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Contents | The mayfair Magazine

Contents July 2015 Features

Fashion

066

022 | By royal appointment Stephen Doig celebrates Turnbull & Asser’s 130th anniversary and delves into its star-studded history

037 | Style spy 042 | Style update 044 | Urban attitude Summer in the city is set to be a colourful one when it comes to your wardrobe, with bright, bold hues

038 | The return of the Kingsman MR PORTER releases its latest Kingsman collection, championing British craftsmanship 040 | Olfactory art Frédéric Malle’s iconic fragrances arrive at Burlington Arcade 052 | Heart and sole We take a trip to Florence to discover Salvatore Ferragamo’s exhibition, A Palace in the City

037 020

Collection

Art

027 | Anyone for tennis? Rafael Nadal dons a new Richard Mille creation

051 | Art news

028 | Jewellery news 066 | Turn the page We bring you your literary itinerary for the summer from Mayfair’s great and good 068 | Horse power Maserati and La Martina collaborate once again for the polo season ahead 070 | Custom-made Customise your supercar the way you would your Savile Row suit, as we discover this rising trend

regulars

030 | One man brand We meet Hublot ambassador and fastest man in the world, Usain Bolt

014 | Contributors

035 | Watch news

019 | My life in Mayfair: Linda Pilkington, founder and owner of Ormonde Jayne

103 | Remembering Mayfair: Berkeley Square

058 | Prize lots 060 | Where the art is As Brown’s London Art Weekend arrives, we discover Mayfair’s hidden fine art gems

016 | Editor’s letter

020 | Couture culture Our latest dispatch of the arts, film and theatre releases

052

052 | Exhibition focus: Paolo Roversi: Polaroids at Hamiltons Gallery

060

M ESUR E ET D ÉMESUR E *

TONDA METROGR APHE

Steel Automatic chronograph movement Hermès calf strap Made in Switzerland www.parmigiani.ch

ATELIER PARMIGIANI 97 MOUNT STREET, MAYFAIR, LONDON W1K 2TD, TEL. 020 7495 5172 EDINBURGH ROX DIAMONDS AND THRILLS | KENT RIZON JET UK LIMITED LONDON SELFRIDGES, THE WONDER ROOM | ARIJE | HARRODS, MONTREUX JAZZ CAFE WATCHES OF SWITZERLAND | FROST OF LONDON | BEAU GEMS, THE CITY WINDSOR ROBERT GATWARD JEWELLERS

Contents | The mayfair Magazine

Contents July 2015 mayfair

Resident’s Journal

Our insiders’ guide to Mayfair in association with The Residents’ Society of Mayfair & St James’s (from page 99)

Interiors 065 | Interiors news Create your own urban sanctuary with pieces from Ralph Lauren Home and Linley

065

Travel

087

140

075 | Travel news 076 | Tee time Lee Brooks finds the best places to tee-off this summer on Scotland’s Golf Coast 080 | By the olive tree Discover the ultimate Grecian escape at Costa Navarino on the Ionian Sea 082 | City break: Aix-en-Provence Historic and picturesque, Aix-en-Provence beautifully captures the spirit of southern France 084 | Suite dreams: Four Seasons Park Lane

Beauty

Property

087 | Beauty news

124 | A rare find We find an exceptional property on Green Street, available for purchase through Knight Frank

098 | Best of British Find the ultimate day spa experience at the newly opened House of Elemis 092 | Spa review: The Beaumont

092

076

132 | Property news The latest news in prime central London property from PrimeResi.com 140 | Hot property Jackson-Stops & Staff presents a rare apartment on Reeves Mews for sale 147 | Super prime scenario Pastor Real Estate releases a new report on the rise of development in Mayfair 154 | Outside the box Marc Schneiderman of Arlington Residential on the prime property market

097

Food & Drink 095 | Food & drink news 097 | Dining out: Le Chabanais 12

156 | A home of high value Chestertons quarterly review forecasts what the future holds for Mayfair 162 | The personal touch Meet Rokstone’s new sales manager, Huw George as he discusses the postGeneral Election market

Contributors | The mayfair Magazine

JULY 2015 s issue 046

Editor Kate Racovolis

The

contributors

Collection Editor Annabel Harrison Editorial Assistants Amy Welch Ellen Millard Hugh Francis Anderson Brand Consistency Laddawan Juhong Senior Designer Lisa Wade Production Oscar Viney Hugo Wheatley Jamie Steele Alice Ford Editorial Director Kate Harrison Client Relationship Director Kate Oxbrow General Manager Fiona Fenwick Executive Director Sophie Roberts

Linda Pilkington

Managing Director Eren Ellwood

As founder and owner of Ormonde Jayne, Linda’s fine fragrances have taken pride of place in Mayfair’s Royal Arcade for the past 15 years. This month, she shows us her life in Mayfair, how she has seen the area change and what she is looking forward to.

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Stephen Doig

Richard Yarrow

Carol Cordrey

Men’s style editor at The Daily Telegraph and award-winning fashion writer Stephen has also worked for Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar. In honour of Turnbull & Asser’s 130th anniversary and new Mayfair store, he takes a step back in time to discover its illustrious history.

Former associate editor of Auto Express, Richard is an accomplished motoring journalist. This month, all eyes are on exceptional driving machines as he discovers the incredible world of customised supercars, where personalisation takes on a whole new meaning.

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 meets Eileen Cooper, RA about her forthcoming exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts.

Also published by JULY 2015 s issUE 019

The one man BranD

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

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The legendary Richard E. Grant on his second signature scent

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cover

On the

Photography by Mr Clement Jolin for MR PORTER (see page 38)

summer season Where to be seen and what to wear on this year’s social circuit

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Editor’s Letter | The mayfair Magazine

editor

From the

EDITOR’S PICKs

#1 Cologne Indélébile, £105 for 50ml, Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle (fredericmalle.com)

#2 Bruton collection bag, £870, William & Son (williamandson.com) #3 Pen, £200, dunhill (dunhill.com)

3 16

very summer has a story. Formed from holidays, or time spent with family and friends in the city, these memories stay with us year after year, as times we loved and enjoyed, and look forward to again. The story of this summer in Mayfair starts with many celebrations, of heritage and innovation alike. As Turnbull & Asser celebrates its 130th anniversary, Stephen Doig discovers the definition of true British style, and why generations of discerning gentleman will don the brand’s shirts for centuries yet to come (page 22). Mr Porter has also released its second collection of menswear as part of its Kingsman line, featuring some of the most iconic British brands, many of which are based in Mayfair and St James’s, from George Cleverley to Drake’s and Swaine Adeney-Brigg and of course, the aforementioned Turnbull & Asser (page 38). The collection truly celebrates this fine area’s enduring sartorial influence. It is a season of new beginnings too, as Burlington Arcade welcomes one of it’s latest arrivals, Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle. We meet the master perfumer to discover the story behind his renowned scents (page 40). And as Brown’s London Art Weekend returns, we take you on a tour of Mayfair’s first-floor art galleries to discover the area’s hidden gems (page 60). And in case you’re in need of some summer-reading inspiration, we’ve asked some creative individuals that live or work in the area to share the novel that’s at the top of their reading list this month (page 66). Take your cues from Claridge’s artist in residence David Downton, Michel Roux Jr and creative director of Gieves & Hawkes Jason Basmajian, to name but a few. While you’re out creating your own stories, it never hurts to take a few others to accompany you on your own travels.

Kate Racovolis Editor Follow us on Twitter @MayfairMagazine

above: Photography by Mr Clement Jolin for MR PORTER (see page 38)

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The mayfair Magazine | Regulars

My life in MAYFAIR Linda Pilkington Founder and Owner of Ormonde Jayne

‘M ‘Mayfair is a centre for craftsmanship, it always has been’ – Linda Pilkington

clockwise from top: linda pilkington; love bracelet in yellow gold, £4,600, cartier (cartier.co.uk); fragrance and candles, from a selection, ormonde jayne; bonhams, image © Grant Smith/Bonhams; G.J.Cleverley & Co; ormonde jayne, 12 royal arcade, 28 old bond street, W1S (ORMONDEJAYNE.COM)

y first client was Chanel Fine Jewellery, which I would provide my bespoke scented candles for, so I came to Bond Street about every two to three weeks to do a delivery. Even then, I would cut through the Royal Arcade, and I would think how beautiful it was with these gorgeous shops. One day there was a space to let and I just thought, “That’s mine!” And it was, within six weeks. I had to convince the landlord at the time because I didn’t have a track record back then, having only just set up my perfume business. He said to me, “Who are you?” and I said I’d promise to make a beautiful store. He didn’t quite believe me, so I went to his office and knocked on the door and put my best perfumes from Paris on the table. And with that he saw my energy and drive, and said he’d give me a chance. That was 15 years ago. I think what’s important for Mayfair is that it doesn’t lose its charm, as with other cities in the rest of the world. We are very privileged in Mayfair to have Savile Row and the nearby Jermyn Street: these house speciality stores that we should keep because these are what set the area apart. You will find places here that you won’t elsewhere. Mayfair is a centre for craftsmanship, it always has been. In our arcade you’ve got handmade chocolates from Charbonnel et Walker, EB Meyrowitz’s handmade spectacles, and next door to me there is George Cleverley, who creates handmade shoes; I can see them cobbling upstairs. And we make handmade perfumes, so it really is an artisan arcade. Small, privately owned, family run businesses need to stay up to date though, they can’t become dusty and old. They have to stay inkeeping with what the area is all about. You’ve got to think “Mayfair”, and you’ve got to behave “Mayfair”, and you’ve got to give Mayfair customer service. For 15 years this has been my stomping ground. I love breakfast at The Wolseley – it’s very buzzy, and it’s always interesting to see who’s there. For lunch, my number-one favourite is La Petite Maison. The food tastes so fresh, and everything you eat tastes like it should. For afternoon tea, we visit Brown’s Hotel, because of course it’s very close to us and we have a wonderful relationship with them. I also go to William Weston in the Royal Arcade, where I’ll find beautiful 19th and 18th-century art. For furnishings for the home, I go to auctions at places such as Bonhams. I buy antiques, but I go to the Ralph Lauren shop to buy material for the upholstery. For jewellery I always direct my husband to Chanel Fine Jewellery and Cartier. I subtly take the catalogue and I turn the page over in the corner, and then give it to my husband so he can’t get it wrong! Mayfair will always be one of the most elegant shopping areas in the world, with its unique shops that make it individual. It’s important that it keeps its identity.’ 19

agenda

literary itinerary

Walk of the town You’ll be hard-pressed to find somewhere more synonymous with luxury than Mayfair, where craft and bespoke artisanship have thrived for centuries. It’s fitting then that The Connaught and Fox & Squirrel have joined together to create a series of Mayfair walks exploring the origins of luxury. Join the tour this month for a peek into the archives of tailors, furniture makers and antique dealers. The walk will culminate at The Connaught’s Coburg Bar, where you will be presented with a cocktail specially created to match the theme of the walk. The Connaught Luxury Walks, £125 per person (foxandsquirrel.com)

Couture culture

Take a tour of Mayfair and St James’s The Connaught way with its luxury walks with Fox & Squirrel, and we bring you the latest gadgets for your travels this summer

theatre

Death of a Salesman

photo by Ellie Kurttz

o mark the centenary of Arthur Miller’s death, the artistic director of the RSC, Gregory Doran, is celebrating the American playwright’s career by staging his moving and timeless play, Death of a Salesman. At the age of 60 it is Willy Loman’s birthright to retire with his loving wife and two handsome sons. However, as his salesman smile is losing its persuasive touch and his debts are rising, Willy’s world is rapidly spinning away from him. 20

Miller’s play is a sad tale of a lost individual who is a victim of capitalism. However, the play’s greatness is that rather than feeling didactic, Miller is able to present a personal story of a father who feels a failure to his sons and wife. Anthony Sher’s extraordinary performance captures Willy Loman’s disturbed personality with precision and nuance. He switches from a distanced, lonely and depressed old man to a dapper, sharp and smooth young salesman with ease. As expected, Harriet Walter does not disappoint either. She plays Willy’s loyal wife, Linda, and her every glance and utterance feels sincere, truthful and all the more tragic. Doran’s production brings the fluidity and timeless nature of Miller’s writing to life. This sad tale feels just as pertinent today as it was in 1949. (noelcowardtheatre.co.uk) words: DANIELLA ISAACS

The third volume of The Luxury Collection series from publisher Assouline explores luxury destinations through the eyes of the world’s leading concierges. Divided by morning, afternoon and evening recommendations, each concierge offers tips on culture, environment and cuisine for a 24-hour stay in each city. Discover the sweetest chocolate in Salzburg courtesy of the Hotel Goldener Hirsh concierge, and the best-kept secret in Jakarta from Keraton at The Plaza, plus high-profile explorers offer their two cents on their favourite destinations, such as Olivier Krug, interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon and art director Sofia Sanchez de Betak. Author Holly Stiel – the first female hotel concierge in the US – presents a stunning guide for the inquisitive traveller. The Luxury Collection Certified Indigenous, £30, published by Assouline. Available at Maison Assouline, 196a Piccadilly, W1J and Assouline at Claridge’s, Brook Street, W1K (assouline.com)

The mayfair Magazine | Regulars

5 top picks

Image: Bill Cooper/ROH

Gadget man

For easy and comfortable travels this month, technology knows no bounds. Here is our pick of the gadgets we simply couldn’t go without

film

CL Companion Africa binoculars, £1,000, Swarovski (swarovskioptik.com)

Don Giovanni

he ideal evening of entertainment for opera fans arrives at Trafalgar Square early this month, with a screening of the Royal Opera House’s take on the complex, dark comedy Don Giovanni. Including delightful arias and duets, Mozart’s masterpiece crescendos with the tale of lothario Don Giovanni’s seducing schemes and carefree abandon, which proceeds to take a murderous turn. Starring Christopher Maltman in the opera’s title role, his charismatic baritone portrays Mozart’s classic anti-hero with chilling conviction. Giovanni’s deep unrepentance for his homicidal ways presents seemingly unlikely comic scenes, the highlight of which includes the victim’s ghost being invited as

a dinner guest to Giovanni’s house. As with many a Royal Opera House screening before it, Es Devlin’s costumes appear all the more elaborate on the big screen, which detailed Victorian corsetry and lace trims in abundance. The setting of Trafalgar Square also presents a refreshing location to take in the classic opera as each aria bellows out from the screen, filling the square. Darkly humorous and at times emotionally raw, the atmosphere of the open-air screening offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy a warm summer’s evening with one of Mozart’s most famous scores. Don Giovanni is screening on Trafalgar Square on 3 July. For tickets, visit roh.org.uk

AH-GC20 headphones, £249, Denon (denon.co.uk)

Portable phone charger, £29.99, MIPOW (selfridges.com)

WORDS: AMY WELCH

Brighten your living room with Theo Fennell’s crystal decanters, complete with stirling-silver lids Crystal Round Decanters with Sterling Silver Skull Toppers, from £1,495, Theo Fennell (theofennell.com)

Leica C camera, £550, Leica (leica-camera.com)

BeoPlay A2 portable speaker, £299, Bang & Olufsen (bang-olufsen.com) 21

As Turnbull & Asser begins its next chapter with a new Mayfair store, we take an exclusive look back on its star-studded 130-year heritage W o r d s : S tephen D o ig

By royal appointment 22

The mayfair Magazine | Feature

here are many historical British brands that may boast their heavyweight credentials in the style arena, be it the houses of Savile Row to the hatters of St James’s. But there’s one that can lay claim to have outfitted Winston Churchill in attire that helped him steer the country through WWII and have readied James Bond for action in their sharp shirting. Turnbull & Asser’s 130-year history means that the label, which celebrates the occasion this year with a series of one-off capsule collections and online videos, is a mine of rich stories and lessons in sartorial elegance. Its place in London’s sartorial landscape is further cemented by the launch of a new store in Mayfair’s Davies Street, which will pay homage to the label’s famed past. As today’s creative director, Dean Gomilsek-Cole says, ‘When a brand’s history is built on a foundation of unflinching quality, innovation and a hint of eccentricity, these are elements that are as relevant today as they were 130 years ago.’ It was in 1885 that founders Reginald Turnbull and Ernest Asser started their bespoke shirt-making business from Jermyn Street in St James’s, which along with Savile Row, was the centre of men’s style at the time – and has arguably remained so ever since. And alongside the handsome, fine shirting and haberdashery that the label is now known for, a thread of solid functionality was established upon the arrival of WWI, when the brand created a raincoat for the military that doubled as a sleeping bag. That particularly British sensibility, of practicality

teamed with peerless quality and panache, also informed what became possibly one of the biggest moments in the label’s history; outfitting Churchill during WWII. It wasn’t in just Turnbull & Asser’s impeccable shirting that Churchill helped steer the war effort, but also in the one-piece, zip-up siren suits that he commissioned for the brand, which helped cement his image as a dynamic, man-on-the-ground force to lead the country. Several were sent for repair – not through his endeavours on the battlefield but with burns from his cigars. And from Churchill to James Bond – in incarnations portrayed by Sean Connery and Pierce Brosnan – and who warrants his own range of shirting within the brand alongside a long-time patronage from the Prince of Wales (who married Princess Diana in a Turnbull & Asser shirt), the label’s roll call of renowned names straddles other film greats and historical statesmen. ‘The Turnbull & Asser archives are certainly 

an inspiration,’ says Gomilsek-Cole of the wealth of material on offer to him at such a storied brand. ‘There is the physical archive, of 130 years of amazing textiles, collar shapes, patterns and such, but the “mental archive” of the stories passed down from generation to generation of employees is what really adds to the richness of the T&A story.’ The designer tenderly points to one such story as an indicator of the kind of personal and emotional resonance that gentlemen attach to the house; a shirting archive bequeathed to the label from a former RAF pilot who had attached a handwritten note about the wealth of shirting, and the memories of travel and adventures attached to each piece. An applegreen silk shirt, which had seen him through the tropics, has informed the upcoming pieces in the brand’s S/S16 collection. ‘Which I feel is a fitting tribute to our dear departed customer,’ says the designer. It’s little wonder that clients

have such affection for the brand, given the exacting production methods involved with each piece. The shirting is still handmade in England and the exceptional levels of quality that go into each piece is the subject of a series of videos launched on the Turnbull & Asser

‘Various weaving mills were in competition for the business of Jermyn Street shirtmakers’ website to highlight the 130-year anniversary. One features, for example, two twin sisters that have worked at the brand for more than 50 years. In a bid to secure Turnbull & Asser’s place in men’s wardrobes for a further 130 years, the label has also announced plans to extend its factory in Gloucester and increase production of shirting to 70,000 per year. The house’s rigorous standards, in both the shirting and the accessories crafted by hand in the UK, also means that innovation in fabric production is a hallmark. Upon joining the house, what struck Gomilsek-Cole was a sense of frustration at what he calls ‘thinking I had come up with an amazing new weave pattern, and then my bubble being burst when I would find the exact idea in the archive book from 80 years ago. Various weaving mills were in competition for the business of Jermyn Street shirtmakers, so they would really try and outdo each other with the latest trends and ideas. The real revelation came when I explored the 1930s, a period I was particularly interested in but had always

The mayfair Magazine | Feature

imagined quite sombre. In reality, the shirt cloths were in such vibrant colours and pattern mixes that even my boldest creations looked quite pedestrian’. Clearly, despite the traditional stateliness of the brand, Turnbull & Asser has always been ahead of the curve. That sense of dynamism also informs the decision to launch a ‘Mayfair Selection’ capsule range for the new Davies Street store – due to open this month – that nods to the raffish Turnbull & Asser man sauntering between Scott’s and Claridge’s by offering debonair eveningwear – shawl-collar tuxedos in richest embroidered jacquard and handsome evening shirts – along with rakish silk accessories. It acts as a suitably elegant celebration of the 900 sq ft emporium.

Rather charmingly, the shades of midnight blue came from Gomilsek-Cole’s association with the colour as the particular shade that dominates Mayfair on the Monopoly board. To mark the 130-year celebrations, alongside videos on the website that nod to different facets of the label’s journey, a witty capsule range has been released with iconography of Churchill and the British bulldog – the statesman’s favourite breed – on a series of illustrated pocket squares. Wit, humour, exceptional finish and a dose of gentlemanly elan: this is why Turnbull & Asser are so quintessentially ‘Made in England’. Turnbull & Asser, 4 Davies Street, W1K (turnbullandasser.com)

All images courtesy of Turnbull & Asser

www.urvashilondon.com

The mayfair Magazine | Collection

Anyone for

tennis?

atch aficionados heading to Wimbledon this month can look forward to a glimpse of the new RM27-02 from Richard Mille because the £583,000 tourbillon will be sported on the wrist of brand ambassador Rafael Nadal. Updated from the RM27, which debuted in 2010 as the world’s first tourbillon sports watch, the new version is able to withstand a force of 5,000 Gs (compared to its predecessor’s 800) thanks to stronger carbonfibre materials and a case back that doubles as a base plate, removing the need to attach the two components together (therefore weakening the watch). Most of today’s top seeds are aligned with a watch brand; only Nadal’s creates something he can wear on and off court. (richardmille.com)

Images © Stefano Galuzzi

Collection | The mayfair Magazine

Jewellery news Embrace both the old and new this month, from Fabergé’s bejewelled history to Calleija’s modern gemstone collections WORDS: OLIVIA SHARPE

Viva forever Vivianna Torun Bülow-Hübe was Georg Jensen’s most iconic female muse, responsible for creating the Danish silversmith’s famous watch design, the Vivianna bangle, in 1967. To this day, her spirit continues to live on in the house’s creations and a case in point is the S/S15 Vivianna Dew Drop collection. Paying tribute to Torun’s love of natural forms, the contemporary range incorporates organic materials – including gold, blue topaz, prasiolite, rock crystal and pure silver – into its sculptural pendants. Innovative and free-spirited, we feel sure that this is a collection of which Torun would have been proud. Vivianna Dew Drop collection, from £250 (georgjensen.com)

CUTTING EDGE 28 year-old designer Eugenie Niarchos may have only created two collections for her fine jewellery label Venyx thus far but these have been so well-received that she has chosen to update them. For Theiya, the jeweller’s second range which speaks to her love of all things sci-fi, Niarchos has continued the galactic theme:

‘I am very inspired by mythology and Theiya is the mythological Mother of Light. I love the magical feel of dusk and dawn so I wanted to create pieces based on their beauty, as well as other natural visual phenomena. The stunning colours of the auroras, the effects of lightning and a falling meteorite’ – Eugenie Niarchos Venyx, available at net-a-porter.com 28

Taking the Reins British royal equestrian Zara Phillips’ passion for both horses and jewellery has been harnessed in a new collection with internationally renowned jeweller Calleija. Together they have created Unbridled Elegance, following a meeting in 2013 at the Magic Millions Horse Racing Carnival in Australia, which Zara attended in her role as Ambassador of Racing Women Australia, sporting a dazzling array of Calleija jewels (the brand was the event’s official jeweller). The range currently comprises the Coronet and Saddle Suites, both of which pay tribute to Zara’s horsemanship skills and Calleija’s passion for beautifully shaped jewellery and the world’s finest gemstones. The Zara Phillips Collection by Calleija, available in The Royal Arcade store, Old Bond Street (calleija.com) A Life of Its Own There are few jewellers that can compare with Fabergé when it comes to the company’s rich history. Shrouded in mystery, intrigue and romance, the story of founder Peter Carl Fabergé’s royal patronage to the Russian Tsars in the 19th century has fascinated historians for more than a century. And now, this story has been retold in an awardwinning documentary, Fabergé: A Life of Its Own, which can be seen on London cinema screens from 29 June for a short time only. Cinema listings and tickets available at fabergefilm.com

www.bachet.fr

Ahead of the 2015 World Championships in Athletics, Annabel Harrison meets Hublot ambassador Usain Bolt; despite being phenomenally gifted and increasingly dedicated to the pursuit of sporting perfection, the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fastest man comes across as a normal 20-something (well, almost)

One man brand 30

The mayfair Magazine | Collection

s I approach Hublot’s boutique, the only hint that something is afoot is a jittery photographer outside. Inside, a small group of us wait in the air-conditioned timepiece treasure trove, between displays of the Big Bang watches and ‘H’ branded cupcakes (iced in green and yellow; a nod to their approaching guest’s Jamaican roots). When the man himself arrives, he strolls in quietly, with no fanfare or fuss. He’s clearly used to the media circuit now but it must have been strange for this man, as his sporting star ascended, to get used to being in front of eager groups of inquisitive journalists, all

‘Usain, is there a limit to how fast the 100m can be run? “Right now there is room for improvement!”’ wanting to have a moment of time with Usain Bolt, the fastest man in the world. Now this superlative accolade interests me. There are very few sports today in which there is one competitor who is indisputably preeminent, in terms of both achievements and consistency. Take tennis, for example. Roger Federer has won 17 Grand Slam singles titles but despite being the most successful male tennis player in the world, on paper, other top

players are getting ever closer to his victory tally; Rafael Nadal, for example, has won 14 Grand Slams. Usain Bolt, on the other hand, is one-of-a-kind in the discipline of track sprinting. He is, literally and statistically, head and shoulders above the rest and with race times that none can dispute or, at present, overtake. He is the first man to hold both the 100m and 200m world records (since fully automatic time measurements became mandatory in 1977). Along with his teammates, he also set the world record in the 4×100m relay. He is the reigning Olympic champion in these three events, the first man to win six Olympic gold medals in sprinting, and an eight-time World champion. He was the first to achieve a ‘double double’ by winning 100m and 200m titles at consecutive Olympics (2008 and 2012) and topped this all through the first ‘double triple’ (including the 4×100m relays). These are the kind of achievements that could make some people unbearably self-satisfied; or prepared to rest on their laurels and sit back as the world marvels. Usain exhibits no such behaviour: despite being an ambassador for Hublot, associated with big watches and big ideas, he is dressed in an understated fashion; black trousers and trainers, burgundy shirt, no jewellery and, of course, a black Hublot watch (it’s a Big Bang Unico All Black). After an hour in his company, I am seriously impressed. His self-belief is staggering – ‘I am gifted. I have proven that. I have set the standard [in track and field]’ – but he repeats again and again that this goes hand-in-hand with natural aptitude and hard work. ‘I started out with talent, and then the work came. My coach told me that everyone on the circuit has talent. You have to work the hardest to become the greatest.’ He’s not particularly complacent either, coming across as hungry to better his own records. 

Photography (this DPS): Fred Merz

‘There is always room for improvement; what can I do to make myself better?’ It is his coach who is responsible for answering this question. ‘He analyses the races, and figures out where we need to improve and what we need to do. It’s really technical. Sometimes you work so hard in one thing and it takes forever to get it right but the key thing is to be consistent and to practise and practise nurturing these things so when you get on the track, it happens automatically.’ He’s funny when he’s not talking about serious training matters, though; he makes the whole room laugh when he admits that although he’s getting to that age where he should try to eat properly, ‘I’m a really bad example because I just eat what I want!’ This admission is immediately followed by ‘but it’s always key to get the right food in so you can get the energy you need’. I think this postscript is for the benefit of the 11-year-old Usain fan among us, who is a sprinter herself and hopes to represent the UK in Rio. Indeed, something Usain says not once but twice, when talking about his influence on kids, is the simple, heartfelt ‘I live to inspire’; this man may seem like a ready-made soundbite machine but somehow when you hear him say it, it sounds genuine. ‘When I was growing up, I looked up to Michael Johnson and all these guys, so for me to inspire kids, it feels good. These things motivate me and are fun.’

When it comes to his partnerships with brands – he’s affiliated with big guns such as Puma, Gatorade, Virgin Media, Nissan and, of course, Hublot – he is either very smart or very well-trained. I suspect it’s a bit of both but am nonetheless impressed by his answer about his relationship with the watch company. ‘Hublot approached me and said they would like me to be an ambassador, so I was, like, ‘alright, cool’ and I checked it out. I was never initially a watch fan… [but] I’m really into it now. I’ve been to the factory, and all the technical things they do by hand are ridiculous… Watchmaking is hard! It’s like me training and then I go on the track and I run and I see the finished product; that’s how I feel when I see these watches, because I’ve seen what they’ve gone through to get to that stage. This brand is on a different level. It’s all about the quality.’ This is why he likes Hublot. It’s a word he uses to describe himself too – ‘my brand is about quality, and high standards’ – and his website homepage declares, in big capital letters, his brand message: WORLD’S FASTEST MAN. This is set over four images of Usain, dressed sharply in a grey suit but throwing some shapes, which just about sums up how he comes across in person. He’s composed and mature, patiently and thoroughly answering questions he’s certain to have been asked a hundred of times before, but his speech is still peppered with youth-speak like ‘awesome’, ‘whatever’ and IG [Instagram]. You can (almost) believe he’s a normal 28-year-old guy who loves PlayStation, has a crush on Rihanna and supports Manchester United. In terms of passions, ‘I used to be really into cars when I was younger’ but now ‘it’s just shirts, more shirts and videogames’. What I am most interested to know is how he stays as relaxed as he seems now as when he’s competing. ‘In 2002, at the

The mayfair Magazine | Collection

World Junior Championships in Jamaica, it was the most nervous I’d ever been in my life. I think that was a stepping stone for me; after that, I told myself there’s no reason I should be nervous again, if I can win in front of my home crowd… The pressure used to bother me but over time, I’ve learnt that people want me to run fast, to win and to continue doing great, which is the same thing I want.’ He’s not in the slightest bit superstitious – ‘Yohan Blake doesn’t change his gear through the whole championship and I’m, like, ‘I don’t get it? Why?!’ If you’re confident in your talent, there’s no reason to be superstitious about anything’ – and he is a natural entertainer. ‘When I go to a different country, I think about what people like there, so I can make it fun for the crowd. I live for the crowd; it’s what makes me enjoy performing and going out there and going fast.’ Is there a human limit to how fast the 100m can be run? ‘Maybe one day. Right now there is room for improvement!’ Everyone laughs; Usain has charmed us all. ‘I just want to keep setting goals for myself and keep breaking those goals’, he continues, more serious now. ‘I want to go for sub-19 [seconds in the 200m]; that’s going to be one of toughest goals but I want to get it done before I retire. I also want defend my titles again in Rio – for me that’ll put me on a different level, because no one has ever [won gold in the 100m and 200m in three consecutive Olympics] before. ‘People talk about Muhammad Ali and Pelé and Maradona. I want to be in that group when

I retire. When people are talking about sport in general, my name should be mentioned. I want people to say “Usain Bolt was one of the greatest athletes to ever grace the track”. That’s what I want and that’s what I’m going to go for. If you want something in life you’ve got to work for it.’ With his track record to date (pardon the pun), I have no doubt that the name Usain Bolt is going to have its place in the record books for centuries to come, and deservedly so. With thanks to Hublot (hublot.com)

TEN YEARS OF hublot’s BIG BANG Usain Bolt launched the Big Bang Unico All Black model last year and this year the brand is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its iconic watch collection with three new models and a series of 16 ‘Manufacture’ photographs, each representing a key stage in the design of a Big Bang watch. In 2005 Jean-Claude Biver, now President of Hublot and President of the Watch Division of LVMH, presented to the industry and watch fans worldwide the Big Bang Gold Ceramic. He was inspired by an idea which is central to the art of fusion, a concept championed by Hublot: the combining of objects and materials that never appear together under normal conditions. With 70 components, the Big Bang is larger than life, both in size and in ambition.

The mayfair Magazine | Collection

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

Knight time A mind-blowing display of miniaturisation from Roger Dubuis sees the Knights of the Round Table cast in bronze and reduced to the height of drawing pins. The legendary figures form the focal point of the brand’s second Excalibur Knights of the Round Table timepiece. Positioned around a black jade dial, their swords replacing traditional hour-markers, each knight stands 6.5mm tall and is completely unique. Proving that the mechanics underneath matches the artistry above, each of the 172 components that make up the watch’s movement is stamped with the prestigious Poinçon de Genève, the industry’s highest seal of approval. Knights of the Round Table II, £205,600 (rogerdubuis.com)

ONE TO WATCH Each month we select our timepiece of the moment from the watch world’s most exciting creations:

The 1950s-inspired Breitling Transocean Chronograph oozes vintage cool and the less-is-more philosophy really adds charm to the piece. We particularly like the leather strap option, which makes it into a great summer all-rounder.

Blue Steel Vacheron Constantin has updated its elegant leisure watch line with the introduction of two Overseas models. Both new references feature a deep-blue dial and are delivered with two dark-blue straps: one in vulcanised rubber, the other in alligator leather. The self-winding caliber of the Overseas Dual Time drives a dual-time display with day/night indication and powerreserve indicator. Water-resistant to 150 metres, both it, and the pared-back Overseas Simple Date, are designed with the active life in mind. Overseas Simple Date, £9,550 Overseas Dual Time, £13,550 (vacheronconstantin.com) On the Ball Following collaborations with DJ-supremo David Guetta and fashion it-girl Cara Delevingne, the latest megastar to lend his name to TAG Heuer is Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo. Part of TAG’s attempt to connect with a younger audience, the quartz-powered watch features a bold colour scheme and is available for £1,200. For that you get a chronograph that is accurate to a tenth of a second and water-resistant to 200m. The Formula 1 CR7 is available for the first month of sale online only on The Watch Gallery website. Formula 1 CR7, £1,200, TAG Heuer (thewatchgallery.com)

Transocean Chronograph, £5,970, Breitling (breitling.com) 35

“the fitness guru viewed by the entertainment industry as the 4th emergency service” The S und ay Tim e s , St y le M a g a zin e

“ When I n e e d e d to get in sh a p e f o r a f ilm, h e t o o k me s a f e ly d o wn f ro m a s i z e 1 2 to size 8 in just six weeks.. . Da v id ’s p ro g ra mme h a s ma d e me a ma z in g l y f i t a n d mu c h s ma lle r. ” Rach e l We isz, Actre ss

“The rewa rds are h u g e , y o u will d ro p t h re e d re s s s iz e s . ” H e llo Mag azin e

“H i s ro u ti n e s a re fun, I never get bored and they w ork. H e ’s al w ays the person I turn to.” L ily Alle n , Re cord in g Ar tist

“ Lose we ight and g a in f it n e s s in re c o rd t ime - wit h t h e B o d y d o c t o r ’s work o u t , a n y t h in g is p o s s ib le . ” The S u n d ay Time s, Sty le Mag azin e

T he be st t r ai n i ng i n t h e wo r l d - a n d i t ’ s o n yo u r do o r st e p

b e s p o k e p e r s o n a l t r a i n i n g • p i l at e s • n u t rit io n c lin ic • h o lis t ic t h e rap ie s • inj ury r e h a b i l i tat i o n • p ow e r p l at e • s mall gro u p t rain in g • c o rp o rat e f it n e s s p rogra mmes

The Themayfair mayfairMagazine Magazine| |Regulars Fashion

A Sicilian affair

Style spy

S/S15 menswear design has seen bold patterns, pastel colours and sharp lines rise to the height of fashion, and the new collection from Daks is no exception. With a tailored lineage that is synonymous with classic British styling and understated elegance – while always touching on the vibrancy of continental tailoring – its little wonder that Daks has turned to the coastline of Sicily and the 19th-century writers hub of Taormina for its S/S15 inspiration. Sartorial flair is emphasised through double-breasted jackets and subtle tonal stripes for a refined yet contemporary summer style. Daks, 101 Jermyn Street, SW1Y (020 7839 9980; daks.com)

W O R D S : h u g h f r a n c i s a n d e rso n

Surf’s up Vilebrequin has long served sunseekers most fashionably with its printed swimming trunks. This month, the brand has partnered with renowned photographer Massimo Vitali, who has photographed beach scenes for more than 20 years. Vilebrequin has expertly imposed the authenticity of the Mediterranean on to functional swimwear for every beachside excursion. Moorea trunks, £210, Vilebrequin (vilebrequin.com)

The wanderer This summer sees the launch of the first capsule collection from British leathergoods brand Troubadour. The collection focuses on the three key elements of men’s luggage-wear; the weekend bag, the rucksack and the day bag. Its unique dying process, which takes 14 days, ensures the olive green has permeated the entire hide, allowing for a gorgeous patina to develop over time, making the range truly elegant, refined, and of gentlemanly quality. Olive Green capsule collection, from £1,095, Troubadour (troubadourgoods.com)

Loafing around Over the past few years, the espadrille has seen a resurgence in the world of fashion. Originating from the warmer climes of the Basque country, the footwear items are the ultimate cooling yet supportive summer accessory. Offering a distinguished choice, the Dolce & Gabbana espadrille is handmade in Italy using the finest materials. Lined and trimmed in supple leather, this woven-straw pair will add stylish texture to sleek summer outfits and keep you ahead of the trend. Leather-lined woven straw espadrilles, £365, Dolce & Gabbana (mrporter.com) 37

Return of the

KINGSMAN

Staying true to the quintessential notion of exquisite British men’s tailoring, MR PORTER has recently released its second Kingsman collection, and it is quickly becoming a sartorial staple for discerning gentlemen around the world WORDS: HUGH FRANCIS ANDERSON

fter the phenomenal success of Mr Porter’s first menswear line, Kingsman, last season, it has recently launched a new, high-summer-themed follow-up collection. The brainchild of award-winning costume designer Arianne Phillips and filmmaker Matthew Vaughn along with the menswear team at Mr Porter, the label was originally tied in with the blockbuster spy film Kingsman: The Secret Service. By combining tailored British heritage with the best in British partner brands, the new collection focuses on single and double-breasted styling, lighter fabrics and casualwear for those hot summer days. ‘For the second season, we have continued to work with the best in class,’ says Toby Bateman, buying director for Mr Porter. ‘With lighter-weight suiting fabrics and single-breasted options coming in to play,

Photography by Mr Clement Jolin for MR PORTER

it’s an exciting new chapter for the range.’ The dynamic collection still adheres to the Kingsman philosophy for a renewed appreciation of classic British style, with numerous partnerships – from Orlebar Brown, Drake’s and Turnbull & Asser to Bremont, Mackintosh and Cutler & Gross – ever enlarging its reach. ‘With additional product categories, including swimwear, coming to the fore, there are endless possibilities from a design perspective,’ says Bateman. ‘We look forward to developing this collection further.’ And develop it will. As Mr Porter’s most successful brand launch to date and one of the top five best-selling brands of S/S15, we very much look forward to what this British-made collection has to offer now and in the future. Available exclusively at mrporter.com/kingsman

The mayfair Magazine | Fashion

‘E

legance is the art of being chic in an effortless way,’ says Frédéric Malle. ‘The minute you have spent too much time and attention on details, you have broken that thin line that puts you on the elegance side, and you become too proper.’ As it turns out, Mr Malle is pretty eloquent at describing, well, himself – a handsome Frenchman, always impeccably suited and obviously scented with one of his own dreamy creations. He is equally eloquent at describing the brand he created 15 years ago, Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle, bringing to the perfume industry what was missing in this olfactory realm – a niche brand that focused on championing the work of noses and perfumers as artists in their own right, akin to painters that take to a blank canvas or composers to a blank sheet of music. For Malle, creating a fragrance is the same. And this perception of elegance also rather perfectly describes his new Burlington Arcade store – his first standalone shop in London – the interior of which has been designed to reflect the style of his own home, but also to pay tribute to its historical surroundings. A low contemporary-styled bookcase, for example, inspired by pieces that you might see in the likes of places such as William Kent’s Holkham Hall, will house perfume boxes that look just like books. Their authors’ portraits sit just above them, offering a nod to history. Meanwhile the back wall of the space will be occupied by a sleek, polished nickel and glass refrigerated armoire. To wear a Frédéric Malle fragrance is to be given a ticket to dream, to take on whatever identity you wish. The latest fragrance to come from Frédéric Malle, Cologne Indélébile, was created in collaboration with revered perfumer Dominique Ropion (who is also behind Portrait of a Lady and Carnal Flower), and has given musk a sophisticated, sexy makeover. All you need to do is take your idea of what musk smells like and then throw it away, because this fragrance combines top notes of orange

Olfactory

art

Frédéric Malle. Photo by Brigitte Lacombe

The mayfair Magazine | Feature

Find your signature scent with the help of Frédéric Malle, as he opens his first standalone store in London. We meet the man behind the brand to talk scents and style and the art of being a perfumer w o r d s : k at e r a c o v o l i s

blossom and bergamot with musk (and a lot of it) to create a very contemporary, heady version of the scent. And yet it’s remarkably light to wear – perfect for high summer, or even the depths of winter. The wearer – be it a man or woman – should be ready for heads to turn as they pass by others in the street, and receiving compliments aplenty. If power, elegance and sensuality could be bottled and sold, this would be it. And what would he suggest for those, who at the very thought of selecting a perfume, feel overwhelmed by the sheer choice available today? ‘For the office, you don’t want to overpower, so I would suggest Bigarade Concentree, which is very light, or Cologne Indélébile,’ says Malle. ‘These are fresh and long lasting, you feel not only physically fresh when you wear them but they are not going to overwhelm others, and with these come a sense of feeling clean, almost like an after-sport sort of thing. ‘For going out, try Musc Ravageur, French Lover, or Vetiver Extraordinaire and Geranium Pour Monsieur. These are very seductive. I always think Vetiver is a bit like the Rolex I’m wearing – it works for every single occasion. It’s a sport watch, but I wear it with a suit and it works.’ And what better place than Malle’s own version of his home in London to discover which one is ‘you’. ‘What I like about Burlington Arcade is the fact that it gets you into a slower, more intimate mode,’ says Malle. ‘I think it’s very important to create stores where you have time to sit down and where you have time to decompress. Before you arrive here in the shop, you walk on carpet so your pace has already slowed – you’re not walking on the sidewalk any more. You’re in a peaceful environment, which is already setting your mood. It calms you down and allows you to get into my world. It would work quite well for a storyteller – you can sit down and tell people’s future – we just give them the fragrance.’ Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle, 14 Burlington Arcade, W1J (fredericmalle.com)

Fashion | The mayfair Magazine

Under African skies One only has to look at fashion heavyweight Louis Vuitton’s signature monogrammed luggage to realise its opulent approach to globetrotting style. Set in the warm climes of South Africa, the French brand’s Spirit of Travel campaign is inducing a large dose of wanderlust this month – and rightly so, with aqua and raspberry-hued accessories and travel trunks stacked nine to the dozen. While the campaign reveals a multitude of awe-inspiring terrains and places, the colourful luggage – being beautifully crafted – really steals our gaze. Louis Vuitton, 17-20 Bond Street, W1S (020 3214 9200; louisviutton.com)

Style update WORDS: AMY WELCH

Bohemian rhapsody All butter-soft suede and gentle bohemian vibes, Chloé’s S/S15 collection was made for sun-soaked days in the city, and taking in the grand architecture and peaceful squares Mayfair has to offer sounds rather fitting. The collection remains most refined with the spherical beige sunglasses showcased on the spring runway. Both laid-back and feminine, this is a contemporary take on 1970s style and a lovely finishing touch to your off-duty look. For the evening, complete your outfit with these classic black sandals. Sunglasses and heels, from a selection, Chloé (chloe.com)

The art of fashion Fashion is nothing if not artistic, and this summer LUMAS London proves this by blurring the lines between fashion and art. The gallery has teamed up with artist Thomas Zeitlberger to create an exclusive collection of Silk Editions printed scarves. Available in three unique designs, each detailed motif reflects Zeitlberger’s eclectic artistic style, mixing Pop-Art influences with surreal undertones. We adore the layered intricacies of his River of Youth scarf– what better place to display a piece of art than draped elegantly around your shoulders? River of Youth scarf © Thomas Zeitlberger, £239, LUMAS London, 57 South Molton Street, W1K (020 3608 7590; lumas.com)

All that glitters Golden thread embroidery glamorously adorns these two exquisite La Perla swimsuits, creating striking beach ensembles that we have come love from the Italian brand. Balancing delicate craftsmanship (La Perla thinks of its beautiful embroidery as calligraphy across the body) with bold designs and silhouettes, the one-pieces are the perfect poolside pieces. Sirene underwired swimsuit, £624, Summer Chain non-wired Swimsuit, £528, both La Perla, 9 Old Bond Street, W1S (020 7399 0620; laperla.com)

100% natural cashmere WWW.CASHMIRINO.COM LONDON - BURLINGTON ARCADE, 31 - W1J OPY MILANO - VIA SAN PIETRO ALL’ORTO, 3 - 20121

Urban

attitude Make your summer in the city a colourful one as we bring you the key pieces of the season in bright hues of fuschia, royal blue and scarlet for an effortlessly contemporary look p h o t o g r a p h y: R a c h a e l s m i t h styling: Nisha Grewal

The mayfair Magazine | Fashion

Skirt, £189, James Lakeland (jameslakeland.net). Top, £430, Carven (020 7225 7110; 85 Pelham Street, SW7). Domi Verde ring in 18k yellow gold ring with green tourmaline, pink sapphires and pink topaz, £2,200, Sabine G (matchesfashion. com). Floral ring with crystal embellishment, £182, Jenny Packham (jennypackham.com). Boots, from a selection, Nicholas Kirkwood (nicholaskirkwood.com)

Fashion | The mayfair Magazine

THIS PAGE: Dress, £1,695, Fyodor Golan (fyodorgolan.co.uk). Pink quartz and pink crystal earrings, £480, Dior (020 7245 1300; 31 Sloane Street, SW1X; dior.com) OPPOSITE: Ponyskin-effect leather, jacket, £4,305 and top, £1,180 both Giorgio Armani (armani.com). Earrings, £147, Eshvi (eshvi.co.uk)

THIS PAGE: Jumpsuit, £125, Solace (solacelondon.com). Hand bra, £65 Zhoulii (zhoulii.com). Pink quartz and pink crystal earrings, £480, Dior, as before. OPPOSITE: Skirt, £540, CH Carolina Herrera (020 3441 0965; 120 Mount Street, W1K). Top, £650, Fyodor Golan (fyodorgolan.co.uk). 18k white gold ring with white diamonds and emeralds, £2,520, Sabine G (matchesfashion.com)

The mayfair Magazine | Fashion

Make-up: Harriet Hadfield using MAC Hair: Davide Barbieri using AVEDA Model: Or Daniel Photography assistant: Jess Ralph

www.wtrlondon.com 0207 243 3776 188 Westbourne Grove, W11 2RH

The mayfair Magazine | Art

Clockwise from top: Cornucopia, 2014 © Paulette Tavormina. Courtesy Beetles+Huxley, London; Eileen Cooper RA, Potter, 2001, Ink, conte, pastel on white Japanese paper, 53.5 x 40 cm © Eileen Cooper. All Rights Reserved, DACS 2015; Eileen Cooper RA, Bathing, 1987, Charcoal and pastel, 76 x 56 cm © Eileen Cooper. All Rights Reserved, DACS 2015; PHILIP FERDINAND DE HAMILTON, Brussels 1664 - 1750 Vienna, Flemish School, An Anglo-Arabian Horse in a Spanish Dress Saddle standing in a Landscape, Oil on Canvas, 32 x 43 1/4 inches (81 x 110 cms) Price in the region of £100,000. Credit: Rafael Valls

Q&A with… Eileen Cooper, RA about her major exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts

Art news

Eileen Cooper, RA on her upcoming exhibition, still life photographs arrive at Beetles+Huxley and London Art Week arrives once more w o r d s : car o l c o r d re y & a m y welch

Still life Dramatic lighting and bundles of symbolic objects – often wilting floral bouquets and bowls of fruit fit for a grand banquet scene – suggest that photographer Paulette Tavormina’s works are influenced far more by the art of the past than that of the present. Within her first major UK exhibition at Beetles+Huxley entitled Life, Death and the Old Masters, the acclaimed still-life photographer’s images present a meticulously composed view of Old Masters paintings in photographic form. ‘I have long been drawn to the 17th-century Old Master still-life painters Giovanna Garzoni, Francesco de Zurbarán, and Adriaen Coorte,’ says Tavormina. Capturing the stillness of everyday objects, each photograph manages to breathe some contemporary life into a genre that has previously been exclusive to traditional mediums. Life, Death and the Old Masters will run from 30 June - 25 July at Beetles+Huxley, 3-5 Swallow Street, W1B (020 7434 4319; beetlesandhuxley.com)

Modern menagerie As part of London Art Week, Duke Street galleries Rafael Valls and Tomasso Brothers Fine Art will provide a perfect pairing of painted and sculpted animals in two exhibitions. Entitled The Painter’s Menagerie and The Sculptor’s Menagerie respectively, visitors to the galleries will be able to revel in a great range of captivating creatures that will be equalled by the great quality of the artworks. Some highlights include a bronze by Francesco Righetti (1749-1819), revealing the artist’s anatomical knowledge as well as his modelling skills, which will go on show at Tomasso Brothers; pumas painted by 19th-century artist, William Huggins; and the dramatic Lion Mask from the Roman period. A Grand Menagerie: Animals Depicted by Master Painters and Sculptors, London Art Week, 3-10 July (rafaelvalls.co.uk; tomassobrothers.co.uk; londonartweek.co.uk)

Q: You are best known for your paintings and prints, so why are your drawings the feature of this exhibition? A: For me, everything starts with drawing: it’s the structure that my work depends on, it underpins everything else. Also, I think drawings can be very revealing of an artist’s practice. For me they are complete works, not sketches, not preliminary in any way.  Q: The female figure is central to your oeuvre. Has your representation of her evolved in keeping with your own life experiences? A: The answer to this is yes – although my work is not anecdotal, and not based on self-portraiture. I believe art has a direct connection with life, and I often make sense of events in the work I produce. Maybe my work mirrors what happens, although these are based on experiences shared by most people, such as sex, birth, love, loss and work.  Q: Your role in art, and as the first female Keeper of the Royal Academy, has been groundbreaking. Are your compositions intended to speak loudly and universally about women’s roles? A: I don’t really have ‘intentions’, just a strong drive to express myself. I think my creative life informs my role as Keeper; my experiences in art schools certainly have equipped me to know what is important for the students who study in the RA Schools. Hide and Seek: Drawings by Eileen Cooper RA 29 May - 23 August (royalacademy.org.uk)

HEART SOLE

As Florence celebrates 150 years since it was named the capital of Italy – a title it held for six years – Ellen Millard speaks with Museo Salvatore Ferragamo curator Stefania Ricci about its celebratory exhibition, ‘A Palace and a City’

‘L

ong before I ever moved into the Palazzo Spini Feroni, it was one of the buildings of Florence that I most admired and loved,’ Salvatore Ferragamo wrote in his autobiography, Shoemaker of Dreams. Cited as the most grand of privately owned medieval palaces in Florence, Palazzo Spini Feroni has been the home of Salvatore Ferragamo ever since the founder bought it in 1938. There couldn’t be a more fitting location, then, for the commemorative exhibition A Palace and a City, a look back at the building’s history and a

celebration of 150 years since Florence began its short reign as the capital of the newly formed Italy. Spanning more than ten rooms, the exhibition will take visitors on a journey through time as they discover the history of the palace, illustrated with fine art and rare documents on loan from international museums and private collections, such as the Victoria and Albert Museum, The Centre Pompidou in Paris, and Florence’s own Galleria dell’Academia. The vast exhibition covers eight centuries of history, which created a huge 

ABOVE, FROM LEFT: Salvatore Ferragamo, Sandal model, 1930; Fiamma Ferragamo, Model for a court shoe, 1963; Salvatore Ferragamo, Sandal, 1938; Salvatore Ferragamo, Closed-toe shoe, 1942; Fiamma Ferragamo, Model for a court shoe, 1962; Salvatore Ferragamo, Sandal, 1943. (all Museo Salvatore Ferragamo, Florence)

The Ferragamo footwear workshop in Palazzo Spini Feroni, 1937. Archivi Alinari, Florence

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right, from top:Autumn–Winter 1989/1990 advertising catalogue with photographs by Dominique Issermann, staged at Palazzo Spini FeroniA. below, right: a model faces the photographers, 1958. Archivio Press Photo, Florence

below: Fiamma Ferragamo, Model for a court shoe, 1966. Pink satin with pearls, silver Venetian glass beads and rhinestones. Museo Salvatore Ferragamo, Florence

challenge for the team behind it. ‘It was not an easy task,’ agrees curator Stefania Ricci. Fortunately, they had the help of designer Maurizio Balò, who has worked with Ricci on several exhibitions before. ‘He always has wonderful ideas,’ Ricci gushes. ‘He immediately understands the essence of any project and he is always able to create a very emotional exhibition project.’ Of the ten rooms Ricci worked on, she cites the one dedicated to the love of Dante and Beatrice as her favourite. ‘My favourite piece is the head of Dante Alighieri. It is plaster made by Enrico Pazzi for the big sculpture in Piazza Santa Croce in Florence,’ she says. ‘It is so emotional and gives off history and strong passion.’ Exploring the fascinating stories behind the palace and its residents, the exhibition focuses on the historical and architectural prominence of the building and its relationship with the city of Florence, but will begin as all exhibitions at the Museo Salvatore Ferragamo do – with a look into the world of Salvatore Ferragamo himself. The designer, who made his first pair of shoes at the tender age of nine, began his career in the US before returning to Italy in 1927, where he made fashion items for local customers. ‘He chose to settle in Florence because the city was known around the world for its fine artisanal and artistic traditions,’ Ricci explains. ‘He received a lot of inspiration from the art and craftsmanship in Florence. Ferragamo was an example for many fashion designers in the city, and also for the improvement of the city in relationship with fashion during the 1950s.’ Unfortunately, due to economic pressure, Ferragamo was forced to file for bankruptcy in 1929. Upon realising that the key to his success would be the Florentine high society, he purchased Palazzo Spini Feroni in 1938, and the company has remained there ever since. ‘He chose this magnificent historical building

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Photographs taken in January and February 2015 by Arrigo Coppitz with some interior and exterior shots of Palazzo Spini Feroni

because he understood how important it was for a fashion designer to work in a place steeped in history and culture,’ Ricci explains. ‘Towards the end of the 1980s, the Ferragamo family ordered the restoration of the building. It was a very important effort in terms of money and sacrifice for people that worked in the rooms of Palazzo Spini Feroni, but now the building has found its original splendour.’ The palace has become symbolic for the company, and has been used as a motif for its letterheads, on the front of its shoeboxes, and occasionally in advertisements, too. Indeed, so iconic is the building that Salvatore Ferragamo

‘The brand is relaunching two new boots, entitled the Carpazi and Ussara’ is releasing a new scarf in honour of the exhibition, adorned with an image inspired by the palace itself. ‘The View silk scarf takes inspiration from the symbol of this exhibition, a 360-degree view of Florence from the turrets of Palazzo Spini Feroni, originally engraved by Ramsay Reinagle for the 1806 publication of Journal des Luxus und der Moden,’ Ricci tells us. Alongside this, the brand is relaunching two new boots, entitled Carpazi and Ussara, which are decorated with graphics taken from Pietro Annigoni’s painting of the palace. What’s more, Salvatore Ferragamo’s flagship stores have decorated their shop windows in honour of the exhibition. ‘I always work with the window team for all the exhibition projects,’ Ricci explains. ‘We are a good team working in synergy for the best results.’

The exhibition, which opened in May, will run until 2016, and has already received rave reviews. ‘The visitors consider the exhibition rich in content and very well done,’ Ricci says, excitedly. ‘It is an intriguing subject and the best way to talk about the important history of the building.’ No doubt Salvatore Ferragamo would have been pleased with the results. A Palace and the City, 8 May - 3 April 2016 at the Museo Salvatore Ferragamo, Palazzo Spini Feroni, Florence (ferragamo.com)

above, left: Fiamma Ferragamo, based on a Salvatore Ferragamo drawing, Model for a sandal, 1961. Museo Salvatore Ferragamo, Florence; below: Fiamma Ferragamo, Model for a court shoe, 1966. Blue calf and red patent calf. Museo Salvatore Ferragamo, Florence

Exhibition Focus:

Paolo roversi: Polaroids Hauntingly beautiful subjects and subtle bohemian aesthetics signal fashion photographer Paolo Roversi’s defining artistic approach. With a new exhibition at Hamiltons Gallery, we discover why the photographer’s Polaroid prints appear his most striking words: amy welch

BELOW, FROM LEFT: TASHA, PARIS, 1997 © PAOLO ROVERSI, COURTESY OF HAMILTONS GALLERY. RENATA, PARIS, 1997 © PAOLO ROVERSI, COURTESY OF HAMILTONS GALLERY

‘P

hotography goes beyond the limits of reality and illusion,’ said Italian fashion photographer Paolo Roversi. Having shot campaigns for Chanel, Hermés, Yves Saint Laurent and Yohji Yamamoto, to name but a sartorial few, Roversi is an artistic luminary, most recognised for his high-contrast Polaroid portraits. Favouring delicate models with porcelain complexions akin to those depicted in the Pre-Raphaelite movement, Roversi’s lense captures an ethereal beauty in his subjects – distinctly bohemian and subtly fragile. Historical influences seep into the photographer’s work and an overtly period dynamic has become his signature. Thus underlies Roversi’s inclinations towards

photography possessing an otherworldly charm: ‘It brushes up against another life, another dimension, revealing not only what is there but what is not there.’ Exhibiting at Hamiltons Gallery this month, Paolo Roversi: Polaroids presents perhaps the best immersive first encounter to his work for those unfamiliar with it, and a welcomed reintroduction for those already well versed with the photographer’s unique aesthetic. Arriving in Paris in 1972, where he still lives and works today, a fresh-faced Roversi became enamoured with fashion photography, working as assistant for renowned British photographer Laurence Sackmann. Sackmann, whose notoriously particular demeanour could not hold

The mayfair Magazine | Art

an assistant for more than a week, worked with Roversi for nine months, where the young photographer states to have learned everything he knows about professional photography. Discovering the magic of the Polaroid camera’s eight-by-ten-inch film, Roversi soon found his distinguishing aesthetic. Commercially, Roversi’s often haunting images have graced the covers of many an international fashion magazine. His Polaroids reveal an unguarded but wellconsidered artistic eye as a curious disharmony plays between the contrasting influences of couture fashion and period photography. On the one hand, all of his sitters are devastatingly beautiful, models and actresses alike, yet there is a gentle disconnection between viewer and subject. Each lone figure feels beguiling and removed, almost lost in their own thoughts. On the other hand, each photograph enables an

‘His sitters appear devastatingly beautiful, models and actresses alike’

individual revelation about the subject, with an honest and underlying emotion radiating from the image and central silhouette. Here lies Roversi’s true talent. Both endearing and elusive, image after image is agonisingly compelling. Much as we try, as the viewer we may never broach that protective artistic bubble in which the sitter has been so elegantly placed. Never intrusive but certainly intriguing, Roversi’s Polaroids above all highlight a superb ability to manipulate light – the shadowed figures of his black and white photography also possess a quality closer to that of the 19th century than of contemporary photography. The selection of Polaroids at Hamiltons is merely a small compilation of the photographer’s vast archive. Displayed in the softly monochrome gallery space, each Polaroid’s colour saturations and silhouettes will cause reason to stop and ponder all individually. You will find, true to Roversi’s word, that ‘every photograph is an encounter, an intimate, reciprocal confession.’ Paolo Roversi: Polaroids, 2 July-14 August, Hamiltons Gallery, 13 Carlos Place, W1K (020 7499 9493; hamiltonsgallery.com)

BELOW, FROM LEFT: NAOMI, PARIS, 1997 © PAOLO ROVERSI, COURTESY OF HAMILTONS GALLERY. TANGA AND JENNY, PARIS © PAOLO ROVERSI, COURTESY OF HAMILTONS GALLERY

#1 1950s diamond and interchangeable emerald and sapphire collar and earclips

#2 Winter 1952, Pierre Balmain

For a 1950s adaptation of pre-war Art Deco style, this emerald and sapphire collar is a classic example. The style and quality suggests the jewellery was crafted in Vienna in the early 1950s. The necklace can be worn as two separate bracelets, and although not an uncommon concept in mid-20th-century jewellery design, it is exceedingly rare for such a collection to remain together after so many years. Estimated value £20,000-£30,000, Fine Jewellery at Dreweatts, 9 July (dreweatts.com)

In its first auction of haute couture, Sotheby’s Paris offers 150 items from the private collection of Didier Ludot. A renowned fashion antiquarian, Ludot has a 40-year background in vintage fashion, and now fans have the chance to breathe new life into some of his most treasured finds. This stunning velvet Pierre Balmain dress dates back to 1952, and is embroidered with chiffon roses by Maison Lesage. Estimated value €3,000-€5,000, Recontres Couture à Paris de la Collection Didier Ludot at Sotheby’s Paris, 8 July (sothebys.com)

#3 Waiting on Forever, 2011 by Mark Bradford Glancing across the close formation of numbers and letters that make up the work Waiting on Forever, one can instantly realise that Los Angeles-born artist Mark Bradford is inspired by mapping the emotional and political geography of his home city. Built up in layers of mixed media, Bradford’s grid-like piece portrays the diversity of cultures from mass consumption from the city streets. Estimated value £400,000-£600,000, Contemporary Evening Art Sale at Phillips London, 29 June (phillips.com)

Prize lots

3 IMAGES: #1 IMAGE COURTESY OF DREWEATTS, #2 IMAGE COURTESY OF SOTHEBY’S, #3 IMAGE COURTESY OF PHILLIPS, #4 IMAGE COURTESY OF BONHAMS, #5 IMAGE COURTESY OF © 2011 JOHN DIBBS, #6 IMAGE COURTESY OF BONHAMS

The mayfair Magazine | Art

#4 Keep It Real, 2002, Banksy Known for his satirical stencils and controversial commentary, graffiti artist Banksy is often one to make a statement. Monkeys frequently appear in the artist’s designs, and in 2002 he painted ten solemn-looking apes wearing sandwich boards, each with a different slogan on the front. This orange Keep It Real version is an original stencil spray-paint, signed by Banksy himself on the turnover edge. Estimated value £40,000-£60,000, Post-War & Contemporary Art at Bonhams London, 1 July (bonhams.com)

#5 Vickers Supermarine Spitfire Mk 1A – P9374/G-MK1A

#6 Alexander the Great, 1982, Andy Warhol

This month, Christie’s offers a remarkable piece of British history in the form of an authentic and immaculately restored Vickers Supermarine Spitfire. The aircraft, a recognisable silhouette of the Second World War, is one of only two Mk1 models still flying. In time with commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Battle of France and the Battle of Britain, this exceptional Spitfire is a thing of engineering beauty. Estimated value £1,500,000-£2,500,000, The Exceptional Sale at Christie’s, 9 July (christies.com)

Inspired by masterpieces from art history, Andy Warhol spent the early 1980s creating his first prints, among which was the Alexander the Great series, the only works he made based on classical art and a sculptural source. This is one of a number of different coloured versions that Warhol created in the same style, printed on a Lenox Museum Board. Estimated value £40,000-£50,000, Prints and Multiples, Bonham’s London, 14 July (bonhams.com)

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Where the art is The cultural landscape in Mayfair is changing – weekends are becoming busier as more galleries are opening their doors out of the usual office hours. As Brown’s London Art Weekend returns, take a glimpse into the world of Mayfair’s first-floor art galleries and how there is still much to be discovered W o r d s : L i ly L e B r u n

The mayfair Magazine | Art

t is no great secret that Mayfair is home to the largest concentration of art galleries in the world. But unless you look up to the flags fluttering high above the shop-fronts of Bond Street or to the neat row of bronze bells next to townhouse doors, it can be easy to miss out on what the area has to offer. There are around 100 galleries in Mayfair showing art of great quality and of fantastic variety. Many of these world-class galleries are out of sight to the passer-by, secreted away on the upper floors.

‘There is more of a culture of having a weekend walk around the galleries in New York’ ‘Mayfair has always been at the epicentre of the art world, but that is more hidden,’ Lock Kresler, a senior director at Dominique Lévy Gallery, says. ‘It is a little more difficult to navigate than in cities like New York.’ Kresler recently helped set up the London branch of the gallery, which is headquartered in New York. Having lived and worked in both cities, he has noticed ‘there is more of a culture of having a weekend walk around the galleries in New York. This happens less in London, where there is less of an obvious path and visitors tend to have more of an agenda’. Yet increasingly, galleries in Mayfair have had little choice in deciding where to locate their premises. According to Westminster City Council, retail has reached record levels of rent on Bond Street (exceeding £1,000 per sq ft), and demand for space remains high from international retailers. Although he was ‘hooked by the history’ of the Old Bond Street building that the gallery now occupies, Kresler confirms that it was a struggle to find a suitable space in Mayfair. ‘We faced a lot of competition, not only from galleries but from fashion

houses and other entities moving into the area – which is obviously not only driving up rent, but also the demand for space. There are a lot of particulars that are essential to showcasing the art in the proper way. Galleries require high ceilings, for example.’ John Martin first set up his eponymous gallery at 38 Albemarle Street 23 years ago. This summer, he will be moving up to the first floor of the same building, relinquishing the ground-floor space to an Italian luxury shoe brand. ‘We ground-floor galleries have been living on borrowed time.’ Martin says. ‘Everywhere, galleries have had to leave these spaces. But London is a different sort of city. If it was more of a grid city or if the transport was better, we wouldn’t need to be in Mayfair. But it’s never going to happen – you’ve got to be in the centre. The only option is to move upstairs.’ ‘It is a bit of a gamble in 

OPPOSITE: UNTITLED BY NEIL DOUGLAS. IMAGE COURTESY OF ALBEMARLE GALLERY; ABOVE: GOLDEN HAZE BY ANDREW GIFFORD. IMAGE COURTESY OF JOHN MARTIN GALLERY; LEFT: TWO WORLDS BY LORENZO QUINN. IMAGE COURTESY OF HALCYON GALLERY

ABOVE: JOHN MARTIN GALLERY BY DAN WEILL. IMAGE COURTESY OF JOHN MARTIN GALLERY; RIGHT: CANNED SOCIETY BY LORENZO QUINN. IMAGE COURTESY OF HALCYON GALLERY; BELOW: LE PENSEUR BY RODIN. IMAGE COURTESY Of BOWMAN SCULPTURE

some ways,’ he continues. ‘All our business has been built on an open-door policy – people walking in, coming in, having a chat. We’re going to have to change our business a bit to accommodate. ‘Up until now, first-floor galleries have largely been by appointment-only galleries, and often they’re very discreet and hidden away,’ he points out. ‘But the need for a ground-floor gallery is becoming less and less’. James Hyman, who also recently moved his gallery from a much larger, more public space up to the top floor of 16 Savile Row, agrees. ‘So much of the market is now focused on art fairs that the gallery has become a base,’ he says. ‘Although we do exhibitions and

get good press, we meet the majority of our clients through doing art fairs, so there is less need to have a shop front. There simply isn’t so much walk-in business as there was a decade ago. Being upstairs also allows us to offer a more bespoke, more discreet service.’ The sense of privacy can work to a gallery’s advantage, acting as an antidote to the large, glass-fronted, public spaces that are favoured by many of the larger international contemporary art galleries. As Hyman says, ‘I enjoy spending time with clients in a more relaxed environment where it is possible to deepen relationships and to offer a personalised service tailored to the individual client.’ The quality of the artwork and the curation of the shows is of paramount importance to these upper-floor businesses. Unlike many of the primary-market galleries that deal with living artists, many are secondary-market dealers, and not under the same pressure to rotate their exhibitions once a month. Instead, they can

The mayfair Magazine | Art

branches of the art tree,’ he says. This year, more than 100 galleries from Mayfair and St. James’s are taking part. The range of work they will have on view is testament to the quality of exhibitions and the expertise to be found above street level. From Impressionist prints to Indian miniatures, from antique maps to contemporary art from the Middle East, almost every taste is catered for. ‘I just want people to come and look at the work,’ Martin enthuses. ‘I don’t really mind whether they’re art students, collectors, curators or people who are a bit lost. That’s the whole point – we’re here to promote the artist and put on great shows.’ Brown’s London Art Weekend, 3-5 July (londonartweekend.co.uk)

ABOVE: BARBARA KRUGER: EARLY WORKS, INSTALLATION VIEW, © BARBARA KRUGER. IMAGE COURTESY OF SKARSTEDT GALLERY. ABOVE RIGHT: 22 BOND STREET BY BENJAMIN EAGLE. IMAGE COURTESY OF Dominique Lévy GALLERY

BELOW FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: ORIGIN I. IMAGE JASON BROOKS, COURTESY OF MARLBOROUGH CONTEMPORARY; A MEDITERRANEAN CAPRICCIO HARBOUR SCENE BY JACOBUS STORCK. IMAGE COURTESY OF BONHAMS.

concentrate on creating a finely tuned programme that suits their clients. At Dominique Lévy, which specialises in blue-chip 20th-century art, Kresler says, ‘We usually have a museum-quality exhibition and have it up for three to four months.’ Its current exhibition, for instance, is a single, monumental Alexander Calder sculpture dating from 1964, Blue and Yellow Among Reds. But despite the calibre of the work on view, most gallery owners acknowledge that buzzers and stairs can be surprisingly intimidating, even to the most seasoned of gallery-goers. Partly because of this, Brown’s London Art Weekend was inaugurated last year to help encourage art lovers to explore the full extent of the private galleries clustered in the area. John Martin was part of the founding team. ‘We’re trying to encourage people to explore the upper

WOSENE WORKE KOSROF WORDPLAY: FUTURE TENSE

WordPlay XV

11TH JUNE – 8TH AUGUST 2015

GALLERY OF AFRICAN ART

45 Albemarle Street, London W1S 4JL T: 0207 287 7400 E: info@gafraart.com Opening Hours: Mon – Fri 10am – 6pm / Sat 11am – 5pm

www.gafraart.com

The mayfair Magazine | Interiors

Desert oasis Ralph Lauren Home has been known to take inspiration from the great outdoors, and this month, its new collection, Corral Canyon, turns to the Californian deserts, focusing on the calm ambience of a remote retreat. The focus of the collection lies on the fusion of organic materials, including weathered teak, sun-faded leather and seagrass, with modernist shapes and south-western textiles. By combining quality with the windswept palette of a desert atmosphere, this collection is the height of rustic indulgence. Ralph Lauren Home, 1 New Bond Street W1S (020 7535 4600; ralphlaurenhome.com)

Interiors news words: hugh francis anderson

FINISHING TOUCH

Wall to wall With a splash of colour, a feature wall is one simple way to improve the ambience of a room. The Sanderson Sicilian Lions wallpaper is true to Robert Nicholson’s original 1956 design and features stylised motifs from the late medieval period. Use this wallpaper to add a touch of decadence to your home. Sicilian Lions, £44 per roll, Sanderson (amara.com)

Cocktail hour Sip your cocktail in style with your very own cocktail cabinet. This opulent example comes from David Linley, the renowned homeware artisan, which has handcrafted this delightful cocktail box, and comes complete with everything you could possibly need for an indulgent evening soiree. Cocktail box, £16,000, Linley, 41 Burlington Arcade, W1J (020 7495 3655; davidlinley.com)

Michael Thonet of Gebrüder Thonet Vienna was the first to design the Viennese ‘café chair’ we all know and love. Gebrüder Thonet has now re-created the classic range, giving it a contemporary edge. Lehnstuhl, £1,371, Nigel Coates for Gebrüder Thonet Vienna (discoverdeliver.com)

Turn the page In preparation for the summer holidays, we ask six creative individuals to recommend their top summer read – your literary inspiration for the season awaits

by Robin Givhan ‘The book is by the Pulitzer Prize winning fashion critic of the Washington Post, and tells the story of a group of American fashion designers and a troupe of mainly black models who, in 1972, took on the French couture establishment in a head-to-head fashion gala to raise funds for the restoration of Versailles – and won. It is fascinating, fun and broad enough to appeal to readers beyond fashion’s inner sanctum.’ David Downton, artist in residence at Claridge’s

Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind

by Yuval Noah Harari ‘Be warned – this is no easy beach read, but a book for nerds. I am halfway through Sapiens and can’t wait to have some uninterrupted time to get my head around the big issues of human history it addresses. It reads like a detective story that works out how we became who we are. Do make sure you take a lighter read for downtime.’ Amelie von Wedel, curator at The Arts Club Cover design © Suzanne Dean 66

‘It reads like a detective story that works out how we became who we are’

David Downton at the bar within Fera at Claridge’s

The Battle of Versailles: The Night American Fashion Stumbled into the Spotlight and Made History

The The mayfair Magazine | Feature

I’ll Drink To That: A Life in Style, with a Twist by Betty Halbreich & Rebecca Paley ‘I’m currently loving I’ll Drink To That, which is the memoirs of the legendary personal shopper at Bergdorf Goodman in New York’. Jason Basmajian, creative director of Gieves & Hawkes

The Improbability of Love Published by Yale University Press

My Dear BB: The letters of Bernard Berenson and Kenneth Clark, 1925-1959 by Robert Cumming ‘I am looking forward to the chance to settle down with a copy of My dear BB: The Letters of Bernard Berenson and Kenneth Clark, 1925-1959, a fat volume of correspondence between two of my art historical heroes.’ Charles Saumarez Smith, secretary and chief executive of the Royal Academy of Arts

by Hannah Rothschild ‘The Improbability of Love is about a lost masterpiece of the same name painted by a famous artist named Antoine Watteau. It is a rich satire on the world of high art about which no one is better placed to write than Hannah Rothschild, the new chairman of the trustees of the National Gallery. Hannah is subtle, amusing and engaging – just like her book.’ Nicky Dunne, chairman of Heywood Hill

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Growing Up In Restaurants: The story of Eating Out in Britain from 55BC to Nowadays by John Pembrokes ‘I picked this book because it’s fun, intuitive and light-hearted, perfect for a holiday. And of course, it makes me hungry!’ Michel Roux Jr, owner of Le Gavroche

right: The Girl Who Ordered a Glass of Milk at the Cafe Royal © H. M. Bateman Designs. published by Quartet books

HORSE POWER With polo season fully upon us, Hugh Francis Anderson joins Maserati and La Martina at HAM Polo Club in Richmond to celebrate their ongoing collaboration

ew brands can boast the collective pedigree of Maserati and La Martina. Independently, they represent the suave, the understated and the blissful elegance of a bygone era. Together, their formidability exudes in droves: they are the purveyors of sophistication – the epitome, if you will, of the savoir-faire. So it’s little wonder that they have become business partners, and together are elevating the image of motoring, sartorial design and sportsmanship to new heights.

Since 2011, Maserati and La Martina have collaborated to produce the ‘La Martina for Maserati’ capsule collection, a luxury, poloinspired range for those looking to merge fashion with sports apparel. Their partnership furthers still with the four-stage Maserati Polo Tour, sponsored by La Martina, where the world’s top players – including HRH Prince Harry for the Jerudong Park Trophy stage – cross the globe playing high-level polo in a move that only furthers the dominance of these two

The mayfair Magazine | Motoring

powerhouses. After all, polo is the sport of kings. So to celebrate their collaboration, and the release of their new collection, I joined Maserati and La Martina at HAM Polo Club in Richmond for a polo lesson from professional player and assistant polo manager, Charlie Wood. Arriving at the club in true Maserati style, in a black Quattroporte, Wood is patiently waiting for his eager students to arrive. With the overcast sky threatening to ruin our enjoyment, I am handed a child-sized mallet to practice some basic shots: offside, nearside forehand and backhand, which mainly revolve around me trying to wallop the ball as hard as I can.

‘I am handed a child-sized mallet to practice some basic shots’ Nevertheless, with my excitable energy somewhat expelled, I am offered the privilege of moving to a full-size mallet on a full-size wooden horse. As Charlie concisely explains the basic rules again, a little of my lost childhood memory from when I played polo comes back and I find myself feeling confidently adept to move to the big leagues, to a racing-tuned polo pony that comes in the form a majestic masculine bay gelding named Castor. Masculine, that is, until I discover that ‘castor’ is Spanish for ‘beaver’. So within a couple of hours I’ve progressed from jovially galumphing around swinging a tiny polo mallet to a fully fledged polo player atop a horse named Beaver. Laughable at best, the last pass of the session requires some actual polo playing, with a miniature chukka and a couple of agreeable goals scored, too. All too soon I have to bid farewell to Castor, but I feel a beaming smile grow across my face as I say my goodbyes, thinking how Maserati and La Martina are truly a match made in heaven. La Martina, 23 Jermyn Street, SW1 (lamartina.com; maserati.com)

Image: Getty

f all the social trends to have emerged since the turn of the century, our desire to personalise the things we buy is perhaps the most commercially powerful. People are willing to pay extra for individuality, to own something that is similar to what others have but in some way subtly different. With so much off-the-shelf choice available, the ability for us to select one product as a starting point – then to be given the ability to work with experts to create something unique from it – can be the difference between us choosing (or not) that product in the first place. Today, the ability to change something is, bizarrely, a selling point. In the world of luxury and performance cars, where desire has always been at the forefront of design, personalisation is big business. The original manufacturer can make the modifications, but if every customer chose that route, it would become selfdefeating. So, to satisfy demand, a whole new industry has appeared to feed the buyers’ need for ‘automotive enhancement’ – for them to demonstrate their own character through their vehicles. ‘Customisation is differentiation and allows for an additional degree of exclusivity and uniqueness – which are two important characteristics when it comes to making ultra-luxury purchases,’ says Madelaine Ollivier, who works for affluence analyst Wealth-X. ‘Allowing supercar buyers to personalise their vehicles also enhances the experience of buying a luxury item – a priceless attribute.’ Upgrades can take many forms: from the relatively straightforward swapping of a few exterior body panels to engine power upgrades or a bespoke interior refurbishment. If money is not a limiting factor, the only one will be your imagination. Ares Performance is one of the newest businesses in the sector. Launched just last year, it has a high-profile name behind it. CEO Dany Bahar is a former senior vice- 

The mayfair Magazine | Motoring

Custom-made Customise your supercar the way you would your Savile Row suit as we discover the rising trend to own a vehicle that is truly one of a kind w o r d s : r i c h a r d y a rr o w

Ares Bentley Continental GT

Above, clockwise from top left: FAB Vayu; Mansory Maserati; FAB Mercedez-Benz SLR2

president of Ferrari, and chief executive of Lotus from 2009-2012. The company is based in Vienna, Austria with a factory in Modena, Italy. It plans to sell around 150 modified cars this year, with multiple vehicles to some clients. Its most popular product today is the Rolls-Royce Wraith, priced at €450,000. Number two is the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, priced at €300,000, which is a big seller with customers from the Middle East. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are key markets, followed by the Far East, US, Russia and some parts of Africa. The prices quoted, exclusive of tax, are for the base car plus enhancements. Some customers want a complete overhaul, others require more subtle work. To date, transformations of the Mercedes-Benz G63 have been the most expensive projects undertaken; five have been ordered at approximately €1 million each, and Bahar anticipates working on just ten in total. ‘We have royalty, VVIPs, artists and sportspeople as customers, and one trait they all share is an appreciation for individuality,’ he said. ‘They are all very interesting people, we’re very lucky in that respect, as we get to

work with some incredible people and there’s a story behind each client and car.’ If Ares Performance is new to the customised supercar arena, Mansory is a more established name. Founded in 1989, CEO Kourosh Mansory spent time in England and here came to understand the importance of the tradition and quality craftsmanship behind luxury performance brands such as Rolls-Royce, Bentley and Aston Martin.

‘We get to work with some incredible people, and there’s a story behind each client and car’ The company, based in the town of Brand, Germany, will sell 120 complete cars this year, though an international network of dealerships will see selected components appearing on more. Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Japan and Russia are popular destinations for its designs, with China growing in importance all the time. At the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, it unveiled its version of the Rolls-Royce Wraith coupé.

The mayfair Magazine | Motoring

Beyond the visually obvious – a dramatic two-tone paint finish – its list of attributes includes a power increase, 632PS to 740PS, from the standard 6.6-litre V12 engine. This year, Mansory’s exhibition stand played host to an aggressive new take on the MercedesBenz S-Class Coupé S63 AMG. With an output close to 1,000PS and a striking blue body shell, it’s not for the faint-hearted. As with Ares Performance, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class is a popular choice for Mansory customers, along with the S-Class, Range Rover and Lamborghini Aventador. Last year, the company completed a Rolls-Royce Ghost with 24-carat gold-plated elements on the interior and exterior, but the most expensive choice is the Mansory Vivere, based on the Bugatti Veyron. ‘We do a complete body refinement in carbon, together with a exclusive interior modification,’ says Mansory. ‘The price is very high because of the limited quantity we produce and the development costs. We do not communicate the price in public, only on request from trusted car owners.’ Exclusivity is a driver of demand in this sector, because customers always want something that

marks them out from the crowd. With sales of only 25-30 complete cars a year, German supplier FAB Design certainly offers that. In the past it has created one-off versions of the Maybach and Cadillac Escalade, but the Mercedes-Benz SLS has been its top seller of recent years. ‘We are building at the moment our 50th modification of that, and we have done 19 of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren,’ says Michael Stein from the sales and marketing department. ‘Our new project is the Vayu, which is very popular.’ The Vayu RPR Spider, to give it its full name, is based on the McLaren 650S convertible, which the customer will have already bought for €293,000. FAB Design’s new carbon-fibre body kit costs €53,000, with a full interior makeover priced at another €20,000. Like most aspects of the luxury market, the customised supercar industry hasn’t really been affected by the global economic circumstances of recent years. Indeed, Kourosh Mansory believes it is a sector with excellent potential for growth. ‘Each vehicle manufacturer is nowadays on the market with its own supercar. More supercars equals more modified supercars.’ It seems like a formula for success.

Above, clockwise from top lefT: Mansory Rollsroyce Phantom; Ares Range Rover interior; Mansory Ferrari 458 interior

The mayfair Magazine | Travel

Long haul

Esperanza hotel, Mexico

Travel news Sunseekers and music lovers will surely enjoy a burst of culture at the Oitavos resort in Portugal, while Mexico’s Cabo San Lucas offers a tranquil sanctuary W OR D S : A M Y W E L C H

The rugged coastline of Cabo San Lucas is a sight for sore – and city dwelling – eyes on arrival at Auberge Resorts’ Esperanza hotel. Notwithstanding all the amenities one could desire, the hotel’s opening this summer marks an extensive transformation, completely redesigning the idyllic sanctuary. Local craftsmen have imprinted their artisanal skills with hand-made art and furnishings, uncovering an authentic and otherworldly charm, with a hand-crafted treasure to admire at every turn. After retiring from the hotel’s ceviche bar – a prerequisite if you are searching for a taste of island life – terrace views across the tranquil Baja Peninsula will cement a desire never to be far from the azure Pacific Ocean during your serene stay. (aubergeresorts.com)

Short haul

TRAVEL TIPS

The Oitavos, Portugal

The sparkling waters of Portugal’s Estoril Coast make for the perfect location to soak up the warmth of the sun and enjoy some melodic jazz music. With The Oitavos Beats music festival bringing the best of upcoming jazz and soul artists to Portugal each summer, let the soft rhythms of live instrumental sets wash over you while relaxing on the pool deck at the five-star Oitavos hotel. For those seeking gourmet offerings, pay a visit to the hotel’s Ipsylon Restaurant & Bar, and watch Portugal’s vibrant culture buzz around you with the sunset backdrop of Quinta da Marinha. (theoitavos.com)

DON’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT… With nourishing ingredients such as vitamin E, Margaret Dabbs’s intensive hand serum leaves skin visibly smooth and replenished. Hand serum, £30, Margaret Dabbs (margaretdabbs.com) THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT… #SnapShorts This app gives you the chance to win a pair of Orlebar Brown swimming trunks, printed with your very own picture. Free, iTunes App Store

‘Travel makes one modest - you see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.’ - Gustave Flaubert

Tee time

The mayfair Magazine | Travel

If it’s a golfing weekend away you’re after, Scotland’s Golf Coast has 22 courses across 30 miles of magnificent East Lothian coastline ready to test your bravery off the tee W o r d s : L ee B r o o k s

OPEning page, clockwise from top left: Archerfield; Greywalls; The Rennaissance Club; Dunbar Golf Club; Gullane Golf Club; Longniddry; Bayswell

riving along the coast of East Lothian, you could be forgiven for thinking you are scything through one giant golf course. And to be fair, you wouldn’t be too far wrong. Known as Scotland’s Golf Coast, East Lothian is home to no fewer than 22 stunning links golf courses dotted along a 30-mile stretch. It’s a golfer’s paradise. And for a Londoner, it couldn’t be easier to get to. With frequent flights from Heathrow, I left the city at 7am and was in Longniddry’s clubhouse – 30 minutes east by road from Edinburgh Airport – in time for breakfast and an early morning tee time. Longniddry’s 6,260-yard course, on the south shore of the Firth of Forth, looks majestic in the early morning sunshine, and offers a good test for golfers with its subtle blend of woodland and links. To the west lies Musselburgh Links, one of the oldest golf courses in the world, with Mary, Queen of Scots said to have once played here in 1567. The venue hosted golf’s showpiece major – the Open Championship – six times between 1874 and 1889, and boasts stunning views of the Edinburgh skyline. Those views continue as you head over to Craigielaw, a course that can’t rival Musselburgh’s history but makes up for it with a stunning layout. The rough is light but tough, while the greens are hard to hold and super-fast. So intriguing is the challenge that the likes of Tiger Woods, Mark O’Meara and Greg Norman have all tried to tame the 6,601-yard course. Onwards to Gullane, host of this year’s Scottish Open (9-12 July). Stood on the seventh tee of the No.1 course at Gullane Hill, you’re met with a daunting 398-yard hole, with the green many feet below you. It tempts you into hitting a huge drive, as the ball will roll and roll down the hill, but you must hit it straight or face

the wrath of one of ten hungry bunkers. There are three courses in total, and visitors can play them all. Which means that this summer, you could find yourself teeing off just weeks after the likes of Phil Mickelson and Justin Rose.

‘You could find yourself teeing off just weeks after Phil Mickelson and Justin Rose’ If it’s the threat of water you’re after, head to North Berwick Golf Club, which has the sea in play for six holes. It’s also home to 80,000 nesting sites, so a perfect place for a spot of birdwatching, too. Back on the road, we are now bound for Archerfield. As you pass through the gates and wind your way through the trees, there’s a feeling of anticipation – and it doesn’t disappoint. Fidra – one of two courses at the club – is a truly stunning. The opening few holes feature fairways lined with pines, the tunnel-like layout making you feel like it’s just you and the course. As you weave your way round, the course opens up with a more links-type feel. Dirleton is a traditional links course, but arguably more challenging: its sweeping fairways are flanked by deep, menacing bunkers and undulating dunes. Though a member’s club, visitor-experience tee times can be arranged from £200 per person. And its not all about the course, as the venue is also home to a Nike Performance Fitting Centre. Here you can hone your swing through private lessons, using technology such as Trackman, which features technology used in military

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applications to track missiles. And if you think your clubs are to blame for your poor swing, use its bespoke club-fitting service that can have your new clubs delivered the following day. Perhaps the most famous of the East Lothian courses is Muirfield, which has hosted the Open Championship 16 times in its history – most recently in 2013, when Mickelson claimed the Claret Jug. The course was designed in such a way that holes are played both against and with a following wind. While it is primarily a membersonly club, visitors have access to a small number of tee times on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Alongside historic Muirfield lies East Lothian’s newest member – the Renaissance Club. It features compelling holes nestled amid pine and sycamore trees before heading out on to classic windswept linksland that belies its age. Though a private-members club, there’s an offer of a One Time Experience on a request basis for non-members. The nearby Greywalls Hotel, which overlooks the ninth and 18th holes at Muirfield, offers stylish Edwardian accommodation and is well situated, with 20 golf courses within 10 miles. The course furthest along the coast is Dunbar Golf Club – but it’s well worth the wait. Designed by Tom Morris, James Baird and Ben Sayers, the course is blessed with a reputation for sunshine. Easily accessible by road or train – it being situated on the main London to Edinburgh rail line – the course was playable for all but two days last year, with severe frost the reason for those closures. The classic Scottish links course, whose clubhouse is said to be the closest to the sea in the UK, has similarities to the famous Pebble Beach course in California, as it hugs the coastline, along a narrow strip of land within yards of waves that crash on the rock shore below.

The nearby Bayswell Park Hotel offers rooms with hot tubs on the balcony, where you can watch seabirds swoop for food or seals sunning themselves on the rocks below, while its spa offers special tailored massages for golfers. If you want to leave your golf clubs in the boot for an afternoon, there’s still plenty to do. Perhaps use the wind to your advantage and give kitesurfing a go. Or head to the local Fashion School, run by Jacqui Burke, who has designed dresses for Cher and Gloria Estefan. East Links Family Park, a 20-acre farm-themed adventure park, offers days out for the kids. Or if whisky is your tipple, Glenkinchie, one of the few remaining lowland distilleries still in production, holds tasting tours. Then head back inland to Gifford for a quick nine holes on gently undulating parkland before making a dash to the airport. Driving down the A1, bound for Edinburgh Airport, my mind drifts back the seventh tee at Gullane. The might of the Firth of Forth is to my right, the daunting Lammermuir Hills to my left, and a glorious downhill lies ahead. Regardless of the shanked tee shot, a smile stretches across my face. I know it’ll be only a matter of time before I’m back. For more information for your golfing trip to Scotland, see golfeastlothian.com or visitscotland.com/golf

above, from far left: archerfield spa; archerfield golf course; greywalls; below: dunbar golf club

By the olive

trees

Experience mainland Greece in seclusion and elegance, among a thousandyear-old olive tree, pristine beaches on the Ionian Sea and the opportunity to explore the rich and vibrant landscape words: SARAh SIESE

reece is so steeped in history, myth and beauty that it’s a natural choice for holidaymakers. Some of the world’s earliest literature, undoubtedly inspired by the stunning landscape and architecture, was written here in first and second century AD. Heroes and heroines of these Hellenistic stories, such as Chariton and Callirhoe and Daphnis and Chloe, overcame calamities including shipwrecks and jealous quarrels, only to be reunited and live happily ever after. Today’s star-crossed lovers can act out their own romances against a similar backdrop of beautiful buildings, plunging cliffs and golden sands. If the lure of beauty and history has got under your skin (or you’re just a big fan of the movie Mamma Mia!) and you’re considering a Greek island, the hardest decision is which one to visit. There are dozens to choose from. With a little help from a Greek national in the know, we set out to discover the crème de la crème of destinations hotels, a rising new gem in the Peloponnese. Although considered to be part of mainland Greece, the Peloponnese, strictly speaking, is an island, joined to the rest of the country by several bridges crossing the precipitous Corinth Canal. Around three hours from Athens, Costa Navarino in the Greek region of Messinia,

south-west Peloponnese, covers more than 1,000 hectares in a stunning west-facing location among millions of lush olive trees leading to magnificent white-sand beaches and crystal-clear Ionian Sea. Navarino Dunes is the setting for the The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort, which is tailor-made for relaxation and leisure. It’s within close proximity of some of the country’s top cultural and historical landmarks, and adjacent to a beautiful stretch of coastline that is perfect for cycling, walking, swimming and chilling. This capacious resort destination feels village-like and offers an array of culinary delights, including Eleon, a restaurant featuring Peloponnese and Greek cuisine based on locally-sourced organic ingredients, and Barbouni, some way up from a casual beach shack with a well-stocked wine cellar, specialising in steaks and fresh fish. Spa aficionados, and anyone that loves a spot of pampering, will be we wowed by the 4,000 square-metre Anazoe Spa, featuring a new concept in wellness combining ancient Greek medicine and philosophy with contemporary scientific treatments using the area’s unique natural products and ingredients. You can try out kinisiotherapy, floating pools, an extensive range of light therapies, ice-grotto rooms, herbal saunas and unique Oleotherapy® treatments originating at Nestor’s Palace, dating back to Homeric times. Navarino Dunes is also home to Greece’s first signature golf course, The Dunes Course,

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designed by former US Masters champion Bernhard Langer. Active adventure-seekers have plenty to enjoy within the resort at Costa Navarino, including a mountain-biking rental facility that looks more like a high-tech shop, Nordic walking, hiking and racquet sports, and many water-related sports and recreational activities. And there’s more: Ten-pin bowling, squash and basketball, extensive areas for meditation and workout classes, an interactive museum on regional wildlife and a climbing wall. But for a truly authentic experience, guests are encouraged to discover the beauty and culture of Messinia and engage in traditional activities ranging from fishing to the arts of olive-oil and wine-making. On our last morning, we were joined under a thousand-year-old olive tree by Eleni Volonaki, a professor of Ancient Greek literature, to ponder the theory of Platonic Love. A philosophy walk is a uniquely Greek pastime – the kind of innovative activity that just seems right under this prism of ancient wisdom. On another evening we took a cooking class with local women Anna and Loula in their house in Pylos. We make pasta (in a Bake-Off meets Generation Game-style event wherein couples roll, stretch and smooth giant discs of dough with metre-long rolling pins) followed by

kagianas, a dish of scrambled eggs and tomatoes, into which we add aubergines, courgettes and potato, black-eyed beans, Kalamata olives, galoptia (milk pie) and local lalanges (dough fritters) soaked in petimezi (or grape molasses). I recommend booking into a Premium Grand Infinity Suite with a seafront setting and private infinity pool. The extended terrace has a great barbecue area and personal butler on hand for whenever required. For something really special, my favourite room is the Master Infinity Villa with its own beach. And speaking of beaches, don’t miss Voidokilia, among the top ten most beautiful beaches in the world with its clear, azul blue water, just a bike ride from the hotel. Set aside several days to explore the area’s natural wonders, including the unmissable historical sites of Niokastro, the Palace of Nestor, the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Olympia, Mystras and the Temple of Apollo Epicurius and lose yourselves in Greece’s mythology and history. Rates start from €200 at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino and €310 at The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort. To book and for further information visit costanavarino.com. Airlines offers daily flights from London Heathrow and Gatwick to Athens – visit aegeanair.com for information.

lthough the populous locations of Saint-Tropez, Monaco and Cannes are well frequented by the British, the exceedingly elegant and suave smaller Provençal towns, bafflingly, see less footfall. One such spot is Aix-en-Provence, a historically magnificent treasure trove a mere 30 kilometres from the coast. Having spent one balmy winter in Aix – for southern France is still wonderfully warm in the ‘cooler’ months – it has always captured my imagination as the quintessential image of provincial France. And with dozens of exquisite eateries, bars and culturally rich vestiges to explore, it’s all too easy to slip into a traditionally French lifestyle. Aimlessly ambling throughout Aix, the ancient pedigree of this town is clear, which dates back to the Roman Empire. The numerous scenic wonders would leave me in awe, such as the insatiable might of the Aix Cathedral, with its multi-century architecture and delicate tapestries, it reigns king over the narrow cobbled streets, ramshackle buildings and wooden shutters of Aix’s medieval quarter. Throughout these streets, I would stumble across hidden boutiques, each one offering a new and enticing accoutrement for my travels. And along the Rue Espariat and its wondrous side streets, numerous luxury retailers are opening their doors to Aix’s locale; it’s here where there is a remarkable harmony between the contemporary and the traditional boutiques. Aix’s pièce de résistance is the imperial Cours Mirabeau, a wide thoroughfare that is lined with a magnificent double-row of plane trees and First Empire architecture. Here you will find the infamous brasserie, Les Deux Garçons – a mesmerising place that counted Picasso, Satre, Cézanne and Hemingway as patrons. Sitting on the terrace, I indulge in its signature dish, the croque monsieur. As the brioche oozes with Gruyère and the ham bubbles from its flash frying, I can feel the welcoming radiance of the Provençal sun against my face and, for a moment, I almost feel French.

[city break]

AIX-ENPROVENCE

Offering a plethora of spectacular architecture, delectable eateries and historic landmarks, Aix-en-Provence is the perfect place to embrace traditional Provençal culture WORDS: HUGH FRANCIS ANDERSON

The mayfair Magazine | Travel

Where to stay La Villa Gallici gloriously radiates what Aix-en-Provence is truly about; old world charm. Situated a few minutes’ walk from the town centre, the 18thcentury country residence is the epitome of France’s regal past. Its restaurant, which assumes a Florentine terrace, is a gourmet opening to Provençal cuisine; make sure to try the tasting menu for a well-rounded taste of southern France. (villagallici.com)

SUITCASE E S S E N T I A L S #1 Sunglasses, from £147 Persol (persol.com)

#2 Shirt, £145, Gieves & Hawkes (mrporter.com)

Eating and drinking

image © Leonard Zhukovsky

For the best seafood in the area, head to Toinou: Les Fruits de Mer. Hailed as the greatest restaurant for fresh seafood in Aix, Toinou specialises in mixed platters including crab, oysters, shrimp, lobster and, of course, escargot de mer. (toinou.com)

#3 Weekend Bag, £595, Aspinal of London (aspinaloflondon.com)

Mayfair recommends To fully embrace the culture of Aix-en-Provence, a trip must be made to the cloister of the Aix Cathedral. Walking through a medieval oak door, the Romanesque 7th-8thcentury cloister comprises slender, intricately carved stone columns overlooking a garden. The pillars at the four corners are carved with depictions of the Apostles and topped with the symbols of the Four Evangelists, making for a truly eye-opening journey into Aix’s rich history.

#4 Shorts, £125 Ralph Lauren (harrods.com)

#5 Loafers, £579, Ludwig Reiter (ludwig-reiter.com)

Suite

dreams Four Seasons Park Lane W o r d s : K AT E R A C O V O L I S

here is always something so reassuringly familiar about visiting a Four Seasons hotel. No matter which of the nearly 100 hotels around the world you stay at, there is always a certain expectation about the level of service you’ll receive – which in my experience is often exceeded. The first Four Seasons visit I had was ten years ago and is one I’ll always remember for all the right reasons: it was on the Hawaiian island of Maui, and I had never felt so pampered in my life – and sure, that Hawaiian sun did help here too. Any yet each Four Seasons hotel captures the true spirit of the location in which it stands – and a wonderful example of this can be found here in London, at the Four Seasons Park Lane. There is a good reason why the group has a loyal clientele who will trot from hotel to hotel – it’s because they know what they’re going to get when they make their reservation – and this kind of security is invaluable when it comes to entrusting a hotel with our precious time away, whether it’s for work or leisure.

Upon entering the Park Lane outpost, you may notice yourself take an involuntary deep breath followed by an even more substantial exhale: you’ve finally entered an opulent space where you are about to become – or feel as if you’ve become – the hotel staff’s top priority. And we’ve only come as far as the lobby. To the left is Amaranto, the hotel’s Italian restaurant, which is the perfect place to experience fine Italian fare – its also particularly lovely for a weekend brunch (the spaghetti vongole is exquisite) and it’s Bloody Mary’s here pack serious punch – not for the faint-hearted. The extra touches – these are the ones that belong in the ‘exceeded my expectations’ category – begin from the moment you arrive. If you’ve just stepped in from an early flight and your room is still being prepared, take yourself up to the rooftop spa, where there is a lounge you can make use of, as well as entirely private showers and changing rooms. It’s a welcome solution to the unenviable predicament when you arrive your hotel too early, ready to start

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your holiday, only to be turned away for a few hours until your room is ready. A small detail it may seem – but it’s these little things that count. At every possibly opportunity, you’re incredibly well looked after. For a large hotel with 193 guest rooms, it doesn’t feel all that vast – even the smaller rooms are spacious. Yet to make the most of this hotel, the 46 suites make for an exceptional stay, if you happen to be spending more than a night in town. During my visit, I stayed in a Grand Suite – which really felt like a home from home – but with all the extra touches that makes it a truly memorable experience. Although the terrace overlooks Hamilton Place, the historical and glamorous Les Ambassadeurs Club casino, and, beyond that, Hyde Park, it is remarkably quiet, these all being next to Park Lane. And in the suite itself, you’ll find there is probably more space than you could need to make yourself right at home, with a sizeable walk-in wardrobe, and a lounge area, complete with a dining-room table set under an elegant chandelier. There’s a desk, that can be separated into its own room, making it rather easy to land and get on with your work, if you’re here for business. You can tell a lot about a hotel by the amenities it offers; here, it’s Roja Dove, the exquisite perfumer, and the bath and body products make everything about your stay beautifully scented from start to finish. There is also a very good excuse to visit this hotel even if you are not a guest – although if you are one, this is a must – and that is the revered rooftop spa, which overlooks the treetops of Hyde Park and beyond. All of a sudden, the rest of London seems rather small as you prepare for some seriously indulgent

time to yourself. Arrive a little ahead of your treatment to make the most of your downtime, with a dip in the vitality pool or a few minutes in the sauna. I find it hard to fault the spa menu here: from signature head-to-toe massages to facials, everything is covered. The recently launched Omorovicza Blue Diamond Facial is just as decadent as it sounds, and works to purify the skin, by deeply cleansing and exfoliating to reveal a bright, smooth complexion. The massage that goes with this, using two cold ‘dermaglobes’, is heavenly, and instantly calms my skin alleviating any puffiness in an instant. For days after this facial, you’ll notice how much more easily your make-up is applied and how baby-soft your skin feels and it’s certainly one I’ll be returning for. It’s the perfect way to conclude my stay here – and I leave with the feeling that when I book my next holiday, the Four Seasons will be my first port of call. Four Seasons Park Lane, Hamilton Place, W1J (020 7499 0888; fourseasons.com)

It’s never too late...

LUXURY BODY BUTTER IN WHITE CASHMERE FROM THE BATH & BODY COLLECTION

www.lilouetloic.com

The mayfair Magazine | Beauty

You time Take a deep breath, draw yourself a bath, and prepare for some seriously indulgent time just for ‘you’, as Jo Malone London has just launched two new products into its bath and body range. Envelop your skin in the scent of the new shower oil, with ingredients such as sunflower seeds, jojoba oil and coconut oil. Follow this by an uplifting polish and prime for your busy day ahead with the walnut and geranium body scrub. It’s the perfect excuse to carve out some you time. Body scrub, £40 and shower oil, £32, Jo Malone London, 23 Brook Street, W1K (jomalone.co.uk)

Beauty news Take a break with the latest Jo Malone bath and body range, bag yourself a limited-edition Guerlain beauty staple, and check out Charlotte Tilbury’s fashionable new collection w o r d s : kate r ac o v o li s & elle n milla r d

Golden girl

In vogue

On average, every 20 seconds, one of Guerlain’s rewowned bronzers, Terracotta is sold. The powder is a beauty staple, and we predict this limited-edition version will be much the same. Using two colours – a coral shade and a copper tone – the bronzer provides a natural glow whatever your complexion, and in an XXL size it will last all summer long. Terracotta Terre D’été, £47.50, Guerlain (harrods.com)

Charlotte Tilbury has long been a fan of Norman Parkinson, often turning to his famous portraits for inspiration. Tilbury has now created a make-up collection celebrating his work, including a bronzer, highlighters and chic make-up bags designed with Parkinson’s famous photographs. Our favourite is the Dreamy Glow Highlighter, an illuminator that creates a sun-kissed effect, featuring Parkinson’s Vogue 1959 cover on its lid. This is a compact you’ll be proud to carry around. Dreamy Glow Highlighter, £45, Charlotte Tilbury (charlottetilbury.com)

Treatment of the month At Harrods’ beauty hall, you’ll find a special new enclave of calm. Tucked away behind the elegant counter of La Prairie is its new Beauty Room – a quiet place where you can sample the renowned beauty brands’ decadent products in a quick, convenient facial. Choose from a series of indulgent experiences, tailored to your specific skin requirements, that will leave you with an enviably youthful glow. A 45-minute La Prairie facial costs £50 and is redeemable against a purchase (020 7730 1234; harrods.com)

best of

British This year marks Elemis’ 25th anniversary, and the British skincare brand is celebrating in style with the reopening of its flagship spa, House of Elemis w o r d s : k a te r a c o v o l i s

ut down your iPhone. Now step away from your device, slowly. Switch off your Apple Watch, Blackberry, iPad – or frankly anything with an ‘i’ in front of it – and take a deep breath. There is an art to treating yourself – allowing yourself some space to relax – and British skincare brand Elemis has always come to the rescue with skin saviours and treats in the form of its renowned products, such as its best-selling Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm (a butter-soft, gentle cleanser packed full of essential oils) and its Pro-Collagen Marine Cream, a powerful antiageing cream that (tried and tested) promises to reduce the appearance and depth of wrinkles and plump and nourish your skin in 15 days. This month, as part of the brand’s 25thanniversary celebrations, the House of Elemis has reopened on the site of its former spa as an elegant oasis of calm in the heart of Mayfair. The space has had an haute couture makeover – and the treatments available reflect this opulent attitude from the moment you set foot in the door. The treatment rooms are decorated with minimal fuss, and allow natural light to pour in through the windows – making the experience a truly uplifting one. For the time-starved, the lower-ground Speed Spa does what is says on the tin, and is the perfect place for a quick 15-30-minute treatment on your lunch break, whether for a mini-facial, or a treatment to rehydrate your eyes. Elemis has also brought in several experts to create a

‘This month, as part of the brand’s 25th anniversary celebrations, the House of Elemis has reopened on the site of its former spa’ 88

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5 of the best…

elemis products

holistic wellness experience for the house. Nutritional therapist Amelia Freer, author of Eat. Nourish. Glow., for example, has curated the cold-pressed juice menu here, while fitness expert Steve Mellor is on call to advise on post-treatment exercises so you can continue to feel your best long after you leave the spa. On the top floor, an equally decadent but more immersive experience awaits in The Penthouse – a private space that can also be accessed by a private entrance, where you could while away an entire afternoon of pampering. Porcelain petals by Valeria Nascimento adorn the walls – a nod to the Elemis ethos of using natural ingredients in all of its products – while an amber and quartz-crystal bed is most certainly the star of the show, designed to connect the body with the mind. As the warmed little gold-coloured minerals mould to the shape of your body, you will experience a comfort and level of relaxation quite unlike any other. There is also a concierge to hand, who can arrange cars to and from House of Elemis, as well as dinner reservations and even theatre tickets. ‘This is a couture beauty house,’ says Noella Gabriel, co-founder of Elemis and, who has been designing the brand’s treatments since 1990. Her personal passion for the brand is evident in the meticulous detail with which the House of Elemis has come to life. ‘Everything is designed around what you want and what you need for the day. The [spa] menu has been designed to make sure every treatment is action-packed in the most relaxing way. It’s all about the flow. The treatments respect the idea that you are giving your time. And we will always give back.’ House of Elemis, 2 Lancashire Court, W1S (020 7499 4995; elemis.com)

1 2 3 4 5 #1 British Botanical Shower Cream, £24

#2 Instant Refreshing Gel, £31

#3 Papaya Enzyme Peel, £32

#4 Frangipani Monoi Body Oil, £34

#5 Pro-Collagen Marine Cream, £80

The Road Ahead Cycling is a great way to get fit, but sometimes it can leave you with aches and pains. Consultant Sports and Exercise Medicine Physician, Dr Catherine Spencer-Smith, examines the causes and how to prevent them

ycling is a fantastic and enjoyable way to achieve great levels of fitness, and is considered to be ‘low-impact’ in terms of our joints. But nevertheless, some cyclists can experience pain. Aside from falls, the most common problems we see in cycling are back, knee and occasional nerve pain in the wrists from handlebar pressure. Lower-back pain during or after cycling is most commonly caused by prolonged bending of the lumbar, or lower spine. Like any other joint in the body, if you flex it to the end of its range and leave it there, it will start to hurt. Discs in your spine will be compressed, ligaments overstrained and muscles over-tensioned. Pain can remain localised to your lower back, or it may spread to the buttocks, thighs, legs and feet.

tight hamstrings or painful muscles in the backside – or possibly all three.

A stiff lumbar spine is often the first ‘limiter’. Poor hip range can pull your pelvis into a backwards-tilted position, which means your lumbar spine has to compensate by trying to flex even more when you are at the top of your pedal stroke. Tight glutes and hamstrings can also limit movement of your hip joint and can be a meetthe source of pain themselves, which can create poor knee-cap alignment, and specialist iliotibial band (ITB)pain – felt on the Dr Catherine Spencer-Smith (MBBS, outside of the knee. DRCOG, MRCGP, MSc, FFSEM) is a

Consultant Sports & Exercise Medicine Physician at The Wellington Hospital in London. She specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of all musculoskeletal conditions, whether acquired through sport or otherwise. She has a particular interest in helping people recover after surgery, and those who have failed to recover despite previous treatment.

Observing your sitting posture can reveal the cause of this pain. If people sit or stand in a shape that resembles a questionmark – for instance, with a flattened lumbar spine, curved upper back or rounded shoulders with your head and chin poking forwards – chances are your postural muscles are not working effectively either on your bike or in everyday life. Add to this the fact that many of us have jobs that involve us sitting for most the day, often with poor posture. And slumping into your sofa in the evening is yet another way to reinforce the strain on your back. Once on the examination couch, we often find that people have stiff lower lumbar spines, poor hip range of motion,

Finally, the phrase we all love or loathe – core stability. Your spine should be in a relatively neutral position when you cycle, and you need properly functioning ‘lumbopelvic stability’ muscles to keep it there. These muscles are required to stabilise your pelvis, providing a platform from which your legs can exert quite significant forces on the pedals.

The solution You need to optimise the range of movement you have in your lower back, hips and hamstrings and be able to engage your ‘core’ muscles. Pilates is good place to start – but you’ll need to learn how to transfer these skills to cycling. A cycle-friendly physiotherapist or osteopath should be able to help you with all of this. Another thing to consider is getting a comprehensive bike fit, which checks to see if your cycle set-up is right for you. If yours is constraining your body into a poor position, you’ll be fighting a losing battle.

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

The mayfair Magazine | Health Promotion

93 91

Beauty | The mayfair Magazine

Spa review The Beaumont WORDS: HUGH FRANCIS ANDERSON

he Beaumont – the first hotel from Corbin & King – has in the last year, rather regally, quickly become one of the area’s most elegant of places to stay. And the spa truly reflects this. Located down an elaborate mahogany staircase on the lower ground floor, the spa peacefully houses a gymnasium, salon and hammam. Walking through the frosted-glass doors, the continued influence of the Art Deco design of the hotel also resonates here, with marble mosaics and silver-accented interiors. Before a short consultation with my therapist, Elie, I made use of the relaxation suite, which includes a reading area, steam room, sauna and plunge pool to initiate the de-stressing process. I opted to try a hammam and massage experience, and thus the treatment begins on a somewhat sleep-inducing heated marble slab in the hammam. Using savon noir (black soap), a rigorous exfoliation started the treatment to gently remove any dead skin, followed by coating my entire body with a mineral-rich rhassoul clay to clear my pores and remove any toxins from my skin. The smoothing effects of this treatment were remarkable, but the indulgence didn’t stop here. Next came the Swedish massage, which lulled me into a state of unperturbed relaxation. The Argan Oil used not only released the tension in my muscles, it also hydrated my skin after what felt like a wonderful eternity. As I left, and my eyes adjusted to the bright sun beaming over the Mayfair rooftops surrounding Brown Hart Gardens, I felt completely calm, with thanks to this most wonderful of treatments. Hammam and massage, from £160, The Beaumont, Brown Hart Gardens, W1K (thebeaumont.com)

There are approximaTely

2 million sports injuries in the uK every year - 95% of which are soft tissue injuries.

early diagnosis, treatment and physiotherapy can reduce the risk of long term damage. our orthopaedic consultants work together with experienced sports medicine physicians and physiotherapists to manage a wide range of orthopaedic problems.

Call our team today

www.thewellingtonhospital.com

020 7483 5004

More than just a name, Snow Lepoard vodka was created to help save this beautiful creature from extinction. 15% of profits from the brand are given directly to Snow Leopard conservation projects. Award winning Snow Leopard vodka is the first luxury vodka to be made from the Spelt grain, which provides a unique and distinct, nutty fresh taste. Available from Selfridges, Hedonism Drinks and Fortnum and Mason

www.snowleopardvodka.co.uk

The mayfair Magazine | Food & Drink

Catch of the day Kurt Zdesar has been making waves in the culinary scene ever since he introduced Nobu to Mayfair, and he shows no signs of slowing down. His new venture, Bouillabaisse, has arrived and offers sustainable fish and seafood inspired by fishing villages in the Mediterranean. Executive chef Jordan Sclare combines traditional and contemporary coastal cooking techniques, producing dishes such as langoustines with fresh basil and a white balsamic reduction and, of course, the restaurant’s signature dish: bouillabaisse. Bouillabaisse, 4 Mill Street, W1S (bouillabaisse.co.uk)

Food & drink news

Kurt Zdesar and Jason Atherton gift Mayfair with two new restaurants, while Barons de Rothschild’s new Vintage gives cause for celebration w o r d s : e l l e n m i l l ar d

A social occasion It’s been a busy month for Jason Atherton, who has not only launched a book, but also his seventh London restaurant Social Wine & Tapas in St James’s. Meanwhile, his new book Social Sweets lets you take control of the kitchen with delicious bakewell tarts, cheesecake and sticky-toffee pudding. Social Sweets is out now. Social Wine & Tapas, 39 James Street, W1U (socialwineandtapas.com)

Night on the town With such a well-known committee behind The Cuckoo Club – which includes Jools Holland, Alice Temperley and Elle MacPherson – it’s no wonder that Vogue described it as ‘formidable’. Recently redesigned by Barbara Hulanicki of Biba fame, it has a 1970s ambience, with giant silver disco balls rotating above plush sofas and hot-pink staircases. Frequented by the likes of Prince Harry and Eva Longoria, the quirky venue is an enchanting place to spend a night. The Cuckoo Club, Swallow Street, W1B (thecuckooclub.com)

Propose a toast There’s no better time to raise a glass of Champagne than summer, and what better occasion to toast than the launch of the Barons de Rothschild’s new 2006 Vintage? Make a stop at Hedonism Wines this month to pick up a bottle of the brand’s first cuvée – a delicate blend with notes of citrus and white peach, based on Chardonnay grapes from vineyards in Côte des Blancs. It makes for a delectable accompaniment with a meal, and is just as good without. £150, available at Hedonism Wines, 3-7 Davies Street, W1K (hedonism.co.uk) 95

F O O D

I S

A R T.

E L E V A T E

I T.

In craftsmanship and technology, Wolf stands alone. Its professional performance helps you make the most of every meal.

www.subzero-wolf.co.uk 251 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London SW3 2EP 0845 250 0010

The mayfair Magazine | Food & Drink

DINING OUT Le Chabanais

W O R D S : k at e r a c o v o l i s

hen a new, high-profile restaurant opens in Mayfair, there is usually quite a fuss surrounding it. And quite rightly, as to secure a coveted space in this part of London is a great achievement for any chef or restaurateur. This excitement is particularly heightened when it occurs in a place such as Mount Street, where Le Chabanais has just opened. And we have founder and owner (and also a former film producer) Varun Talreja, and head chef Paul Boudier to thank for this wonderful addition to the street. Le Chabanais’s arrival heralds a new era in the foodie offering here – a space in which guests can enjoy fine food in a relaxed, casual setting. This is the premise on which its

sister restaurant in Paris, Le Chateaubriand (Number 21 on the list of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants) was founded, by chef owner Inaki Aizpitarte and his partners Franck Audoux and Laurent Cabut. They call it ‘bistronomy’ – and this means that alongside classic dishes, you’ll also find flavours that will surprise you: the ravioli of chicken liver, for example, combines this staple French ingredient with herbs such as coriander to give it an Asian edge. Some dishes come minimally adorned and perfectly simple, such as smoked salmon decorated only with a few salad leaves and little globes of roe, and the Dover sole, which is served plain, but with a good amount of butter, naturally. Downstairs, night owls can enjoy a cocktail or two at the bar – which you can already see becoming an after-work haunt to rival many in the area – and it might pay to remember (or know) the former general manager of Scott’s, Kevin Lansdown, who is now running the operations here to get you your table. The interiors are welcoming, but not in the cosy way that many of Mayfair’s top restaurants are. The brass-clad walls, combined with the sleek, shiny marble bar, give this restaurant its ‘cool’ personality. Aizpitarte, Audoux and Cabut certainly brought some serious design credentials by assigning Clément Blanchet to create the interiors – he was the creative force behind The Serpentine’s Summer Pavilion in 2006, of which he collaborated with Rem Koolhaas. Le Chabanais is the perfect example of the Mayfair of today; located in this heritage-rich street: here is a place where innovation is welcome that will no doubt sit comfortably here for years to come. Le Chabanais, 8 Mount Street, W1K (lechabanaislondon.com)

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mayfair

Resident’s Journal

In Association with The Residents’ Society of Mayfair & St James’s Committee Members (enquiries@rsmsj.com) Chairman Lois Peltz (Policy & Traffic)

Secretary Richard Cutt (Crossrail & Finance)

Planning Applications Ronald Cottee (Planning)

Membership Howard Evans (Events & Membership)

Traffic Lois Peltz

Police Marie-Louise Burrows

Licensing Derek Stratton

mayfair

Resident’s Journal

The Notebook Our latest dispatch of local news from around Mayfair Burlington Gardens Festival Landscape © Rhod Wallis

Cause for celebration This month the Royal Academy of Arts presents the Burlington Gardens Festival, a celebration of the street’s lengthy history. For one day only, Burlington Gardens will be pedestrianised as it plays host to a range of free activities, including performances, talks and workshops. A temporary forecourt will be created in front of Sir James Pennethorne’s Grade II-listed 6 Burlington Gardens, where art installations from RA Schools alumni Rachael Champion and Henry Coleman will be displayed. The festival comes ahead of the RA’s redevelopment, which will see a bridge unite Burlington House and Burlington Gardens for the first time, expected in 2018. Burlington Gardens Festival, 4 July, Burlington Gardens, W1S (royalacademy.org.uk; 020 7300 8000)

For the love of theatre St James Theatre has announced a new scheme of which young theatre-goers are sure to be in favour of. The new Under-26 membership scheme has been designed to provide affordable tickets to younger audiences at the venue, enabling those who sign up to benefit from discounts and special events. A great believer in involving younger generations in the arts, the theatre aims to further enable those aged between 16 and 26 to enjoy a wide variety of live plays, with updates available on when new shows become available. St James Theatre, 12 Palace Street, SW1E (0844 264 2140; stjamestheatre.co.uk) 100

Attention! This year marks the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo and, to commemorate, Apsley House will be hosting special Waterloo Weekends throughout July. This series of events will allow you to a look back at the history of Regency England and offer a chance to see soldiers marching in honour of the bicentenary. The recently reopened Georgian building has seen little change since the 1st Duke of Wellington lived there, meaning that guests will get a real insight into his life. Highlights include the Duke’s handwritten battle orders, an original pair of ‘Wellington’ boots and a copy of the only surviving menu from Wellington’s annual banquet. Apsley House, 149 Piccadilly, Hyde Park Corner, W1J (020 7499 5676; english-heritage.org.uk)

The Book of Life The Royal Academy of Arts and Grosvenor Chapel have teamed up with children’s charities Kid’s Company and Urban Academy to present a thought-provoking exhibition of art. Showcasing their work at the chapel, the children of the charity have recorded some of their experiences of life in book form for the exhibition, with works inspired by the artist Anselm Kiefer and his recent exhibition at the Royal Academy. Each child’s work is deeply moving, and collectively presents an opportunity to reflect on our wider society. The Book of Life: Journey, Memories, Thoughts, is on until 17 July at the Grosvenor Chapel

Summer in the Square Once again Grosvenor Square will be transformed into an open-air cultural festival space, brimming with a calendar of free public events. Building on the popularity of last year’s events, the fourth festival will include a sport’s day, children’s entertainment and the anticipated Grosvenor Film Festival. The perfect alfresco cinema setting in the heart of Mayfair, the film festival will include cult movie classics such as The Breakfast Club and Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet. What better location for residents to mingle, relax and enjoy the British summertime? Summer in the Square will run from 6-26 July (grosvenor.com)

Dancing in the street With an array of fine brands and a shoppers every day, Regent Street is one of the world’s leading retail destinations. Each Sunday throughout July, the infamous street will go traffic-free for Summer Streets, a series of themed local events, from gardening (complete with laid lawns and a sustainable bee and butterfly zone) to arts and culture, with artists creating live installations daily. Now in its fourth year, Summer Streets will surely bring a touch of local colour and charm to the neighbourhood. (regentstreetonline.com)

101

mayfair

Resident’s Journal

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

Planning applications in the local area

A new chapter for Flemings Hotel

DATE RECEIVED: 14 May PROPOSAL: Installation of a new shopfront and façade ADDRESS: 311 Oxford Street

The historical boutique hotel in Mayfair is set to undergo a £14 million refurbishment, unveiling updated rooms and a new restaurant early next year

DATE RECEIVED: 14 May PROPOSAL: Conversion of lower ground, ground, first and second-floor levels to create three self-contained dwellings ADDRESS: 5 Balfour Place

Flemings, the family run Mayfair hotel, dates back to 1851. Having been in the same family for 40 years, new plans have been proposed for a landmark renovation of the building, including the addition of a new restaurant venture by Michelin-starred chef Shaun Rankin. The restaurant will focus on contemporary British cuisine, also encompassing a chef’s table and two private dining rooms. Renovations have already begun for this large project, to be completed in stages to disrupt as little of the hotel’s day-to-day business as possible – ten luxury Mayfair apartments and suites have already been completed. Still to undergo renovation are the 129 guest rooms, a tea lounge, bar and drawing room. The plans for a present-day interpretation of the grand Georgian drawing room appear the most conceptual, and have been designed with long, leisurely afternoon teas in mind. The relaxing space is to be created in collaboration with The East India Company to provide guests with a Colonial-inspired space where they can enjoy an array of exotic infusions. General manager of the hotel, Henrik Muehle, comments: ‘My aim, over the next few years, is to establish Flemings Mayfair as one of the leading boutique hotels in London.’

DATE RECEIVED: 6 May PROPOSAL: Use of the first to fifth floors as nine residential units ADDRESS: 26-28 Mount Row DATE RECEIVED: 30 April PROPOSAL: Installation of new shopfront ADDRESS: 45 South Molton Street

Planned roadworks and closures in July STREET

PLANNED WORK

DATES WORKS OWNER

Down Street

Road closure

8-9 July

British Telecommunications, 0800 800 150

Hanover Street

Excavate road cables

1-16 July

GTC Pipelines 01359 240363

Brown Hart Gardens

Repair to a damaged water main in Carriageway

20-22 July

Thames Water 0845 9200 800

Arlington Street

Full Carriageway and footway reconstruction

10 July - 27 October

City of Westminster 020 7641 2000

mayfair Resident’s Journal

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

The mayfair Magazine | Regulars

Remembering

MAYFAIR B E R K E L E Y SQUARE

ayfair is one of the few places left in central London where you can stumble across an area of total tranquillity, despite being in the middle of one of the world’s busiest cities. Berkeley Square is one such place – a rare part of London where you can find a moment’s peace. Named after the Berkeley family whose home, Berkeley House, was nearby until it was destroyed by a fire in 1733, the square was laid out in the mid-18th century by architect William Kent, who had previously designed furniture for Hampton Court Palace and assisted in the decoration of Kensington Palace. Originally a residential area – former tenants include Winston Churchill, Charles Rolls and Horace Walpole – Berkeley Square now has just one residential property, and is home to, among others, Morton’s Club, Rolls-Royce London and Phillips. In the centre of the square are the gardens, a large green space divided into four quarters and lined with traditional park benches. Here, some of the oldest London plane trees in Mayfair can be found, planted in 1789 by then-resident Edward Bouverie. Among them are traditional

stone planters, sculptures and statues, the oldest of which is Alexander Munro’s Woman of Samaria, a gift for Henry Petty-Fitzmaurice, 3rd Marques of Lansdowne, in 1858. The most unusual thing about Berkeley Square is its alleged reputation as the location of London’s most haunted house, 50 Berkeley Square. Said to be the oldest unaltered building in London, the four-storey townhouse earned its status as a spooky abode in the late 19th century. The first reports of paranormal activity came from former prime minister and resident George Canning, who claimed to have heard strange noises while living there; others recalled seeing a young woman, a man and a brown mist. It is the site at which the iconic rare and antique book dealers Maggs Bros is situated, which took over the property in the mid-1930s. Indeed, recent investigators claim that nothing unusual ever happened in the house – but farce or not, the superstitious are still curious about this building. However, visitors to the square can rest assured that paranormal activity is far from likely, and instead can enjoy the historical square as an idyllic respite from London life. Words: Ellen Millard

image: emily wood

‘The four-storey townhouse 50 Berkeley Square earned its status as a spooky abode in the late 19th century’ 103

Property | The mayfair Magazine

Mayfair estate agents Knightsbridge 168 Brompton Road SW3 1HW 020 7717 5463 (lettings) Beauchamp Estates 24 Curzon Street, W1J 7TF 020 7499 7722 (beauchamp.co.uk)

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

Paddington & Bayswater carter jonas

4C Praed Street W2 1JX 020 7717 5473 (sales) 020 7717 5343 (lettings)

127 Mount Street W1K 3NT 020 7493 0676

Pimlico & Westminster

London, Mayfair & St James’s

London, Hyde Park & Bayswater 44 Connaught Street W2 2AA 020 7402 1552 (Sales) 020 7371 3377 (Lettings)

50 Belgrave Road SW1V 1RQ 020 7834 4771 (sales) (hamptons-int.com)

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

Savills

Knightsbridge

John taylor 48 Berkeley Square W1J 5AX 020 3284 1888 (john-taylor.com)

London, Marylebone & Regents Park 37 New Cavendish Street W1G 9TL 020 7486 8866 (carterjonas.co.uk)

Mayfair

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

Hanover residential

West End

49 Welbeck Street W1G 9XN 020 3540 5990

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

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

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

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

Sloane Street

St John’s Wood ChestertonS

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

Knight Frank

Mayfair

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

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

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

13 Hill Street W1J 5LQ 020 7629 7282

Marylebone

Knightsbridge

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

Strutt & Parker

London Head Office

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

Harrods Estates

Knightsbridge

82 Brompton Road SW3 1ER 020 7225 6506

Mayfair Hamptons International

Chelsea

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

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

Pastor Real Estate Ltd 48 Curzon Street W1J 7UL 020 3195 9595 (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 (wetherell.co.uk)

showcasing the

finest HOMES & PROPERTY from the best estate agents

Exclusive addresses

The latest and greatest properties to arrive on the market

Image: rokstone (www.rokstone.com)

CULROSS STREET MAYFAIR W1

Rebuilt behind the period faรงade, a freehold family house in excess of 4,000 sq ft situated between Grosvenor Square & Park Lane. Located on the southern side of this exclusive gated enclave, this beautifully presented home is within walking distance of the designer boutiques and upmarket restaurants of Mount Street, and the open spaces of Hyde Park.

Accommodation Drawing Room n Sitting Room n Dining Room n Conservatory Study n Master Bedroom with Dressing Area & En Suite Bathroom Guest Bedroom with En Suite Bathroom n Two further Bedrooms Bathroom n Kitchen / Family Room n Utility Room n Gym n Cinema Room n Three Guest Cloakrooms n Roof Terrace Passenger Lift to all Floors n Air Conditioning n Underfloor Heating Gaggenau Kitchen Appliances n Gas Fires n Motion Sensor Lighting EPC Rating F

KF_Mayfair Mag_DPS_LHP.indd 1

11/06/2015 17:23

KF_

Freehold

■

Price on application

SHAUN CROCKETT PROPERTY

KF_Mayfair Mag_DPS_RHP.indd 2

Joint Sole Agents

Mayfair

020 7629 1169

020 7499 1012

sales@shauncrockettproperty.com

KnightFrank.co.uk

www.shauncrockettproperty.com

17:23

■

11/06/2015 17:23

MM July A, 42 Green

Green Street, Mayfair W1K An exceptional three bedroom duplex apartment

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

Located on one of Mayfair's premier streets lies this superbly appointed three bedroom apartment with direct access to the coveted private gardens of Green Street. Master bedroom suite, bedroom 2 with en suite shower room, bedroom 3/dressing room, shower room, guest WC, 2 reception rooms, kitchen. EPC: D. Approximately 224 sq m (2,413 sq ft). Leasehold: approximately 112 years remaining

Guide price: £7,500,000

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk/WER150087

16/06/2015 15:06:36

MM july 1,4 mount st

Mount Street, Mayfair W1K A stylish three bedroom lateral apartment An elegant three bedroom lateral apartment recently refurbished by Interiors With Art, with four windows facing south over Mount Street and Berkeley Square. Master bedroom suite, second double bedroom, bedroom 3/study, shower room, hallway, drawing room, kitchen. EPC: D. Approximately 164 sq m (1,770 sq ft). Leasehold: approximately 131 years remaining

Guide price: £7,150,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/mayfair mayfair@knightfrank.com 020 8166 7484 Wetherell.co.uk info@wetherell.co.uk 020 7493 6935

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk/WER150073

16/06/2015 09:26:03

MM July Calrton Gardens

Carlton Gardens, St James's SW1 A spectacular three bedroom penthouse apartment A unique three bedroom penthouse apartment in the heart of St James's benefiting from a west facing terrace, lift access, concierge and parking. 3 bedroom suites, reception room, dining room, kitchen, guest WC, utility room, terrace, lift, concierge, parking. EPC: B. Approximately 242 sq m (2,610 sq ft). Leasehold

Guide price: £12,500,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/mayfair mayfair@knightfrank.com 020 8166 7484 RussellSimpson.co.uk info@russellsimpson.co.uk 020 7225 0277

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk/WER140128

16/06/2015 15:03:34

MM July 1, 33 Hill st

Hill Street, Mayfair W1J A three bedroom duplex apartment of grand proportions

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

A beautifully presented three bedroom duplex apartment situated within a prestigious Grade II listed period building in the heart of Mayfair. 2 bedroom suites, bedroom 3 with en suite shower room, 30 ft reception room, kitchen/breakfast room, guest WC, conservatory, balcony, porter, parking. EPC: C. Approximately 254 sq m (2,735 sq ft). Share of Freehold

Guide price: £7,500,000

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk/WER150084

16/06/2015 15:16:00

MM July 3,92 mount st

Mount Street, Mayfair W1K A beautifully presented three bedroom apartment

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

An outstanding three bedroom lateral apartment completely refurbished to an exceptional standard by Finchatton. Master bedroom suite, guest bedroom suite, bedroom 3, bathroom, hallway, double reception room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, lift access. EPC: C. Approximately 189 sq m (2,040 sq ft). Leasehold: approximately 111 years remaning

Guide price: £8,500,000

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk/WER150092

16/06/2015 15:11:33

Gloucester Square, Hyde Park W2 Immaculately presented garden square apartment An exceptional lateral apartment situated on the third floor of a period white stucco fronted Grade II listed building with views across and access to the communal gardens of Gloucester Square. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (2 en suite), reception room, dining room, kitchen, air conditioning, Lutron lighting, Crestron home entertainment system, access to residents' private communal gardens. Approximately 157 sq m (1,700 sq ft). Leasehold: approximately 159 years remaining

Guide price: £3,400,000

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

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk/HPE150096

3 48-49 Gloucester SQuare Mayfair Mag July 2015

17/06/2015 12:43:08

Hyde Park Street, Hyde Park W2 A bright corner apartment with quintessential views across Hyde Park A well presented lateral apartment on the fourth floor of an elegant Grade II listed white stucco building offering generous living and entertaining space and south facing views across Hyde Park. 4 bedrooms (all en suite), dressing room, reception room, study/family room, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, air conditioning, lift, porter. Approximately 280 sq m (3,014 sq ft). Leasehold: approximately 160 years remaining

Guide price: £6,750,000

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

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk/HPE140197

7 1 Hyde Park Street Mayfair Mag July 2015

17/06/2015 12:49:32

EXCEPTIONAL PROPERTIES IN MAYFAIR To find out how we can help you or to request your no obligation market appraisal please contact us: KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings mayfairlettings@knightfrank.com 020 8166 7799

Guide price: £5,800 per week

Charles Street, Mayfair W1J

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A fantastic apartment split over the ground and lower ground floor of an impressive period building. 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2 recpetion rooms, dining room, kitchen, private courtyard and terrace. EPC: G. Approximately 331 sq m (3,562 sq ft). Available furnished. mayfairlettings@knightfrank.com Office: 020 8166 7799

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

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

Guide price: £2,500 per week

Adams Row, Mayfair W1K A wonderful opportunity to live in a passivhaus maisonette in Mayfair. 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, reception room, open plan kitchen. EPC: B. Approximately 168 sq m (1,817 sq ft). Available furnished. mayfairlettings@knightfrank.com Office: 020 8166 7799

MayfairLettings July 2015

18/06/2015 15:37:05

One Denman Place, Soho W1D Unique selection of apartments These beauitfully interior designed one, two and three bedroom apartments have use of the luxury services of the recently opened Ham Yard Hotel including 24 hour concierge service, access to the bar, restaurant, gym, spa, state of the art cinema, roof top gardens and bowling alley. EPC: C-D. Approximately 53 sq m (527 sq ft) - 110 sq m (1,584 sq ft). Available furnished

Guide price: £2,276 - £9,000 per week KnightFrank.co.uk/MAQ215191

KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings mayfairlettings@knightfrank.com 020 8166 7799

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

Full page - Mayfair Mag - July 2015 2

12/06/2015 16:18:18

EXCEPTIONAL PROPERTIES IN MAYFAIR To find out how we can help you or to request your no obligation market appraisal please contact us: KnightFrank.co.uklettings mayfairlettings@knightfrank.com 020 8166 7799

Guide price: £1,275 per week

Green Street, Mayfair W1K

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A large, well presented apartment. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, reception room and dining area, open plan kitchen, lift. EPC: C. Approximately 94 sq m (1,011 sq ft). Available furnished. mayfairlettings@knightfrank.com Office: 020 8166 7799

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

Guide price: £1,750 per week

Babmaes Street, St James's SW1 A short let apartment available moments away from Piccadilly. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, reception room, open plan kitchen, lift. EPC: B. Approximately 74 sq m (796 sq ft). Available furnished. mayfairlettings@knightfrank.com Office: 020 8166 7799

Mayfair Mag - Lettings - July 2015 1

12/06/2015 11:09:58

WHAT'S YOUR NEXT MOVE? To find out how we can help you or to arrange your complimentary market appraisal please contact us: KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings marylebonelettings@knightfrank.com 020 3641 5853 KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings hydeparklettings@knightfrank.com 020 3641 7941

Guide price: £5,000 per week

The Lancasters, Hyde Park W2

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A beautiful Grade II listed David Linley interior designed three bedroom apartment. 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms, kitchen/dining room, patio garden, gym, swimming pool. Approximately 266 sq m (2,863 sq ft). hydeparklettings@knightfrank.com Office: 020 3641 7941

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

Guide price: £8,500 per week

Harley Street, Marylebone W1 A Grade II listed town house that has been fully refurbished. 7 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, 3 reception rooms, kitchen, garage, wine cellar and terrace. Approximately 577 sq m (6,214 sq ft). marylebonelettings@knightfrank.com Office: 020 3641 5853

Mayfair Mag July 2015

17/06/2015 14:24:30

A rare find We take an exclusive look inside a stunning six-bedroom townhouse on Green Street, a property of elegant proportions, currently for sale with Knight Frank Mayfair

‘M

ayfair is an area that is evolving at all times, and is changing at a faster rate than many other areas of London at present,’ says Harvey Cyzer, partner and head of sales at Knight Frank’s Mayfair office. And one particular part of the area – to the north of Grosvenor Square – has attracted much attention of late, as one of the latest pockets of the area to undergo a gentrification of sorts. With the likes of North Audley Street and Duke Street now home to a list of unique fashion brands, cafes and restaurants, it has become a destination for culture in its own right. One of the most picturesque residential streets nearby, Green Street, offers an especially desirable place to make the most of living in Mayfair, and one property provides a rather timely opportunity to do so. It comes in the form of a stunning six-bedroom townhouse, set across six floors, and it’s available for purchase through Knight Frank. On top of the spacious kitchen fitted with Gaggenau and Sub Zero appliances, not to mention the roof terrace and beautifully proportioned high ceilings, the purchaser of this property will also have access

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to one of Mayfair’s best-kept secrets, Woods Mews Gardens – an incredibly private green space available to use only by those whose properties have direct access to it, of which there are only a few. The size of the property would make it the perfect abode for a family – and with Selfridges nearby, coupled with local cafes and shops, it is

‘This particular type of house is very hard to find in Mayfair at this level’ perfectly placed for convenience and to enjoy a village-style way of life. ‘This particular type of house is very hard to find in Mayfair at this level,’ says Cyzer. ‘If you are a purchaser and you are looking to buy a family home in Mayfair you can be very limited in your choice. And that is what makes this such an exceptional property. The majority of purchasers in Mayfair are from abroad, but with a property such as this we have seen interest from varying nationalities, demographics and ages. It appeals to a very wide audience. ‘With the arrival of Crossrail too, access to Green Street from Crossrail will be better than a lot of other streets in Mayfair,’ he adds. ‘And one of the constant draws of this street is the architecture, which is very consistent. If you walk from one end to the other, it resembles Mount Street. It’s charming.’

The mayfair Magazine | Property

And with a more active market with far less uncertainty following the result of the General Election, it seems buyers’ confidence has been reestablished when it comes to purchasing property in prime central London. The pace has picked up once again: ‘The market has changed enormously,’ says Cyzer. ‘Before the election you could show a buyer 20 apartments and they would go away and think about it. Now on a viewing, you take them to an apartment or house they like, and they will make a decision.’ Cyzer adds: ‘We are seeing more and more investors. They understand the yields are quite tight but that the capital growth is excellent,

and property has to be one of the most secure investments. Bricks and mortar in Mayfair is still the gold standard.’ Asking price, £14,950,000. For further enquiries, contact Harvey Cyzer at Knight Frank Mayfair (020 7499 1012; knightfrank.co.uk)

above: PHOTO by SAREL JANSEN

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savills.co.uk

1 CHARMING DOUBLE FRONTED GRADE II LISTED PERIOD HOUSE connaught square, w2 Entrance hall ø 5 reception rooms ø kitchen/breakfast room ø master bedroom with 2 en suite bathrooms ø 5 further bedrooms ø 3 further bathrooms ø further kitchen ø terrace ø lift ø 448 sq m (4,829 sq ft) ø EPC=F Guide £7.95 million Leasehold, approximately 94 years remaining

Knight Frank

Savills Mayfair

Antonia Thorp antonia.thorp@knightfrank.com

Charles Lloyd clloyd@savills.com

020 7871 5060

020 7578 5100

savills.co.uk

LETTINGS LAYOUT ONLY

A BEAUTIFUL APARTMENT SET IN THE HEART OF ST JAMES'S jermyn street, sw1 4 bedrooms ø open plan reception room/kitchen ø 3 bathrooms ø lift ø 24 hour porter ø recently refurbished ø 159 sq m (1,715 sq ft) ø Council Tax=H ø EPC=B

Savills Mayfair Diana Tran dtran@savills.com

020 7578 5100 Furnished £2,200 per week + £276 inc VAT one-off admin fee and other charges may apply* *£36 inc VAT for each additional tenant/occupant/guarantor reference where required. Inventory check out fee – charged at the end of or early termination of the tenancy and the amount is dependent on the property size and whether furnished/unfurnished. For more details, visit www.savills.co.uk/fees.

Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Bryanston Mews East, W1H A charming three bedroom mews house located on this exceptionally quiet cobbled mews. Features of this property include a wonderfully bright first floor reception room and a generous master bedroom with an en-suite bathroom. In addition, there are two well proportioned guest bedrooms and a fitted kitchen. Bryanston Mews East is located in the heart of Marylebone and benefits from a wealth of transport links, amenities and central London attractions. EPC: D

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

From £2,500,000 Freehold • • • •

Three bedrooms Two bathrooms Mews house Approx. 1,130 sq ft

Great Portland Street, W1J A beautiful one bedroom apartment in a much sought after location, providing a bright open plan reception space with modern kitchen and bathroom. The building benefits from a porter and is only 0.1 miles from Great Portland Street underground station. EPC: C

£925 per week (charges apply)* Furnished/Part/Unfurnished • • • •

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

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

One bedroom Open plan Modern Porter

Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Clarendon Mews, W2 Located on a quiet cobbled mews a bright three bedroom house in the heart of the Hyde Park Estate. Within walking distance are the boutique shops of Connaught Village and open spaces of Hyde Park. EPC: E

£2,100,000 Freehold • • • • • •

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

Reception room Separate kitchen Master bedroom with En-Suite Two further bedrooms Family bathroom 1288 Sq. Ft/119.7 Sq. m

Warwick Square, SW1V A beautifully presented mid terrace maisonette combining a wonderful balance of Victorian grandeur and 21st century living with direct views onto a magnificent private square. The reception room and separate kitchen all have high ceilings, ornate cornicing and parquet flooring. EPC: D

£1,995,000 Share of Leasehold • • • • • •

Hamptons Pimlico & Westminster Office Sales. 020 7834 4771 | Lettings. 020 7717 5343

Two bedrooms One reception room Two bathrooms Residents garden Close to station 1259 Approx Sq. Ft

Property

News

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

Forever young

Mayfair is now a ‘resort village’ for the young super-rich

ayfair is no longer a bastion of old money; the area has morphed into a ‘resort village’ for moneyed individuals in their 20s and 30s, according to new research by Wetherell and research house Dataloft. It reveals who actually lives in the 4,348 residential properties on London’s most wanted 279-acre patch, and it looks like there’s been a demographic shift in recent years. Those between the ages of 50 and 70 may have dominated the area’s housing market after the end of the Second World War, but it’s now a different story: nearly 60 per cent of the 5,118 current residents in Mayfair are aged below 44, with almost 45 per cent aged

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between 25-44. Between the 1950s and 1980s the average age range was 55 to 75. Mayfair households are now predominately made up of young bachelors or bachelorettes (55 per cent of private-rented and 52 per cent of owner-occupier households consist of single people), and the W1 neighbourhood has become more akin to a ‘resort village’, says Wetherell. You’re most likely to bump into bankers, advertising directors and students from ultrahigh-net-worth families on the streets of Mayfair these days, and the pool of nationalities has widened from ‘predominately American’ to more than 42 different countries. More than 60 per cent of Mayfair’s residents are now born overseas, up from 49 per cent from back in 2001, with the biggest rise in the last 15 years being in residents born in Europe and the Middle East.

The mayfair Magazine | Property

Barrier breach

Average London house prices are likely to breach the £1m barrier before 2030

image courtesy of wetherell

opulation, employment levels and average earnings are all set to rise faster in the capital than in the rest of the country in the next 15 years, predicts Oxford Economics, and that means that ‘average house prices in London are likely to breach the £1m barrier before 2030.’ The forecast comes in a report that argues that ‘Even if earnings grow only slightly faster in London than nationally, and even if higher interest rates, tighter credit and more cautious borrowing behaviour all mean that London house prices keep pace with earnings rather than racing ahead, average house prices in London are likely to breach the £1m barrier before 2030.’ London’s economy is growing strongly, outpacing both the UK and its nearby European rivals Paris and Frankfurt, says the report, but there may be trouble ahead when it comes to housing provision. London’s population grows much faster than that of the UK as a whole, and is forecast to breach the 10 million mark before 2030. Oxford Economics forecasts population growth of 2.4 million to 11 million by 2036. The Mayor of London forecasts population growth of 1.4 million by 2036. The London Plan and housing models are built on that lower estimate. The rate of employment in London is set to slow down, averaging just under 1 per cent a year to 2030, compared to an average of a little under 1.5 per cent between 1991 and 2015, and a peak of more than five per cent in 2014.

Supply and demand

Billionaires forced to improvise as London runs out of private palaces

t seems another, very different, housing crisis is going on right at the top of the market. And by right at the top, we mean above ultra-prime. So it’s unlikely to trigger any form of celebrity telethon appeal, but agents are reporting a dearth of 30,000 square foot plus options for London’s billionaires, which

‘There are eight 30,000 sq-ft-plus epic residences under construction in central London’ means they’re having to convert unloved former embassies and offices instead. Research by Dataloft and Beauchamp Estates has identified 142 billionaires with first or second homes in the UK capital, but only around 20 properties in existence across prime central London that could be classed as ‘private palaces’. This handful of residences are collectively worth £427.05m – an average of £20.3m each – according to the findings. But on top of this lot, there are eight 30,000+ square foot epic residences under construction in central London, with another eight going through planning. Price-wise, we’re talking £50m-£100m+ a pop, and certainly nothing dipping below £35m. Of the eight under construction, we’re told that five are end-user projects for private clients, while the remaining three are ‘speculative projects’ being teed up for a sale on completion. They’re all massive unmodernised Victorian or Edwardian behemoths, employed as either offices or embassies since the Second World War, which ultra-high-net-worth buyers have decided to take on because there’s nothing else out there that will do the job.

primeresi.com

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Established 1897

PARK LANE, Mayfair W1K A one bedroom apartment situated on the third floor (with lift) of this prestigious building on Park Lane, opposite Hyde Park.The recently refurbished accommodation comprises a reception room, kitchen, bedroom and a bathroom. Residents in 55 Park Lane benefit from 24-hour concierge and security services. Available, furnished. EPC rating C.

Price per week: £825 Plus property fees: £180 Admin & £162 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: 020 7225 6506 MAYFAIR OFFICE: 61 PARK LANE LONDON W1K 1QF T: 020 7409 9001 CHELSEA OFFICE: 58 FULHAM ROAD LONDON SW3 6HH T: 020 7225 6700 KENSINGTON OFFICE: 48-50 KENSINGTON CHURCH STREET W8 4DG T: 020 3650 4600

HARRODSESTATES.COM @harrodsestates

Established 1897

PARK HOUSE APARTMENTS, Mayfair W1 A stunning lateral apartment on the fourth floor of the prestigious Park House Apartments development with views across North Row and Mayfair. The accommodation of approximately 1226 sq. ft. comprises an open-plan kitchen / dining / reception room, a master bedroom with a dressing area and ensuite bathroom, second double bedroom and shower room.The apartment has been finished to a high specification featuring the latest in smart-home technology and fully integrated Crestron and AV systems. Residents of this landmark building benefit from a 24-hour concierge and security service. Available, furnished. EPC rating C.

Price per week: £2,100 Plus property fees: £180 Admin & £234-£294 Checkout. References: £42 per person* *http://www.harrodsestates.com/tenants 020 7409 9158 robin.boghhenrikssen@harrodsestates.com

HARRODSESTATES.COM @harrodsestates

Established 1897

BERNERS STREET, Fitzrovia W1T Three, two-bedroom apartments remaining in this former ‘art-deco’ office building which has been converted to provide seven brand new apartments. The apartments have been interior-designed by Lambart & Browne in a high quality “loft-style” including comfort cooling and contemporary finishes. Berners Street Lofts is located in the heart of Fitzrovia, opposite the signature Sanderson Hotel and adjacent to Fitzroy Place. Crossrail opens in 2018 which will link the West End with The City, Canary Wharf and Heathrow.

Leasehold: approximately 999 years remaining Prices from: £1,750,000 to £1,895,000

020 7409 9205 michael.davis@harrodsestates.com

HARRODSESTATES.COM @harrodsestates

Established 1897

WELLINGTON ROAD, St John’s Wood NW8 In one of St John’s Woods most prestigious residential buildings is this exceptional two double bedroom apartment (approximately 1,352 sq. ft.) situated on the first floor with an east-facing balcony. The accommodation includes a spacious open-plan kitchen / reception room, a large master bedroom with built-in wardrobes and ensuite bathroom with separate shower, a second double bedroom and a shower room. Embassy Court features 24-hour concierge service, two lifts and secure underground parking. Ideally located moments from St John’s Wood High Street, the open spaces of Regent’s Park and St John’s Wood underground station (Jubilee Line) with excellent links into the City and the West End. EPC rating C. Leasehold: approximately 990 years remaining Guide price: £3,500,000 020 7409 9205 michael.davis@harrodsestates.com

HARRODSESTATES.COM @harrodsestates

Established 1897

NORTH ROW, Mayfair W1K A wonderful three bedroom duplex apartment benefiting from two private terraces, both of which boast views over one of London’s finest land marks, Hyde Park. The apartment offers approximately 1,915 sq. ft. of accommodation which comprises a spacious reception room, fully integrated kitchen / breakfast room, a master bedroom suite, two further double bedrooms, separate shower room, guest cloakroom and storage room. Other benefits to this apartment include a 24-hour porter, one secure underground parking space and air conditioning. Direct access into the London Marriott Hotel Park Lane allows the opportunity of arranging room service and access into the hotel’s gym and swimming pool for a separate fee. EPC rating C. Leasehold: approximately 135 years remaining Guide price: £6,500,000 020 7409 9047 robert.cox@harrodsestates.com

HARRODSESTATES.COM @harrodsestates

501

Established 1897

HAR ROD S E S TATE S For the British elite, the capital is a natural home; for overseas clients, it’s a financial and cultural hub which offers opportunities for potentially prudent investment. Specialists in residential sales and lettings, new developments, asset management, property management and acquisitions, Harrods Estates holds the key to this thriving market. The agency shares the global reach of the Harrods brand, and provides dedicated Middle Eastern and Russian desks, as well as translators – including Mandarin speakers. Wherever a client calls home, they can access London’s most exclusive properties through Harrods Estates.

• LONDON RESIDENTIAL SALES • LONDON RESIDENTIAL LETTINGS • ACQUISITIONS • NEW DEVELOPMENTS • ASSET MANAGEMENT • PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

KNIGHTSBRIDGE OFFICE: 82 BROMPTON ROAD LONDON SW3 1ER T: +44 (0)20 7225 6506 MAYFAIR OFFICE: 61 PARK LANE LONDON W1K 1QF T: +44 (0)20 7409 9001 CHELSEA OFFICE: 58 FULHAM ROAD LONDON SW3 6HH T: +44 (0)20 7225 6700 KENSINGTON OFFICE: 48-50 KENSINGTON CHURCH STREET LONDON W8 4DG T: +44 (0)20 3650 4600

HARRODSESTATES.COM @HarrodsEstates

5013 HE 297x210 Mafair Mag ad.indd 1

09/06/2015 14:52

[hot property]

Reeves Mews, W1K ‘The south-facing roof garden – at more than 925sq ft – is one of the highlights of this property’

n the quiet, private street of Reeves Mews is a rare opportunity to own a property of great prestige. Having just arrived on the market, this threebedroom property is positioned perfectly nearby Grosvenor Square, South Audley Street and Mount Street, and is available for purchase through Jackson-Stops & Staff. The beautifully set out first-floor apartment was once home to Christina Onassis (one of Aristotle Onassis’s daughters), and has been brought to the market by its current owners for the first time in 16 years. The privacy of Reeves Mews, coupled with the discreet apartment block in which the property sits makes this residence an understated yet elegant one, and a place where the future occupier would be one of the few who would be able to enjoy this rare amenity in prime central London. And, of course, with leafy Grosvenor Square and the boutiques, cafes and restaurants of South Audley Street and Mount Street on your doorstep, the property is located perfectly for the owner to take full

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advantage of some of London’s finest food, fashion and culture that the area provides. ‘Reeves Mews is a quiet street. It’s less ostentatious,’ says Nicholas Austin, head of sales at Jackson-Stops & Staff in Mayfair. ‘Your car can pull up discreetly outside of the property, and the footfall is low, so you can walk out the front door without being noticed or recognised.’ The exquisite south-facing roof garden – at more than 925sq ft – is one of the highlights of this property and is a truly rare find in Mayfair. The surrounding buildings are positioned in such a way that affords this stunning space plenty of sunshine throughout the day, and would make for an elegant setting for entertaining. ‘The location of this property is exceptional, and it is much wider than many other residential streets in Mayfair, giving the property ample natural sunlight,’ says Austin. ‘But a roof garden such as this is almost non-existent elsewhere in Mayfair. If you want a prime central location that is close to everything but quiet and discreet, it is very difficult to find such a combination as what you have here, and this genre of property is certainly in high demand.’ £5,995,000. For further enquiries, contact Nicholas Austin at Jackson-Stops & Staff Mayfair (020 7664 6644; jackson-stops.co.uk)

The mayfair Magazine | Property

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jackson-stops.co.uk Pr

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Reeves Mews, W1 This three bedroom flat, with a 925 sq ft roof terrace and located just 0.3 miles from Oxford Street, is coming to the market for the first time in over fifteen years. Reception room, kitchen, 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (2 en suite), balcony, resident caretaker. EPC rating D

Guide Price: ÂŁ5,995,000 Leasehold

People Property Places

FF61069

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

Offices in London and across the country

Harewood Avenue, NW1 A two bedroom flat with a south facing roof terrace, located just 0.1 miles from Marylebone station, and 0.5 miles from Baker street station. Reception room, kitchen, 2 bedrooms (one en suite), shower room, terrace. EPC rating C

Guide Price: ÂŁ775,000 Leasehold

People Property Places

FF58002

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

Offices in London and across the country

jackson-stops.co.uk

Hertford street, W1J A refurbished serviced apartment in Mayfair, just 0.3 miles from Green Park station. Entrance hall, reception/dining room, kitchen, en suite master bedroom with built in storage, guest WC. EPC rating C

ÂŁ1,365 per week (fees apply)

FF54123

South Audley street, W1K A penthouse situated on the 9th floor (with lift) of a portered building in Mayfair. Reception room, kitchen, en suite master bedroom with separate dressing room, double bedroom, shower room. EPC rating D

ÂŁ1,750 per week (fees apply)

People Property Places

FF56687

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

Offices in London and across the country

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Firm belief in the reliability, truth, or ability of. We place great emphasis on building trusted, longstanding relationships with our clients; our membership of the Institute of Customer Service reinforces our belief in placing the delivery of an excellent experience at the top of our business agenda.

jackson-stops.co.uk

Sales • Lettings • International • Residential Development • Land & New Homes Surveying & Consultancy • Country Houses • Professional Services • Property Management

The mayfair Magazine | Property

Super-prime scenario As a new residential analysis by Pastor Real Estate highlights a wealth of sizeable new developments in progress, central London’s new-build property market is increasingly becoming super-prime

he new-build property market is changing across prime central London, says Pastor Real Estate, whose in-depth analysis of the area’s new-build property market has uncovered a number of new trends. Since 2009, London’s property market has seen a flurry of new developments and strong demand from both domestic and international buyers for luxury residences in the heart of the capital. Where owning a pied-à-terre was previously commonplace in prime London, development schemes are offering ‘ultra-prime’ new builds full of size and space. Pastor Real Estate’s report suggests that this new market attention has increased activity as housing stock in prime central London has increased by 5,200 homes since 2009. Moreover, this figure is set to rise with 7,000 new residences now in the pipeline. Across the prime areas of Mayfair, Knightsbridge, Marylebone and Belgravia, a clear shift can be seen in this new supply of proposed residences. The report concludes that underlying market demand has led to much larger units in schemes at application level – all including at least one two-bedroom residence and 71 per cent including at least one three-bedroom residence. Floor space, too has seen a generous increase in new residential schemes across the four main prime central London areas of the report. Comparing the 543sq-ft average for studio apartments already under construction, studios at application stage average a floor space of 763sq-ft. For one-bedroom apartments, unit space of new developments at application

stage are a staggering 43 per cent larger than those currently under construction, with Mayfair and Knightsbridge generally boasting the largest unit sizes. From excess living space to more family sized homes, the report most importantly reflects the unique and evolving residential market of prime central London. Weathering fears of another housing bubble in 2014, prime central London’s property market has remained

‘Pastor’s report most importantly reflects the unique and evolving residential market of prime central London’ resilient, continuing to prosper. Thanks in large part to high-end residential developments, recent market demand for more is clear: across the key residential areas of Mayfair, Knightsbridge, Belgravia and Marylebone, more schemes were completed in 2014 than in the collective preceding five years, and the bulk of activity sits within W1. While central London has long been considered prime, the findings of Pastor Real Estate’s report further indicate a driven focus on creating super-prime urban living spaces, with all the luxury of contemporary living in the heart of the capital. For more information on the report, please contact Pastor Real Estate, 48 Curzon Street, W1J (020 3195 9595; pastor-realestate.com)

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020 7221 1117 www.crayson.com

Planning permission has been granted by RBK&C to join this pair of semi-detached houses into one substantial property measuring 9,895.5 sq. ft./ 919.3 sq m. Potential to create 4 floors of lateral space and a sweeping carriage driveway for 5 cars. Pembridge Villas, W11 Guide Price ÂŁ15.5 million COMPUTER GENERATED IMAGE

10 Lambton Place, London, W11 2SH

FOR SALE COVENT GARDEN PIED A TERRE

ÂŁ655,000

WELLINGTON STREET, LONDON WC2

FURTHER DETAILS:

Rarely available modern one bedroom apartment behind a period facade in the heart of Covent Garden moments from the Italian style Piazza. Extending to approximately 458 sq ft (43 sq m) on the fourth floor boasting original features, with vaulted ceiling to the reception room, fireplace and solid wood flooring.

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

Covent Garden is a popular shopping and tourist site located on the fringes of the West End. It is predominantly known for its famous Royal Opera House, central square with street performers, theatres, restaurants and elegant buildings. Nearest tube station is Covent Garden. Accommodation: entrance hall, reception room with well-equipped fully fitted open plan kitchen, double bedroom with built-in wardrobes, and luxury fully tiled bathroom.

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

www.pastor-realestate.com

TO LET CHESTERFIELD GARDENS, MAYFAIR W1

ÂŁ1,000 per week

Superb recently refurbished apartment quietly situated within a prestigious portered block off Curzon Street. This luxurious two bedroom apartment extends to 1,022 sq ft (94 sq m) and comprises large entrance hall and spacious reception room with raised dining area with solid wood flooring, modern well equipped fully fitted kitchen, master bedroom with tiled en-suite bathroom, further double bedroom, shower room and excellent storage throughout.

FURTHER DETAILS: Spencer Taffurelli T +44 (0)20 3195 9595 E lettings@pastor-realestate.com

TO LET SACKVILLE STREET, MAYFAIR W1

ÂŁ1,200 per week

Well presented interior designed three double bedroom apartment on the sixth floor of this exceptional development close to Old Bond Street and Piccadilly Circus. Accommodation extends to 1238 sq ft (115 sq m) comprising entrance hall, reception/ dining room with fully fitted open plan kitchen, master bedroom with dressing area and en-suite bathroom, two further double bedrooms, shower room and utility cupboard, hardwood flooring, air conditioning and large additional basement storage room.

FURTHER DETAILS: Spencer Taffurelli T +44 (0)20 3195 9595 E lettings@pastor-realestate.com

Outside the box Marc Schneiderman of Arlington Residential reflects on the importance of a garden and why a number of north-west London residents are moving to Mayfair

he sun is shining when Marc Schneiderman shows us around an immaculate garden flat on Hamilton Terrace. ‘Now this is an impressive outdoor space,’ he says, opening the French doors out onto a generously-sized landscaped garden that climbs 125 feet up to a studio. ‘To find a garden as big as this in St John’s Wood is very rare,’ he continues, admiring the view from the raised terrace seating area. Leafy Hampstead and Highgate usually hold the reputation for having the most expansive gardens in north-west London, so stumbling upon this green gem makes Marc undeniably excited. ‘Big gardens offer huge appeal to buyers. If you have a substantial plot there’s always the possibility to extend or build without encroaching too much on the greenery.’ And it’s not just above ground extensions that can add value; the trend for basement conversions shows no sign of slowing down either. Arlington Residential recently sold a home in St John’s Wood with a mews house at the foot of the garden. The two properties were linked underground via the swimming pool. ‘It sounds dramatic, but it’s not as rare as you might expect,’ Marc smiles. ‘Those kinds of facilities are expected when dealing with properties of a certain price point.’ Whether you have £5 million or £25 million

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to spend, lateral living is top of the search criteria. ‘If you can find a house that has a kitchen and living space on one level with access out onto the garden then it’s going to be highly sought-after,’ he explains, adding that the wider, detached properties on offer across north-west London are usually compatible to this sort of family-friendly layout. As well as the area’s obvious leafy appeal and excellent transport links, Marc believes that the creative and artistic heritage of St John’s Wood continues to attract buyers. ‘We are currently

‘If you can find a house that has a kitchen and living space on one level with access out onto the garden then it’s going to be highly sought-after’ marketing a beautiful property on Clifton Hill which has its original studio, dating back to the mid-1800s,’ he says. Seeking out properties such as these can sometimes be a lengthy process, so Marc is adamant that clients should pick up the phone rather than just trawl the internet. ‘We conduct about 20 per cent of business off market,’ he says. ‘This offers a real attraction for certain vendors and buyers

The mayfair Magazine | Property

who want to retain their privacy. We believe discretion is essential.’ This year marks Arlington Residential’s 20th year in business and during the past two decades the agency has established a reputation in north-west London and beyond into more central postcodes. Recently Marc has started to notice a trend for buyers at the top end of the market migrating to Mayfair, where the prospect of portered blocks, a central location and renowned restaurants and galleries on the doorstep presents an attractive proposal. ‘If you feel Mayfair is just a little too central and are looking for a trophy home we have just been instructed on an exquisite, unspoilt 10,000 sq ft Robert Adam house on Portland Place. I would say there are no more than five single

family houses on the street making this a very rare commodity,’ he says. ‘This particular building has planning consent to be renovated back into a single house.’ The approaching anniversary has made him understandably reflective and Marc admits modestly that he’s immensely proud of how his business has developed and what it has achieved with the input of his close-knit team. ‘When I started out as a junior for a firm in the West End it was initially just as a part-time summer job. In fact, I would like to have been a boxer!’ he laughs. Today he still trains twice a week, but it’s very much the future of the agency that keeps him on his toes. Arlington Residential, 8 Wellington Road, NW8 (020 7722 3322; arlingtonresidential.com)

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A home of high value A new quarterly review of Mayfair’s residential market by Chestertons reveals some interesting revelations of what the near-future holds for one of London’s most sought-after addresses

recent stroll through Mayfair may have drawn the eyes to any number of construction projects currently under way. From an abundance of new homes to plans for Grosvenor Square, there is a definite air of activity in the area. In its quarterly review of Mayfair’s residential market, Chestertons has revealed that a significant capital-value growth is expected in the next 18 to 24 months. Possibly the largest driver of this growth is the unprecedented number of new

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homes being built. As at the beginning of 2015, Chestertons’ has indicated that a staggering 433 units were already under construction or planned in central Mayfair areas, thus reflecting the huge demand for property. One residential property, purchased in June 2008, the report finds, saw a value rise of 165 per cent by the end of 2014. However, although out-pricing the London residential average, there remains a wide variation in property prices across Mayfair’s different areas.

The mayfair Magazine | Property

Predictably in locations where demand exceeds supply, namely Mount Street and Mayfair Village, property prices will continue to climb in the next two years. Residences around Grosvenor Square will also see a rise in value due to Finchatton’s 20 Grosvenor Square scheme and Lohda Group’s redevelopment of the former Canadian High Commission: the location is currently achieving £3,500 to £4,000 per square foot but is estimated to rise to £5,000 within two years’ time. Nearby Shepherd Market appears a positive bargain in comparison, with values currently at £1,800 to £2,200 per square foot. Touching on the example of British Land’s Reed House development on Clarges Street – which recently set a new record for Mayfair, with some apartments achieving in excess of £6,000 per square foot – Chestertons’ sales report indicates that 2015 may be a good time to sell. Typically, owners hold properties long term, and with only 62 recorded sale transactions for 2014, the review indicates that many homeowners are

preferring to extend their current properties with basement extensions rather than selling. Rental values reflect a similar desire for particular areas in Mayfair over others. As a wide diversity of tenants expect a high quality of rented accommodation, Mount Street proves to be the most expensive location to rent in. Top-end apartments on the renowned address can fetch anywhere in the region of £100 per square foot, and this is expected to rise to £130 within 24 months. Where owned and let residences are set for value increases, it seems that Mayfair’s residential market has buoyant times ahead. For more information, contact Sebastian De Angelis at Chestertons, 47 South Audley Street, W1K (020 7629 4513; chestertons.com)

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Upper Brook Street

£2,250 per week long let

A stunning interior designed, 2 bedroom apartment in a luxurious block with uniformed day porter. The apartment has been finished to exacting standards & comprises a bright reception & dining room benefiting from 5 south facing windows, fully fitted kitchen, large master bedroom with bespoke wardrobes & en-suite bathroom, further double bedroom & 2nd shower room. The apartment is located only moments from Hyde Park, local transport links & shopping facilities.

Mayfair

Mayfair W1J

020 7288 8301

lettings.mayfair@chestertons.com

EPC rating D

You can now collect thousands of

with Chestertons

Contact your local branch or visit chestertons.com/avios to find out more.

Terms and Conditions apply see chestertons.com/avios for details

chestertons.com

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

Avery Row

Mayfair W1

Newly refurbished & interior designed, this lateral 1 bedroom apartment is the ideal Mayfair pieda-terre. Comprising a generous open plan kitchen/reception area, a double bedroom, bathroom & entrance hall, the property extends to approximately 524 sq ft & benefits from south west facing views. EPC rating C

ÂŁ999,950 leasehold

Mayfair

020 7269 4513 sales.mayfair@chestertons.com

carterjonas.co.uk

LEINSTER SQUARE Hyde Park W2

Leinster Square offers a unique blend of heritage and modernity, the lateral apartments boast a level of finish every bit as beautiful as the views they enjoy over Leinster Square Gardens. 24 -hour concierge • Access to residents only Garden Square • Movement detection in all rooms with external access • Grade II listed building

Apartments from £4,250,000

Hyde Park & Bayswater 020 7402 1552 leo.florees@hydepark.co.uk

NORTH AUDLEY STREET Mayfair W1

A bright apartment situated on the second floor of a period red brick mansion block. Conveniently located close to Hyde Park and the shopping amenities of Oxford Street, this well presented apartment offers spacious living accommodation. Reception room • Master bedroom with en suite • Further double bedroom Family bathroom • Kitchen • Share of freehold • EPC rating D

Guide price £2,250,000

Mayfair & St James’s

0207 493 0676 james.gubbins@carterjonas.co.uk

PHOTO: SAREL JANSEN

the personal touch

Rokstone estate agents have built a reputation on bespoke client service and super-prime properties. In light of the post-General Election market, we discuss what lies ahead with managing director Becky Fatemi and new sales manager Huw George

ealing with high-end properties and equally high-net-worth buyers, Rokstone is a new breed of estate agent that specialises in a 360-degree bespoke service, with an ethos of client understanding setting them apart from the pack. ‘It’s so difficult to find people who understand that lifestyle skill,’ says Becky Fatemi, managing director of Rokstone. Previously a director at Foxtons for 12 years, Fatemi’s industry knowledge is undoubtedly impressive, transcending to Rokstone’s ability to anticipate and understand clients’ needs, however niche. ‘We had a Saudi client recently who we sourced a Birkin handbag for,’ says

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Fatemi. ‘It’s just a service that we offer.’ After the General Election the property market is enjoying the calm after the storm, so says Rokstone’s new sales manager, Huw George (having previously worked for Sotheby’s International Realty). ‘The optimism and intent has changed. People are more receptive, more active and they are easier to get hold of because they want to speak to us rather than just sitting on the fence.’ With a strengthening economy set for the next five years, buyers are no longer in the driving seat, and Rokstone has witnessed first-hand demand outstripping supply in the market. ‘Pre-election was the time to buy, and that’s what we were telling buyers,’ says Fatemi.

The mayfair Magazine | Property

‘People need to get their head around the fact that [prices] are not going down. The demand is there, but not at the price that people are asking; that’s the disparity – we are constantly educating buyers and sellers.’ Far from being pigeonholed as merely a small one-off operation in Marylebone, Rokstone deals with prime central London stock across a variety of postcodes, and they are beautiful properties at that. ‘We have riverside properties in SE1, a house just on the edge of Hampstead Heath, and properties all the way to a new-build in Chelsea Creek down to the Chelsea and Fulham border, and then through W14 and into Kensington,’ explains George. For postcodes that carry with them a certain cache, going beyond the standard role of an estate agent and working to understand the lifestyle of

PHOTO by SAREL JANSEN

‘Establishing what the client needs is the important thing’ the client is key. ‘Establishing what the client needs is the important thing,’ says George. ‘It’s about being over-the-top in terms of the service level that you offer’. For a young agency that classes sheer enthusiasm and teamwork as driving factors for success – Rokstone won this year’s The Sunday Times agency of the year award (a second consecutive win) – what lies on the horizon? ‘We are developing a brand, not just an estate agency Rokstone is a brand,’ says Fatemi. ‘It’s really exciting and the stock we have is exceptional – we’ve just taken on a £14,000,000 house on Glebe Place.’ On a road where artists’ studios once sat and Burberry’s Christopher Bailey also lives, the property in question includes a £2,000,000 Georgian sculpture as its centrepiece, which the house was created around – just one of many uniquely stunning properties in Rokstone’s portfolio. Rokstone, 5 Dorset Street, W1U (020 7580 2030; rokstone.com)

PHOTO by SAREL JANSEN

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Freehold House, Mayfair W1K 2EH A stunning 7 bedroomed freehold house set in the heart of Mayfair. The property has been exquisitely designed by Fenton Whelan, and provides an extremely rare opportunity to purchase a spectacular, freehold asset in one of London`s most exclusive addresses. With an emphasis on meticulous detailing the property boasts exceptional ceiling heights, a large lift, roof terrace, a large integrated garage and separate staff accommodation. The centre piece of the house is a magnificent circular staircase and central atrium framing a ten metre, handmade, bespoke chandelier. Alongside grand entertaining space the property also features a cinema, large gym and a fully integrated audio visual system with Lutron lighting. This house sets a new standard for elegant Mayfair living.

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

Price: £24,000,000 »»Master Bedroom Suite with 2 En Suites and Dressing Rooms »»6 Further Bedrooms »»4 Bathrooms »»4 Reception rooms »»Lift »»Cinema room »»Roof terrace »»Garage »»Staff accommodation »»6,249 sq ft

Portman Square, Marylebone, W1H A substantial 6/7 bedroom lateral penthouse situated on the 7th floor of a prestigious mansion block in the heart of Marylebone. Featuring an impressive drawing room with views towards Portman Square, dining room, kitchen, family breakfast room, master bedroom suite with views over the Square, 5 further bedrooms (3 en suites), staff bedroom and 3 shower rooms. There are a team of porters who operate 24 hours a day. Lift, well-kept communal areas, two elegant entrance halls and garage. EPC Rating E.

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

Price: £12,500,000 LEASEhold

AIX-EN-PROVENCE • BROOKLYN • CANNES • COURCHEVEL • DOHA • GENEVA • GSTAAD • LAKE COMO • LONDON • MADRID • MANHATTAN • MAURITIUS • MEGEVE MERIBEL • MIAMI • MILAN • MONACO • MOSCOW • PALM BEACH • PARIS • ST JEAN-CAP-FERRAT • ST PAUL DEVENCE • ST TROPEZ • THE HAMPTONS • VALBONNE

www.john-taylor.com

SHELL POINT

TRANQUIL ELEGANCE IN TUCKER’S TOWN A private promontory surrounded by a stunning turquoise reef and vistas across Castle Harbour to the Tucker’s Town peninsula, Shell Point enjoys a magical setting comprising 2 acres and 6500 square feet of accommodation between the elegant main house, the guest cottage and apartment. This is one of the most private estates in Tucker’s Town, yet it is within a walk or golf cart ride of the Mid-Ocean and Tucker’s Point golf clubs, their beaches and restaurants. A substantial dock, jetty, boat slip and mooring make this home especially well suited for boaters. Price Upon Request.

WHY SINCLAIR REALTY? As Bermuda’s exclusive affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate, Sinclair Realty offers the finest cache of properties in Tucker’s Town and island-wide. We look forward to welcoming you to our island with the depth of expertise and ‘above-and-beyond’ service that is the Sinclair hallmark.

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

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THE CHELSTON ESTATE

A WORLD-CLASS PRIVATE BEACHFRONT COMPOUND Overlooking the pink sands and turquoise waters of Grape Bay, the 14-acre Chelston Estate is a beachfront compound of rare magnitude. For 30 years it served as the official residence of the U.S. Consul General, hosting a distinguished list of guests including presidents and foreign dignitaries. Understated elegance defines the 10,000 square foot main house and its three guest houses. The outstanding grounds include a spectacular 75- by 40-foot saltwater pool and pool house, croquet lawn, walled gardens, a beach pavilion and staff accommodation. Offered at US$ 45 million.

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

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CHESTERFIELD STREET MAYFAIR W1 Five Bedroom Grade II Listed Freehold Townhouse ÂŁ14,400,000

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No. 1 in mayfair

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102 Mount Street, London W1K 2TH

T: 020 7493 6935 E: valuations@wetherell.co.uk

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