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CONTENTS October 2017 92

Regulars 16 Editor’s letter 18 Five minutes with... Savile Row tailor Patrick Grant 20 Couture culture The worlds of fashion, film and art collide 60 Back to black Step out in midnight tulle and ebony velvets 106 Remembering Mayfair Maud Russell’s Second World War diaries

52 38 48

22 56 Features 22 24 26 30 38

Mert & Marcus: the perfect pair The photographic duo release a new book The Mayfair Awards It’s your last chance to vote for your favourites The bigger picture Hannah Clugston reports on the latest ways to engage with art Views from the top Three female gallerists open up to Camilla Apcar Set in stone Discover Harry Winston’s sparkling new high jewellery collection

52 Loving Vincent Marianne Dick previews the world’s first fully painted film 56 Deep waters Artist Alexander James’s underwater photography 68 Boot camp In this season’s footwear, the devil is in the detail 76 She’s a rainbow Dame Zandra Rhodes talks textiles 92 Art on the move The new Rolls-Royce Phantom offers both high octane and artistic entertainment 102 Emirate of eminence Kate Harrison falls head over heels for a trio of properties in Dubai

35 Collection

58 Fashion

80 Health & beauty

96 Travel

48 Art

74 Interiors

84 Food & drink

108 Property

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editor

From the OCTOBER 2017 s issue 073

Editor Hannah Lemon Deputy Editor Camilla Apcar

ART

Loving Vincent

CloCKWise from riGHT: saoirse ronan as marGueriTe GaCHeT; DouGlas BooTH as armanD roulin anD Helen mCCrorY as louise CHeValier; marGueriTe GaCHeT; roBerT GulaCZYK as VinCenT Van GoGH; sCene from Loving vincent inspireD BY THe painTinG café terrace at night

This month, the world’s first fully painted film hits the big screen. Marianne Dick finds out what inspired directors Dorota Kobiela and Hugh Welchman to animate the life of Vincent van Gogh

Contributing Editor Lauren Romano

incent van Gogh wrote around 800 letters in his short 37 years, however not one of them was an official suicide note. This is curious because one Sunday evening in July 1890, the artist stumbled back to the inn where he was staying in Auverssur-Oise in France, claiming he had deliberately shot himself in the chest. He died two days later. Despite van Gogh’s admission of suicide, there has been much speculation since – the rifle and his art tools were never found, he was often teased by local youths, and the position of the bullet meant he would have pulled the trigger at an awkward angle. Yet, van Gogh had an infamously troubled life: for many, the most common facts relayed about him is that he only ever sold one painting in his lifetime and that he cut off his ear and gifted it to a prostitute. He was committed to a mental asylum after this – however even before that he had struggled to find his calling. He was sacked from his uncle’s art dealing company, he failed his pastor examinations, he was even let go from the

Jewellery Editor Mhairi Graham Watch Editor Richard Brown Acting Assistant Editor Marianne Dick Senior Designer & Brand Consistency Laddawan Juhong Production Alice Ford Jamie Steele Hugo Wheatley General Manager Fiona Smith Executive Director Sophie Roberts Managing Director Eren Ellwood

Proudly published by

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“I dream of painting, and then I paint my dream” - Vincent van Gogh Some masters of the arts find success early: Lope de Vega wrote his first play at 12; William Rowan Hamilton mastered Latin, Greek and Hebrew by the age of five; and Mozart was three when he took up the harpsichord. For Vincent van Gogh, however, life took a different course. The Dutch artist turned 30 when he discovered painting, and even at the height of his career managed to sell only one of his works. Since then, his handiwork has been declared the world over as genius. In celebration of this, Loving Vincent is released in cinemas this month – the first film to have all its scenes entirely painted by hand (p.52). New technologies may break barriers, but centuries-old skills become more valuable, as we find out this month with an exhibition of textiles by Dame Zandra Rhodes (p.76), new online platforms popping up for collectors (p.26), and Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott’s computer-aided photography (p.22). For the rest of us still searching for creative enlightenment? Remember: age is just a number.

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R u n wi l d M e d i a G r o u p

Image credit: Yuliya Yafimik, courtesy of shutterstock.com

luxurylondon.co.uk A website. A mindset. A lifestyle.

Regulars

5 m i n u tes w i t h . . .

Unsurprisingly, I get nearly all of my clothes from Norton & Sons, E. Tautz, Community Clothing or Hammond & Co. Except pants, which I buy at American Apparel.

My most treasured item of clothing is my father’s

I grew up in Edinburgh. I loved rugby as a kid. I got one cap for Scotland U19 against Wales. I scored a try and it was on the telly, but we lost.

dinner suit, which was hand-tailored in the 1930s. It’s full of memories.

I live in Gipsy Hill.

My dad was always immaculately dressed, and my mother extremely kind, and careful with money. These things have been of great importance in running my own business.

My first job involved working in a timber yard, humping two-by-four and sheets of plyboard.

At one point I wanted to be an architect. At another time a landscape gardener. Either of those would still do as a plan B.

Rejuvenating Norton & Sons didn’t seem hard at the time. It was exciting – even the bookkeeping. I worked long hours. One week I clocked 114 and paid myself well below minimum wage.

Savile Row is unique: the traditions, the craft, the extraordinary men who still come in their droves to buy clothes there.

I’ve worked with amazing people, from Kim Jones and Christopher Kane to Thom Yorke and Kanye West. They’ve all been fun in different ways.

PATRICK GRANT The creative director of Savile Row tailor Norton & Sons and ready-towear label E.Tautz on life’s choices

“‘Manners maketh man’ was my college motto. It’s great advice for anyone”

I love the 20th-century architecture, the greenery and the quiet.

On weekends I cycle, climb mountains, read, play board games or cook.

‘Manners maketh man’ was my college motto. It’s great advice for anyone in any sphere.

If I were stuck on a desert island I would take a pen knife, compass and flint: I was a good Scout.

My secret to success? Work hard, be nice and be true to your own vision.

Happily, I have no regrets. I’ve made some bad choices, but I don’t regret them. I’ve made far more good ones.

Tautz has just celebrated its 150th anniversary and Norton will be 200 in four years, so we’d better not let our standards slip.

clockwise from top left: edinburgh; patrick grant; e. tautz jackets; e. tautz on duke street; e. tautz shirt

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Regulars

COUTURE CULTURE Little Electric Chair (Phthalo Blue)

READ ALL ABOUT IT

The Judas Tree, Edward Watson ©ROH, Johan Perrson, 2010

breath of fresh air Herald the season of tweeds and waterproofs. Harrods’ storewide menswear campaign, The Great Outdoors, makes it the go-to destination for a winter wardrobe. Throughout October, harrods.com

2 warhol exposed Despite the fame that Andy Warhol received for his Pop Art pictures, the printing and signatures were often completed by his assistants. This process has been recreated by Trinity House Paintings using the same pigments to make a new – and equally authentic – Warhol exhibition. Back to Warhol, 5-20 October, 50 Maddox Street, W1S, trinityhousepaintings.com

FKA Twigs’ 2016 installation

imagine that

6 20

What do Tom Hanks, David Mitchell and Philip Pullman have in common? They’ll all be talking at the London Literature Festival this year. Don’t miss out. 13 October – 1 November, southbankcentre.co.uk

in memory of macmillan Celebrate Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s lasting legacy to ballet as six British dance companies perform a selection of the late choreographer’s one-act masterpieces. £4-£70, 10 October – 1 November, roh.org.uk

Get tickets to Veuve Clicquot’s annual Widow Series creative installation. Last year saw FKA Twigs dance through 12 themed rooms; this year we look to former editor-in-chief of Vogue Paris Carine Roitfeld to blow our minds. £35, 20-21 October, veuveclicquotwidowseries.co.uk

Reach peak perfection in an outfit courtesy of Yves Saint Laurent Accessories, a new book detailing the french designer’s eye for detail. £39.95, by Patrick Mauriès, published by Phaidon

KNIGHT TO h3 The Chess Club has its name for a reason. Learn how to play the intellectual’s game with help from chess coach Anu Beniwal. Members only, every Tuesday, 7pm-8.30pm, chessclublondon.com

photography: Annabel Elston

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Mert & Marcus: the perfect pair

Having captured some of the world’s most glamorous stars, photographic duo Mert and Marcus are the focus of Taschen’s latest limited edition tome, writes Kari Colmans

rom a chance meeting over a lighter in 1994 on a pier in Hastings, Turkish-born Mert Alas and Welshman Marcus Piggott soon discovered in each other more than just a mutual love of fashion. While Mert had been working as a stylist, Marcus was an assistant photographer, learning the technicalities while earning some cash taking press photos for bands like Duran Duran and the Brand New Heavies. Creating a buzz on the party circuit, they would often take photos of themselves and their – often well-known – friends, more for fun than to earn a living. Marcus taught Mert everything he knew, and soon through the 1990s London club scene they became known as a twosome. After a couple of joint commissions, they decided to combine forces. Three years later they moved into a derelict loft in East London, converting it

into a studio, and had their first collaborative photographic work published in Dazed & Confused. Mert and Marcus had arrived. After shooting their first campaign for Louis Vuitton in 2003, other fashion houses soon came calling. It wasn’t long before Lancôme, Hugo Boss and Missoni enlisted them for their unique vision, with campaigns for Miu Miu, Armani,

clockwise from above: Suvi Koponen, Vogue Paris, Dungeness, 2012; Frederikke Sofie, Double Magazine, London, 2016; Kate Moss, W Magazine, Ibiza, 2004 all images: ©Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott, Courtesy of TASCHEN

FEATURE

Fendi, Yves Saint Laurent and Givenchy following soon after. Known for their hyper-saturated, digitally manipulated images, their use of colour augmentation gives subjects an almost fantastical luminosity. They make no secret of their use of Photoshop either. “It’s very fakey, fakey, fakey, but that’s what it’s supposed to be,” Grace Coddington, creative director-at-large of American Vogue, once said of the pair. Publishing house Taschen has released a stunning, weighty limited edition tome on the duo, exploring their unique, collaborative vision, that is “rich with pungent scenarios and the alchemy of photography”, so writes its author Charlotte Cotton. Designed in collaboration with art director Giovanni Bianco, Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott showcases around 300 striking shots. “It’s like a painting,” Mert stated about their work to The New Yorker. “You can paint a scene. The next day, you think, I wish I had a dog. So you draw a dog on it. You can achieve what you want eventually, even if you didn’t do it that way. You seem freer than when ‘what you shot is what you got.’” Exploring a wide range of methods and influences, the two are most renowned for their portrayal of strong, confident female subjects. Indeed, everyone, from popstars Lady Gaga, Madonna, Jennifer Lopez, Björk and Rihanna, to models Linda Evangelista, Gisele Bündchen and Kate Moss, have been subject to the Mert and Marcus treatment. “It represents our way of

seeing fantasy now – or our way of seeing the dark side, our way of seeing glamour, our way of seeing youth,” Mert told CNN Style after shooting Kate Moss for the 60th edition of Playboy magazine. “I don’t know why that should be a fashion picture or an art picture or an exhibition picture. We just do pictures,” Mert continued. “Some like to put it in a magazine, some like to put it on a wall.” Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott, words by Charlotte Cotton, £450 for hardcover in clamshell box, taschen.com

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2017 It’s your last chance to vote for the businesses and individuals that make Mayfair and St James’s such a special place to live and work

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAREL JANSEN

his year’s Mayfair Awards, now in its sixth year, continues to highlight and celebrate the creativity and talent in the area. In conjunction with a judging panel of figureheads from Mayfair and our headline sponsor Pastor Real Estate, we select a shortlist for readers to vote on who should win each category – from the best new retailer to the best exhibition at an art gallery. Make your vote count before it is too late. themayfairawards.co.uk

The judging panel

Camilla apcar

Maya Binkin

Bruce Dundas

Sarah FabergÉ

Patrick Grant

Deputy editor, The Mayfair Magazine

on behalf of Charles Saumarez Smith CBE, chief executive of the Royal Academy of Arts

Chairman of The Bond Street Association and managing director of Buccellati

Director of special projects, Fabergé

Creative director, Norton & Sons and E.Tautz

David Lee

Hannah Lemon

Andrew Love

Kathry n Sargent

Katie Thomas

Head of sales, Pastor Real Estate

Editor, The Mayfair Magazine

Chairman of The Ritz Club and deputy chairman of The Ritz London

Owner and founder of Kathryn Sargent

Director of communications for the Bond Street Association and Jermyn Street Association

promotion

vote

The 17 categories Best exhibition at an art gallery Claude & François-Xavier Lalanne at Ben Brown Fine Arts Ed Ruscha: Extremes and In-betweens at Gagosian Eden/Simafra at Maddox Gallery Mat Collishaw: The Centrifugal Soul at Blain Southern Mike Kelley: Framed and Frame at Hauser & Wirth teamLab: Transcending Boundaries at Pace Best new retailer Berry Bros. & Rudd Chloé Connolly England Kat Florence Luisa Spagnoli Varana Best SPECIALIST BOUTIQUE E.B. Meyrowitz Floris London Holland & Holland Paxton & Whitfield Thomas Goode

Best Tailor Anderson & Sheppard Gieves & Hawkes Henry Poole & Co Kathryn Sargent Norton & Sons Richard Anderson Best Fashion Boutique Amanda Wakeley Chalayan Charlotte Olympia Christopher Kane Gucci Roksanda Best Hotel The Beaumont Brown’s Hotel The Connaught Claridge’s The Ritz London The Stafford London Best New Restaurant Aquavit London Ferdi Ginza Onodera Jamavar Jinjuu ●StreetXO

Turnbull & Asser Best HOMEWARE Asprey Carpenters Workshop Gallery Christian Liaigre Francis Sultana Linley The New Craftsmen Best WINDOW DISPLAY Fenwick Fortnum & Mason Hedonism Wines Louis Vuitton Mount Street Printers Mulberry

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Best Bar 45 Jermyn St. Cecconi’s Mayfair Dukes Bar Mr Fogg’s Residence Sartoria Sketch

Best Jeweller Annoushka Fabergé Jessica McCormack Richard Ogden Van Cleef & Arpels William & Son Best Local Event

online now themayfairawards.co.uk

Voting closes on 29 September HEADLINE SPONSOR

E.Tautz 150th Anniversary Charity Exhibition London Fashion Week Men’s: St James’s Show London Craft Week Mayfair Art Weekend The Mayfair Collective: The

ASSOCIATE SPONSOR

Women’s Space The Residents’ Society of Mayfair & St James’s Summer Garden Party Promoting

PARTNERS

Craftsmanship Award Bentley & Skinner Foster & Son James Purdey & Sons Ronald Phillips Royal Academy Schools Savile Row Bespoke Association

Also vote online for: Best CHARITABLE Initiative

Best Private Members’ Club 5 Hertford Street 67 Pall Mall The Academicians’ Room at The Royal Academy of Arts The Arts Club Chess Club Harry’s Bar

Local Hero Award

Outstanding Contribution to Mayfair Award

The

bigger

picture

Hannah Clugston reports on the platforms offering new ways to engage with art – both online and off

T below, from left: Natasha Law, hitch, 2012; Mikéla Henry-Lowe, The darker the berry, 2017, both artfinder.com

he advent of the internet has brought us the ability to buy groceries from beside the empty fridge, communicate with relatives who are halfway across the globe and hear news within moments of it breaking. In the past few years, the art world has also started to catch on. Now, you can confer with an expert adviser on starting an art collection, purchase work directly from international artists or find exhibitions suited specifically to your tastes – all from the comfort of your living room. Traditionally, the art industry has been carefully protected by gallerists and locked behind art fair doors, but it’s becoming much

more accessible. So much so, it is “as easy as buying clothes online”, according to Michal Szczesny, COO of Artfinder. This online platform connects artists directly with the buyer, as he describes: “You love it, you buy it. If you like it, you keep it. If you don’t like it, click, return and get your money back.” Yet an easy transaction does not guarantee an easy decision making process, especially when it comes to the realm of contemporary art, where there are thousands of potential investment opportunities. This is where Artvisor steps in. Founded earlier this year, the service seeks to pair new collectors with advisers that can guide them through the process of purchasing art. After signing up, the customer receives an invitation code to sign in to the platform. They are then asked to define their artistic tastes. Based on this information, an adviser – or ‘artvisor’ – who is both an expert in the preferred artistic field and mother tongue of the

FEATURE

client, will be assigned. They build a picture of what the individual likes, by suggesting 12 works for initial feedback. Artvisor’s co-founder Piero Tomassoni explains: “The adviser will take an interest in you and in what you like, and hopefully this will create an ongoing dialogue through the platform, where there is a messaging service.” An art critic and curator himself, Tomassoni is well placed to offer advice. The original idea behind Artvisor was to enable him to share his expertise more widely, he says. “When you are regarded as an expert in a certain field, especially if it is very trendy, like contemporary art where lots of people want to get into it but don’t know how, people will end up asking you questions and wanting you to recommend work. Through Artvisor, instead of advising 20 clients, an expert can advise 500 clients.” Another benefit of these e-platforms is the fact that customers can immediately access art from all corners of the globe. Artvisor works with international artists like Ana Cardoso, Francesco Jodice and Gal Weinstein, while Artfinder can ship works from 108 different

These e-platforms mean customers can access art from all corners of the globe

clockwise from top: Francesco Jodice, Mont Blanc. Just Things, A-B, #011, 2014; Ana Cardoso, UNTILED (X LINES, ZIGZAG), 2013; Gal Weinstein, Desolate Kitchen (small cabinet), 2016; Giuseppe Stampone, 1492 /2, 2016, all courtesy of artvisor

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countries direct to your front door. There is also a helping hand from algorithms that ensure users see more of what they love and less of what they hate. Artvisor and Artfinder are not alone in this use of online technology. GowithYamo is an app that matches the user’s artistic interests with their location to suggest relevant exhibitions within their vicinity. Similarly, website MutualArt is a “personal art source” where the individual defines their artistic preferences and receives

FEATURE

email alerts about exhibitions, auctions and news connected to those artists. Artvisor also has several partner galleries in Mayfair, including 10 Hanover, Cortesi Gallery and Gazelli Art House, creating a connection between local exhibitions and an online buying community. “While you might get enquiries through another platform, it’s only once you get to meet someone that they’ll actually buy,” says Jamie Gourlay, director of 10 Hanover. “They like to feel some kind of reassurance that they trust the person they’re buying from. So it makes sense that online platforms should have more of a personal thread with their users and clients.” There are benefits besides bringing galleries into contact with potential clients they wouldn’t otherwise have reached, Gourlay continues. “Given how expensive art fairs are, if there’s a way of finding clients without having to go through all of that, that presents an amazing opportunity.” There really is nothing quite like seeing art in the flesh, as Elena Sereda, co-founder of ArtCircle, notes. ArtCircle is another innovative art platform to reach Mayfair, this time in the form of pop-up exhibitions with museum-quality works and expert curators. In May, its inaugural show Focusing Room popped up on Albemarle Street, championing seven world-renowned artists with

“We wanted to break away from the typical white walls of a Mayfair art gallery”

works never exhibited in the UK before. Sereda and her team make it their priority to optimise the viewing experience by selecting interesting spaces for exhibitions. “We look for cool locations, as we wanted to do something a bit quirky and new, and break away from the typical white walls of a Mayfair art gallery,” she says. This human connection with art is the endgame for all these platforms. Artfinder does not just hope you enjoy browsing world-class art online, but that you adorn your walls with beautiful creations, nor does GowithYamo want you to scroll through local exhibitions on your iPhone and never visit them. Szczesny believes that buying art online actually enhances the human connection. As he says of Artfinder: “The artists own the process, so their customers often get surprised with beautiful handwritten notes or stories of how their artwork came about. You don’t just buy an artwork – you buy a story, a dinner conversation or a guaranteed smile every time you wake up.” art-circle.com, artfinder.com, artvisor.com, gowithyamo.com

clockwise from top left: Adolf Luther, Focussierender Raum, 1968; Adolf Luther, Untitled, 1970; Peter Sedgley, Square Dance, 1979; Nanda Vigo, Diraframma, 1968, all courtesy of artcircle

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Views from

the top In what has traditionally been a man’s world, Mayfair is brimming with female gallerists: from Sadie Coles to Victoria Miro. Camilla Apcar hones in on three diverse galleries led by women

Eleesa Dadiani Founder, Dadiani Fine Art Dadiani found herself a gallerist on Cork Street through an unexpected turn of events in 2014. She works predominately with living artists. This year, the gallery became the first in the country to start accepting cryptocurrencies, and will soon launch its own listed cryptocurrency

Art is not really my background. It is something that runs through my family – my father is a dealer and collector, but I was looking for a gallery space for him and wasn’t really going to be involved. As we awaited a shipment of works from Russia, sanctions were imposed: we couldn’t get any out, and I was left with a lease for five years. I had to make it work. I always wanted to work with living artists, to resurrect the side of art that holds discipline and heritage as its pillars. I found the art world very superficial, synthetic and lacking support for older artists. I wanted to uphold the more old-fashioned side of art; something that is not whimsical or falls to fad.

The first artist I truly felt connected to, after the first few experimental months, was Paul Wager. Much of his incredible work has revolutionary undertones, is very warconscious and aggressive. And it’s masculine – there’s not a fragment of femininity.

I love to show the masculine in its unforgiving state. This is why most of my artists are men of a certain age, very interesting people, who are uncompromising and unapologetic about their art.

Sculptors that create 2D works are also fascinating. They draw differently; their feel of form is different. Artists such as David Mach or

FEATURE

Michael Sandle know how to work on a colossal scale but still add a sensitivity to it.

We managed to get a half-ton piece hanging on one wall of the gallery for our David Mach show. I had to engage the whole of Cork Street – get workers to help move the crates and feed them vodka. Just before the opening we managed to get rid of the traces of our sweat and tears.

I think being a young dealer on a very old street, surrounded by second and third generation galleries with much older male dealers, adds a kind of quality to doing something that is such an antithesis.

The gallery’s vision is ever-evolving. We’re the first in the UK to start accepting cryptocurrencies. It’s very exciting – we’re becoming more involved in Blockchain technology. I have also formed Dadiani Syndicate, the first marketplace in the UK selling luxury assets for cryptocurrencies, everything from fine art to Crown Estate properties, bloodstock and diamonds. We have created a hybrid of old-world trade with tomorrow’s technologies.

clockwise from top left: Paul Wager, No Zebra in New York, 1982; David Mach, Noah’s Ark II, 2011; MICHAEL SANDLE, As Ye Sow So Shall Ye Reap: An Allegory (Acknowledgements to Holman Hunt), 2015; the installation of the david mach exhibition; ELEESA DADIANI

This is why so many things come to an end before they’re ready to.

The artists whose status has been stilled in history all have one quality among them: they never sought permission. They weren’t necessarily lawless, but had a moral law that they answered to. I’m trying to find that in our age – it’s less and less apparent. It truly is dying. 30 Cork Street, W1S, dadianifineart.com

Art on the whole is not incredibly easy to sell, whether in cryptos or not.

Before the election I approached Kennard Phillips, the political art duo behind the infamous Tony Blair photomontage where he’s taking a selfie in front of an explosion. I thought on the off chance that they could bring the show from Cardiff to London... we had just two or three weeks to pull together.

Many patrons of the arts have ruined authentic moments. The bourgeoisie would always take something authentic and lacquer it through their involvement, by wanting to be so ahead of their time.

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The element of beauty to me is essential, not just in the classical term that it has to be ‘pretty’. Beauty can be very tough, pure, abstract.

I don’t have favourite artists. I have works of art that really ground, question and interest me.

My own art collection at home

Dominique Lévy Co-founder, Lévy Gorvy

After years leading Christie’s private sales department, Lévy opened a New York gallery in 2013, followed by a space on Old Bond Street in 2014. In January she joined forces with fellow art dealer Brett Gorvy to create Lévy Gorvy, specialising in modern, post-war and contemporary art

The birth of Abstraction has always been my art historical – and even sociological – interest, after the late Paul Cézanne and early Piet Mondrian works, when figuration got completely questioned for the first time.

Art has this extraordinary capacity to evoke internal and external changes, posing incredibly important human questions – whether through dance, music or painting.

clockwise from top left: Dominique LÉvy, image credit: Zenith richards; Gilbert & George, The Singing Sculpture, Sonnabend Gallery, New York, 1991 ©2017 Gilbert & George; Vincenzo Agnetti, La macchina drogata, 1968; Oltre il linguaggio, 1970; Oltre il linguaggio, Semiosi, 1970

has nothing to do with being a gallerist. It’s very much focused on questions of identity and displacement, starting with the early works of artists who questioned the self. It goes from photography to sculpture to painting. It’s very engaged, if I had to give one common ground, and authentic.

The art world has been a man’s world, not so much in the fact that there are more men than women, but that there’s a men’s club. Men are more geared towards working with each other, parrots of attack, and women have been more individualistic. But apart from that I really don’t think there’s any difference. If I were not a gallerist I would be working in the circus – mostly probably as a clown or a choreographer. It’s one of my personal passions.

You don’t really escape the art world. I never thought of being a gallerist as a profession. I live in the art world – I go to museums, exhibitions, meet artists, look at and read about art. It’s not a profession to me. It’s a part of who I am. It’s all encompassing; I never count the hours I work. 22 Old Bond Street, W1S, levygorvy.com

FEATURE

Alma and Daniella Luxembourg Co-directors, Luxembourg & Dayan

The gallery was launched in New York and London in 2009 by Amalia Dayan and Daniella Luxembourg (pictured right) – who co-founded Sotheby’s Israel and later formed a dealership with Simon de Pury. Daniella’s daughter Alma (pictured left) joined the post-war European and contemporary experts in 2011

D: Post-war European art was a less crowded area when we started dealing with it. Post-war American art was highly competitive, whereas there was still a variety of choice with European art of the 1950s and 1960s especially. Very few American museums actually collected this era after the war, so the best pieces were still in private hands, which allowed us to really have a grip on that market.

1920s and 1930s – for certain artists. One has to go where there is still quality and choice.

D: Works by Alberto Giacometti from the 1920s and 1930s are my unexplored favourites.

A: Sometimes the success of a certain artist

A: At Art Basel

means it’s more difficult to make an interesting exhibition. Our Marcel Duchamp show looked at his body of ‘readymades’; our Jeff Koons exhibition looked at the Made in Heaven series, which is quite explicit and caused a big outcry when first shown. Our show was many years after the first exhibition of those works but somehow the outrage and sense of shock was still very current. They both had a very specific emphasis.

D: I think there is huge future potential in the Italian market, and the pre-Second World War market – the

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from top: ALMA AND DANIELLA LUXEMBOURG; Enrico Baj, Femme Assisel, 1966; Melodrama. Act II, installation view, 2016; Performance of Da inventare sul posto at Documenta V in 1972, image: ©Paulo Mussat Sator, ©2016 Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York/SIAE Rome

a couple of years ago we had a restaging of Jannis Kounellis’s Da inventare sul posto (To Invent on the Spot), from 1972: a painting that comes with a violin performance and a ballerina dancing alongside. The artist died about six months later, so we were very proud to show it.

D: Each one of us is quite opinionated and strong, but the ability to have that sort of ménage-a-trois means we are very flexible at the same time. 2 Savile Row, W1S, luxembourgdayan.com

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collection

Cross my heart

Chaumetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s updated Liens collection of sentimental love knots features criss-crossing ribbons of diamonds and gold, symbolic of two intertwining hearts. Liens SĂŠduction, POA, chaumet.com

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COLLECTION

For her first foray into jewellery, Gigi Hadid has partnered with Messika on a collection of diamond bracelets, chokers and ear cuffs, reflective of the brand’s rock ‘n’ roll aesthetic. “Gigi is the embodiment of the brand,” says Valérie Messika. “She is spontaneous, sunny and bright.” From £730, messika.com

Glitter like Gigi Golden anniversary This month, Pomellato rings in its 50th anniversary with the Ritratto collection. One-of-akind designs demonstrate the Italian jeweller’s knack for working with unconventional semi-precious stones such as tiger’s eye, red jasper and vibrant verdite. POA, pomellato.com

Snake charmer Chelsea-based Pia Hallstrom is known for her playful 18-carat gold and diamond motifs, fashioned into whimsical lettering and sapphire-studded necklaces that resemble strings of bunting. Our favourite piece this season is the serpent ring, finished with piercing ruby eyes. From £585, piahallstrom.com

Shades of change Usher the new season in with Marco Bicego’s vivid jewels in warm autumnal hues. Exotic gemstones, elegantly strung on an 18-carat gold chain, evoke falling leaves on a crisp October day. Autumn Paradise by Marco Bicego, from £1,850, marcobicego.com

Jewels of Jaipur Deck your ears with Amrapali’s glittering baubles, encrusted with gemstones, diamonds and pearls. Inspired by Jaipur’s exotic flowers, the vibrant new collection beautifully exemplifies the Indian jeweller’s East-meets-West aesthetic. From £3,000, exclusive to net-a-porter.com

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giovanniraspini.com

5, South Molton Street - London LONDON MILAN ROME FLORENCE VENICE MONTE CARLO

This image: A Harry Winston craftsman working on a necklace from the Legacy Collection Opposite page: Legacy Diamond Ring, 12.34 carats, set in platinum

collection

set in stone Harry Winston’s new high jewellery collection pays tribute to its founding father’s legacy as the ‘King of Diamonds’ WORDS: OLIVIA SHARPE

“I

f you would not be forgotten as soon as you are dead, either write something worth writing or do something worth writing,” said Benjamin Franklin. The question of how we will be remembered when we’re gone has preoccupied humans for centuries. Few of us will make it into the history books, but those who do earn their place for having made a significant impact on the world. In jewellery, many have made their mark, but one jeweller’s groundbreaking contributions led to him being dubbed the ‘King of Diamonds’ in the 20th century, a moniker that has stuck with him ever since. This was the legendary American jeweller Harry Winston and in honour of its late founder’s enduring legacy, the jewellery house recently unveiled a new collection of one-of-a-kind jewels. Each of the 22 pieces within the Legacy collection features a D-colour, internally flawless centre diamond – a fitting tribute to a man who spent his lifetime unearthing some of the world’s most remarkable stones. From the 726-carat Jonker (the first rough diamond ever to be cut in America) to the 45.52-carat blue Hope Diamond, it has been estimated that Winston owned more than a third of the world’s most coveted diamonds.

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Born in 1896, Winston’s place in the jewellery business was cemented from an early age, having grown up working in his father’s jewellery shop. As young as 12, he demonstrated his unique talent for sourcing rare gemstones, discovering a two-carat emerald in a pawn shop, which he bought for 25 cents and then sold two days later for $800. From then on, it was onwards and upwards for the ambitious jeweller, who started his business in 1920 and by 1932 had fully established his company with the opening of his first eponymous store in New York. By the late 1930s, Winston’s reputation as a collector of the world’s rarest stones was undeniable and from this moment on he was forbidden from having his photograph taken by his insurers due to having become such a high security risk. Instead, his jewels passed through the hands of some of the most illustrious figures of the 20th century, including Jackie Kennedy Onassis (her engagement ring was Harry Winston) and Elizabeth Taylor, who was famously gifted the 69.42-carat Taylor-Burton diamond by her husband Richard Burton. (It is therefore little wonder that his other well-known moniker is ‘Jeweller to the Stars’.) After Harry Winston’s death in 1978, the company continued to create exceptional pieces of jewellery,

This page: making the Legacy Collection at the Harry Winston workshop on 5th Avenue

but it wasn’t until an auction at Christie’s in 2013 that it made history once again with the acquirement of an exceptional 101.73-carat D colour Flawless, pear-shaped diamond – a stone so rare that it was dubbed the Winston Legacy. Described by Christie’s as “the most perfect diamond ever offered for sale at auction”, the stone reawakened the house’s passion and creativity, underscoring its commitment to perfection and quality at the highest level. “When we acquired the Winston Legacy Diamond in 2013, we instantly knew that we wanted a way to share its beauty with our audiences around the world, and decided that there was no better way than through a collection of jewels that embody its extraordinary traits – pieces with all D-colored internally flawless diamond center stones,” comments Nayla Hayek, Harry Winston’s CEO. “I am incredibly proud of this collection and I think Mr Winston would be as well. When we set off on this journey more than three years ago, we had a vision for the collection; we wanted to create a series of one-of-a-kind jewels that really reflected the heart of the brand and spoke to Mr Winston’s true legacy.” As Harry Winston said himself, “Nature produces so few perfect stones” and to find the quantity and quality of diamonds needed to create the Legacy collection is almost inconceivable. Once sourced, each stone then had to go through a rigorous evaluation process to ensure they all met the house’s exacting standards in terms of colour, clarity and

proportions. In total, the Legacy has taken three years to complete, thus demonstrating an admirable commitment to perfection, quality and tradition in today’s fast-paced luxury goods world. Presented as a number of high jewellery suites, many of the pieces draw reference to signature Harry Winston designs as the designers delved into the house’s historic archives. The famous Harry Winston cluster motif – created by the late Ambaji Shinde (responsible for many of Harry Winston’s iconic designs) in the 1940s, who was inspired by a holly wreath – has cropped up again and again in Harry Winston collections. It is characterised by its clever arrangement of pear- and marquise-shaped diamonds and

collection

Legacy Diamond PearShaped Drop Earrings, 16.96 carats, set in platinum

reappears in Legacy in a pair of exquisite pear-shaped diamond earrings totalling more than six carats. Of course, it is the innate simplicity of each piece that makes it quintessentially Harry Winston. Its late founder strongly believed that the stones should always come first when it came to a jewellery piece’s design, as Hayek explains: “Harry Winston believed that the beauty of a diamond should speak for itself. His signature aesthetic was to place diamonds at the forefront of designs in order to create fluid, more graceful jewels that highlighted the innate brilliance of its

diamond center stones.” This has been captured in the collection’s 11 necklaces, which have been meticulously sculpted in invisible platinum in order to maximise the diamonds’ brilliance. One of the renowned designers responsible for capturing this fluidity in each piece was the late Maurice Galli, who worked with the house for many years up until his death last year. Despite there having been much talk about this collection within the luxury jewellery circuit, Harry Winston has remained fairly discreet about its latest high jewellery collection and even forbade all press photography in the run up to its unveiling. While this may be unheard of in the public world of social media, it seems entirely fitting for a house whose founder allowed his pieces to speak for themselves. The Legacy collection has been designed for a modern woman who truly appreciates quality, craftsmanship and rarity, but who is also not afraid to be noticed. As Harry Winston put it, “People will stare. So make it worth their while.” Legacy collection, POA, 171 New Bond Street, W1S, harrywinston.com

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Made in

England… (sort of)

The British watch brands offering mechanical timepieces at a snip of their Swiss-based counterparts Words: richard brown

Spoiler alert: Your Swiss-made timepiece wasn’t assembled in a snow-strewn tool shed by a whitehaired watchmaker armed with only a loupe and a lathe. As romantic as that notion remains, your wristwatch was assembled by robots on a production line under the all-seeing eye of a closedcircuit computer system. It may have been engraved and polished by hand, but your watch is the work of machines. Machines that cost millions of pounds.

he investment required to launch a new watch movement is estimated to cost a company around £13.5 million. Hence the reason only the largest brands can lay claim to producing calibres ‘in-house’, and only then with varying degrees of credibility. It is far more efficient to outsource movements to third-party suppliers. Swiss watchmakers have been doing so for decades. It’s now a business model that has taken root in Britain. Still reliant on Switzerland, China and Japan for their internal components, a raft of independent watch companies are cutting out the middle man and selling straight to consumers. Without the enormous marketing overheads of Switzerland’s watch giants, these companies are able to offer well-made mechanical timepieces at astonishingly affordable prices. Welcome to the Brit Pack.

Henry London, 2015, London Henry London is the brainchild of two British designers who discovered a vintage wristwatch engraved ‘Henry, August 1965’ in Portobello Market. Following a series of semi-precious stone watches, this autumn will see the launch of the

brand’s first, extraordinarily affordable automatics. Standout timepiece: Automatic 42mm Classic Movement: Automatic Miyota 82S0 (Japanese) Power reserve: 42 hours Price: £210 henry-london.com

COLLECTION

Christopher Ward, 2004, Maidenhead Launched as ‘the most affordable luxury watches in the world’, Christopher Ward was the forerunner in importing Swiss-made movements and housing them behind Britishdesigned dials. Where Christopher Ward led, the rest of the UK mechanical watch industry followed. Standout timepiece: C60 Trident Titanium Pro 600 #2 (43mm) Movement: Automatic

Sellita SW200-1 (Swiss) Power reserve: 38 hours Price: £850 christopherward.co.uk

Schofield, 2011, East Sussex Operating out of a bucolic village in West Sussex, Schofield is the brainchild of dynamic product designer Giles Ellis, whose watches take their name from UK lighthouses. These timepieces are feats of engineering, with every design element meticulously considered before going into production – either in England or Germany.

These pieces are feats of engineering, with every design element meticulously considered

Standout timepiece: The Daymark (44mm) Movement: Automatic ETA 2824 (Swiss)

Power reserve: 38 hours Price: £3,600 schofieldwatchcompany.com

Mr Jones Watches, 2008, London Working with artists, Mr Jones Watches makes timepieces that are both visually arresting and technically playful. The Last Laugh Tattoo watch, for instance, displays time on the teeth of a skull. Standout timepiece: Last Laugh Tattoo (37mm) Movement: Automatic Sea Gull ST1721 (Chinese)

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Price: £195 Power reserve: 42 hours mrjoneswatches.com

Pinion, 2013, Reading Founded by Piers Berry, a designer more used to pixels and coding, Pinion’s automatic watches reference instruments from the Second World War. The company’s debut DLC-coated Axis Black sold out almost immediately. The new entry-level Atom is a solid, stainless steel piece that is available from September. Standout timepiece: Atom (42mm) Movement: Automatic Miyota 9015 (Japanese) Power reserve: 42 hours Price: £790 pinionwatches.com

Elliot Brown, 2013, Poole Ian Elliot co-founded Animal back in 1988, while Alex Brown turned down a job at Cartier to establish Animal’s watch department. The duo lent their names to their own watch brand 25 years later, and are now dedicated to producing robust and affordable dive watches. All Elliot Brown timepieces are water resistant to a minimum of 200 metres. Standout timepiece: Tyneham 305-001-R06 (41mm) Movement: Automatic Miyota 9130 (Japanese) Power reserve: 40 hours Price: £795 elliotbrownwatches.com

Marloe Watch Company, 2017, Oxfordshire

Some British brands are re-popularising the most traditional of timepieces

While an increasing number of Swiss watchmakers are grappling with their answer to the smartwatch question, Marloe Watch Company is focused on re-popularising the most traditional of timepieces – the manually-wound wristwatch. Standout timepiece: Derwent, Nautical (38mm) Movement: Hand-wound Miyota 6T33 (Japanese) Power reserve: 40 hours Price: £329 marloewatchcompany.com

COLLECTION

Bremont, 2007, Henley-on-Thames With a Silverstone-based facility dedicated to the production of calibre components, Bremont, Britain’s most visible watch brand, is the closest to beating Switzerland at its own game by manufacturing its own movement. It’s also the first to establish standalone stores, in Britain, New York and Hong Kong. Standout timepiece: Supermarine S300 (40mm) Movement: Automatic BE-92AE (modified from the ETA 2892 – Swiss) Power reserve: 38 hours Price: £2,995 bremont.com

Bremont, Britain’s most visible watch brand, is the closest to beating Switzerland at its own game

Meridian, 2012, Norwich

The further up the price range you go, the more you’ll find British engineering

In just five years, Meridian has already created five of its own calibres by modifying a base movement from Switzerland. Each Meridian watch is made to order, allowing you to pick from a range of dials, cases, case-backs and straps. Standout timepiece: MP-01 (45mm) Movement: Automatic Meridian Prime – ETA 6497 base (Swiss) Power reserve: 40 hours Price: from £4,600 meridianwatches.com

Farer, 2015, Berkshire Previously a purveyor of battery-powered fashion watches, last year Farer announced its first collection of automatics. This year, the company launched a range of GMT watches, with an additional hand that is independently adjustable to any 24-hour time zone. Standout timepiece: Lander GMT Automatic (39.5mm) Movement: Automatic ETA 2893-2 (Swiss) Power reserve: 42 hours Price: £1,175 farer.com

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COLLECTION

Objects of

Desire B ar war e , b ottl e s an d d e can te r s Fr om ab ou t £ 1 7 8 , j oe c ar i ati . c om and Se l f r i dges f r om O c tob e r

treasure trove

In a limited edition of 999, this porcelain version of Jeff Koons’s original three-ton stainless steel sculpture is a friendly 30cm B a lloon R a bbit ( R e d ) £ 1 0 , 3 5 0 , b e r nar dau d. c om, h ar r ods. c om

L e ath e r e n v e l o p e s £ 3 6 5 , ar m or i a l . f r

L i b e rty e ag l e A m b e r c rys tal , £ 1 , 6 9 0 , l al i qu e . c o m

Operatic encore Last winter Fornasetti staged its own version of Mozart’s Don Giovanni in Milan and Florence, with sets using updated designs from its archives. The tribute continues this autumn with wooden display cases, chairs and screens that sing bel canto. Screen, £12,300 and cabinet, £15,000, harrods.com 46

C uf f l in ks 1 8 - c ar at ye l l ow g o l d w i th or ange e na m e l a n d di am ond c e ntr e , £ 3 , 1 0 5 , de ak i nandfr anci s . co . uk

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Photography by Levon Biss - www.microsculpture.net

Moooi presents a life extraordinary! Moooi New York · 36 East 31st Street · New York, NY 10016 Moooi Amsterdam · Westerstraat 187 · 1015 MA Amsterdam Moooi London · 23 Great Titchfield Street · London, W1W 7PA Moooi Tokyo · Three F 6-11-1 Minami Aoyama · Minato-ku, Tokyo www.moooi.com

ART

Radical strokes In the 1950s, a group of Japanese avant-garde artists went rogue. They ran through paper screens, threw ink-soaked balls and rolled in mud in a rejection of traditionalism. The Gutai movement championed freedom of expression, celebrated in an extended exhibition at The Arts Club until January. We Impose No Rules, 40 Dover Street, W1S, theartsclub.co.uk Shozo Shimamoto, Performance in China 04, 2007

ART

Prize lots Sold £81,250 E sti m at e: £ 3 0 , 0 0 0 – £ 5 0 , 0 0 0

Bushveld Scene with Trees and Anthills, Jacob Hendrik Pierneef, 1956 “This was a highly desirable work that encapsulated all that collectors want in Pierneef. It is his classic view and has a tranquil, lyrical quality. We were delighted it performed so well, but not surprised.” – Giles Peppiatt, director of South African Art at Bonhams

Sold: Jacob Hendrik Pierneef, Bushveld Scene with Trees and Anthills, signed and dated ‘J.H.Pierneef.56.’, oil on canvas, 43cm x 58.5cm, The South African sale, 13 September, Bonhams New Bond Street, bonhams.com, image courtesy of Bonhams

Upcoming Est imate £ 5 , 0 0 0 , 0 0 0 – £ 7 , 0 0 0 , 0 0 0 A Case for an Angel I, Antony Gormley, 1989 Created in 1989 from a cast of the artist’s body, this sculpture was a precursor to one of Antony Gormley’s most recognised works, the Angel of the North: a 20 by 54m steel structure that guards the former industrial town of Gateshead in northeast England. A Case for an Angel I, with a wingspan of just 8.5m, stood proudly in the front hall of the British Museum in 2008 during its Statuephilia exhibition. Post-War and Contemporary Art Evening Sale, 7 October, christies.com

Lowest estimatE: Embroidered and Applique Patchwork Coverlet, late 19th century, £50-£80 Highest estimate: Sweet Bowl by Patrick Caulfield, RA,1966, £300,000-£500,000 Image courtesy of Sotheby’s

Antony Gormley, A Case for an Angel I, 1989, plaster, fibreglass, lead, steel and air, 197 x 858 x 46cm, installation view, ACE Contemporary Exhibitions, 1999, image courtesy of Christie’s Images Ltd 2017

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Howard Hodgkin: Portrait of the Artist While many of us would cherish a piece of art by the late Howard Hodgkin, he rarely kept his own work, in order to make room for other treasures: “I think of collecting as a sort of virus really, and I was infected… It is an addiction.” In October, Sotheby’s will auction 400 items from his personal collection, from ornaments and tiles to textiles and rugs sourced from all corners of the world. Howard Hodgkin: Portrait of the Artist, 24 October, sothebys.com 49

ART

The world as we know it THE DIGITAL AGE that we are living in is to be questioned in an exhibition of 18 artworks at Sophia Contemporary. Eight international artists will take on modern inventions such as the camera obscura and inkjet printer, sometimes challenging them and sometimes using them alongside brush and pigment. The question remains: can technology beat the easel and canvas? Im/material – Painting in the Digital Age, 29 September – 17 November, 11 Grosvenor Street, W1K, sophiacontemporary.com

mayfair by design PAD London returns to Berkeley Square for the 11th year. Highlights include paintings by Lucio Fontana and Josef Albers, a Hervé van der Straeten armoire made from a patchwork of ancient Chinese and Japanese lacquer panels, and a pair of Egyptian bronze eyes and brows from between 1070 and 243 BC. Another edition of the fair will launch in Geneva in January. 2-8 October, Berkeley Square, W1J, pad-fairs.com

seeing is believing

ante

upping the

Visitors to Olivier Malingue will be subject to Laurent Grasso’s penetrating stare in its next exhibition. A collage of eyes painted, printed and sculpted by the French artist will stare out in every which way, alongside works by Max Ernst and René Magritte. Philosopher Michel Foucault would surely revel in this Surrealist display. The Panoptes Project, 4 October – 9 December, 143 New Bond Street, W1S, oliviermalingue.com

After a three-floor expansion that has taken more than a year, Sprüth Magers is reopening with a collection of new work by Gary Hume. From 29 September, 7 Grafton Street, W1S, spruethmagers.com

Blain Southern began representing Jake and Dinos Chapman earlier this year. The Disasters of Everyday Life will be their first exhibition. 4 October – 11 November, 4 Hanover Square, W1S, blainsouthern.com

clockwise from top left: Anna Ostoya, Afternoon Rain, 2017, Courtesy of the artist and Bortolami Gallery, NYC; gavin turk, Ceremonial Biscuit, Large, 2014, courtesy of Louisa Guinness Gallery; Christopher Thompson Royds, Natura Morta Red Clover Silver, Courtesy of Louisa Guinness gallery; Hella Jongerius, Dragonfly Coffee table Green, ©Sylvie Chan-Liat, Courtesy of Galerie kreo; jake and dinos chapman, photography: rachel king; Sprüth Magers, London Photography: Stephen Brayne; laurent grasso, Project for Retroprojection, 2017, Courtesy of the artist and Olivier Malingue Gallery, ©Laurent Grasso ADAGP, Paris, 2017

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Make America Paint Again, 2017

promotion

Professional

provocateur

Rebel, artist and daredevil: explore the controversial work of celebrated American photographer Tyler Shields at Imitate Modern’s new exhibition

hotographer Tyler Shields has been dubbed ‘Hollywood’s favourite provocateur’ for one reason: he isn’t afraid to go the extra mile to shock viewers. In October, Shields will make a long-anticipated return to London in a large-scale photography show with Imitate Modern gallery. Provocateur will feature some of his most famous images, including a series capturing the moments of destruction of various luxury objects (disclaimer: all the Louboutins and Louis Vuitton wallets were

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GLITTER FACE, 2017

actually destroyed in the process), as well as glamorous photoshoots with some of Hollywood’s best-known names. From blowing up a Rolls-Royce to chainsawing a $100,000 Birkin bag, no luxury item is safe from the artist’s vision of a perfect shot. In the new body of work, Shields continues to explore themes of consumerism, violence, and fantasy; his images often reflecting on current affairs with a hyperreal lens. In the past, Shields has worked with a number of celebrities including Lindsay Lohan, Mischa Barton, Emma Roberts, Aaron Paul and Lydia Hearst. Shields’ work was included in Sotheby’s ‘top ten photographs to collect under £10,000’ in 2016. More recent projects include a music video for Marilyn Manson’s song Say10, and the release of a second photography book Provocateur, which dominated the charts on Amazon, standing at number one in photography for months after release. Imitate Modern is hosting an exclusive book signing event in the first week of October, where you will find a new series of photographs by Shields. In partnership with COYA Mayfair the exhibition will extend to its restaurant, members’ club and Pisco bar on Piccadilly where you will you be able to enjoy a drink while admiring the art. The book signing event will be announced on Imitate Modern’s Facebook closer to the date. For more details and to stay up-to-date, follow Imitate Modern: imitatemodern.com, @imitatemodern BLOWN, 2017

ALL IMAGES ©TYLER SHIELDS, COURTESY OF IMITATE MODERN

Loving Vincent This month, the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first fully painted film hits the big screen. Marianne Dick finds out what inspired directors Dorota Kobiela and Hugh Welchman to animate the life of Vincent van Gogh

ART

Clockwise from right: saoirse ronan as marguerite gachet; DOUGLAS BOOTH AS Armand ROULIN AND HELEN MCCRORY AS LOUISE CHEVALIER; MARGUERITE GACHET; ROBERT GULACZYK AS VINCENT VAN GOGH; scene from Loving Vincent inspired by the painting Café Terrace at Night

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church where he worked as an evangelical preacher’s assistant because he gave away too many of the church’s – and his own – possessions. Eventually van Gogh’s brother, Theo, with whom he shared a significant bond, persuaded him to focus on painting, and so he did this with tremendous gusto: often working all day and throughout the night, too. Many of Vincent’s letters were written to Theo, and thus we are given an insight into his personality, moods and feelings. It is the mystery surrounding his death that is the focus of a new arthouse film – and the world’s first fully painted film – Loving Vincent, which was written and directed by Dorota Kobiela, who is renowned for her animated shorts (The Flying Machine and Little Postman, both released in 2011). The artist’s prolific letter-writing and the time he spent in Auvers-surOise, where he produced notable works such as Marguerite Gachet at the Piano and Adeline Ravoux – many of which have been brought to life in the film – helped to shape the rest of the story. “I decided I wanted to combine my two passions – painting and film,” says Kobiela. “I was 30 when I came up with the idea to do Loving Vincent, about the same age that Vincent was when he started painting. “I have battled with depression all my life, and I was inspired by how strong Vincent was in picking himself up from similarly terrible life setbacks as a young man in his 20s, and finding, through art, a way to bring beauty to the world. His letters helped me at a low point in my life, and inspired me to make this film.” Kobiela’s story is told from the point of view of Armand Roulin (played by Douglas Booth), the

“His letters helped me at a low point in my life, and inspired me to make this film” clockwise from top left: scene inspired by Thatched Cottages at Cordeville; Eleanor tomlinson as adeline ravoux; Scene inspired by The Night Café; douglas booth as armand roulin and aidan turner as the boatman; Bill Thomas as Dr Mazery; scene inspired by Starry Night over the Rhône all images courtesy of Breakthru Films

ART

son of a postman Joseph Roulin (Chris O’Dowd), who was friends with the artist. Armand is entrusted to hand-deliver a letter to Theo, however he is quickly told that he died shortly after his brother. This leads Armand to trace the painter’s last few days: he visits the village where he stayed and died, and interviews various acquaintances, most of whom van Gogh painted. The film is interspersed with a series of black and white flashbacks from each character, which piece together a portrait of the artist and attempt to solve the mystery of his tragic death. “We thought that it would be too much for audiences to have Vincent’s intensive colour for 90 minutes. Secondly, we didn’t want to make up paintings of his that didn’t exist,” explains Kobiela. The structure of the film is, in many ways, led by the unusual animation technique that Kobiela pioneered. “We didn’t just film the scenes before painting,” explains co-director Hugh Welchman. “We storyboarded them, pre-visualised the whole film in 3D computer graphics programs, and spent six months with 20 painters re-imagining Vincent’s paintings in a way that made them suitable for film. “We created matte paintings, recreating the environments that Vincent lived in after taking repeated trips to Auvers and Arles, and we spent a lot of time in the Van Gogh Museum with our design painters. All that preparation work was necessary before the live action shoot on green screens, and on certain sets that we built. After that we edited the footage, and combined it with

2D or 3D elements, sometimes still animated – whatever provided the best reference material for the painters to get closest to bringing Vincent’s paintings to life.” The frames were painted by a team of 125: photographed in stages while they were painting, until eventually a moving, swirling scene could be recorded (much like stop motion). After six years of creative development, a total of 65,000 paintings were produced, with 12 high-resolution photographs making up each second of the film. In his last letter to his brother Theo, van Gogh wrote: “We cannot speak other than by our paintings.” Yet, so much of van Gogh’s sensitivity, wonder and outlook on the world was illustrated in his letters, which helped to shape an image of him after his death. The film might not ignite a revolution in painted animation with its hypnotic yet sometimes stilted action sequences (although there is talk of a horror inspired by Goya from Kobiela and Welchman), however it is an inspired love letter to van Gogh – an appreciation that he thoroughly deserved, but never received during his life. Loving Vincent is released in cinemas on 13 October

deep waters

Working with giant water tanks and a camera, a thirst to create something meaningful inspires artist Alexander James’s single edition prints. Camilla Apcar meets him at Dellasposa gallery

lexander James is an artist wholly dedicated to his work, in a particularly literal way. All his photographs concern water, often submerging his subjects in huge tanks, capturing the natural world in complex ways and stunning detail. “I’m not really a ‘throw a Tampax at a canvas for some publicity stunt’ kind of guy,” says James. His projects each have intensely personal roots. For example, having tired of hearing people

depicting reactions between water and crude oil, exploring the importance of these liquids to human survival and industrial gain. In London, James spent more than five years breeding bright blue butterflies in his studio for various series including Transparency of a Dream. “It’s a monastically engaging process. I was breeding from one generation to the next, kind of the holy grail of entomology,” he describes. “I just don’t see any purpose in anything I don’t have an emotional connection to. So these are my kids, flying around the studio. It sounds very elegant but when you wake up with enough bug s*** on your pillow you’ll soon change your mind.” Yet it was “troublesome” to begin with. If a butterfly falls from its cocoon, it is likely to be paralysed. “I found this profoundly upsetting so I was up 24 hours a day, with thousands of butterflies darting around the studio,” says James. “I worked on it for eight months and didn’t leave the studio once. This is the most hunted animal on the planet – the Morpho monthonto, a South American species, with a wingspan of ten to 15cm. The Chinese harvest them for the prisms in their wings and scrape them for this lapis lazuli – the most sophisticated form of butchery – to be used in children’s jewellery.” This particular species has a remarkable skill that allowed James to submerge them and take photographs (sometimes with bubbles sent strategically to the surface from beneath, avoiding the creature’s delicate wings) – all without injuring, or killing, them. “They’re not very energetic and need the sun to warm them up, but at night [in South America] it’s

“The surface tension of water is my playground”

speak about Russians “as if they’re all gangsters and prostitutes”, he packed up his entire studio and drove to Siberia to find out for himself. “I was the first British artist in 30 years to do that – it was wonderful but hard, bunkered in an underground studio with no heating, bathroom or running water, sleeping on bales of hay for a year working on a show.” There he made a series

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quite cold. They shut down, with a self-induced coma system. Its only trigger is temperature.” James would drop the room temperature using air conditioning and choose his unconscious specimens to photograph. The butterfly would have no brain function until the temperature rose. “The surface tension of the water is my playground,” the artist describes. The camera is held out of the water, looking directly down into five or six-ton water tanks. To James, the creation inside is the real artwork, and photography merely helps to “solidify” it. Some of the prints were produced years ago, but a series that takes a more political stance, The Death of the Dream of Democracy, was made this year. James spent just four days arranging about 2,000 rose and tulip petals into the Star-Spangled Banner. Some are coated in 24-carat gold leaf, questioning the integrity of the flag and expressing concern for the country’s condition. “I don’t socialise or go to parties, I’m an utter recluse. The work is the sanity. As long as it allows me to continue, I want for nothing else,” says James. “But I’m 32 years in and don’t feel like I work at all. Even though people tell me I’m a workaholic, I really don’t understand why.”

above: Alexander James, The Death of the Dream of Democracy, 2017. below: Transparency of a Dream no. 13, 2014-2017. artwork credits: ©Alexander James/Distil Ennui Studio, London and courtesy of Dellasposa, London; portrait credits: ©2017, Turykina.com

Dellasposa, 15 Stratton Street, W1J, dellasposa.com

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Shine a light

Cerruti 1881â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dramatic A/W17 campaign is inspired by its 50th anniversary runway show, which featured minimal white light rods framing the catwalk. These rods have been made into abstract sculptures, creating a cinematic background for new longline coats, wide-legged suiting and statement leather goods. cerruti.com

FASHION

image credit: Matthew Brookes

FASHION

RaspberrY delight

Lock & Co takes a cue from 1920s starlets this season, with a range of cloche hats and berets in autumnal shades such as berry and camel. If the thought of donning one of these is met with a ‘sacré bleu’ rather than an ‘ooh la la’, then there are plenty of other options: try a trilby or fedora, browse Prudence’s A/W17 creations or check out the new collaboration with Harris Tweed. From £49, 6 St James’s Street, SW1A, lockhatters.co.uk

Bag some art If you thought the trend for fur-lined footwear and shearling shoulder bags was over, think again. From dramatic feathered sandals to hairy moccasins, Prada’s A/W accessories beg to be touched. Our favourite piece is this tromp l’œil-style velvet bag that will make the perfect companion for browsing this month’s art fairs. £1,890, 16-18 Old Bond Street, W1S, prada.com

Buckle up

Perfect pairs A new exhibition celebrating partnerships in fashion has opened at the Fashion Space Gallery. Fashion Together, curated by Lou Stoppard, takes a closer look at exceptional design duos such as Nick Knight and Daphne Guinness, Shaun Leane and Alexander McQueen, and Viktor & Rolf. Until 13 January, fashionspacegallery.com

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Nick Knight and Daphne Guinness, Visions Couture: Junya Watanabe, SHOWstudio 2011, digital film, Courtesy of SHOWstudio

Hunter Originals is expanding its Refined collection, which began in 2015 with its slimmer-fitting boot. Look out for more colours and textures in its footwear line, plus tailored trench coats, down jackets and a rubberised backpack. From £80, 83-85 Regent Street, W1B, hunterboots.com

Back to

BLACK

Our favourite statement colour returns with fierce femininity. Step out in midnight tulle and ebony velvets Photographer Helene Sandberg S t y l i sT A n at D y c h t w a l d

dress, poa, Whole 9 Yards, whole9yards.com; earrings, £395, Dolce & Gabbana, dolcegabbana.com

“Women

who wear black lead colourful

lives” – Neiman Marcus

THIS PAGE Jumpsuit, £1,295, Temperley London, temperleylondon.com; earrings, £85, Kate Spade, katespade.co.uk OPPOSITE PAGE dress, £2,100, VIONNET, vionnet.com; SHOES, £815, christian Louboutin, christianlouboutin.com

THIS PAGE dress, POA, DSQUARED2, dsquared2.com; shoes, £775, christian Louboutin, as before; choker, POA, dior, dior.com OPPOSITE PAGE dress, £1,400, ZimmermanN, zimmermannwear.com

THIS PAGE top AND SKIRT set, £785, DAVId Koma, davidkoma.com OPPOSITE PAGE blouse, £485 AND vest, £270, Monographie, monographieparis.com; trousers, £169, Tiger of Sweden, tigerofsweden.com; brooch, POA, Emanuel Ungaro, ungaro.com; belt, £565, Agnona, agnona.com Hair Alice Oliver Make-Up Afton Radojicic AT stella creative ARTISTs PhotoGRAPHER’S AssistANT Luke Johnson Model IDA AT M&P models

BOOT

CAMP The devil is in the detail this season, with intricately embellished and textural footwear that draws attention towards the ankle WORDS: Camilla Apcar

one are the days when embellished footwear meant a little fringing, a feathery plume at the toe or a vamp in a contrasting fabric. This season, more than any before, designers have embraced finishing touches and textures that transform their shoes into works of art – boots in particular. “We have seen a real return to glamour with a revival of sparkle, sequins and embellishment, creating opulent heel details that feel fresh and luxurious,” says Cassie Smart, buying manager at matchesfashion.com. None more so than Aquazzura. The Italian label’s latest collection is crammed with glittering styles celebrating the silk routes that served the trade of pearls, silk and precious gems between Constantinople and Mongolia. “I travelled to Venice and Istanbul in search of beautiful fabrics, objects and jewels, and reinterpreted what I found in a more graphic and modern way,” says Edgardo Osorio, Aquazzura’s co-founder and creative director. Osorio has borrowed Suzani, Ikat and Ottoman weaves; created knee-highs exploding with pearlescent fireworks; and embedded sparkling stones in intricate silver and metallic embroidery that winds from foot to calf. Some styles can take 60 hours to create. “I love the idea of evening boots,” he says. “There is something so new, decadent and sensual about them. I found an antique velvet opera coat from the 1920s in Istanbul, with this incredible silver embroidery that we reworked for boots. There are also flower jacquard booties inspired by vintage upholstery fabrics I found in the flea markets in Paris. I like to use fabrics traditionally used for décor on shoes.”

FASHION

Strictly at heel 0, ,10 £1 B AB EG LC DO

Sophia Webster is one designer confining embellishment to the heel this season, with a range of sleek black boots, some of which come with a leopard print heel of rose gold gems (£550, pictured middle right). Elsewhere, a trio of styles use clusters of amber, peach, baby blue and crystal (from £495, pictured bottom right) on different heel heights. “Another of my favourites comes in black velvet from Dolce & Gabbana with a beautifully embellished heel (£1,100, pictured top and far right),” says Smart. “It works well with the label’s richly printed pieces, or with a sharp tailored tux.” It is an otherwise plain style – black velvet insole, satin lining – if not for a crested button that sits on the toe plus myriad gold studs and pearly beads on its block heel.

AN A. CO M

£5 50 ,S O PH IA W EB ST ER .C OM £4 95 ,S O PH IA W EB ST ER .C OM

“There is something so decadent and sensual about the idea of evening boots”

£6 35 ,

2/ Textural

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feeling

Cowboy chic no more: Ferragamo has stepped up the idea of fringing with the help of British talent Paul Andrew, its newly-appointed footwear design director. In 21st-century style, an ankle boot comes covered in glittering metallic Lurex yarn (£635, pictured left). Elsewhere at Christian Louboutin, a couture creation uses torn organza to create a matted cobweb effect. The technique, where strips are sewn onto a base of organza and then shredded with scissors, has taken the designer five years to perfect. “I wanted to work the organza in a way where it appeared as if the shredded pieces were sitting on the shoes, nearly about to take off with the wind,” Louboutin explains. “I imagined this in the same way the Thai people apply golden leaves on the Buddha’s statues in the temples. When the leaves move, it appears the Buddha is shivering.”

Eastern shores

oulier

alones £725, m gu 0, ,99 £1

“There is a shift from basic neutrals to colour, embellishment and shine”

ia th

s.com

Aquazzura is not the only brand to have taken inspiration, in part, from the East this season. Christian Louboutin’s May Wong boot (£1,275, pictured top right) pays homage to the first Asian-American leading lady of a US television programme, who also starred in Shanghai Express alongside Marlene Dietrich. The boot’s Mandarin collar is lined in bright pink Orylag rabbit fur, but the real drama comes courtesy of an Asian motif jacquard set against a tissue Obi fabric inspired by Japanese kimonos. “I love Gucci’s take on the embellished ankle boot with the mythological embroidery and Swarovski crystal-encrusted bows,” says Smart. “These are a real statement piece and complement eccentric styling.” Available in black satin at matchesfashion.com or red at Harrods (both £1,990, pictured far right), extra

£725, m com

s. oulier alones

embellishment comes in two dazzling forms: giant bows, which are detachable, and a gold mirrored heel with more crystals lining the bottom. Malone Souliers, meanwhile, uses a lasered and inlaid technique to create the dragon-like design on her new Eleanor boot (£725, pictured left and above left). A pattern is lasered into the bottom layer and then metallic nappa and suede pieces are used to cover the areas of the base leather removed by the beam. “I was primarily inspired by the work of the American artist Pat Steir,” says creative director Mary Alice Malone, “and her interpretation of Chinese landscape paintings.” The designer also spent a summer studying Chinese art and Taoist meditation – elsewhere in the collection are printed silks and lacquered heels. “This year there is a shift from basic neutrals to colour, embellishment and shine,” she says. “Embellished boots are no longer just for formal evening wear occasions. They may be styled with jeans and blazers for a more dressed down daytime look, as well as worn at evening events for full impact.” The Eleanor comes in either bold red, gold and navy, or a more delicate combination of navy, beige and pink.

FASHION

Perennial appeal

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ma ca de la £79 0, p au

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Floral forms, as ever, have their place this season. Aquazzura swathes ankle boots in muted carpet-like fabrics (£530, pictured right); Dolce & Gabbana goes all out with galvanised metal buttons, four different buckles, two contrasting fabrics, a velvet trim and snakeskin heel (POA, pictured above). Paula Cademartori’s latest collection includes the high-heeled calfskin and suede Warrior lace-up (£790, pictured below) and the lower Desert Flower (£875). “The embellishment is inspired by a super feminine and well-groomed aesthetic,” says the designer. “This is expressed through coloured flowers that remind me of a blooming botanical

garden.” Craftsmanship and technology marry in hand-stitched laser-cut motifs. “Obviously being already very rich it would look good with boyfriend-style jeans and a white shirt,” she continues. “I’d finish the look with lots of bracelets and rings.” Such flair is second nature to Cademartori, whose designs have always involved inlays, embroidery and appliqués. “I believe in paying careful attention to finer details,” she says. “I think these components can really make the difference. It’s accessories that reveal who we are or who we want to be.”

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OUTLINES

LIVE TYPE

PERFECTING THE JOURNEY

PERFECTING THE JOURNE 211 REGENT STREET . WESTFIELD SHEPHERDS BUSH . LONDON CITY AIRPORT CASE . HARRODS . SELFRIDGES TUMI.COM

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21/08/2017 13:35

Bloom

FASHION

Fresh from its Rivierainspired summer collaboration with Mayfair socialite Mark Francis Vandelli, Hawes & Curtis presents the first rebranding in its 104-year history. The Jermyn Street shirtmaker has updated its logo with modern typography, while its new collection fuses both age-old styles such as the herringbone coat and the tailored suit (left), with bold pieces like this statement floral shirt (right). From £29, 33-34 Jermyn Street, SW1Y, hawesandcurtis.co.uk

sight for sore eyes You’d be forgiven for initially walking past Jermyn Street’s most recent acquisition: with its curved glass façade, gilded signage and walnut interior, Cubitts the spectacle makers blends seamlessly among the traditional retailers. To celebrate the opening, the brand has launched the 16-piece St James’s collection and the made-to-measure 18-carat rolled gold collection – Algha for Cubitts. From £125, 68 Jermyn Street, SW1Y, cubitts.co.uk

Holding out for a hero Tough as old boots

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pHOTography: SaRAH bRIMLEY

Tim Cooper, cobbler-in-chief at Oliver Sweeney, adds dip-dying to the label’s repertoire this season. This niche technique means boots are dyed after they are constructed, giving them a deep individual hue and a satisfying worn-in look. From £199, 5 Conduit Street, W1S, oliversweeney.com

Roja Dove’s new fougère elixir, Elysium (meaning perfect bliss), is for the most virtuous of men, who Dove believes incite aromas of vetiver, ambergris and leather. Elysium comes in a cologneparfum: it has the lighter structure of the former, yet the longevity of the latter. £225 for 100ml, 51 Burlington Arcade, W1J, rojaparfums.com

INTERIORS Cocktail hour At Sketch, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s difficult to know where to look on a normal day. Now itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s even harder with Cocktail Atmospheres, an exhibition of 13 cutting-edge international designers from online design emporium Matter of Stuff. Sip corresponding cocktails while perusing the pieces, including ethereal light mobiles, a sculptural side table, and our favourite: this equestrian-inspired club chair. Until 15 November, 9 Conduit Street, W1S, sketch.london, matterofstuff.com

club chair by Glen Baghurst and Coulee side table by Nina Cho, image credit: Mark Cocksedge

INTERIORS

Alone in

Kyoto

It’s all change at Achille Salvagni again. In the new Kyoto collection, the designer takes leave of his usual grandiose Roman roots for the more serene and minimal scenes of East Asia. Onyx, bronze and gold leaf still take centre stage: our favourite pieces are the Gae chair (pictured left) and the glowing, jewel-like Oyster mirror and sconces. Until 12 January, 12 Grafton Street, W1S, achillesalvagni.com

image credits: Paolo Petrignani

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Cosy couture Being a family unit as well as a design duo, Justin Thornton and Thea Bregazzi have easily reworked their English garden eccentricity for the home. Preen’s romantic range of English garden-inspired eiderdowns and featherfilled silk satin cushions are made from prints from their ready-to-wear fashion collections. Staying in has never looked so stylish. From £120, preenbythorntonbregazzi.com

Skorpio s plate, f ro m £80, Themis Z for dior m AISON, dior.com; themisz.com

image credit: ash reynolds

coupe salad plate, £65, Richard brendon x patternity, richardbrendon.com

Folklore plate, £18, matisse in the studio co llecti on at the Royal academy, r oy.ac/shop

Smeg site Smeg, the Italian brand that makes kitchen appliances chic, has opened an immense new flagship in the regenerated St. James’s market. The building boasts the largest single-pane glass windows in London, which front the three-floor store. Browse for collaborations with the likes of Dolce & Gabbana, try produce from Montecoppe (the family farm over in Emilia-Romagna), marvel at the living wall or watch a live cooking demonstration. 14 Regent Street, St. James’s, SW1Y, smeguk.com

rainbow

she’s a

This month, fashion illustration and textile design specialist Gray M.C.A presents Styled by Design: a niche exhibition that gathers some of the rarest and most valuable fine art textiles of the 20th century. Marianne Dick chats to co-founder of Gray M.C.A, Ashley Gray, and designer Dame Zandra Rhodes, whose Ayers Rock print will play a pivotal role in the show’s line-up

ray M.C.A was founded by husband-and-wife team Ashley and Connie Gray, and is most commonly associated with the annual fashion illustration exhibition Drawing on Style, which is held during London and New York Fashion Weeks. As collectors, curators and dealers they uncover rare fashion illustrations and textiles, celebrating them in international art fairs and standalone exhibitions in London, New York and Palm Beach. Styled by Design, another of their annual exhibitions, will be held this month at Gallery 8 in St James’s, showcasing the lesser known textile designs by post-war and contemporary artists, including Pablo Picasso and Barbara Hepworth. Also among them is designer Dame Zandra Rhodes. Rhodes is instantly recognisable. Like icons such as David Bowie or Prince, she has an intrinsically theatrical, sparkly and rebellious aura that is commonly associated with the revolutionary era of the 1960s and 1970s. Her influence on British fashion and culture is well-known and respected: she has dressed icons from the likes of Donna Summer to Princess Diana, as well as creating sets and costumes for operas. Her roots lie in textile design, ever since her time at the Royal College of Art, and one of her most lauded creations is the Ayers Rock collection of A/W 1974. Rhodes became fascinated by this natural monument when she visited Australia and saw it on numerous postcards. She returned two years later, travelled to the site and spent several days sketching, taking photographs and immersing herself in the surroundings. When she returned home, she made her sketches into screen-printed textiles, which were then transformed into cloaks and dresses. In 2003, Rhodes founded the Fashion and Textile Museum in Bermondsey, where she also has an apartment and a screen printing workshop. The bright orange and pink building, designed by Mexican architect Ricardo Legorreta, completely embodies her personality. Her flat, photographed often, is literally painted like a rainbow and is full to the brim of curiosities. I meet Rhodes and Ashley Gray there to talk about the coming exhibition, as well as the past, present and future of

Like icons such as David Bowie, Rhodes has a theatrical, sparkly and rebellious aura

INTERIORS

portraIT OF ZANDRA RHODES BY DAVID DOWNTON

ST Y L E D BY D E S I G N ON S H OW

Pa b l o P i c a s s o , Congres Des Peuples Pour L a Pa i x , 1 9 5 2 , printed cotton

Cressida Bell, Fireworks, 2016, h a n d pa i n t e d silk crepe Georgette

Barbara Hepworth, Landscape Sc u l p t u r e , 1 9 4 7 , silk twill

Alan Reynolds, Weald, 1959, screen printed cotton tweed

s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s

textile design. On this particular day, Gray brings an original fabric that Rhodes designed for Heal’s in the 1960s – a decade before the Ayers Rock collection – that he has recently acquired. Top Brass is a wonderful, bright arrangement of shapes that resemble medals.

Marianne: How did you come across Top Brass? Ashley: I found it in

clockwise from ABOVE: The Ayers Rock Collection campaign, photo credit: barry lategan; Silk chiffon evening dress from the ayers rock collection, ©Zandra Rhodes 2012; ayers rock drawing by zandra rhodes; sketched designs of the ayers rock collection, ©Zandra Rhodes 2012; Quilted satin tabard from the Ayers rock collection, ©Zandra Rhodes 2012; Ayers rock drawing by zandra rhodes

Manchester at the textile fair not long ago – for me, going there is like going to Hamleys as a child. Every now and then we find something really special, and the timing of this was perfect for our meeting today.

“I think all the arts overlap: I can have a dress that’s influenced by a painting” Zandra: I made it when I was at the Royal College of Art in my last year: about 1963 or 1964. It started off being influenced by Hockney with his medals and generals in a row.

M: Can you tell us more about the Ayers Rock textile that you will be exhibiting? A: When we first met Zandra, Connie was looking at some of her wonderful drawings, but I was in the other room and my eyes fell on this absolutely beautiful, delicate and extraordinary Ayers Rock textile. It was one of those lovely moments that puts the hair up on the back of your neck. It stayed with me for the past two or

three years, which is why I wanted to include it in the exhibition, and then Zandra found the original print in LA. Z: It’s really quite fabulous finding all these different things from the past. A: I love the story Zandra tells in her book, The Art of Zandra Rhodes, about her first visit to Australia and seeing the images of Ayers Rock on postcards. Z: When I saw the postcards I said, “what is it?” and they said, “Ayers Rock, you don’t want to go there though, you want to go to Fiji!”

M: In the book, the way you describe the trip sounds quite spiritual: “The desert was wonderful – the colour incredible – an endless vista of red earth fading into a misty blue horizon, punctuated all the way by these amazing stretches of spinifex grass, sprouting like big pin-cushions.” Would you say that the 1974 Ayers Rock was your definitive collection? Z: Absolutely. There are several museums in Australia that want a record of it.

A: You also describe your Ayers Rock drawings as some of the most laborious. Z: Yes, I stood there in the freezing cold, but they were wonderful to draw: from the rock and the sunrise over the rock, to the spinifex grass. We were covered in red dust because we were in an open four-wheel drive, but it was fabulous fun to do. Then I came back and created the collection of

INTERIORS

ST Y L E D BY D E S I GN ON S H OW

E d u a r d o Pa o l o z z i , Collage Elements, 1952, screen-printed r ay o n

dresses and cloaks, which was my idea of a modern recreation of a toile de Jouy.

M: In your book you explain: “I translated them into fine line drawings on translucent paper and afterwards made several dyeline reproductions. These I cut up, moving the pieces around in different combinations… until I thought it looked authentic and at the same time exciting to my eye.” Z: Yes, and we did it in four screens because it was a deep repeat. Each colour is a screen and we usually only do three.

M: Where else do you find inspiration?

Pat r i c k H e r o n , T a t e G a l l e r y, 1979, silk

Vivienne Westwood, S ta r s , c . 1 9 7 0 s , textile wall hanging

J o h n P i pe r , S t o n e s o f B at h (Green), 1962, screen-printed sanderlin

s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s

Z: I used to go on a two-week holiday somewhere and in that time I would draw things that I saw. I’ve got a funny drawing I did in India when I was in a very dark hotel foyer and they had a stuffed crocodile, instead of something you’d expect, and there was an elephant foot for a table.

M: What’s your secret to being consistently successful and relevant? Z: Part of me would say luck. But I also consider myself as an artist. My sketch books have become a resource to return to and go through and think ‘what can I get from this?’. I have maybe about 50. They’re made of Japanese rice paper. I bought them in Japan in 1971 and that’s what I drew the Ayers Rock sketches on.

curtains but these very textiles are hugely important – both historically and culturally. You only have to look at one and it takes you to a moment in time. These are the new collectibles. Z: I think ‘new collectibles’ is a lovely idea. Realising that people are seeing all these things that I’ve done as collectible is quite wonderful. A: The phrase I use is ‘what’s modern has never been more contemporary’ because you see the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s echoed in design now. This phrase came to me when I walked into the Fashion and Textile Museum for the first time. No one had actually focused on this idea before – it was like coming to a cathedral. It was physically doing what William Morris attempted to do: blurring the line between decorative and fine art. Z: There’s a resurgence of how people look at fashion and textiles, and see them as not just something that’s whooshing by, but as collectible things. They’re going to become more important, too, because they aren’t digital.

M: Would you make the fashion industry less digital if you could? Z: I don’t think it will become less digital

dress that’s influenced by a painting or by things I’ve drawn. With some of the designs I’m in the middle of, I’m working out how to convert them into interiors. But it’s quite wonderful seeing them being treasured, like Ashley treasures them, and realising there’s now a market in the things that I do before I even make the product.

because so many silk screen set-ups have been closed, so it makes my clothes and fabrics more valuable in a way. Everything is done by hand. We can get stuff done digitally from outside, but for us it doesn’t have much charm. It’s funny because when the Fashion and Textile Museum was built, Ricardo Legorreta wanted us to have little windows so people could look through and see the printing – but I said no. A: These textiles also tie into fashion illustration, because they were done for commercial reasons anyway. Who were we to know that as the decades went by, they would actually become so important.

M: How important are textiles in today’s market? A: Connie says that I deal in carpets and

Styled by Design, 3-7 October, Gallery 8, 8 Duke Street, St James’s, SW1Y, 8dukestreet.co.uk

M: In what ways do fashion and interiors overlap each other? Z: I think all the arts overlap. I can have a

disco

diva The Fall Look from YSL has a distinct 1970s vibe, with a touch of sparkle to prep you for the dancefloor. The Couture Hologram Powder in Lazer Violet can be used to highlight cheekbones, eyes, or even lips (brush it over the top of two new pink Rouge Volupté Shine lipsticks). Add to the retro trend with silver and bronze metallic accents courtesy of Couture Eyeliners and La Laque Couture nail polishes. From £19.50, yslbeauty.co.uk

the night shift 001 Skincare’s new lightweight balm melts in while you sleep. The miraculous Squalane solution, derived from olives, hydrates and increases skin’s elasticity, while marine algae give a vitamin A, C and E boost. £78, 001skincare.com

gourmet skincare La Prairie’s latest addition to its Skin Caviar range is the Absolute Filler Caviar Luxe moisturiser. The cream contains high concentrations of the oil and proteins found in caviar, and is designed to reinstate the volume and substance of youthful skin. £410, laprairie.com

he’s worth it

fleeting florals Former creative director of Penhaligon’s, Nathalie Vinciguerra, launches her own label Anima Vinci – and its first five scents – this month. Rose Prana champions the Centifolia rose, which only blooms for three weeks a year. £150 for 100ml, animavinci.com

Balmain has teamed up with L’Oréal Paris on a collection of a dozen new lipsticks. Launched ahead of September’s Paris Fashion Week, the daring shades range from the deep blue Rebellion right through to the blazing orange Fever. £12.99 each, harveynichols.com

health & beauty

SPA R EV I E W

Great

expectations

Kari Colmans doesn’t let a case of baby brain stand in the way of a wonderful pre-natal massage at COMO Metropolitan’s Shambhala spa

Pregnancy support cushions allow me to lie comfortably on my front

t always helps when you’re geared up for a day of relaxation to know where it is you’re meant to be going. With big hopes for a day away from a teething toddler, I am so caught up in the excitement that I head straight for the only COMO hotel that springs to mind, Belgravia’s COMO The Halkin. After a lot of confusion (there is no spa at The Halkin), and some sympathetic smiles for the girl with a serious case of pregnancy baby brain, the lovely doorman sends me on my way to the sister property where I was originally destined – the COMO Metropolitan – as I curse myself for wasting precious ‘me’ time doubling up on taxi rides. But it’s worth the wait. Stepping into the smart, sleek interior of the Shambhala Wellness Spa, I am greeted with apologies when I recount my journey so far (which is nobody’s fault but my husband’s, of course). I’m here for the signature pre-natal treatment, a massage designed to treat women after their first trimester. The experience starts with a warm footbath for sore, less

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delicate than normal feet, followed by a full body and facial massage. It is tailored specifically to my needs and to the areas that require the most attention – feet, calves, neck, back, shoulders… brain – and is conducted using specially designed massage support cushions that allow me to lie comfortably on my front with a hole cut out for my third trimester-sized stomach, which is a welcome change

to lying on my side or sitting upright. I take a look around the compact space – there are six treatment rooms in total (one of which contains a steam room), as well as a gym. It isn’t the kind of sprawling spa you’ll find in some other London hotels, but its focus on wellness sets it apart. Offering shiatsu, acupuncture and yoga on demand, it’s understated but not lacking; small but perfectly formed. Wanting to avoid wasting any more time in taxis, I walk some of the journey home and get caught up in an animal rights demonstration. With nowhere to turn, I have no choice but to ‘march’ with them all the way to my destination. My baby brain may still be intact, but as I wander calmly along, my pregnancy grumbles most certainly are not. Pre-natal massage, 75 minutes, £120 and 90 minutes, £140, Shambhala spa at COMO Metropolitan London, Old Park Lane, W1K, comohotels.com

In practice The arrival of London’s new super spa, the Wellness Clinic at Harrods, has brought some of the world’s most innovative practitioners under one roof W O R D S : A n g e l i n a V i lla - C lar k e

Dr Tapan Patel PHI Clinic Founder and clinical director of Harley Street’s PHI Clinic, Dr Tapan Patel is the go-to guy for the latest in non-surgical procedures. A specialist in the most advanced laser treatments and injectables, his clinic has also become renowned for offering pioneering skin care. “At Harrods, clients can experience our services in a world-class setting,” Patel says. “We’ll be offering both face and body therapies – such as facial rejuvenation and body contouring, all subject to a prior in-depth consultation.”

While the aesthetics industry is one that is constantly innovating, explains Patel, newer doesn’t always mean better. “Botox and softtissue fillers are still the most popular treatments. When it comes to anything new, it’s about considering the long-term results and safety of the treatments.” Patel reveals that it is the non-surgical side of the industry that is growing the fastest. “More and more patients want a treatment that ‘refreshes’ without radically altering their appearance. The ability to deliver procedures that consistently preserve natural expression and allow someone to be the best version of themselves is my driving inspiration.”

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Louise Parker The Louise Parker Method Leading weight-loss expert and best-selling author Louise Parker will be bringing her six-week programme – the Louise Parker Method – to Harrods. Parker’s approach is about offering intelligent weight-loss programmes that help rewire bad habits. “There is no secret to weight loss, but the closest thing I would say is try to aim for consistency. Find a method of eating, moving and living that is attainable for your life. There’s no escaping exercise. But it needn’t be extreme. “It’s actually a lot simpler than we think to reshape your body once you have a clear plan and have someone to motivate you through the trickier days,” she continues. “Before you know it, you have a lifestyle that keeps you lean, and most of all happy and sane.”

Ross J Barr Acupuncturist From making you look ten years younger to helping to heal a broken heart, Ross J Barr is the acupuncturist called on by the insiders when they need a body or soul reboot. Known for his positive results and warm approach, he specialises in Five Element Acupuncture – the ancient Chinese theory that mind, body and spirit are made up of the five elements and that these energies should be in perfect balance to achieve ultimate wellbeing.   “The acupuncture experience I offer is completely tailored and unique to each individual,” explains Barr. “No two patients are the same. To hear that a patient has conceived, when they never thought they would have children, is amazing. Or just to hear people tell you that they feel like the best version of themselves continually inspires me.”

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Mahi Aramideh The Elixir Clinic The Elixir Clinic has become a trusted name with athletes, professionals and celebrities alike, due to its range of intravenous vitamin infusions, known as VitaDrips. Launched in 2013 by cancer research specialist Mahi Aramideh and nurse practitioner Acaena Amoros, the company offers a preventative, inside-out approach to health. “After a full health assessment, we offer a tailored approach based on our range of VitaDrips,” says Aramideh. “They are packed with vitamins, minerals and amino acids and target a range of issues – from anti-ageing to hair growth, jet lag to post-surgery. “Unlike supplements and creams, where the absorption rate is up to 25 per cent, intravenous infusions have an absorption rate of 100 per cent, so results are immediate with skin looking more radiant and clients feeling more relaxed.” The company has launched a Harrods VIP VitaDrip. “Our new launch will be the ultimate elixir – a custom blend of essential vitamins and minerals. It is a kick-start to a new you.”

The Wellness Clinic at Harrods, 020 7225 5678, harrods.com/thewellnessclinic

food & drink

WE CANTA HARDLY wAIT

joining theo randall at the InterContinental London Park Lane is chef Martha Ortiz, who has introduced modern Mexican cuisine with the new David Collinsdesigned restaurant Ella Canta. Vampire ceviche is served with sangrita sorbet, guacamole with gold grasshoppers, and original cocktails with playful presentation. One Hamilton Place, Park Lane, W1J, ellacanta.com

ALL A FLUTTER Artist James McNeill Whistler – and guest at Hotel Café Royal – was known to sign his paintings with a butterfly monogram. And so the hotel has taken inspiration from this winged creature to launch Papillon, where fine wines, impressive cakes and a relaxed French café culture make a welcome setting for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 68 Regent Street, W1B, papillonlondon.com

fine Fruit The new Vintage 2007 release from BillecartSalmon is brimming with summertime effervescence: citrus zest mingles with fresh pineapple and greengage plums. £63.99, uncorked.co.uk

a decade of honey After receiving a Michelin star within one year of opening their first restaurant, Anthony Demetre and Will Smith launched their second in 2007. Wild Honey is still going strong, even after Smith left Demetre to run it as a lone venture. There’s no better way to celebrate this milestone than by reminding yourself of the exquisite fresh European tastes, from grilled Galician octopus and cod with chopped Cornish mussels to a roast saddle of rabbit. Then of course, there’s always the wild honey ice cream. 12 St George Street, W1S, wildhoneyrestaurant.co.uk

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Italy & back TWICE OVER

Two course set lunch ÂŁ19

Breakfast Lunch Dinner Cocktails 62 Seymour Street Marylebone W1H 5BN 020 3826 7940 reception@bernardis.co.uk

@Bernardislondon

HIDE AND REVEAL

+MODO We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just look at kitchens, we live and feel them. The kitchen is now a platform for a journey of constant creation and discovery.

Poggenpohl has 21 points of sale throughout the UK & Ireland For your nearest Poggenpohl Studio please go to www.poggenpohl.com/en/find-a-studio info@uk.poggenpohl.com www.poggenpohl.com

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is Hai Cenato – and what is in season, as the food uses the best British ingredients. My August lunch was three courses of fresh, light fare, perfect before a long flight. Burrata and figs, along with a warm almond cake, were highlights, and you can expect equally delicious but slightly more autumnal offerings for September. As well as choosing from Atherton’s dishes, you can also order from the Heathrow VIP exclusive menu – think mushroom and parmesan risotto and a lighter-than-air strawberry mousse. Order as many courses as you want, as many times as you want. The menu is deliberately not vast – it’s a wellcurated selection of dishes the VIP customer tends to enjoy, with the understanding that should you want something off-menu, it can generally be produced. Food is available no matter what time you fly, with afternoon tea and breakfast on offer all day. If you have a particular request – a gluten-free

The ultimate airport experience Welcome to Heathrow VIP, where the food alone is worth a visit, says Charlotte Phillips

he ease of Heathrow’s VIP service makes for a unique airport experience – a chauffeurdriven BMW 7 Series, a private entrance, in-lounge check-in and security screening – but what really sets the service apart from other VIP offerings is the food. Heathrow VIP (available for Business and First Class passengers) has partnered with renowned Michelin-star chef Jason Atherton, of Social Eating House, Pollen Street Social and Little Social fame, to start your journey off with a delicious pretakeoff meal in your own private lounge. When I arrive for a late lunch one Monday afternoon, the lounge – recently renovated by Helen Green and designed much like a hotel suite – is luxurious and soothing, a total oasis of calm. No sooner have I sat down on the plush sofa than I am offered drinks and the menu. Jason’s offerings are inspired by what’s on offer at his restaurants. Each month, the menu changes to reflect a different restaurant – next up

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Heathrow VIP has partnered with renowned Michelin-star chef Jason Atherton dish, a favourite wine – call the day before you travel and the VIP team will accommodate your request. Childrens’ food is also available. It’s a far cry from your usual pre-flight Pret sandwich – and should you wish to take a carry-on, Heathrow VIP will happily prepare a food box to go, so you can enjoy a Jason Atherton burger, 30,000 ft in the air. Heathrow VIP is a game-changer. Your airport dining experience just got even better. For more information, and to find out how to book, visit heathrowvip.com

TO READ MORE ARTICLES LIKE THIS VISIT www.luxurylondon.co.uk

@luxurylondonofficial 

@theofficialll

food & drink

R estau r a n t R e vie w

Texture WORDS: Camilla Apcar

ne sporting cliché is often true when it comes to fine dining – it is not a sprint, but a marathon. It goes something like this: after my initial hunger is satiated by two too many slices of deliciously buttered or balsamicdipped bread, it dawns on me that two full courses have already been ordered. By the end of the starter and the announcement of a flavour-enhancing wine pairing with each course, mild panic sets in. Room for actually enjoying dessert must suddenly be reserved. It is not portion sizes that are the problem, but that the wonderfully rich flavours of food prepared outside one’s own kitchen can often overwhelm the stomach (along with a gleeful greed to devour every bite). But this dilemma is not one I faced at Texture, which celebrates its tenth anniversary this year. Chef Agnar Sverrisson has struck a merciful balance by using ingredients that don’t sit heavily yet still pack a tasty punch. Sverrisson says this is thanks to limiting how much cream and butter is used, and only a little sugar. He could have had me fooled, and true to the restaurant’s name, there are interesting textures abound. I now look at the humble pea in a new light, following an amuse-bouche of pea ‘snow’ (icy,

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refreshing and surprisingly realistic, albeit green). Yellow fin tuna is rare and well-seasoned; cod comes with a light blanket of grainy chorizo, on a bed of smoothly puréed avocado and tiny tomatoes that burst in the mouth. Even suckling pig saddle – a dish that usually begs a button undone towards the end – does nothing to threaten the meal’s brisk pace. The menu draws much from Sverrisson’s Icelandic roots, importing lamb and seafood, as well as using skyr, a dairy product similar to yoghurt, but lighter. It comes best of all as part of a deconstructed cheesecake: a generous dollop of skyr alongside a slightly smaller scoop of vanilla icecream, a pile of sweet rye bread crumbs and a handful of fresh raspberries. Besides winning his well-deserved Michelin star in 2010, what Sverrisson perhaps could not have envisioned ten years ago is the future of Portman Street. Although the approach from Marylebone and Portman Square is less busy, strolling up through Mayfair and across Oxford Street – passing right by tourist destination Primark – means battling with frenzied shoppers and tuk tuks blaring well into the night. But Texture’s front door proudly sets itself against the odds, flanked by elegant birch trunks – and sent home with a pot of skyr, no complaint should be made.

“I look at the the humble pea in a new light after an amusebouche of pea ‘snow’”

34 Portman Street, W1H, texture-restaurant.co.uk

Welcome to the

CLUB

As the countdown to the opening of Tottenham Hotspur’s formidable stadium begins, interest in On Four – the level that will become home to the venue’s most sought-after experiences – is reaching fever pitch. We get to the heart of what makes The H Club, the jewel in the crown of On Four, the most coveted private membership in sport

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n the early 1970s, Tottenham Hotspur Football Club allowed a writer exclusive behind-thescenes access to a sport that had, until then, been largely shielded from the media. Hunter Davies accompanied the team for an entire season: he interviewed players at their homes, witnessed dressing room discussions and was often mistaken for a substitute player at away games. Despite the huge changes that have taken place in the industry since The Glory Game was first published, a new edition of his account was printed in 2011 – reaffirming society’s constant fascination with what goes into building a successful football club. Nearly 50 years later, Tottenham Hotspur is still the trailblazer of English football. It is due to open a pioneering members’ club, The H Club, at the new stadium in 2018, which looks set to mark the beginning of an entirely original and elite kind of Premier League experience. The majority of the 90 founding member places have already been filled, and the rest are available via application or referral only. The reason for this careful curation is that members will be embraced completely into the club – they will be as close as one can get without being considered for substitution at half-time. The benefits start way before the referee’s first whistle. The kitchen, overseen by Michel Roux Jr. and a host of other renowned London chefs, offers a choice of five dining experiences that you can mix and match throughout the season. On occasion, a three course meal with a sommelier on hand will be in order – and other times, a burger and a beer at the bar. Dinner alongside club legends and ambassadors will not be unusual, and at least once a season there will be a chef’s table experience with the Roux family.

Dinner alongside club legends and ambassadors will not be unusual

When the time comes to soak up the hairraising atmosphere of 61,559 football fans, members of The H Club can easily access their halfway line seats – the best in the house – via this exclusive area overlooking the stadium. Outside the crucial 90 minutes, members will be present at man of the match ceremonies and first team player visits, and have opportunities to visit the club’s state-of-the-art training centre and attend board member events each season. “Why has the book continued to sell so well?” Davies ponders in The Glory Game’s updated introduction, written in 2001. “I suppose the simple reason is that inside a club, inside a dressing room, basic things are much the same, despite the externals having changed so drastically. The fears, the tensions, the dramas… that sort of stuff goes on, and will go on, forever.” Tottenham Hotspur has yet again closed the gap between the players and the spectators, and as other clubs catch up, we have no doubt that Spurs will be working on the next big thing. The key to being a part of the future of football is to get your foot in the door of The H Club sooner rather than later. To apply for one of the remaining memberships in The H Club, please email onfour@tottenhamhotspur.com

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ART on the

The new Rolls-Royce Phantom is more than just a car â&#x20AC;&#x201C; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a mobile art gallery. Matthew Carter enjoys a private viewing

MOVE

MOTORING

Nymphenburg

thorsten franck

rolls-royce’s spirit of Ecstasy

f you think the new Rolls-Royce Phantom – the eighth model to wear a nameplate that stretches back to 1925 – is merely a car, it’s time to think again. For starters, Rolls-Royce prefers to call it a motor car (a subtle distinction, agreed), but goes on to liken it to a piece of modern art. At its recent launch in London (the car goes on sale next year), Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO of Rolls-Royce, said: “The new Phantom points the way forward for the global luxury industry. It is a creation of great beauty and power, a dominant symbol of wealth and human achievement. It is an icon and an artwork that embraces the personal desires of each of our individual customers.” The launch material introducing the car is unlike anything you’ll find for another automobile. Sure, it

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talks about the new allaluminium structure that’s lighter and stiffer than before, and it mentions the 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12… but describes them not as the platform or the engine, rather as the “architecture of luxury” and “the silently beating heart of the new Phantom”. The interior is not an interior but “a suite”, while you don’t so much as close the doors as become enveloped in their “embrace”. While it is easy to scoff at such pretentious waffle, there is little doubt that the Phantom does take the art of motor car manufacture to another level. And that, according to the CEO, is because it is more than a mere car. “Every one of our customers – each a connoisseur of luxury in the extreme – was asking for something more individual to them.” And nowhere is that more obvious than the dashboard. Or as Rolls-Royce prefers to call it, ‘The Gallery’. “Art is at the heart of the conception of the new Phantom’s interior,” says Giles Taylor, director of design. “We know that a huge number of our clients are patrons of art and, indeed, have their own private collections. Art is a binding factor for many of them.” So Taylor has taken the dashboard – an area that “served little purpose but to hide airbags and componentry” and has given it another purpose.

based upon

liang yuanwei

helen amy murray

The dashboard becomes a space where bespoke art can be displayed

All the elements within ‘The Gallery’ are enclosed in an uninterrupted swathe of toughened glass that runs the full width of the dash area. Within it, the digital dials and analogue clock are framed with chrome, adding a degree of shine and continuity throughout the front of the interior. A 12.3-inch TFT colour display with LED backlighting communicates all driver information, with the displays themselves designed with clear virtual needles and lettering. The remainder of the dashboard becomes a space where bespoke works of art can be displayed, protected by the glass – hence ‘The Gallery’. “In the 18th century, miniatures were highly fashionable and valuable items of art that allowed their owners to carry images of their loved ones with them whenever they travelled. I really loved that idea of taking your art with you when travelling, and so I

acted on it. Now our clients will be able to do the same,” said Taylor. Rolls-Royce has commissioned a series of artists to produce bespoke works to be displayed inside the car. Among these is an oil painting inspired by the South Downs, not so far from Rolls-Royce’s home in Goodwood, by Chinese fine artist Liang Yuanwei; while controversial German product designer Thorsten Franck has created a gold-plated 3D-printed map of an owner’s DNA. One of the more beautiful pieces is a fine porcelain English rose made by German experts Nymphenburg, based on the flower grown exclusively for the project by Harkness Roses. For this ‘Rolls-Rose’, a new formula was developed to create porcelain as fine as the petal of the rose itself. The artwork shows the rose in the various stages of its life, from bud to blossom to bloom, but in contemporary black and white porcelain rather than red or pink. According to Nymphenburg, this was no mean feat. In the past, the processing of white and black porcelain paste has been strictly separated during production as even the smallest residue of black

MOTORING

richard fox

natuRe squaRED

paste on a tool, invisible to the naked eye, leads to impurities that only become visible after firing. Therefore, a new type of black paste had to be developed that remained as malleable as the white, while the finished roses were fired in a single process for the first time. “Nature is simply perfect and imitating it is a challenge. I wanted to feel the tension of each individual blossom,” said master porcelain maker Anton Hörl. Another bespoke commission is British artist Helen Amy Murray’s reinterpretation of RollsRoyce’s Spirit of Ecstasy bonnet ornament as a sculpted silk appliqué. Exploring the original line drawings of the bronze statue The Whisper by sculptor Charles Sykes – the inspiration for the Spirit of Ecstasy – Murray said: “I was inspired by the ethereal quality of the illustrations. They led me to incorporate the female form into my work; I wanted my gallery commissions to look soft and organic. The subtle spacing of lines brings the draped figure into perspective.” Precious stones and metals were chosen by British designer and goldsmith Richard Fox for his offering. Using diamonds and platinum, solid silver and pear-cut amethysts, Fox created Astrum, a constellation artwork inspired by explosions and skyscapes, sea urchins and plants. Nature Squared, a Swiss-based design company, turned – unsurprisingly – to nature for its contribution, choosing items that until now have been impossible to incorporate into a motor car: feathers. More than 3,000 tail feathers were selected from a sustainable species of bird with rich dense plumages. They were chosen for their iridescence and were

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individually shaped to accentuate their sheen and rich hue before being hand-sewn onto an open pore fabric. “The inky iridescence and sumptuous texture of the feathers provide a sense of true luxury. The Phantom’s clock has been softly cossetted by feathers, their fragility protected by The Gallery’s glass fascia,” said Martin Ehrath, Nature Squared’s head of research and development. Of course, creating individual pieces of artwork for a Phantom is not the matter of a moment. For those not Car: Rolls-Royce Phantom prepared to wait, Price: from around £400,000 Rolls-Royce Engine: Front-mounted, designers have a 6,749cc, twin turbo V12 petrol ready-prepared Power: 563hp collection of Performance: 155mph max, treatments using 0-62mph in 5.3 seconds silk, wood, metal Drive: Rear-wheel, eight-speed and leather. automatic transmission Whichever way you look at it, ‘The Gallery’ really does add a new dimension to automotive luxury. It’s just a shame the artwork is in the front of the car when the owner is likely to be in the back, but at least the chauffeur will enjoy the experience. greatphantoms.com

TRAVEL

pulling

rank

art of this world

Blue-sky thinking Stay in villa 31 of Aman’s Peloponnese outpost, Amanzoe, to enjoy an immersive light installation by American artist James Turrell – and even dine inside it. Sky Plain is a six-metre square building with an open ceiling; there may be no better place to reflect on matters great and small. From €2,100, amanzoe.com

GHENT, A canal-crossed city larger than London for most of the Middle Ages and almost completely unscathed in the First World War, may not be one’s first Belgian port of call. Yet this summer brought a reason to prioritise it over Bruges, Antwerp or Brussels: 1898 The Post, a smart 38-room hotel in a former post office from the early 1900s. Restored wood, stylish dark green walls and a splash of antique furniture puts its Flemish history in a new, contemporary light. From €150, zannierhotels.com

Transcendent Tokyo A privately guided art and architecture tour is just the way to discover the creative credentials of Japan’s capital city. The Palace Hotel Tokyo’s local expert can arrange access to galleries, museums and boutiques, plus meetings with dealers and artists – including the designer of the 2020 Olympic stadium. From £1,850, palacehoteltokyo.com

Photography: beckytakesphotos

to the kitchen James Martin’s new cookery school in the New Forest offers courses to suit every taste (and, mercifully, ability). Learn to stun dinner guests with duck and cherry salad, and brittle caramelised at home; hone in on Christmas cheeses; or go global, focusing on Scandi, Sri Lankan or South American cuisines. Sample the fruits of your labour for lunch, with plenty to take home besides. From £65, chewtonglen.com

Pearls of Saigon A new package from The Reverie illustrates Vietnam’s history through its art. On an eight-hour tour guests will visit galleries and studios, as well as the Salon Saigon, a fine arts library where a five-course lunch will be accompanied by a live piano or traditional dance performance. From $1,122, thereveriesaigon.com

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PROMOTION

Clockwise from left: Sanchi; Khajuraho; Leopard at Pench Tiger Reserve; Gwalior Fort; Bhimbetka; Tiger at Bandhavgarh

novel, The Jungle Book. The character of Mowgli was inspired by Sir William Henry Sleeman’s pamphlet An Account of Wolves Nurturing Children in Their Dens, a true story about a wolf-boy captured in a village called Seoni. Many of The Jungle Book’s locations can still be found in the vicinity. The state boasts three UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Khajuraho temples – a display of scintillating architectural skill and exquisite sculptural art. The fine sculptures date back 1,000 years and depict meditation, spiritual teachings, kinship, royalty and most significantly, erotic art. Some of India’s oldest Buddhist relics can be found at Sanchi, northeast of the capital city, Bhopal. Most notable is the Great Stupa, built by Emperor Ashoka in 262 BC after he Explore ancient temples and embraced Buddhism. There abundant tiger reserves in the are a number of other stupas, t the heart of India temples and monasteries here, lies the state of historic central Indian state of along with an archeological Madhya Pradesh. It Madhya Pradesh museum. Bhimbetka, is a microcosm of all meanwhile, is known for its that India has to offer: from ancient forests teeming with wildlife, to imposing forts, palaces, caves and rock shelters which are believed to have been temples and stupas, Madhya Pradesh is full of history, heritage, home to one of the earliest human settlements dating back to the Paleolithic Age. religion and natural beauty. Madhya Pradesh has Madhya Pradesh’s biggest attraction is its something to offer every wildlife. Its forests cover about 25 per cent of the traveller. Gwalior will be of land mass here and are home to 25 sanctuaries interest to music buffs (it and nine national parks covering an area of also boasts a magnificent 10,000 sq km. The vast tracts of forested land are fort); Orchha and Mandu home to more than 20 per cent of India’s tiger are a must-visit for those population with six popular tiger reserves interested in exploring the (Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Panna, Satpura, Pench and palaces of ancient India. Sanjay Dubri National Parks). These woodlands Places of natural scenic also provide a refuge for barking beauty (Bhedaghat, Tawa) abound as do sites of deer, leopards, chital, wild boars, religious interest (Ujjain, Amarkantak). Finally, blackbucks, nilgais and crocodiles. special mention needs to given to the state’s varied Barasingha (literally translated to culinary delights, which range from Mughal’one with 12 horns’) is a swamp inspired meat dishes to deer, the state animal of Madhya local street food (bhutte ka Pradesh. The Kanha tiger reserve is kees) and desserts such as the only place in the world where malpua and jalebis. the species exists. The Pench Tiger Reserve and its neigbourhood provided inspiration For further information, please for the setting of Rudyard Kipling’s visit: www.mptourism.com

Madhya Pradesh: the heart of India

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S u i t e d rea m s

Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park Words: Marianne Dick

ir Peter Blake’s epic collage, Our Fans, that has covered the unmistakable frontage of the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park for the best part of the year has come down to reveal a revitalised red brick Franco-Flemish façade – marking the first phase of the hotel’s multi-million-pound revamp as complete. The project is Joyce Wang Studio’s first UK commission (it previously transformed the rooms and suites of The Landmark Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong), and the Knightsbridge institution’s most dramatic renovation in its 115-year history. Part of the first phase included the reception and lobby areas, and as my guest and I approach the entrance one of the impeccably dressed doormen immediately takes our luggage and points us in the right direction. A short walk up the grand staircase – presided over by a glass chandelier reminiscent of a flower in bloom – followed by a sharp left leads us to the unconventional reception area. The whole room is a feast for the eyes: two freestanding desks lie either side of an arresting aluminium Fredrikson Stallard wall sculpture and Chinese pottery from the Ch’ing Dynasty gives a nod to the hotel group’s Asian heritage. Despite these opulent touches, the layout makes checking in feel far more casual than the authoritarian reception desks of many other West End hotels. We are shown to one of the newly renovated suites on the eighth floor, which overlooks the quiet courtyard – those on the opposite side of the corridor look out onto the bustling area around

TRAVEL

Harvey Nichols. The décor is warm, sumptuous and very much inspired by the Art Deco era, yet it doesn’t feel over the top. The deep peacock blue of the bed’s leather headboard throws the room’s cool grey walls into contrast; the bronze and gold tones in the gilded wall art and honey-toned wood furnishings provide a cosiness to alleviate the fresh autumnal breeze outside. The neutral, patterned carpet celebrates the landscape of the nearby Hyde Park, featuring a design evocative of fallen leaves or the bark of a tree. The bathroom is lined in ivory and silver Volakas marble: golden lighting and sweet-smelling treats from Miller Harris and Jo Hansford make it practically compulsory to run a bath before dinner (and most likely afterwards, too). Electrical amenities are top-of-the-range throughout, including a Bower & Wilkins music player and a rather entertaining, if not slightly complex, lavatory. In essence, the room induces an instantaneous feeling of calm and in minutes I am engulfed in a dressing gown and reclining on the almost comically large bed, glass of pink champagne in hand. It proves difficult, but thankfully we muster the energy to get dressed for dinner downstairs in Bar Boulud – Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud’s first and only UK restaurant, which followed the successful French-style bistro of the same name in New York. It is due to be lightly revamped in the next phase of the renovation, although there isn’t much to fault even

In minutes I am engulfed in a dressing gown, champagne in hand

now. The atmosphere is buzzing; the tables dimly lit; and the low, squishy banquettes perfect for whispering and people-watching. The eye-popping flavour of my guest’s escargots and the earthy sweetness of the tomatoes that accompany my beautifully light burrata snap us out of any prior lethargy. For the main course I choose roasted plaice that is served in delicate white curls, as pretty as shells; while my guest opts for a rare, butter-soft ribeye with béarnaise sauce. Breakfast is a less decadent but equally delicious affair, focusing trendily on superfoods as well as offering Chinese and Japanese menus. The 100 high-profile guests that feature on Sir Peter Blake’s collage plus the hotel’s recent television fame (A Very British Hotel on Channel 4) might imply a stuffy image, yet I find it to be quite the opposite. The staff offer just the right amount of attention and the surroundings are luxurious yet homely. As we reluctantly leave, we pass a fan (the hotel’s symbol) designed by Jenny Packham to commemorate the renovation. I imagine that after the next phase (due to finish in spring), the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park will have even more to celebrate. From £540 per room per night, 66 Knightsbridge, SW1X, mandarinoriental.com

s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s

t is guaranteed that the best party in the world is going on, right now, in Las Vegas. It hasn’t stopped for the past 70 years, ever since mobster Bugsy Siegel established the Flamingo casino in 1946 (a $6 million venture across 40 acres of then-barren land). It still stands proud with vibrant pink neon signs, a monorail, 3,626 rooms and a flamingo enclosure, but has since been joined by the numerous other sparkling establishments that make up the strip. A visit to this playground in the middle of the desert will take you all over the world, from Venice to Egypt. A stroll along the strip – especially at dusk when the buildings are glowing – is a form of entertainment in itself. There are endless photographic opportunities; whether from the top of the replica Eiffel Tower, beneath the mini Statue of Liberty or the shore of the Bellagio’s dancing fountains. And, this is all before you even step foot inside a casino, where the fun really begins. Regardless of wealth, age or experience, you can arrive at a table, place a bet and make your fortune – all in the height of comfort. Take Caesars Palace where the gigantic, columned building has almost 4,000 rooms; inside, streams of alcoholic beverages are delivered by toga-clad waitresses. Las Vegas is the entertainment capital of the world, yet gambling is not everyone’s forte – which is why the casinos also house high-end shops, endless pools and cigar lounges. Once the sun has gone down, the strip’s resident stars take to the stage (in October, Mike Tyson, Britney Spears, Diana Ross and Sir Elton John will all do stints), theatre curtains rise and Cirque du Soleil acrobats fly through the air. Vegas has something for everyone; whether you want to while away the hours in a luxury spa or stay up all night at the roulette table with drinks on tap.

ci t y bre a k

Las Vegas Amid the bright lights and revellers around the clock, there is a side of this party city for everyone to enjoy, says Hannah Clugston nobu restaurant

yellowtail sashimi

giada

the bellagio fountains

travel

Where to stay Nestled inside Caesars Palace, Nobu is a hotel within a hotel. Guests are whisked away up into a serene, orchid-adorned space with elegantly minimalist rooms that look out over the strip but still manage to block out all the noise. Just opposite is Qua Baths & Spa, another haven from the hustle and bustle of the gaming floor. Soak in giant jacuzzis and aromatic steam rooms, or try one of the many treatments on offer (you can’t go wrong with the Nobu Zen massage). caesars.com

Caesars Palace

SUITCASE E S S E N T I A L S

watch , P OA, b u l gar i . co m

Where to eat

grand canyon west rim

One of the benefits of staying at Nobu Hotel is having access to the acclaimed food of its eponymous chef Matsuhisa via room service. The exquisitely crafted dishes, from black cod miso to yellowtail sashimi with jalapeño, are exceptional – especially when served with some of the best sake in the world. Once out and about on the strip, Giada De Laurentiis’ lemon pesto grilled cheese sandwiches and baked pasta make the ideal lunch with fruity cocktails. noburestaurants.com, giadadelaurentiis.com

b ik in i , £ 1 8 0 , ar ab e l l al o n d o n . co . uk

d r e ss, Rol a n d M ou r e t, £ 1 , 9 9 5 , m atc h e sfas h i o n . co m

Mayfair recommends

nobu hotel

If the excitement of the casinos gets a bit too much, take a day trip out of Las Vegas to stunning locations such as the Grand Canyon, Death Valley and the Hoover Dam. Tour operators will be advertising trips all over the strip, but Detours offers a part chauffeur, part travel expert service. Guides collect you directly from your hotel and keep you refreshed and educated all day long. There is a small chance that standing in awe on the rim of the Grand Canyon won’t be enough, so the company also offers helicopter tours. detoursofthewest.com

b ag, £ 3 , 4 6 0 , m oynat. c om

sh oe s, £ 5 3 0 , aqu azzu r a. c om

nobu hotel

s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s

101

Emirate of

eminence Kate Harrison visits a trio of properties in Dubai that marry traditional charm and modern glamour

TRAVEL

he world’s biggest shopping complex, tallest building and largest man-made marina. An endless list of impressive facts can be linked to Dubai, a city that hosts 20 per cent of the world’s total number of cranes and offers visitors the chance to ski indoors. Luxury shopping and fine dining are synonymous with this bright city that attracts a huge number of tourists each year to experience its glitz and glamour (last year, 14.9m overnight visitors). Having a true passion for travel, I like to experience a destination in full. The climate, local wonders and cuisine are all important to me, and I always do my research to ensure that no piece is left out of my travel tapestry. St Augustine was right when he said that “the world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page”. So, with a brimming to-do list I arrived in Dubai full of

s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s

anticipation – but One&Only Royal Mirage swiftly changed my plans. An oasis of calm and tranquillity within the heart of bustling new Dubai, One&Only Royal Mirage is an exquisite collection of three properties, each with its own distinct identity and charm. The trio is stretched along a kilometre of private beach, within 65 acres of lush landscaped garden, ensuring that each and every guest not only can enjoy an ocean view but also the space and privacy to truly unwind. One&Only has always been the master of providing a taste of local culture and a true sense of place. Every sense is considered to ensure that the overwhelming feeling is authentic and true: from the decor and artefacts, to the water features and choice of flower displays: a real taste of Arabia is created within this musk-infused space. To truly experience the resort and its distinct environments, one flowing to the other, guests must get lost among the courtyards and green lawns and wander with the peacocks – visitors from the adjacent property – to find their preferred relaxation spot. The largest and most majestic of the properties is The Palace, where the sound of running water immediately transports you to a state of peace and calm. Accommodation is spacious, chic and contemporary; neutral tones are complemented with rich shades to give an Arabian flavour. Heatcontrolled swimming pools, a water sports centre, tennis courts and putting green ensure that guests are catered for in every possible way.

all images: One&Only Royal Mirage

103

The food at One&Only is a big deal, with an incredible array of options, each an all-encompassing experience in its own right. World-class chefs are on hand to prepare classic dishes from the Mediterranean, Morocco and Middle East, including tagine, a traditional Moroccan recipe. The experience begins from the moment you cross the doorstep into a large room reminiscent of an old home in Marrakech, along with rose petals, a traditional tea pouring ceremony and shisha pipes in the courtyard. For fine-dining, climb the grand marble staircase for an intimate evening at Celebrities, where European dishes are served in an impressive multi-level dining room that overlooks the perfectly landscaped gardens. By contrast, dramatic architecture and lighting gives the second property, Arabian Court, an ambiance of mystery with intricate arches, domes and towers. The scent here is heavier and the sound of flowing water seems to follow you. Its interior beauty lies in simplicity and symmetry. Intimate courtyards and walkways lead naturally around the building, artefacts are big and imposing, large windows frame the beautiful

water features outside with bright pink flowers, green lawns and the blue ocean beyond. A star representing each of the seven emirates in the UAE is set within the marble flooring, a gentle reminder of where you are. The rooms are again spacious and have every technology required to provide guests every comfort and more. Here the colour scheme echoes the warmth of the Arabian Gulf with softer tones reflecting the desert landscape. The most intimate of the properties is Residence & Spa, an exclusive sanctuary that offers understated elegance with every possible comfort, a private restaurant, lounge and library. The Arabian styled retreat of 18 suites and 32 rooms are reminiscent of a private house. Here guests can enjoy privacy and solitude, and the building complements this state of mind perfectly. The Beach Garden Villa offers guests secluded greenery and a private pool; a few steps further and you are on the beach with access to shaded gazebos providing a private haven for relaxation. Lunch at The Dining Room is relaxed and intimate (the lobster salad and deconstructed pina colada dessert are a light and refreshing indulgence). Guests at One&Only Royal Mirage will without doubt discover their favourite of the properties, where they feel most at home. Repeat guests form a large part of the

A star representing each of the emirates is set within the marble flooring

TRAVEL

clockwise from top left: arabian court; Royal Mirage accommodation; the palace; royal suite at the palace; beach garden villa

clientele here, returning year on year. Regardless of your favourite property, every guest should visit the hotel’s Health & Beauty Institute. It houses the One&Only Spa, fitness centre and traditional hammam that offers a truly authentic experience. Dressed in a traditional wrap and sandals, you embark on a journey of relaxation, immediately enveloped in a haze of warmth. Water flows gently from wall-mounted stone basins, guiding you through winding corridors to the heart of the hammam. In the steam, the mind is left to relax and an almost meditative state is achieved. Lying on a

s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s

heated marble slab, the tellak (masseur) begins the cleansing process with traditional black soap to rejuvenate your skin and invigorate tired muscles. A vigorous exfoliation begins with the back and continues until every part of the body has been thoroughly cleansed. This is followed by a light massage with various stretching movements that are very comfortable and incredibly satisfying. At the end of the treatment you are encouraged to sit in quiet seclusion. A destination in its own right and a new culinary experience to discover every day, there is no real need to leave the resort – but I was eager to visit the much talked about Stay restaurant by the Michelin-starred French chef Yannick Alléno at sister property One&Only The Palm. Guests board a boat from the hotel pier and are transported to the private peninsula of Palm Island. Docking into the marina, 101 Dining Lounge offers a fashionable chill-out waterfront venue with resident DJ and panoramic views of ever-changing Dubai skyline. A cocktail and beautiful sunset later, a golf buggy is called to drive me to the main Manor House hotel for dinner at Stay. Alléno is known for his imaginative cuisines and innovative cooking methods, I have high expectations. Rich burgundy, silver velvet chairs and Bohemian black crystal chandeliers provide an opulent and contemporary atmosphere – and the food does not disappoint, being both quirky and delicious. The Pastry Library encourages diners to play an active role in the creation of their desserts, a truly unique experience in so many ways. Dubai and all it has to offer is handily sat on the doorstep of One&Only Royal Mirage, but alas time has passed too quickly and for me, that will have to be another chapter. From £320 at the Royal Mirage and £480 at The Palm, oneandonlyresorts.com

105

Regulars

R e m e m be r i ng M AYFA I R

Maud Russell (1891-1982) W o r d s : E M I LY R U SS E L L

hen Maud Nelke married aristocrat and banker Gilbert Russell and became the chatelaine of the 2,000-acre country estate Mottisfont Abbey in Hampshire (which she eventually gave to the National Trust in 1957), it opened up her social circles to include the leading writers, artists, politicians and musicians of the 19th century. Born to German-Jewish immigrants who settled in London in the 1880s, Russell became a major collector of modern French art, and effortlessly combined Bloomsbury bohemia with the upper-class privilege she married into. Russell was also an avid reader, a disciplined writer of letters and kept a diary for 40 years from 1937. The pages of the latter provide a fascinating insight into her well-connected life in London and Hampshire during the Second World War. When in London, Russell stayed at Claridge’s, until 1943 when she rented a flat in Upper Grosvenor Street, seldom straying from the heart of Mayfair. In many ways, life continued much as usual for her privileged circle despite the troubles overseas. She continued to visit art galleries, bought a Picasso or two, and went to concerts at any opportunity. Her social engagements with the ‘who-is-who’ of the war years usually involved eating out at Prunier, Boulestin, Mirabelle or Coq d’Or, among other fashionable haunts, and regularly attending Lady Sibyl Colefax’s famous ‘ordinaries’ – lunch parties where each guest paid their own way – at The Dorchester. Nonetheless, the war loomed. Russell describes the occasions when she walked home across Green Park after dinner in the blackout, had her hair set in a bomb shelter on Bond Street, and covered her head with a pillow to protect herself from shattering glass during air raids. “There was an air raid warning at 6.45 this morning at Claridge’s. The eerie wailing Martian War of the Worlds sound was unmistakable,” she

106

from top: Maud Russell photographed by Cecil Beaton ©Sotheby’s; Maud Russell by Matisse, ©Succession H. Matisse/DACS 2016

wrote on 6 September 1939, going on to describe the scene in the hotel’s shelter. Russell detailed the illness and death of her husband Gilbert, and fears for her two young sons, one of whom was in Singapore when it fell to the Japanese in 1942. Her diaries also reveal her intimate relationship with Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond, and their discussions of marriage. “If Ian were ten years older I’d marry him, but it’s no use a woman of 52 trying to keep pace with a man of 36,” she writes. After the war she gave Fleming the money to buy Goldeneye, his Jamaican retreat. The diaries disclose other romances, including one with the Russian artist Boris Anrep (initially sharing him with his wife), famed for his mosaic floors at the National Gallery. They also shed new light on the acclaimed trompe l’œil decoration of the Whistler Room at Mottisfont by the artist Rex Whistler, and on Russell’s acquaintance with Matisse, who drew her portrait. Russell may have been seen by some as a society girl, but to others she was an invaluable patron and collector of modern art.

Maud had her hair set in a bomb shelter on Bond Street

A Constant Heart: the War Diaries of Maud Russell 1938-1945, edited by Emily Russell, £10, dovecotepress.com

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09/08/2017 21:54

Mayfair estate agents Beauchamp Estates 24 Curzon Street, W1J 7TF 020 7499 7722

Crayson 10 Lambton Place W11 2SH 020 7221 1117 crayson.com

London, Mayfair and St James’s 127 Mount Street, W1K 3NT 020 7493 0676

Mayfair

Savills

120a Mount Street W1K 3NN 020 7499 1012 (sales and lettings)

Mayfair and St James’s 36 North Audley Street W1K 6ZJ 020 7578 5100 (sales and lettings)

Hyde Park

Beauchamp Estates Private Office 29 Curzon Street, W1J 7TL 020 7408 0007 beauchamp.com

carter jonas

Knight Frank

Dexters 66 Grosvenor Street W1K 3JL 020 7590 9590 (sales) 020 7590 9595 (lettings) dexters.co.uk

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

Marylebone and Fitzrovia

Marylebone

Sloane Street

55 Baker Street W1U 8EW 020 3435 6440 (sales) knightfrank.co.uk

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

22 Devonshire Street W1G 6PF 020 3527 0400

London, Hyde Park and Bayswater 44 Connaught Street, W2 2AA 020 7402 1552 (sales) 020 7371 3377 (lettings)

Harrods Estates

London, Marylebone and Regent’s Park

82 Brompton Road SW3 1ER 020 7225 6506

37 New Cavendish Street W1G 9TL 020 7486 8866 carterjonas.co.uk

Knightsbridge

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

Strutt & Parker Pastor Real Estate Ltd 11 Curzon Street W1J 5HJ 020 3879 8989 (sales)

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

Knightsbridge 48 Curzon Street W1J 7UL 020 3195 9595 (lettings) pastor-realestate.com

66 Sloane Street, SW1X 9SH 020 7235 9959 struttandparker.com

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

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

ChestertonS

Mayfair

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

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

HUMBERTS 48 Berkeley Square W1J 5AX 020 3284 1888 humberts.com

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

showcasing the

finest HOMES & PROPERTY from the best estate agents

Picture

PERFECT

The inside scoop on penthouses and super-prime property management

image courtesy of pastor real estate

COOL PADS... Connecting people & property, perfectly with all offices working as one team.

Mayfair

Belgravia

FOR SALE

Knightsbridge

FOR SALE

Curzon Street, Mayfair W1J Guide price: £11,950,000

Lyall Mews, Belgravia SW1 Guide price: £7,750,000

Ovington Court, Brompton Road, Knightsbridge SW3 Guide price: £3,000,000

Chelsea

South Kensington

Victoria & Westminster

FOR SALE

The Boltons, Chelsea SW10 Guide price: £7,950,000

FOR SALE

Stanhope Mews East, South Kensington SW5 Guide price: £4,950,000

Montaigne Close, Westminster SW1 Guide price: £2,450,000

For more cool pads for sale or to rent call us now. Mayfair mayfair@knightfrank.com +44 (0) 20 3641 6231

Belgravia belgravia@knightfrank.com +44 (0) 20 3544 0132

Knightsbridge knightsbridge@knightfrank.com +44 (0) 20 3463 0355

Chelsea chelsea@knightfrank.com +44 (0) 20 3463 2651

South Kensington southkensington@knightfrank.com +44 (0) 20 3544 0620

Victoria & Westminster victoriasales@knightfrank.com +44 (0) 20 3544 0622

@ CentralLondonKF

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KnightFrank.co.uk

02/08/2017 17:49

351

Knight Frank Mayfair

N 1 O

are the

agent

for sales agreed in your area

If you are looking to buy or sell, let or rent weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d love to hear from you.

020 8166 7484 KnightFrank.co.uk/mayfair mayfair@knightfrank.com @KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

*Source: Lonres â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all properties sold in SW1A, SW1Y, W1J, W1K, W1S from 1st January - October 2017

17:49

351045_MayfairMag_KF_Oct17.indd 1

12/09/2017 14:25

FOUND. Your perfect tenant. Let with Knight Frank Our local expertise and global network mean that we can find a reliable tenant for your property; and with an average tenancy of nearly two years, Knight Frank not only helps you find them – but keep them as well. Call us today on 020 8166 7799 to arrange your free market valuation. Guide price: £1,850 per week

Strand, Westminster WC2R

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A luxurious apartment to rent in a new development. Master bedroom with walk in wardrobe and en suite bathroom, further bedroom, further shower room, large reception room with open plan kitchen and private terrace. Also inlcludes residents' cinema, swimming pool and spa facilities and concierge. Available furnished. EPC: B. Approximately 97 sq m (1,044 sq ft). mayfairlettings@knightfrank.com Office: 020 8166 7799

All potential tenants should be advised that as well as rent, an administration fee of £276 and referencing fees of £48 per person will apply when renting a property. Please ask us for more information about other fees that may apply or visit KnightFrank.co.uk/tenantcharges

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

Guide price: £2,250 per week

Grosvenor Square, Mayfair W1K Elegant mansion flat within the heart of Mayfair overlooking South Audley Street. 2 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 en suite), dining room, reception room, fully fitted eat in kitchen, lift, porter. Available furnished. EPC: D. Approximately 139 sq m (1,496 sq ft). mayfairlettings@knightfrank.com Office: 020 8166 7799

Mayfair Mag October

08/09/2017 14:36:54

property

market

insight Milestones and markets Partner and head of Knight Frank Mayfair, Harvey Cyzer, reports on the highs and lows of the global property market

he UK economy posted 0.3 per cent growth in Q2, data released at the end of July showed. This was an improvement on the 0.2 per cent growth seen in Q1, and in line with expectations. One factor weighing on growth was the drop in construction output, which fell by 0.9 per cent in Q2, largely reversing the 1.1 per cent increase seen in the first three months of the year. However, behind the headline figures, a more positive story emerged for the housing sector towards the end of Q2, with private housing construction activity up 5.1 per cent in June alone. As political parties attend their conferences, housing will once again be at the top of the agenda. This is clear from the number of recent headlines about the housing market, not least several calls for a reform of stamp duty. A key topic will be the future of Help to Buy: the scheme is due to end in 2021, but the Conservatives have pledged to examine its future. Around 120,000 people have used the Help to Buy Equity Loan to purchase a new home since it was introduced in 2013. The delivery of new homes will also be a hot topic â&#x20AC;&#x201C; new-build housing starts are rising, with 162,000 homes started in England in the

year to April, up from 103,000 in 2012/13. Once conversions and office-to-residential schemes are added in, new units delivered in England are expected to rise to more than 200,000 this year â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a milestone, but still some way off the 250,000 new homes a year that it was said the country needs. This data is a headline indicator however, with some local markets experiencing different trends. Housing starts in London, while well up on the levels seen after the financial crisis, were down in 2016 compared to 2015. They have edged up a little this year, but data suggests completions will fall in 2017 and 2018. There is some positive news with the number of planning permissions for large residential schemes (ten units or more) in London rising 20 per cent between September 2016 and March this year compared to the same period 12 months earlier. However, there are still challenges in the planning system, even once permission is given. This is just one area where clarity could help speed up delivery.

As political parties attend their conferences, housing will once again be at the top of the agenda

s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s

Knight Frank Mayfair, 120a Mount Street, W1K, 020 8166 7484

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THE LANCASTERS HYDE PARK W2 A BEAUTIFUL 3 BEDROOM DUPLEX APARTMENT WITH VIEWS OVER HYDE PARK This 4th and 5th floor duplex apartment, in a sought-after building, is luxuriously finished and offers magnificent views over Hyde Park. As well as a contemporary dining/kitchen featuring integrated Miele appliances, there is Crestron lighting and a comfort cooling system. The bathrooms have chromium brassware by Fantini, with beautiful Spanish and Italian marble tiling to walls and floors. Accommodation: Entrance hall, reception/dining room, kitchen/dining room, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Amenities: Lift access, 24-hour concierge, valet parking, secure underground parking, gym, swimming pool, steam room.

Paul Finch paul@beauchamp.com +44 (0) 20 7158 0915

£4,999,950 Leasehold Joint sole agents

www.beauchamp.com

24 Curzon Street, London W1J 7TF

+44 (0)20 7158 0915

BUCKINGHAM GATE ST. JAMESâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SW1 A GRAND UNIQUE FAMILY HOME MOMENTS FROM BUCKINGHAM PALACE Situated directly opposite Buckingham Palace and comprising c.15,845 sqft (1,472 sqm), this spectacular 19thcentury Grade II listed townhouse is arranged over seven floors and includes five reception rooms, six principal bedrooms, swimming pool, staff accommodation, six person passenger lift, private garage (with car stacker) and 24-hour concierge. Accommodation: Entrance hall, dining room, drawing room, library/living room, second living room, study, master bedroom with his and hers bathrooms and dressing rooms, 5 further bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, shower room, kitchen, utility/laundry room, 2 staff bedrooms, staff shower room, 3 guest cloakrooms. Amenities: Lift, gym, swimming pool, garage with car stacker, two balconies, courtyard, two terraces, 24-hour concierge.

£35,000 / Week

Karolina@beauchamp.com

No tenant fees

+44 (0)20 7205 2481

www.beauchamp.com

24 Curzon Street, London W1J 7TF

+44 (0)20 7205 2481

PENTHOUSE LIVING Local agents give their views from the top – when, where and what to watch out for pearson square, courtesy of rokstone

THE MARKET “Penthouses rarely come to the market in Mayfair. Owners are just not motivated to sell because there tends to be nothing better for them to trade up to, unless they are moving away and have no further use for them. The majority of sales tend to happen off-market. As an agent we have access to exclusive penthouses and can approach potential sellers for one-off viewings if we feel the client is serious. “Penthouses are highly likely to have impressive views, a rare commodity in London, as the city is mostly built to five storeys high. Penthouses are trophy homes and once you have acquired one it’s unlikely you will let it go easily.” David Adams, director, Humberts Mayfair humberts.com

A life of luxury

HIGH SOCIETY

“It’s no secret that penthouses command a premium, and for many high-net-worth individuals looking for a place to call their own in the luxurious surroundings of Mayfair, it is worth handing over the extra cash to secure the many perks that living in a penthouse has to offer. “While Mayfair’s penthouses have plenty in the way of aesthetics, often boasting higher quality finishes and added luxury features in comparison to other lower floor apartments – as well as sweeping unobstructed views of the iconic London skyline – penthouse living commands a certain type of lifestyle. Most buildings only feature one penthouse, making them rare and special commodities, while sitting at the very top of an exclusive mansion comes with its own elite brand of kudos. “There is of course also the allure of privacy. An apartment at the very top of the building means having an entire floor to yourself, without any concerns about noisy neighbours above.” Becky Fatemi, managing director, Rokstone, rokstone.com

“In Mayfair it can be particularly hard to find a property that provides clear views of the London skyline, therefore this is one of the reasons there are so few true penthouses available on the market at any one time. “They have an extremely wide appeal to all types of buyers from all four corners of the globe. It is without question that they can be distinguished as an ‘aspirational purchase’, especially within the London market.” Simon Burgoyne, partner, Knight Frank, knightfrank.com

“Sitting at the top of an exclusive mansion comes with its own elite brand of kudos”

curzon street, courtesy of knight frank

PROPERTY

Hot properties Pearson Square, Fitzroy Place A duplex with floor-to-ceiling windows, direct lift, three double bedrooms with en-suites, and access to the building’s private 18-seat cinema. £9.95m, rokstone.com

Dunraven Street A two-bedroom duplex apartment with private roof terrace, in a Grade II-listed property that was formerly a royal residence and home of P.G. Wodehouse. £7.5m, wetherell.co.uk

THE TENANTS

Hampshire House A three-bedroom property opposite Hyde Park with a triple reception, a master bedroom with Carrara marble en-suite, private terrace and floor-to-ceiling sliding patio doors. POA, knightfrank.com

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“About ten per cent of our lettings for the last quarter moved to our building in Grosvenor Square. We continue to welcome high-networth individuals from all over the world, and some corporate tenants. While some may not work in the vicinity of Grosvenor Square, we believe this is testament to the building’s location and the quality of our accommodation. Corporate tenants expect a professionally managed property with a dedicated property manager as well as on-site porter presence 24 hours a day, seven days a week, all of which we are pleased to offer as part of our services. “Our core business is based on long-term tenancies, however we understand the importance of flexibility and from time to time we may be able to assist with a short let

enquiry of no fewer than three months. We are pleased that many of our properties in Grosvenor Square tend to let prior to coming to the market, as tenants’ guests register their interest for when a property becomes available.” Jo Upton, property director, Pegasi, pegasi.co.uk Resident occupation Q3 2017 Self-employed 3% Real estate 3% Legal 3% Other 3% Oil/gas 6% Embassy 7%

Retired 10%

Banking and finance 26%

HNW 16% Student 23%

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property

Property news PrimeResi brings you the latest news in prime property and development in London

Ruling the roost

Image credit: Hayes Davidson

Private enclave up for rent A gated community of four new-build houses in Mayfair is being offered for rent, with international students among the target market. Maple Springfield’s Mayfair Row project, just around the corner from Shepherd Market, is one of only three private enclaves in the area and has delivered a quartet of turn-key options ranging from 3,310 to 4,289 sq ft.

Parked right Green light for major car park-to-residential development

lanners have granted permission for the development of two central London car parks, with one geared to deliver up to 30 ultra-luxury apartments. Super-prime residential-led designs by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris Architects for the Carrington Street car park have now been approved, as have Eric Parry Associates-designed plans to turn the Brutalist landmark Welbeck Street car park in Marylebone into a ten-storey, 206room hotel. It will be operated by fast-growing leisure developer and investor, Shiva Hotels. The half-acre Carrington Street site, billed as a “once in a generation opportunity”, was acquired by the Reuben brothers in December 2015 for a sum in the region of £70m, and plans went in at the end of last year. Given the size and location (between

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Shepherd Market and Piccadilly), it’s possible that the finished development could be worth up to £500m, and join Clarges Mayfair and 20 Grosvenor Square as a new global luxury benchmark. Comprising the Carrington Street Car Park, 51-53 Brick Street and 1-6 Yarmouth Place, all three existing buildings on the site will be demolished, and replaced with new buildings rising between four and eight storeys (plus five basement levels), wrapped around a new residential courtyard. These will house apartments plus office space, a gym, an art gallery, a restaurant and other retail units as well as residents’ parking. A new pedestrian link will run between Yarmouth Place and Carrington Street. Apartments – seven one-bed, 13 two-bed and ten threebed – will range from 73 to 234sq m.

This is billed by agents Wetherell as “currently the most luxurious letting in Mayfair” Billed by agents Wetherell as “currently the most luxurious letting in Mayfair”, the individually-designed three and four-beds are furnished by Celine Estates and the internal spec includes marble staircases, silk carpets, bespoke furniture, Villaverde light fittings, underfloor heating and air conditioning. Three of the four houses have a rooftop terrace, accessed via an electrically controlled glass retractable door, with top-end solar panels.

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To view the newly released suites, 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments, contact our sales team on 020 3944 0754 Prices start from ÂŁ750,000 embassygardens.com

PRICES CURRENT AS OF DATE OF PRINT.

London is our city Embassy Gardens is our home Eg: life, captured on Instagram

Claimer: These are real residents, who really do live in Embassy Gardens! Images from Instagram @embassygardens #embassygardens

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www.pastor-realestate.com

TO LET: BALFOUR PLACE, MAYFAIR W1

ÂŁ1,100 p/w - Furnished

2 Double Bedrooms I Magnificent Reception Room I Full Length Windows I High Ceilings I Day Porter I Quiet Location Superb newly decorated and beautifully presented interior designed apartment in a traditional period block on a quiet residential street in Mayfair Village boasting many original features. Ideal for entertaining with a striking reception room, excellent storage, fully fitted kitchen and tiled bathroom.

TO LET: DERBY STREET, MAYFAIR W1

ÂŁ3,000 p/w - Furnished

5 Bedrooms I 3 Reception Rooms I Self Contained Guest Suite Kitchen I 3 Bathrooms I Roof Terrace I Interior Designed Delightful Mayfair townhouse located on charming cobbled street, moments from Park Lane with private terrace offering roof top views of Mayfair. Recently redecorated throughout, the property has been interior designed to an excellent standard to offer flexible family living and entertaining space. FURTHER DETAILS FOR ALL LETTINGS CONTACT: +44 (0)20 3195 9595 lettings@pastor-realestate.com 48 Curzon Street, London, W1J 7UL

FOR SALE: CHESTERFIELD HOUSE, MAYFAIR, W1J

Â£1,345,000

1 Bedroom I Lift I 24 hour Porter I Share of Freehold A newly refurbished and interior designed one bedroom apartment set within a purpose built block with lift. Extending to approximately 650 sq ft (60 sq m) this luxury apartment features solid wood flooring, a fully fitted eat-in kitchen, designer bathroom, quality appliances and 24 hour porter. Leasehold plus Share of Freehold. FURTHER DETAILS FOR ALL SALES CONTACT: +44 (0)20 3879 8989 sales@pastor-realestate.com 11 Curzon Street, London, W1J 5HJ

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

Park Street, W1K £4,950,000

An elegant two double bedroom apartment on the first floor of this conveniently located apartment building, with a lift in Mayfair. The property has a double reception room, separate kitchen/breakfast room and three bathrooms, energy rating d. Dexters Mayfair 020 7590 9590

Ennismore Gardens, SW7 £6,250,000

A beautifully renovated four bedroom house with views overlooking Ennismore Mews. Arranged over four floors there are three reception rooms, an open plan kitchen and four bathrooms. The property further benefits from a large roof terrace, energy rating c. Dexters Knightsbridge & South Kensington 020 7838 0108

dexters.co.uk

Dering Street, W1S £2,000 per week

A lateral two double bedroom air conditioned apartment within a modern Mayfair development with lift access and a porter. The property has a large open plan reception room/kitchen, three bathrooms and a separate utility room, energy rating b. Dexters Mayfair 020 7590 9595

Knightsbridge, SW7 £4,950 per week

A luxury three bedroom apartment on the eight floor within this prestigious Knightsbridge development. The property has a large reception room, separate kitchen, three bathrooms and a balcony. This development also benefits from 24 hour concierge and residents swimming pool, energy rating c. Dexters South Kensington 020 7244 7711

dexters.co.uk

Tenants fees apply: £180 per tenancy towards administration, £60 reference fee per tenant and £144 towards the end of tenancy check out report (all inc VAT).

One step ahead Dean Main, founder of Rhodium, speaks to Camilla Apcar about how to deliver super-prime property management and separates fact from fiction with the company’s latest market research PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAREL JANSEN

ocus, attention to detail and discretion are at the core of Rhodium, the property management company that Dean Main founded in 2011. Newbuild, super-prime development properties in Mayfair, Kensington, Chelsea, Belgravia and Knightsbridge are his niche. “We built our business around developing services for the developers. We engage very early on –

unlike any other management company we’re actually involved in a scheme at its conception stage.” Rhodium has a separate team advising developers on everything from back-of-house areas to the size of car parking spaces, using its experience working with ultra-high-net-worth individuals, and being able to answer the question: ‘what do they want?’ “Our model is very different to that of anyone else,” says Main. “We’re so

involved in the details and day-to-day operations.” This might comprise anything from deciding if staff will have summer and winter uniforms; what air conditioning units or lift companies are used; to thinking about the acoustics of the building. Rhodium works right through the build as well as hiring on-site teams that will bring the property to life. “Our recruitment process is meticulous,” explains Main. “We hire the best available talent, typically from the hospitality industry, as well as those with a military background.” The company builds balanced concierge teams suited to each development, he adds. “Traditionally it’s quite a male-dominated environment, but more recently we started to employ female concierge to meet the changing needs of our clients, specifically from families.” On each site staff within a team can speak four or five languages, sometimes more. Among the 40 developments and 2,500 units it manages, Rhodium is involved in schemes including Vicarage Gate House, One Palace Street, The Broadway (the Scotland Yard redevelopment), One Grosvenor Square, Lincoln Square and John Caudwell’s Audley Square House. “In recent years we’ve seen a huge influx of clients. Our contracted portfolio three years ago was about £1.5bn. Now it’s up to about £8bn.” The company has 100 employees, and by 2020 that number will rise to around 300. None of the employees working in communal parts of a building are outsourced. Unlike many other management companies, where service stops at the

property

front door, Rhodium’s management also extends to the apartments. Much of its business is about anticipating the client’s next move: coming home to find their dog’s favourite treat, or having been away for a number of weeks to find the concierge has made a reservation at a favourite restaurant – just in case – and freshly stocked the apartment with home comforts. Being part-owned by the Monégasque royal family has helped connect Rhodium to an international concierge base, especially when it comes to dealing with requests from residents. Tickets and restaurant bookings are commonplace; the most difficult involve a time restraint, and the most fun are a little wackier. “We were asked to buy a horse for a 16-year-old’s birthday party,” says Main, who admits that this was far from the team’s realm of expertise. “But we found one, and a vet had to check it for insurance purposes.” Another client requested a replacement Hermès Birkin bag for his wife, with a three-day birthday deadline. This year, Rhodium commissioned DataLoft to produce a series of three research reports that would separate fact from super-prime myth. “I got fed up with reading so much negativity about super-prime,” explains Main. “A few things surprised me about it. You might imagine ultra-high-net-worth individuals to be in a slightly higher age bracket, whereas a lot of our residents are actually quite young.

“I already knew about the occupation levels,” he continues. “But what people don’t understand is that while people are away, a lot of family members or friends will then come to stay.” The report demonstrated that 30 per cent of super-prime property owners live in London full-time, and those who class their property as a second residence typically spend more than four months in the capital. One in seven of these has a primary residence elsewhere in the UK. Rhodium is now working on schemes that might be completed in five years time, rather than taking on projects that need to be finished in just one month. “There’s only a finite amount of development in London,” says Main of the company’s future plans. “The past ten years have seen an enormous delivery of super-prime flats. The best part of our business is that if we win a new contract, we can think about things so far in advance and set timelines. We can really plan.” The company has also been approached about setting up an office in New York, which Main describes as “ironic, given that New York service is far ahead of London, but clients are now asking us to come out there. However we’ve been very careful not to expand the business too fast.”

Super-prime statistics

Reason for residency

“Our contracted portfolio three years ago was about £1.5bn. Now it’s about £8bn”

rh-45.com Source: Rhodium, 2017/Dataloft

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020 3284 1888 mayfair@humberts.com

Rutland Gardens London SW7

48 Berkeley Square, Mayfair London W1J 5AX

A raised ground floor 1 bedroom duplex apartment within a period building, on a private gated road opposite Hyde Park. 24 hour security. Car parking available by negotiation on an annual lease. 845 Approx sqft. 958 years lease. EPC: D.

Asking Price: ÂŁ1,500,000 leasehold

David Adams Director 48 Berkeley Square, Mayfair, London W1J 5AX T: 020 3284 1888 E: david.adams@humberts.com

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property

[ hot property]

St Lawrence Bay, Southminster, CM0

ruising down the shingle driveway of The Old Rectory in St Lawrence Bay, there is an open lawn with mature trees, and a restored orchard of plum, apple, almond and cherry trees with a bounty of blossom – imagine being able to make a crumble on a drizzly day from your own garden produce. Is there anything more British? An exciting opportunity has arisen with an outstanding example of Georgian architecture coming to market. The recently renovated seven-bedroom property is located in the beautiful village of St Lawrence Bay in southeast Essex, and it’s the perfect place to escape from the hustle of London life with sandy beaches, a sailing club, a watersports club and two pubs within walking distance. Although, it’s not too far removed – it’s less than ten minutes to a mainline station with a direct train to London Liverpool Street in just over an hour. The locale is the owner’s favourite aspect of the property,

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saying: “The unique location is one of the things we will miss most about this house. Living in style with such beautiful views of the estuary and the surrounding countryside has been absolutely lovely.” The house offers panoramic vistas across to the twinkling Blackwater Estuary, where you can watch the Thames Barges sail by, from almost every room in the house. The Old Rectory is the ideal purchase for an established or growing family, with well-proportioned reception rooms and a self-contained annexe, with its own kitchen, sitting room, a bathroom and two bedrooms. Ideal for teenagers, an au pair or the overflow of family members at Christmas, it also has its own courtyard and parking space. The property as a whole comes in at 4,842 sq ft, so it’s large enough for every family member to have their own space and privacy. The family room is a place to relax on the weekend after a long bracing

walk along the Estuary, with a woodburning stove and soft grey and purple hues. There’s a more formal sitting room also, with high ceilings, a central fireplace and large sash windows that flood the room with light. The sumptuous interiors continue throughout the house, with the master suite decorated in duck egg blue – a particularly calming shade for a bedroom. It’s also has an en suite with his and hers sinks and a large walk-in shower and tub. As cosy as the house is for the colder climes, it also serves well for the brief British summer, with south-facing terraces, and an ornamental lake with a jetty and lake house within its 2.8 acres. With no chain, this is a rare opportunity to own a slice of tranquillity, just an hour outside of London. £1.3m. For further enquiries contact: theoldrectorystlawrence@gmail.com, 01621 779809

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Grosvenor Square, Mayfair The Grosvenor Square Apartments are located in desirable Mayfair, between the wonderful, green, open spaces of Hyde Park and the vibrant, cosmopolitan bustle of the West End. Luxury retailers are a five minute walk away as are many of Londonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest dining experiences.

Pegasi Management Company Limited 207 Sloane Street London SW1X 9QX E: enquiries@pegasi.co.uk | T: +44 (0)207 245 4500 pegasi.co.uk

A Modernist masterpiece with quite a nice golf course attached.

CHERRY HILL PRESENTS A ONCE-IN-A-GENERATION OPPORTUNITY TO BUY A LANDMARK HOUSE & GARDEN ON THE UK’S PRESTIGIOUS WENTWORTH ESTATE. Cherry Hill is a Grade-II listed, 1930s Modernist masterpiece set in 4 plus acres of landscaped gardens alongside the fourth fairway of Wentworth Club’s championship golf course and only 20 minutes drive from Heathrow Airport. For more information or any enquiries, please visit www.modernistmasterpiece.com or contact our agents’ office: Savills +44 (0)20 7409 8877

The Wentworth Estate

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EATON PLACE, BELGRAVIA, SW1X Set in the heart of belgravia, this beautifully designed two bedroom duplex penthouse is located on the southern side of eaton place, in one of london’s most prestigious addresses. The property is situated on the third and fourth floors of a spectacular stucco fronted building, with direct lift access to approximately 2038 square feet (189.34 square metres) of bright and luxurious lateral living space. The third floor comprises of interlinking reception and dining rooms with high ceilings, large windows and feature fireplaces providing a fabulous entertaining space. The third floor also benefits from a separate kitchen, well-positioned study and separate utility and storage room.

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

»»Two Bedroom Duplex Penthouse »»Air Conditioning and Underfloor Heating »»Direct Lift Access »»Roof Terrace »»Approximately 2038 Sq Ft (189.34 Sq M) »»In The Heart Of Belgravia »»Long Leasehold

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Property news PrimeResi brings you the latest news in prime property and development in London Native Land’s Burlington gate

Fuel for thought Electric car chargers for prime residential scheme Burlington Gate

ative Land is installing 50 electric car charging points in the underground car park of its 42-apartment prime residential scheme, Burlington Gate in Mayfair. The £225m development is due for completion in September. Pushing the innovation envelope a little further, Native Land has included a “cutting-edge system” to allow residents to charge electric and hybrid vehicles from home. Electric cars currently account for just one per cent of new car sales, but a looming ban on diesel and petrol motorcars from 2040 – and some good-looking options from the likes of Tesla and Mercedes-Maybach – should speed up pick-up of the new tech. The charging system at Burlington Gate is controlled by an RFID reader, which uses radio frequency waves to wirelessly transfer data between the

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device and a card. All the user will have to do is plug their vehicle into the system and hold their card to the reader to start charging. The socket automatically switches itself off once the car is full of fuel.

The system will allow residents to charge electric and hybrid vehicles from home Mercedes-Maybach’s new all-electric concept, the Vision 6 Cabriolet

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Grand South Facing Mount Street Lateral Apartment Mount Street, Mayfair, W1 – £4,000,000

Three Bedroom Duplex with Private Garden Green Street, Mayfair, W1 – £2,500,000

Perfect Pied-à-Terre in Prestigious Building Park Lane, Mayfair, W1 – £1,100,000

bringing residential life back to mayfair

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Weth

Outstanding Three Bedroom Lateral Mount Street, Mayfair, W1 – £8,950,000

Triplex Apartment with Private Roof Terrace and Garage Bourdon Street, Mayfair, W1 – £4,250,000

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

wetherell.co.uk

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Fifth Floor Lateral with Uninterrupted Hyde Park Views and 24hr Concierge Park Lane, Mayfair, W1 – £6,950 per week

Grand Mount Street First Floor Lateral

Duplex Penthouse with Private Park Facing Terrace

Mount Street, Mayfair, W1 – £3,750 per week

Park Lane, Mayfair, W1 – £4,950 per week

House within a House, Duplex Garden Apartment with Mews Charles Street, Mayfair, W1 – £5,500 per week

102 Mount Street, London W1K 2TH T: 020 7529 5588 E: rentals@wetherell.co.uk

wetherell.co.uk

Tenant Fees Apply - £240.00 inclusive of VAT is payable by the Tenant for Wetherell conducting tenant checks, credit checks and drawing up a tenancy agreement. Cost is payable per unit dwelling.

no-one knows mayfair better than wetherell

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Weth

MAYFAIRâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MOST VISIBLE SPECIALIST WHETHER YOU VISIT OUR CORNER OFFICE, OUR NEW WEBSITE OR FOLLOW OUR SOCIAL MEDIA, WETHERELL IS THE MOST VISIBLE SPECIALIST AGENT FOR MAYFAIR

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