are a mum you want your kids to have the best,’ says Maria Busquets, the elegant founder of childrenswear brand Cashmirino. ‘I have always worn cashmere and love the softness. When I had children I thought to myself, “Why wouldn’t I want my child to have the same luxurious quality?” Having a tiny delicate baby, naturally you would want to put them in the purest fibres – I associate cashmere with purity and softness.’ Cashmirino, which is comfortably nestled next to other luxury brands in The Burlington Arcade, was first established in 2001 in Milan, and has catered to fashion-conscious parents (and their little ones) ever since. More than ten years ago, Busquets started Cashmirino with the ambition to create a brand that would allow children to dress as children whilst looking stylish and smart at the same time. Her brand adds something unique yet traditional to the luxury childrenswear market, using only natural fibres, as she sources some of the finest materials from all over the world to ensure the best quality. Her clothing uses cashmere from Mongolia and soft linens and cottons from Spain. In fact, in April, as one of Italy’s most loved childrenswear brands, Busquets will travel to Peru with Moda to connect with local artisans to try out local fabrics, such as alpaca, with a view to introducing the material to her collection. The interior of her Burlington Arcade store is

Left to right: Polo shirt and bermuda short set: Linen, from £146 (1-18 months). Short dress with bow on front: Linen, from £119 (Available from 2-6 years). Long dress with hems, bow in the back and varnished waistband: Cotton, from £110 (Available from 0 - 12 years). All Cashmirino

a friendly and nurturing atmosphere that’s ideal for youngsters to be in while their parents browse. ‘I like the idea of having a little store. I could always imagine the concept of Cashmirino here – it is cosy, which is really important for the brand. We have put small soft sofas inside to make it comfortable for children,’ says Busquets. For spring, Busquets’ new collection celebrates British style, using iconic Liberty of London printed fabrics with timeless designs that have been updated with a modern twist. By pairing exquisite natural fabrics such as linens, cottons and cashmere together, every piece is luxurious, and combines different textures, which are both practical and elegant. ‘The collection is very fresh. When you think about a fabric and your child, you think about colours. Just imagine a boy in spring playing and running around in the garden yet still looking handsome and comfortable in his linen shirt,’ she says. It’s a dream combination of style and practicality for little Mayfairians to enjoy. Cashmirino, 31 Burlington Arcade, W1S (020 7495 0708; cashmirino.com)

LEFT: Dress with embroidered feathers, Cotton, from £155 (Available from 1 month - 12 years)

My Fair Lady To this day, Audrey Hepburn remains an icon of glamour and femininity. Ahead of the National Portrait Galleryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exhibition Portraits of an Icon celebrating her life and career, we remember one of the 20th centuryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most graceful women words: amy welch

The mayfair Magazine | Feature

left: Audrey Hepburn photographed wearing Givenchy by Norman Parkinson, 1955 © Norman Parkinson Ltd/ Courtesy Norman Parkinson Archive

nly two things in my life still bear the power to catapult my consciousness back to my first explorations of New York City – Gershwin’s melodic Rhapsody in Blue and the steely wit of Miss Holly Golightly. ‘It should take you exactly four seconds to cross from here to that door. I’ll give you two,’ said the svelte heroine in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, possibly one of the most iconic motion pictures of all time. Audrey Hepburn, bringing to life so excellently Truman Capote’s wilful but all too fragile Miss Golightly, was my first memory of New York and to this day that iconic film.

‘Hepburn’s enigmatic charms had a way of endearing audiences, both on-and-off screen’ It is a cinematic ode to pride and love, which so eloquently depicts Hepburn’s unique beauty and acting prowess as a true enigma. As the National Portrait Gallery is set to host a major photographic exhibition in celebration of Hepburn’s life and career, I reflect only too gladly upon the fascinating woman behind the pictures. The exhibition dedicated to the late screen legend, which will coincide with the 65th anniversary of Hepburn’s little-known and career-changing performance in the West End, follows the fascinating life of Hepburn; a celebrated siren of the big screen, icon of timeless style and committed humanitarian. ‘Intelligent and alert, wistful but enthusiastic, frank yet tactful, assured without conceit and tender without sentimentality,’ said Cecil Beaton of Hepburn on photographing her. ‘Her voice is peculiarly personal, with its unaccustomed rhythm and sing-song cadence that develops into a flat drawl that ends in a childlike query. It has a quality of heartbreak.’ Hepburn’s enigmatic charms had a way of

endearing audiences, both on-and-off screen. Like Beaton, many a cultural luminary became enamoured with the actress’s character, capturing her elegance and poise time and again in photography. Iconic as these portraits are, this summer the National Portrait Gallery will also showcase, along with more recognisable images, rarely seen images from the Hepburn family. From her time practising ballet as a young woman (Hepburn first moved to London in 1948 to take up a prestigious ballet scholarship at the Rambert Ballet School in Notting Hill) to gracing the cover of Life magazine in that infamous blush Givenchy gown, photographed by Norman Parkinson, each image reveals to the viewer a woman of extraordinary talent, always poised and always stylish. For her timeless style and sophistication, Hepburn remains an archetypal influence, from the pearl-adorned earlobes of Holly Golightly, down to the delicate ballet flats the aspiring dancer frequently donned. Of the exhibition, images from Cecil Beaton’s studio archive at 

below: Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s by Howell Conant, published on the cover of Jours de France, 27 January 1962

The mayfair Magazine | Feature

left: Audrey Hepburn by Angus McBean, October 1950 © National Portrait Gallery, London; right: Audrey Hepburn in Rome by Cecil Beaton, 1960 ©The Cecil Beaton Studio Archive at Sotheby’s

right: Audrey Hepburn by Cecil Beaton, 1954 ©The Cecil Beaton Studio Archive at Sotheby’s

Sotheby’s depict perfectly how timeless Hepburn’s sense of fashion was. Another highlight of the exhibition includes Larry Fried’s photographs of Hepburn in her dressing room on Broadway for Gigi in 1951 (a critically acclaimed stage performance that introduced the young starlet to American audiences). Together with portraits by leading photographers such as Irving Penn and Richard Avedon, original film posters and other memorabilia will complete the exhibition’s reflective narrative. ‘Not to live for the day, that would be materialistic, but to treasure the day,’ the Belgian-born actress once said. From leading role to leading role, Hepburn’s career could aptly be described as stratospheric (she was the first actress to win an Academy Award, Golden Globe and BAFTA for a single performance, for her leading role in Roman Holiday) yet quotes from the actress read like the mantras of a true philanthropist, all optimism and zest for life. ‘For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone,’ said Hepburn. Behind the icon, the sculpted cheek bones and defined brow line, was a woman who clearly grasped new opportunities with both hands and never took for granted the small pleasures in life. Though we often recall the petite features and femininity Hepburn showcased on screen, the actress dedicated the later years of her life to philanthropy, working as a Unicef ambassador and receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1992 in recognition of her enduring contribution to the arts and her humanitarian work. This serene acceptance of life is what resonates most through each image, as Hepburn’s charm shines above all. ‘I never think of myself as an icon,’ she once said. ‘What is in other people’s minds is not in my mind. I just do my thing.’ Audrey Hepburn: Portraits of an Icon is on from 2 July – 18 October at the National Portrait Gallery (npg.org.uk)

‘For timeless style and sophistication, today Hepburn remains an archetypal influence’

The mayfair Magazine | Art

Q&A with…

Art news

Thought-provoking photographs by Barbara Kruger and gorgeous, contemporary paintings of flowers by Andrea Byrne propel us joyfully into spring w o r d s : C A RO L C ORDR E Y

A beautiful friendship Rich sepia hues and compositions, which could have been cut from the closing scenes of a film noir, resonate deeply within Max Zorn’s work. Amidst the urban artist’s enigmatic colour palette, you would be forgiven for assuming his works are created from generously blended oil on canvas. More impressive each piece appears then, when you discover the unique process of shaping layers upon layers of humble brown packaging tape with only a surgeon’s scalpel for assistance. Recently appointing Zorn as artist in residence, the Sanderson (London’s first boutique hotel) continues a long tradition of championing progressive works from emerging artists. Zorn’s Sanderson residency, which opens with an exhibition where the artist will create exclusive pieces live to be displayed throughout the hotel, marks the artist’s first solo London show. It’s the beginning of the Sanderson’s identity as a destination for artistic talent throughout 2015. Stick Together, 10 – 20 March (morganshotelgroup.com)

Provoking thought Our world of ubiquitous colour seems to have pushed black and white photography into the history books but for a crisp looking, attentiongrabbing image, we still consider the black and white form to be superior. American artist Barbara Kruger seems to agree and the power of her provocative images has earned her a place in international exhibitions and collections, plus the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement award at the 2005 Venice Biennale. Skarstedt Gallery on Old Bond Street is displaying some of Kruger’s renowned works that are timeless political or social critiques. Be transfixed by the large scale, close-up images presented in the artist’s trademark bold red frames then captivated by the clear message applied as a typeface across each photograph. So simple but so brilliant. Barbara Kruger: Early Works is at Skarstedt, London, from 10 February – 11 April 2015 (skarstedt.com)

Q: What made you want to paint flowers? A: Flowers make beautiful models. I wanted the challenge of working to a larger scale, to be intimidated by the void of a big canvas and I was drawn to the strength of a flower. I had always been interested in conventional notions of beauty and that led to philosophical investigations of the beauty and the grotesque while at Central Saint Martins. Q: Your subjects are saturated in colour and sensuality; are they influenced by the late Georgia O’Keeffe? A: Sensuality, movement and an expression of temporality are major concerns in the paintings, which are heavily glossed to give them a seductive edge. Influences are the 17th century Dutch painter Rachel Ruysch; I share the same concerns that the great Georgia O’Keeffe has in her powerful flower paintings but in terms of application it is, for me, a performative process more akin to abstract expressionist Helen Frankenthaler whose work I greatly admire. Q: Do you work on a large scale because it allows for greater self expression or do you simply ‘think big’? A: There has to be a challenge, a fear to overcome; as any artist will confirm there is nothing like a white piece of paper or canvas (whatever the size) to reduce a person so completely. I’m painting an existence, I’m painting while I’m having that experience and I like to give the viewer something to experience rather than the passivity of just looking. I want the viewer to be folded into the petals of the experience within the existence of the flower. Sometimes large scale helps that inclusivity to occur. Andrea Byrne, 4 – 13 March (panterandhall.com) above: Deechrisalice by Andrea Byrne, Acrylic and Gloss on canvas 53” x 53”, £2,800. © Andrea Byrne, courtesy of Panter and Hall

TOP: Max Zorn Tape Art; LEFT, from top: Barbara Kruger, Untitled (You make history when you do business), 1981, black and white photograph, 72 x 48 in. (182.9 x 121.9 cm.); Barbara Kruger, Untitled (We are your circumstantial evidence), 1981, black and white photograph, 91 1/2 x 61 1/2 in. (232.4 x 156.2 cm.), BOTH © Barbara Kruger, Courtesy of the artist and Skarstedt

Painter, Andrea Byrne, about her striking new work

Exhibition Focus:

Alexander McQueen:

Savage Beauty The work of the late fashion designer Alexander McQueen proves its timelessness and relevance once more, as the Victoria & Albert Museum hosts Savage Beauty as its headline exhibition for spring

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

n August, 2011, in the midst of a hot New York summer, I arrived early in the morning at the entrance of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, there to catch a

above: Jacket Alexander McQueen, It’s a Jungle out there, A/W 1997-8 (Image: firstVIEW); right: Tahitian pearl and silver neckpiece Shaun Leane for Alexander McQueen Voss, S/S 2001 Model: Karen Elson © Anthea Simms

glimpse of Alexander McQueen’s first retrospective just over a year after his death that shook the fashion world. It was only 8am, but hundreds of curious people had already gathered – the queue was so long, it had made its way a few blocks down on Fifth Avenue. But nothing – not even a three-hour wait – could have stopped me from seeing this landmark exhibition. Since Savage Beauty had first opened in May that year, it had attracted such a high number of visitors to the museum – a total of 661,509 people – that it placed it among the ten most visited exhibitions in the museum’s

above: Portrait of Alexander McQueen, 1997 (photo: Marc Hom) © Marc Hom / Trunk Archive

The mayfair Magazine | Art

below: Tulle and lace dress with veil and antlers, Alexander McQueen, Widows of Culloden, A/W 2006–07 Model: Raquel Zimmerman, VIVA London (Image: firstVIEW)

history (alongside the display of the Treasures of Tutankhamun (1978) and the Mona Lisa (1963). And despite the heaving crowds inside and the loud passing of judgements (‘I would never wear that,’ one incredulous woman said, referring to a dress make entirely of razor clam shells) to have seen the display of his works here was to be in the presence of a great innovator of fashion, and a challenger of the idea of beauty. ‘I don’t really get inspired [by specific women]... It’s more the minds of the women in the past like Catherine the Great, or Marie Antoinette. People who were doomed. Joan of Arc or Colette… Iconic women,’ the designer once said. Although many of his pieces are indeed beautiful, he was never afraid to confront the uncomfortable in the world, as well as his own melancholy, which he channelled into his work. This month, an exhibition based on the original in New York will – after much anticipation – be held at the Victoria & Albert Museum. In many ways, this exhibition is a homecoming for his legacy, as McQueen was born in London, drew much of his inspiration from the city, and is where his life came to an end. ‘Britain always led the way in every field possible in the world from art to pop music,’ McQueen once said. ‘Even from the days of Henry VIII. It’s a nation where people come and gloat and what we have as a valuable heritage, be it some good, some bad, but there’s no place on earth like it.’ The V&A has already sold 30,000 tickets to visitors from all over world ahead of the opening of the exhibition this month – and an extra 50,000 have just been released to accommodate

what is already proving to be a blockbuster exhibition for the museum. I’ll never forget admiring some of his most iconic collections, such as his graduation collection from Central Saint Martins, entitled Jack the Ripper Stalks His Victims (1992), to the futuristic Plato’s Atlantis (2010), which had models walking the runway in bright digital prints, and went on to be copied by many high-street brands, still to this day. But most inspiring and moving of all, was the final piece – a black box, which upon first glance, was empty. But as the accompanying music increased in tempo, a tiny holographic light – that looked as if it were a star in a midnight sky – appeared, morphing into a moving image of Kate Moss, wearing one of McQueen’s ethereal dresses from his Widows of Culloden (2006) collection. Layer upon layer of organza floated freely around her, before her image faded back to a tiny spec of light and disappeared. I for one will happily join the queue once more this month, this time in London, to experience the wonder and majesty that is McQueen. Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty is on from 14 March - 2 August (vam.ac.uk/savagebeauty; 0800 912 6961)

centre: Bird’s Nest headdress with Swarovski gemstones Philip Treacy and Shaun Leane for Alexander McQueen, Widows of Culloden, A/W 2006–07. Model: Snejana Onopka (Image: Courtesy Swarovski Archive)

below: Butterfly headdress of hand-painted turkey feathers Philip Treacy for Alexander McQueen, La Dame Bleue, S/S 2008 Model: Alana Zimmer © Anthea Simms

#1 The Wave by Donald McIntyre Crashing surf and dark blue waters can bring to mind any number of British coastal towns. For the late British painter Donald McIntyre it was the beachfronts of Scotland and North Wales which held the most inspiration. McIntyre’s The Wave is indicative of the native Scottish artist’s painterly approach to landscapes, based on the traditions of the Scottish Colourists. The work highlights a deeply spontaneous yet considered palette. Expected value £5,000 - £7,000, Modern British and Irish Art at Bonhams Knightsbridge, 10 March (bonhams.com)

#2 Parmigiani Fleurier, Kalpagraph, No. 35694

#3 2003 Chapelle-Chambertin, Domaine Ponsot

Master of horology since 1996 Parmigiani Fleurier is known for its exquisite craftsmanship when it comes to watches. A highlight at Dreweatts this month is an 18 carat gold and diamond watch by Parmigiani, that is sure to interest those seeking something both dazzling and refined. The lines of the watch face are classic and elegant, making it a transitional piece, perfect for day time or evening wear. Estimated value £4,000 - £6,000, Fine Jewellery, Watches, Pens & Luxury Accessories at Dreweatts, 26 March (dreweatts.com)

If one possesses the patience of a true connoisseur, fine wines can become a wonderful investment. This month, Sotheby’s unveils some stunning lots for its fine wine collection, including magnums of the 2003 Chapelle-Chambertin, Domaine Ponsot – a delightful pinot noir, robust and expressive on the nose with ripe tannins. It will drink beautifully now or keep until 2018. Estimated value £1,100 - £1,500 per six magnums, Finest and Rarest Wines at Sotheby’s London, 25 March (sothebys.com)

Prize lots

3 IMAGES: #1 IMAGE COURTESY OF BONHAMS #2 IMAGE COURTESY OF DREWEATTS #3 IMAGE COURTESY OF SOTHEBY’S #4 IMAGE COURTESY OF SOTHEBY’S #5 IMAGE COURTESY OF © CHRISTIE’S IMAGES LIMITED 2015 #6 IMAGE COURTESY OF PHILLIPS

The mayfair Magazine | Art

#4 Champagne Buckets especially designed for The Ivy by Future Systems, circa 1990 A longstanding haunt for London’s distinguished and influential individuals, The Ivy has always held a connection with the art world, hosting a collection of celebrated British artists on its walls. Now, items from the restaurant’s dining rooms and VIP areas will be sold by Sotheby’s to benefit the charity Child Bereavement. Estimated value £100 - £150 each, Made in Britain at Sotheby’s London, 25 March (sothebys.com)

#5 Eli by Lucian Freud

#6 Divan by Franz West

‘A painter must think of everything he sees as being there entirely for his own use and pleasure,’ said Lucian Freud, one of the most celebrated artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. Depicting the artist’s beloved whippet Eli – the pet of Freud’s friend David Dawson – while sleeping, the detailed etching shows fine feathered lines indicative of Freud’s famed illustrative work at its best. It is one very impressive conversation piece indeed. Estimated value £80,000 - £120,000, Old Master, Modern and Contemporary Prints at Christie’s, 18 March (christies.com)

Works by the late Austrian artist Franz West are known to challenge the viewer’s idea of beauty. His paintings and sculpture-like furniture have been exhibited across the globe for more than 30 years at venues such as the Museum of Modern Art. This vibrant divan has been skilfully created from scrap metals but is sophisticated and elegant, and it would make for a most artful addition to your living room. Estimated value $70,000 - $100,000, Contemporary Art and Design Evening Sale at Phillips New York, 3 March (phillips.com)

5 6

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The mayfair Magazine | Interiors

Orient express ‘My lifestyle is always hugely driven by passion,’ says Roberto Cavalli. Passion and fantasy are conspicuous themes within the print-obsessed designer’s new Foulard home collection. Cushions and duvet covers are edged in gold, and display stunning prints of orchids and in true Cavalli style, which are made complete with a touch of leopard print silk lining. King sized Foulard duvet set, £486, Roberto Cavalli (robertocavalli.com)

Interiors news words: amy welch

FINISHING TOUCH

Wall to wall It was said the powerful Medusa could transform even the deepest seaweed into vibrant red coral. With such subtle nods to Greek mythology, Manuel Canovas’s striking wall coverings offer the bold colour combinations to enliven even the plainest of rooms. Aristote wallpaper, Manuel Canovas (colefax.com)

Transcending time and distance, expressions of true love are universal. Thus lies the inspiration behind Vera Wang’s latest collection of enamel treasure boxes for Wedgwood. A golden X symbol, to seal with a kiss the box’s onyx lid, is an enchanting touch. Vera Wang with Love Treasures Noir X Treasure Box, £40, Wedgwood (wedgwood.com)

Alexander the great Few designers embody sophisticated minimalism quite like Alexander Wang. Unveiling an exclusive furniture collection for Italian interiors house Poltrona Frau, the designer’s contrast of elegance and comfort certainly does not disappoint, as a leather bean bag chair and a portable shagreen trunk bar offer a simplistic take on luxury. In the words of Wang himself, ‘I always loved this idea of hanging out in a basement on bean bags.’ Trunk bar, from a selection, Alexander Wang for Poltrona Frau (poltronafrau.it) 67

Designing

the future

Creating some of the world’s most iconic premium technology, Bang & Olufsen is an institution of innovation. With its first UK flagship store now open on Hanover Square, we catch up with CEO Tue Mantoni on an exciting new chapter in the B&O story WORDS: AMY WELCH

‘G

ood design is innovative. It has to be honest,’ says Tue Mantoni, CEO of technology giant Bang & Olufsen. When I first met him at the brand’s latest launch, a flagship store in the heart of Mayfair on Hanover Square, Mantoni was a quiet force of confidence, appearing as deeply enthralled in a demonstration of the new BeoSound Moment as the rest of us in the dense crowd surrounding the product. It has been four years since Mantoni took the reins at the helm of the infamous Danish company, set to celebrate its 90th anniversary later this year, and the brand has, coincidentally or not, gone from strength to strength; weathering a global financial crisis and staying firmly ahead of the curve in an ever-changing industry. Dynamic and forward thinking are words often articulated far too freely, but Bang & Olufsen do seem to adapt and centre themselves extremely well as a company, something which reflects Mantoni’s managerial style. ‘I used to work in a privately owned company where I was told to look after the people, and the people would look after the

all images courtesy of Bang & Olufsen

The mayfair Magazine | Feature

business – I think that’s a good way to look at it.’ Equal focus is put on the customer, as Bang & Olufsen has carved out a niche, devising products which create a luxury experience for people’s everyday lives and homes. ‘It’s the customers who need to be excited about what we do,’ Mantoni explains. Although, considerably more attention to detail goes into a B&O product than the mere folly of exciting new technology. ‘There’s a lot of innovation going on in the industry with no purpose,’ says Mantoni, who strongly believes ‘innovation, should not just be done for the sake of technology, but should be done because it improves people’s lives.’ Coming to London once a month, Mantoni frequently visits Mayfair and chose the store’s new location with great care. With Hanover Square undergoing extensive renovations and luxury brands increasingly vying for store space

in the area, there is an air of promise hanging above Bang & Olufsen’s well-appointed new flagship. ‘We felt that Mayfair, because it’s the centre of luxury in Europe and certainly the UK, was the ideal place to open a flagship store,’ says Mantoni. Having similar concepts in both Shanghai and Hong Kong, Bang & Olufsen’s Hanover Square store delivers a sensory experience for customers, fusing sleek design with technological acumen (it’s what they do). ‘Bang & Olufsen is an experience brand,’ explains Mantoni. ‘It’s a lot more than selling a TV or speakers, it’s about the dream of technology being simple and easy to use, where technology adapts to your life; you don’t have to adapt your life around the technology.’ Judging by the new Hanover Square store, client experience is at the forefront of Mantoni’s 

‘It’s a lot more than selling a TV or speakers, it’s about the dream of technology being simple and easy to use’

all images courtesy of Bang & Olufsen

mind. Uncharacteristic of the panelled wood entrance (the new store was once a bank and I’m told the basement safe still remains) the sleek interior incorporates a wholly modern interactive space, complete with a self-contained cinema room and rotating speaker stands. ‘That’s my favourite feature, the rotating speaker wall, because you get that element of surprise.’ The element of surprise is one thing B&O still knows how to pull out of the bag, despite possessing a universally recognisable design concept. Speaking of the brand’s latest triumph, the BeoSound Moment wireless music system (featuring the world’s first touchsensitive wood interface), Mantoni states ‘the feedback has been really positive’. Both acclaimed and embraced by technology critics at Las Vegas’s annual Consumer Electronics Show in January, it seems almost disingenuous to describe the BeoSound Moment as merely inventive. Analysing users’ listening patterns, the

device suggests music based on your tastes and time of day from your own music collection and the online streaming service Deezer. ‘What we’re trying to do is be relevant when we drive innovation’ says Mantoni. ‘At a time when everyone is looking at smaller screens, bigger screens, and then something comes with touch-sensitive wood, everybody is looking at it thinking, “Wow, here is finally something innovative and new,”’ the native Dane adds. When B&O first came into its own as a premium brand, 1970s technology was heading in a very

‘I like things that last. I love objects that are beautiful, that also have a purpose’ different direction. ‘It was a time where the competition signalled innovation and technology by adding a lot more knobs and dials and buttons and flashing lights,’ at which point B&O adamantly committed to following its own path of clean user interfaces and simple aluminium surfaces with few controls. ‘We signalled that technology is all about simplicity.’ This too reflects Mantoni’s own preferences when it comes to design. ‘I like things that last. I love objects that are beautiful, that also have a purpose,’ says Mantoni. ‘It shouldn’t be fashionable; if you look at many of our products, they may be ten, 20 or 30 years old but they don’t look antiquated.’ With Bang & Olufsen’s UK flagship set to become a defining accent in the renovation plan for Hanover Square, Mantoni envisions a welcoming and relaxing environment to complement a new age for the area. ‘You don’t have to buy anything to go there, you can go and have an experience and enjoy what we do – a place where you can see the best of the best,’ Mantoni explains. ‘It’s a very small chapter in a long Bang & Olufsen book’. Bang & Olufsen, 21 Hanover Square, W1S (bang-olufsen.com)

The mayfair Magazine | Feature

Interiors | The mayfair Magazine

Perennial ingenuity It is hard to fault the elegance of a grand floral bouquet. As we waltz towards the wedding season, Wildabout Flowers’ talks to us about its bespoke arrangements that offer intoxicating scents and a world of romance

drivers and admin team. We spend a lot of time getting to know our clients, their personalities, tastes, likes and dislikes. It’s a very personal process. We like our brides to feel comfortable and trust that we will make their wedding look beautiful and follow through on all the finer details.

What is the most important aspect to consider when choosing flowers for one’s big day? The flowers should represent your personality. Think of using seasonal flowers, for example, if you love peonies, then you will need to have your wedding in late spring, early summer. Also, make sure once you book your florist that they will show you an actual sample of your table arrangements prior to the wedding. This way you will be confident and know exactly what to expect on the day.

How can Wildabout assist brides who are looking for an entirely bespoke bouquet for their wedding? The bouquet is the most intimate part of the floral design, it not only should complement your personality but also your dress. To really personalise a bouquet we suggest binding it in lace or material from your wedding dress.

How do you go about helping clients narrow down to one design for their wedding? We have a creative team of ten that make up our florists,

Are contemporary or traditional arrangements on trend for weddings this season? The current style on trend in 2015 is the looser, more deconstructed style of floristry, the use of interesting foliage and flowers, unstructured and not symmetrical. Wildabout (020 7404 2541; wildabout.co.uk)

Lilou et Lo誰c L O N D O N

S I Z E D O E S M AT T E R . . .

3kg Scented Candle From The Emperor Collection

www.lilouetloic.com

Super charge We discover why the latest Porsche Cayenne Turbo stands out from the crowd. It’s powerful, sleek and full of panache w o r d s : R i c h a r d Ya r r o w

’ve no idea how many articles like this I’ve written – hundreds and hundreds – but the creative process always starts the same way. It’s me looking at a new car and wondering what’s going to strike me; which elements will I like and not like, how the car compares with rivals, and is it worth the money? Hand on heart, with the latest Porsche Cayenne Turbo, that ‘looking at’ process was completely unique in 16 years of doing this. The car was on my drive at home, it was approaching 5am and almost pitch black, and I was stood watching it defrost while eating a bowl of cereal. The big SUV quite literally appeared from under a heavy film of white as I chomped through my cornflakes, shivering in only a shirt. As I thought about what I was going to write, I realised there was something magical about the moment. No streetlights, no traffic, just a clear sky full of stars, the engine on tickover and an emerging silhouette of the Porsche and its distinctive four-point LED light signature. In motoring circles, the Cayenne caused a

huge fuss when it was launched back in 2002. Here was a thoroughbred sports car company going off-piste and launching a completely different type of vehicle. Proving the critics wrong, sales have exceeded all expectations. More than 276,000 examples of the firstgeneration car were produced, making it a runaway success. The MkII came along in 2010 and has done even better, with more than 300,000 sold. Not only has it boosted the growth of Porsche, it has created a solid foundation for investments in future generations of sports cars. Would the stunning 918 Spyder hybrid have been made without the profits from the Cayenne? Possibly not. This latest version is available in five variants, including Cayenne Diesel, Cayenne S and Cayenne S Diesel. For many the range highlight will be the Cayenne S E-Hybrid, the world’s first plug-in hybrid in the premium SUV segment. With an all-electric driving range of up to 22 miles, and at up to 77mph, it’s unquestionably a technical achievement. 

The mayfair Magazine | Motoring

Perhaps surprisingly, it’s not the company’s first. You may remember the ‘Lohner Porsche’, the world’s first vehicle to have battery-powered electric drive as well as a combustion engine. Then again, you might not – it was built in 1899 by founder Ferdinand Porsche. But for old-school enthusiasts, the Cayenne Turbo will always be the flagship… at least until the Turbo S comes along. Power comes from a 4.8-litre engine with eight cylinders and twin chargers. It delivers 520bhp at 6,000rpm, with torque of 750Nm from 2,250 to 4,000rpm. If you want that in plain English, it means the car will hit 62mph in just 4.5 seconds and push on to a top speed of 173 mph.

‘Power comes from a 4.8-litre engine with eight cylinders and twin chargers’ Even in the pre-dawn dark, it’s clear that opening the door to get in is designed to make you feel special. The words ‘Cayenne Turbo’ are illuminated on the door sill and as a welcome greeting on the instruments. Turn the ignition and the dashboard lights up, but in stark contrast to most modern cars. Every display is cool white, from the unique n-shaped interior light at the top of your eye-line to the sloping button-filled centre console, first seen on the Panamera, at the lower limit. A stunning execution, but the polar opposite of the minimalist approach some brands are taking. ‘Less is more’ is it not. Matched with a dark grey interior – a blend of leather and alcantara – and chromed detailing on the air vent surrounds, door handles and button edges, everything oozes contemporary style. Once you add in the Bose sound system, huge amount of head and knee room for rear passengers, the cabin is the most smart and appealing that I’ve seen in a long time. On the road the Cayenne Turbo remains the impressive performance machine it’s always been. The Porsche marketing material that

The mayfair Magazine | Motoring

comes with the car sums it up as displaying ‘a high level of spontaneous performance, searing acceleration and an ability to handle any driving situation’. It’s hard to argue with that; straightline speed for such a big vehicle is genuinely breath-taking. It hugs the kerb through corners, staying impressively flat even as the outer wheels load up. And yet around town it’s a relaxing car to drive, the automatic transmission providing a smooth and refined experience. Standard equipment on all Cayennes includes Porsche Traction Management all-wheel drive, Bi-Xenon headlights with four-point LED daytime running lights, multi-function sports steering wheel with paddle-shifts, ParkAssist front and rear, cruise control, automatic climate control, powered tailgate and start/stop technology with coasting function. New to the car is an active aerodynamics system. Cooling air flaps behind the middle air inlet of the front grille are controlled by the engine management system, and are opened or closed according to the specific driving situation and cooling needs. Turbo spec costs £93,763 and adds LED headlights with Porsche Dynamic Lighting System, 19-inch rims, Porsche Active Suspension Management with self-levelling air suspension and Porsche Communication Management with satellite navigation. Buyers also get a complimentary track day at the Porsche Experience Centre, Silverstone. Arriving at my destination – a premium London hotel for a motor industry event – the sun had come up and it was a beautiful winter day. The Cayenne Turbo’s yellow brake calipers stood out behind the multi-spoke smoked alloy wheels, while round the back the bold quad exhausts also caught my eye. Twelve hours after I’d left home I was back, my own car still on the drive. It’s also a large SUV but from a mainstream brand. I know which of the two I’d rather keep. The Cayenne Turbo is the best I’ve driven, though it will be interesting to see how it compares with the Bentley Bentayga when that goes on sale next year.

The mayfair Magazine | Travel

Short haul

San Sebastián, Spain

Travel news

Find your personal paradise on the private islands of Fiji or discover the best vintages on a tailored wine excursion to Spain WORDS : A M Y W E L C H

TRAVEL TIPS Don’t leave home without… Form and function are the focus this month for cosmetics on the go. Packed with Uslu Airlines products, Tumi’s cosmetic travel bags are both understated and refined. BER Travel Cosmetic Kit, £195, Tumi (tumi.com) There’s an app for that… STYLEBOOK What to pack? Now to solve this age-old conundrum with a virtual closet that keeps an up-to-date inventory of your wardrobe. Stylebook, £2.99, iTunes App Store

Fine wine and cultural escapes make a heady combination for any wine connoisseur. Brown + Hudson’s partnership with Mayfair’s very own Hedonism Wines now offers bespoke voyages to the cultures of your favourite wines. A love for the grapes of the Rioja variety can transport you to north-eastern Spain to the finest Rioja houses where locals involve you in all the culture of Basque life; hikes across the rolling hills and the Basque tradition of El Txikiteo, a gastronomic bar crawl sampling delicious pintxos appetisers. Under the tutelage of a master sommelier guests can taste decades-old vintages and gain direct insights from the growers who have dedicated their lives to the grape. What better excuse to partake in Basque fiestas and folk dancing? (brownandhudson.com)

Long haul

Vomo Island Resort, Fiji

With crystalline blue waters and white sand beaches, Fiji’s Vomo Island Resort offers a postcard-perfect picture of paradise. The resort’s private villas are opening this month after extensive renovations including two additional beachfront villas with custom-made furnishings (not that you would want to be spending much time inside when there are sweeping views across the Pacific outside). Indulgence is Vomo Islands’ distinguishing factor, which can be glimpsed through the newly upgraded Senikai Spa, boutique and wealth of secluded private decks; a favoured spot for sipping cocktails come sunset. (vomofiji.com)

‘Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living’ – Miriam Beard 79

The art of the

VINE

Les Sources de Caudalie is an enchanting spa retreat hidden away on the Château Smith Haut Lafitte estate in Bordeaux and has just opened a new tranche of luxury suites. Angelina Villa-Clarke gets the first taste

hrough the immaculate rows of the vineyard something shiny catches my eye. It looks odd among all this green. Moving closer, I see it’s an oversized sculpture of a bounding hare, which glares down at me, imperious in its elevated position. The bronze, which turns out to be by Welsh sculptor Barry Flanagan, sits proudly outside the entrance to Les Sources de Caudalie, a glorious spa retreat found in the heart of Bordeaux’s Château Smith Haut Lafitte wine estate. As I turn back to look at the view, I catch a glimpse of another work of art, peeping out of the vines. This time it’s an unlikely sculpture of Venus de

Milo (by American pop artist Jim Dine, I later discover) and I wonder how these pieces of contemporary art came to reside in this bucolic French setting. It’s an incongruity that seems to be part of the fabric of Les Sources de Caudalie, as well as its charm. At first sight, for instance, this impressive hotel – with its seemingly aged outbuildings and picturesque lakes – could date back hundreds of years. In fact, it was first opened in 1999, designed by architect Yves Collett to emulate the traditional villages in Aquitaine, south-west France. Family owned and run by husband and wife duo, Alice and Jérôme

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Tourbier, the hotel is much like a mini hamlet with 49 rooms and suites (all individually designed), two restaurants and the flagship Caudalie spa spread out across historic-looking buildings. In fact, these were all created from scratch using recycled materials, such as salvaged beams from local properties, to keep it ‘in tune’ with the natural environment. ‘We wanted a hotel that makes the most of these beautiful surroundings,’ says the impossibly chic Alice, casting her eye around the manicured landscape. ‘Contemporary architecture wouldn’t have worked here. We wanted character but with an ‘of the moment’ sensibility. After all, we are modern hoteliers and want to appeal to an engaged type of traveller – someone who is well-versed in what is happening in the world but who is searching for something a little different. Ambience and authenticity is everything.’ This approach certainly explains the visually inspiring art that is dotted around the grounds as well as the focus on food that has won the family a Michelin star via its Grand’Vigne restaurant. The culinary offering is no doubt a

‘We are modern hoteliers and want to appeal to an engaged type of traveller’

chitterlings tart, pork loin confit with polenta – is thoroughly heartwarming. The couple’s philosophy also explains the continual ‘enhancements’ the pair have made since opening. Last year, for instance, saw the launch of 11 rooms at La Chartreuse du Thil – a beautifully converted 18th century manor house tucked away in the grounds, giving guests another option as to where they rest their heads. Meanwhile, the latest development – and by far the most impressive – comes in the form of the Village des Pecheurs (Fishermen’s Village), made up of 12 new suites, a pool house and the newly opened Rouge, a hip, all-in-one tapas-style eaterie, bar and gourmet shop. Built in a style to echo oyster-fishermen’s huts on stilts typically located in Cap Ferrat, the suites are found in a collection of characterful buildings made out of what looks like wattleand-daub, weathered beams and ancient red-brick roofs topped with jolly weather vanes. Clustered around a small lake, they are linked by bleached, wooden walkways edged with reeds and tall grasses. It’s skilfully executed as, of course, everything is actually newly built. Inside, the décor is Hamptons beach house with a dash of 1950s chic. No two are the same but all are fresh, modern and light-filled. My 

major attraction, with both restaurants headed up by renowned French chef Nicolas Masse. Grand’Vigne is housed in an ornamental greenhouse based on an 18th century model and has gained its reputation because of its simple yet gourmet take on local specialties, not to mention a serious wine list sourced from the 16,000-strong cellar. While this is formal dining of the highest kind, by contrast the bistro-style Table du Lavoir oozes character and soul. Roaring fires, exposed rafters and beams, antique linen tablecloths and mismatched crockery make for a joyful environment, while the inventive menu – mushroom terrine,

 suite had whitewashed wood-panelled walls juxtaposed with bold, coral-printed wallpaper. The industrial lighting, a forest-green Charles Eames DAR armchair and an eclectic art wall,

‘The 1,500m2 spa found in a rambling, barn-like building offers a zen oasis’ featuring butterflies encased in glass and photographs of seaside scenes from the nearby Arcachon Bay, give masses of personality. My double-roomed bathroom was expansive yet understated. Grey slate, shimmering copper tiles and an iridescent wallpaper made for the perfect backdrop while I settled down to sample the bounty of Caudalie products provided. Each room also has its own terrace – mine overlooked the vast vineyards – giving guests room to breathe and take in the sumptuous surroundings, not to mention indulge in a glass or two of the superior house red. Talking of which, it is evident that the wine at Les Sources de Caudalie is its raison d’être. Alice’s parents Daniel and Florence Cathiard – both ex-Olympic skiers for the French national team in the 1960s – kicked off the dream when they bought the Château Smith Haut Lafitte vineyard in 1990. Over the next two years, they invested heavily in the run-down winery, built around an original 18th-century manor house, and began to make notable wines. As their reputation grew as serious winemakers –

earning the Grand Crus classified label – their daughters had their own ‘light-bulb’ moments, inspired no doubt by the ‘go get’ attitude of their parents. The eldest, Mathilde Thomas-Cathiard came up with the concept of the Caudalie spa and beauty brand, and now owns eight vinotherapy spas around the world, including the brand’s first opening at the hotel and the worldrenowned product line. The 1,500m2 spa found in a rambling, barn-like building offers a zen oasis with outdoor and indoor pools, sun terraces with barrel-bath hot tubs and scenic views over the vineyards – the grapes within reach – as well as 20 treatment rooms over three floors. It goes without saying that treatments are based around the vine and grape-based Caudalie products with the Crushed Cabernet Scrub and Winemaker’s Massage being the signature therapies to try. Alice, meanwhile, together with her husband, thought of the idea of building a hotel that would be in keeping with the vineyard’s history and both have worked tirelessly to see it to fruition. Not short of energy, in 2008 they also launched a secondary venture – a sister property called Les Etangs de Corot – found in Villed’Avray on the outskirts of Paris. ‘Since the beginning, we’ve been involved in all aspects of what it means to be hoteliers,’ says Alice. ‘From the interior design to what’s on the menu – it’s our passion. We’ve definitely been bitten by the hotel bug. Above all, in both our properties, our aim is to be sensitive to the environment and encourage our guests to get to

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the heart of their location – be it Bordeaux or Paris. We want them to connect with a place’s cultural heritage.’ As a result, there are cruises on a traditional pinasse boat along the Bassin d’Arcachon, bicycle tours around the Chateau’s vineyard and a knock-out Art and Vine tour during which guests can hear the stories behind the monument sculptures of the estate. Oenophiles can also book tours of the cellars, enjoy interactive wine tours and have tasting lessons with head sommelier Aurélien Farrouil in the winery’s spectacular Tasting Tower. For those who want to carry a little piece of Les Sources home, some of the label’s finest vintages can also be found in Rouge, where a huge wall of bottles offer some of the best wine the cellars offers, as well as other local vintages. The tapas-style eaterie and wine bar also serves sharing and tasting plates reflecting the ‘terroir’ of the region – from foie gras to stuffed squid, Iberian hams to cep mousse, and is a laid-back, urban-style space.

Also bringing in an urban feel is the new pool house, which marks the entrance to the ‘Fishermen’s Village’ and is housed in an impressive timber-framed glasshouse that can be opened up in warmer months. It boasts a funky photo installation by artist Mathilde de l’Ecotais at the bottom of the pool, which appears to change colour at different times of the day. Commissioned by Alice, it’s another example of the family’s penchant for art found in the unlikeliest of places. Explore the estate on the official tour or simply meander around by yourself, and you’ll come across an impressive range of sculptures. Many have been commissioned by Alice’s parents to celebrate a good vintage. It seems to me the perfect way to illustrate the whole family’s ‘glass-halffull’ mentality. Stays at Les Sources de Caudalie new suites cost from €650 per room per night on a B&B basis. Les Sources de Caudalie, Chemin de Smith Haut Lafitte, 33650, Bordeaux-Martillac, France. (00 33 05 57 83 83 83; sources-caudalie.com)

Travel | The mayfair Magazine

Mansion I

house

f youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re fond of the Downtown Abbey way, you will adore Luton Hoo; a wonderfully decadent Grade I listed hotel situated on the border of Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire. This five-star stately home is set in the breathtaking historic gardens created by renowned 19th century architect Capability Brown. Exclusive features include a spa with heat therapy rooms, a hydrotherapy pool, an 18-hole golf course and private fishing lakes the River Lea that flows through the grounds of Luton Hoo. Each room in the hotel fires the imagination with opulence; from the elegant furnishings to the grand and spacious size, one can surely feel at ease. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve already packed our Globe-Trotter trunks. Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa, The Mansion House, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 (01582 734437; lutonhoo.co.uk)

not just a hotel,

a way of life

VISIT HRHI.COM

Where east Unveiling a palatial renovation, Swissôtel The Bosphorus signals a new and contemporary era in Istanbul’s grand history. Mixing culture, nightlife and warm Turkish hospitality, we discover all the transcontinental city has to offer WORDS: AMY WELCH

ew cities – London could surely be counted as one and Paris another – can deliver a sepia-hued nostalgia of cultural heritage along with the promise of a vibrant and ever-changing future. Straddling the shimmering blue ribbon of the Bosphorus strait, the warm Turkish peninsular of Istanbul manages both with ease. The former Constantinople offers a definitive east-meetswest experience for visitors as the city’s jewelled waters cast reflections of a domed and transcontinental skyline. A diverse history of Empire and religion has defined Istanbul’s cosmopolitan roots, mixing historic museums with its modern art festivals of today. From the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara the Bosphorus separates Europe and Asia, and both western and eastern influences can be glimpsed in Istanbul’s grand architecture and

through the city’s quaint cobbled streets. For a city hoarding ancient relics from Byzantine and Ottoman rule in its old quarter, Istanbul supports a youthful population of over 15 million. A great entrepreneurial spirit has drawn a new generation to live and work in the millennia-old city, there being an abundance of technology start-up businesses, while tourists arrive for the infamous spice-filled markets adorned with rows of colour and trade. In contrast to its quaint traditions, a modern influx of bars, restaurants and hotels have come along with this technological boom, allowing contemporary skyscrapers to make their home amongst the city’s rich and opulent landmarks. Nestled in the heart of the city is Swissôtel The Bosphorus, which has a defining contemporary presence within the melting pot of cultures, architecture, literature and music. The city continually attracts

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meets west discerning travellers from around the globe and Istanbul’s diverse offering of luxury accommodation reflects a high-net-worth appetite for culture and bespoke service on the edge of the Bosphorus strait’s waters. Having completed the first stage of a majestic renovation, the five-star Swissôtel The Bosphorus spans 65 acres of historical gardens and concentrates its efforts on emulating the beauty of Istanbul’s surrounding space and custom. Newly designed suites in the West Wing highlight entwining influences of both Europe and Asia, and a precise Swiss simplicity can be felt through each design detail, each floor-toceiling window bathing guest rooms in the light of a warm Turkish afternoon. Interior designer Khuan Chew of KCA International conceived for the hotel a composition to fully immerse communal spaces in the cityscape beyond the Dolmabahce Gardens. Where other hotels have favoured singular western influences,

Swissôtel’s Turkish retreat emulates a contemporary warmth of both east and west. The renovations that are to follow will see further infusion of both cultures, including a redesign of the Gaja Rooftop and pool, and the awaited introduction of seven exclusive Loft Suites. Never separating itself from its Turkish surroundings, Swissôtel The Bosphorus allows a tranquil and pampered respite from all the city offers at street level. Retiring to five-star service from days filled with art, history and exotic delicacies, there is little wonder why visitors return time and again to the metropolis that is Istanbul. For all bookings and further information on Swissôtel The Bosphorus, please visit (swissotel.com/hotels/istanbul)

‘Newly designed suites in the West Wing highlight entwining influences of both Europe and Asia’

All images: Swissotel The Bosphorus

here’s something quite nostalgic about a long train journey. Wellknown, far-flung trips include the glamorous Orient Express as captured by Agatha Christie, or crossing Russia on the Trans-Siberian, which links Europe to the Pacific Ocean. These voyages are as much about the enjoyment and romance of travelling by train as they are about reaching a specific destination. Whether passing through luscious greenery, snow-topped mountains or over expansive lakes, miles upon miles of glorious unspoiled scenery can be admired through a pane of glass. Located a four-and-a-half hour train journey from Zurich, Ascona is located in the region of Locarno – the southernmost tip of Switzerland and known for its sunny climes. The landscape is breathtaking; think beautiful lakes, mountain views and magnificent houses. A must-visit is Lake Maggiore, one of the largest expanses of water in southern Switzerland. Stroll along the water’s edge, enjoy an Italian coffee al fresco in the piazza or watch the world go by on the sycamore treelined streets. Those who are after more hustle and bustle than peace and quiet should head to Bellinzona market. Held every Saturday morning, stallholders gather on the quaint cobbled paths selling local produce including breads, cheeses and meats. What would usually be quite sleepy streets are filled with locals and tourists alike. Keen history buffs should visit Bellizona Castles and stop off for a bite to eat in the castle’s medieval underground restaurant, Grotto Castelgrande. Each year, the International Movie Festival takes place in the main square, featuring well-known actors, directors and authors. Alternatively, for those who like jazz, the town has a ten-day festival which takes place from late June to early July. Enjoy the festivities with a glass or two of the region’s own wine, and for those who wish to find out more, wine tasting is also available.

[city break]

ASCONA

Francesca Lee discovers an off-the-beaten-track treasure in Switzerland

IMAGE © Switzerland Tourism

terrace at the hotel eden roc ascona

IMAGE © Switzerland Tourism

sauna at the hotel eden roc ascona spa

The mayfair Magazine | Travel

IMAGE © Ticino Tourism

Where to stay The five-star Hotel Eden Roc is perched on the shores of Lake Maggiore and has its own marina, private beach and Garden of Eden. Artwork hangs from the walls and bright furniture adds pops of colour to the décor. There are three different types of suites available depending on guests’ wishes. While the hours away in the hotel’s spa, which is complete with indoor and outdoor pool and sauna. (edenroc.ch)

Eating & drinking The Marina Restaurant features white tables and chairs and is an idyllic spot to enjoy a three-course lunch. The Eden Roc Restaurant is more formal with an à la carte menu, while La Brezza features an eightcourse tasting menu. The menu varies but dishes include smoked salmon infused with hay, beef Carpaccio with Provençal vegetables, and a deconstructed apple crumble with ice cream. A sweet trolley is the ultimate finale.

Mayfair recommends

hotel eden roc ascona grand suite

Bellinzona Castles is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can walk around one of the three castles’ fortified walls and there are multilingual guides available from the Ticino tourist board. There is also an on-site museum, which displays artefacts that have been discovered in the castle’s grounds.

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Suite

dreams … at The Dorchester Words:AMY WELCH

T Right and opposite page, bottom left to right, The Grill at The Dorchester. All other images: The Dorchester

o stalwarts and visitors alike, the epochal green coat and top hat affront Park Lane’s most revered hotel is synonymous with excellence and tradition. Since The Dorchester’s grand opening in 1931 the hotel has become an iconic and enduring haunt for the famous and influential. Even today, after a multi-million pound refurbishment in 2002, a stay at The Dorchester means you will be completely immersed in the artisan craftsmanship of the Art Deco period. Some of the hotel’s most astonishing rooms, however, present more ornate accents – Oliver Ford’s Orchid Room with a Wedgwood colour scheme and a six-foot chandelier springs to mind as an explosion of Rococo tastes. Staying here is awe inspiring, from the moment you step onto the plush carpet of the reception hall. On a site where British nobles

had lived during the 18th and 19th centuries, the Park Lane hotel is counted as a Mayfair institution; its exterior and areas of special interest such as The Promenade and The Terrace, are protected from change. For over 80 years, The Dorchester has played host to the noble and noteworthy, Prince Philip included, and during World War Two, General Eisenhower set up headquarters in the hotel in 1944 as the Normany invasion was being planned. Of the hotel’s 250 individually designed rooms, the opulent Audley, Terrace and Harlequin Suites – known collectively as the ‘roof suites’ – most evoke the spirit of 1930s glamour and remain a vestige of high society, grandly surveying the London cityscape below. Cultural luminaries of the 20th century favoured these lavish suites, from T. S. Eliot to Cecil Beaton, all of whom were surely drawn to the hotel’s grand British tradition and superb

The mayfair Magazine | Travel

‘For over 80 years, The Dorchester has played host to the noble and noteworthy’ personal service. Alfred Hitchcock too became a returning guest, once theatrically noting The Dorchester as ideal for a murder scene given the scope for burying bodies in Hyde Park across Park Lane. Such an imagination would assuredly appreciate the Penthouse Suite, produced by legendary stage designer Oliver Messel – it is based on his sumptuous stage set for the Sadler’s Wells ballet Sleeping Beauty in 1946. Returning to the 21st century, the newly reopened Grill restaurant follows on from the lavish guestrooms above. While the latter offers

the class of quintessential English country interiors, the Grill serves up traditional British dishes with an extravagant and indulgent twist – the newly launched Sunday Roast menu should be a prerequisite for a fabulous afternoon, and was created by head chef Christophe Marleix, a protégé of Alain Ducasse. Other gastronomic delights on offer at the hotel include Alain Ducasse’s exemplary restaurant and China Tang, Sir David Tang’s Cantonese haute cuisine empire. Whether it be banqueting, residing or unwinding in the spa – the stunning centrepiece of which is a chandelier of South Pacific pearls – the reasons to visit the Art Deco masterpiece frankly, overwhelm the mind. (020 7629 8888; dorchestercollection.com)

The The mayfair mayfair Magazine Magazine | Regulars | Beauty

Tonight is ours Looking for an escape from the frenzied London masses? Look no further than The Berkeley Hotel Spa. With a secret garden and rooftop pool (a London rarity) you can relax in a hidden oasis. Or, for an overnight respite, the newly launched Girl’s Night In package has arrived just in time for Mother’s Day, offering guests an evening of your favourite films, manicures and cocktails to name just a few of the goodies included – all you need to decide is who to bring. Girl’s Night In package, from £630 per night, The Berkeley, Wilton Place, SW1X (the-berkeley.co.uk)

Beauty news Escape to The Berkeley for an evening of pampering and Christian Louboutin launches an elegant nail polish set W O R D S : K AT E R A C O V O L I S & A M Y W E L C H

Natural wonder Yes, winter is finally over, spring has arrived, and its time to refresh your complexion. Enter Face Matters – an all-natural, innovative skincare brand, which boasts a range of anti-ageing products to rival many. We particularly love its hero Evening Elixir, packed with a potent variety of botanical ingredients (and the essential oils of 300 rose petals). Just a few drops before bed will have you rise with replenished skin that glows. Evening Elixir, £102 for 30ml, Face Matters (facematters-skincare.com)

Elixir of youth Here lies a new staple in your skincare routine. Verso’s No. 7 dry facial oil harnesses the powers of concentrated vitamin A to activate skin cells without irritation. Simply put, the four vials promote collagen production. Whether you suffer from dry or oily skin, the serum feels soothing on skin before bedtime. Prepare for luminous skin once again. Verso No. 7, £135, Verso (versoskincare.com)

Fashion house This month, art, fashion and beauty come together in one fabulous new launch; three limited edition nail polishes by Christian Louboutin inspired by his Python Vulcano shoe collection, which echo the wildly abstract paintings of Jackson Pollock. The printed box fuses blue and white paint, exotically splattered over shades of grey and cream. Be it the cool nude, periwinkle blue or vivid yellow, the miniature polishes will pair perfectly with your favourite red soles. SS15 Limited edition nail coffret, £65, Christian Louboutin (christianlouboutin.com)

Breaking the

myth

Consultant Neurologist, Dr Paul Bentley discusses the symptoms and new treatment options available for patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS)

The mayfair Magazine | Health Promotion

‘I

’m sorry, but the results show multiple sclerosis’, is a sentence that every neurologist dreads having to pass onto their patient. However, the reality of the disease is often not as grave as is believed by the general public. Usually, sufferers will experience symptoms for several months, but then go for much longer periods of being completely well. With an estimated 100,000 cases of MS in the UK, each person’s symptoms are different. The most worrying feature of MS is persistent disability, but this only occurs in approximately one out of every 10 MS patients, from the beginning of the illness. A typical example of life with MS is shown by celebrity Jack Osbourne, who still live a largely normal life, several years after he was first diagnosed. He even appeared on the American version of Strictly Come Dancing as recently as 2013. What is MS? MS is an auto-immune disease, meaning it results from the body’s immune system attacking and damaging its own organs. In the case ofMS, this attack is towards the brain, spinal cord or nerves at the back of the eyes. There are three types of MS, which are:

Other examples of auto-immune diseases that affect other organs include diabetes, asthma and eczema. These cases typically arise when several factors come together to create a ‘perfect storm’. This could be when someone with a particular combination of genes picks up a certain cold virus, while having low vitamin D.

What symptoms does MS start with? MS is a neurological disease in which inflammation attacks random parts of the nervous system. Sometimes symptoms can be minor, including: pins and needles affecting one part of the body, or slight dizziness. At other times during the illness, symptoms can be more serious, with weakness of limbs, unsteadiness or pain when walking and even loss of vision in one eye. Although MS can be linked, there can be many possible reasons you may experience these symptoms. Usually the causes have fewer serious explanations, such as a virus, trapped nerve or stress. The cause can be deciphered by an Meet the assessment by your GP or a consultant neurologist, who will Dr Paul Bentley MA, MRCP, PhD is a sometimes use tests including clinical neurologist and stroke specialist at The Wellington Hospital, Charing MRI when making a diagnosis. Cross and St Mary’s Hospitals. He is available to see patients with a wide range of neurological symptoms and disorders for diagnosis and treatment.

•R elapsing remitting MS: This is the most common type, with around eight out of ten sufferers diagnosed. Sufferers will experience flare-ups of symptoms (relapses), which can last from a few days to a few months. These relapses are then followed by periods where symptoms are less severe or even disappear altogether. • Secondary progressive MS: This occurs in about 50 per cent of sufferers, who have had 15 years of diagnosed relapsing remitting MS. In these cases symptoms will steadily worsen over time, and although some still experience relapses, full recovery of symptoms are rare. • Primary progressive MS: This is the least common type of MS. Sufferers of this type will experience symptoms that get progressively worse with no periods of remission.

Are there any new treatments available? Up until recently, the only medicine available that could slow down MS was interferon beta. This type of medication needs to be injected and can reduce attacks by one third. However, over the past five years, new MS treatments have been introduced that are significantly improving patients’ quality of life. This is not only due to the fact that they are more effective at reducing attacks and disability, but also because they can be taken as a pill rather than injection. Many of these treatments now reduce disease severity by more than 50 per cent and cause no, or few side effects. The most important downside is that in less than one per cent, there can be serious side effects, such as infection. Although this risk is low, anyone taking the medication will be monitored, to ensure any side effects are recorded and resolved.

For further information, or if you would like to arrange an appointment at The Wellington Hospital, please contact the Enquiry Helpline on 020 7483 5004, or visit thewellingtonhospital.com 95

Backstage Beauty

We bring you the latest beauty trends seen on the catwalks, from dramatic and polished to simple and natural WORDS: AMY WELCH

BACK TO BASICS

Nothing complements the pastel hues of spring quite like a flawless natural complexion. Seen on the S/S15 catwalks of Chloé and Jil Sander, pale dewy skin is the ultimate off-duty look. Aside from drinking copious amounts of H20 and being naturally blessed with supermodel DNA, the best way to achieve a radiant look is with a smoothing liquid foundation. Crème de la Mer’s feels lightweight on the skin and gives a barely there look (we won’t tell if you don’t). As for getting rid of those pesky imperfections on the go, Secret Camouflage from Laura Mercier is our handbag staple. Secret Camouflage palette in ‘SC-3’, £26.50, Laura Mercier (lauramercier.com). The Treatment Fluid Foundation SPF 15 in ‘Neutral’, £70, Crème de la Mer (cremedelamer.co.uk)

MAIN IMAGE & RIGHT: CHLOÉ SS’15

IMAGE: JENNY PACKHAM

Gone with the Wind

Go big or go home. If your hair isn’t slicked back it should be all high shine and full of bounce, with a classic and all-American blow dry. Full and vibrant hair will instantly lift your look, so it is worth taking a minute to select the right products to accentuate a blow dry. The Forever Shine duo from Philip B will define and de-frizz, and is a good choice for coloured or treated hair. If you’re all about no fuss, simply skip the hair dryer and 1970s style waves will be on the cards, which can still look polished for a casual lunch date. The key look is natural, seen best at Jenny Packham, so step away from the straighteners. Oud Royal Forever Shine Shampoo, £60, Oud Royal Forever Shine Conditioner, £70, both Philip B (philipb.com)

The mayfair Magazine | Beauty

Smoky eyes are all very well for candle-lit winter dinners, but springtime brings with it a more imaginative colour palette. For the adventurous, bright blue and green hues will make hazel eyes pop, and Burberry’s new season Aqua Green shadow lasts all day. For the occasions where aquamarine lids seem too much or, heaven forbid, they clash with your Victoria Beckham shift dress, then an elegant black liquid liner will have the desired effect. Wet & Dry Silk Shadow in ‘Aqua Green’ and ‘Stone Blue’, £22.50, both Burberry (burberry.co.uk) IMAGE: fendi

Ethereal Beauty

IMAGE: VALENTINO

There was something distinctly ethereal, almost siren-like, happening at Valentino’s S/S15 show. Tousled waves pulled back from luminous cheeks showed an otherworldly beauty, while flawless skin also graced the catwalks of Rochas and Marni. We adore the glow and the highlighting abilities of Ilia’s Polka Dots & Moonbeams as much as we love the name. Apply to cheekbones, brow bones, inner corners of eyes, bridge of the nose and pout of the lower lip for an impish shimmer. An evening take on the trend was best seen at Balmain, which pared golden skin with wet-look hair on its models. For a more subtle daytime look SUQQU’s blush palettes are rose-tinged to perfection. Polka Dots & Moonbeams illuminator, £30, Ilia (iliabeauty.co.uk). Balancing Cheeks in ‘Pink Rose’, £38, SUQQU (suqqu.com)

‘For the adventurous, bright blue and green hues will make hazel eyes pop’

Polished Perfection Rouge lips aren’t exactly groundbreaking, yet we are a fool for the classic trend; the beauty equivalent of power-dressing. Paraded expertly at Burberry this season, warm red tones paired with matte foundation appeared polished rather than vampish, as a natural and full brow completed the look. Keeping any dreaded colour bleed in check is the Velvet Lip Liner from Nars (for a modern matte appearance use across the whole lip in place of lipstick). A more timeless approach is Charlotte Tilbury’s K.I.S.S.I.N.G lipsticks, which we firmly believe should be in every woman’s make-up bag. Velvet Lip Liner in ‘Nihiwatu’, £18, Nars (narscosmetics.co.uk). K.I.S.S.I.N.G Fallen from the Lipstick Tree in ‘Love Bite’, £23, Charlotte Tilbury (charlottetilbury.com)

LEFT: BURBERRY prorsum

The Eyes have It

Beauty | The mayfair Magazine

Spa review Baglioni Hotel Spa WORDS: AMY WELCH

f parks had personalities, Kensington Gardens would be described as exquisitely serene. Across the green expanse sits the Baglioni Hotel on Hyde Park Gate – exuding a calmness of its own, but equally impressive in all its rustic Italian glamour. The reason for my visit to the Baglioni is to test the spa’s menu of treatments using cult beauty brand Natura Bissé. Having selected the Marine Essence body treatment my hope is that the hydrating and contouring session can revitalise my body which frankly has been bundled in thermals and ignored since last summer. Ever the optimist, I tick the box ‘moderately stressed’ on the spa’s short questionnaire before my therapist Ingrid leads me to a private steam room – a seamlessly tiled sanguine portal to the Amazonian rainforest. Post-steam, and armed with pristine white slippers and bathrobe, the traditional hotel spa uniform, I shuffle towards one of three treatment rooms, where a massage table and softly backlit sculpture of Japanese flowering vines dominate. To detox layers of winter skin, I am exfoliated with a Natura Bissé bamboo scrub and already I can feel my tensions melting away (I put this down to the essential oils of sandalwood, myrrh,

cardamom and black pepper). Ingrid informs me that the scrub’s purpose is to eliminate dead skin cells and impurities, while prepping my skin for the algotherapy mask. For a substance made primarily of seaweed, the mask was satisfyingly warm on the skin and, coated with the renewing ingredients of spirulina and digitata algae, the faint scent of sandalwood still lingers. After a brief head massage, Ingrid wraps me up in an underlying sheet and leaves me to unwind while the mask does its job. Laying completely cocooned within the mud mask and sheet, I feel ready to emerge, a polished, tranquil, revitalised version of myself. To complete the regenerating treatment, Ingrid massages hydrating cream into my skin, paying particular attention to legs and arms. I will stop short of claiming a full body renewal just yet, but my skin does indeed feel much softer to the touch and after the treatment my newly hydrated body feels more firm than it has in months. Descending back into the bitter chill of Hyde Park Gate, my only qualm with the world are that 60 minutes can filter away so quickly. Marine Essence treatment, £110, Baglioni Hotel Spa, 60 Hyde Park Gate, SW7 (020 7368 5700; baglionihotels.com)

‘I am exfoliated with a Natura Bissé bamboo scrub’

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Food & Drink | The mayfair Magazine

Turning Japanese A relaxed Saturday lunch is one of our favourite rituals, and we’ve found just the place for you to visit next, as Sake No Hana has launched its Umai Saturdays menu. Sip on sake and enjoy a five-course lunch, which features a truly impressive main course of sukiyaki topped with a theatrical ‘candyfloss’ feature – watch as it melts into the dish as it is cooked before your very eyes. £37 per person, Sake No Hana, 23 St James’s Street, SW1A (020 7925 8988)

Food & drink news Pucci and Ladurée collaborate to create a box of macaroons, and Sake No Hana launches a theatrical Saturday lunch w o r d s : k at e r a c o v o l i s & c h a n e l d e y o n g

Sip in style Just as the frenzy of fashion has swept over London for London Fashion Week, Hotel Café Royal and Parfums Givenchy have come up with a most elegant way to celebrate style. Developed by head barman at the hotel Tiziano Tasso, the collaboration will be available in the hotel’s vibrant Green Bar in the form of a series of cocktails that mirror the seven fragrances of L’Atelier de Givenchy. Each cocktail has a distinct taste, joining the world of fashion, fragrance and flavour, based on the delicate fragrances of the perfumes themselves, which include the scents of rare flowers, precious woods, fresh fruits and leathers. Cocktails, £13, Hotel Café Royal 68 Regent Street, W1B (020 740 63333; hotelcaferoyal.com)

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Fashion forward Sharing an appetite for colour, the love of food and fashion are combined with the exciting new collaboration between Emilio Pucci and Ladurée. The new box features eight macaroons available in two editions – one a traditional printed version and the other an exclusive silk version covered in Pucci fabric. Whether you’re a macaroon addict or not, these boxes offer an indulgent, delicious gift to share with friends or to enjoy yourself. Pucci and Ladurée macaroons, from £16-24, 71-72, Burlington Arcade, W1J (laduree.com)

Sweet art Few sweets are as quintessentially British as rose and violet creams – and this month Fortnum & Mason has come up with a new, artful way to display this treat. Glasgow-based wallpaper artist Timorous Beasties has illustrated the iconic light green Fortnum & Mason coloured boxes with playful illustrations of the flowers that relate to the delicious chocolates inside. Including rose and violet creams, assorted creams, stem gingers and the milk and dark selection, these boxes are sure to please those with a sweet tooth. Fortnum and Mason, £12.95, 181 Piccadilly, W1A (fortnumandmason.com)

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Food & Drink | The mayfair Magazine

DINING OUT The Restaurant at Bonhams WORDS: CHANEL DE YONG

above: Challans duck with beetroot, griotte cherry, endive and shiso (below: Bonham’s interior upstairs (photo: Martin Maybank)

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hether you’re a connoisseur of fine wines, craving an impeccable meal, or out to impress clients in a meeting, the new restaurant at renowned international auctioneer Bonhams is certainly set to rival many a fine-dining experience in Mayfair. So what sets it apart from the plethora of options available in the area? Certainly, dining in an auction house is an experience that can only be found in a few places in London and in Mayfair. At the helm is British chef Tom Kemble, and his pared-back, modern European menu focuses on seasonality. Wine also plays a very important role alongside the everchanging menu. A well-crafted wine list is offered under the expert guidance of sommelier and Vintners’ Cup Winner, Charlotte Edgecombe and overseen by master of the wine and head of Bonhams Wine Department, Richard Harvey. Unsurprisingly, Bonhams makes use of its own extensive cellar, buying wines from in-house sales, and has an active en primeur buying policy; let’s not forget we are talking about one of Mayfair’s – if not one of the world’s – oldest and greatest worldwide auctioneers. On your way to the dining room, you will pass through the wine bar on the ground floor, before ascending the wood and metal spiral staircase leading into the modern, minimalist, and sleek interior. While you dine, allow yourself to be fully immersed in iconic art, as the neutrally

coloured walls will make you appreciate the full impact of the Old Masters that hang there. At first glance the menu’s imaginative dishes and pair unusal flavours; I opted for the Cornish pollack with its creamy celeriac purée contrasting beautifully against the rougher texture of charred Cévennes onion, parsley and lemon confit. The delicious and also unusual dessert of Cox apple ‘dauphinoise’ featured two different styles of apple – one cold and the other hot as a layer of sweet and creamy cinnamon ice cream complemented the sharp sourness of the cold apple against the warmer one, leaving an unexpected yet inventive mouthful. But if you do choose to dine here, just remember not to raise your hand when passing through the salesroom at auction time en route to your table; you may leave with a rather higher bill than you originally expected! 101 New Bond Street, W1S (020 7468 5868; bonhams.com)

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mayfair

Resident’s Journal

St George’s, Hanover Square

In Association with The Residents’ Society of Mayfair & St James’s Committee Members Chairman Anthony Lorenz (Events & Traffic)

Secretary Richard Cutt (Crossrail & Finance)

Planning Applications Ronald Cottee (Planning)

Membership Pol Ferguson-Thompson (Membership & Website)

Traffic Lois Peltz

Police Mary-Louise Burrows

Licensing Derek Stratton

mayfair

Resident’s Journal

Life in Mayfair Each month we invite some of Mayfair’s experts to share their vision for the area

At the Royal Academy of Arts’ private members’ club, some of Mayfair’s experts meet to discuss the quality of life in the area

very month, within the iconic Royal Academy of Arts’ private members’ club, a group of local experts gather to discuss the future of Mayfair; its art trade, business, culture, community and the luxury market and how all of these industries interact. This month, we discuss Mayfair’s value as a village community and the quality of life it offers its residents, visitors and people who work here.

‘We discover Mayfair and St James’s ever-changing character is about striking a balance between big business and independent ones’ With heads of business in their respective fields, from local businesses that are unique to Mayfair to globally recognised brands, each identifies what makes the area so unique, and how it could be improved. Headed up by Harvey Cyzer, partner and head of Knight Frank Mayfair, we are joined by Alex Cain, director at The Mount Street Printers; Andrew Love, trustee of the St James’s Conservation Trust and chairman and deputy chairman of The Ritz Club and The Ritz London; and Chris Lanitis, partner at luxury property development company, Amazon Property. They have congregated to debate the benefits of living in Mayfair and also, what it lacks. With no shortage of some of the best fashion, art and culture on offer, we discover Mayfair and St James’s everchanging character is about striking a balance between big business and independent ones. There is much to consider as Cyzer launches into the debate: Cyzer: Of what we call the Mayfair village,

Mount Street is probably the focal point. You have the residential end surrounding Aldford Street, such as Rex Place and Balfour Place, whilst Berkeley Square at the opposite end begins to feel more commercial. There are shops I can think of where I always bump into the same people; that’s just what happens when a brand has been in the area for so long. Love: I used to live in Culross Street and I loved it at the weekend, [as there was] no pure commercialism. You had Le Gavroche on the

corner, and Scott’s was always there. But there weren’t any domestic shops in that sense. Cain: It’s a village because it has boundaries, so you can walk everywhere. I think that’s the great thing about Mayfair; you don’t have to drive, you can walk anywhere to anywhere from restaurants to all the shops. It’s almost self-contained in that village sense. Cyzer: The one thing I would say about Mayfair is that most people have second homes and tend to travel on the weekends –

Harvey Cyzer

all images by sarel jansen

Alex Cain

Andrew Love

Chris Lanitis

they have a separate life outside of Mayfair. That can detract from the consistency. Usually the village feel is on the weekends, whereas in Mayfair it can work the other way. Lanitis: Mount Street is really the village because it’s changed so much in a very short period of time. By contrast you’ve got Berkeley Square, which is quiet at the weekends, and perhaps we do need more boutique businesses on Berkeley Square to reinvigorate it, because it’s such a beautiful address.

Love: I think St James’s is distinct from the area of Mayfair, is probably more ‘villagey’ at the moment, and hopefully that will spread to Mayfair. Every planning application that comes across the Conservation Trust has a mixture of property for sale and property for rent, to ensure that there is a mixture of people actually living in the community, which will help enormously.

‘Mayfair and St. James’s offers much more now than any other area of London’ Cyzer: Maddox Street is one of two streets in Mayfair that has more potential for growth than any other in the area. It has a completely mixed offering; both award-winning restaurants such as Patara and Hibiscus as well as a selection of hardware and convenience stores. The variety here makes it unlike most Mayfair streets; in fact, it is almost the most selfcontained street in Mayfair. Cain: The village part is centred around Mount Street and you’ve got what you need there; you’ve got a butcher and a chemist and lots of restaurants and anything else you need you have to travel further afield, but not on a daily basis. Lanitis: There are some major schemes going on where you will have a lot of flats with roughly the same price tag. We’re talking big numbers, £20-£50m and that will attract some of the big hitters. Obviously you need to have the local profile as well to back that up.

Love: Most of those people won’t be living there. That’s the disadvantage and I don’t know how you solve that in a community area. Lanitis: Also, the retail profile is changing. If you look at Conduit Street, five or six years ago, you never had townhouse retail and now you do – such as Coach on Bond Street, where it has taken the whole building. Love: One of the dilemmas about that surely is rental prices. Ultimately if you’re selling flats for enormous amounts of money, clearly the rental values of the shops are going to be significant. Lanitis: But retail has changed so much. Nowadays the big names just want a position because it’s all about branding. Just to have their brand attached to a great spot like Mayfair, even if it doesn’t make that much money in the first two years, it’s about global brand awareness. Cyzer: I don’t think [residents] necessarily have a preference. If you look at Mount Street everyone who lives there is above retail or a restaurant, and that is the most expensive street in Mayfair. Lanitis: You can’t be that picky. Obviously everyone likes to be on Mount Street but there’s only a couple of buildings on Mount Street that have a lift. And the lifts are compromised anyway and the common parts are small and quite outdated. Cyzer: I think Mayfair and St. James’s offers much more now than any other area of London. For most people, I don’t think that there’s anything you wouldn’t find in Mayfair and St. James’s. Other areas of London would lack many things that our area doesn’t, that’s what we’re finding. 107

mayfair

Resident’s Journal

The Notebook Out latest dispatch of local news from around Mayfair

AN APPETITE FOR FINE ART Fine dining restaurants in Mayfair have always enjoyed a strong relationship with the art world. When frequenting Scott’s and 34, you are likely to see works by leading British artists on the walls. The works of Damien Hirst, Polly Morgan and Tracey Emin, to name but a few, grace Caprice Holdings’ restaurants, many of which have been created exclusively for the venues. With many diners curious about the significance and stories behind the works surrounding their table, the Caprice group has launched a series of Saturday morning art tours to examine and admire the works in its restaurants. Starting at The Mount Street Deli, the tours move on to Scott’s before retiring at 34 for a three course brunch. (caprice-holdings.co.uk)

CELEBRATING 150 YEARS OF CRAFTMANSHIP Home to master craftsmen and fine service, Savile Row emits an air of charm and heritage. One of only two family-run bespoke tailoring houses to remain on the row, Dege & Skinner celebrate its 150th anniversary this year. The historic tailoring house is famed for its work with the military and in the equestrian world, and boasts the only permanent shirt-cutting service based on site at 10 Savile Row. Steeped in traditional tailoring practices (it is assured that tailoring staff will spend a minimum of 60 man hours to produce a three-piece bespoke suit) the Skinner family has been dressing royalty, businessmen, discerning individuals and the military for a century and a half. With a limited edition anniversary collection, there is no better time to stroll down Savile Row and celebrate this momentous occasion. Dege & Skinner, 10 Savile Row, W1S (dege-skinner.co.uk)

ON THE ROCKS If you happen to be after a nice glass of whisky – and one you probably haven’t tried yet – head over to The Athenaeum Hotel to try its eponymous brand of the tipple. The hotel is already well-equipped with this particular drink, with over 300 whiskies to choose from, but this new mixture aims to appeal to sophisticated palates with its eight-year-old blend of Speyside and Highland malts. This extraordinary blend includes the fruity taste of citrus, toasted oats, honey and nuts and it makes for the perfect post-work ritual. (athenaeumhotel.com)

MUM’S THE WORD An afternoon tea in Mayfair should never disappoint, and this month, Flemings Hotel is offering a special edition of the tradition for Mother’s Day. Spend an afternoon indulging in delicate sandwiches, fluffy scones and petit fours, all served on an elegant cake stand. The accompanying range of speciality teas match perfectly to create a heart-warming feeling, while you sit back and catch up. (flemings-mayfair.co.uk)

image: Chris Christodoulou

A SEASON OF MUSICAL MASTERPIECES Jupiter, the King of the Gods was all good and all powerful – as a god of the light and sky he protected the state and its laws. This year’s London Handel Festival (celebrating the work of German-born Baroque composer Georg Friedrich Handel) focuses on a classical theme, featuring specific works on the King of Gods and all his various antics. The London Handel Festival produces a wealth of musical concerts, including the Mayfair Organ Concerts at St. George’s. Highlights of the festival include Ode for the Birthday of Queen Anne and the first modern performance of Handel’s pasticcio Catone in Utica (which hasn’t been performed since its premiere season in 1732). Now you can explore the grandeur of Baroque and its music, all in Mayfair. The London Handel Festival is on from 10 March until 20 April (london-handel-festival.com)

AND THE WINNER IS… This month marks a particularly exciting occasion in the world of tailoring as the Golden Shears Award gala takes place in association with Savile Row Bespoke. The winner of this biennial event – one of the tailoring world’s most coveted prizes – will be one of the apprentice tailors and students on tailoring courses across the UK. Founded in 1974, the award showcases the most accomplished young tailors the UK has to offer, who will receive a pair of golden cutting shears mounted on mahogany – an appropriate trophy to symbolise the tradition of honed craftsmanship. The grand Merchant Taylors’ Hall provides a fitting setting for the Golden Shears Award as the livery company was founded in the 14th century to protect the interest of tailors. (merchant-taylors.co.uk)

Webb mage: Edward

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Resident’s Journal

Planning & Development Ground-level developments and societal structural changes this month

An Enduring Art Trade

Planning applications in the local area DATE RECEIVED: 13 January PROPOSAL: Display of advertisement on hoarding at ground floor level frontage until 7 April ADDRESS: Old Bond Street DATE RECEIVED: 5 January PROPOSAL: Installation of light fittings to fascia panel in conjunction with existing signage ADDRESS: Davies Street DATE RECEIVED: 21 January PROPOSAL: Display of internally illuminated fascia sign ADDRESS: Curzon Street DATE RECEIVED: 15 January PROPOSAL: Cleaning and redecorating of the front elevation of the property and the replacement of the flag and the awnings to the windows ADDRESS: Savile Row

How Westminster is promising to protect the ever-changing art trade in Mayfair

Cork Street is a nucleus for Mayfair’s modern art trade and a cultural highlight of the area. Traditionally, the cluster of streets to make up Mayfair’s art scene, namely Albemarle Street, Cork Street and Dover Street, are not known for an abundance of residential properties. Yet, in the past few years, a number of developments have caused changes in rental prices for the area’s galleries and smaller boutiques. Westminster City Council last summer proposed, as part of a wider City Plan, a pledge to protect the area surrounding Cork Street, home to one of the greatest concentrations of galleries and auction houses in the world. The Special Policy Area is set to pave the way for enhanced protection for art galleries, in particular, under local planning rules, further extending Westminster’s close work with developers and landowners to safeguard the cultural profile of the area. The estimated 260 art dealers based in Mayfair and St. James’s will no doubt continue to flourish under the new scheme, to be adopted later this year. image: guy bell (westminster.gov.uk)

Planned road works and closures in March STREET

PLANNED WORK

DATES

WORKS OWNER

Bruton Place

Footway reconstruction and carriageway resurfacing works

23 February until 31 March

City Of Westminster 020 7641 2000

Bruton Place

Install new sewer connection

9 – 22 March

Thames Water 0845 9200 800

Maddox Street

Lay gas service using carriageway and footway

6 – 23 March

Fulcrum Pipelines Limited 0845 6413010

Mount Street

Replacement on link box

UKPN East & Lon LTD 26 February until 11 (formerly EDF Energy March Networks) 0800 028 4587

Clifford Street

Road surface repair

5 – 10 March

City Of Westminster 020 7641 2000

mayfair Resident’s Journal

If you have a view that you would like to share with the Residents’ Journal team, we would be delighted to hear from you. 020 7987 4320; mayfair@residentsjournal.co.uk

The mayfair Magazine | Regulars

Remembering

MAYFAIR lady duff-gordon

ashion and theatricality have gone hand in hand since the beginning of time. However, these two creative spheres only started to collide commercially in the late 19th century with the emergence of professional models. Fashion employers concerned with maintaining the modesty of their models provided undergarments for female performers that looked not unlike the modern-day negligee, often made from a rigid black silk or satin. As documented in contemporary theatre magazines, this changed at the turn of the 20th century when lighter stage attire replaced these weighty dark garments. This change in stage-ware soon trickled down into London’s fashion scene. In Mayfair, Lady Duff-Gordon, known as Lucile, became the first designer in London to replace the dark and ill-fitting undergarments with tight fitting, flesh coloured, silk body stockings similar to those worn on West End stages. She adopted pioneering lighting techniques used in theatrical variety stages and in the sensational presentation of Living Pictures. Under this type of stage light Lucile’s models appeared naked. Lucile’s ‘fusing of femininity and commodity

culture as a form of visual enticement’ (A. O’Neill, London: After a Fashion), was admittedly a seductive and creative stage for a fashion show. Lucile is often considered a driving force in modernising fashion promotion by adding to the theatrical concept of a fashion catwalk. By the time of the opening of her second showroom at 23 Hanover Square, Lucile had started to incorporate the interiors of these ex-townhouses in her fashion shows. She wanted to emulate the atmosphere of high-end tea socials, and her showrooms featured a small stage from where the models descended and walked among the tea-drinking guests. The London Illustrated News wrote in 1908, ‘At Mme Lucile’s in Hanover Square, there is a charming little theatre where clients of the house assemble to see the latest novelties’ from tailored coats to tea gowns and Ascot dresses. As the frenzy that surrounds London Fashion Week subsides, I wonder how many of its spectators realise that it was one lady’s creativity and entrepreneurship 100 years ago in a townhouse in Mayfair that was responsible for the humble beginnings of the catwalk in the UK – a pivotal moment in the history of fashion. By Penelope Sacorafou (foxandsquirrel.com)

Above: a catwalk show at roland mouret. Image Courtesy of Roland Mouret, Carlos Place Mayfair

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Property | The mayfair Magazine

Mayfair estate agents Pimlico & Westminster

Beauchamp Estates 24 Curzon Street W1J 7TF 020 7499 7722 (beauchamp.co.uk)

020 3195 9595 (pastor-realestate.com)

50 Belgrave Road SW1V 1RQ 020 7834 4771 (sales) (hamptons-int.com) John taylor 48 Berkeley Square, W1J 5AX 020 3284 1888 (john-taylor.com) Hanover residential

West End

Rokstone 5 Dorset Street W1U 6QJ 020 7580 2030 (rokstone.com)

49 Welbeck Street W1G 9XN 020 3540 5990 carter jonas 127 Mount Street W1K 3NT 020 7493 0676 (carterjonas.co.uk)

St John’s Wood 102 St John’s Wood Terrace NW8 6PL 020 7722 2223 (hanover-residential.co.uk)

47 South Audley Street W1K 2QA 020 7629 4513 (sales) 020 7288 8301 (lettings)

Westminster & Pimlico 10 Gillingham Street SW1V 1HJ 020 3411 8386 (sales) (chestertons.com)

Hyde Park & Bayswater 24-25 Albion Street W2 2AX 020 7262 2030

Savills

Marylebone & Regents Park

188 Brompton Road SW3 1HQ 020 7581 5234 (sales)

20a Paddington Street W1U 5QP 020 7486 6338 (kayandco.com)

ChestertonS

Mayfair

KAY & CO

Harrods Estates

Knightsbridge

61 Park Lane W1K 1QF 020 7409 9001 (harrodsestates.com)

Chelsea

134 Fulham Road, SW10 9PY 020 7717 5433 (lettings)

Horne & Harvey 23a St James’s Street SW1A 1HA 020 7839 6006 (horneandharvey.co.uk)

Knight Frank

Mayfair

120a Mount Street W1K 3NN 020 7499 1012 (sales & lettings) (knightfrank.co.uk)

1 Craven Terrace W2 3QD 020 7871 5060 (sales) 020 7871 5070 (lettings)

Marylebone 55 Baker Street W1U 8EW 020 3435 6440 (sales)

Knightsbridge 168 Brompton Road, SW3 1HW 020 7717 5463 (lettings)

36 North Audley Street W1K 6ZJ 020 7578 5100 (sales & lettings)

139 Sloane Street SW1X 9AY 020 7730 0822 (savills.co.uk)

Hyde Park Hamptons International

Mayfair

Sloane Street

82 Brompton Road SW3 1ER 020 7225 6506

Mayfair

Knightsbridge

Strutt & Parker

London Head Office 13 Hill Street W1J 5LQ 020 7629 7282

Knightsbridge 66 Sloane Street SW1X 9SH 020 7235 9959 (struttandparker.com)

Mayfair 32 Grosvenor Square, W1K 2HJ 020 7717 5465 (sales) 020 7717 5467 (lettings)

Paddington & Bayswater 4C Praed Street, W2 1JX 020 7717 5473 (sales) 020 7717 5343 (lettings)

JACKSON STOPS & STAFF 17c Curzon Street W1J 5HU 020 7664 6644 (jackson-stops.co.uk)

Pastor Real Estate Ltd 48 Curzon Street W1J 7UL

For estate agent listings please contact Sophie Roberts at: s.roberts@runwildgroup.co.uk

Wetherell 102 Mount Street W1K 2TH 020 7493 6935 (wetherell.co.uk)

showcasing the

finest HOMES & PROPERTY from the best estate agents

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How Tyburnia has become prime central Londonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s latest sensation

image: hamptons www.hamptons.co.uk

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PENTHOUSE B 21 DAVIES STREET M A Y F A I R

W 1

An outstanding lateral penthouse situated in an award-winning Mayfair development, featuring an exceptional 60ft terrace, secure underground parking and 24 hour porterage. Constructed in 2004, 21 Davies Street raised the bar for residential development in Mayfair. Traditional materials and meticulous craftsmanship, combined with the design, finish and technology of the finest contemporary home, 21 Davies Street is Mayfair’s pre-eminent address.

ACCOMMODATION & AMENITIES

37ft reception room / Kitchen / Dining room / Master bedroom suite / Guest bedroom suite / Third bedroom with en suite shower room / Guest WC / Terrace / Lift access / Two secure underground parking spaces / Basement storage space / 24 hour porterage

020 7499 1012 GUIDE PRICE £15,750,000 LEASEHOLD • SOLE AGENT

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120a Mount Street London W1K 3NN mayfair@knightfrank.com KnightFrank.co.uk/mayfair

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HAYS MEWS MAYFAIR W1

A superbly finished six floor town house set in a prestigious Mayfair mews close to Berkeley Square. The property incorporates the highest standard of architectural design, winning an Evening Standard award for its innovative use of space, light and structure. Accommodation & Amenities Three Bedrooms / Three Bathrooms / Three Reception Rooms / Roof Terrace / Lift / Integral Garage / Energy Rating: C / Approximately 307 sq m (3,311 sq ft)

Guide Price: ÂŁ7,950,000 / Freehold / Joint Sole Agents

Mayfair

020 7499 1012 KnightFrank.co.uk

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No.1 FOr property

sold in Mayfair We are proud to be number one for property sold in Mayfair in the past 12 months* To keep up with the latest property news and events follow us @KF_Mayfair

120a Mount Street, Mayfair, London W1K 3NN +44 20 8166 7482 KnightFrank.co.uk/mayfair

Data taken from “London’s property pulse” Lonres.com on 4th February 2015

1,3

KnightFrank.co.uk

Carlos Place, Mayfair W1K

An outstanding three bedroom duplex apartment An exceptional three bedroom duplex apartment in the heart of the Mayfair village, offering a well proportioned living space and impressive ceiling heights throughout. 2 bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, third bedroom, kitchen/reception room, study, utility room, guest WC. EPC rating D. Approximately 187 sq m ﴾2,008 sq ft﴿ Leasehold: A new long lease of 125 years, direct from Grosvenor, will be granted

KnightFrank.co.uk/mayfair mayfair@knightfrank.com 020 8166 7482

Guide price: £7,250,000 ﴾WER140222﴿

1,3 carlos MM March

16/02/2015 12:50:39

KnightFrank.co.uk

Green Street, Mayfair W1K

A bright two bedroom apartment with lift access A newly refurbished apartment situated on the architecturally beautiful Green Street, benefiting from plenty of natural light. Master bedroom with en suite bathroom and dressing room, second bedroom with en suite shower room, reception room, kitchen, guest WC, lift access. EPC rating C. Approximately 114 sq m ﴾1,230 sq ft﴿ Leasehold: A new long lease of 125 years, direct from Grosvenor, will be granted

KnightFrank.co.uk/mayfair mayfair@knightfrank.com 020 8166 7482

Guide price: £3,450,000 ﴾WER140219﴿

H, 57 Green St

16/02/2015 12:46:28

KnightFrank.co.uk

Curzon Square, Mayfair W1J

A stylish two bedroom apartment with concierge A well presented two bedroom lateral apartment featuring lift access, concierge and secure parking. Entrance hall, master bedroom with en suite bathroom, second bedroom, reception room, kitchen, shower room, lift, concierge, parking. EPC rating D. Approximately 130 sq m ﴾1,404 sq ft﴿ Leasehold: approximately 114 years remaining

KnightFrank.co.uk/mayfair mayfair@knightfrank.com 020 8166 7482

Guide price: £4,250,000 ﴾WER140192﴿

10 Curzon Sq MM March

16/02/2015 13:36:03

KnightFrank.co.uk

Albion Close, Hyde Park W2

Exceptionally spacious mews house with parking A double fronted house set in a private gated mews moments from the local amenities of Connaught Village and the green open spaces of Hyde Park. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, reception/dining room, kitchen, study, designated parking for 1 car. EPC rating C. Approximately 175 sq m ﴾1,885 sq ft﴿ Freehold Guide price: £3,350,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/hydepark hydepark@knightfrank.com 020 3544 6140

﴾HPE140113﴿

Albion Close - Mayfair Mag - March 2015

17/02/2015 09:25:05

KnightFrank.co.uk

Hyde Park Gardens, Hyde Park W2

Grand apartment with exceptional entertaining space A magnificent apartment with direct access to award winning communal gardens in this prestigious Grade II listed building with south facing views of Hyde Park. 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, reception room, kitchen/breakfast room, cloakroom, terrace, balcony. Approximately 331 sq m ﴾3,566 sq ft﴿ Leasehold: approximately 119 years remaining Guide price: £11,500,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/hydepark hydepark@knightfrank.com 020 3544 6140

﴾HPE120109﴿

4 2 Hyde Park Gardens Mayfair Mag March 2015

17/02/2015 09:59:44

KnightFrank.co.uk Connaught Street, Hyde Park W2 A beautifully presented four bedroom masionette

Situated in the heart of Connaught Village this substantial Grade II listed home benefits from period cornicing, window shutters and fireplaces to the principal rooms. 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, reception/dining room, kitchen, large roof terrace. Approximately 162 sq m ﴾1,744 sq ft﴿ Available furnished Guide price: £1,550 per week

Hyde Park Lettings KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings hydeparklettings@knightfrank.com 020 3641 7941 ﴾CCQ126867﴿

Bolsover Street, Fitzrovia W1 Impressive penthouse apartment

Beautifully designed and finished to the highest of standards throughout. 3 bedroom suites, reception room, Bulthaup kitchen, 2 roof terraces, comfort cooling system, audio visual system, lift, concierge. Approximately 234.3 sq m ﴾2,522 sq ft﴿ Available furnished Guide price: £4,500 per week

Marylebone Lettings KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings marylebonelettings@ knightfrank.com 020 3641 5853 ﴾MRY197595﴿

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

Mayfair Mag HP/MB Lettings March 2015(2)

12/02/2015 16:07:00

The mayfair Magazine | Property

property showcase: one nine elms Visit the creative new showroom for One Nine Elms in Strutt & Parker’s Mayfair office, showcasing the new development on the banks of the River Thames

hen Strutt & Parker were instructed alongside joint agents CBRE to sell One Nine Elms, the new development in SW8 on the banks of the River Thames, it knew it needed to come up with an original strategy to stand out in a crowded marketplace. Standing prominently on the banks of the River Thames, on London’s buzzing and dynamic South Bank, One Nine Elms will feature two iconic new towers soaring 200 metres high. Created by luxury Chinese property company Wanda One and designed by internationally acclaimed architects Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, the landmark scheme will be the tallest residential development in central

‘One Nine Elms features two iconic new towers soaring 200 metres high’ London when complete. It is expected to be completed in 2018, and those who want to gain a deeper understanding of the scheme can come and visit the state-of-the-art marketing suite in Mayfair. Mark Dorman, head of London residential development and investment at Strutt & Parker says: ‘At Strutt & Parker we are lucky enough to have our flagship head office on Hill Street, just off Berkeley Square, and it dawned on me that we had enough space to host a sophisticated marketing suite right here.

‘Development showrooms displaying multiple schemes in central London have of course been done in the past – but this would offer something new, a unique showcase for just one hero development in the heart of Mayfair. It certainly seemed fitting for One Nine Elms – a scheme set to elevate standards for high-rise luxury living in the capital.’ Fisher Productions was brought on board to come up with the conceptual design and create a luxurious marketing suite, which features an interactive development model, a cutting-edge media table and light box panels. The suite has proved to be an excellent marketing tool already and has received a steady flow of visitors since the autumn. Sales of the first phase of One Nine Elms, the City Tower, have been excellent and Strutt & Parker and CBRE are now preparing for the launch of the River Tower later this year. This exclusive new address comprises a spectacular collection of one, two and three bedroom premium apartments and penthouses, all linked to the luxury of a five-star hotel with a swimming pool, a 24-hour concierge service, private residents’ gym and executive lounge. Each apartment will feature a winter garden from which to enjoy the staggering views over the river and London’s skyline beyond, making this development truly unique. Prices start from £795,000. For more information on One Nine Elms please visit onenineelms.com or contact the sales team, Strutt & Parker (020 7318 4688) and CBRE (020 7182 2477)

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The mayfair Magazine | Property

[hot property]

21 Davies Street,W1

amed after Mary Davies, whose marriage to Sir Thomas Grosvenor in 1677 brought the London estate into the infamous Grosvenor family, Davies Street remains one of Mayfair’s most preeminent addresses, steeped in heritage. Situated mere steps from Berkeley Square, 21 Davies Street is placed in the very heart of Mayfair, where you will find a wealth of designer boutiques, fine dining and art galleries on its doorstep. The geometric design of this particular development lends a contemporary panache to the area, while its terracotta exterior remains in keeping with the façades of the

‘Spanning 3,115 square feet the penthouse’s lateral floor plan was made for entertaining’

of collectors, there being vast and refined space in which to display your possessions. Perhaps the shining jewel in the crown of the penthouse is its 60-foot private terrace – an ideal location for a nightcap or catching those rare rays of sun during the summer months. The outstretched terrace also happens to boast some magnificent views across Mayfair. With contemporary style in a traditional environment, 21 Davies Street offers the very best of both worlds in a modern residence. Guide price, £15.75 million. For further enquiries contact Harvey Cyzer at Knight Frank, 120A Mount Street, W1K (020 7647 6615; harvey.cyzer@knightfrank.com)

surrounding late Victorian residences. Six floors up and entering via private lift access you will discover Penthouse B. Spanning 3,115 square feet the penthouse’s lateral floor plan was made for entertaining – when hosting guests the development’s 24-hour porter service offers around-the-clock assistance. The open-plan reception room, extending across 37 square feet, proves both grand and convenient for day-to-day life and is currently configured to incorporate separate spaces for a library, lounge and cinema. From the extensive main reception area is the master bedroom suite and two additional guest suites. The master bedroom benefits from an adjoining dressing area, en suite bathroom and direct access to the terrace. With two underground parking spaces and ample storage space on the ground floor, Penthouse B would suit even the most dedicated

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Property

News

PrimeResi brings you the latest news in prime central London property

Reaching a milestone

Clarges Mayfair sales top £250m

eveloper British Land has notched up £365m-worth of residential sales last year, as its Clarges Mayfair scheme continues to bring home the bacon. After taking an incredible £227m in pre-sales over the summer (and smashing Mayfair’s per square foot price record in the process), the super-prime scheme opposite Green Park has, according to the firm’s latest trading update, since generated another £32m to take total receipts up to £259m – representing the lion’s share of British Land’s resi revenue for the year. The first batch of 18 apartments at Clarges were snapped up at an average price of £11.6m each. Only those on the firm’s ‘exclusive list of known potential buyers’ were told about availability, and they responded accordingly, paying an average capital value of £4,750 per square foot. The penthouse achieved in excess of £5,000 per square foot. The building was designed by architects Squire and

130

Clarges Mayfair (Image courtesy of British Land/ Wetherell)

Partners, with Martin Kemp Design in charge of the interiors. The total cost of the development (excluding land and interest) will be around £228m. The 34 apartments (scheduled to complete in 2017) will be spread over ten floors and range in size from one to five bedrooms. There’ll be a gated mews with secure drop off, a private wellness spa including a 25m swimming pool and fully equipped gymnasium, sauna, steam and treatment rooms, a private cinema room and ‘full lifestyle services’.

The mayfair Magazine | Property

On the hunt

TfL is on the lookout for development partners to turn it into one of London’s great estates

Clarges Mayfair (Image courtesy of British Land/ Wetherell)

ransport for London has come up with a ten-year plan to redevelop 50 sites covering something close to ten million square feet across London, and has launched a year-long tender process to find ‘a small number’ of suitable development partners. TfL’s head of commercial development Graeme Craig is taking credit for the plan, which would turn the publicly owned organisation into one of the capital’s great estates, alongside the likes of Grosvenor and Great Portland. TfL owns over 5,700 acres across London (two-thirds of which is within Zones One and Two). Craig anticipates that these development joint ventures will play a significant roll in hitting TfL’s £3.4bn commercial revenue target over the next decade. Sites are likely to be turned to an array of different uses, from visitor attractions and retail to residential schemes. It’s not all new news, mind: development or planning of some TfL sites – including the organisation’s St James’s HQ, 55 Broadway (pictured), and

‘TfL owns over 5,700 acres across London (two-thirds of which lands within Zones One and Two)’ South Kensington tube station – are already in hand. It’s not clear yet whether these sites are of the 50 going up for tender this month. TfL HQ, 55 Broadway, St James’s (Alan Myers (CC by 2.0))

primeresi.com

MARKET INSIGHT

Partner and head of Knight Frank Mayfair, Harvey Cyzer, imparts his knowledge of the local property market For the London market, currency risks have recently been replaced by those of a political nature. Knight Frank’s Risk Monitor shows that the political risk to prime central London is almost double that presented to the rest of the UK, in the run up to the May election. The opposing housing policies from different political parties has heightened the uncertainty regarding the longer term property market, and has caused some buyers and sellers to hold off in acting.

‘The market should remain supported by economic growth’ This tentative market has emphasised the importance of correct pricing in recent months, and we are seeing the most movement in stock where vendors are particularly keen to sell (typically in the £1m-£2m market). Those who are realistic in their price expectations can generally expect a much quicker sale and stronger viewing figures. Looking ahead, the market should remain supported by economic growth and expansion in employment, lower oil prices ought to underpin low inflation, which should aid household budgets. In addition, the unanimous decision to keep interest rates on hold last month means good news for homeowners and buyers around the UK. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the elections, cumulative growth in UK property prices is forecast to total 18.2 per cent in the five years to the end of 2019 – emphasising the longterm stability of the prime central London market. We would advise those wishing to sell their property in the upcoming months to think carefully about their price expectations, as this will ultimately mean the difference between a smooth or problematic sales transaction.

knightfrank.co.uk 131

Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Conduit Street, W1S A wonderful two bedroom top floor apartment (with lift) that is flooded with natural light and presented in excellent condition. This superb new boutique development means that this property would make an ideal pied de tere or rental investment. EPC: C

From £4,850,000 Freehold • • • • •

Hamptons Mayfair Office Sales. 020 7717 5465 | Lettings. 020 7717 5467

Two bedrooms Two bathrooms New build Lift Approx 721 sq ft

Jermyn Street, SW1Y Spacious two double bedroom flat ideally located moments from St James’s, Piccadilly and Green Park, offering 24 hour porter, off street parking, air conditioning, large reception room and lift. EPC: C

£1,350 per week Furnished/Part/Unfurnished • • • • • •

Hamptons Mayfair Office Lettings. 020 7717 5467 | Sales. 020 7717 5465

Two bedrooms Two Bathrooms Air conditioning 24 hour porter Lift Off street parking

Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Westminster Green This stylish and beautifully presented apartment has been recently refurbished to an exacting standard and is arguably one of the best within this sought after apartment building. The property has a light corner position reception room with underground parking and its own terrace and balcony. EPC: D

£2,150,000 Share of Freehold • • • • • •

Hamptons Pimlico & Westminister Office Sales. 020 3281 7214 | Lettings. 020 7717 5345

Two bedrooms, Two bathrooms Roof terrace, Private parking, Lift, porter/caretaker 1,250 approx sq ft

Leinster Mews Development opportunity and potential to add value - currently located over three floors a 1,439 sqft mews house with roof terrace. Planning permission has been granted to create a 2,035 sqft three bedroom family house with roof terrace and garage. EPC: E

£2,500,000 Freehold • • • • •

Hamptons Hyde Park & Bayswater Office Sales. 020 7717 5473 | Lettings. 020 7717 5343

Cobbled Mews Development Opportunity Roof Terrace Garage Moments from Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens and Paddington Station

savills.co.uk

1 WELL PRESENTED PENTHOUSE WITH ROOF TERRACE AND LIFT shaftesbury avenue, wc2 Entrance hall ø open plan reception room/kitchen/dining room ø 2 bedroom suites ø 2 further bedrooms ø further bathroom ø lift ø roof terrace ø 289 sq m (3,116 sq ft) ø EPC=C Guide £3.95 million Leasehold, approximately 992 years remianing

Winkworths

Savills Mayfair

Rod Heffernan westend@winkworth.co.uk

Charles Lloyd clloyd@savills.com

020 7240 3322

020 7578 5100

savills.co.uk

LETTINGS LAYOUT ONLY

A BEAUTIFULLY PRESENTED TWO BEDROOM APARTMENT north audley street, w1 2 double bedrooms ø reception room ø kitchen ø 2 bathrooms ø first floor ø lift ø 141 sq m (1,518 sq ft) ø Council Tax=G ø EPC=C

Savills Mayfair Polly Hughes phughes@savills.com

020 7578 5100 Furnished £1,800 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.

FOR SALE REFURBISHED APARTMENT IN QUIET LOCATION

£1,425,000

CLARGES MEWS, MAYFAIR, LONDON W1

FURTHER DETAILS:

Newly refurbished apartment in this small modern block quietly located in a Mayfair Mews moments from Berkeley Square and within easy walking distance of Green Park tube. The shops, restaurants and amenities of Shepherd Market are also close by, as are the boutiques and luxury shops of Bond Street.

Michael Harte T +44 (0)20 3195 9595 E sales@pastor-realestate.com

The property extends to 610 sq ft (56.67 sq m) and benefits from excellent storage and wood flooring throughout. The spacious accommodation comprises entrance hall, reception room with balcony, fully fitted kitchen with all appliances, double bedroom, large fully tiled shower room, utility cupboard and entry phone system. Share of Freehold.

PASTOR REAL ESTATE 48 CURZON STREET, LONDON, W1J 7UL • T +44 (0)20 3195 9595 F +44 (0)20 3195 9596

www.pastor-realestate.com

FOR SALE UNIQUE ONE BEDROOM TOWN HOUSE

ÂŁ1,650,000 Freehold

RED LION YARD, MAYFAIR, LONDON W1

FURTHER DETAILS:

A rare opportunity to acquire a delightful one bedroom freehold Mayfair townhouse extending to 723 sq ft (66 sq m) in a small charming cobbled mews discreetly located just off Hill Street, close to the exclusive amenities of Mayfair and the surrounding area.

Michael Harte

Hyde Park is a few minutes walk away and the boutiques of Mount Street and Bond Street are also close by making this unique property an ideal pied a terre. Accommodation: entrance hall, study/home office, guest cloakroom, reception room with open plan kitchen, master bedroom with walk-in wardrobe and bathroom.

T +44 (0)20 3195 9595 E sales@pastor-realestate.com

Precise: Exact, as in performance, execution, or amount. Accurate or correct. Clearly expressed or delineated; definite.

, s u o l u c i t e m , l u f , e t r c a C n i t s i d , n i a t r e c , c specifi definite , express, discrete , ous , selective , fastidi , punctilious . s u o l u p u r c s

In a rapidly changing world the need to be precise is crucial to success. Without precision and attention to detail, excellence would be a rare and random occurrence. At Pastor Real Estate a passion for precision and pursuit of the extraordinary is precisely why excellence is our metier.

Sales / Lettings / Property Management / Consultancy / Investment / Architecture / Commercial / Project Management

www.pastor-realestate.com PASTOR REAL ESTATE 48 CURZON STREET, LONDON, W1J 7UL â&#x20AC;˘ T +44 (0)20 3195 9595 F +44 (0)20 3195 9596

Chesterfield House, Chesterfield Gardens, Mayfair W1J A beautiful 1st floor mansion apartment of approx. 1109 sq.ft with lift and 24 hour porter. Comprising a double reception room, master bedroom with en suite shower room, 2nd bedroom, 2nd shower room and kitchen. Lease approx. 94 years with a share of freehold. EPC Rating D.

John Taylor UK 48 Berkeley Square, London W1J 5AX Tel: 020 3284 1888 Email: london@john-taylor.com

£2,800,000 Share of Freehold ABU DHABI MEGEVE •

• AIX-EN-PROVENCE • BARCELONA • CANNES • COURCHEVEL • COSTA BRAVA • GENEVA • GSTAAD • LONDON MERIBEL • MILAN • MONACO • PARIS • ST-JEAN-CAP-FERRAT • ST-PAUL-DE-VENCE • ST-TROPEZ • VALBONNE

www.john-taylor.com

facebook.com/struttandparker twitter.com/struttandparker

struttandparker.com

Pont Street, SW1X

An excellent and rarely seen lateral apartment in the heart of Knightsbridge, only a short walk from Harrods. Situated on the 2nd and 3rd floors (lift) of a well maintained period building the apartment is now in need of modernisation.

ÂŁ11,000,000 Leasehold

Knightsbridge 020 7235 9959 Casper.tham@struttandparker.com

The Knightsbridge, Knightsbridge SW7

The flat benefits from a private balcony and has views towards the famous Brompton Oratory. The flat has its own parking space together with two secure, fitted storage cages, offering the chance to acquire the perfect pied ĂĄ terre.

Knightsbridge 020 7235 9959 Bertie.hare@struttandparker.com

ÂŁ3,350,000 Leasehold

facebook.com/struttandparker twitter.com/struttandparker

struttandparker.com

Wyndham House

A well-proportioned four bedroom flat quietly situated on the third floor (lift) of this highly regarded portered building.

ÂŁ9,100,000 Leasehold

Knightsbridge 020 7235 9959 Casper.tham@struttandparker.com

Lyall Mews, Belgravia SW1

An exemplary newly modernised 4/5 bed mews house with roof terrace and parking in one of Belgraviaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest and quietest cobbled mews.

Knightsbridge 020 7235 9959 James.forbes@struttandparker.com

ÂŁ10,750,000 Freehold

#38 #38 Room Roomwith with aa view

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exclusivenew newresidential residentialdevelopment developmentoverlooking overlookingTurnham TurnhamGreen, Green, AnAnexclusive offeringhigh highquality quality1, 1,2 2&&3 3bed bedapartments, apartments,townhouses townhousesand andpenthouses penthouses offering theheart heartofofChiswick. Chiswick. ininthe

Registernow nowfor forthe theVIP VIPlaunch launch Register Guideprice pricefrom fromÂŁ515,000 ÂŁ515,000 Guide

0203772 37721000 1000 020 www.opuscollection.london www.opuscollection.london #LendLeaseStories #LendLeaseStories

Guide price correct at time of going to press. View is indicative only. Guide price correct at time of going to press. View is indicative only.

jackson-stops.co.uk

North Row, W1K A three bedroom apartment in this prestigious portered building with views over Hyde Park. This well proportioned property boasts 2 double bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, 3rd double bedroom/study, large reception room, modern kitchen with integrated appliances, storage space; air conditioning. The apartment also benefits from access to the services of the adjacent Marriot Hotel including swimming pool and gym. Secure underground parking space.

Guide Price: ÂŁ5,000,000 Leasehold

People Property Places

Mayfair 020 7664 6644 mayfair@jackson-stops.co.uk

Offices in London and across the country

jackson-stops.co.uk

Grosvenor Square, W1K A newly refurbished three bedroom high specification apartment located on the 3rd floor (with lift) of a portered building on Grosvenor Square. Comprising reception room, separate fully integrated kitchen, guest w/c, master bedroom with en-suite bathroom and two further double bedrooms (one with en-suite). EPC rating B.

ÂŁ2,450 per week (fees apply)

MM59836

Bolton Street, W1J A two bedroom apartment located in prime Mayfair, close to Green Park underground and Piccadilly. Comprising two double bedrooms both with en-suite bathrooms, guest w/c, reception/dining room, kitchen and private patio. EPC rating E.

ÂŁ895 per week (fees apply)

People Property Places

MM50977

Mayfair 020 7664 6644 mayfair@jackson-stops.co.uk

Offices in London and across the country

Let’s stay in touch

Our use of technology allows us to communicate your way. And if the traditional way is your preferred way then we’re great at that, too.

@jsslondon JSSLondon

Montagu Square, Marylebone W1 A two bedroom maisonette situated on the ground and lower ground floor of this well presented period building located on one of Marylebone’s beautiful garden squares. Located close to the open spaces of both Hyde Park and Regent’s Park, together with the world class shops and restaurants of Marylebone and the West End. The property is in need of modernisation and offers a reception room, kitchen, master bedroom with en suite bathroom, second bedroom, separate bathroom, guest WC and patio garden. Residents of the square also have access to the private manicured square garden subject to an annual fee. EPC rating D.

Leasehold approximately 39 years remaining Price: £1,700,000 +44 (0) 20 7409 9205 michael.davis@harrodsestates.com

KNIGHTSBRIDGE OFFICE: 82 BROMPTON ROAD LONDON SW3 1ER T: +44 020 7225 6506 MAYFAIR OFFICE: 61 PARK LANE LONDON W1K 1QF T: +44 020 7409 9001 CHELSEA OFFICE: 58 FULHAM ROAD LONDON SW3 6HH T: +44 (0) 20 7225 6700 HARRODSESTATES.COM

Leinster Mews, Hyde Park W2 A beautifully finished, newly refurbished three bedroom Freehold house located in a picturesque mews moments from Hyde Park. This spacious property has been designed to maximise natural light throughout and offers a bright reception room, open plan modern kitchen with dining area and three en suite bedrooms. Further boasting a secluded patio with tranquil green wall and integral garage. EPC rating D.

Freehold Price: ÂŁ3,500,000 +44 (0) 20 7409 9047 robert.cox@harrodsestates.com

Park House Apartments, Mayfair W1K This duplex penthouse apartment is set over the sixth and seventh floors overlooking Mayfair to the south and east. The accommodation of approximately 2,322 ft2 comprises open plan kitchen/reception room, large terrace, master bedroom, dressing area and en-suite bathroom, second double bedroom with dressing room and en-suite bathroom, third double bedroom, shower room and guest cloakroom. The building also benefits from 24 hour concierge and an underground car park. Available now, furnished. EPC rating C.

Price per week: £6,600 Plus Property Fees: £180 Admin, £312-450 Checkout, References: £42 per person*

+44 (0) 20 7409 9158 robin.bogh-henrikssen@harrodsestates.com

GREEN Street, Mayfair W1 A rare apartment with a daytime porter, providing approximately 2,300 ft2 of lateral living space with views over and access to the private gardens of Green Street. This recently refurbished property features direct lift access and air conditioning, and comprises an entrance hall, spacious reception room, fully integrated kitchen, master bedroom with walk through wardrobes and en suite bathroom, further double bedroom with en suite bathroom and guest cloakroom. Green Street is conveniently located within easy reach of all the shopping, entertainment and transport facilities. Available now, Unfurnished. EPC rating B.

Price per week: £2,950 Plus Property Fees: £180 Admin, £210 Checkout, References: £42 per person*

+44 (0) 20 7409 9205 michael.davis@harrodsestates.com

Grosvenor Square

£6,000 per week long let

Mayfair W1K

A newly refurbished lateral apartment on one of London’s most premier squares. Finished to a very high specification the apartment extends to approx. 4,083 sq ft & is within a very prestigious Mayfair block. Comprising a large reception room with parquet flooring, a very large separate dining room, modern fully fitted kitchen with Gaggenau appliances & wine cooler, master bedroom with dressing area & en-suite, 3 further double bedrooms, 2 further bathrooms & staff room with en-suite shower room. EPC rating D

Additional charges apply. Administration: £222 References per tenant/guarantor: £42 Inventory check (approx. £95 - £200 plus VAT) chestertons.com/property-to-rent/applicable-fees

Mayfair

020 7288 8301 lettings.mayfair@chestertons.com

Duke Street

Mayfair W1K

ÂŁ2,150,000 leasehold

This stunning well appointed property benefits from a large double bedroom with en-suite & an open living area leading to the kitchen/diner. Upstairs the property comprises a spare room/utility room leading to the (non-demised) roof terrace. EPC rating C

Mayfair

020 7269 4513 sales.mayfair@chestertons.com

chestertons.com

carterjonas.co.uk

Porchester Gate Bayswater W2

A large apartment overlooking Hyde Park, having been redesigned to a superb standard, including state of the art technology and a fabulous open plan living room. 2 reception rooms • 3 double bedrooms 2 bathrooms • Upper floor apartment with lift • Balcony • Porter • Leasehold approximately 970 years • EPC rating C

Price on application

Hyde Park

020 7402 1552 john.white@carterjonas.co.uk

South Molton Street Mayfair W1

A characterful top floor apartment located in a vibrant quarter of Mayfair, just off Bond Street. The property offers light and well-planned accommodation and would make an ideal pied-a-terre or London home. Reception room • Double bedroom with en suite • Kitchen • Guest cloakroom Leasehold approximately 109 years EPC rating D

Guide price £1,350,000

Mayfair

020 7493 0676 james.gubbins@carterjonas.co.uk

A prime central star

Pastor Real Estate finds that homeowners and those looking to rent in London are turning their attention to Tyburnia – the north side of Hyde Park – for its exceptional new developments, central location and its ability to offer a unique village life

ith so few parts of prime central London left available to undergo gentrification, it’s rather special that there is one – Tyburnia – in the midst of great change at present, just to the north of Hyde Park. The recent and muchdiscussed development of The Lancasters and Candy & Candy’s £19m project on Connaught Place have set a new direction for this area as a

whole, which is increasingly becoming one of London’s more sought-after areas in which to lease and purchase property. It did not however, have quite as glamorous a history as its neighbouring areas. Rather, its history is a dark one, associated with London’s capital punishment some 600 years ago, as Tyburnia took its name from the Tyburn Tree, which is now marked by Marble Arch.

‘It sits elegantly on Hyde Park with its perfectly restored French renaissanc 160

The mayfair Magazine | Property

Previously overlooked, the area – with property prices averaging £1,700 per square-feet – has overtaken St John’s Wood which has an average of £1,400 per square feet. It’s also slowly but surely catching up with the average prices found in Knightsbridge and Belgravia (£3,500 per square foot) and in Mayfair (at £3,000 per square foot). The Lancasters, a grand development of 77 apartments, was completed in 2011 and beautifully illustrates how an innovative new development can breathe new life into an area. They sit elegantly on Hyde Park with perfectly restored French renaissance-style façades. Three luxurious apartments are currently available to let at the Lancasters with Pastor Real Estate including a studio/one bedroom apartment at £850 per week, and two double bedroom apartments at £1,800 – £1,850 per week. The interiors for the three apartments are finished to a highest standard boasting impressively high ceilings and immaculate, elegantly appointed interiors. With Hyde Park as your garden, this position is a unique one to be found in the middle of central London. Susan Cohen, head of sales and lettings at Pastor Real Estate says: ‘The Lancasters is a spectacular development, with the open green landscape of Hyde Park and the vibrancy of central London on your doorstep. The development offers a luxurious spa, swimming pool, gymnasium and steam room, with a 24-hour concierge and secure underground parking. ‘With interior designed communal areas, by super prime experts Intarya, each apartment is finished to a high specification, with the majority facing south, providing incredible views across Hyde Park. Each home has been designed around the grandeur of the architecture and interiors of the stucco-fronted Georgian mansions Tyburnia is famous for.’ For further enquiries about Tyburnia’s redevelopment, and for further information about the apartments to let please contact Susan Cohen at Pastor Real Estate (020 7935 4084; pastor-realestate.com)

aissance-style façade’ 161

Originally part of a magnificent terrace of Grade II listed Georgian townhouses, 5 & 6 Connaught Place has been transformed into a collection of seven luxury residences to include lateral apartments, duplexes and a penthouse. The Burlington Residence is an opulent lateral apartment on the second floor with direct views over Hyde Park from eight windows, offering hand crafted interiors and full concierge services. The interior designed show apartment is now available to view.

Photography of show apartment

Prices from ÂŁ11,750,000 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Long leasehold with share of freehold upon completion +44 (0)20 3302 4939

connaughtplaceresidences.com

Hyde Park, W2

Bermuda’s Luxury Real Estate Specialist Whether you are seeking a beach, boating or golf estate, historic home, private island or quality condominium, Sinclair Realty offers the finest cache of properties in Tucker’s Town and island-wide. As Bermuda’s exclusive affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate, we look forward to providing you with the depth of expertise and excellence that is characteristic of everything Christie’s does.

Tel +1 441 296 0278 | estates@logic.bm | www.sinclairrealty.com

SINC03-1761 Kens & Chelsea Mag.indd 1

WHY BUY BERMUDA? Geographic Convenience • London – less than 7 hours • New York – 2 hours • Toronto – 2.5 hours

Quality of Life • Britain’s oldest self-governing overseas territory • International financial centre • One of the world’s highest standards of living • Subtropical climate • Pink sand beaches & turquoise waters • Miles of world-class golf • No personal or corporate income tax or capital gains tax

Tel +1 441 296 0278 | estates@logic.bm | www.sinclairrealty.com

Fr / 2/6/15 11:18

Soho Square SOHO W1D This immaculately presented 3 bedroom duplex penthouse is located in the heart of Soho within a grand Grade II listed façade. The development offers modern living within a building that enjoys a fascinating heritage in the very heart of vibrant Soho. Measuring in excess of 2,100 ft2, this meticulously furnished apartment features a large, bright reception dining room with brushed and lacquered European oak flooring, separate Bespoke Häcker kitchen with integrated Miele appliances, two large bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, a master bedroom suite on the upper floor and a separate study. Special attention has been given to the quality of integral lighting, entertainment systems, appliances, fixtures and fittings. This flat is fully fitted to a high specification with interior designed furnishings, Lutron lighting, Comfort cooling and heating to all habitable rooms and integrated ceiling mounted speakers. Careful thought has been given to creating harmony, balance and proportion. This property is the ideal home or rental investment.

020 7580 2030 WWW.ROKSTONE.COM 5 Dorset Street, London, W1U 6QJ enquiries@rokstone.com

Price: £5,950,000

GOLD

prestige estate agency

2013

The mayfair Magazine | Property

The magnificence of

Mount Street

Once a sleepy thoroughfare, Mount Street has become a metropolis for international luxury retail. A new report by Wetherell reveals the insurmountable success behind its regeneration as one of London’s most prestigious addresses

ow flanked by internationally renowned brands and boutiques, Mount Street was once a quiet, backwater street. Today, it is a prestigious destination in its own right. But in 2006, the arrival of Marc Jacobs’ first London boutique marked a new era for the street – and a fashionable one at that. This, combined with Grosvenor Estate’s shrewd multi-million pound restoration a few years later, opened the floodgates for luxury brands seeking a role in Mount Street’s blossoming tale of prosperity. A newly commissioned report by Wetherell analyses the strategy and costs behind Mount Street’s transformation into a key luxury destination, and finds the Mount Street regeneration to be an exemplar of public realm improvement. The report finds that the £80 million regeneration of Mount Street in 2010 has resulted in benefits worth over £500 million for the street. This is thanks in large part to the considerable rise in commercial and residential property value within the area. The desirability of Mount Street as a luxury shopping destination is undeniable, with shop rents increasing by a staggering 330 per cent since 2006. But it’s also the unique amenities that the

street offers, that sets it apart. ‘Where else could you boast that your local B&B is The Connaught, the fish and chip shop is Scott’s, the butcher is Allens,’ says Peter Wetherell, chief executive of Wetherell. Since 2010 over 20 luxury retailers have flocked to the street, representing over £200 million of new investment and development. For a road mainly home to antiques dealers and discreet residences a decade ago, Mount Street now faces a seriously high demand for available commercial units. Luxury brands that opened in 2014, including 

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Property | The mayfair Magazine

‘Mount Street’s grand red brick façades predate the more contemporary boutiques of modern Mayfair’  Roksanda Ilincic, Richard Mille, could have expected to pay as much as £3 million in upfront ‘key money’ simply to secure a lease on the sought-after address. ‘We are in a unique position to select brands that complement the existing offering and enhance the character of the location’, says Helen Franks, the head of retail leasing at Grosvenor Estates. Mount Street’s grand red brick façades predate the more contemporary boutiques of modern Mayfair and present an esteemed tradition so synonymous with the area’s century-old brands and cigar-filled members clubs. There is an elegant and subtle luxury to the street, shying away from the lavish window displays of retail competitors Sloane Street and Bond Street. What makes Mount Street entirely unique is its historic village ambience. Behind the tall pink terracotta townhouses of Queen Anne revival style, people live, work and shop. ‘Residential values are catching up with Knightsbridge and Belgravia, and soon Mayfair will overtake them and regain its crown as London’s premium residential address,’ says Wetherell. With some of the highest property values in London, apartments on Mount Street currently sell for £3,227 per

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square foot, with letting values rising by 24 per cent since Q1 2013. The successful repositioning of Mount Street as one of London’s most prestigious luxury addresses has resulted in other London estates looking to replicate the street’s transformation; now known within the London property industry as ‘doing a Grosvenor’. Ten other locations across London are currently undergoing public realm and profile-raising activities based on Mount Street’s success, including Marylebone and St James’s. ‘After reviewing Mount Street and other luxury destinations around the world we have identified 18 key ingredients that are essential in order to deliver a Mount Street style makeover,’ says Wetherell. ‘We have maintained a mix of international businesses and very local, uniquely Mayfair shops, it’s a rare and compelling experience for any visitor.’ For further enquiries about the Mount Street Report and for information on properties for sale or to let please contact Jayne Weldon at Wetherell (020 7529 5567; wetherell.co.uk)

ABOVE: THE WETHERELL LOCALE; BELOW: PETER WETHERELL

CHARLES STREET MAYFAIR W1 ÂŁ15,500,000 JSA: Knight Frank

102 Mount Street, London W1K 2TH T: 020 7529 5566 E: sales@wetherell.co.uk

wetherell.co.uk

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DAVIES STREET MAYFAIR W1 ÂŁ5,750,000

102 Mount Street, London W1K 2TH T: 020 7529 5566 E: sales@wetherell.co.uk

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Weth

wetherell No. 1 IN

MAYFAIR for residential property

350 YEARS • 285 ACRES • 144 STREETS • 4,363 RESIDENTIAL ADDRESSES • 5,200 RESIDENTS 3,800 five star HOTEL ROOMS • 26 MICHELIN STAR RESTAURANTS

wetherell 42% MARKET SHARE for 2014 * no-one knows mayfair better than wetherell

wetherell.co.uk * Source: Lonres/Dataloft. Wetherell were involved in 42% of the total value of residential sales in Mayfair 2014.

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