OLD BOND STREET +44 (0)7889809399 SLOANE STREET +44 (0)2072450527 LAPERLA.COM
Julia Restoin Roitfeld shot by P. Demarchelier
150617_SAV_Ann_KensingtonChelsea_420x297_DP.indd 2-3
w w w.savelli-geneve.com GooGle AnDRoiD SmARtPhone
ReD AlliGAtoR leAtheR
18 K t RoSe GolD
mADe in SwitzeRl AnD
AvAil Able excluSively At hARRoDS in the Fine JewelleRy Room
17.06.14 16:09
Chaplins_MAYFAIR_MAGAZINE_JULY_2014_DPS.indd 1
11/06/2014 12:35
Contents | The mayfair Magazine
Contents July 2014 Features 022 | London Art Week Old Masters and new masterpieces go on show at Mayfair’s prestigious art galleries 050 | Weaving a tale Elle Blakeman travels to Lyon, France to see how Hermès’ iconic silk scarves are crafted 062 | Era of elegance Caroline Burstein on wearing white as Browns Bride celebrates its 10th anniversary 070 | The dream factory Italian design aficionado Alberto Alessi visits us from Italy to talk great wine and great design 074 | Power trip Richard Yarrow explores the growing trend of renting supercars
050 8
042
Collection 031 | After eight Dior presents its first ceramic timepiece
018
regulars
032 | Jewellery news 012 | Contributors 034 | Lost tribe Statement tribal-style accessories for her
014 | Editor’s letter 017 | My life in Mayfair: Countess Raine Spencer 018 | Couture culture Our latest dispatch on the top books, film and plays of the month
021
Art
036 | Deep blue sea Inspired by the ocean, discover British jeweller Boodles’ stunning new collection
021 | Art news 040 | Watch news
111 | Remembering Mayfair: Devonshire House
026 | Prize lots 028 | Exhibition focus: ‘Disobedient Objects’ at The Victoria and Albert Museum
031
042 | Extra time Alex Doak investigates the connection between sports and luxury watch brands
Contents | The mayfair Magazine
Contents July 2014 Fashion
Travel
046 | Style spy
079 | Suitcase stories Mayfair welcomes luggage legend Globe-Trotter’s new flagship boutique
048 | Style update 054 | Beyond the horizon Make a glamorous sartorial statement by the poolside this summer
054
080 | Endless summer Melissa Odabash on the art of swimwear 082 | American life Stephen Doig charts the history of the iconic Hamptons’ style 086 | Four sides of Tanzania We discover the beauty of Tanzania, from the soft white sand of Zanzibar to Mount Kilimanjaro 090 | Paradise found A romantic escape in Saint Lucia
Interiors 067 | Interiors news Baccarat’s timeless Sun Clock and a new tome on David Collins Studio’s stunning interiors
093 | Travel news 094 | City break: Nice Glamour, culture and beaches, all in one place 096 | Suite dreams: The Berkeley
104
Beauty
Property
099 | Beauty news
128 | Property news
100 | Skin deep We bring you all the products you need to give your skin a boost for summer
146 | Hot property A four-bedroom penthouse at 73 St James’s Street arrives on the market
104 | Spa review: Sense Spa at Rosewood London
156 | Upper echelons John Taylor UK’s managing director David Adams discusses prime central London property
Food & Drink
086 10
107 | Food & drink news 109 | Dining out: Rivea at the Bulgari Hotel
160 | Château chic Property developer COGEMAD takes 17th century charm to a decadent new level
OFFICIAL WATCHMAKER CONFEDER AÇAO BR ASILEIR A DE FUTEBOL
TONDA METROPOLITAINE Steel Automatic movement Steel bracelet Made in Switzerland www.parmigiani.ch
ATELIER PARMIGIANI 97 MOUNT STREET, MAYFAIR, LONDON W1K 2TD, TEL. 020 7495 5172, ATELIERUK@PARMIGIANI.COM LONDON
SELFRIDGES, THE WONDER ROOM
|
ARIJE
|
HARRODS, MONTREUX JAZZ CAFE
Contributors | The mayfair Magazine
JULY 2014 s issue 034
Acting Editor Kate Racovolis
The
contributors
Art Editor Carol Cordrey Food & Drink Editor Neil Ridley Collection Editor Annabel Harrison Editorial Assistant Bethan Rees Editorial Intern Marianne Dick Brand Consistency Laddawan Juhong Senior Designer Lisa Wade Production Hugo Wheatley Alex Powell Oscar Viney Amy Roberts Editorial Director Kate Harrison Client Relationship Director Kate Oxbrow General Manager Fiona Fenwick Head of Finance Elton Hopkins Executive Director Sophie Roberts Managing Director Eren Ellwood
Proudly published by
RUNWILD MEDIA GROUP
6th Floor, One Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5AX 020 7987 4320 www.rwmg.co.uk
Elle Blakeman Elle is a journalist and editor based in London. She has previously worked at Harper’s Bazaar, Marie Claire and InStyle and specialises in luxury travel and fashion writing. This month, she travels to the Hermès silk factory in Lyon, France to discover the art of its iconic square scarves.
Runwild Media Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Runwild Media Ltd. takes no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved.
Rebecca Wallersteiner Avid art writer and critic, Rebecca contributes regularly to The Times, The Lady and The Telegraph. As Master Paintings Week arrives in Mayfair this month, she meets three fascinating art experts in the area to discuss how their iconic galleries operate.
Kensington
NottiNg hill
& Chelsea & hollaNd Park JULY 2014 s £5
Carol is an art critic and editor. She organises the annual London Ice Sculpting Festival and is permanently on the art scene bringing us the latest happenings. This month, she reports on the much anticipated annual Summer Exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts.
Vantage ONE LOVE
Sun
The Queen
statement sHades, retro swImwear & Bold prInts
DIANA VErDE NIETO THINKS pOSITIVELy AbOuT Luxury
LIFE AS A LOCAL FOr WAr pOET SIEGFrIED SASSOON
escape to luxurIous european destInatIons tHIs summer and admIre tHe Best travel pHotograpHs of tHe year
Emotional
Ties HEIDI GOSMAN TALKS SuN, SEA AND SWIMWEAr
cover
On the
s AN EDITION OF THE KENSINGTON & CHELSEA MAGAZINE s
JOURNAL
Luxury watch brands join the worLd’s most mass-marketed sport
MOdEL Behaviour in the Studio with oliver CheShire
TRAVEL spEciAL
extra Time
roger Federer: tenniS, twinS and Family time out
Lest
we forgeT
mAn of ThE
mATch
roger federer on tennIs, twIns and tourIng tHe gloBe
Residents
JULY 2014 s £3.50
JULY 2014 s £5
of green
hERE comEs
the
also in this issue: Commonwealth Games 2014 s Boodles’ ocean of dreams s HeIdI KleIn
12
Carol Cordrey
Richard is a motoring journalist and a former associate editor of Auto Express. This month he discovers a new trend among motoring enthusiasts, where hiring supercars – from Aston Martins and Bugattis to Lamborghinis – is becoming more popular.
Also published by
DISTRIBUTION: The Mayfair Magazine is distributed in Mayfair, St James’s and Belgravia as well as selected parts of Knightsbridge, Chelsea and Marylebone.
Members of the Professional Publishers Association
Richard Yarrow
City
Kingpin
Current WITH THE
Summer’S moSt elegant poolSide enSembleS
image courtesy of globe-trotter (see page 79)
how peter cruddas went from boy scout to the square miLe’s most famous son
+
Written for residents by residents the rise of europe’s tea parties What does it mean for the markets?
the future of forex osborne gets tough on foreign exchange
Banks, Brokers and regulators: Where do they leave the consumer?
JUNE 2014 • IssUE 14
MAPPINANDWEBB.COM
REGENT STREET | OLD BOND STREET | FENCHURCH STREET
M&W_Empress_Purple_London Stores.indd 1
08/05/2014 16:39
Editor’s Letter | The mayfair Magazine
editorA
From the
EDITOR’S PICKs #1 Earrings, £1,230 Ippolita (net-a-porter.com)
1 2
#2 Bag, £1,370, Chloé (brownsfashion.com)
3
#3 Oyster Perpetual Lady-Datejust Everose Rolesor, from a selection, Rolex (rolex.com)
14
s I looked out onto Mount Street one evening from The Connaught Bar, a friend said to me, ‘We could be in Paris.’ While the thought that we could be anywhere but Mayfair disturbed me for a moment – as what could be more British than the terracotta façades of Mount Street – there was some truth to this. It is the international influences, combined with the British heritage and tradition that makes Mayfair so much of what it is; from the decisionmakers who work here, to the world’s most prestigious brands that choose to be present here and the discerning residents who live here. When I moved to London from Australia, Mayfair was my first port of call, and that has never changed. This special area is in so many ways a gateway to the wider world, and my first issue of The Mayfair Magazine celebrates exactly that. I meet with the elegant Caroline Burstein, creative director of Browns Fashion at her South Molton Street headquarters to talk about Browns Bride’s 10th anniversary and wearing white. Burstein was credited with bringing designers such as Monique Lhuillier from the US to London – a remarkable example of how she curated the best bridal talent from abroad (page 62). Italian design aficionado Alberto Alessi also visits us from Italy to discuss how he transformed ordinary kitchen objects into works of art (page 70). Meanwhile, Elle Blakeman travels to Hermès’ silk factory in Lyon, to discover how its iconic scarves are brought to life (page 50). It is also in Mayfair’s very nature to inspire travel to other parts of the world. As the British luggage brand Globe-Trotter opens its new flagship store on Albemarle Street (page 79), we couldn’t think of a better excuse to pack our suitcase for a summer sojourn.
Kate Racovolis Acting Editor Follow us on Twitter @MayfairMagazine
ABOVE: THE BIG BOOK OF THE HAMPTONS, IMAGE COURTESY OF ASSOULINE (SEE PAGE 82). BELOW: ‘BEYOND THE HORIZON’ (SEE PAGE 54)
Saturno Dining Table and Vesta Chairs
Discover the Natuzzi Italia dining collection. natuzzi.co.uk
02031 314 001
London_Titles_Saturno_ad_297x210_Proof2.indd 1
06/06/2014 10:49
9-16 NOVEMBER THE O2
IF YOU wAnT THE bEST, wHY SETTLE FOR LESS? GET YOUR OFFICIAL HOSPITALITY PACKAGES TODAY www.match-hospitality.com +44 (0) 20 7647 5920 or tennis@match-hospitality.com The players shown are for illustrative purposes only. Qualification and participation subject to ATP rules. Images courtesy of Getty Images and Red Photographic.
BATPWTF2014_Match_Hosp_RUNWILD_Ad.indd 1
21/05/2014 12:10
The mayfair Magazine | Regulars
My life in MAYFAIR Countess Raine Spencer director of Harrods International and Harrods Estates
‘I ‘Shepherd Market was the site of the May Fair, which started as an agricultural fair’ – Countess Spencer
from top: COUNTESS raine SPENCER; HARRODS ESTATES on park lane; Harrods Windows Shoulder Bag, £19.95 (harrods.com); the connaught; Bernardaud tea set, £657, thomas goode & Co limited.
adore history,’ says Countess Raine Spencer, as we sit on the plush couches in one of the suites at The Connaught in Mayfair. With her immaculately coiffed hair, Salvatore Ferragamo shoes and perfectly pressed suit, Countess Spencer is elegance personified. ‘I have the most amazing memories of Mayfair in all different periods of my life,’ she says. ‘My parents had a white Rolls-Royce with black wheels and I had a pram to match which was also white with black wheels. I recall walking up Half Moon Street with my nanny towards the park, and learning to ride in Hyde Park as a child. But always, there we were in Mayfair.’ This is one of Countess Spencer’s earliest and rather fond recollections of living in the area, first in Culross Street, and living near the shops by Half Moon Street by Shepherd Market. ‘Shepherd Market was the site of the May Fair, which started as an agricultural fair, and then it turned into the sort of place where there were men on stilts and men throwing hoops in the air. People regarded it as a place for idle and disorderly persons, so it always had a bad reputation, which I think is very funny.’ Of course, the Shepherd Market of today has changed entirely, with streets lined with chic eateries and shops. Her love of history comes from decades of experience in local government, where she worked for 18 years, the 16 years she worked for tourism for Britain and, more recently, as director of Harrods Estates since 2005 as well as a director of Harrods International since 1996. Always a woman of action, as a Councillor for Westminster City, where she served for nearly a decade, this role saw her overseeing a great variety of matters relating to housing, town planning, arts, recreation, civil defence and works traffic. This one role provides but a small glimpse into her life of work for the people and places of London. Mayfair’s property is an industry she knows particularly well – after all, she has lived at 14 addresses in the area in her life, including Grosvenor Square, where she lived in five different addresses, twice in Hill Street and South Street, Chesterfield Hill and Farm Street to name but a few. Her tenure at Harrods Estates has seen her work with property in central London extensively, including Knightsbridge, where property near Harrods is very popular among international buyers, as well as Mayfair and Chelsea. ‘I think it’s that Harrods Estates has a distinct sphere of influence,’ she says. ‘London really is a series of villages.’ And in the village of Mayfair, Countess Spencer has frequented its many iconic institutions for decades. While her apartments were being refurbished, she would stay at The Connaught, and breakfast at the hotel was always a favourite of her husband’s. ‘When I lived in Grosvenor Square I often went to Richoux and C. John. Thomas Goode & Co. is completely magic. And Henry and Charlotte, two of my children were christened in the Grosvenor Chapel!’ 17
agenda
books
Baguettes of style Finally, the wait is over! The Fendi boutique has opened on Bond Street. Peruse its iconic handbags while admiring art installations, as well as photographs taken by Karl Lagerfeld in the stunning interiors that hark back to the brand’s Italian heritage, with a Murano glass chandelier connecting its three floors. If you’re a real Fendi fan, then head over to Harrods before 28 June, where you will find a pop-up store with an amusement arcade theme, complete with a Fendi vending machine where its bug bags are the prize. Bag, £12,900 Fendi, 141 New Bond Street, W1S (fendi.com)
Couture culture Watch Kiera Knightley and Mark Ruffalo navigate New York City’s music scene, Fendi opens in Mayfair, plus travel essentials for your summer escapes
theatre
Medea
‘The play is headed by Helen McCrory, whose extensive repertoire is hard to ignore’
18
THE debut book In the Light of What We Know by Zia Haider Rahman £16.99, Picador In this tome, two men unravel a complex friendship and face issues of class, culture and faith. THE food read The Bloomsbury Cookbook: Recipes for Life, Love and Art by Jans Ondaatje Rolls £24.95, Thames & Hudson This book chronicles the Bloomsbury Group through a series of recipes with links to some of the literary greats.
T
he story of Euripides’ Medea has been adapted numerous times. But none will be quite like this performance is expected to be, starring Helen McCrory. The famed Greek tragedy has arrived at National Theatre, and is being revitalised by director Carrie Cracknell, whose other productions include the classic Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House and Blurred Lines earlier this year. McCrory’s, impressive prior repertoire of performances is hard to ignore. While she always seems at home on the big screen in blockbusters such as Harry Potter and Skyfall, her theatre career is vast and she is no stranger to the West End, which also includes three previous performances at the National Theatre in The Last of the Haussmans, Blood Wedding and The Seagull. Produced by Ben Power, the play tells the story of a wife and mother who, for the sake of her husband, leaves home and has borne two
THE Beach read Indiscretion by Charles Dubow £7.99, Blue Door Dubow’s indulgent, Gatsbyesque debut explores desire and betrayal amidst the heat of an East Hampton’s summer.
image courtesy of Jason Bell
sons in exile. The husband, Jason, later abandons his family for a new life and Medea seeks to extract appalling revenge, consequently destroying everything she holds dear – a compelling story not to be missed. Medea runs at the National Theatre until 4 September (nationaltheatre.org.uk)
THE critics’ choice Boyhood Island by Karl Ove Knausgaard £17.99 Harvill Secker The acclaimed author brings us his third volume in which he tackles childhood, family and memory. the photography read Dennis Hopper: The Lost Album by Petra Giloy-Hirtz £35, Prestel This collection of prints shows the actor and filmmaker’s talent for capturing American culture.
The mayfair Magazine | Regulars
5 top picks
Travel essentials
Travelling just became glamorous again with Acqua di Parma eye masks, Anya Hindmarch’s make-up bag and silk pyjamas – how Pan Am
film
Begin Again
‘C
an a song save your life?’ asks director John Carney (Once) in his new film, Begin Again, an unconventional look at the music industry and the challenges of life in the Big Apple. Begin Again follows the unlikely friendship that develops between Gretta (Keira Knightley) and Dan (Mark Ruffalo) who are both struggling under the weight of New York City at two conflicting points in their lives. Knightley plays the role of a lonely singer-songwriter with her typical tomboy charm, while Ruffalo portrays a bitter record-label executive in the thick of a mid-life crisis. Their united passion to create authentic, quality music in a factory pop generation creates a complex bond, which is gently yet powerfully depicted. Carney, whose credentials for Once include an Academy Award and a smash-hit stage show, manages to weave an original soundtrack seamlessly into
Meisterstück 90 Years 149 Fountain Pen, £620, montblanc (montblanc.com)
#1 Tournée business leather travel set, £315 Acqua di Parma (acquadiparma.com)
the plot with a selection of delicate pop songs à la Burt Bacharach. The off-thecuff humour of producer Judd Apatow (This is 40) can be especially be felt in scenes with James Corden (The History Boys) who plays Gretta’s starry-eyed British friend. Jarring poignant moments with awkward humour, this creates an important balance which doesn’t allow the film to feel overly profound. A must-see for all music-lovers, Begin Again is hopeful without feeling contrived. Although there is an element of ‘will they or won’t they?’ throughout, ultimately Gretta and Dan’s relationship is a realistic look at how people can guide each other through times of shared emotional turmoil. Using music as a catalyst, Carney also comments on the industry without pretending it can be revolutionised. Begin Again is out on 11 July
#2 Make-up bag, £195 Anya Hindmarch (anyahindmarch.com)
#3 Lillian washed-silk pyjama set, £480 Equipment (net-a-porter.com)
words: marianne dick
Celebrate the art of handwritten letters as Montblanc celebrates 90 years of its iconic Meisterstück
#4 City guides £375, Louis Vuitton (louisvuitton.com)
#5 Passport cover, £65 Liberty London, (liberty.co.uk)
19
Heath spotted orchids and grasses – Watercolour, graphite and ink on Arches 640 gsm paper 102 x 124 cm
Exhibition 12 JUNE – 5 JULY 2014
Jonathan Cooper Park Walk Gallery
20 Park Walk London SW10 0AQ t: +44 (0)20 7351 0410 mail@jonathancooper.co.uk www.jonathancooper.co.uk
Rosie Sanders Dandelions and other flowers PA I N T I N G S O F W I L D F L O W E R S
A colour catalogue is available on request View online catalogue at jonathancooper.co.uk
The mayfair Magazine | Art
Hughie O’Donoghue RA, leader of the Selection and Hanging Committee at the Royal Academy of Art’s Summer Exhibition
Art news
The Royal Academy of Art’s annual Summer Exhibition arrives, while Edward Seago’s captivating landscapes go on show at the Portland Gallery w o r d s : c ar o l c o r d re y
Come rain or shine Edward Seago (1910-74) was mostly self-taught, but an especially gifted artist. His first solo exhibition in London at the age of just 19 was a great success and a key point in his development as one of Britain’s best painters of landscapes and coastal scenes. Born and educated in Norwich, Seago had a natural affinity with and intimate knowledge of the area, which helped him to capture the tranquil, wide-open spaces of East Anglia’s countryside and coastal areas, though other locations became the focus of his attention too. Typically, he worked with a muted palette and subtle light effects, but his compositions are compelling because they are balanced with just the right amount of detail and expressive brushwork to realistically convey the weather, natural features, people’s gestures and the characters of buildings and boats. Every scene looks as if it was executed effortlessly and spontaneously which, combined with his skilful use of perspective, low horizons and sweeping skies, explains why his paintings are so captivating. Edward Seago, 11 June – 9 July (portlandgallery.com)
Homage to modern art It has been the practice of artists over the centuries to pay homage to older, great artists by demonstrating in one form or another that their work has been a source of inspiration to the creativity of the younger ones. Some go so far as actually appropriating older artists’ work which can be seen as the ultimate compliment, and examples of both are at the Skarstedt Gallery’s star-studded show. Six keynote works are displayed which include Francis Bacon’s Study for a Pope III based on Velázquez’s wonderful Portrait of Pope Innocent X, Sigmar Polke’s This is How You Sit Correctly (After Goya) which references works by Goya and Max Ernst, and George Condo’s Portrait of a Woman influenced by Picasso’s early paintings. In Homage, 27 June – 8 August (skarstedt.com)
Q: What is the process and criteria behind the Hanging Committee’s selection? A: This is my first time as a selector and the first time that submissions were made initially in digital form. The only criteria was to be open-minded and to choose work that was compelling and which would keep the event a world-class show of art that visitors would enjoy and be inspired by. It took over a week to whittle down submissions from 12,000 to the 2,500 which were physically brought to the RA. Q: How are the different artistic disciplines separated and who is responsible for their display? A: Eric Parry and Richard MacCormac curated an architecture room; John Maine organised sculpture; Chris Orr and Emma Stibbon looked after the prints and engravings; Cornelia Parker devoted a room to black-and-white artworks; Eileen Cooper dealt with work by young artists; and Gus Cummins hung the small artworks in the Small Weston Room. Q: Who are the recently elected and honorary RAs in the exhibition? A: Work by new RAs will be in one room and include the names of Thomas Heatherwick, Neil Jeffries, Chantal Joffe, Tim Shaw, Conrad Shawcross, Yinka Shonibare, Bob and Roberta Smith and Wolfgang Tillmans. Honorary RAs include El Anatsui, Marlene Dumas and Rosemarie Trockel. Summer Exhibition 2014, 9 June – 17 August (royalacademy.org.uk)
21
clockwise from top left: Image © The Estate of Edward Seago, courtesy of Portland Gallery, London; Installation view of Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 2014 © Benedict Johnson; Francis Bacon, Study for a Pope III, 1961, oil on canvas, 60 x 47 in. (152 x 116.8 cm.), Private Collection, courtesy of Skarstedt, ®The Estate of Francis Bacon, DACS, London, 2014; George Condo, Portrait of a Woman, 2002. Copyright George Condo, courtesy of Skarstedt
Q&A with…
London Art Week 4-11 July 2014
Old Masters and new masterpieces arrive in Mayfair this month as Master Paintings Week begins as part of London Art Week wo r d s : r e b e c c a wall e r s t e i n e r 22
The mayfair Magazine | Art
jonathan green (richard green)
M
left: strata of green & scarlet vermilion by patrick heron; right: family group by henry moore. above: jonathan green
aster Paintings Week, now in its sixth year, has established itself as one of the key events in the London art calendar and this year has come together with Master Drawings and Sculpture Week to create London Art Week. Each of the participating 22 galleries and three auction houses are within a short walk from each other, highlighting the extraordinary art expertise to be found in Mayfair and St James’s. First in my trio of Master experts is Jonathan Green. Tall and handsome, he looks younger than his 52 years. ‘Marrying young and having children may be keeping me youthful,’ he laughs. The eldest of three sons, born to legendary art dealer Richard Green, Jonathan now acts as CEO of the third generation of his family’s business. He runs the Richard Green modern art gallery, situated next to Sotheby’s headquarters, at 33 New Bond Street, opposite the five storey building where the Old Masters paintings are housed at Richard Green, 147 New Bond Street, once the home of Admiral Lord Nelson. Artworks by Henry Moore, L.S. Lowry and William Scott are displayed around the gallery. ‘Like my father, paintings have always been part of my life; my grandfather James Green opened a gallery at 4 St James’s Street in 1936, the year dad was born,’ says Green. He certainly earned his colours – spending a couple of years working in the Impressionist and Modern Art Department at Sotheby’s in London and in New York, before returning to run the family business. In 2012, his inaugural London exhibition – bringing together the work of Ben Nicholson, Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore – was praised as being ‘fine and thought provoking’ by The Spectator. ‘In certain markets that we deal with, we are the leaders,’ says Green.
In 2008, Green became a co-founder of Master Paintings Week with Johnny Van Haeften and Konrad Bernheimer, (Colnaghi). ‘The three of us were concerned about the shrinking numbers of art galleries in Mayfair. We wanted to do something about this and promote the breadth of art expertise in Mayfair and St James’s,’ he explains. London Art Week helps to bolster smaller art dealers as it attracts people to galleries situated on the upper floors of buildings,’ he says. It provides a good opportunity to further promote London internationally – in America, the Far East and the Near East – and for gallerists to actively encourage new and younger collectors to venture through their doors and become interested in art. ‘You can see people of all ages walking around the area perusing their gallery guides,’ says Green. So what is he planning for London Art Week? ‘To coincide with this week Richard Green will
‘London Art Week helps to bolster smaller art dealers’ – Jonathan Green be staging a special exhibition,’ says Green. Highlights include an important Henry Moore family group in watercolour, a group of works by Ben and Winifred Nicholson, Christopher Wood and Alfred Wallis from the 1930s and a group of post-war abstracts by Patrick Heron, William Scott and Alan Davie. Many of these artists worked in St Ives during the early 20th century and would have known and influenced each other. Richard Green Gallery, 33 New Bond Street, W1S (richardgreen.com)
23
Ben and Rachel Elwes (Ben Elwes Fine Art)
A
right: A Young Woman Kneeling at Prayer (1813) by sir david wilkie. above: Ben and Rachel Elwes
24
short walk away, low-key, discreet and dynamic, husband and wife team, Ben and Rachel Elwes run a gallery on the first floor of an Edwardian building at 45 Maddox Street. ‘Rachel and I work together as a team and our strengths complement each other. We brainstorm and make decisions about the business together.’ Whereas Ben has worked as a traditional dealer for much of his career, his American wife was formerly an academic and boasts a distinguished 15-year museum career. ‘Rachel has an invaluable knowledge of many major international collections having been part of the team that installed and launched the Gilbert Collection at Somerset House in 2000 and was formerly a curator at the Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh. Her expertise has been essential to building our business.’ Although they focus mainly on Old Masters, including paintings by Fra Angelico, Canaletto, Turner and Gainsborough, the Elwes’s deal in a wide range of art including sculpture and works on paper. They recently sold a Thomas Jones work on paper to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. ‘We are about bringing people and objects together and placing the most superlative objects in the best places,’ says Rachel. Their clients include some of the world’s most glamorous collectors and major museums, including Tate Britain, the Louvre and the MET. ‘We do a lot of work with private collectors and are known for having strong contacts with the museum world,’ says Ben. Their focus for London Art Week will be a delightful painting by the great Scottish Regency painter Sir David Wilkie, (1785-1841)
A Young Woman Kneeling at Prayer (1813), which has never been presented before. Trained in Edinburgh, Wilkie later moved to London and studied at the Royal Academy Schools where he became the hit of the R.A. exhibition of 1806. His technique was influenced by 17th century Dutch painting and the public loved the wealth of lively and often humorous detail in his work. A Young Woman Kneeling at Prayer, painted early on in the artist’s career, displays a skilful lightness of touch. The subject is likely to have been the young daughter of the Earl of Mulgrave, who died aged just 13 – so this poignant portrait may have been executed as a memorial. His work had a huge influence on French art, influencing Eugène Delacroix and many Victorian English painters.
‘Rachel has an invaluable knowledge of many major international collections’ ‘It is very exciting that we will be unveiling this newly discovered painting at London Art Week,’ says Ben. ‘We have previously sold works by Wilkie to the Art Institute of Chicago and the Louvre,’ says Rachel. It was extraordinary to sell a British painting to the Louvre and it set a world record. The couple will also be presenting two stunning portraits of Moroccan ambassadors to the Court of George I, executed by Enoch Seeman and the Swedish artist Michael Dahl. Ben Elwes Fine Art, 45 Maddox Street, London, W1S Open to the public during London Art Week, although viewing is usually by appointment only. (benelwes.co.uk; masterpaintingsweek.co.uk)
The mayfair Magazine | Art
konrad bernheimer (colnaghi)
O
right: Simon Franck (1513-c. 1541) Saint Ursula with an entourage of maidens and Saint Achatius with a train of knights and nobles, Oil on panel, the wings of an altarpiece 215 x 94 cm each, Colnaghi; above: Konrad Bernheimer
ne of the most fascinating art dealers in Mayfair, Konrad O. Bernheimer, the suave director of Colnaghi, is renowned for his expertise in Old Master paintings from the 15th to the 19th centuries. In his native Germany, Bernheimer has enjoyed the reputation of being the number one Master dealer for decades. ‘In 2001, I became the director of London’s oldest commercial art gallery P&D Colnaghi & Co. which must be one of the greatest names of Bond Street,’ says Bernheimer. At the time, he joined forces with Old Master drawings expert Katrin Bellinger to acquire the famous Colnaghi library and archives. Together they have increased the gallery’s reputation as one of the world’s leading Master paintings and drawings dealer. Bernheimer belongs to the fourth generation of one of Europe’s most established art dealing dynasties. Founded in 1864 by his greatgrandfather, Lehmann Bernheimer, the firm opened as a shop for textiles and oriental carpets before expanding to include Italian Renaissance furniture, French antiques, tapestries, porcelain and other objets d’art. It was very popular with Belle Époque European Royalty and aristocracy as well as newly rich Americans who came to buy antiques and paintings from Bernheimer’s grandparents. When disaster struck in the Nazi era, his family were forced into exile in North and South America. Konrad’s grandfather returned to Germany to reclaim the family’s property and continue running the business after the war and Konrad took it over in 1977. Under his directorship the gallery flourished and began to develop an interest in Old Masters, specialising in European schools from the 16th to the 19th centuries. Extraordinarily cosmopolitan, Bernheimer travels back and forth between his galleries in Munich and London. Seeing the success of the Rive Gauche art dealers’ week in
Paris, around ten years ago, first gave him the idea to stage something similar in London, with people able to walk around Mayfair and casually drop into galleries, as they did in Paris. ‘There is no other concentration of quality Old Master dealers in the world, as around Mayfair and St James’s.’ One of the highlights that we can expect to see at Colnaghi during London Art Week includes a masterpiece by German artist, Simon Franck (1513 – 1541), Saint Ursula With an Entourage of Maidens. Less well known than his contemporary Cranach, Franck entered Cranach’s workshop as a fully-trained artist. His delicate brushstrokes perfectly capture the maiden’s flowing hair falling in corkscrew curls and sullen expression. Founded in 1760, Colnaghi were instrumental in the formation of some of the most important American collections including Isabella Stewart Gardener, Henry Frick and Andrew Mellon. ‘In 2010 we celebrated the 250th anniversary of Colnaghi and we are now celebrating the 150th anniversary of our gallery in Munich.’ Colnaghi is a venerable survivor of the grand Old Master galleries in Old Bond Street, and Bernheimer is not afraid adapting to different times. ‘As Giuseppe di Lampedusa wrote in his masterpiece The Leopard,’ he says, ‘“If we want things to stay as they are, things will have to change,” and I am confident that this change will meet with our client’s approval.’ P&D Colnaghi & Co Ltd. 15 Old Bond Street, W1S
25
PRIZE LOTs #1 HMS Beagle Marine Chronometer Charles Darwin is the grandfather of geology, and his five year journey on the HMS Beagle to South America and the Galapagos Islands is considered legendary. This is where he began to overturn the ancient, accepted Creationist view of the world and began writing extensively about evolutionary theories. Accompanying him on the valiant voyage was this W.E. Frodsham marine chronometer, which aids navigation at sea. The timepiece surfaced at Bonhams after being previously unrecorded, and has been discovered as one of 22 that were on board the HMS Beagle. The only other two recorded chronometers from the ship which are known to have survived are owned by the British Museum. The clock, which is dated 1825, is signed by William Edward Frodsham, the son of a famous clock-making family. As Bonhams are the only international auction house to hold sales purely devoted to clocks, they have a highly specialised approach to horology; it’s a sale not to be missed. Expected value £30,000–£50,000. The Fine Clocks Sale at Bonhams New Bond Street, 9 July (bonhams.com)
#2 Portrait of Frances, Lady Marsham, later Countess of Romney, 1755–1795, by Sir Joshua Reynolds In the 18th century, full-size portraits from English artists started to emerge in the art world. Sir Joshua Reynolds was one of the most important and influential painters, who specialised in portraits and endorsing the ‘grand style’, a style derived from art of the ‘High Renaissance’ period. Reynolds, who held the title as the first president of the Royal Academy of Arts in 1768, was famed for his spectacular full-length female portraits, and this lot is a prime example. The piece depicts
#1 image courtesy of bonhams; #2 christie’s images ltd; #3 Image: © sotheby’s
26
Lady Marsham in a satin gown and a draped delicate shawl, with powder white hair in a characteristically high fashion which was emblematic of the era. The oil on canvas would hang perfectly overmantel as it once did in Lord Burton’s ball room at the famed Chesterfield House in Mayfair. The sale comes amongst other portraiture artists such as George Romney, Francis Cotes and John Hoppner. Expected value £3,000,000–£5,000,000. The Old Master and British Paintings Evening Sale at Christie’s, 8 July (christies.com)
#3 Study for a seated St. Joseph, his head resting on his right hand, 1445–1510, by Sandro Botticelli In July 2003, Sotheby’s New York sold one of Barbara Piasecka Johnson’s artworks from her prized collection for $28.6 million, and now another selection of her pieces are up for auction; this time in London. Over the course of 30 years, she curated a huge assortment of trophy artworks with her trained art historian eye, with a strong focus on the Renaissance movement. The sale is led by a rare Florentine drawing from the illustrious Sandro Botticelli, and is the only drawing to appear on the market from the artist since the 19th century. The piece depicts a study for the figure of St. Joseph and aside from an album of illustrations for Dante’s Divine Comedy, there are only 12 surviving drawings from the Florentine master and they are all in museums. All proceeds from the sale are to benefit the Barbara Piasecka Johnson Foundation, which was established in 1974, and its primary focus is to help children with autism. Expected value £1,000,000–£1,500,000. The Old Master and British Paintings Evening Sale at Sotheby’s, 9 July (sothebys.com)
The mayfair Magazine | Art
1 2 3 27
Exhibition Focus:
Disobedient Objects Civil disobedience becomes art in a new exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum, exploring Disobedient Objects from the 1970s to the present W O R D S : R e b e cca W a l l e rs t e i n e r
U
below: Bone china with transfers printed in green, bearing the emblem of the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) Photo © Victoria and Albert Museum, London; right: Guerrilla Girls, Image © George Lange
28
nder normal circumstances, an art gallery isn’t a place where you’d expect to encounter political protest. However, art has been used as a tool of political activism more than you might imagine. Over the years, artists including Picasso, Dennis Hopper and Gilbert and George have all expressed their dissatisfaction with the system through their art. This month, a new exhibition at the V&A, Disobedient Objects, curated by Catherine Flood and Gavin Grindon will examine how political activism, from the 1970s onwards, sparked a flowering of design ingenuity. From suffragette teapots and graffiti-writing protest robots to Chilean folk art-textiles and giant inflatable cobblestones, this exhibition will be the first to examine the powerful role of objects in movements for social change. Martin Roth, director of the V&A says, ‘This exhibition celebrates the creative “disobedience” of designers and makers who question the rules. It shows that even with the most limited of resources, ordinary people can take design into their own hands.’ The objects on display have mainly been produced by non-professional makers and defy standard definitions of art and design. ‘Many of the exhibits have been loaned directly from activist groups around
the world and have never been shown in a museum before,’ says Flood. Accompanying film footage and newspaper cuttings will help explain why the creators of these objects felt the need to be creatively ‘disobedient’. For hundreds of years, ordinary people have used puppets to challenge the system. Hewn from scraps of cloth, paper and wood, puppets would have been understood by all, even the illiterate majority. In 17th century Douai, France, the basket makers guild made giant wicker figures to be paraded through the streets, as a protest against French defeat. During the French revolution they made giant wicker aristocrats, which were banned afterwards. ‘In recent years there has been a renewed interest in puppetry. Being small, pliable and anonymous, puppets are easy to hide and smuggle through checkpoints,’ says Flood. During the Vietnam War they were used to express disillusion with the American government and, more recently, they have been used to express discontent with the regime in Syria. Flood has chosen this as an exhibition highlight, as a hit web-based comedy series by
below: Chilean Arpilleras wall hanging: Dónde están nuestros hijos, Chile Roberta Bacic’s collection, Photo © Martin Melaugh
The mayfair Magazine | Art
Masasit Mati recently lampooned the Assad regime with finger puppets. Closer to home, few of us around in the 1980s could forget the ingenuity and wicked satire of Spitting Image puppets that drew weekly British television audiences of millions. This was accompanied by surging interest in the actual political figures themselves, as people compared politicians, such as Margaret Thatcher and Denis Healey, to their outrageous puppets. As a centrepiece of the exhibition Flood has chosen a dramatic tableau of three puppets used in protest against the first Gulf War by the politically radical US-based Bread and Puppet
‘Disobedient art can be produced as an act of resistance under dictatorship’ Theatre. This was also the era of the Greenham Common Women’s Peace Camp which protested against the stationing of nuclear missiles in the UK. Some of the powerful banners will be hung around the exhibition space. Disobedient art can be produced as an act of resistance under dictatorships. During the Pinochet regime, Chilean women, whose relatives disappeared, or were jailed, often gathered together to make a type of tapestry, known as arpilleras to protest against the regime’s abusive policies. These decorative folk art textiles, made of coarsely woven cloth, were often smuggled out of Chile by human rights organisations and told the story of these women’s lives. They helped to raise international awareness of Pinochet’s
human rights abuses, while providing money for the tapestry weavers. They helped empower the women who made them by giving them some freedom of expression and a global audience. While the women wove, they shared their stories of political violence and torture. The government allowed these gatherings, as they assumed the women were making folk art, which has long been part of Chile’s cultural heritage. Now, these textiles are sought after by collectors and are often worth thousands of pounds. During the past 50 years, a revolution in technological and social change has taken place. This led to protest art being made utilising a number of new materials, such as the giant, inflatable plastic cobblestones thrown at demonstrations in Barcelona, to a political video game about the making of mobile phones. Surreal, plastic cobblestones, like toys belonging to a gigantic toddler and produced by the Eclectic Electric Collective, were thrown at police lines during the 2012 Barcelona General Strike. Remarkably, they helped defuse the dynamic, as the police threw them back at the demonstrators, who tossed them back again. Another exhibition gem created with great ingenuity is The Bike Bloc built from discarded bicycles and audio equipment, welded together during the 2009 Reclaim Power protests in Copenhagen. It is fascinating to see ordinary objects being recycled for new subversive purposes. This follows on in the tradition of artists such as Picasso who made sculptures from discarded everyday objects, like bicycle handlebars and old tools found during his walks. With such an imaginative gathering of ingenious ‘Disobedient Objects’ – this exhibition can’t fail to be a huge success. ‘Disobedient Objects’ runs from 26 July 2014 – 1 February 2015 at the Victoria and Albert Museum. An exhibition catalogue edited by Catherine Flood and Gavin Grindon is available from V&A Publishing, £19.99 (vam.ac.uk)
from left: Ed Hall, Banner for UNITE the union at the march in support of the NHS in Manchester, Courtesy of Ed Hall; Andy Dao and Ivan Cash, Occupy George overprinted dollar bill, Courtesy of Andy Dao and Ivan Cash
29
C E L E B R AT I N G 3 0 Y E A R S
Aurora Inspire romance with this 0.86ct Fancy Intense Australian Argyle Pink Diamond Ring, reflecting the warm, vibrant and fiery hues of its extraordinary and ancient origins. A highly prized, rare and collectable jewel.
To receive the beautiful Calleija brochure, please contact us The Royal Arcade Old Bond Street London london@calleija.com +44 (0)20 7499 8490
The Westin Martin Place Sydney sydney@calleija.com.au +61 (0)2 9233 6661 calleija.com
Marina Mirage Main Beach Gold Coast mirage@calleija.com.au +61 (0)7 5528 3666
The mayfair Magazine | Collection
F
or the house of Dior, eight is a very lucky number, representing the opening day of its first couture house (8 October 1946), the eponymous designer’s Avenue Montaigne address in the eighth arrondissement of Paris and the name of the first collection, En Huit. So it was only fitting that the first ceramic timepiece created by the house would feature the numeric symbol VIII. Previewed at Baselworld, the new Dior VIII Montaigne timepiece collection marks one of the biggest from the brand this year and it will be available towards the end of July. Prices start from an accessible £2,350 and the pieces come in three different sizes – 25mm, 32mm and 36mm – as well as in a selection of metals, including stainless steel and pink gold. Dior VIII Montaigne collection, launching end of July (dior.com)
After Eight
31
Collection | The mayfair Magazine
Jewellery news This summer, enjoy jewellery exhibitions both contemporarily cool (courtesy of Shaun Leane) and traditionally elegant (Graff) W O R D S : O LI V I A S H A R PE
Fly on the wall Until the end of August, Nick Knight’s SHOWstudio on Motcomb Street has been transformed into a weird and wonderful chamber of curiosities as it plays host to contemporary jewellery designer Shaun Leane’s new exhibition. Notable works from the avant-garde designer include his very first creation, a finely crafted single diamond tusk earring which was first seen on Alexander McQueen’s catwalk in 1994, not to mention a whimsical 22-carat gold jewel beetle brooch. Each bespoke piece has been thoughtfully paired with a piece of art, fashion item or natural history specimen; for example a butterfly brooch sits next to an original Damien Hirst painting, while an elaborate pair of feather hoop earrings is being shown alongside a Philip Treacy hat. Until 29 August, Nick Knight SHOWstudio, 19 Motcomb Street, SW1X (showstudio.com; shaunleane.com)
CUTTING EDGE On a flying visit to London before the Vegas Couture Show, Texan-based jeweller Emily Armenta, whose eponymous jewellery brand launched 12 years ago, presented us with her latest collection. Incorporating ancient techniques such as micromosaic and stone layering, each piece within the new collection tells an intriguing story:
‘As with all my collections, I’ve tried to bring a piece of history forward and make it relevant to today. The new collection was inspired by the Spanish poet Federico Garcia Lorca and his vision of “duende”, which is essentially the powerful beauty of life’ – Emily Armenta (armentacollection.com) 32
Rare Jewels This year marks the 10th anniversary of Graff Diamonds’ Monaco Rare Jewels Exhibition; held at Hôtel de Paris from 29 July to 17 August, the annual event will present the house’s very finest luxury jewels and watches. Those of you who had the misfortune to miss this year’s Baselworld will be given another chance to see the most talked-about piece of the show; Graff’s multi-coloured diamond Hallucination watch, which broke the record for the most expensive timepiece ever created (valued at £33 million). Other remarkable pieces on display from the Graff Jewels collection include stunning tiaras, opulent brooches and elegant Alice bands, along with timepieces from the brand’s Luxury Watches collection. Graff Diamonds’ Monaco Rare Jewels Exhibition, 29 July – 17 August
Set Free Parisian-born Raphaele Canot’s CV is certainly impressive; she has worked in jewellery design for 18 years at Cartier and De Beers. This May saw the designer break free with the launch of her first solo collection. Comprising 30 pieces, the Set Free Diamonds collection is aptly named; the range of wearable diamond pieces have, quite literally, been set loose from their traditional settings. Pieces include delicate rings and mini hoop earrings. Available at Dover Street Market London (raphaelecanot.com)
Drive your dream. Bringing you the hallmark of automotive luxury and style. Our bespoke service means you can expect special treatment every step of the way. And with our make and model guarantee you’re choosing a dream you can drive away. Available in London at Marble Arch and Heathrow Airport Hertz branches.
hertzdreamcollection.co.uk Information and booking: 01895 627 241
Collection | The mayfair Magazine
#3
#4 #5
#2
#1
Lost TRIBE Embrace the S/S14 tribal vibe with statement accessories
#7
#6
#15
#8
#9 #13
#14 #12 #11
#10
#1 Stone ring, £662, Beth Orduna (farfetch.com) #2 Gold-plated horn necklace, £565, Maiyet (maiyet.com) #3 18-karat yellow gold oval link wood necklace set with champagne diamonds, £5,910, by Armenta at Talisman Gallery, 020 7201 8582 #4 Heleni horn and bronze earrings, £270, Ashley Pittman (net-a-porter.com) #5 Chalcedony, wood, leather and bronze necklace, £1,950, by Monies at Talisman Gallery, as before #6 Tula necklace, £124, Vice & Vanity (farfetch.com) #7 Gold-plated, Swarovski crystal and wood necklace, £1,195, VICKISARGE (vickisarge.com) #8 Horn earrings, £110, by Monies at Talisman Gallery, as before #9 Wood and gold-plated bracelet, £115, Kenneth Jay Lane (net-a-porter.com) #10 Hoop earrings, £187, Onyx (farfetch.com) #11 Gold-tone bar choker, £1,565, Alexander McQueen (alexandermcqueen. com) #12 18-karat yellow gold and wood earrings set with boulder opals, diamonds and sapphires, £1,660, by Armenta at Talisman Gallery, as before #13 Cia earrings, Sarah Angold Studio, £350 (farfetch.com) #14 Shasira bone and garnet earrings, £310, Ashley Pittman (netaporter.com) #15 Horn and gold-leaf cuff, £295, by Monies at Talisman Gallery, as before 34
Does your insurer value your most precious assets as much as you do?
Deep blue
sea
This June saw British jeweller Boodles unveil its new high jewellery collection, Ocean of Dreams, and it has already made quite a splash W O R D S : O l i v i a S h ar p e
36
The mayfair Magazine | Collection
B
‘The process of designing the collection, which took two years, began with the creation of the Atlantic Blue Suite’
ritish heritage jeweller Boodles has never actively sought out fame; however, being the creator of some of the most exquisite pieces of fine jewellery, it is only natural that on occasion it is in the limelight. One such example of this was just a few months ago when Channel 4 decided to go undercover at the 215-year-old British jewellery house in an exclusive documentary, The Million Pound Necklace: Inside Boodles. In a fascinating fly-on-the-wall exposé, the documentary revealed the work that goes into creating some of Boodles’ most celebrated suites, in particular the Greenfire emerald necklace, which is part of the most valuable set of jewels ever made by the house and is currently valued at £2.8 million. The show took us on a journey explaining how these precious gems are sourced before they are then entrusted to the design team in the firm’s UK-based jewellery workshops and transformed into wearable works of art. Three months later, Boodles has returned with a new collection of unique, design-led creations. Ocean of Dreams is a couture collection of 11 one-off high jewellery pieces inspired by the mystery and magic of the underwater world. Nicholas Wainwright, the chairman and creative director of Boodles, tells me how he fell in love with the concept as soon as his head designer Rebecca Hawkins pitched it to him: ‘It’s easy to see why the ocean has been the inspiration behind so many designs in the past; it’s so captivating and entices you with its elements of mystery.’ Each suite, ranging from Atlantic Blue to Mermaid’s Tale, paints a whimsical picture of the ocean through its combination
37
of diamond and coloured stones with delicate and intricate design motifs. Nicholas explains: ‘Dolphins’ Serenade, for instance, captures a series of dolphins’ fins as they emerge above the water by using marquise diamonds surrounded by smaller pavé set diamonds, while the Sea Star suite uses a more obvious pink and white diamond encrusted starfish motif.’ At the unveiling of the collection at The Savoy last month, co-designer Lorna Shaw explained how the process of designing the collection, which took a total of two years, began with creating the Atlantic Blue Suite; featuring incandescent Paraiba Tourmalines, which has become somewhat of a trademark stone of the jewellery house, these were used to capture the ocean’s mesmerizing waters. For Shaw, this particular suite sums up the entire collection with its vibrant colour and intricate design. The majority of the stones, including the Paraiba Tourmalines, were sourced two years ago in Basel and in the case of the Ocean Moon set, which features an array of sapphires, chalcedony and aquamarines, the design was centered on the stones
38
themselves. Similarly, Pastel Reef pays tribute to the wealth of flora found in coral reefs through its combination of aquamarines, tsavorites, pink and yellow sapphires, and green and yellow beryls with diamonds, and in Deep Sea Treasure, freshwater pearls are used to depict the rare natural treasures which can be unearthed from the depths of the sea.
‘Couture collection Ocean of Dreams is inspired by the mystery and magic of the underwater world’ However, this was not the case for all the pieces. In Mermaid’s Tale, for example, chairman Nicholas comments how it was the design which came first: ‘This suite has been inspired by the most mythical of sea creatures and the way in which different elements of the mermaid subtly surface as you carefully inspect the cuff.’ It features swirls of diamonds and platinum evoking the ripples that remain on the water after a vision of the sea maidens. Indeed, every single design tells its own enchanting story
The mayfair Magazine | Collection
which goes beyond the wearer’s wildest dreams. While the design-led pieces are undoubtedly the most spectacular, Shaw predicts that the simplicity of the Dolphins’ Serenade, which includes classic drop diamond earrings made up of fin-shaped sections, will prove the most popular among clients. Nicholas Wainwright has worked at Boodles for more than 43 years and he continues to be very much involved in all aspects of the business. He and his brother Michael (managing director) took over from their father in 1992 and Nicholas’ son Jody and his nephew James Amos are joint directors, proving the age-old expression that blood is thicker than water. Those of you who watched the Channel 4 documentary will remember that it was Jody who sourced the exceptional Colombian emeralds found in the million pound suite and according to Nicholas, he has taken over ‘the lion’s share of travelling’. However, the chairman is still heavily involved in the stone sourcing process. ‘I was in the Far East recently and bought some fabulous emeralds and rubies and combined this with some of
my duties as Honorary Consul of Thailand.’ Nicholas confides that it is very much the company’s plan to focus on design-led projects over the next two years and this is currently being headed up by Rebecca and her team of five world-class designers including Lorna Shaw. One of the many exciting projects in the pipeline is Boodles’ first watch, launching this October. ‘We feel that our brand is now at the right place for the watch to really make an impact. It is something that we have always wanted to do and it was a very natural transition for us. It will be a “jewellery” watch featuring pink and white diamonds, and mother-of-pearl… we are all very excited!’ Boodles is currently expanding its New Bond Street showroom and this is set to be completed in the spring of 2015. The flagship store will effectively double in size as it takes over premises on Albemarle Street. While Nicholas remains tight-lipped as to the surprises expected to be found in store, it is clear that still waters certainly do run deep. Ocean of Dreams is now available in Boodles’ showrooms, from a selection (boodles.com)
39
Collection | The mayfair Magazine
Watch news Treasured timepieces, horological heirlooms and modern masterpieces WORDS: RICHARD BROWN
Breitling’s space odyssey A month after The Mayfair Magazine team took to the Gloucestershire skies with the Breitling Jet Team (an experience we’ve not yet come down from), the brand has announced that its dedication to aviation will take it to the edge of the stratosphere next year. That’s when Swiss Space Systems will be opening its first weightless ZeroG flights to the public. As the project’s main partner, Breitling will provide passengers with a S3 ZeroG chronograph. Equipped with a SuperQuartz movement, it will be ten times more accurate than a standard quartz watch and act as a boarding pass for the programme’s successful applicants. Registration has just opened. To apply, visit zerog.s-3.ch. (breitling.com)
ONE TO WATCH Adrian Maronneau, director of buying and merchandising at The Watch Gallery, selects his watch of the month:
‘New for 2014, the 26470 Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph collection maintains the original 42mm ‘supersize’ diameter of 1993. The new references are available in stainless-steel or 18-carat pink gold, and are distinguished by a more technical, sculpted aesthetic’ Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph 3126/3840, £29,700, Audemars Piguet Available from Selfridges, The Watch Gallery Westfield and at thewatchgallery.com 40
Luminor’s Latest Incarnation To celebrate the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge reaching its 10th year, Panerai has created the Luminor Submersible 1950 3 Days Automatic Titanio. This version of the iconic dive watch comes with a 47mm case and is powered by the brand’s in-house P. 9000 calibre movement. If you’re looking for a robust, over-sized classic, you’ll do well to find better. Only 50 will be made and each will cost around £6,800. Expect to see more on the wrists of City boys than deep sea divers. (panerai.com)
Arsenal Punt Pays Off Ten minutes into the FA Cup Final and Bruno Grande must have been a nervous man. The JeanRichard managing director, whose brand acts as official timekeeper at Arsenal, was about to watch the one-time league hopeful’s season go from a calamity to a disaster. Luckily, Aaron Ramsey stepped up in extra time to prove the sponsorship had been a masterstroke all along. JeanRichard celebrated the victory by unveiling a limited edition of its Aeroscope Chronograph (£4,400), complete with fully red dial and black titanium case. It’s a young, dynamic and athleticlooking piece. Much like the team, then. (jeanrichard.com)
Swiss movement, English heart
C9 HARRISO N B IG D AY- D AT E A U TOM ATIC Made in Switzerland / Modified ETA 2836-2 automatic movement with Big Day-Date complication by Johannes Jahnke / 38 hour power reserve / 43mm, Hand-polished, 316L stainless steel case / Anti-reflective sapphire crystal / Exhibition case-back / Italian leather strap with Bader deployment
291_ChristopherWard_Mayfair.indd 1
09/06/2014 08:59
M top: Manchester City FC (image courtesy of Richard Mille); right: Parmigiani Fleurier watch
42
any moons ago, iconoclastic watchmaker Richard Mille hooked up with an obscure young tennis player called Rafael Nadal and made him a watch that cost in the region of £400,000. It was a high-tech piece so shock-resistant that the hard-hitting rookie could wear it when he played and when he started lifting trophies, which he did at Roland Garros in 2005. Mille then made a bright, white and super-light piece for another unknown sports star – a self-taught golfer called Bubba Watson, who, sure enough, went on to win the Masters, twice, with a magnesium-cased RM038 strapped to his left wrist, still ticking despite the American’s brutal 126mph swing. ‘Richard just has this amazing ability to pick future superstars of sport,’ attests
Beatrice Giusti, Mille’s communications director for Europe. ‘He can sense rising talent.’ But despite his form on sports stars, the watch world was still left scratching its head when Mille announced a partnership with Manchester City FC in 2012. Sure, we’d all spotted a chunky titanium piece on Roberto Mancini’s wrist in the dug-out but what was the sponsor of a glamorous regatta in glitzy St Barths and the highly exclusive Le Mans Classic race doing, aligning itself with an ailing Premier League team whose directors could barely afford the resulting extra-time-counter Mancini watch, let alone the fans? The ‘Mille effect’ has indeed come to pass, however, with Man City’s fairytale victory in the Premier League this year (Mancini-less, it must be said). And, would you believe it? Chelsea, Manchester
The mayfair Magazine | Collection
Extra
time Even before World Cup fever swept the… er… world, the watch industry was already getting cosy with some of the finest domestic teams. Alex Doak asks why the luxury sector would suddenly become so interested in a mass-market sport
above: the JeanRichard Terrascope watch; right: Rotary’s Chelsea watch; TAG Heuer ambassador Cristiano Ronaldo
United, Arsenal and even FC Barcelona all now boast ‘official timekeeper’ partnerships; Rotary, Bulova, JeanRichard and Maurice Lacroix respectively. Elsewhere, just in time for the World Cup, Switzerland’s virtuoso but rather gnomic Parmigiani Fleurier aligned with the Confederaçåo Brasileira de Futebol, releasing a version of its Pershing Yachts chronograph in the Brazilian colours (go figure). Hublot is keeping time on the World Cup as a whole, peppering the streets of Rio with oversized clocks and making friends with the legendary Pele, and Roy Hodgson. Even TAG Heuer – already blessed by the visages of Leonardo DiCaprio, Cameron Diaz and Maria Sharapova – added the greased, cherubic
features of Cristiano Ronaldo to its brand-ambassador roster in May, fresh from his Champions League victory with Real Madrid. Although he was back in training at the time of going to press, there was a hairy moment when competing in Rio with Portugal looked unlikely thanks to injury, which would indeed have been just as painful for TAG Heuer’s marketing department. But, for all the glamour and global exposure of this summer’s World Cup, what could possibly be motivating luxury watch brands to align with a traditionally working-class sport – brands more likely to be seen adorning the hoardings of polo pitches and F1 paddocks? As you’d expect, the official line being towed by the press releases cites shared values of precision,
43
from top: Robert Dreyfuss with CFC team; Rotary’s Chelsea watch
44
excellence and team spirit. However, some brands are being rather more honest about the market leverage such alignments afford. ‘London as a global city and capital is the perfect platform for JeanRichard to welcome our clients and visitors,’ said JeanRichard’s CEO Bruno Grande, fresh from a reassuringly impressive display of skill on the hallowed turf of the Emirates during the recent launch. ‘But Arsenal has a great visibility in a lot of countries; they reach all the way to an especially big following in the US and Asia. As one of the leading teams of the English Premier League [EPL],’ Grande concludes, ‘and one of the “best to watch” soccer clubs in the world, the Gunners were, in our opinion, the perfect fit.’ Apparently, the critical factor here is the global audience that the EPL enjoys – especially in the Swiss watch industry’s most important market, Asia. As a recent BBC Online report attests, England gave football to the world, but nowadays a more accurate description is that England sells football to the world. A new EPL TV deal running from 2013 to 2016 is worth nearly £5.5 billion, and more than £2 billion of this comes from the sale of overseas rights. Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia
paid £650 million between them. Any Briton who has visited southeast Asia will more than likely have been asked by locals whether they support Chelsea or Man U – something that invariably irritates diehard West Ham fans as much as football refuseniks. So why do Asians love the EPL so much? As for many British businesses, the language helps. The time zone helps too; games that traditionally kick off at 3pm in England will be broadcast at primetime in south-east Asia. As traditionalist fans find to their irritation, weekend matches are even staggered to maximise both the UK and Asian TV audiences. This popularity is good news for TV networks, but also great business for producers – luxury watchmakers and jersey manufacturers alike. As Alice Tsang, an economist for Hong Kong’s Trade Development Council, attests: ‘Apparel such as football strips and jackets are the most popular items among the fans in Hong Kong. Apart from fashion items, a number of traditional English football clubs such as Arsenal and Liverpool have even set up lucrative soccer schools in Hong Kong and China respectively.’ Tsang cites the rising middle-class income and purchasing power in the East as reasons for making higher priced footballrelated merchandise, such as luxury watches, a more viable commercial proposition nowadays. ‘Also,’ she says, ‘by manufacturing one-of-akind, long-lasting memorial watches for historic football teams, it reinforces the Swiss brands’ prestigious image for far longer than this seasons’s home strip.’ Whether the trend as a whole proves to be as durable as the watches themselves is yet to be seen. But given younger fans’ slavish devotion to their favourite players, a newfound passion for Swiss watches among footballing fans worldwide may be here to stay. Watch this space.
The mayfair Magazine | Collection
clockwise from below: roy hodgson © 2014 Desmond O’Neill Features Ltd; the JeanRichard Terrascope watch; hublot celebrates roy hodgson’s 66 by presenting the king power; Manchester United players (image courtesy of Bulova); Hublot’s Big Bang Unico Bi-retrograde Chronograph
‘The critical factor for the watch industry is the global audience that the English Premier League enjoys, especially in Asia’
45
Fashion | The mayfair Magazine
Let’s be Franck Mayfair’s Davies Street is home to some of the biggest forces in fashion including Vivienne Westwood, Alfred Dunhill and Udeshi. Now, the ultra-chic street welcomes French label Franck Namani which is set to open this summer. The brand, which is famous for its ultra-soft cashmere, is bringing a new dimension to the word ‘shop’, as there will be a ‘dressing room’ concept, a lounge area and a bar – how French. Franck Namani, 31-35 Davies Street, W1K (francknamani.com)
style spy rees WORDS: Bethan
Spanish summertime Have you ever wondered what memories of riding around Menorca on the back of a Bultaco bike smells like? Thanks to Frank Sawkins, founder of Jermyn Street fragrance purveyor Czech & Speake, we now know. The new fragrance aptly named Spanish Cedar was inspired by Sawkins’ holidaying and the aroma the sun scorched pine and cedar trees would create. With woody, smoky notes balanced out with citrus and piquant, spritzing it on your wrists will transport you far, far away from London. Spanish Cedar Eau de Parfum, £105 for 100ml (czechandspeakefragrances.com)
Against the tide Splashing around in the waters of Costa Azzurra requires the most effortless yet stylish swimwear, and Chucs Dive and Mountain S/S14 collection embodies this classic uncomplicated glamour extremely well. Chucs have also just welcomed its new designer, Eric Wright, former director of Façonnable, who has previously designed for Karl Lagerfeld and Fendi, and he has certainly stamped his smart mark on the brand. Shorts £155 (left), and £180 (right) (chucs.com)
46
Claws out The summer season means taking time off work to enjoy yourself, whether it’s here in London or abroad. Either way, it means slipping off your work brogues and sliding into some comfortable loafers. Parisian brand Galet have released its seasonal slippers which bring playfulness to an everyday shoe, especially in this crab and beach ball print. They’re handmade, flexible, lightweight and perfect to throw in your suitcase for your trip away. Shoes, £250, (galet.com)
Foldaway fortune Goyard is one of the oldest Parisian trunk makers, and it has duly earned its reputation as the go-to travel brand over the centuries. Now it has created an innovative item which is set to solve the age-old issue of shopping while abroad. The origins of the case date back to the 1930s when a Brazilian lady requested Goyard to create luggage for this very problem. The Valise Pliable suitcase can be folded to the size of a clutch bag, which is ideal for those who are so inclined to come back home with more than they left with. The case comes in a lightweight canvas with the signature monogrammed chevron print and is a welcome addition to our travels. Suitcase, from £2,315 (goyard.com)
Fashion | The mayfair Magazine
Cool summer Italian fashion favourites MaxMara have your off-duty summer essentials sorted with their Weekend Spring Summer collection. Think boyfriend shirts, preppy blazers and loose fitting trousers for an unassumingly chic look – the perfect sartorial complement to breezy beach hair and sun-kissed skin, from walks along the Cornish coast or strolls in the Hamptons. The muted nautical tones and delicate prints are reminiscent of bleached boardwalks and summer fauna, transporting you instantly to a relaxing summer state of mind. Weekend MaxMara is available at Harrods (weekendmaxmara.com)
TE A D P U e l y t s NE DICK WORDS: MARIAN
3 of the best… beach bags
Vibrant Miss Viv It’s no secret that the French are experts when it comes to classic, effortless style. What better way to complete your summer wardrobe than with Bruno Frisoni’s iconic design, Miss Viv? The definitive Roger Vivier bag, inspired by the ever-elegant Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, has been reinvented in a range of vibrant, tropical shades. Choose from a delectable selection of colours including blood red, mandarin, candy pink and splash blue and wear across the body on the beach or on the arm as a bold statement piece. Bag, from £1,650, Roger Vivier (rogervivier.com)
The Italian job Sixty years ago, Italian corsetry artisan and founder of La Perla Ada Masotti first presented her exquisite lingerie in red velvet-lined cases traditionally used for fine jewellery. Now, the same concept from the brand’s formative years has been brought to its new boutique on Old Bond Street, designed by famed Italian architect Roberto Baciocchi. Here you can shop the finest lingerie in a grandiose setting inspired by great Italian architecture such as the Castelvecchio Museum in Verona. The shop boasts silk tub armchairs and display cases with gilded metal hangers – pure decadence. Slip, £394, La Perla, 9 Old Bond Street, W1S (laperla.com) 48
1 2 3
#1 The natural tote: Maxi Tote, £205 Sensi Studio (selfridges.com)
Life’s a beach It’s not a beach holiday without wearing a touch of Missoni’s iconic zigzag by the pool. This season’s collection was inspired by the four elements, and a classic chevron design has been reinterpreted to create mellow wavy patterns and bolder graphic prints, featuring elements of African tribal motifs and Japanese pop art. This collection will make you the subject of serious poolside envy. Swimsuits, from a selection, Missoni, 138 New Bond Street W1S (missoni.com)
#2 The playful print: Sunny Tote, £510, Gucci (net-a-porter.com)
#3 The updated classic: Pin Art Nevis, £495, Anya Hindmarch (anyahindmarch.com)
100% natural fibres clothing for children
www.cashmirino.com 020 7495 0708
31 Burlington Arcade, West Central London, W1J 0PY
e l a t a g n i v a e w
50
The mayfair Magazine | Fashion
us st luxurio o m ’s d rl k factory g the wo ermès sil to makin H in e s e th o g to t travels Just wha lakeman B e ll E ? s scarve find out in Lyon to
51
opening spread: Top row, from left: Hermès, La soie savoirfaire images: by Kai JÜNEMANN; Genèse du carré SOUS L’EGIDE DE MARS Impression, by Tadzio. Bottom row: clockwise from top left: Festival des métiers à Munich, 2012 by Sandra STEH. all others: La soie savoirfaire, by Kai JÜNEMANN.
52
N
ever underestimate simple. The clean lines of a sharply tailored suit are simple. The thread that is perfectly dyed to match your carry-anywhere tote is simple. The diamond on an engagement ring is simple; in fashion, as in life, simple can make all the difference. On the face of it, a 90x90cm piece of silk is clothing in its most simple form. Hermès, who have been producing such pieces in what is arguably their most exquisite form imaginable, have built a global brand on this ‘simple’ piece that is actually anything but. Rather ambiguous in its raison d’etre, the Hermès scarf, or Carré, as the house prefers, is a chameleon of style: in the Fifties it was knotted under the chin, in the Sixties, the back of the head. In the Eighties the truly fashionable wore it wrapped around their waist, or attached it to their handbags – carefree and irreverent. Knowing what to do with one marked you out as cultured in style. Last year, against a backdrop of recession and tightening belts, Hermès reported almost a 15 per cent increase against 2013 sales, while sales in China continued to grow in double-digit percentages, bucking the trend against other LVMH brands such as Gucci and Lanvin. The brand continues to evolve, having just launched an app and is refurbishing its Bond Street store, which will reopen later this year. Artistic director Pierre-Alexis Dumas attributes this to the fact that the Hermès brand is firmly rooted in detail and craftsmanship. ‘We belong neither to the world of luxury nor to the world of fashion,’ he told Business of Fashion earlier this year. ‘This is a family house that goes back six generations. We did not invent our craft, we are the recipient of an age-old tradition, mixed with something which is perhaps proper to my family – a desire for excellence – and maybe something a little bit obsessive and mad about detail.’ It is this tradition and detail that I have flown
to Lyon to see first-hand, being led around by the enduringly enthusiastic Kamel Hamadou, the communications manager for Holding Textile Hermès (HTH) for over 27 years. ‘Many places make silk,’ he says, ‘but real silk comes from Lyon.’ A proud Lyon-born man, Kamel bounces around with energy, telling us how he almost went to work for Kodak but when he found out he had landed a job with Hermès, even Kodak tore up the contract. Of course Hermès did not bring silk to Lyon,
‘Apparently HM The Queen is one of the biggest collectors of Hermès scarves’ rather the other way around, although today the brand and city are synonymous with their collective wares. Importantly though, it is ‘not Paris’. ‘There is knowledge here in Lyon,’ says Kamel. ‘Skill, history – this is what it takes.’ The first scarf was produced in 1937: Jeu des Omnibus et Dames Blanches – a fun illustration of the inauguration of the Parisian public omnibus line from Madeleine to Bastille. Each scarf is designed by a single engraver from an original print, with an average of 27 colours (but up to 46 at the most – a much bigger job for the silk screening). This process is laborious and takes an average of 2,000 hours – almost a year – to complete. Once a print has been decided upon, say the Native American Pani la Shar Pawnee, or the jungle print Au Coeur de la Vie of S/S14, it will be sent to one of Hermès’ engravers to find the colours. ‘No sex, no politics and no religion,’ says Kamel on the choosing
below: scarves by STUDIO DES FLEURS
The mayfair Magazine | Fashion
of the prints. Other than that anything goes. In the archive, there is a room with swathes of old designs – each with numerous colours, patterns and ideas splashed across them. Apparently HM The Queen is one of the biggest collectors of Hermès scarves. ‘I would do a special order for her,’ says Kamel reverently. Today, it is the jungle print that has fallen to Nadine Rabilloud to recreate; 36 years with Hermès, she is a calm, measured worker. With a steady hand, she slowly recreates the original design, giving utmost respect to the original artist: ‘You must not betray the spirit of the design,’ she says. In her 36 years, Nadine has completed just 40 scarves – a quick process it is not. Once the engraver is happy with the colours, the next stage is to make the screens. Downstairs, away from the quiet drawing and sketching, is a factory where huge steel frames hold each 90x90cm design. As the colours are added one by one at the silk printing stage, there is one frame for every colour, which is then printed by layers, like a jigsaw slowly coming together. At this stage, every defect would be reproduced on the scarves, so the focus is intense to ensure absolute perfection. There is someone employed at every stage to check for stray specks of dust or the slightest of scratches – each of which would render an Hermès scarf unsellable. ‘The customer must know that he can trust an Hermès product,’ says Kamel. ‘He should not need to check it at all, if it is on an Hermès shop floor, then it is perfect.’ The colours are chosen by a dedicated committee in Paris based on a seasonal palette, and each scarf is recreated in 14 different colour ways, which will be taken down to ten – the jungle goes from lush greens to inky blues and bold Schiaparelli pinks. Surrounded by each of them, it’s hard to pick a favourite – no wonder they need a committee. It can take weeks to decide upon the colours; this truly is a place for people who think in terms of jade, teal, pistachio
and emerald, rather than merely green. The paint is added a layer at a time, each swipe of colour being monitored closely by a skilled technician. A single roll of silk stretches over a 160-metre-long table as the scarves slowly come to life. They are pegged above the machine, drying on what must be the world’s most glamorous washing line – £45,000 of billowing silk. Once dry, they are spun through yet more processes, adding a protective layer to ensure the colours stay bright. In charge of cutting is Wilfred, the only man on a floor full of women (‘courageous’ jokes Kamel). He cuts with innate skill, barely looking at his hands, bottom to top – zip, bottom to top – zip, before suddenly flinging a scarf to the floor behind him – a defect! I can’t see it, but it’s there apparently: the flaw that marks this piece as ‘not Hermès’. It is destined either for sewing practice for the seamstress school next door or a petit h recycling collection. Next door is a haven of quiet where trained women sit in comfortable silence, hand-sewing the rolled hem that the Carrés are known for – it must be 15mm exactly, and is sewn with a single piece of silk thread – dyed to match the scarf. The focus is palpable but not tense. The women happily chat us through what they are doing, showing how they roll the scarf just so. ‘Hermès objects are desirable because they reconnect people to their humanity,’ says Dumas. ‘Our customer feels the presence of the person who crafted the object, while at the same time the object brings him back to his own sensitivity, because it gives him pleasure through his senses.’ Amazingly, there is yet another quality-control station that the pieces must go through before being finally ready for sale; yet more virtually finished pieces that will never see the inside of those orange boxes. A little bit obsessive? Mad about detail? Perhaps, but it’s definitely not simple. (hermes.com)
above, from left: Genèse du carré SOUS L’EGIDE DE MARS Impression by Tadzio. Fabrication de la soie - Ateliers AS and La soie, both by Vincent LEROUX; La soie savoir-faire, both by Kai JÜNEMANN.
53
54
The mayfair Magazine | Fashion
Beyond the
horizon Couture is not just reserved for the catwalk. Make a poolside statement this summer with embellished jumpsuits, full-length skirts and gold accessories p h o t o g r a p h e r : RA C HE L L S M I TH s t y lis t: N ATA L I E REA D
Hat, from a selection, Melissa Odabash(odabash.com). Swimsuit, from a selection, Calzedonia (calzedonia.it). Earrings, ÂŁ260, Maria Piana (mariapiana.com)
55
Fashion | The mayfair Magazine
56
Lupta porum eum facimil eost, et mo el id quam quisAlicilit as dolut volorestin et illa nos dolupti debissi nvendit atemporio doluptatur atus doluptatis auda quiaturitate velessedicia volore sae nam consecto dolupist, optate quidunt, nem iundandignit vollese quibuscilis dis aut eatis niet la nobis ad eum sam quate vit qui odisto quatust esciam et eium nihilla tempos eos antem est, officiet omnieni mporum explique diaspe et omnis ex esti reperorehent latem inullenima ventotatis evellat. Em hit, soluptas doluptae sum ratur sum impor Opposite: Dress, £1,895, Burberry (burberry.com). aboriste eossimus net lam ipsam que im dem quam Cuffs, £325, both Kirsten Goss (kirstengoss.com). imusa quianturThis si ditemo te con eium rem page: Bikini, £190, sitiatem Marianna G labo. Busciis quiBangle, nam fugita laudam essi (mariannagswimwear.com). £365,deand earrings, quibustion cuptatem a est vel intiae £175, both Kirsten Gossdoluptatemos (kirstengoss.com). Ring, £140, sequi quatia dolum qui andis ullam ditiHeels, consecepro Marilyn Tan (marilyntanjewellery.com.sg). £795, coremporunt quameOlympia ipic tore(charlotteolympia.com) dusciatis plique eos Charlotte
This page: Bikini top, £95, Biondi (biondicouture.com). Skirt, £1,200, Temperley (020 7229 7957; temperleylondon.com). Cuff, £359, Marilyn Tan (marilyntanjewellery.com.sg). Clutch, £12,620, Nicholas Oakwell (020 7495 8527; nicholasoakwellcouture.com). Earrings, £175, Kirsten Goss (kirstengoss.com) Opposite: Jacket, £1,755, Mary Katrantzou (marykatrantzou.com). Swimsuit, £179, Pistol Panties (pistolpanties.com). Ring, £140 and bangle, £305, both Marilyn Tan (marilyntanjewellery.com.sg)
The mayfair Magazine | Fashion
59
Fashion | The mayfair Magazine
60
Opposite: Swimsuit, £189, Pistol Panties (pistolpanties.com). Hat, from a selection, Melissa Odabash (odabash.com) This page: Jumpsuit, price on application, Nicholas Oakwell (020 7495 8527; nicholasoakwellcouture.com). Scarf, £285, Pucci (emiliopucci.com). Earrings, £975 Tiffany & Co. (tiffany.co.uk)
Photographic assistant: Benny Johnson Makeup: Kate Pettigrew, using Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Fluid and S 2014” Hair: Yoshitaka Miyazaki using Bumble and Bumble Model: Anna Zakuyslo at Next Model Management Shot on location with thanks to Ibiza Sana Ibiza Sana is available for private hire and also runs its own yoga retreats (ibizasanayogaretreat.com)
Era of
elegance
As Browns Bride celebrates its 10th anniversary, Browns Fashion’s creative director Caroline Burstein invites us to her South Molton Street headquarters to talk about how she transformed London’s bridal offering W o r d s : K a t e Rac o v o l i s
62
The mayfair Magazine | Feature
left: Caroline Burstein (photo: Keith Appleby); Bridal Studio Shots by Anders Talleraas; Sketches: by Jane Hartley
‘F
ashion, for me, means who I am, how I represent myself and how I want to be seen,’ says Caroline Burstein, creative director of Browns Fashion, and founder of Browns Bride. ‘Fashion is an expression of myself – it is an extension of myself. Sometimes, it is very important how I look and sometimes I don’t feel it is as important.’ On this occasion, the veritable force of fashion has chosen a Comme des Garçons skirt and a black and white Dries Van Noten top with her silvery hair loosely tied back. We meet at the Browns Fashion headquarters on South Molton Street, where the iconic boutique has stood since it was established in 1970 by Burstein’s mother Joan (aka Mrs B.) with her husband Sidney. The ‘Browns’ name is recognised not only for discovering some of the most
‘The feedback I was getting from brides-to-be was that there was not much choice’ prestigious fashion brands, from John Galliano to Alexander McQueen and Comme des Garçons, but also for turning a then sleepy, backwater street into one of the most fashionable streets in London. And talking of days when it is important to look your best, your wedding day is surely the most significant. Ten years ago, Burstein opened Browns Bride, which brought together a selection of bridal couture by designers from around the world. ‘The feedback I was getting from brides-to-be was that there was not much choice; that the bridal dresses were very formulaic,’ says Burstein. ‘The [dresses] did not relate to today’s womens’ psyche, lifestyle and the ways she wanted to present herself.’
It was a pioneering move and a story of the globalisation of fashion design, particularly as those based in the USA, such as Monique Lhuillier and Marchesa, were not available in London at the time. Seeing the success of Browns Bride, Burstein opened Vera Wang at Browns on Brook Street in 2011 – a dedicated boutique to the American designer. Burstein’s eye for great fashion translated easily into this part of the fashion world that is bridal. To celebrate this anniversary, ten of Browns’ designers have designed exclusive dresses, including Vera Wang, Monique Lhuillier, Marchesa, Reem Acra and Elizabeth Fillmore to name just a few. Not forgetting those Cinderella heels, Christian Louboutin has also signed ten pairs of the classic crystal encrusted Pigalle shoe. Selecting which designers to work with has always been a matter of impeccable taste for Burstein, following in the footsteps of her fashion-forward mother. To shop at Browns Bride and Vera Wang for Browns is to shop from a very carefully thought-through collection of designers. ‘Every designer has to have something that makes them stand out, so that when we are showing them it’s understandable the difference,’ she says. ‘What sort of character the dresses have, and to match the character of the dress to the personality and body of our customer.’ Bridal fashion is no longer being considered a niche part of the larger fashion world. Wedding Dresses 1775–2014, an exhibition which is currently on at The Victoria & Albert Museum, traces the history of these iconic gowns with pieces by key designers throughout history, such as Norman Hartnell, Charles James, Christian Lacroix and
63
Vivienne Westwood. What this curation of wedding dresses past offers us, is a glimpse at how fashion has evolved more broadly, from the historic and extravagant to the more contemporary, free-flowing, less corseted dresses from this century. Most of the designers in this exhibition – and those at Browns Bride – either started as evening wear designers or already made them as part of a larger collection of couture or ready-to-wear. Vera Wang, for example, started her business after she couldn’t find a wedding dress that she wanted for her own wedding. ‘The changes that have happened in the ten years that I’ve experienced, is that the girls have wanted the dresses to be lighter. They used to be very heavy,’ says Burstein. ‘The trends are really in the details; whether it’s a bit more lace one season or whether it’s a longer sleeve one season. There’s always going to be the girl who always wants the ball gown.’ Although the very concept of a wedding dress is that it is a one-time purchase, for a one-time occasion, it is an occasion on which people are willing to spend (each year some £10 billion is spent on weddings in the UK). But it is also one of the few occasions on which a woman will wear couture, and with this style of dress, comes a timelessness that even if the piece were to hang inside a garment bag for decades after, the memory of wearing it will never disappear. ‘I don’t think anyone realises what makes these dresses stand out and so beautiful is the fact that there is tremendous workmanship gone into them,’ says Burstein. ‘Those skills would disappear if we didn’t have a wedding industry. Those sequins are sewn on one by one, and that lace is sewn on by hand and there is tremendous craftsmanship. And that is reflected in each dress. It’s all the love, beauty and all the consideration that goes into that beautiful dress that has nothing to do with fashion. I love that it’s about the beauty of the dress, to
64
The mayfair Magazine | Feature
bring out the beauty of the girl.’ In many ways, unless you are a red-carpet regular, a bridal dress is the ultimate luxury – something that is so special it may only be worn once, yet it is made with more detail and care than most of your wardrobe. ‘We wake up every morning and we choose something according to how we feel and what we have to do that day, who we’re meeting, our mood, and all the things we want to express about ourselves, depending on what’s happening in our lives,’ says Burstein. ‘On your wedding day there is a huge pressure. You’re the centre of attention. Every detail of that day has to be a representation of you. But a beautiful dress is a beautiful dress, and I think bridal is about that.’ Browns Fashion, 23-27 South Molton Street, W1K. Browns Bride, 12 Hinde Street, W1U. Vera Wang at Browns, 59 Brook Street, W1K (brownsfashion.com)
65
F O O D
I S
A R T.
P R E S E R V E
I T.
In craftsmanship and performance, Sub-Zero is without rival. Its advanced technology keeps food fresher longer.
www.subzero-wolf.co.uk 251 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London SW3 2EP 0845 250 0010
The mayfair Magazine | Interiors
Interiors news Remembering a master David Collins once said, ‘I have always wanted to see things I imagine made into a reality,’ and luckily for us he succeeded, as his visionary ideas became some of the most iconic spaces in the world. Now, a year after his sudden death, a new tome, ABCDCS, featuring his impressive portfolio of projects (and a foreword by Madonna) can now be added to your coffee-table as an elegant tribute to the renowned interior designer. ‘ABCDCS: David Collins Studio’, £50, published by Assouline (assouline.com) Image courtesy of David Collins Studio
From Baccarat’s classic Sun Clock to a portfolio of David Collins’ stunning interiors, this month we’re celebrating the pioneers of iconic design w o r ds : M a r i a n n e d i c k
FINISHING TOUCH Favoured by royalty such as Marie Antoinette and Queen Victoria, the rose has been a symbol of opulence throughout history. This limited edition candle, Rose Poivrée – a collaboration between Cire Trudon and Giambattista Valli – sees the traditional bouquet updated with the subtle scent of Tuscan black pepper. Candle, £65 (selfridges.com)
Wall to wall Create the illusion of a vintage wine collection or a well-stocked library with Galerie Wallcoverings’ new trompe l’oeil designs. Not intended as a modest backdrop, these striking prints command the room, making them perfect for a feature wall and a guaranteed talking point. Wallpaper, from £27.95, Galerie Wallcoverings (galeriehome.co.uk)
Contemporary but classic High fashion meets interior design at Berkeley Square’s new addition, YA Interiors. Run by Aseef Vaza and Yasmin Ahmed, the boutique design practice creates individual bespoke products as well as interior decoration for your entire home. Their latest Art Deco-inspired project, the Tresor lighting collection, comes in a range of beautiful colours and variations, and is created in Italian artisan workshops according to your personal style. (ya-interiors.com)
A place in the sun Georges Chevalier’s 1948 Baccarat Sun Clock is a truly iconic piece of interior design history; not just a timepiece but a work of art. As the celebrations for the fine crystal maison’s 250th anniversary continue, 25 of these iconic clocks have been re-released for crystal collectors or timepiece aficionados. Chevalier’s innovative creations propelled Baccarat to the forefront of modern crystal manufacturing, making glassware desirable to most influential of clientele; one of the original clocks actually adorned the wall of Arthur Miller and Marilyn Monroe’s Manhattan apartment. Sun Clock, £84,000 (baccarat.com) 67
Up to 70% off
*
great quality bed linen available all day, every day at ACHICA.com
£20 OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER
*
USE CODE
KENCHEL714
Sheridan ‘Nerina’ bed linen shown above from £35 for a single set. HOTEL LIVING plain dye available in 400, 600, 1000 thread count from £30 for a single duvet cover. Both ranges available throughout July 2014. FURNITURE AND HOMEWARE BRANDS AT EXCEPTIONAL PRICES ANYWHERE YOU CAN GET ON-LINE
£20 off your first order when you spend over £60, not valid on travel promotions. *Savings off RRP. Full T&Cs on www.ACHICA.com
THE DREAM FACTORY Meet Alberto Alessi – the Italian design aficionado who turned ordinary kitchen objects into works of art – as he ventures into the world of great wine and even greater design w o r d s : K AT E R A C O V O L I S
A
This page: 9093, kettle by Michael Graves. Opposite: clockwise from top-left: La Conica, espresso coffee maker by Aldo Rossi, Alberto Alessi, photo by Mads Mogensen, Bombé, tea and coffee set by Carlo Alessi. Centre: Juicy Salif by Philippe Stark
70
lberto Alessi was born in a teapot. Not literally, of course. But he was once photographed emerging from a life-size silver teapot, designed by his father Carlo as an engagement gift for Alberto’s mother. The world of Alessi as a company, was clearly from the beginning, a natural environment for him. It was as early as the day after Alberto finished law school, when he started at the company founded in 1921 by his grandfather, Giovanni Alessi, at Lake Orta, Italy, just near the border of Switzerland. ‘It’s a bit painful for me to tell this part of my life because I didn’t like to work with the company,’ says Alberto. ‘But being the first of my generation, I knew since the beginning, my destiny was such.’ He arrived at the company in 1970 as the tanned, blue-eyed maverick law graduate, and his entrance was far from conventional. ‘It was boring,’ he says. ‘So I tried to add some fun.’ Fun came in the form of working with Salvador Dalí, from whom Alberto purchased 50,000 steel hooks; a defiant moment against the family, as his father Carlo had not agreed with the project (the hooks are still awaiting a purpose in a warehouse). ‘I was transforming a normal manufacturing company into an Italian design factory,’ he says. ‘Today, Alessi is an example of this phenomenon, as it is an industrial company, but more research focused, working with applied arts and design.’
Alberto’s latest project came about in a rather dreamlike way, akin to how he set out to change the company when he first started; out of the concern of being bored. ‘I guess what I did that was innovative was in the 1980s and 1990s,’ he says. ‘Then I continued to generate very good projects in terms of design with excellent designers, but the story was already done; the metal was already set. I was repeating the same process with new people.’ And so, in addition to his day-to-day duties with Alessi (the company), he created his own wine when, in the early 2000s, Alberto and his wife Laura discovered La Cascina Eugenia, an old building and vineyard at Lake Orta where they also live. ‘I have always been a wine lover, so I decided to make wine,’ he says. But rather than using a traditional container, the bottle takes the shape of a chemistry beaker named
‘Alberto’s latest project came about in a rather dreamlike way’ Leo, which looks – as with so many of Alessi’s products – decades ahead of its time. ‘It was done more or less in the same process as design. The practise of The Good Gardener, I call it; making wine but also with design. By ourselves we do not create anything. Our job is to prepare the ground, to plant the seeds. The seeds are representative of the architects and
The mayfair Magazine | Feature
71
This page: Top-left: Quattro muri e due case, bamboo tray by Michele De Lucchi; below left-right: Cha, kettle/teapot by Naoto Fukasawa; Alberto Alessi’s wine and the Leo bottle 9090; espresso coffee maker by Richard Sapper. opposite: Joy n.1, centrepiece by Claudia Raimondo
72
designers of the projects, but we also know that the wind will bring new seeds – that are unexpected – and then once we see the seed, out comes something, then I will go and take care of this something, to help the seed express itself. And also we are taking from nature, how it goes with the weather, from a lot of things we cannot forecast. It is the same with creativity. We start a project but we never know what the end result will be.’ So much of good design rests on a delicate balance between creative innovation and commercial viability. What is the point of creating a beautiful object, if it has no function? What will give people the desire to acquire it? He fused a very design-focused approach with everyday objects for the pieces that adorn kitchens around the world, from Philippe Starck’s Juicy Salif citrus squeezer from 1990. ‘It was by far the most criticised squeezer,’ says Alberto with a smile, as the three–legged piece raised many eyebrows (in both delight and surprise) at the way it merged function with design. This idea is what Alberto calls The Borderline – a figurative line that separates the possible, and the impossible. ‘The destiny of the Italian design company is to balance on this line,’ he says. ‘Every time you move, you risk falling into the not possible. You can’t stay on the “possible” [side], as you produce the same things. But if you take a risk, you can create a product that can be very successful. That is where the
innovation is. When you fall into the not possible, then you can have a fiasco,’ he adds. ‘But the fiasco is the only way to see where the borderline was.’ In many ways, we have the ‘fiasco’ to thank for the way Alessi transformed kitchen objects with its quirky, smile–inducing products, from Michael Graves’ stainless steel kettle with a bird figure on the spout that whistles when the water boils, to Anna G., the corkscrew in the shape of
‘We start a project but we never know what the end result will be’ – Alberto Alessi a woman by famed Italian architect and designer Alessandro Mendini. In the world of Alessi, butter is stored in a container in the shape of a boat and toothpicks are kept inside an upside down hat with a rabbit popping its head out. There are of course minimalist stainless steel serving dishes, coffee makers and bowls, but to purchase Alessi is to acquire a piece of Alberto’s Dream Factory. True to Alessi’s eccentric style, Alberto isn’t one to give away what the next steps are for his empire. ‘I’m sorry to say that I have never been able to forecast the future,’ he says. ‘Only at the end of a decade I try to start understanding how it was. To predict, in a way, is opposite to my practice. If you become predictive, you become predictable.’ Alessi, 22 Brook Street, W1K (alessi.com)
The mayfair Magazine | Feature
73
Power
trip The supercar business is changing. More motoring aficionados are choosing to rent the latest Lamborghinis, Ferraris and many more, reports Richard Yarrow
R This page: Image courtesy of Morgan Motor Company Limited. Right: Aston Martin
74
ock star Rod Stewart famously said, ‘Fast cars like Porsches and Ferraris, they are things of beauty.’ He’s right, but then he has the wealth for a garage full of them. There’s no getting round the fact that supercars cost money to buy, use, maintain and – if you live in central London – park. The chances are they’re rarely driven anywhere near
their capabilities, so for that occasional run out of town, to an event like the Le Mans 24-Hours or Goodwood Festival of Speed, it might not be worth the hassle of owning one. The alternative for more and more drivers is to hire a supercar as and when it’s needed – a weekend here, a month there. London has plenty of companies that will happily loan you
The mayfair Magazine | Motoring
the latest Italian exotica from Ferrari and Lamborghini, or classic British models from Bentley or Aston Martin. It’s a growing sector of the market, too. Since the economic downturn, many people are unwilling to commit to spending £100k+ on a car. Bespokes sports and luxury car rental has its customer depot in Kings Cross, though offers nationwide delivery and/or collection for an additional fee. In 2010 the firm carried out around 350 rentals, but last year that had grown to more than 450. Sales manager Mandi Richardson explained it was the home-grown talent that’s most in demand. ‘It’s the cars from
‘Since the economic downturn, many people are unwilling to commit to spending £100k+ on a car’ Morgan and Lotus, requested by visitors from overseas having a British holiday and wanting a typically British sports car. The top of the range vehicles such as the Ferrari 430 Spider and the Lamborghini Gallardo LP-560 are also popular.’ Bespokes’ supercar prices start at £295 a day midweek for an Aston Martin DB7 Vantage Volante, though lesser models such as the BMW Z4 or Lotus Elise are cheaper. At the top of the price list is the McLaren MP4-12C, which is £995. People hire supercars for all sorts of reasons. Their appeal for a memorable day out is
75
below, from left: Aston Martin, Lamborghini; right: Porsche
76
obvious – driving to the British Grand Prix perhaps, or a corporate event – but some motives are less appreciated. Rental for use in a television show, music video or film is relatively common, as are weddings, funerals and special anniversaries. There is also the ‘try before you buy’ market, where a potential purchaser wants to see what the car is like to live with for a week or two before taking the plunge at a dealership. Many are also repeat customers. For example, people who work overseas and need wheels for when they’re back in the UK. It means they don’t have to worry about tax, an MoT, parking permits, general maintenance or, crucially, insurance. Renting a Ford Fiesta and kerbing the wheel is one thing, but it’s completely different with a supercar. Repair bills have the potential to be astronomical and a high proportion of supercar accidents result in an insurance write-off because of that. Terms and conditions vary by company, but the fee paid usually includes fully comprehensive cover. However, it will be supported by a deposit for the policy excess, usually pre-authorised on a credit card and held for the duration of the rental. If the accident is
deemed not the fault of the client that money won’t be taken, and the rental company will pursue the other driver to cover its costs. PB Supercars was launched nine years ago as a membership club, but subsequently switched to a straightforward hire operation. Prices start at £350 per day for a Porsche 911 (997) C4S Cabriolet. The firm currently has 12 vehicles, including a Bentley Continental GT and Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder, but owner Andrew Calf said it was the Aston Martins and Audi R8s which are most popular. ‘People like to hire because it means they can have a different car every time,’ he said. ‘We have probably 40 loyal customers who come to us around once a month and they want something different. They mostly live close to us in Canary Wharf and work in the City. They don’t need a car during the week so come to us Thursday or Friday and bring the car back on Monday.’ Some customers want a vehicle for longer, including one who took an Audi R8 for ten months. ‘He might as well have bought one,’ joked Andrew. ‘He was based overseas and was in and out of the country. I think it spent three months at the airport car park, but using us was
The mayfair Magazine | Motoring
easier than buying one himself.’ As with most supercar rental operations, mileage on Andrew’s cars is restricted. Customers can cover 100 miles a day as part of the standard price, though that can be raised if they’re willing to pay extra for it. ‘It’s the mileage that costs,’ he explained. ‘You can hire a car for a week and do 500 miles, or for a day and do 1,000 miles, but it’s the latter that’s going to cost more because of the maintenance involved.’ Half the PB Supercars fleet went to Le Mans this year for the 24-Hours race, but the Monaco Grand Prix is less popular because of the distance involved. ‘We get a lot of people asking about taking one there, but when you give them the price, they fall off their chair!’ Even high-end cars can be ten-a-penny in central London. If you’re looking for something more exclusive, the website to visit is www. supercarexperiences.com. It’s one of the only firms to offer the Bugatti Veyron and Koenigsegg CCX for hire, though each has only been rented a handful of times in several years. The issue is the cost; the Veyron is
‘Half the PB Supercars fleet went to Le Mans this year for the 24-Hours race’
£15,000+VAT per day for a minimum of three days, while the CCX is slightly less. Company MD Nik Hardwick said it was also the paperwork involved because the cars are owned by a third party. ‘The customer has to prove they’ve got assets to the value of the car and the excess deposit is £125,000,’ he said. ‘It precludes most normal people; those who have hired them are CEOs of large corporations.’ It seems even in the world of supercars, there are limitations. (bespokes.co.uk; pbsupercars.com; supercarexperiences.com)
77
UNCOVER HIDDEN TALENTS WITH GINETTA
From road to race track, call today to find out where Ginetta can take you. CALL 0113 385 4171 | EMAIL sales@ginetta.com | WEB ginetta.com ginettacars
ginettacars
In association with
Photography by Mike Petch
Y
our suitcase has seen it all. The glamorous destinations, arduous journeys and your entire wardrobe crammed into one small, space, but it always arrives in perfect condition come rain, hail or shine. Globe–Trotter is one of the finest examples of luggage that stays with you for life. Join us in celebrating this timeless style, as the British heritage brand, famed for its sturdy, standout, instantly recognisable luggage, has just opened its new flagship boutique on Albemarle Street. With this in mind, we celebrate the elegance of travel by taking you on a journey around the globe, in style. We meet American
Image courtesy of Globe-Trotter
The mayfair Magazine | Travel
sweetheart, supermodel-turned-fashion designer Melissa Odabash and talk to her about the jet-set life, and how it inspired her to go on the quest for the perfect swimsuit. We take a look at the ever-glamorous style from the Hamptons, and what makes that Ivy League, collegiate look so iconic. We also explore the idyllic island life of St Lucia and see what it’s really like to see the volcanic cones of green pitons, as well as the four, very different sides of Tanzania, from climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to private white sand beaches in Zanzibar. Globe–Trotter, 35 Albemarle Street, W1S (globetrotter1897.com)
Suitcase stories
79
Endless
summer American beauty Melissa Odabash talks to us about her collaboration with One&Only Resorts, the art of swimwear and how she created her fashion empire w or d s : b e t h a n r e e s
I
all images courtesy of melissa odabash S/S14
80
n the 1990s, swimwear was not exactly having its finest moment. It was an (occasionally unsightly) era of uber-high cut swimming costumes, neon colourpalettes and lurid animal prints. In the midst of it all was supermodel-turned-designer Melissa Odabash, who had spent seven years as a model in Rome, Italy, when the blonde American beauty discovered there could be a more comfortable, yet still effortlessly stylish, way to dress for the poolside. Some 15 years after her first official collection in 1999, Odabash has managed to create something of a beachwear empire (her chic designs now reach over 50 countries). One of her most recent projects saw her team up with the equally glamorous One&Only Resorts, in celebration of its 10th anniversary to create a raffia hat with an orange and baby blue trim for the limited edition capsule collection (in other words – a summer essential). ‘No one works the same in any office, so you step out of your comfort zone,’ she says of collaborating with other brands. ‘You can bring out a more artistic side of yourself.’ She draws inspiration from everything; trips
The mayfair Magazine | Fashion
to vintage shops and old James Bond movies, but in particular, travelling. Having been born in the United States, modelled in Italy, and now living in London, Odabash is definitely no stranger to jetting around the world. She loves trawling through local markets everywhere she visits, and gains inspiration from the array of vintage fabrics and prints she discovers, and somehow, translates all of this into incredibly wearable and timeless pieces, many of which have the lasting power to be worn season on season. But one thing she’s never influenced by is other people’s swimwear. ‘It does nothing for me,’ she says. Though she may be the source of inspiration to others designers and high street stores, and she doesn’t think imitation is the sincerest form of flattery after all. Fellow designer and friend Donna Karan gave her a piece of advice, saying that she would always have the element of surprise; ‘They’ll never know what your next step is.’ Odabash’s personal style comes from a place that is very special and personal, starting when her mother would order Womens Wear Daily to their doorstep each day, and on weekends, they would critique the fashion shows together from when Odabash was a young as eight. ‘[My mother] is always so chic… Her hair was never out of place, even in the morning.’ There’s a reason why Odabash’s pieces are so popular; she designs with real women’s bodies in mind. She understands that not all women have the body of a supermodel, and that bikini
As someone who spends most of her life surrounded by swimwear, Odabash knows all too well that there are challenges women face when trying to choose the perfect piece. ‘Always start with neutral colours until you get a tan, and then move onto brighter colours,’ she says, and there’s nothing wrong with sticking to a simple black number. ‘It’s safe, it’s chic, it works.’ Odabash has a loyal star-studded following, with names such as Kate Moss, the Duchess of Cambridge and Elle Macpherson donning her swimwear on their holidays. ‘It’s a huge compliment because they have a thousand choices on what swimsuit to wear,’ she says. ‘I must be doing something right if they are all wearing it.’ We couldn’t agree more. (oneandonlyresorts.com; odabash.com)
‘[Her] personal style comes from a place that is very personal’ bottoms often need an extra inch for full coverage. Her classic designs hold no pretension; elegant animal prints, solid, often neutral colours and simple and supportive cuts. ‘There is something for everybody,’ she says of her 150 piece collection.
81
American life What does the Hamptons have that New York’s fashion scene doesn’t? We find out why the hamlets that occupy the stunning coastline have become a renowned destination for style Words: Stephen Doig
82
The mayfair Magazine | Travel
W
hile New York might act as the epicentre of American fashion, a haven two hours from the city has acted as a style barometer and arbiter of taste for decades. The Hamptons isn’t merely a byword for luxury and an East Coast retreat for Manhattan’s rich and powerful, at the northern tip of Long Island, but the Hamptons and the East Coast have also formed an integral part in American sartorial history. With a new book from Assouline celebrating the Hamptons – The Big Book of the Hamptons by Michael Shnayerson – and Ralph Lauren launching Polo’s first range for women (the diffusion line inspired by the collegiate sporting pursuits of the East Coast), the Hamptons’ sartorial influence is still in force. Whether it’s in the fashion DNA of the Ralph Lauren brand – who have built an empire on selling the East Coast lifestyle – or on catwalks from Christian Dior to J.Crew the fashion influence of the Hamptons’ has wove its way into our wardrobes more often than we know. Lauren – who was born Ralph Lifshitz but changed his name when he launched his brand
– looked to the crisp, collegiate style of the privileged, Ivy League East Coast, in their starched, patrician elegance. It was the tennis whites, polite cashmeres and pared-back sense of refinement that Lauren drew his inspiration from. The handsome college stripes, neat blazers and straw boaters of the Ivy League uniforms were applied to his menswear, with the fashion enthusiasts of New York, and the world, swiftly following his lead and snapping up this gentrified example of American aristocracy. As Lauren once said: ‘People ask, how can a Jewish kid from the Bronx do preppy clothes? Does it have to do with class and money? It has to do with dreams… I don’t design clothes, I design dreams.’ Lauren re-packaged the Hamptons aesthetic and sold it back to a salivating public desperate to emulate the glamour of the American aristocracy. Of course, the unique style that belongs to the Hamptons and the East Coast didn’t evolve in a vacuum; it was a by-product of the wealth that found its way there in the 1930s with Manhattan’s wealthy seeking respite in the
83
waving wheat fronds and lapping waters of East Hampton. Polo shirts neatly buttoned, tennis shoes fastened and classic evening wear unpacked, the style codes of the East Coast were set by the well-heeled elite. It’s perhaps Jackie Bouvier (who would later take the names ‘Kennedy’ and ‘Onassis’ respectively), her sister Lee Radziwell and their extended family that best exemplified the WASP aesthetic (that’s White Anglo Saxon Protestant?) of genteel elegance and twinset and pearls restraint. The Bouvier summer home Lasata, was based in East Hampton and the beautiful pair became known for their tidy up-dos, their glamorous sunglasses and crisp lines. It was also the eccentric, boundary-pushing style of the Bouvier’s family that went on to become one of fashion’s most enduring references and love affairs, and one that’s inherently linked to the Hamptons; the
84
legend of Grey Gardens. It was the documentary of the same name, which aired in 1975, that brought Edith Bouvier Beale and her daughter Edie (termed Big Edie and Little Edie) into the public consciousness. Once the toast of Manhattan high society, the mother and daughter duo (and cousin and aunt of Jackie and Lee) had retreated to Grey Gardens, their rambling East Coast estate, after the departure of Big Edie’s husband, lawyer Phelan Beale. Financial ruin followed, and the documentary captures the faded glory and forgotten grandeur of the pair, in all their eccentric beauty. From feeding the cats in heirloom jewels, opulent furs and Paris couture, to Little Edie in her trademark headscarves (which she adopted after being struck by alopecia). Not to mention their tendency to use their sizeable wardrobe in unconventional ways, such as cardigans used as skirts, and skirts re-worked as headscarf/cape ensembles. Their style became synonymous with the old American money of the Hamptons and has been cited and referenced in the collections of John Galliano and in shoots for American Vogue. To Michael Kors, the East Coast preppy
The mayfair Magazine | Travel
where to stay aesthetic is equally essential to his label. It was in his hometown of Long Island that the style codes of the environs made their stamp on the young Kors, with the five year old fledgling designer even designing his mother’s wedding dress. It was the classic style of his mother and grandmother, which he once described as ‘elegant, polished, effortless, focused on quality and buying the best that you could afford’ that worked their way into his worldwide brand. Part of the allure of the Hamptons lies in the fact that America has never had ‘royalty’ as such, and so has looked to the timeless old money elan of its first families and their legends. From the Kennedys in Martha’s Vineyard, and C.Z. Guest (one of Truman Capote’s famous ‘Swans’) in her sprawling 300-acre estate in Long Island to Bunny Mellon (she of Listerine heiress fortune fame), who had Givenchy and Balenciaga create couture gardening clothes for her to trim the roses at her sumptuous Cape Cod home. The East Coast’s romance and history is entwined with theirs.
‘Of course, the Hamptons’ style has evolved dramatically in recent years’ Of course, the Hamptons’ style has evolved dramatically in recent years, with pop culture picking up on the public appetite for this elite corner of North America; Sex & The City nodded to the area, and TV series Revenge is set in the Hamptons, with supermodel Amber Valletta slinking around the harbour in Tory Burch and villain Victoria Grayson wearing polished L’Wren Scott and Vera Wang. Fantasy yes, but as one wanders through the streets of clapboard houses with American flags fluttering overhead and sandy beaches just ripe for summer parties, it’s hard not to feel like it’s the United States’ own open-air royal palace. ‘The Big Book of the Hamptons’, £50, by Michael Shnayerson. Published by Assouline (assouline.com)
#1 C/O The Maidstone Hotel The cosy Swedish style of C/O The Maidstone Hotel is sure to put a smile on your face and make you feel at ease as soon as you arrive. Located in the heart of East Hampton, the Maidstone has a bright, welcoming atmosphere – the perfect retreat after a day of activities. Priding themselves on their green philosophies and colourful, fresh interiors, it comes as no surprise that their sumptuous rooms and cottages are all uniquely designed, each inspired by a different Scandinavian celebrity. Book the adjoining His Majesty and Her Royal Highness rooms for the ultimate regal treatment. (themaidstone.com)
#2 TOPPING ROSE HOUSE For understated luxury and exquisite dining, look no further than Topping Rose House. The hotel is sleek and elegant, contrasting a cool, clean palette with historic features such as the beautiful wood-burning fireplaces. Acclaimed chef Tom Colicchio takes the helm in the kitchen with his farm-to-table philosophy, promising the freshest ingredients and an enticing seasonal menu. Customisable mini-bars, up-to-date in-room technology and an exclusive wellness centre are the finishing touches that make Topping Rose House a cut above the rest. (toppingrosehouse.com) #3 EAST HAMPTON ART HOUSE Artists and proprietors Rosalind Brenner and Michael Cardacino welcome guests as they would old friends at their secluded, boutique B&B. The space features an abundance of art, and really is a hidden gem, only a few minutes from the centre of East Hampton. The indoor endless pool, roaming wildlife and famous breakfasts are just some of the highlights that encourage consistently excellent reviews. (easthampton-arthouse-bedandbreakfast.com)
THIS PAGE: C/O THE MAIDSTONE HOTEL. all other images courtesy of assouline
85
Whether you are looking for culture, nature, adventure or some relaxing beach time, beautiful Tanzania has it all on offer words: marina kim
FOUR SIDES of TANZANIA
86
The mayfair Magazine | Travel
I
t started with the challenging climb of Africa’s highest point: Kilimanjaro. The formidable Tanzanian beauty of 5,895 metres – taller than Ben Nevis or Mont Blanc – does not give in easily to those attempting to climb it. It’s been rumoured that even Abramovich, with all his access to the best equipment and training in the world, had to turn back down and didn’t reach the top. I had to assume Kilimanjaro was majestic as, unfortunately, when our charity group arrived at the bottom, we could not see it at all. Thick fog was covering the mountain, disguising the challenge ahead of us. Probably for the better, as it was not as daunting. In 1848 the missionary Rebmann of Mombasa first reported the existence of Kilimanjaro. In 1861, the German officer Baron von der Decken and the young British geologist Richard Thornton made a first attempt to climb it, but ‘got no farther than 8,200 feet’ (2,500 metres). The German geology professor Hans Meyer succeeded in 1889 after three attempts and, thus, became the first European to conquer this mountain. Since then, it has become a popular destination for experienced adventurers, charity groups, like ours, and various celebrities, including Ronan Keating, Alesha Dixon, and Gary Barlow, who climbed it for Comic Relief. The scenery on this dormant volcano changed dramatically as we ascended for a few days, with the rain forest followed by a breathtaking alpine desert (it felt like moon-walking), and then pretty moorland, culminating with an arctic summit with the most stunning views of the glacier. However, more than 80 per cent of the ice cover on Kilimanjaro disappeared between 1912 to the present day. The shrinking of Kilimanjaro’s ice fields is part of the same glacier retreat occurring across the globe. If this trend continues, Kilimanjaro will become ice-free some time between 2022 and 2033. The word ‘glacier’ indicates that it is indeed very cold at the top. The temperature drops from plus 30 degrees at the bottom to minus 20 at the top. Multiple layers of clothing were
essential for the summit night, as we set off to give a final push at midnight having had only two hours sleep beforehand. We had porters but had to carry our own day bag with three litres of water – part of an obligatory daily liquid intake to cope with altitude – and other necessities. Even if climbers don’t want a porter, it’s polite to hire one as this job is the best source of income in the area. The mountain is crucial to the livelihood of the locals. Climbing ‘Kili’ was an experience I will never forget. Being so close to nature and away from civilization, being surrounded by like-minded adventurers and sleeping rough in tents, I learned to live on very little, and enjoyed it. I started to wonder why I felt I needed so many things in London, when I could cope perfectly well with a pair of trousers, a pair of boots and a few jumpers. Nature helps with this. The star-studded sky is so clear when you are high above the clouds, it seems as though you could almost touch them. I’ve never seen anything quite like it. The sun-eclipse at the summit was breathtaking, and, most importantly, that feeling of achievement when you know you pushed yourself hard to the limits and kept walking up is unforgettable. One step truly felt like a hundred and had to be fought for. We had to walk incredibly slowly to fight the altitude sickness. ‘Pole, Pole,’ said the guides. It means ‘slowly’ in Swahili. On the last day of the summit, I learned that I was not exempt from the effects of the high altitude, too. Our climb was very quick – only four and a half days up, while other adventures take between seven and nine days for a gentler climb. But I submitted to this proud mountain. It was an emotional experience, particularly when we reached the Uhuru peak; the highest point of the summit. It was important to have a good kit, a good guide, and fun companions to keep morale high. Mutual support and good humour was fundamental. As our fellow adventurer Davidoff Jamieson said, ‘Don’t worry, guys! We’ll be fine! Mountain goats do it all the time!’
opposite, top and middle-right, Meliá Zanzibar. ALL OTHER IMAGES, COURTESY OF FOUR SEASONS
87
opposite: SECOND FROM BOTTOM: IMAGE COURTESY OF FOUR SEASONS. ALL OTHER IMAGES: Meliá Zanzibar
88
After the climb, I flew to Serengeti Park, transporting myself from sleeping in tents on the mountain to the plush beds and ultimate luxury of a lush five-star Four Seasons Serengeti lodge. Tanzania, a land free of highways where animals roam freely in wild savannahs, is a mecca for game viewing. Four Seasons Serengeti is a safari lodge in Serengeti National Park, with 77 guest rooms, suites and villas. Thus, it’s much bigger than traditional lodges, and has a spa and two restaurants. It’s a place to watch nature in luxury, perfect for people who don’t want to compromise on comfort even in the wilderness. It is ideally suited to families with children, as it felt much safer there than in traditional lodges. There is also an amazing Discovery Centre for children and adults where you are taught about ‘the big migration’, can watch documentaries and explore the museum. Once we learned everything about ‘the big migration’ in theory, we tried it out in practice. The safari game-drivers were real experts, able to spot a coalition of cheetahs or a leopard sleeping on a tree from a kilometre away. They knew all about the birds that are abundant in the area. We were lucky with our game drive and even saw the wildlife at its most ferocious, when a graceful lioness successfully hunted a speedy Thomson’s gazelle. One of the biggest draws for the hotel is its location right beside two water-holes frequented by a variety of game. Elephants are not the only visitors but they dominated the scene every day. On one occasion, we saw about 30 of them drinking and bathing in the water-hole with their little ones. Even the hardest cynics will be moved by their adorable family idyll. The hotel has a beautiful spa, which offers traditional treatments from a variety of massages to facials, and two restaurants open until late. It wasn’t a problem walking back to our suite at night even after a few cocktails. A traditionally dressed Maasai warrior was always there to accompany us, especially when the shadows of the night were too scary to bear.
Game and bird watching in Serengeti was fun, but the time had come for swimming and sunbathing. Who says you can’t have it all? With the intention to pamper myself to the full, I headed to Zanzibar, a Tanzanian island just off the coast of the mainland. Zanzibar is famous for its white beaches and beautiful ocean. I stayed at a spacious Meliá Zanzibar Hotel, on the north-east coast of the island, which boasted its own private beach. Accommodation on this 40-acre estate ranges from romantic rooms and suites to private villas with a garden and pool. The room I stayed in was decent but more of a four-star luxury than a five-star, however, the beds were wonderfully comfortable and a bath covered daily with rose petals was pure joy. The Anantara Spa has all the traditional massages, and even their own Reiki master to set your energy right – a must-have for tired city-souls. I found Reiki as relaxing for the soul as the massage was for the body. The true value of Meliá is that it is a real food feast. With four bars and five restaurants with cuisine that ranged from top-quality Indian to traditional maritime, it was impossible to be bored of the selections. My favourite was a selection of seafood at Aqua restaurant, and a succulent burger in the private beach restaurant that could match if not surpass its Mayfair equivalents by far. Perhaps, the setting played its role too. Apart from Meliá’s own restaurants, I wasn’t particularly impressed with the other places to eat on offer, including north of Zanzibar and Stone Town, or even mainland Tanzania. Meliá’s all-inclusive tariff helped avoiding tedious waiting around for the bill. Instead, we spent time filling ourselves up with delectable morsels to the point of oblivion from one restaurant to another. Would I go back? Yes, if only to try that wonderful lobster or chicken jalfrezi again. With body and soul pampered, my mind craved for culture. Tanzania doesn’t fail here either. Zanzibar’s capital, the UNESCO-
The mayfair Magazine | Travel
protected Stone Town, is the epitome of shabby chic and represents a unique mixture of Indian, Arab, Persian, and European elements. We booked a walking tour to learn about the history behind the beautiful façades. The façades are no longer polished but the architecture is stunning, and the deteriorating exterior of the buildings makes it feel more ancient than it is. The town has a rich history as a former capital of the Zanzibar Sultanate, and a centre of the spice trade in the 19th-century. It retained its importance during the period of the British protectorate. We were asked to be respectful to the local, strict Muslim culture and not wear outrageous outfits, so a wardrobe of long skirts and tops with covered shoulders ensured our dress code was appropriate. I could have travelled to four different countries if I wanted a cultural trip, an adventure trip, a nature-watching experience or some beach-time. I came to Tanzania and had it all. The experience was so overwhelming, mind-altering and soul-cleansing that I will never be the same again.
‘The town has a rich history as a former capital of the Zanzibar Sultanate and a centre of the spice trade’
NEED TO KNOW Meliá Zanzibar 124 rooms and suites Room rates start from £150 p/n ex VAT For reservations: melia.zanzibar@melia.com (melia.com) Four Seasons Serengeti 60 rooms, 12 suites, 5 villas. Lodge rates start from £722 per night (fourseasons.com/serengeti) Serengeti National Park fee is $60 per person per day
89
Paradise
found
We discover a romantic escape among the green Pitons of Saint Lucia Words: Marianne Dick
F
ew places in the world can boast the natural beauty that St Lucia does. From the striking height of the Piton Mountains and acres of lush rainforest to the mysterious sulphur springs and coral reef safaris, there’s more to this island than white sand and sunsets. To get a feel for your surroundings, take a morning trip to the pulsing capital, Castries – a bustling hub of ice cream-coloured buildings. Wander through the local market that fills the senses with fusions of exotic smells and flavours which includes a medley of St Lucia’s Asian, French and West Indian culinary influences. At least one afternoon must be spent in Soufrière, French for ‘sulphur in the air’. Located on the west coast of the island, Soufrière is home to the twin volcanic peaks of Gros Piton and Petit
90
Piton, and full of opportunities to get lost amongst nature’s most spectacular sights. This enchanting part of St Lucia is filled with beautiful places to enjoy nature’s wonders, from the ethereal springs to hidden waterfalls. Renowned for its healing properties, the mud baths are the perfect place to spend some quality time before an evening of activities. If you’d like to immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of a night out, Rodney Bay Village turns on the glamour after sunset. A hive of bars, restaurants and casinos, you can indulge in some Caribbean fun before retiring to the serenity of your resort. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing retreat from city life, or seeking adventure in a tropical climate, you’d struggle to find an island with so much diversity. But if it is a sense of total
The mayfair Magazine | Travel
‘Rendezvous is the perfect place from which to enjoy this oasis’ escapism that you’re looking for, Rendezvous, a boutique couples-only resort set on the idyllic white sands of Malabar Beach is the perfect place from which to enjoy this oasis. The hotel has had the reputation as a destination for romantic getaways ever since it opened in 1966 by the Barnard family, who still own and run the establishment today. You can select from bespoke weddings or vow renewal ceremonies. And if you dream of getting married in this beautiful spot, Rendezvous offer an ‘Ever After’ package, where the hotel will look after every detail for the big day. Offering themes such as ‘Exotic Oasis’ and ‘Island Romance’, couples can completely tailor their weddings or vow renewal ceremonies with the help of personal wedding consultants and on-site planners. Located within seven miles of tropical gardens, and boasting its own two-mile stretch of beach, Rendezvous offers all-inclusive fine dining, a luxury spa and three bars, including the new Champagne and Piano bar, which doesn’t close until the last couple leaves. For minimal stress, you can even submit your preferences online.
All you need to do is turn up. St Lucia is a vibrant gem of an island, glinting with tranquil aqua waves, emerald mountains, sulphuric moonstone mists and the bright ruby lights of the bay – a dreamlike place that is just as glamorous and spectacular as the setting of a romance novel or film. As Gabriel García Márquez stated, ‘The truth is that there’s not a single line in all my work that does not have a basis in reality. The problem is that Caribbean reality resembles the wildest imagination.’ Rendezvous, Malabar Beach, Castries (theromanticholiday.com). For further information about St Lucia, visit stlucia.org
91
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
MY
K
The mayfair Magazine | Travel
Short haul
The Waldorf Astoria, Amsterdam
Travel news From the Golden Age heritage of Amsterdam to the gilded tiles of Singapore’s most stylish infinity pool, choose from two opulent locations this July w or d s : m ariann e d ic k
TRAVEL TIPS Don’t leave home without… These Valentino espadrilles will take you from airport to poolside with its delicate embellishments and butter-soft leather. Flats, £525, Valentino (brownsfashion.com) There’s an app for that… RITZ-CARLTON The Ritz-Carlton app is just like a concierge-in-a-pocket, with a reservation tool, local guide and property concierge. Free, from the iTunes App Store
There aren’t many cities in the world that can successfully combine a rich cultural history with a famously debauched alter-ego. It is this contrast that gives Amsterdam its inimitable charm, and makes it the perfect location of the 25th Waldorf Astoria Hotel. Comprised of six grand merchants’ houses on the famous Herengracht canal, the hotel boasts the largest private garden in the city. In keeping with the heritage of the canal houses, the original features include an 18th century staircase and Rococo decor, both of which will take you back in time. (waldorfastoria.com)
Vs
Long haul
The Sofitel So, Singapore
Singapura, the Malay name for Singapore, literally translates to ‘Lion City’, and it is this fact that inspired Karl Lagerfeld’s red and white ‘lion’s seal’ emblem for the island’s new Sofitel So Hotel. As a collaborator with the luxury French hotel brand, Lagerfeld’s graphic touch can be seen throughout the building, on doorknockers, bespoke bathroom robes and the exclusive ‘BooKubes’. The contemporary boutique hotel offers a glimpse into the future of hospitality; as it is the first hotel in the world to use Apple guest technology. Its Xperience bar and restaurant offers a customised menu of food and cocktails and the golden-tiled rooftop infinity pool boasts panoramic views of Singapore. (sofitel.com)
‘To move, to breathe, to fly, to float; to gain all while you give; to roam the roads of lands remote; to travel is to live’ – Hans Christian Andersen 93
A
city that provided 40 years of Where to stay inspiration for one the most The palatial Hôtel Negresco acclaimed modern artists of the embodies all the artistry and 20th century is surely worth a visit. luxury of Nice, on the famous ‘When I realised I would see that light every Promenade des Anglais. The morning,’ mused Henri Matisse, ‘I could not décor is a pastiche of jewelled believe my happiness’. colours, classic artwork and It was the lure of this ‘silver clarity of antique furniture, a fantastical light’ that Matisse described, perhaps the concoction perfect for a film reflection of the sun on the smooth pebbled set; in fact, scenes from Woody beaches or the enthralling shimmer of the Allen’s upcoming film Magic in ocean, that made him decide to move to the Moonlight were recently shot the picturesque French Riviera. Lacking there. A gentle stroll will take the more audacious nature of its siblings you to most of the main sites Cannes and Monaco, Nice is the culturein Nice, but the the twoladen, low-key yet elegant capital of the Michelin starred restaurant, Côte d’Azur that has historically been a Le Chantecler should suffice haunt of artists and writers. Its famously if you’re too tired to venture gentle climate allows the ultimate out for the evening. relaxation, whether you’re feasting on (hotel-negresco-nice.com) foie gras at a family-run restaurant or soaking up the baroque architecture Eating & Drinking in the shaded streets of the old town. It’s no secret that locals know If the Tate Modern’s Matisse: The best when it comes to foreign Cut-Outs exhibition here in London isn’t dining. Many of the unassuming enough to satisfy your artistic appetite family-run restaurants that are this month, Nice is a haven for culture bustling with both tourists and vultures. The city is full of creativity and locals each night have been in is the home of over 20 museums, Nice for generations, and for a galleries and theatres including the good reason. Try Le Séjour Café Musée Matisse and the Opéra de Nice. – it may feel like an arty couple’s Reflect on the day’s exhibitions with a apartment, but don’t be fooled by slice of socca, the surprisingly delicious the homely touches, as they serve Niçoise ‘chickpea pancake’, or a stroll the finest quality cuisine and the along the impressive setting of the presentation is delightful. Don’t sun-soaked Promenade du Paillon. forget to book. Nice is an easy-going city that serves (lesejourcafe.fr) both the culture hungry and the sunshine seekers. In July, the city has Mayfair Recommends an extraordinary buzz. The annual Jazz Take the time to climb the gentle Festival takes place, as well as Bastille ascent to Parc du Château (if the Day falling mid-month – with a military heat is at its peak, there is a free parade, six stages of music and a lift that will take you to the top) Riviera firework display. This is your for beautiful views of the harbour chance to experience the South of on one side and the city and France at its most glorious. mountains to the other.
[city break]
nice A luminescent paradise that became Matisse’s Mediterranean home, Nice has the ideal mix of glamour and culture W o r d s : M a r i ann e D i c k
the Fontaine du Soleil (photo: rendan Howard)
94
hotel negresco
The mayfair Magazine | Travel
SUITCASE E S S ENTIA L S
#1 Hat, £330, Eugenia Kim (net-a-porter.com)
#2 Sunglasses, £235 Dries Van Noten (selfridges.com)
#3 Dress, £1,195 Dolce & Gabbana (net-a-porter.com)
a traditional french cafe (photo: Inna Felker)
PHOTO: alex bendea
PHOTO: nnaFelker)
#4 Clutch, £345 Louis Vuitton (louisvuitton.com)
#5 Earrings, £275 Astley Clarke (selfridges.com) hotel negresco
hotel negresco
hotel negresco
Russian Church
95
Suite
dreams … at The Berkeley W o r d s : ly n n m e l l i n g
W
hen a man is tired of London he ought to buck up, throw some shoes into a Globe-Trotter suitcase and check himself into The Berkeley immediately. This stunning Georgian hotel combines the very best of what this great city has to offer – luxury, style, food and a rooftop pool with unparalleled skyline views over London which could bring anyone back from the brink of exhaustion. Located on a quiet, leafy green street in Belgravia, The Berkeley manages to be both in the hub of it all, and a retreat from the busy streets of Knightsbridge. Heavy revolving doors lead to a reception resplendent with oversized hydrangeas which gently perfume the lobby.
96
The concierge spots us immediately, relieving us of our luggage while gently steering us to the reception; it’s the smoothest check-in imaginable. All the rooms are unique and, while I’m sure all are stunning (everything seems to be here), ours is particularly lovely. Generously proportioned, we have the run of a living room with a huge dining table and chairs (we could entertain!), with a large bedroom and two bathrooms. It’s bigger than my first flat in London and puts paid to the idea that you must choose between location or space. Everything is as luxurious as you would expect – the bed is designed for royalty, all plump cushions, crisp white sheets and large enough to comfortably fit an entire family in; the bathroom gleams with
The mayfair Magazine | Regulars
marble, Bamford products and thick fluffy towels, while on the dining table lays some freshly baked biscuits – a tempting preview of the afternoon tea available here. It’s now that I’m torn. Being this close to one of the most beautiful parts of the city, it seems a shame not to explore, yet leaving the hotel before I absolutely must seems laughably wrong. I compromise – a quick dash to Harrods and Harvey Nics (literally seconds away – heaven), before rushing back to the modern sanctuary of the Roman-bath like pool upstairs. I order lunch and sit among the columns with a chilled glass of wine looking out onto Hyde Park and Knightsbridge below. Later, after spending my day like a vacationing aristocrat, I head to the famed Blue Bar. Designed by the late, great David Collins, it feels like stepping into a painting, the powder blues of the chairs, walls and carpet offset with a powerful flash of dark wood, while perfectly placed mirrors and exquisite chandelier keep the look fresh and cheerful. The cocktail list is, I’m assured, one of the best in London and doesn’t disappoint. Dinner at Koffmann’s completes the evening – anyone with even a passing love of the French will be charmed beyond belief. Francophile heaven, the menu features everything from Coquilles St Jacques (with delicious Thai spices) to delicious home-style braised beef cheeks in red wine. The next morning, the doorman recommends heading to the nearby Grenadier – a tiny, hidden gem of a pub that houses a great crowd and serves fantastic Bloody Marys (their speciality). It’s very clearly a need-to-know place (you would never find it if you weren’t looking) and yet another surprise that reminds you why this city is so truly fabulous. Tired of London indeed. One-bedroom suites start from £1,100. The Berkeley, Wilton Place, SW1X (the-berkeley.co.uk)
‘Designed by the late, great David Collins, it feels like stepping into a painting’
97
Get Back Into
the Swing
of Things
Our specialists provide expert management for all orthopaedic and sports related conditions, including: Hand and Wrist, Foot and Ankle, Hip, Knee, Groin, Shoulder, and Spinal injuries
Call our
team today
020 7483 5004
www.thewellingtonhospital.com
The mayfair Magazine | Beauty
Super power If we really are what we eat (or drink), then add The Super Elixir into your daily diet. The bio-live supplement was formulated for Elle Macpherson by her personal Harley Street nutritional doctor, Dr Simone Laubscher PhD, and is designed to alkalise the body. After just a week of including this green powder on your morning meal, or as a drink, the supplement will assist in supporting your health from a cellular level, focusing on the hair, skin, nails and circulatory, digestive, hormonal and nervous systems. The Super Elixir £96, available from Selfridges and welleco.com
Beauty news
Take your beauty cues from the likes of Christy Turlington and Elle Macpherson as they enter the business of beauty w o r d s : k a te r a c o v o l i s & B E T H A N R E E S
Putting on The Ritz The Ritz London Salon is every inch as glamorous as the iconic hotel itself, and having recently undergone a refurbishment, it has a range of treatments to offer, including some male-focussed therapies. We recommend trying the Ritz Signature Jade Stones treatment, which is a unique sensorial and aromatic ritual for both the face and body, which aspires to leave you in a state of complete relaxation, with your mind and body rebalanced. The Ritz London Salon, 150 Piccadilly, W1J (020 7300 2435)
Pretty in pink A natural glow is often hard to attain in the British summertime, but By Terry has come up with a chic solution. The brand, which was created by ex–International creative director at Yves Saint Laurent, has launched its summer collection inspired by the French Riviera. The Cheek to Cheek stain is 100 per cent water based and made with antioxidant cherry extract – perfect to give you a healthy flush. Cheek to Cheek, £29 for 20ml, By Terry, available at Space NK or Harrods (byterry.com)
Model behaviour Christy Turlington is one of the most recognisable supermodels in the world, and she reigned supreme in the 1990s alongside Naomi Campbell and Claudia Schiffer. She has now ventured into the world of beauty with SUNDÃRI to create a treatment menu for the Spa InterContinental, complete with Ayurvedic–inspired skincare therapies. Treatments start from £45, Spa InterContinental, 1 Hamilton Place, W1J (spaintercontinentallondon.com)
Timeless beauty Innovation and technology are words we often hear in the beauty industry. But since Hourglass launched its high-tech cosmetics in 2004, these words took on a glamorous meaning, with the brand’s complexion-perfecting products. Now available at Urban Retreat, we love the weightless Veil Mineral Primer and Ambient Lighting Power – for a flawless complexion in any light. Hourglass at Urban Retreat, Harrods Knightsbridge, SW1X (020 7893 8333) 99
Beauty | The mayfair Magazine
THE FINISHING TOUCH Beach Tint Shimmer Soufflé, £22, Becca (spacenk.com)
THE ILLUMINATOR Liquid Lumière anti-aging face illuminator, £33, Chantecaille (harrods.com)
THE EXFOLIATOR Exfoliating water, £33, Santa Maria Novella (net-a-porter.com)
THE AFTER SUN CARE Aloe Vera Gel, £30, Ligne St Barth (heidiklein.com)
skin deep
THE MOISTURISER Day Cream SPF 15, £85, Verso (selfridges.com)
Show your skin some love this month with our top beauty essentials for a radiant summer complexion
THE SELF-TAN Sleep Mask Tan Body, £40, James Read (jamesreadtan.com)
THE CLEANSER Ceramic Slip Cleanser, £35, Sunday Riley (spacenk.com)
THE LIP BALM Lip balm, £42, Crème de la Mer (cremedelamer.co.uk)
THE SERUM Summer Time face serum, £106, Codage (selfridges.com)
100
THE SUNSCREEN Continuous Mist Sunscreen, £33, Hampton Sun (spacenk.com)
Are you concerned about gluten in your diet
?
90% of patients with coeliac disease are undiagnosed. Common symptoms include: • Diarrhoea • Fatigue • Abdominal pain • Weight loss • Abdominal distention • Flatulence A new rapid test is now available contact D.R.Harris & Co pharmacy for your free consultation. D. R. Harris & Co. Ltd. 35 Bury Street London SW1Y 6AY Tel: 020 7930 3915
For further details on the test, visit: www.simtomax.eu
simtomax A4 Adverts v3.indd 1
30/05/2014 15:47
Not just a groin strain? Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Mr Giles Stafford discusses the common problem of groin strain and how best to avoid it
A
s we reach middle age, many of us will become more conscious of our health and fitness. This growth has led to an army of adults in the 30-plus bracket, taking to vigorous exercise, in an effort to try and take back control of their health. Of course, this has got to be a good thing. By staying active we can keep our weight, blood pressure and stress levels down and actually increase our output as our energy (and motivation) levels rise. However, there is a spectre lurking in the midst, which can strike down some of those unwary souls looking to regain former glories.
One of these is the dreaded ‘groin strain’, well known among footballers and other professional sportsmen. Most of these are muscular strains or tears, which usually improve with physiotherapy. However, there are increasing numbers of people who are developing chronic problems, which may be due to a condition called femoroacetabular impingement.
Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) FAI is a subtle shape abnormality which can affect the hip joint but may look and feel just like a simple groin strain. The peak age that this becomes a problem is usually in the early 30-50 age group.
Are you prone to injury?
FAI is increasingly being recognised as the underlying cause of chronic groin pains, lower As we get older, our flexibility reduces as back issues and even proximal does our general peak fitness hamstring injuries (causing and muscle balance. This buttock pain). Left makes us susceptible to unchecked, it can even injury, especially in cause arthritis in the hip, those who push and is now thought to things too hard in be one of the main the early stages indications for hip of getting Mr Giles Stafford MBBS, BSc, FRCs is a replacement in back into an Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon who specialises in young adults. exercise regime. young adult and sports hip injuries. As part of Sport
Meet the Consultant
Hip London, he believes in a multidisciplinary approach to patient care. Based at The Wellington Hospital, Mr Stafford utilises the most cutting edge imaging and diagnostics available. He is one of the highest volume hip arthroscopists in the country and also specialises in minimally invasive and bone conserving hip replacements..
102
The mayfair Magazine | Health Promotion
Symptoms The hip is essentially a ball and socket. FAI causes abnormal bony contact and pinching between the ball and socket, known as ‘impingement’. Sufferers often complain of deep groin pain, stiffness, difficulty sitting for long periods, clicking and inability to exercise to their usual level. There is sometimes a history of specific injury, but more commonly there is a gradual, insidious onset of pain that just doesn’t quite go away.
Treatment The good news is that cases of FAI can often be very successfully treated with keyhole surgery. The labrum (the ring of cartilage that surrounds the hip joint) can be repaired and the bone sculpted to remove the areas that are causing the damage. Following this type of surgery, the patient is usually discharged on the same day and success rates are high. Complication rates are reassuringly low, at less than one per cent. Following surgery, there is a period of structured rehabilitation aimed at regaining muscle strength and balance. The majority of people will make a full recovery with a normal level of usage restored. Success of treatment is entirely based on the earlier you seek treatment. Be wise to the signs and don’t ignore your groin strain; it may be more serious than you think! For further information or if you’d like to arrange an appointment at The Wellington Hospital, contact the hospital Enquiry Helpline on 020 7483 5004 or visit thewellingtonhospital.com
103
Beauty | The mayfair Magazine
Spa review Sense Spa at Rosewood London WORDS: bethan rees
I
can feel the knots melting away as my deep tissue massage begins. The pressures of living in the capital can often mount up, leaving you feeling tense and drained. You need to give your body the sabbatical it deserves, and Sense Spa at the five-star Rosewood London hotel is the ideal spot to unwind. The spa is a sanctuary tucked away from the bustle of High Holborn through the archway leading to the grand Edwardian courtyard. From the moment I walked in, it was clear that this place was special. The reception was dark and discreet but, at the same time, welcoming; an equilibrium which is often hard to execute. Opting for a deep tissue massage can often provoke feelings of apprehension. You can never be entirely sure that the masseuse will give you a treatment that is both relaxing and effective. However, my concern was evidently obsolete, as my therapist was firm with pressure while ensuring I was totally calmed; the almond oil aroma filled the room and instantly created a soothing ambiance. The treatment room was filled with the soft lullabies of classical music, a satisfying change from the standard Eastern–inspired melodies you might find in other spas. After the massage, I was led to the Relaxation Lounge, through the corridors which echo the sounds of their calming water features. The teak and gold leaf room is filled with individual loungers to recline on, and the central island has cucumber water and herbal teas to sip on, before retiring to the sauna to aptly finish the pampering. Deep tissue massage, £100 for 60 minutes. Sense Spa at Rosewood London, 252 High Holborn, WC1V (020 7781 8888; rosewoodhotels.com)
‘The almond oil aroma filled the room and instantly created a soothing ambiance’
104
An estimated 2.2 billion men
watched the last world cup… 1 in 4 of those watching do not seek medical advice when faced with a health concern
Early detection is key so if you have a health concern, make an appointment with your GP as soon as possible
Ignoring it won’t make it go away The Wellington Hospital has an international reputation for excellence in healthcare with specialists available in all areas of men’s health, including prostate and testicular cancer.
Make an appointment today by calling
020 7483 5004
Submit an appointment request via our website
The mayfair Magazine | Food & Drink
From sipping cocktails at The Ritz to hosting the perfect barbeque, Mayfair is brimming with fine ways to wine and dine Words: Bethan Rees
Food & drink news Barbeque banquet
Summer sparkles
Holding a summer barbeque is all fun and games, unless you’re the one running around with drinks, manning the grill and trying to be a gracious host all at the same time. However, online spirit store Alexander & James and legendary butchers Allens of Mayfair have collaborated to create the perfect party package. They will provide a mixologist, a master butcher, the finest meats, premium whisky, the barbeque, the tableware, the silver wear and, to top it all off, tumblers with optional engraving for a personal touch. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the sporadic British sunshine in the comfort of your own home, with a little helping hand. From £2,500 (allensofmayfair.co.uk; alexanderandjames.com)
The summer is upon us, and naturally we start to reach for the fizz and indulge in sunlit happenings (if London wants to treat us to some rays). The Frerejean–Taittinger brothers grew up surrounded by Champagne and naturally wanted to pay homage to their background; producing a bottle of bubbly they could call their own. Now their premier cru has made its way to our shores and we’re ready to pop it open. The Frerejean Frères Brut is aged for a minimum of five years in the cellar, and originates from the Côte de Blancs, a famed area of the Champagne region. So raise a glass to the siblings; bottoms up. Frerejean Frères Premier Cru, £30 (frerejeanfreres.com)
LEAD IMAGE: Photo courtesy of Alexander & James
Royal in the afternoon A cup of tea can solve some of the most challenging problems, and gourmet tea company Mariage Frères is assisting with our troubles. The business, which was founded in 1854, has released a limited edition range of four teas in honour of their 160th anniversary. Additionally, they have created a limited edition hand-blown glass teapot, of which there are only 160 pieces, so if you want to get your hands on the vessel, you had better be quick off the mark. Tea, £25, Mariage Frères (mariagefreres.com)
Cocktail slippers While sipping from a shoe is not a conventional occurrence at The Ritz, when it’s commemorating a legendary moment in time, it’s perfectly acceptable. In 1951, when American actress Tallulah Bankhead visited London, she drank Champagne from her slipper during a press conference. The Rivoli Bar is celebrating this event in its long history with a new cocktail, which is served in a bespoke glass slipper as part of its summer menu. The drink, created by head bartender Walter Pintus, is a blend of Soshu Jasmine Pearl tea, Cinzano Bianco, geranium essence, topped with Piper Heidsieck Champagne, served with a numbered scroll for guests to take away with them. The Rivoli Bar at The Ritz London (020 7300 2340; theritzlondon.com) 107
escape A tranquil oasis amidst the hustle & bustle of Mayfair. A unique dining experience begins as you walk down a tree-lined pathway to reach The Greenhouse. London fades away and calm descends. Michelin-starred chef Arnaud Bignon’s acclaimed light touch with highly flavoured dishes brings a thrilling dimension to classic French cuisine. Make your reservation today at
The Greenhouse, 27a Hay’s Mews Mayfair, London, W1J 5NY 020 7499 3331 www.greenhouserestaurant.co.uk reservations@greenhouserestaurant.co.uk
The mayfair Magazine | Food & Drink
DINING OUT Rivea at the Bulgari Hotel W O R D S : k at e r a c o v o l i s
W
henever I return to London from a sojourn on the French Riviera, after over-indulging in various types of cheese, wine and sugared brioche, an inevitable melancholia sets in. It usually occurs upon my first visit to the supermarket, where, instead of the soft, fresh pillows of mild goats cheese that I savoured in France, I find fluorescently-lit aisles filled with dairy products that have a texture more akin to plastic than actual food. But Alain Ducasse’s new restaurant, Rivea, at the Bulgari Hotel & Residences, helmed by Ducasse’s protégé Chef Damien Leroux, has solved this predicament. It brings together the cuisines from both the Italian and French Riviera into a very glamorous, very ‘London’ setting. A dark, almost sapphire blue-carpeted staircase descends into the restaurant, which is not at all out of place in the elegant hotel. But
‘The flavour of every ingredient is allowed to have its moment in the limelight’
potatoes and the Rivea Salad (not to be missed) – a crisp Niçoise wrapped in socca, a type of pancake made with chickpea flour. If you’re like me, you will want every plate all to yourself. I subtly inched a plate of the feather-light gnocchi with sage and crispy shards of parmesan over towards to my side of the table – it was so delicious, I could have ordered another serve. Or you can share – the friendlier approach – which is just as good an option. As with all of Ducasse’s restaurants around the world, the service is faultless. The sommelier is truly passionate about the list of tipples available, and perfectly matched each wine to the menu. And as for dessert – for what is a fabulous dinner without one – the tiramisu or rhubarb and strawberry with almond ice cream are the perfect end to your culinary trip to the Riviera of Italy and France, without having to leave London. Rivea, Bulgari Hotel & Residences, London 171 Knightsbridge, SW7 (rivealondon.com)
Photography © Pierre Monetta
the finer details are instant reminders of the sunnier climes at these holiday spots, such as the napkins with a bundle of silver asparagus embroidered on to them, the azul bluecoloured glassware and a table full of garlic, aubergines, peppers and lemons. Here, the produce is the star of the show. The menu is wonderfully simple and, because of this, the flavour of every ingredient is allowed to have its moment in the limelight. It’s easy to forget you are in Knightsbridge when the dishes arrive at your table. Delights such as finely sliced sea bass carpaccio, warm octopus in a salad of
109
FINANCIAL EDUCATION FOR ALL IN-DEPTH, UNBIASED & AFFORDABLE
EXCLUSIVE READER READER OFFERS OFFERS EXCLUSIVE UP UP TO TO 75% 75% OFF OFF ALL ALL ONLINE ONLINE COURSES COURSES
Trading & Investing Made Simple Lex Lex van van Dam Dam is is the the creator creator of of the the BBC’s BBC’s TV TV Program Program “Million “Million Dollar Dollar Traders” and and the the founder founder of of Lex Lex van van Dam Dam Financial Financial Education. Education. Lex Lex brings brings Traders” his institutional institutional experience experience and and wisdom wisdom in in trading trading and and investing investing to to ordinary ordinary his people ® methodology methodology explains explains people and and professionals professionals alike. alike. His His 5-Step-Trading 5-Step-Trading® the complex financial world in a simple and well structured the complex financial world in a simple and well structured way. way.
Why Why you you should should learn learn with with us: us: At At the the end end of of the the course, course, you you will will have have an an in-depth in-depth understanding about the financial world understanding about the financial world and and what what it takes takes to to be be good good at at trading trading & & investing. investing. If If you you it like like to to improve improve your your financial financial skills skills at at a a time time convenient for you then get online and convenient for you then get online and register register today. today.
Easy-to-use, Easy-to-use, online online customer customer support support and and no no up-selling or or third third party party up-selling advertising. Our Our course course advertising. material material is is available available 24 24 hours hours a a day day on on any any device, device, which means you can which means you can learn learn new skills skills whenever whenever and and new wherever you you want: want: from from wherever the the comfort comfort of of your your couch, couch, at at your your desk, desk, or or when when you’re traveling. traveling. you’re
Online Courses: 5-Step-Trading® STOCKS STOCKS II 5-Step-Trading®
£119 £119
£499 £499
5-Step-Trading® 5-Step-Trading® STOCKS STOCKS II: II:
£119 £119
£499 £499
5-Step-Trading® 5-Step-Trading® FX FX
£199 £199
£499 £499
Lex’s Lex’s Favourite Favourite Technical Technical Trading Trading Strategies Strategies for for FX FX
£249 £249
£320 £320
ALL COURSES COURSES ALL
£499 £1800 £1800 £499
Avoid Avoid Common Common Trading Trading Mistakes Mistakes ++ Trading Tips Tips ++ Lex’s Lex’s Screen Screen Trading
Applicable to to Commodities Commodities & & Indexes Indexes Applicable
Visit Visit www.lexvandam.com/en/city www.lexvandam.com/en/city or or call call us: us: 020 020 3286 3286 3408 3408 T&C apply. apply. T&C
©2014 ©2014 All All rights rights reserved. reserved.
The mayfair Magazine | Regulars
Remembering
MAYFAIR d e v o n s h i r e h o u s e , P i c c a d i l ly
M
any Londoners and visitors have navigated the exits from Green Park station or the bus stops along this stretch of Piccadilly, but how many of us have looked up at the nine-storey stone-clad building that towers over Green Park? Built in 1924-26, Devonshire House was among a number of large, lavish apartment blocks built in Mayfair during the inter-war period. Devonshire House is situated on the site of the former home of the Dukes of Devonshire of the same name, which was completed in 1740 and designed by William Kent. However, by 1914 the family closed the grand ducal house, and by 1919 the 9th Duke of Devonshire sold the house and gardens, which originally stretched back to Berkeley Square. There was much speculation as to what would happen to the grand historic house, but by 1924 the sumptuous interior decoration had been removed to Chatsworth and the old house was demolished. The only remnant is the wroughtiron gates, now located at the entrance to Green Park, near Half Moon Street. The ticket hall of Green Park station is situated in the former wine cellars of the house. The new owners, Messrs Holland, Hannen and Cubitts, commissioned American architect,
Thomas Hastings of Carrère & Hastings, who also designed the New York Public Library, in cooperation with Professor C.H. Reilly, to design a grand apartment building. It was completed by 1926, with the final design featuring shops along the ground floor and 54 flats above. The ground floor features ionic pilasters, with frieze, while the upper floors have simple decorative details, including balustrade and decorated panels. Nikolaus Pevsner called it ‘one of the best 1920s newcomers to the West End’. On entering Devonshire House through the colonnaded portico at the rear (on the newly created Mayfair Place) the original layout led to two entrance halls leading to the flats. Also, in the centre of the ground floor was a restaurant, which provided meals to the residents. By 1954 it was converted to office space, and a complete refurbishment was finished in 1983. More recently, in 2013, Devonshire House was sold for over £400 million. By Melanie Backe-Hansen, House Historian (house-historian.co.uk)
111
Property | The mayfair Magazine
Mayfair estate agents 020 7834 4771 (sales) www.hamptons-int.com
Beauchamp Estates 24 Curzon Street, W1J 7TF 020 7499 7722 www.beauchamp.co.uk
Plaza Estates KAY & CO Harrods Estates
Knightsbridge
82 Brompton Road SW3 1ER 020 7225 6506
Mayfair ChestertonS
Mayfair
47 South Audley Street W1K 2QA 020 7629 4513 (sales) 020 7288 8301 (lettings)
61 Park Lane W1K 1QF 020 7409 9001 www.harrodsestates.com
24-25 Albion Street W2 2AX 020 7262 2030
29-31 Edgware Road, W2 2JE 020 7724 3100 www.plazaestates.co.uk
Marylebone & Regents Park 20a Paddington Street W1U 5QP 020 7486 6338 www.kayandco.com
Savills
Knightsbridge 188 Brompton Road, SW3 1HQ 020 7581 5234 (sales)
Mayfair
Westminster & Pimlico 10 Gillingham Street, SW1V 1HJ 020 3411 8386 (sales) www.chestertons.com
Hyde Park & Bayswater
Marble Arch
Kaye & Carey Horne & Harvey 23a St James’s Street SW1A 1HA 020 7839 6006 www.horneandharvey.co.uk
Knightsbridge 4 Yeoman’s Row SW3 2AH 020 7590 0066 www.kayeandcarey.co.uk
36 North Audley Street, W1K 6ZJ 020 7578 5100 (sales & lettings)
Sloane Street 139 Sloane Street, SW1X 9AY 020 7730 0822 www.savills.co.uk
Fine & Country
Mayfair
121 Park Lane, W1K 7AG 020 7079 1523 www.fineandcountry.co.uk
Knight Frank
Mayfair JACKSON STOPS & STAFF 17c Curzon Street W1J 5HU 020 7664 6644 www.jackson-stops.co.uk
Hamptons International 134 Fulham Road, SW10 9PY 020 7717 5433 (lettings)
Knightsbridge 168 Brompton Road, SW3 1HW 020 7717 5463 (lettings)
Mayfair
13 Hill Street, W1J 5LQ 020 7629 7282
Hyde Park
Knightsbridge
1 Craven Terrace W2 3QD 020 7871 5060 (sales) 020 7871 5070 (lettings)
Chelsea
John D Wood
Belgravia
48 Elizabeth Street SW1W 9PA 020 7824 7900 www.johndwood.co.uk
Strutt & Parker
120a Mount Street W1K 3NN 020 7499 1012 (sales & lettings) www.knightfrank.co.uk
London Head Office
66 Sloane Street SW1X 9SH 020 7235 9959 www.struttandparker.com
Marylebone 55 Baker Street W1U 8EW 020 3435 6440 (sales)
32 Grosvenor Square, W1K 2HJ 020 7717 5465 (sales) 020 7717 5467 (lettings)
W.A. Ellis 174 Brompton Road, SW3 1HP 020 7306 1600 www.waellis.co.uk
Paddington & Bayswater 4C Praed Street, W2 1JX 020 7717 5473 (sales) 020 7717 5343 (lettings)
Pimlico & Westminster 50 Belgrave Road, SW1V 1RQ
John taylor 48 Berkeley Square, W1J 5AX 020 3284 1888 www.john-taylor.com
Pastor Real Estate Ltd 48 Curzon Street W1J 7UL 020 3195 9595 www.pastor-realestate.com
For estate agent listings please contact Sophie Roberts at: s.roberts@runwildgroup.co.uk
Wetherell 102 Mount Street W1K 2TH 020 7493 6935 www.wetherell.co.uk
showcasing the
finest HOMES & PROPERTY from the best estate agents
French
connection
Paris-based design and real estate development company COGEMAD makes its UK debut
Tall storeys
image: strutt & parker www.struttandparker.com
A newly refurbished apartment on Upper Brook Street arrives on the market
KnightFrank.co.uk
Lancaster Gate, Hyde Park W2 Spectacular three bedroom apartment
A beautifully renovated, spacious three bedroom maisonette in Lancaster Gate, situated in a Grade II listed stucco fronted building with porter, moments from the green open spaces of Hyde Park. 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, reception room, kitchen, porter. Approximately 256.8 sq m ﴾2,764 sq ft﴿
KnightFrank.co.uk/hydepark hydepark@knightfrank.com 020 3544 6140
Leasehold: 966 years approximately Price guide £4,950,000 ﴾HPE130240﴿
NHHP - July 14 - 109A Lancaster Gate
06/06/2014 10:10:40
N
40
KnightFrank.co.uk
Lancaster Gate, Hyde Park W2 Wonderful lateral penthouse apartment
This wonderful Grade II lateral penthouse apartment offers fantastic entertaining space. A magnficent roof terrace, with views towards Hyde Park, is accessed via all the principal rooms. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms, kitchen, study, terrace, balcony. Approximately 290.7 sq m ﴾3,129 sq ft﴿
KnightFrank.co.uk/hydepark hydepark@knightfrank.com 020 3544 6140
Share of freehold Guide price £5,950,000 ﴾HPE120045﴿
NHHP - June 14 - 55 Lancaster Gate
05/06/2014 12:11:54
Pall Mall
whitehall court
Carlton Gardens
Hays Mews
Davies Street
charles street
Mount Street Grosvenor Square
Wherever you’rE Looking to move from, Knight Frank can help. Our Mayfair & St James’s team pride themselves on exceptional service and unrivalled market knowledge, taking the stress out of selling your home. For further information or to request a complimentary market appraisal contact us on +44 20 3463 2616.
KnightFrank.co.uk/mayfair 3826_whatever_Mayfair_A4_advert_ƒ.indd 1
16/05/2014 12:49
5
12:49
KnightFrank.co.uk
St James's Street, St James's SW1
Outstanding duplex penthouse with unrivalled views A magnificent, contemporary three bedroom duplex penthouse with over 800 sq ft of outside terracing. 3 bedrooms, bathroom, 2 shower rooms, dressing room, 2 reception rooms, kitchen, terrace, lift, porterage. EPC rating D. Approximately 285 sq m ﴾3,066 sq ft﴿ Leasehold: approximately 126 years remaining Guide price: £12,000,000 ﴾WER130079﴿
KnightFrank.co.uk/mayfair mayfair@knightfrank.com 020 8166 7482 StruttandParker.com/knightsbridge knightsbridge@struttandparker.com 020 7235 9959
5 The Verge
16/06/2014 17:30:19
KnightFrank.co.uk
Dering Street, Mayfair W1S
Lateral apartment in an exclusive luxury development A stylish two bedroom apartment behind a part‐retained facade featuring high specification and a dedicated secure entrance. Master bedroom with en suite shower room, second bedroom, bathroom, double reception room, kitchen, guest WC, utility room, lift, porter. EPC rating B. Approximately 152 sq m ﴾1,634 sq ft﴿ Leasehold: approximately 122 years remaining
KnightFrank.co.uk/mayfair mayfair@knightfrank.com 020 8166 7482
Guide price: £3,750,000 ﴾WER130299﴿
5 The Verge
16/06/2014 17:30:19
5
19
KnightFrank.co.uk
Balfour Place, Mayfair W1K
A two bedroom lateral apartment with porterage A bright two bedroom lateral apartment in a beautiful period building located just off prestigious Mount Street. Master bedroom with en suite bathroom, second bedroom, shower room, kitchen, reception room, porter. EPC rating D. Approximately 96 sq m ﴾1,031 sq ft﴿ Leasehold: approximately 24 years remaining
KnightFrank.co.uk/mayfair mayfair@knightfrank.com 020 8166 7482
Guide price: £1,750,000 ﴾WER140085﴿
5 The Verge
16/06/2014 17:30:19
KnightFrank.co.uk Davies Street, Mayfair W1K
Two bedroom apartment A contemporary, lateral two bedroom apartment in an award‐winning development featuring 24 hour porterage and two private balconies. Open plan kitchen/reception room, master bedroom with en suite bathroom, second bedroom, shower room, 2 balconies, porter, lift, secure underground parking, additional storage space. EPC rating C. Approximately 128 sq m ﴾1,384 sq ft﴿ Leasehold: approximately 139 years remaining Guide price: £6,100,000
KnightFrank.co.uk/mayfair mayfair@knightfrank.com 020 8166 7482 ﴾WER140020﴿
Green Street, Mayfair W1K
Elegant duplex apartment A stylish three bedroom duplex apartment with oblique views of Hyde Park, featuring a balcony and private roof terrace. 3 bedrooms, bathroom, shower room, open plan kitchen/dining room, reception room, guest WC, loft storage, balcony, roof terrace, lift access. EPC rating E. Approximately 203 sq m ﴾2,181 sq ft﴿ Leasehold: approximately 125 years remaining Guide price: £6,100,000
KnightFrank.co.uk/mayfair mayfair@knightfrank.com 020 8166 7482 ﴾WER130191﴿
MM july
16/06/2014 17:29:20
Ma
20
KnightFrank.co.uk
North Audley Street, Mayfair W1K A beautiful three bedroom apartment
A newly refurbished apartment, finished to the highest specification, situated on the third floor of a small portered block on a prominent street in Mayfair. 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, reception room, dining area, fully equipped kitchen, guest cloakroom, air conditioning, EPC rating C. Approximately 187 sq m ﴾2,013 sq ft﴿ Available furnished
Guide price: £3,950 per week
KnightFrank.co.uk/Mayfair mayfairlettings@knightfrank.com 020 3551 9668
﴾MAQ198100﴿ All potential tenants should be advised that, as well as rent, an administration fee of £276 will apply when renting a property. Please ask us for more information about other fees that may apply or visit KnightFrank.co.uk/tenantcharges
Mayfair Mag July 2014 2
16/06/2014 15:30:13
KnightFrank.co.uk John Street, Bloomsbury WC1 Interior designed house
A magnificent Grade II listed 6 bedroom family house located on one of the finest streets in Bloomsbury. 6 bedrooms, 6 en suite bathrooms, reception room, kitchen/dining room/family room, study, utility room, garden, roof terrace, underfloor heating, sonos integrated music system, lutron lighting. Approximately 588 sq m ﴾6,329 sq ft﴿ Available furnished or unfurnished Guide price: £4,500 per week
Marylebone Lettings KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings lettings@knightfrank.com 020 3641 5853 ﴾MRQ173142﴿
Hyde Park Gardens,W2 Lateral apartment
An elegant apartment located in the prestigious Hyde Park Gardens, offering wonderful south facing views across Hyde Park. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, reception room, fully integrated kitchen, dressing room, mezzanine, high ceilings, 2 balconies, lift and porter. Access to beautiful private communal gardens. Approximately 213 sq m ﴾2,294 sq ft﴿ Available furnished Guide price: £1,950 per week
Hyde Park Lettings KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings lettings@knightfrank.com 020 3641 7941 ﴾HPQ190590﴿
All potential tenants should be advised that, as well as rent, an administration fee of £276 will apply when renting a property. Please ask us for more information about other fees that may apply or visit KnightFrank.co.uk/tenantcharges
Mayfair Mag HP/MB Lettings July 2014
16/06/2014 12:45:37
Ma
37
KnightFrank.co.uk
Duke Street, Mayfair W1K
Newly refurbished two bedroom apartment A fantastic apartment situated on the third floor. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, reception room, dining area, kitchen, cloakroom, utility room, lift, 24 hour porter, air conditioning, EPC rating C. Approximately 118 sq m ﴾1,276 sq ft﴿ Available furnished
Guide price: £2,100 per week
KnightFrank.co.uk/Mayfair mayfair.lettings@knightfrank.com 020 3641 7737
﴾MAQ198332﴿
All potential tenants should be advised that, as well as rent, an administration fee of £276 will apply when renting a property. Please ask us for more information about other fees that may apply or visit KnightFrank.co.uk/tenantcharges
Mayfair Mag July 2014 2
16/06/2014 15:30:13
Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk
Mayfair Chamber, W1 ONLY TWO APARTMENTS LEFT: Mayfair Chambers presents a rare opportunity to purchase a luxurious residence designed and finished to the highest standard. Close to Berkeley Square and Grosvenor Square, Mayfair Chambers is situated in the genteel Mayfair Conservation Area, at the very heart of the London Borough of Westminster.
£4,500,000 Leasehold • • • • • •
Hamptons Mayfair Office Sales. 020 7717 5465 | Lettings. 020 7717 5467
Two bedrooms Two bathrooms New build Porter High quality finish Approx. 1,388 Sq Ft
Jermyn Street, SW1 A stunning two bedroom two bathroom apartment located on the 7th floor (with lift) of a fantastic portered building within moments of Piccadilly Circus. The property has been recently refurbished and is modern and bright. Offered fully furnished and available from the end of June, early viewings are highly recommended. EPC: C
£750 per week Furnished • • • • •
Hamptons Mayfair Office Lettings. 020 7717 5467 | Sales. 020 7717 5465
Two bedrooms Two bathrooms Newly refurbished Lift Porter
Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk
Denbigh Street, SW1 A beautifully presented mid terrace Victorian family house in the heart of Pimlico. The house is arranged over five floors and extends to over 2,700 square feet with an elegant first floor drawing room garden and first floor terrace. EPC: F
£2,800,000 Freehold • • • • • •
Hamptons Pimlico & Westminister Office Sales. 0203 281 7214 | Lettings. 020 7717 5345
Five bedrooms Three reception rooms Three bathrooms Balcony Patio Close to station
Gloucester Square, W2 Located within an imposing white stucco-fronted period building the apartment has been lovingly refurbished to exacting standards. On the ground floor the accommodation compromises a grand reception/dining room perfect for entertaining and with views across to the square, separate kitchen/breakfast room (with own entrance from Strathearn Place) and cloakroom. Downstairs there are three generous bedrooms and three luxurious en-suite bathrooms. EPC: D
Hamptons Hyde Park & Bayswater Office Sales. 020 7717 5473 | Lettings. 020 7717 5343
£2,950,000 Leasehold • • • • • •
Reception room/Dining room Seperate kitchen/Breakfast room Three bedrooms Three bathrooms (3 En-suite) Patio garden Access to the residents garden square
Beauty | The Property | The mayfair mayfair Magazine Magazine
Property news From London Mayor Boris Johnson’s reflections on the capital’s flourishing market, to a Grade II Mayfair townhouse with its own media room, it is an exciting time in the property market
Building society
Grade II living
London’s property eyes were on Berkeley Square as it hosted the second annual London Real Estate Forum last month. The two-day event was opened by Mayor Boris Johnson, who had some promisingly positive statements to make about the market, saying that we are in a ‘golden age of construction’, with the capital ‘bulging and sprouting with growth’. The exposition saw the who’s who of the property world discuss the key development areas and opportunities, and there was also a dedicated seminar programme which focused on some of the topics facing the industry and area briefings, including the vicinity of Regent Street, St James’s and Mayfair. Johnson gave an optimistic outlook for the capital in terms of property, concluding that ‘the future of London is transparently bright’. The London Real Estate Forum (lref.co.uk)
A residential gem in the heart of Mayfair, this Grade II Listed townhouse encompasses all the contemporary living necessities and life’s luxuries while paying homage to its rich London history. The freehold property is located on the enviable address of Park Street, quietly nestled away from close-by Hyde Park and Grosvenor Square, with the legendary Le Gavroche a one-minute walk from the doorstep. The recently refurbished period residence includes four bedrooms, a conservatory, a first floor reception room, dining room and a media room; ideal for entertaining. Guide price £7,900,000. For further enquiries contact Chestertons (020 7629 4513; chestertons.com)
Summer in the square Guests gathered in the evening sun for the annual Portman Square Garden Party on 5 June. The event saw 500 visitors congregate in the leafy square, in aid of Child Bereavement UK, to enjoy food, drink, live music and complimentary hair styling by the renowned Daniel Galvin. Estate agent Savills were among the sponsors for event, and Claire Reynolds of the Savills Marylebone office said: ‘The Portman Square Garden Party is a big event in the social calendar for local residents and businesses alike. We, and the fellow sponsors take great pride in working with the local community and supporting this very worthy charity.’ (savills.co.uk)
128
G N I CH N N O U LA SO
QUEEN STREET Mayfair W1 An exceptional new development in the heart of Mayfair Currently under construction behind the original façade, 4&5 Queen Street is a luxury development of two adjoining period buildings developed to provide luxury apartments in the heart of the historic and picturesque Mayfair conservation area.
Joint Sole Agents
Please note – Computer generated Images are indicative only and subject to change Estimated completion: Winter 2014 Guide prices from £4 million Subject to Contract Leasehold, approximately 999 years remaining plus Share of Freehold
Mayfair
020 7499 1012
3136
GREEN STREET MAYFAIR W1
A BEAUTIFULLY PRESENTED DUPLEX APARTMENT BENEFITTING FROM A PRIVATE PATIO IN THIS RECENTLY REFURBISHED PERIOD BUILDING. Entrance hall • Reception room • Sitting room • Dining room • Kitchen • Master bedroom suite with dressing room 2 Further en suite bedrooms • Utility room • Guest cloakroom • Patio • Comfort cooling Underfloor heating • Integrated sound system • 212 sq m (2,275 sq ft) • EPC=B
Terms £4,950,000 subject to contract Tenure: 123 years remaining
313615 Mayfair July14 Savills.indd 1
06/06/2014 14:29
savills.co.uk
LETTINGS LAYOUT ONLY
1
A BRIGHT AND MODERN LATERAL TOP FLOOR APARTMENT park street, w1 Bedroom ø bathroom ø reception room ø kitchen ø lift ø 79 sq m (854 sq ft) ø Council Tax=F ø EPC=E
Savills Mayfair Leonie Bucher lbucher@savills.com
020 7578 5100 Furnished £800 per week + £276 inc VAT one-off admin fee and other charges may apply* *£36 inc VAT for each additional tenant/occupant/guarantor reference where required. Inventory check out fee – charged at the end of or early termination of the tenancy and the amount is dependent on the property size and whether furnished/unfurnished. For more details, visit www.savills.co.uk/fees.
Mansfield Street, Marylebone, W1G A fabulous penthouse with a delightful terrace, offering some of the finest views in London. The property, which is immaculately presented throughout, offers elegant and spacious accommodation on a grand scale and includes a large kitchen with open plan dining area, reception room, master suite with dressing room, second double bedroom with en-suite, separate dining room/third bedroom, study/fourth bedroom and a separate shower room. The apartment also benefits from a direct lift access and air conditioning. Located in a highly sought – after Grade II listed mansions block with a porter. Available now on furnished basis. EPC Rating: C
£3,750 per week Plus Property Fees: £180 Admin & £252 Checkout. References: £42 per person* *http://www.harrodsestates.com/tenants
0207 409 9158 robin.boghhenrikssen@harrodsestates.com
KNIGHTSBRIDGE OFFICE: 82 BROMPTON ROAD LONDON SW3 1ER T: +44 020 7225 6506 MAYFAIR OFFICE: 61 PARK LANE LONDON W1K 1QF T: +44 020 7409 9001 CHELSEA OFFICE: 58 FULHAM ROAD LONDON SW3 6HH T: +44 (0) 20 7225 6700 HARRODSESTATES.COM
Park House Apartments, Mayfair, W1 This new landmark building of extraordinary proportions and luxurious aesthetics, benefits from 24 hour concierge and an underground car park. Inside, meticulous attention to detail features the highest spec finishes, in a warm and contemporary style. This unique, duplex apartment offering approximately 2,325 sq ft of accommodation comprises open plan kitchen/dining/reception room, master bedroom with dressing area and en-suite bathroom, second double bedroom with en-suite shower room, third double galleried bedroom with en-suite shower room and guest cloakroom. Available now for long term lets on furnished basis. EPC Rating: C
£3,550 per week Plus Property Fees: £180 Admin & £312-450 Checkout. References: £42 per person* *http://www.harrodsestates.com/tenants
020 7409 9158 robin.boghhenrikssen@harrodsestates.com
KNIGHTSBRIDGE OFFICE: 82 BROMPTON ROAD LONDON SW3 1ER T: +44 020 7225 6506 MAYFAIR OFFICE: 61 PARK LANE LONDON W1K 1QF T: +44 020 7409 9001 CHELSEA OFFICE: 58 FULHAM ROAD LONDON SW3 6HH T: +44 (0) 20 7225 6700 HARRODSESTATES.COM
The Lancasters, Hyde Park W2 A beautiful two bedroom apartment in this soughtafter luxury development. Accommodation comprises an elegant reception room with double-height ceilings, separate kitchen, dining area, master bedroom with en-suite bathroom, second bedroom and bathroom. The apartment benefits from one secure parking space, swimming pool, spa facilities, concierge and 24 hr security.
ÂŁ3,300,000 Leasehold approximately 996 years remaining 020 7409 9346 jennifer.marwick@harrodsestates.com
KNIGHTSBRIDGE OFFICE: 82 BROMPTON ROAD LONDON SW3 1ER T: +44 020 7225 6506 MAYFAIR OFFICE: 61 PARK LANE LONDON W1K 1QF T: +44 020 7409 9001 CHELSEA OFFICE: 58 FULHAM ROAD LONDON SW3 6HH T: +44 (0) 20 7225 6700 HARRODSESTATES.COM
The Bishops Avenue, Hampstead N2 A beautiful three double bedroom apartment in this luxurious development with swimming pool/gym, 24 hr concierge and two secure parking spaces. Features include a large reception/dining room with a terrace overlooking the landscaped gardens, beautiful boffi kitchen, three ensuite bathrooms, guest cloakroom, under floor heating, air conditioning, a Crestron home automation system, private storage room and with direct lift access.. EPC Rating: B
ÂŁ4,500,000 Leasehold: approximately 992 years remaining 020 7409 9205 michael.davis@harrodsestates.com JSA: Savills 020 7472 5000 ftownsend@savills.com
KNIGHTSBRIDGE OFFICE: 82 BROMPTON ROAD LONDON SW3 1ER T: +44 020 7225 6506 MAYFAIR OFFICE: 61 PARK LANE LONDON W1K 1QF T: +44 020 7409 9001 CHELSEA OFFICE: 58 FULHAM ROAD LONDON SW3 6HH T: +44 (0) 20 7225 6700 HARRODSESTATES.COM
Park Lane, Mayfair W1 A superbly presented two bedroom, first floor (with lift) lateral apartment in this prestigious Mayfair address. Accommodation comprises spacious reception/ dining room, fully fitted kitchen, master bedroom with en-suite bathroom, and guest bedroom with separate shower room. The building also benefits from 24-hour security and a dedicated concierge service. EPC Rating: C
ÂŁ3,275,000 Leasehold approximately 120 years remaining 020 7409 9047 robert.cox@harrodsestates.com
KNIGHTSBRIDGE OFFICE: 82 BROMPTON ROAD LONDON SW3 1ER T: +44 020 7225 6506 MAYFAIR OFFICE: 61 PARK LANE LONDON W1K 1QF T: +44 020 7409 9001 CHELSEA OFFICE: 58 FULHAM ROAD LONDON SW3 6HH T: +44 (0) 20 7225 6700 HARRODSESTATES.COM
Upper Grosvenor Street, Mayfair W1 A beautifully presented apartment in this sought after building moments from Hyde Park and Grosvenor Square, comprises a large reception/dining room, fully fitted kitchen and two bedrooms both with en suite bathrooms. Additional benefits from concierge and 24hr security. EPC Rating: C
ÂŁ2,650,000 Leasehold approximately 112 years remaining 020 7409 9346 jennifer.marwick@harrodsestates.com
KNIGHTSBRIDGE OFFICE: 82 BROMPTON ROAD LONDON SW3 1ER T: +44 020 7225 6506 MAYFAIR OFFICE: 61 PARK LANE LONDON W1K 1QF T: +44 020 7409 9001 CHELSEA OFFICE: 58 FULHAM ROAD LONDON SW3 6HH T: +44 (0) 20 7225 6700 HARRODSESTATES.COM
facebook.com/struttandparker twitter.com/struttandparker
struttandparker.com
Clabon Mews, Knightsbridge SW1
Newly refurbished to an exemplary standard, with large and well-proportioned floors and the rare benefit of a garden, this is arguably the best house on the street.
3,500 sq ft (352.2 sq m) Entrance/dining hall | Kitchen/breakfast room | Drawing room | Family/media room with wet bar | Four bedrooms | Three bath/shower rooms | Gym/bedroom five with en suite steam/shower room | Utility room | Plant room | Garden | Garage | EPC rating D
Knightsbridge 020 7235 9959
james.gilbert-green@struttandparker.com
ÂŁ12,500,000, Freehold
South Eaton Place, Belgravia SW1
A sensational freehold stucco fronted six bedroom house with a garage and off street parking on one of the best streets in Belgravia.
5,109 sq ft (474.6 sq m) Entrance hall | Reception hall | Drawing room | Dining room | Family room | TV room | Kitchen | Breakfast room | Master bedroom with dressing room and en suite bathroom | Two further bedroom suites | Three further bedrooms | Two shower rooms | Study | Cloakroom | Gym | Utility room | Balcony | Roof terrace | Garage | Storage vault | EPC rating D
Knightsbridge 0207 235 9959 charlie.willis@struttandparker.com
ÂŁ16,000,000, Freehold
facebook.com/struttandparker twitter.com/struttandparker
struttandparker.com
Lowndes Square, Knightsbridge SW1
Immaculately presented, this is an exemplary share of freehold flat situated on the fifth floor of a superb building on the southeastern side of Lowndes Square.
ÂŁ2,250,000, Share of Freehold
695 sq ft (64.6 sq m) Entrance hall | Reception room | Kitchen | Double bedroom | Bathroom | 24 hr porter Lift | EPC rating C
Knightsbridge 0207 235 9959 bertie.hare@struttandparker.com
Lowndes Square, Knightsbridge SW1
A large ground floor maisonette with a grand and elegant west facing drawing room with planning permission to change the existing layout (adding approx 108 sq ft).
3,652 sq ft (339.3 sq m) Drawing room | Dining room | Kitchen | Master bedroom with en suite shower room | Three further bedroom suites | Bedroom 5/ Media room | Two patios | EPC rating C
Knightsbridge 020 7235 9959 james.forbes@struttandparker.com
ÂŁ5,950,000, Leasehold
jackson-stops.co.uk
Maddox Street, W1 A first floor apartment situated in the heart of Mayfair’s fashion quarter, between Regent Street and New Bond Street. Reception room with semi-separate kitchen, master bedroom with en suite bathroom, further double bedroom and separate shower room. EPC = D
Asking price of ÂŁ1,950,000 Leasehold
MM56951
People Property Places Local & National reach through a network of London & Regional offices
Mayfair
020 7664 6644 mayfair@jackson-stops.co.uk
Oldbury Place, W1 A mews house with a west facing roof terrace situated in the heart of Marylebone Village. Reception room, breakfast/ kitchen room, two double bedrooms with two further bathrooms. EPC=D
Asking Price of ÂŁ4,750,000 Freehold
MM57296
People Property Places Local & National reach through a network of London & Regional offices
Mayfair
020 7664 6644 mayfair@jackson-stops.co.uk
jackson-stops.co.uk
Macklin Street, WC2B A warehouse conversion in Covent Garden with private roof terrace and secure underground parking. Open plan kitchen/ reception/dining room, master bedroom, second double bedroom, further separate bathroom. Offered furnished. EPC=D
ÂŁ1,795 per week fees apply
MM52701
Chesterfield House, W1J A penthouse apartment on the 9th floor (with lift) of a secure portered building in Mayfair. Reception room, separate kitchen leading to large terrace with views over Hyde Park, master bedroom with separate dressing room and bathroom, shower room; air conditioning, underfloor heating, wooden flooring. Offered furnished. EPC=D
ÂŁ1,750 per week fees apply
MM56687
People Property Places Local & National reach through a network of London & Regional offices
Mayfair
020 7664 6644 mayfair@jackson-stops.co.uk
HOT PROPERTY St James’s Street, SW1
S
t James’s has been the subject of much attention of late, since the Crown Estate poured £500 million into rejuvenating and developing this prestigious part of London. One of the latest properties to arrive on the market, amidst this time of great change, is a stunning three to four-bedroom penthouse at 73 St James’s Street. Although this property has a historic façade, its interiors are far from traditional. The contemporary interiors, all crisp shades of white with warmer, wood-coloured details, will ask you to rethink your definition of what it means to live in this high-tech era. Spread over the fifth and sixth floors, the highlight of this penthouse has to be the 800 square-feet of terracing, with sweeping views over St James’s and Green Park towards London’s most iconic landmarks, including the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. However, the formal reception room is also spectacular, with floor-to-ceiling glass doors which lead on to the terrace. ‘This penthouse offers an unprecedented level of finish that has yet to be seen in St James’s,’ says Harvey Cyzer, head of Knight Frank’s Mayfair office. There is also a
146
Bulthaup kitchen, an air cooling system and under-floor heating as well as the helpful aid of home automation and technology. A 24-hour porter is also on call, to assist with your every need. ‘We have seen a shift in the profile of the St James’s buyer, with a considerable increase in the number of international buyers that are looking for the type of finish that this penthouse offers,’ he adds. ‘This influx of foreign buyers combined with the £500 million investment scheme currently in place by
‘Although this property has a historic façade, its interiors are far from traditional’ the Crown Estate, is providing a huge boost to St James’s as a whole and will surely enhance St James’s position within the prime central London property market.’ For further enquiries contact Harvey Cyzer at Knight Frank (020 7499 1012; harvey.cyzer@knightfrank. com) or James Gilbert-Green at Strutt & Parker (020 7235 9959; struttandparker.com)
The mayfair Magazine | Property
147
AN EXTREMELY RARE OPPORTUNITY TO ACQUIRE
A FREEHOLD APARTMENT BUILDING IN MAYFAIR VILLAGE
BALFOUR PLACE MAYFAIR W1
Situated on the corner of Balfour Place and Mount Street, between Park Lane and South Audley Street, a Grade II listed building totalling 13,091 sq ft (1,216.2 sq m) arranged as six apartments with potential for reinstatement to a house subject to necessary consents. Prime Location Prominent Corner Building 26m / 85' Frontage to Balfour Place Potential for Reinstatement as a House Income Producing Passenger Lift 13,091 Square Feet FREEHOLD ÂŁ45,000,000 Joint Sole Agents
102 Mount Street, London W1K 2TH
kayandco.com
W1
George Street, Marylebone
ÂŁ7,500,000 Leasehold A truly exceptional flat which has been beautifully designed, set on the sixth floor of this modern building located close to Oxford Street. The property comprises five bedrooms, four bathrooms (three en-suite), a wonderful double aspect reception room, fantastic contemporary kitchen, second reception room and three balconies. The property further benefits from air conditioning and 24 hour porterage. Energy Rating: B
020 3394 0012 sales.marylebone@kayandco.com
kayandco.com
W1
Hays Mews, Mayfair
ÂŁ9,950,000 Freehold This superbly refurbished six floor beauty is set in a prestigious mews, close to Berkeley Square and incorporates the highest standard of architectural design in its clever conversion. The property comprises three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a large reception room and impressive kitchen/dining room. A cinema room doubles as further entertaining space on the lower ground floor and air conditioning, underfloor heating, a fully integrated AV system, roof terrace, large integral garage and contemporary fittings throughout highlight the level of detail on offer. Energy Rating: C
020 7908 2662 m.bikhit@kayandco.com
Upper Grosvenor Street
£2,750 per week long let
A newly refurbished penthouse apartment with an exceptional terrace & conservatory. This lateral apartment extends to approximately 1,894 sq ft & comprises 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, reception rooms, kitchen, terrace & conservatory.
Additional charges apply Administration: £222 (VAT included) References per tenant: £42 (VAT included)
Mayfair W1K
EPC rating E
Mayfair
0207 288 8301 lettings.mayfair@chestertons.com
North Audley Street Mayfair W1K
Duke Street Mayfair SW1Y
£1,275 per week
£2,100 per week
A bright & recently refurbished maisonette on the 3rd & 4th floor of this period Mayfair building. Superbly positioned close to transport links & all the amenities of Mayfair. EPC rating D long let
An exquisite recently refurbished & interior designed Mayfair apartment in a prestigious residential development. This lateral apartment comprises 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, reception & kitchen. EPC rating C long let
chestertons.com
£7,900,000 freehold
Park Street
Mayfair W1K
Recently refurbished Grade II listed, freehold townhouse. The property is presented in a modern, contemporary style & comprises 1st floor reception room, dining room, media room, conservatory & 4 bedrooms. EPC rating E
Mayfair
020 7269 4513 sales.mayfair@chestertons.com
Park Lane Mayfair W1K
Shepherd Street Mayfair W1J
£8,900,000 leasehold
£7,000,000 freehold
A prestigious west facing family apartment featuring double reception room with high ceilings, luxury kitchen, 3 double bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, sun room, garden, private entrance & porter services. Long lease 116 years. EPC rating C
A well presented mews house, offering 4 bedrooms, home cinema, gym, large open plan reception room with a wonderfully modern kitchen. The mews house also benefits from a double length garage & lift. EPC rating C
chestertons.com
FOR SALE
CENTRAL LONDON TOWNHOUSE
£5,750,000
DERBY STREET, MAYFAIR, LONDON W1
FURTHER DETAILS:
Delightful Mayfair townhouse located in a charming cobbled street, moments from Park Lane. Newly decorated throughout and interior designed. The property offers bright, flexible family living and entertaining accommodation. Entrance hall, dining/reception room, drawing room, study, master bedroom suite with dressing room, three further bedrooms, three bathrooms, kitchen, utility and large roof terrace with skyline views of Mayfair. The lower ground floor could be additional entertaining space or a self-contained guest suite.
Michael Harte
• Freehold
•
T +44 (0)20 3195 9595 E sales@pastor-realestate.com
2,700 sq ft (251 sq m)
PASTOR REAL ESTATE 48 CURZON STREET, LONDON, W1J 7UL • T +44 (0)20 3195 9595 F +44 (0)20 3195 9596
www.pastor-realestate.com
TO LET
LUXURY FAMILY HOME IN MAYFAIR W1
£2,950 per week
ST ANSELMS PLACE, LONDON W1
FURTHER DETAILS:
An impressive, luxury five bedroom family house in the heart of Mayfair extending to 4,500 sq ft of living space with two integral garages. Located a short walking distance to the shops of Bond Street and Oxford Street and the open spaces of Hyde Park. The property has been recently refurbished throughout to an exceptional standard and has excellent entertaining areas offering an abundance of space together with the benefit of a large private garden. Accommodation: Entrance hall to grand staircase, reception room, dining room, custom built luxury kitchen, five double bedrooms, four bathrooms, study, magnificent indoor pool, steam room and gymnasium, large paved garden.
Spencer Taffurelli
•
Unfurnished
•
T +44 (0)20 3195 9595 E lettings@pastor-realestate.com
Available now
FOR FURTHER DETAILS PLEASE CONTACT: Michael Harte T +44 (0) 20 3195 9595 E lettings@pastor-realestate.com
‘M
DAVID ADAMS (PHOTO by SAREL JANSEN)
Upper echelons We meet David Adams, managing director of John Taylor UK, to discuss prime central London property and, in particular, one spectacular property in the heart of Mayfair
156
ayfair is seen as the centre of London,’ says David Adams, the managing director of Berkeley Square-based estate agent, John Taylor. While geographically this is true, there are many reasons why this area is considered a hub for fashion, art, fine food, culture and commerce. Within this part of prime central London are some of the most sought after properties in the country by buyers from within the country and abroad. One such property, which has recently arrived on the market under John Taylor’s instruction, is on Upper Brook Street, just off Grosvenor Square. ‘The two unique things about this property are firstly, that it’s freehold,’ says Adams. ‘Many of the houses on this street are leasehold, and some of them are on quite short leases and so this appeals very much to the international buyers who want to know that they have their property. Secondly, this property is triple-aspect in some of the rooms, meaning there are windows on three sides, which affords the property a beautiful natural light.’ The property was originally built as a Georgian house – inside and out – and its interior has now been fully refurbished from top to bottom. The buyer of this property will be the first to experience the contemporary, very James Bond-style interiors, with soft hues of grey contrasted with jet black, and, of course, the concealed bar in the living space on the first floor. An extra floor was also added to the property, making it a six storey property, with four bedrooms and three bathrooms. There is also a cellar on the lower ground floor next to the kitchen, plus two cloakrooms and a utility room. ‘The position is fantastic, because you’re not far from Grosvenor Square where some of the world’s most expensive property is being developed,’ says Adams. ‘The American Embassy is your neighbour, so the security is top notch. ‘It’s not easy to find a fully refurbished house with furniture that you can move straight into for £7.25 million in Mayfair, they’re quite a rare
The mayfair Magazine | Property
‘It’s not easy to find a fully refurbished house with furniture that you can move straight into for this price in Mayfair’
commodity. You may find them in a mews, but you’ll rarely find them on a great street address such as Upper Brook Street.’ For this property, Adams has seen a marked interest from purchasers from the Middle East, as well as Europeans and locals who are either looking to downgrade or upgrade. ‘Everyone has been looking at this property to live in, some people as a permanent address and others as a secondary address if they spend half their time overseas,’ says Adams. More broadly, he notes that many purchasers also come from Mumbai and India. ‘There is a very big Indian community here. They love Mayfair and quite often they will select the address here over other prime locations in London,’ he says. However, Adams notes that the expectations of purchasers have been influenced by the apparent rise in property prices. ‘The property
prices in the prime market that I work in – properties up to £2 million – have been rising in price, and that’s because there is a £2 million threshold where stamp duty rises, and there’s a £2 million threshold where the opposition government is threatening to introduce mansion tax. But, since November of last year, the market of £5–20 million properties hasn’t moved at all. It peaked in about November of last year, and a lot of the prices that came on earlier this year were considerably higher.’ But this should not deter buyers. ‘Now is an excellent time to buy in Mayfair, as the long term trend – regardless of politics – has to be upwards, because people aspire to be here, as much as they aspire to own a Bentley.’ For further enquiries contact David Adams at John Taylor, 48 Berkeley Square, London W1J (020 3284 1888; john–taylor.co.uk)
157
We believe that every building is one-of-akind. Every design is created to a unique, specific and personal vision. And every project requires individual understanding, research and planning. Blending architectural flair with building surveying professionalism. Collaborating with clients, suppliers, engineers and builders. Together we create original and beautiful bespoke houses. We are experienced and pragmatic, fresh thinking and innovative; we are Pennington Phillips.
Pennington Phillips 16 Spectrum House 32–34 Gordon House Road London NW5 1LP t: 020 7267 1414 f: 020 7267 7878 design@penningtonphillips.co.uk
Green Street, Mayfair, W1K A classical and stylish first and second floor duplex apartment with period features, high ceilings and direct lift access. The property has a reception room with French doors leading onto a private balcony, dining room, kitchen, 3 en suite bedrooms and a guest cloakroom. Located a short distance to the amenities of Hyde Park and Park Lane. EPC Rating F.
£4,750,000 Leasehold ABU DHABI MEGEVE •
JSA with Knight Frank, Mayfair
John Taylor UK London W1J 5AX Tel: 020 3284 1888
• AIX-EN-PROVENCE • BARCELONA • CANNES • COURCHEVEL • COSTA BRAVA • GENEVA • GSTAAD • LONDON MERIBEL • MILAN • MONACO • PARIS • ST-JEAN-CAP-FERRAT • ST-PAUL-DE-VENCE • ST-TROPEZ • VALBONNE
www.john-taylor.com
S
eventeenth-century design is the epitome of superfluity, and the French style of this era, even more. The rows of towering colonnade façades, ceiling murals of baby blue skies with angelic cherubim and panels of baroque marble from this time, are some of the most extravagant examples still admired today. Any attempt to recreate this distinctive guise has to be done with elegance and awareness of its history, and French real estate development company COGEMAD have done just that with a château located in the commune of Louveciennes, situated on the outskirts of Paris.
‘This estate is set over 50-acres of landscaped gardens, reminiscent of André Le Nôtre’s designs for Versailles’ The Paris-based brand was formed 25 years ago and was founded by international businessman Emad Khashoggi, when he and his team of architects and designers set out to create exquisite properties, ranging from classical French châteaux to the ultimate contemporary house in the Middle East. This September, they will make their UK debut. Among the COGEMAD property portfolio is the magnificent Château Louis XIV, which was built as a scaled down Palace of Versailles, the former French royal residence. This estate is set over 50-acres of landscaped gardens, reminiscent of André Le Nôtre’s designs for Versailles, featuring parterre flowers, gold-leaf fountains and a hedged labyrinth. However, the 17th-century influence stretches much further than just the grounds. One of the eight reception rooms hosts a chamber with a 17-metre-high domed ceiling, decorated in a fresco-inspired fashion. The theme continues through to the library, which features a huge chestnut brown marbled fireplace with a painting of King Louis XIV hanging over the
160
The mayfair Magazine | Property
Ch창teau chic
Step inside the grandiose Ch창teau Louis XIV, created by luxury property developer COGEMAD and inspired by the Palace of Versailles, to discover its 17th-century charm in all its extravagance and glory
161
Property | The mayfair Magazine
images: COGEMAD Château Louis XIV. Images produced by Dog Man Star creative agency. Photographed by Michèle BlochStuckens. Model: Sofiya Nenasheva, Hair & make-up by Giulia Cohen Styling by Patrick Boffa
162
mantel, alongside antique white and harvest gold panelled walls and gilded, suspended chandeliers. The château also houses Turkish baths, La Cornue kitchens and an indoor spa. COGEMAD have managed to match history together with the everyday necessities and luxuries of the 21st century together in perfect balance. This particular property has several areas dedicated to relaxing and entertaining such as an indoor squash court, an underwater lounge and a room devoted to evening soirees. It’s an ideal place to fill with friends and family of all
generations, which is made all the more convenient with particulars such as a children’s pool, stables with eight boxes and a ‘nanny’ suite. The château is made complete with all the gadgets you could need; a silent reversible air conditioning system with a humidifier, under floor heating and iPad/iPhone control of the house systems – including the fountains. COGEMAD brings a new dimension to haute couture living with properties fit for a King (or Queen). COGEMAD (cogemad.com). For further enquiries please contact Alicia Jumman (020 3697 4277)
Offices throughout the UK
CARTERJONAS.CO.UK
Bullet point
MAYFAIR MOUNT STREET W1 An imposing double-fronted house located in one of Mayfair’s most sought after locations. Reception room n Kitchen n Dining room n 8 bedrooms Lift n Freehold n Energy efficiency: Band F
n
8 bathrooms
n
Roof terrace
GUIDE PRICE £15,000,000 THIS PROPERTY AT YOUR FINGERTIPS ON MOBILE OR DESKTOP SIMPLY VISIT
Mayfair 020 7493 0676 | ashley.coleman@carterjonas.co.uk
URL: cjview.me/mmf2