The Mayfair Magazine March 2013 by Runwild Media Group

Editor’s Letter | The mayfair Magazine

From the

Editor I

n addition to death and taxes, there is another inevitability that rolls around with comforting if incessant regularity, a force that is as imposing as at least the latter half of life’s great cliché (and in certain circles, ignorance of which can be as bad as the former); it is, of course, Fashion Week. As the cogs of the UK’s second-largest industry begin spinning back into motion, adorned with the unavoidable bells, whistles and occasional high-profile breakdown, we have considered what a new season (both in fashion speak, as Autumn/Winter moves gracefully into Spring/Summer, and in weather, as the last of the wintery chill finally ebbs away) means in real terms. Obviously while some will seize the opportunity to throw away everything that predates current trends, the large majority of people will simply update their wardrobe, maintaining their look and their bank balance. One woman who would certainly advocate this, having stood the test of time and countless runway shows over her 30-year career, is the legendary Carolina Herrera. This month, in an exclusive interview, the septuagenarian designer who has dressed everyone from Jackie O to Lucy Liu opens up about her new store in London and her new White Shirt Collection – the secret to her timeless style (p.10). Another sartorial classic is the ever-grand Savile Row, a beacon of refined men’s dressing and inspiration to well-heeled gentlemen across the globe. This month, Stephen Doig travels to the renowned cobbled street to see how the story began, and where it is today (p. 22). Meanwhile, Neil Hammond explores the nearby lanes and nooks to seek out the best places for luxury male grooming (p.28). For those who have more important things on their mind, or simply for those who cannot function without a good start to the day, Neil Ridley has tested the best breakfasts that Mayfair has to offer – one Eggs Benedict at a time. He came up with a novel scoring approach that will add a competitive slice of fun to your morning meal (p.90). And for everyone who believes that the whole industry is absurd, take comfort in the words of the ever-fashionable Oscar Wilde, who once declared fashion ‘a form of ugliness so intolerable that we have to alter it every six months’ and the knowledge that it will soon all be over. Well, until next season.

Elle Blakeman Editor Follow us on Twitter @MayfairMagazine 4

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Contents

March 2013

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Features

Art

Interiors

010 | The women in white Elle Blakeman meets Carolina Herrera and her daughter to talk about fashion, family and everlasting style 014 | World of colour Matthew Williamson talks to us about 15 years in the industry and why Mayfair is the perfect home for his shop 018 | Mayfair’s new luxury Switch off your computer and grab your coats as Mayfair transforms the shopping experience 022 | Fit for a dandy Stephen Doig explores the history of Savile Row – the international heart of men’s tailoring and style 028 | Scrubbing up well Mayfair is now a mecca for male grooming. Nick Hammond explores the best places to go 032 | For the ride Two new offerings from Aston Martin – the DB9 and the Vanquish – but which is best?

041 | Art news 042 | Exhibition focus The National Theatre’s tribute to icon of fashion photography, Norman Parkinson 044 | Dynasty of decadence The V&A commemorates the 400th anniversary of Russia’s Romanov Dynasty 049 | Prize lots

083 | Interiors news 084 | Man on a mission We meet Guy Oliver, the interior designer whose classic style is all over Mayfair

Collection 055 | Designers do time How the fashion pack have created haute timepieces 057 | Watch news 059 | Brown in town Forget black and navy, this month it’s all about brown men’s accessories 060 | The stuff of dreams Timothy Barber visits this year’s Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie 064 | Get the look Jewellery inspired by the S/S13 catwalk 066 | Jewellery news

Regulars

Fashion

067 | Style update 068 | Elegance is an attitude Discover the beauty of keeping fashion simple in sleek black and white 075 | Style spy 076 | Man of the moment Classic monochrome daywear in this month’s men’s fashion shoot

Food & Drink 089 | Food & drink news 090 | The (English) breakfast club Play Mayfair’s Top Trumps to find the best places in town for a Power Breakfast 094 | Restaurant review: Hibiscus

Beauty 097 | Beauty news 098 | Backstage beauty The latest beauty trends and how to create them 101 | Spa review: Spa Illuminata

Travel 107 | Travel news 108 | Snow patrol Journey to St. Moritz, Switzerland – a winter playground in the Engadine 112 | City break: Copenhagen Innovation meets Old World glamour in the Danish capital

Property 125 | Property news 156 | Malmesbury Hall A stunning manor right in the heart of the English countryside 160 | Spanish serenity The perfect seven-bedroom villa in Marbella for lovers of sport and sun

Contributors | The mayfair Magazine

The contributors MARCH 2013 s issue 018

Editor Elle Blakeman Assistant Editor Kate Racovolis Contributing Editor Kari Rosenberg Art Editor Carol Cordrey Food & Drink Editor Neil Ridley Collection Editor Annabel Harrison Editorial Intern Daniella Isaacs Brand Consistency Hiren Chandarana Laddawan Juhong Senior Designer Lisa Wade Production Hugo Wheatley Alex Powell Editor-in-Chief Kate Harrison Client Relationship Director Kate Oxbrow General Manager Fiona Fenwick

Stephen Doig Stephen is an award-winning fashion writer who has worked for Harper’s Bazaar and Mr Porter. He looks back at Savile Row’s stylish history and the rise of the modern suit on this iconic street. richard yarrow Richard is a freelance motoring journalist and a former associate editor of Auto Express. He writes for national newspapers, consumer publications and the automotive business press.

Head of Finance Elton Hopkins

Carol Cordrey 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. neil ridley London-based food and drink expert Neil Ridley has written for The Evening Standard, Whisky Magazine and The Chap. This March, he finds the best places to enjoy the most important meal of the day – breakfast.

daniella isaacs Daniella is a Drama graduate of Bristol University and is an actress and freelance journalist. This month, she brings you the top picks from London’s key auction houses in our prize lots.

nick hammond Nick specialises in luxury writing, with an emphasis on cigars, shooting and travel. He has written for Country Life and the FT’s How to Spend It among others and this month searches Mayfair for the best in men’s grooming.

KATIE RANDALL A post-graduate of the University of Westminster, Katie is a fashion and lifestyle journalist who has written for a number of publications and websites, including Handbag.com and The Publican.

kate racovolis An alumnus of Columbia University’s Journalism School, Kate comes from a background in fashion writing and is working on her first book. She meets interiors guru, Guy Oliver about his projects in Mayfair.

Associate Publisher Sophie Roberts Managing Director Eren Ellwood

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Dear Resident

This month we are celebrating the recognition and endorsement by the 2013 Tatler Schools Guide of a great deal of our local schools. Read more on page 21 (Children & Education). You can also visit the Guide online (www.tatler.com) where you can browse multiple prep and public schools for impartial evaluations. February is the month when the animal and human kingdoms typically rouse from hibernation, at some safe and convenient point (preferably later in the month when we can truly anticipate spring). With March on the horizon, now is the time to secure a ticket for some of the Belgravia Residents’ Association’s fantastic spring events. These include a private tour of the Wallace Collection (Residents' Culture, page 23) and a talk on the art of fragrance at Floris (The Calendar, page 8). There’s really no better way to feel part of your community and have a great time whilst you're at it.

Belgravia

February cannot pass by without mention of Valentine’s Day. Step out in style at one of your local restaurants, some of which just lend themselves to the occasion (Food for thought, page 12). Don’t despair if you’re not attached; they say of French favourite La Poule au Pot that it is as much a place to begin a love affair as it is to celebrate one. If, like me, you’re equally excited about Pancake Day, a key date for your diary will be 12 February: Shrove Tuesday. Have a liberal supply of milk, flour, eggs, lemons and sugar (bare minimums) at the ready!

Resident’s Journal

drive of your life

The new Porsche 911; Corvette reveals its latest incarnation; and a Bugatti Veyron sound system to shout about

Alice

trust fund

restoring public faith in investment banking

new build

the staggering pace of development in the city

Stepping spring/summer looks for the new season; zac efron grows up; & it’s sunshine season in barbados 92

cover

On the

Out

Left / Martha Parsey’s ‘Safety in Numbers’ at Eleven Fine Art Gallert on Eccleston Street. See page 8.

Editorial Director Kate Harrison

man about town 65

the extraordinary life and times of octogenarian michael caine

Head of Design Hiren Chandarana

Managing Director Eren Ellwood

February 2013

Editor Alice Tozer

Designer Sophie Blain

Associate Publisher Sophie Roberts

Editorial Assistant Lauren Romano

Production Manager Fiona Fenwick

Client Relationship Director Felicity Morgan-Harvey

Editor-in-Chief Lesley Ellwood

Production Hugo Wheatley, Alex Powell

Publishing Director Giles Ellwood

Image: Carolina herrera and carolina herrera de baez photographed by alexi lubomirski See page 10

THE COLOUR AND THE GLORY 0844 411 5080 royalascothospitality.co.uk

TUESDAY 18TH JUNE TO SATURDAY 22ND JUNE 2013

white

The women in

Carolina Herrera has brought timeless elegance to a changing industry for over 30 years. Elle Blakeman meets both the designer and her daughter, Carolina Herrera de Baez, to discuss the next chapter of this unstoppable clan

The mayfair Magazine | Feature

e are in Claridge’s of course. The elegant Art Deco hotel suits Carolina Herrera down to the beautifully carpeted ground. After all, this is the woman who has been defining elegant glamour for over 30 years. She is someone who has effortlessly glided through a variety of eras, body shapes du jour and even a spectrum of political figures – from dressing Jackie O (‘a fascinating woman’) to Michelle Obama – with seemingly effortless aplomb. Herrera sits in a stunning figure-hugging lace dress, with flawless make-up and her signature immaculately coiffed hair. She is next to her daughter Carolina Jnr, dressed casually in jeans and a simple navy top – a would-be intimidating duo if not for the fact that neither have even the slightest fashion edge to them, often interrupting each other with corrections and suggestions, slipping into Spanish every now and again with touching familiarity. Mrs Herrera has flown into town to open her new CH Carolina Herrera store in South Kensington, following the success of her first UK boutique in Mount Street, which landed in 2009. To celebrate the new store, she is launching the CH Carolina Herrera White Shirt Collection – eight surprisingly different versions of the iconic piece. Each one is a crisp, white cotton shirt, bearing the unmistakable mark of Herrera’s flattering and feminine design. ‘I’ve always loved a white shirt,’ she says. ‘I think they are very fresh and very seductive. And they’re versatile; they can be part of so many different combinations, with jeans, or a long or short skirt.’ Herrera is, of course, known for her timeless looks – from the staples that you go back to over and over again, pulling them out of the wardrobe like an old friend, to the dramatic, full-length gowns sported at balls and red carpet events. Although she believes that sartorial experimenting is for the very young, she rejects the suggestion that women should stick to being classic when they get older. ‘It’s more you find a tune,’ she says. ‘You know your tune, you know

what your style is. There are 70-year-old women who are not classic, but they know their style and they tune according to that.’ Venezuelan-born Herrera, 72, is certainly one for knowing her own ‘tune’. Groomed to perfection, she is the embodiment of both her noble heritage (the family house was built in 1590) and her New York society upbringing: elegant, refined but with a good sense of humour and fun. Calvin Klein notes that Herrera has ‘the best taste’, but that she can also be highly entertaining: ‘Carolina is not at all grand and can be very funny. In a friend’s box at the Metropolitan Opera, a woman asked, “Do you have a nail file?”. Carolina replied in a deadpan manner, “I’m a seamstress, not a manicurist”.’ Her world was as fashionable as it could be long before she officially became a designer. In the Seventies, splitting her time between New

‘I went to Diana Vreeland and said, “I’m going to design fabrics.” And she said “Oh that’s so boring”’ – Carolina Herrera York and Caracas, Herrera was often to be spotted alongside Warhol, Bianca Jagger and Count Rudi Crespi and his wife Consuelo. Interestingly, she didn’t start designing until she was 40 – a lifetime away from the upstarts doing the intern circuit on the fashion scene today. It was legendary fashion editor Diana Vreeland (who apparently dispensed career advice as much as fashion advice, also being credited with one who instructed Manolo Blahnik to ‘do shoes young man!’) who first encouraged Herrera to design clothes. ‘I went to Diana Vreeland and said, “You know what? I’m going to design fabrics.” And she said “Oh that’s so boring. Why don’t you do something else. Why don’t you do a collection of dresses? It’s much more fun.”’ Herrera’s debut collection launched in 

The mayfair Magazine | Feature

1981 and was shown at the exclusive Metropolitan club in Manhattan. ‘It was a madhouse. I had live music, a pianist playing Cole Porter songs. I thought it was divine, but there were so many problems. Some of the looks weren’t even finished. Iman’s hem wasn’t done, so we had to use pins, but she was so happy to work with the pins, and she looked fabulous.’ Her career took off at a rapid pace and she moved to New York permanently from La Vega – the family estate in Caracas – and her first line was taken up by Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue. It was not long after that her clothes were spotted on perhaps the most famous style icon of all time, Jackie O. ‘Jackie was a great inspiration to me,’ says Herrera fondly. ‘Not only very elegant and beautiful, but she was also very cultivated, very well read with a great sense of history too. She was something else, a very special lady.’ The Herrera empire grew into a worldwide brand, including a diffusion line, eveningwear bridal and her universally coveted fragrances. It was here that Carolina Herrera de Baez, Herrera’s third (of four) daughters followed in her mother’s footsteps, when in 1996 she began helping out with capturing the spirit of New York

‘Jackie was a great inspiration to me. Not only very beautiful, but she was also very cultivated, very well read’ – Carolina Herrera in a scent. 212 was launched the following year, which became an international success. Herrera de Baez (Carolina Jnr’s married name) is now creative fragrance director and has contributed to various arms of the Herrera brand, having designed a children’s line and a collection of hangbags for CH Carolina Herrera. This season, she has designed a capsule collection for the new CH store. ‘I’m planning another one now. I like doing

small projects – particular ones,’ she says. Was following in her mother’s footsteps inevitable? ‘No,’ she says emphatically, ‘not at all,’ says Herrera de Baez. ‘I don’t think they grew up in this fashion world at all,’ says Mrs Herrera. ‘It isn’t in our family life. I’m not going to run in my house and talk about work and fashion.’ ‘It wasn’t like that when I was growing up either,’ says Herrera de Baez. ‘I even had friends whose mothers or fathers or uncles were also designers, and none of us were so obsessed with wearing designer clothes and being on the pages of a magazine. We were so not interested in that,’ she says, pointing out how much of a shame it is that today’s teens feel obligated to have the latest ‘It’ coat or bag. Working full time with your mother would be a challenge for most people, but the Herreras seem to complement each other well, often finishing each other’s sentences, explaining what the other really means. ‘It’s really easy to work with her,’ says Herrera de Baez, ‘We don’t exactly have the same taste in everything, but we’re not opposites either.’ They are clearly similar, and both understand the challenges of balancing demanding jobs with motherhood and family life. ‘We women can do many things at once,’ says Herrera. ‘Yes, we’re like octopuses,’ agrees her daughter, describing how she feels balancing work life with home life. ‘You just juggle,’ she says. ‘I travel but they love it because I come back and they want to know where I’ve been and what I’ve seen; it’s enriching on both sides.’ ‘You see?’ says Herrera, pointing affectionately at her daughter. ‘It’s like this one! This is what the modern Carolina Herrera woman is about – she can have a family and still travel, but at the same time she wants to look elegant and sophisticated and effortless.’ Warm, accidental praise like only a mother can give. The CH Carolina Herrera boutique is now open. (020 7581 9432; www.carolinaherrera.com)

world of

Matthew Williamson talks to Gabrielle Lane about his 15 years at the heart of the fashion industry

The mayfair Magazine | Feature

‘I

t’s where I can really see what’s going on, the reality of what I do. What I do day-to-day in this bubble is make clothes for the runway. When I go in there, I see real women with real jobs, real lives and real needs. I love that.’ Matthew Williamson sounds at his most refreshed when discussing his flagship fashion store in Bruton Street. We have settled down over coffee just nine days before the beginning of London Fashion Week and it’s fair to say, things are manic. 15 years after he first sent Kate Moss and Jade Jagger down the runway, clad in his Eclectic Angels collection, Williamson’s life has changed, and his remit has grown. The demands of presiding over four ready-to-wear collections a year, a debut shoe line, a capsule range for luxury cashmere label Ballantyne and a forthcoming handbag offering means it’s rather unfortunate that he finds it impossible to delegate. ‘I find it really hard,’ he says. ‘It’s the thing I find hardest of all – letting go. To delegate is something I want to do. You obviously have to have confidence in the person you’re delegating to. If something doesn’t go well it can really knock your appetite for it. I’m trying to get to grips with that, something’s got to click.’

Of course, it would be wrong to think the designer doesn’t enjoy his work. He says that in the next couple of days, the relentlessness will all be worth it – the room we’re sitting in will turn into a ‘fit room’ hung with over 200 pieces. There will be fittings across three days, refinement by a stylist, model castings and then the Autumn/Winter 13 show on the Sunday. ‘The old cliché “Time flies when you’re having fun” is true,’ he says. ‘I’ve loved what I’ve been doing; I’m very lucky and fortunate to do a job that I love.’ However, I get the impression that he’d also like to try new things. ‘It’s not a stupid question,’ he nods. ‘I’ve been doing it for fifteen years; it’s a long time in any job. I think my plans moving forward would be to shake things up and diversify, to look at things from a different perspective. I’ve got a few ideas – still to do with fashion but maybe approaching things in a different way, I’ve always loved interior design. In September I’ve collaborated with Osborne & Little and I’ve got a big range of home furnishings and fabrics coming out. You can buy ‘Matthew Williamson’ beige and gold, through to the crazy end of pink and turquoise!’ We both laugh. The fashion critics would have you believe Williamson’s vision is somewhat 

FROM LEFT: MATTHEW WILLIAMSON (Featureflash / Shutterstock.com); BEHIND THE SCENES (RYHS FRAMPTON); PEACOCK DRESS; CLOTHES BY MATTHEW WILLIAMSON

of a Technicolor dream. He has spent time travelling around India and they have never let him forget it – citing the country as his inspiration season after season. ‘I don’t hate it but I don’t think it’s necessarily always true,’ he says. ‘I think there are lots of Indian influences, particularly in the craftsmanship of the garments and this collection was based on India, so fair enough. But, like for any artist, when you’re constantly being told it’s a certain thing, it can feel boring.’ While it’s certainly not all he can do, the high street owes a lot to Williamson’s ‘laid-back luxe’ aesthetic and his fondness for embellishment. It’s difficult to think of any female who didn’t sport a flowing maxi-skirt at the height of the bohemian trend of summer 2010; at least three pieces in my own wardrobe could be the long-lost cousins of his designs. ‘They say, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery”,’ he smirks. ‘My business partner once said to me, “You’ll be worried when they don’t copy you. Thank your lucky

stars that someone thinks your designs are good!”’ One prominent fan of Williamson’s work and an advocate of his self-confessed ‘antithesis of super-rigid style’ is actress Sienna Miller, with

‘My business partner once said to me, “You’ll be worried when they don’t copy you”’ – Matthew Williamson whom he has remained friends for several years. Miller appears in a short film – XV, which was created in November 2012 to celebrate the designer’s professional milestone. ‘There are amazingly stylish women throughout the decades who stand out and embody that period of time. For me, Sienna was that. She was a very influential and stylish person that I was drawn to, and still am. I’m drawn to her ability to wear these clothes in a very laid back and effortless kind of way,’ he says. The decision to do a film in particular, demonstrates how he feels the industry has changed since his show debuted all those years ago. While a designer’s role was once simply to produce clothes, the advent of the internet and social networking has necessitated a change in the way a brand engages with its customers. In Williamson’s case, the three-minute sequence, which is available online, features dancers from

LEFT: S/S13; ABOVE, FROM LEFT: FABRIC SKETCHES; MATTHEW WILLIAMSON BACKSTAGE; MATTHEW WILLIAMSON FABRICS; MODELS WEARING MATTHEW WILLIAMSON CLOTHES (DAVID BURTON); PF/13 RIGHT: S/S13

The mayfair Magazine | Feature

the Royal Ballet swirling around in a physical embodiment of creativity, while Poppy Delevigne joins Miller and other models in donning some of the most memorable gowns of Williamson’s career. It is a striking and beautiful piece of imagery, shot at Aynhoe Park in Oxfordshire, but there are many other dresses that could have been featured. ‘I’ve got every garment I’ve ever sent down the runway from every show,’ he says. ‘They’re in my basement in the store in Bruton Street – it’s a chronological archive. There are many favourites but I think the one I want to tell you is my favourite is the peacock dress – a printed, chiffon dress I made eight years ago.’ Just as his dress designs are very different – from aquamarine silk to dip-dye shifts, jewelled-pocket cocktail styles to the decidedly beachy halternecks – so too are the customers he meets when visiting the boutique. ‘It’s not a stereotypical customer. It’s not a barefoot bohemian girl floating in a kaftan,’ he quips, showing a glimpse of the jokey character that those who have worked with him tell me he is. ‘[The customer] can be 60, she can be 20, large, small, from Korea or Brazil. Interacting with them, seeing the end job, I’m there all the time. It’s probably one of my favourite bits apart, from creating the clothes.’ It’s Williamson’s desire to create a look that can

be worn flexibly that underpins the decision to open the boutique in Mayfair and not in Sloane Street. ‘That felt very different to us,’ he says. ‘Bruton Street felt more appropriate for what we do. We’re not a big power house, we’re a fashion brand.’ But the reality is that the brand is a very successful one. And while his schedule may eat away at his spare time, I’m keen to know whether the designer’s success has also cost him his privacy. ‘If people know who I am they try not to let on. It’s not like you’re on TV when everyone is spotting you, it’s a very niche kind of celebrity where it’s one in 50 girls who might know. They’re not really invading my privacy, they’re just telling their friends.’ To this end, Matthew can have a relatively normal life when at home in North West London. ‘It’s my little area. It’s leafy, it’s green, there are parks,’ he says. ‘I would [like to] do boring, normal, mundane things. I would go to the cinema; I’d go dog-walking, restaurants…’ If only he had time. 28 Bruton Street, W1J (020 7629 6200)

Mayfair’s How can ‘real’ shopping compete with the ease of online purchases? With creative design experiences and quirky collaborations redefining the local retail scene, Mayfair isn’t worried W o r d s Ly d i a P a r a f i a n o w i c z

image: spencer hart

The mayfair Magazine | Feature

New Luxury I

n the 20th century, luxury shopping was synonymous with classic elements of refined living. Twinkling chandeliers, Agarwood accents and lavish imports filled stores, offering shoppers an opportunity to indulge in undeniable opulence. How times have changed. Mayfair, once the dictionary definition of classic retail design, is one of the most striking examples of the 21st century’s new luxury. ‘In the new millennium, Mayfair’s luxury retail scene has to be more engaging than ever before,’ says Robert Thiemann, editor-in-chief of international interior design magazine Frame. ‘Customers are increasingly lazy and well informed. Luxury brands need to find creative ways to appeal to this new consumer to enable product customisation and a connection between online and offline retail. High-fashion brands are collaborating with artists on engaging spaces that merge commerce and culture.’ In response to e-commerce, purveyor of the oh-so-tempting option of shopping from bed, retail designers have been playing up the one most logical aspect the online market can’t offer: experience. They’re attempting to prove that elements of surprise, emotion, curiosity and impulse can still be used to bolster sales, and heck, even draw shoppers back into stores. Retail designers are thus pushing creative envelope not to create the most opulent interiors, but the most innovative. Last summer, 3.1 Philip Lim commissioned London-based Faye Toogood to build a pop-up shop within Selfridges’ Designer Galleries. She formed a freestanding geometric wooden structure made of raw wood, adding an uncharacteristically industrial aesthetic to the space. Lim’s ultra-feminine designs – including his ‘31 Hour bag’, retailing at a cool £735 – were displayed on tables made of simplistic wax, rubber, plaster and steel. But Toogood says the juxtaposition of lavish and limpid is what made the space work. ‘It interpreted, in an abstract form, Lim’s preoccupation and careful consideration of construction, cutting, compiling and layering of materials, textures and 

‘Elements of surprise, emotion, curiosity and impulse can still be used to bolster sales’

colours,’ says Toogood. ‘The architectural and sculptural installation reflected the simplicity, elegance and playfulness imbued in Lim’s work.’ Sprouting from this growing zest for creativity and quirky design, shoppers are also embracing art in retail environments. As opposed to cookie-cutter big-box labels like Zara or GAP, customers are given rock-star status collaborations between fashion brands and artistic partners. Take Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama’s collection for Louis Vuitton; to celebrate the partnership, seven store takeovers took place worldwide, including a Selfridges pop-up space. Open for eight weeks during summer, the collaboration was so popular and powerful, The Telegraph called it ‘probably the most successful art-fashion union of all time.’ ‘The Kusama-Vuitton project at Selfridges demonstrates the impact and strength of collaboration in 2012,’ says Linda Hewson, head of creative at Selfridges. ‘By boldly combining key characteristics of two forwardthinking retailers with an extraordinary international artist, the result produced something new and completely unique for the customer. The project brings luxury and high art to the high street and appeals to a broad audience from young, to old, to international.’ Twenty-four of Selfridges’ street-front windows were taken over by Kusama’s wacky, polka-dot filled visions. The retailer also lent its ‘Concept Store’ – an ever-changing shop-in-shop featuring new collaborations – to the Kusama-Vuitton initiative. Massive pumpkin-shaped displays and lights formed a totally immersive, almost

overwhelming area. Kusama’s organic dotted patterns adorned nearly every surface available, covering the tables, ceiling, floor and lamps. ‘Thirty years ago it wouldn’t have been acceptable, especially on this scale,’ says Hewson. ‘Brands and retailers would have been nervous about collaborating with others who may have been seen as competitors rather than creative partners. They probably felt if it wasn’t entirely their own, it somehow didn’t express a clear vision of the brand. Today, experimentation, invention and recognising creative partnerships on a large scale is incredibly exciting and can open up previously unexplored territories.’ And if there were ever any doubts about blurring boundaries between art, fashion and

‘The project brings luxury and high art to the high street and appeals to a broad audience’ design, step inside the Mecca of new retail: Dover Street Market, the brainchild of Japanese fashion designer and Comme des Garçons founder Rei Kawakubo. The shop is debatably more of an art gallery selling clothes than a clothing store with an artsy touch. There are no brand names on display (Kawakubo forbids it, even for her own line) and sections are not divided by walls, disabling any resemblance to a traditional department store. Every six months, Dover Street Market holds a Tachiagari – meaning ‘beginning’ in Japanese – that totally transforms the shop to welcome a new season. Making way for wacky sculptures, installations and remodels, the shop shuts for three days and invites artists and designers to fuse their crafts. For the A/W12 Tachiagari, fashion designer Alber Elbaz designed his own Lanvin space, while Sarah Burton updated the McQueen

The mayfair Magazine | Feature

section. Artist and set designer Michael Howell infused the third floor with a sci-fi tone, while artist Graham Hudson and sculptor Michael Samuels renovated fitting rooms (one of which resembles a portable toilet). The basement holds an exhibition space featuring works by selfeducated Russian fashion designer and photographer Gosha Rubchinskiy, including his latest photography project, Transfiguration. ‘I want to create a kind of market where various creators from various fields gather together and encounter each other in an ongoing atmosphere of beautiful chaos: the mixing up and coming together of different kindred souls who all share a strong personal vision,’ Kawakubo says. ‘I would like for Dover Street Market to be the place where fashion becomes fascinating.’ There’s no denying she has achieved her goal. While luxury brands are leading the design shift, even high street brands are jumping on board – check out Monki Carnaby Street, by Stockholm-based studio Electric Dreams. Inspired by an underwater world, the fashionforward shop is filled with psychedelic scallop-shaped patterns and reflective mirrors for a dazzling, dizzying effect. Clothes hang

from old ropes, tapping into the ‘reuse’ trend that’s abolishing taboo associations with recycling – it’s cool, not cheap. Other materials used include budget-friendly welded metal, polished aluminium (which coats the ceiling), lacquered MDF and birch plywood. ‘Every single part of the design is there to trigger imagination and excite the customers,’ says architect Catharina Frankander, who founded studio Electric Dreams alongside product designer Joel Degermark in 2006. ‘Every one of the 50 custom-made design products connect to an overall story about a dangerous, dark and gloomy seascape with tantalising beauty.’ The duo say the design concept incorporates storytelling and themes, where playful exaggeration, quirky charms and inspiration can entertain the shopper. There was never any doubt Mayfair was London’s home for fashionable trends, but by welcoming and embracing the avant-garde, it’s delving into a new world of possibilities. So, it seems Mayfair can update its fashion cv. Affluent, lavish and stately? No doubt. But a purveyor of the latest retail design trends? Surprisingly, yes.

ABOVE: Monki LONDON; LEFT: Kusama for Louis Vuitton at Selfridges

Fit for a d Savile Row is evolving with modern tastes, but its tradition of sharp menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tailoring is very much alive WORDS: STEPHEN DOIG

The mayfair Magazine | Feature

dandy

FAR LEFT: Gieves & Hawkes S/s13. LEFT: HENRY POOLE

The mayfair Magazine | Feature

avile Row. The name alone conjures up connotations of perfectly proportioned cuffs, cedar-lined dressing rooms and old world gentlemanly distinction. Peerless in its influence, it is to men’s tailoring what Paris is to haute couture; the founder and the forerunner. To walk its revered halls – or be fitted in one of its austere suites – is to sample a piece of living history and to wear a piece of excellence. The names that have graced the doors of the renowned street read like a history lesson – Beau Brummell, Winston Churchill, Lord Nelson, Napoleon, Prince Charles,

‘The names that have graced the doors of the renowned street read like a history lesson’ James Bond, The Beatles. Today, with an influx of new tailoring blood, the muscle of this elegant area is flexing itself once more. The Savile Row story begins in the 19th century, when renowned dandy Beau Brummell – who went on to become a byword for flamboyant men’s style – sought out the tailoring district around Burlington. Soon, these tailoring premises spread north to Savile Row, and the style contingent shifted with it. There was nowhere else a gentleman would flock to for his finery, and the street was helped by its proximity to Audley, the historical mansion block off Piccadilly which was built specifically for smart batchelors with means. Savile Row, a stone’s throw away, became their go-to local for bespoke suiting. The term, which apparently evolved at the ‘Founder of Savile Row’ Henry Poole’s emporium,

came about in relation to certain cloths for a suit ‘being spoken for’ a client. Bespoke suiting was born. So what makes a Savile Row suit so enduring and iconic? Opinions from long-time residents Gieves & Hawkes, Huntsman & Sons, Hardy Amies, Anderson & Sheppard and Norton & Sons vary, but certain elements are standard. Often, the suits are made using British wool and fabrics, with plaids or houndstooth detailing that are manufactured in Scotland at mills that have perfected the process over centuries. A suit will be either fully or partially canvassed, ideally the former. A full canvas suit means that the jacket has a layer between the outer fabric and lining that is sewn, instead of using glue to fuse the components, from the sleeve to the shoulder, for example. This will act as a template on the body, reacting to the contours of the wearer to mold around his frame. Half canvas is often used on a section of the jacket, the front for example, leaving the back without a canvas to allow for greater ventilation. The cut is precise and expertly worked around the frame – cuffs at a certain position to lengthen the arm, lapels and lapel notches at a particular height to broaden the chest or lengthen the body, the buttons positioned to streamline the waist. This is sartorial engineering – it’s something that generations of Savile Row tailors have perfected and it can’t be achieved by whisking a jacket off the rail at Next. Of course, this ascent to the upper echelons of menswear hasn’t been without its pitfalls and stumbling blocks. The craft of a Savile Row suit has had its death knell heralded many times over – in the same way that Paris couture has. In the 1960s, a new movement in men’s dress saw silhouettes sharpen and slim down, and tailors shifted to Carnaby Street and Soho to create fashion-forward, patterned and defiantly non-traditional suits. Savile Row, like an elder statesman, smiled indulgently and kept nipping, cutting and tucking as it always had. It was in the early Nineties that a fresh, new breeze started to filter along the street’s 

clockwise from top left: henry poole; henry poole; savile row; BOTTOM IMAGES: Carre Ducker, the in house shoemaker at Gieves & Hawkes at 1 Savile Row

Feature | The mayfair Magazine

‘We were hated on Savile Row when we started. But I was trying to create something modern and classic’ – Richard James

image: henry poole

 Georgian terraces. In 1992, Richard James, an ambitious young tailor and former Browns staffer, launched his contemporary take on the craft. Suits were slimmed-down, colours that would previously have been in sobre navies and greys came in acid lime and electric pink. The final insult to the horrified Old Guard, he opened his store on weekends – something thought vulgar and ungentlemanly on this august stretch of retail. ‘We were hated on Savile Row when we started’, says James. ‘But I was trying to create something modern and classic.’ That he did, and others soon followed. Ozwald Boateng brought a youthful new edge to tailoring when he arrived in 1995, using his Ghanaian heritage and street-smart aesthetic to infuse Savile Row with a bold new mood. His suits embraced metallic weaves in the wool and came with neon bright linings for a flash of colour when the wearer reached for his wallet. ‘I think there should be a certain formality in the way a man dresses. A suit changes the way you feel, physically it changes your posture. It changes the way you hold yourself,’ he says. Today, the Old Guard of Savile Row sit side-byside with new luxury names. Lanvin came to the

street in 2008, bringing its impeccable and insouciant Paris style to this men’s store. Last year, the street saw a touching reunion, with the original fashion rebel Alexander McQueen’s debut men’s boutique. The late designer began his career cutting fabric at Gieves & Hawkes (and reportedly scrawled expletives into the lining of a jacket destined for Prince Charles) and razorsharp tailoring was a key component in his career. In bringing the label back to Savile Row, creative director Sarah Burton said, ‘This new store is like a homecoming.’ The rebellious spirit is still there in spades, however suits come embroidered with dragonflies or emblazoned with mosaic prints. Polite and professional this is not, and all the better for it. Historic brands are likewise finding new ways to reinvent themselves and add contemporary elements to their traditional identities. Gieves & Hawkes now boasts the state-of-the-art Gentleman’s Tonic grooming salon inside (complete with individual plasmascreen TVs at every grooming station) and last year Anderson & Sheppard launched a store in the area devoted to less formal attire – knitwear, trousers and accessories. The grand old gentleman that is Savile Row keeps strolling onward as stately as ever, with a perhaps just few minor tweaks to his uniform here and there.

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Scrubbing up well Feel a little blue? Do you keep catching colds and are generally rundown? Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hibernate and wait for spring; treat yourself to a wash, brush and scrub up. Nick Hammond does just that and discovers fine gentlemenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grooming may just be the answer to what ails you...

The mayfair Magazine | Feature

think I suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder. At this time of year, when the skies are leaden and my skin is depressingly white, I pine for the long, languorous afternoons of summer. Or even those dewdrop-laden, promise-filled mornings of spring. Just no more rain. Or wind. Or snow. In a recent attempt to snap myself out of this seasonal malady, I think I may have stumbled upon a remedy, which, although it may cost a few pennies, appears to be money considerably well spent. Firstly, I book myself into the barber of all barbers; Truefitt & Hill on St James’s Street. I feel better the moment I walk through the door. Decorum wafts through the place along with the cologne and the delightful home-brewed pre-shave oil. With quiet expertise, a team of three barbers snip and shave away solicitously. Ola, a charming girl originally from Lebanon, takes me under her wing and transforms both my appearance and my mood. I can’t remember the last time someone washed my hair – probably when I was a kid. It is instantly relaxing. A first-rate haircut later, then it’s time for a traditional straight razor shave. Providing it’s performed by an experienced practitioner, this bastion of male grooming is guaranteed to raise your spirits and self-esteem. Complete with hot towels and unctions of every hue, this is the finest wet shave I’ve ever had by a country mile; it is closer than a baby’s backside, with no rash, rawness or the slightest nick to go with it. I find it intriguing that perhaps little more than 50 years ago virtually every man in Western civilisation would have shaved in this fashion, yet now it is regarded with trepidation by the uninitiated. The ritual of traditional wet shaving with a straight razor demands thought, time and patience. And it is infinitely better for your skin – not to mention the environment – in comparison to the more favoured safety razor. Truefitt & Hill offers one-to-one tuition for

the would-be straight razor shaver, with all the accoutrements, oils, badger hairbrushes and ointments your heart could desire. And they’ll even polish your shoes at the same time. I strode out onto the street a new man, full of vim and purpose. A short distance down the road to Jermyn Street was my next destination. Floris is a perfumer of worldwide renown. But perhaps what is not quite so well known is, as well as the catalogue of classy scents it offers from its vaults, it also boasts a bespoke perfumery service. That means ladies – or indeed gentlemen – are able to create their very own scent, from scratch if necessary. I’ve never been a big fan of aftershave, finding the overpowering, off-the-shelf colognes far too sickly, so I considered myself a tough proposition for any would-be perfumer to impress. Shelagh Foyle took it all in her stride. After a warm greeting, she led me through a series of smelling exercises, using trademark scents from a delightful variety of antique medicine bottles. Because the sense of smell is so little understood past the basics, concocting favourite perfumes is more an art than a science. Foyle probes to find out a little of her client’s personality and preferences. What associations do you have with certain smells? Which do you tend to gravitate towards? Which are going 

Feature | The mayfair Magazine

‘Decorum wafts through the place along with the cologne and the delightful homebrewed pre-shave oil’

ABOVE: FLORIS; RIGHT: Truefitt & Hill

to lift and invigorate your day? I discover, for example, that I am one of a surprisingly large slice of humanity that can’t smell sandalwood; and that my instinctive preferences are to opt for light, citrus-focused scents, as opposed to those drowning in spice and musk. Once a series of ‘base’ or binding essences had been decided upon, Foyle guides me across another range of these building-block scents. And then it’s time for her to do her stuff. With the judicious use of a pipette and some scribbling and pondering, she finally offers her interpretation of my personal favourite. Spreading a drop of scent on the back of my hand, she advises me to let it warm up. When I take a sniff, it is a revelation. To my nose, the finished cologne is an elegant combination of citrus, ozone and sunshine. It reminds me of the purity of a Hebridean morning and the eager promise of a day’s foreign holiday. It’s called Havana Loch and it is now recorded, for antiquity, in the Floris ledgers. I can reorder it at my discretion. So, for that matter, can you. As I leave, my personalised bottle is packed and handed to me, complete with a printed list of its ingredients. By now, in contrast to my shuffling form of

this morning, I can saunter through Mayfair with a cheerful whistle, despite the howling wind that snatches at my scarf. I have hit upon the antidote to the winter blues. When I get back to my desk, there is a press release on it that claims gentlemen now spend more time every day grooming than women. I can jolly well see why! For the first time this winter, I’ve got some energy and vitality back and while that is largely a case of mind over matter, who cares? For the sake of a little extra spending and a little extra effort, I’ve transformed my seasonal slump. What’s more, I’ve transformed my regular grooming routine, too. Not a bad day’s work. Trufitt & Hill, 71 St James’s Street, London SW1A (020 7493 8496; info@truefittandhill.co.uk) Floris, 89 Jermyn Street, St. James’s, London SW1Y (020 7930 2885)

The latest offerings from Aston Martin – the DB9 and the Vanquish – are an impressive pair. But do they live up to a brand that has been defining roadside glamour for over a century? Richard Yarrow finds out

f you were picking the ideal day to test-drive a pair of brand new and very powerful 6.0-litre V12 sports cars, this would not have been it. I left my home in total darkness to drive to Aston Martin’s Warwickshire factory, opened the front door and triggered the outside security light. I was blinded by a blanket of white in every direction, including upwards. The first snow of the winter and a journey that should have taken two hours ended up being almost twice that. But passing through security at the Gaydon plant, just off the M40 north of Banbury, it’s hard not to be impressed by the setting – the long-and-low sand-coloured building that echo the profile of the cars assembled inside, the completely chromed Vantage V8 that sits on a plinth at the far side of the car park, the ‘Aston Martins only’ bays closest to the entrance doors that lead into the huge Aston Martin atrium. Taking the keys to my DB9, I walk back into the car park to witness the other end of the company’s product portfolio: a tiny Cygnet city car pulls up – a rather incongruous reminder of how European legislation can force the corporate hand. The DB9, in both coupé and Volante cabrio body styles, has been subtly reworked for 2013, with new styling features and more equipment. Externally there’s a new front-end look, plus a redesigned rear spoiler to increase aerodynamic downforce. Carbon ceramic brakes are now standard. Inside, the most obvious change is to the switchgear, which is now finished in smart-looking glass. A number of new options, including a leather headlining, lightweight seats and a rear-parking camera, are available. However, the biggest changes are to the V12. It has been substantially re-engineered for this car and the new Vanquish, and DB9 power goes up from 470bhp to 510bhp. The sense of theatre you get from owning an Aston Martin begins even before you get in the car. Pushing one end of the flush-fitting door handle to flick it out is an experience like no other. Sliding behind the wheel, there’s a simplicity to every Aston Martin dashboard layout that you don’t get with mass-produced supercars from rivals. Somehow everything looks and feels hand-finished, from the contrasting stitching in the leather to the trademark fly-off handbrake that’s always between the driver’s seat and the door. Pushing and holding the ignition key into the slot high up in the centre console, there’s a slight pause before the huge 

FOR T

The mayfair Magazine | Motoring

THE RID

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Motoring | The mayfair Magazine

 engine roars into life. Even on tickover it’s impressive and a twitch of the right foot confirms there’s plenty more to come. I’m not embarrassed to say I got a genuine tingle of excitement at seeing the monstrous rear haunches of the car as I adjusted the door mirrors. The snow-covered roads and appropriately cautious approach of other road users mean this is not going to be the test I had planned. I’d like to appreciate the extra 40bhp, but it is just not the day for adventurous motoring. But the DB9 remains a head-turningly good example of automotive creativity. It is hard not to dribble as I pull back into Gaydon an hour later. If the DB9 is Aston Martin’s mainstream sporting GT, the Vanquish is the pinnacle of its talents. A super grand tourer that showcases the very best of British design and engineering, the most potent production model the company has ever built with the exception of the ultra-exclusive One-77. From the low-slung carbon fibre-finished front end, to the fact it follows through to the side skirts and the matching door mirror stalks above, everything about this car screams sporting performance. With even more power than the DB9 – 565bhp, to be precise – the noise from the engine is even more aggressive when you fire it up. On the road it’s a monster; flick the steering wheel paddle to drop a gear, squeeze the throttle, listen as the roar becomes a truly awesome howl and watch out for the horizon arriving faster than you expect. It’s not perfect, though. I have to confess disappointment with the switchgear in the Vanquish. Some of the physical buttons have been swapped for the equivalent of smartphone touchscreen keys to activate the functions.

There’s supposed to be feedback into your finger to indicate you’ve pressed it but it passes me by, and the ‘button activated’ click is inaudible over the engine note. Despite its astonishing performance statistics – the Vanquish will hit 62mph in 4.1 seconds – these two new cars are very easy to drive at around-town speeds. Power isn’t delivered in a jerky or unpredictable fashion and it’s easy to forget you’re in control of something that will hit 180+mph if required.

‘A super grand tourer that showcases the very best of British design and engineering’ However, the interiors aren’t the most generous for taller drivers and the sculpted rear seats are comically small. You’ll need the space for storage if you’re going away for the weekend and want to take much more than a toothbrush, because the boot is very small. Anyone with a shoe size in double figures might find the pedals rather too close together, and visibility though the rear glass, particularly on the Volante drop-top, is woeful. But for most owners, these cars will be one of several in a fleet, so the downsides are tempered by choice. Buying an Aston Martin is an emotional decision to be based on the brand’s stunning design language, engineering prowess and attention to detail. The ‘final inspection’ plaque under the bonnet gives the name of the Aston Martin engineer who approved the car after production, illustrating the heritage of what you’re buying into. Long may it continue.

James Purdey & Sons Ltd. 57 - 58 South Audley Street, London W1K 2ED +44 (0)20 7499 1801 www.purdey.com

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The mayfair Magazine | Regulars

My life in MAYFAIR JO & JOANNA HANSFORD JO HANSFORD SALON

‘I think that everyone is proud of being in Mayfair. It is a very special place.’ – Jo Hansford

FROM TOP: JO AND JOANNA HANSFORD; FOOD FROM SCOTTS; a shoe by Christian Louboutin; JO HANSFORD SALON, South Audley Street

o Hansford MBE and her daughter Joanna share the same name, but behind the doors of their immaculate salon on South Audley Street, they are each other’s yin and yang. Jo, famed for her skills as a hair colourist and Joanna, known as the business brains of the salon, have worked together in Mayfair for two decades. Jo’s career began in Mayfair when she took a job at a salon on Davies Street, not long after leaving school at age 15. Two years later and countless heads shampooed, she moved to Vidal Sassoon on Bond Street to follow her dream of being a colourist. By 1993 it was time to open her own salon and Mayfair was the obvious choice. Her late husband, David, encouraged her to make the move, using his property contacts to find the perfect space on Mount Street. ‘There were nine units empty because it was in the recession in the early 1990s. Can you imagine nine free units in Mount Street? That will never happen again,’ says Jo. ‘It was all antique shops and art galleries.’ In 2012 it was time to move, but the Hansford duo were reluctant to venture too far from their location. When the opportunity arose on South Audley Street, the new salon, conveniently just around the corner, was established. For Jo and Joanna, Mayfair is not only part of the lifeblood of their business, but also their appetites. ‘Downstairs in Scott’s used to be a haunt for us. There used to be an amazing bar and we would go down there quaffing champagne until the early morning. We had many a night there,’ Joanna says. And as for fashion, Mount Street is also one of her favourite places to frequent. ‘It is quite an eclectic mix now. Louboutin is obviously amazing. Marc by Marc Jacobs is perfect for when clients come in and they are rushing and want a pedicure, people will just whizz down there and get some flip flops for next to nothing,’ she says. ‘It’s so nice because if people come on a Saturday, you’re in this lovely little tranquil spot of London and you literally walk up in the road and in five minutes you’ve got Selfridges, Bond Street, Oxford street – you’ve got everything around you and nothing is more than ten minutes away. You are in this lovely little pocket that does feel residential and very special. It is a particular type of atmosphere, a particular type of vibe.’ After receiving an MBE in 2010 and having a long list of celebrity clients, Jo Hansford remains admirably humble about her achievements. ‘Sometimes when I look across Grosvenor Square and I see our new salon I think, “That is my business!” It is quite surreal and we are very proud of it,’ Jo says. ‘When you walk down to Claridge’s it is very special, especially at Christmas. That is what Mayfair is all about; it’s the best of the best. It is the top of the Monopoly board and that’s where it should be and it’s what we all try to emulate. I think that everyone is proud of being in Mayfair. It is a very special place.’ 37

D SI DE SIGN GNER GN ER WED EDDI DING DI NG DRE R SS S ES S MAD ADE E TO MEA E SU SUR RE R E IN ITTAL ALY Y 81 1 E bu b ry S tr t reee e e t Lo Lon n d on S W nd W1 1 0 20 2 0 7 90 901 1 90 0 20 lee sp p o sed ed d ig i io o .cc om om

The mayfair Magazine | Regulars

Couture

culture It’s a fashionable month with a new scent from Frederic Malle, Louis Vuitton’s iconic handbags and toe-tapping evenings at Claridge’s W O R D S : k at e racovol i s

When Fashion Week arrives in London a distinct buzz takes over the city. In its aftermath, a flurry of excitement is left for the trends-to-be. Take inspiration from Lanvin’s S/S13 show – we loved Karlie Kloss’ seductively dark demeanour as she stalked down the catwalk dressed in this sleek black dress (right). Collate your thoughts onto the pages of Fashionary – part notebook and part fashion dictionary (with fashion publications, types of dresses, tops, shoes and trousers to name just a few) – this stylish dossier is an item to keep and treasure. This month we’re also in awe of Louis Vuitton’s Epi Monogram collection, a selection of wallets and handbags made in iconic monogram canvas. The added hints of colour are a glamorous way to welcome spring. Step into Dries Van Noten’s leather-scented world with a few sprays of Frederic Malle par Dries Van Noten – a fragrance that Malle designed to emulate Dries Van Noten’s multi-faceted world in a single bottle. The fragrance has unusual but surprisingly harmonious ingredients, with sandalwood, Santal Mysore, vanilla and Peruvian balm among other woody notes. But March isn’t just about traipsing around town looking fabulous. See the Bernadette Corporation’s 2000 Wasted Years retrospective exhibition at the Institute of Contemporary Art – an eclectic mix of images, graphics, videos, prints and merchandise from the past 19 years. The Bernadette Corporation was established in the early nineties in New York, which saw opportunity in alternative art in a world obsessed with Calvin Klein and Kate Moss, but marred by recession. For another dose of culture, see Peter and Alice, a play about an encounter between a girl and a boy at the opening of a Lewis Caroll exhibition in 1932. Starring Dame Judi Dench, the play marks her long-awaited return to the stage – we cannot wait to welcome her back to the West End. Directed by the famed Michael Grandage, this is perfect for your next night out on your calendar. The start of spring sees a host of cultural activities and while you are feeling nostalgic with all of the above, turn the clock back all the way to the Roaring Twenties as Claridge’s is hosting Charleston classes this month – for your fashionable inner diva.

from top: Bernadette Corporation: 2000 Wasted Years at the Institute of Contemporary Art, Image: BC Reloaded, 2012, Bernadette Corporation with Benjamin Alexander Huseby, Courtesy the artist; Lanvin S/S13; Peter and Alice, Noel Coward Theatre, WC2H, Tickets from £10 (www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk); Image © Louis Vuitton Malletier - Louis Vuitton Mini Mon Amour collection, From £460 (www.louisvuitton.co.uk); Dries Van Noten par Frederic Malle Editions de Parfums, £110 for 50mL, available from Liberty London (www.liberty. co.uk); Fashionary, From £17.50 (fashionary.org); left: Claridge’s Charleston Masterclasses, £125, Image courtesy of Claridge’s (www.claridges.co.uk)

www.vgnewtrend.it

ph. Andrea Pancino C

VG Studio at

inspirations vision

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design

www.idesign-int.com info@inspirationsoftickhill.co.uk Tel: 01302 760040

The mayfair Magazine | Art

Q&A with…

Art news Artists in the area have looked further afield than Mayfair for inspiration this month

Guy Taplin whose bird sculptures will be shown at Messum’s this month Q: Where does your inspiration come from? A: It seems to emerge unconsciously, though I look very acutely at nature – I love it and embrace it. There are lots of birds on the tidal river by my Essex village and I make frequent visits to a fishing village in Portugal, where the varied boats and the bird life have a very powerful effect on me.

The love of Italy Candida Höfer is the latest photographer to fall for the beauty of Italian culture in her first solo show. Beautiful architecture and furnishings – such as in Teatro La Fenice di Venezia – provided glorious subject matter, but Höfer chose to present the fine interiors of Northern Italy’s palaces, opera houses, libraries and theatres as cavernous public spaces, devoid of any people at all. In doing so, she focuses our attention on the celebration of man’s achievements through design, while questioning the relevance of grand but empty buildings. Candida Hofer: A Return to Italy runs from 12 February – 12 April at Ben Brown Fine Arts (www.benbrownfinearts.com)

Life on the streets José Parlá’s multi-layered background incorporates Cuban parentage, a Florida upbringing and a New York-based working life, so it is unsurprising that his range expresses a fascination with both multiple layers of history and daily life on the streets. Using maps to lead him through unfamiliar city streets, he develops a distinct type of travelogue through photographs, found objects, and printed matter acquired on his travels, adding notes of his responses along the way. Back in his studio, these are regurgitated into abstract paintings, works on paper, photographs and sculptures – a fascinating collage of 21st century street life. ‘José Parlá: Broken Languages’ runs from 8 February – 28 March at The Haunch of Venison (www.haunchofvenison.com)

Q: Is there a reason for sculpting mostly with found wood rather than new? A: It’s important to me that my wood has had a previous use. I love driftwood, abandoned clinker boats that I break up and recycle, also outside doors that have cracked and weathered enough to blister the paint and rust the old fixings. New wood is uniform and stable, so it is ideal for my larger groups of birds. Q: The birds are wonderfully lifelike but do you stylise them to exaggerate or inject light humour? A: Because my ideas come from within, I suddenly get a feeling about certain features, such as curves and beaks, then accentuate them. But I always aim for simplicity and leave viewers to fill in details and engage with the birds. I don’t take photographs, I use nature and books and do quick ‘doodle sketching’ in my studio until I arrive at something that pleases me. Q: Do your collectors favour particular breeds? A: I think the sea or shore birds are popular because they’re group birds that people don’t see much, particularly in their gardens. Also, the birds or backgrounds I paint in strong colours seem to attract people too. Guy Taplin 2013 runs from 6 February – 16 March at Messum’s (www.messums.com) 41

MAIN IMAGE: Teatro La Fenice Di Venezia V 2011. BY Candida Höfer, © 2013 Candida Höfer, VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn. Courtesy of Ben Brown Fine Arts; LEFT: Signs of Times ChaNging AND Cuchillo (Knife) BY José Parlá; ABOVE: Twenty Scarlet Ibis BY Guy Taplin, b. 1939

W O R D S : C A R O L C O R D R EY

Exhibition Focus:

Lifework

As the National Theatre pays tribute to the father of modern fashion photography Norman Parkinson, Carol Cordrey looks back on the life of the man who changed an industry

Fashion models wear a variety of hats on the roof of the Condé Nast Building against a view of the New York skyline, 1949 Corbis/© Norman Parkinson Ltd/Courtesy Norman Parkinson Archive; clockwise from left: Ava Gardner Corbis/© Norman Parkinson Ltd/Courtesy Norman Parkinson Archive; Katherine Pastrie modelling a Bernard Devaux Hat, Queen 1960 Corbis/© Norman Parkinson Ltd/Courtesy Norman Parkinson Archive; Model wearing a Legroux Soeurs Hat, 1952 Corbis/© Norman Parkinson Ltd/Courtesy Norman Parkinson Archive

The mayfair Magazine | Art

is photography epitomised glamour and made him one of the most celebrated photographers of the 20th century. After WWII and the years of dreary austerity, Norman Parkinson’s work created a fabulous fashion image that played a crucial role in giving the British people a much-needed boost to their self-esteem and helped to re-establish the country’s image worldwide as a truly Great Britain. Parkinson (1913-1990) was the son of a wealthy barrister. His father sent him to Westminster School but, instead of an academic career, Parkinson took the route to an apprenticeship with Speights & Son, a society photographer in Bond Street. By the mid-1930s he had set up a studio in Dover Street with Norman Kibblewhite and established a reputation for distinctive

‘Parkinson’s unusual style caught the attention of Vogue editors and commissions flowed in from the fashion bible’ portraiture, but he also undertook fashion and portraiture photography for Harper’s Bazaar. During WWII he served with the RAF as a

reconnaissance photographer. Parkinson – affectionately known as Parks – was an unusual, irascible character with a uniquely artistic eye, plenty of charm and a fabulous sense of humour. He rebelled against the tradition of static studio portraits and sought a more lively, outdoor image, such as those he had admired by Hungarian photographer, Martin Munkácsi. Parkinson’s unusual style caught the attention of Vogue editors and commissions flowed in from the fashion bible. The simple outdoors was not for Parkinson; he wanted to create excitement and glamour and banish the mood of austerity in post-war Britain, so Africa and the Caribbean were typical of his choice of exotic shoot locations. His models did not just stand and stare at the camera – Parkinson liked to show them enjoying the world by walking, jumping, laughing, talking on the phone or even sitting on an ostrich and he used dramatic lighting to highlight their features and their gorgeous clothes. He discovered several highprofile models, including Nena von Schlebrugge and Celia Hammond, and went on to make them iconic figures in the world of fashion. Celebrities such as Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, David Bowie, Jerry Hall and the Beatles had some of their most famous images taken by Parkinson and he was the photographer of choice for the wedding of Princess Anne to Captain Mark Phillips, as well as to the late Queen Mother. It was a distinguished career that spanned nearly seven decades and earned him a CBE and a knighthood. Almost fittingly, he died whilst on a photographic assignment in Singapore. Lifework: Norman Parkinson’s Century of Style runs from 1 March – 12 May at the National Theatre (www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/exhibitions)

Dynasty of

decadence This month, the V&A will celebrate the 400th anniversary of Russia’s majestic Romanov dynasty with its new Treasures of the Royal Courts exhibit. Rebecca Wallersteiner explores our lasting love affair with Russian extravagance

ast meets west at the V&A this Spring. Treasures of the Royal Courts: Tudors, Stuarts and the Russian Tsars will be the first exhibition to explore Britain’s longstanding relationship with Russia and the cultural conversation between both countries, spanning 400 years in total. ‘We are staging this show as a joint effort with the Kremlin Armouries Museum, as part of an ongoing Anglo-Russian cultural exchange celebrating the 400th anniversary of Russia’s colourful Romanov dynasty, and the close links between our two countries 

The mayfair Magazine | Art

LEFT: THE DACRE BULL; ABOVE: Hampden portrait of Elizabeth I

BELOW, FROM LEFT: Armour of Henry VIII; WATER POT; RIGHT: Portrait of Tsar Mikhail Fedorovich

that stretch back to the 16th century,’ says curator, Tessa Murdoch, deputy keeper of Sculpture, Metalwork, Ceramics and Glass at the V&A. It has taken Murdoch four years to gather together 150 extraordinary treasures given to foreign royalty and diplomats in the period 1509 to 1685. These glorious objects reveal the outstanding skills of the courtly craftsmen who made them and the personalities of those who commissioned and gave them. ‘We are delighted to be able to bring together such extraordinary treasures from both museums in this historic year for Russia,’ says Martin Roth, the V&A’s director. Treasures lent to the V&A by the Kremlin include 20 fantastical silver pieces, sumptuous textiles and clothing, exquisite miniatures, portraits and luxurious jewellery. The exhibition also aims to study the important role of heraldry in displaying royal status and strength during the 16th and 17th seventeenth centuries. So what were the Romanovs like? Historian, Simon Sebag Montefiore, an expert on Imperial Russia says that the Romanov tsars, emperors and empresses, whose dynasty lasted for 300 years, led ‘bejewelled, blood-spattered lives of unimaginable brutality and extravagance’. This was an era peopled by heroic, brilliant statesmen, soldiers and reformers – as well as murderers, monsters, nymphomaniacs, megalomaniacs and lunatics. It was Ivan the Terrible, in the 16th century, who was the first of the Grand Dukes of Muscovy to be titled ‘Tsar’ – or Caesar – but the real beginning of the Romanov dynasty came in 1613, after Russia had been beset by civil war – a period

known as the ‘Times of Troubles’. ‘At this time, Russian royal wives and mistresses led lives of decadent idleness and unbelievable luxury,’ adds Sebag Montefiore. Throughout this period the tsars, kings and queens showcased their country’s greatness through the splendid flamboyance of their court, dress and possessions. And the wild, adventurous Russians always managed to outdo us with their extravagant material glamour. Visiting English diplomats to the early Romanov court reported being dazzled by the neverending parade of ermine, glistening gold and diamonds that even the male courtiers were wearing all over their clothes and hats.

‘The Romanov tsars and emperors led bejewelled, blood-spattered lives of unimaginable brutality and extravagance’ ‘But the flamboyance of the Russian court scarcely concealed the brutality underneath its glittering surface,’ says Sebag Montefiore. The awe-inspiring possessions on display in the exhibit tell the colourful stories of the dramatic personalities of brilliant leaders who commissioned them as gifts to forge links between their countries. At the heart of the exhibition, Murdoch has chosen to display 20 spectacular British and French silver pieces, which were given to successive Russian tsars. ‘If they had remained in England or France, these exquisitely beautiful objects would have almost certainly been melted down by Charles I or King Louis XIV to finance wars,’ he says. It is extraordinary that

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this collection managed to survive not only the 18th century French Revolution, but also the annihilation of the Romanov family, both World Wars and Stalinist Russia in the 20th century. Inspired by classical rulers, the leaders of both countries turned to the Roman Empire for symbols of power, adopting the Roman eagle and the lion to emphasise their own growing power to impress foreign courtly visitors. Murdoch has chosen to include The Kynge’s Beestes – the only stone lions known to have survived from Henry VIII’s royal palaces. ‘One of my favourite astonishing objects is The Leopard Ewer – sculptural in its beauty,’ says Murdoch. It would have stood on a buffet table and the heads come off to fill with wine. It was made in the early 1600s, possibly as a gift for Elizabeth I and its survival is extraordinary.’ Another stunning piece is the exquisite, finely-crafted Dolphin silver basin made in 1635 by Christiaen van Vianen, a favourite silversmith of both Charles I and Charles II. After enjoying a lavish, multi-course dinner the King would have rinsed his sticky fingers in this exquisite Dolphin basin. The silver basin inspired the V&A to commission a contemporary silversmith, Miriam Hanid, to create a modern vase for the exhibition, which will be displayed alongside the objects that inspired it. Also on display will be the Dacre Beasts, a group of fantastical animals, including a griffin, a crowned dolphin and a bull holding a flag bearing the armorial crest of the powerful Dacre family. ‘We have also borrowed a stuffed pelican from Tring – the home of the Rothschild family – to represent the heraldic emblem of the pelican and the pair of live pelicans given to Britain in 1662 by the Russian ambassador,’ says Murdoch. These pelicans settled down to nest in their new home in St. James’s Park, where their successors remain today. Other highlights include The Hampden Portrait of Elizabeth I (1560), a rarely shown depiction of the Virgin Queen that Murdoch has chosen for the cover for her exhibition guide. No less

glorious is the majestic Portrait of Tsar Mikhail Fedorovich mounted on a horse (1670-80), lent by Moscow and the dazzling 17th century Barbour Jewel. It has taken Murdoch four years to organise bringing these priceless treasures to London. Their transport was made possible by support from the Russian entrepreneur Ziyavudin Magomedov, founder of the Summa Group and the Vnesheconombank. ‘People don’t generally realise how far back our cultural and trade links with Moscow extend,’ says Murdoch. This year promises to be a special one for Anglo-Russian relations, with further Russian exhibits to come next year. ‘Treasures of the Royal Courts: Tudors, Stuarts and the Russian Tsars’ runs from 9 March – 14 July 2013, Victoria and Albert Museum, South Kensington (www.vam.ac.uk) Exhibition Book: ‘Treasures of the Royal Courts; Tudors, Stuarts and Russian Tsars,’ edited by Tessa Murdoch and Olga Dmitrieva, £30, V&A Publishing.

578 KINGS ROAD LONDON SW6 2DY WWW.GUINEVERE.CO.UK

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BONHAMS | PRIZE LOT Vladimir Tretchikoff’s Chinese Girl

image: courtesy of bonhams

ailed as the most reproduced fine art print in the world, the original painting of the Chinese Girl is an icon of 1950s British pop culture. At the latter end of his artistic career, Tretchikoff claimed that the painting had sold half a million reproductions worldwide. Otherwise known as the Green Lady, due to the model’s iconic green-blue skin tone, Tretchikoff experimented with the opalescent possibilities of his colour palette – the luminescent skin tone juxtaposing with the scarlet red of her lips, framed by her shining black hair. The muse for the painting was MonikaSing Lee, who was working at her uncle’s launderette in Sea Point, Cape Town. Tretchikoff had a personal investment in this painting, as his early years were spent in Harbin and Shanghai, which explains his inherent understanding of Chinese culture and perhaps the success of Chinese Girl. The artist’s value has risen exponentially over his 20-year trajectory – Portrait of Lenka recently achieved a new world record at Bonhams, selling for £337,250. Millions of people have adorned their walls with a lithograph of this painting and the original is a lasting representative of a bygone era. (www.bonhams.com)

Particulars: Expected Value (item): £300,000 - £500,000 Expected Value (auction): £4 - £6 million Estimated Range: £2,000 - £500,000 No. of Lots: 350 Place: New Bond Street, London Date: 20 March 49

The mayfair Magazine | Art

christie’S | PRIZE LOT The Three Graces by Antonio Canova

n the 4th century BC, virtuoso sculptor Praxiteles, created the alluring image of The Three Graces, which has captured the hearts of artists and onlookers ever since. This exquisite marble composition by the prolific neoclassical sculptor, Antonio Canova, depicts the three nymphs; Aglaia, Euphrosyne and Thalia – the daughters of Zeus, as well as the handmaidens of Venus. It was thought that they bought joy and goodwill to both Gods and mortals, and were key figures prevalent in mythology and art presiding over dances and leisurely banquets. The Three Graces represent the three phases of love; beauty, arousing desire, then fulfilment. Canova adapted this composition to evoke a more erotic tone by twisting the central figure – one woman faces the onlooker directly while the other sisters lean closer together, creating a more seductive embrace. The marble sculpture was first commissioned at the dawn of the 19th century by the first Empress of France Joséphine de Beauharnais and is now kept in the Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg. His second version was created for sixth Duke of Bedford and this lot was modelled on the commission. The Three Graces perfectly captures the allure of the nymphs who are renowned in mythology and art. (www.christies.com)

Particulars: Expected Value (item): £150,000 - £250,000 Expected Value (auction): £3 million Estimated Range: £80,000 - £250,000 No. of Lots: 248 image: christie’s images ltd.

Place: King Street, London Date: 14 March 51

P L E A S E E N J OY O U R C H A M PA G N E R E S P O N S I B LY DRINKAWARE .CO.UK

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SOTHEBY’S | PRIZE LOT The ‘Endangered Species’ project by Andy Warhol

ndy Warhol was an artist who undoubtedly had his finger on the pulse of modern culture. With prints depicting the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Liz Taylor and Muhammed Ali, Warhol was the leader of pop art. His description of the Endangered Species project was simple; the canvases depicted ‘animals in make-up’. The series of ten vibrant prints were the outcome of a conversation he had with long-term environmental and political activists Ronald and Frayda Feldman, who were also his New York art dealers. According to the Feldmans, the inspiration for the prints came from a discussion concerning the ecological issue of beach erosion as well as Warhol’s curiosity and deep interest in animals. The lithographs portray the various animals looking majestic while also conveying a poignant expression suggestive of their fate. Using bold colours, characteristic of his

signature style, the prints are immediately striking and capture the beauty of animals that are still fighting for survival around the world. The series includes the Siberian Tiger, the African Elephant, the Bald Eagle and the Giant Panda, among others. Individual prints from the Endangered Species set are as sought after as the celebrity canvases, which made Warhol renowned in his early career and the full set are extremely rare. (www.sothebys.com)

Particulars: Expected Value (item): £250,000 - £300,000 Expected Value (auction): £3.23 - 4.63 million Estimated Range: £3,000 - £350,000 No. of Lots: 180 Place: New Bond Street, London Date: 19 March

IMAGES: © SOTHEBY’S

New Zinc showroom now open 1 Chelsea Wharf, 15 Lots Road, London SW10 0QJ

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09/03/2012 16:51

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Designers do time T

he first watch to be inscribed with the name Hermès was sold in 1928 from the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré boutique. By 1945, Hermès was developing its first wrist watches with leading Swiss watchmakers including Jaeger-LeCoultre and Audemars Piguet. More recently, other French fashion houses have followed in their wake. In 2005, Dior celebrated the 13th anniversary of its timepieces and, in April of that year, its Chiffre Rouge collection was recognised at Baselworld. Chanel established its wristwatch division in 1987 but it wasn’t until the release of the J12 that watches became a recognised Chanel marque. Burberry joined the watch brigade in 2012 with the launch of The Britain for men and women (right).

Swiss movement, English heart

Made in Switzerland / Worldwide limited edition of only 100 pieces / Sellita SW 200-1 self-winding ĂŠlabore movement / 38 hour power reserve / 43mm 316L surgical-grade, hand-polished stainless steel case / Anti-reflective sapphire crystal / Galvanic blue one-piece metal dial / Premium-grade Louisiana alligator deployment strap

035_ChristopherWard_Vantage.indd 1

08/02/2013 10:07

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

A very English affair It seems opening their flagship store in Mayfair last summer has only fuelled the Bremont boys’ commitment to bringing watch manufacturing back to the UK. Co-founders Nick and Giles English have just announced the launch of their brand’s new watchmaking facility in Henley-on-Thames. ‘Britain has an illustrious history of watchmaking and considerable engineering talent for us to utilise; we intend to make the most of it,’ says Giles. The company will be assembling and finishing off key movement and case components in the beautiful oak-framed building. Bremont, 29 South Audley Street, W1K (www.bremont.com)

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

‘Made of liquid metal, water resistant to 600 metres and featuring a decompression system, the ‘Planet Ocean Big Size’ was built to be taken to the extremes. It looks handsome in the boardroom too’ Seamaster Planet Ocean Big Size, £5,460, Omega (www.omegawatches.com)

THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS Greubel Forsey announced the launch of two new novelties at January’s Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie: the brand’s first timepiece with a titanium case and rubber strap, the Double Tourbillon Technique Black caught our attention, but it was the Art Piece 1 which left us awestruck. Although still a work in progress, by incorporating a micro-sculpture by British artist Willard Wigan within its case, the timepiece typifies the artistic approach to watchmaking for which Greubel Forsey has become famous. This timepiece will be customised according to the wishes of the collector who can choose the micro sculpture inside. (www.greubelforsey.com) Captured in Complications A grandfather of the watch industry, Girard-Perregaux has been pushing the boundaries of watchmaking since 1791. Testament to its craftsmanship is the newest addition to the 1966 Collection. Comprising the three complications from which it takes its name, the Girard-Perregaux 1966 Minute Repeater, Annual Calendar and Equation of Time Watch (£209,000) can’t fail to impress those with an interest in mechanical watchmaking. Just take a deep breath before you say its name. (www.girard-perregaux.com) 57

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Made in

eorge Daniels’ death in October 2011 triggered widespread mourning in the watch world. A year later, as Sotheby’s auctioned his personal collection of watches and clocks, the industry braced itself for the sale of one of the most important collections ever assembled; so revered was Daniels’ talent for watchmaking that the 130-plus piece lot achieved more than £8.2 million. In the passing of Daniels, Britain lost the man behind the co-axial escapement, a mechanism considered the most important horological development for 250 years and one of few modern watchmakers who could create a complete watch by hand. The industry he left in his wake, however, is anything but ailing. Indeed, as anyone who attended SalonQP will testify, the sector is experiencing something of a revolution. There, in the confines of the Saatchi Gallery, the UK’s only fine watch exhibition showcased an impressive array of horological delights. While the international offering stretched from Bulgari to Zenith, noteworthy was the presence of so many British brands. In addition to Bremont, Robert Loomes and Schofield, Speake-Marin was on hand to promote the best of British while the Meridian Watch Company’s attendance heralded the entrance of a new watchmaking marque altogether. A brand not at SalonQP (selling directly to consumers online rather than to wholesalers) but as instrumental in the revival of British watchmaking as any that were, is Christopher Ward. Now celebrating its eighth year, the company sold more than 15,000 watches in 2012, one in every five to the American market. What, then, has spurned this international interest in British watchmaking? Christopher

As an industry returns to its roots, British watchmaking continues to go from strength to strength. Richard Brown meets Christopher Ward co-founder, Mike France, to find out why

Ward co-founder, Mike France, believes it lies in the kudos that surrounds our luxury brands. ‘Britain has always had a reputation for highquality craftsmanship, a singular approach to design and a well-established ‘old money’ relationship with luxury. I think many people are rather tired and embarrassed by the bling approach of many watch brands and see the more relaxed, understated approach of British brands as increasingly appealing.’ Christopher Ward’s unique business approach – the company aims to make ‘the cheapest most expensive watches in the world’ by keeping marketing costs to a minimum – has made bespoke movements available at much lower price points than their Swiss counterparts currently offer. In the C9 Jumping Hour and C900 Single Pusher Chronograph, for example, customers can acquire luxury timepieces at prices that until now haven’t been possible – probably one of the reasons why Christopher Ward has been the fastest-growing British luxury watch brand for the past seven years. The British watchmaking industry is ‘going to grow at an increasingly fast rate,’ says France. ‘More young people will see watchmaking as a viable career. If we can turn that growing interest into college courses, apprenticeships and eventually real jobs, then after five years we may have created a platform for sustainable growth and the eventual re-establishment of Britain as an important watchmaking centre.’ France is quick to point out that this is still a long way off but then again, rewind the clock ten years; few would have bet on the UK’s watchmaking industry becoming a serious business in a decade. (www.christopherward.co.uk)

‘The British watchmaking industry is going to grow at an increasingly fast rate; and more young people will see watchmaking as a viable career.’ – Mike France, Christopher Ward 58

The mayfair Magazine | Collection

#3 #2

Brown in town For him

#11

This spring, ignore the saying and break the sartorial rules

#6 #7 #10

#1 Radiomir 1940 Oro Rosso 42mm, approximately £14,240, Panerai (www.panerai.com) #2 Burgundy Napa glove, £195, Dunhill (www.dunhill.co.uk) #3 Travel bag, £1,859, Tyler Alexandra (www.tyleralexandra.com) #4 Nodding bulldog cufflinks, £69.95, Paul Smith, 84-86 Sloane Avenue #5 Tradition Minute Repeater Tourbillon Chronograph, £339,830, Audemars Piguet (www.audemarspiguet.com) #6 Croc print belt, £99.95 Harrods of London (www.harrods.com) #7 Gold knot enamel cufflinks, £4,265, Deakin and Francis (www.deakinandfrancis.co.uk) #8 Twill spot tie and handkerchief set, £149 Harrods of London (as before) #9 Black bee cufflinks, £259, Deakin and Francis (as before) #10 Anthony messenger bag, £550, Mulberry (www.mulberry.com) #11 Paisley iPad case, £179, Etro (www.etro.com) 59

Earlier this year, horolophile Timothy Barber travelled to Geneva for Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie, the event that launches the watchmaking industry’s packed annual calendar

very January, the cavernous halls of the Palexpo, a huge, brutalist exhibition centre hulking above the motorway next to Geneva Airport, are given over to some of the most delicate, microscopically realised feats of human craftsmanship imaginable. The Salon Internationale de la Haute Horlogerie (or SIHH if you don’t relish Gallic tongue-twisters) is a trade show for those dealing in wristwatches with price tags so lofty they induce nosebleeds. It’s Fashion Week for horolophiles and the first place to spot some of the most important new pieces of wrist candy. Most of the 16 brands displaying their wares at SIHH belong to luxury behemoth Richemont Group (including Cartier, Panerai and Jaeger-LeCoultre) while a few independent houses come along too, like Audemars Piguet and Richard Mille. Last year it was all about China, since only the Chinese were buying

watches. 2012 being the Year of the Dragon, you couldn’t move for bejewelled monsters curling round the dials of collector-edition timepieces. Then, of course, the Chinese economy put the brakes on and suddenly there isn’t a dragon, snake (2013 is the Year of the Snake) or other Chinese zodiacal beasty to be seen, bejewelled or otherwise. Instead the watch industry has got cautious. It’s sticking (mostly) to the tried and tested, playing things down, keeping things sensible. Watches are getting smaller. Those giant wrist carbuncles of a few years ago are becoming rare; even Panerai, the brand that defined the big-watch trend, produced a very fetching 42mm piece, the Radiomir 1940 PAM00512, that sits perfectly snugly on a smaller wrist. Smaller still, at 40mm, was the entry-level new watch in IWC’s Ingenieur range. The Ingenieur (engineer) family is IWC’s tough, 

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 industrial-looking tool watch collection that received its look in the 1970s thanks to uber-designer Gérald Genta. The whole range has been rebooted to mark IWC’s partnership with the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 team – there are racy chronographs, highlyengineered ceramic pieces, a collectors’ item with a socking great tourbillon in the dial, and a very sporty version made of carbon

‘Fashion Week for horolophiles, SIHH is the first place to spot some of the most important new pieces’

OPENING IMAGE: Montblanc, TimeWalker WorldTime Hemispheres; ABOVE: A. Lange & Söhne, 1815 Up/Down; RIGHT: IWC, Ingenieur Automatic 40mm

fibre, the stuff used for the bodywork of F1 cars. But it’s that entry-level 40mm job, a harkening back to the style and easily wearable size of Genta’s original, which really nails the form/ function equation. Baume & Mercier, Richemont’s junior brand (in price point terms) produced the only entirely new family of watches this year, under the name Clifton. These are rather suave, traditional pieces that will make great all-round options for those needing an everyday watch for the office. Collectors can shell out for the gorgeous pink gold model with an exclusive handwound movement. There’s much to be said for hand-wound watches, actually, despite the enjoyable frisson of an automatic watch’s rotor swinging around. Hand-wound pieces bring that little bit of interaction and effort, while their rotor-free, asymmetric movements have their own aesthetic charms. That’s particularly the case when your handwound watch is made by A. Lange & Söhne Germany’s little haute horology specialist that’s fast pulling away from the traditional watchmaking crowd.

Its watches are sensationally handsome, and its new 1815 Up/Down, which gives you the time on the main dial and adds two sub-dials in the bottom half of the watch for the seconds and a power reserve, was for me easily the most attractive watch of the fair. Then, of course, there’s that whole other strata of watches where haute horology brands don’t so much throw caution to the wind as fire it out of a cannon and run away laughing hysterically. Take, for example, the new watch from Richard Mille designed for Yohan Blake, the second fastest sprinter in the world. On first sight it’s a green, plastic trinket in an odd shape containing peculiar luminous green bridges that fan out like a claw. But it’s not plastic and it’s no trinket: made from high-tech translucent composite injected with carbon nanotubes, if you please, it’s strong and ultra-light, with an intricate tourbillon movement inside. Those bridges are meant to resemble a claw (Blake’s trademark gesture). It’ll cost you £438,000. Perhaps the craziest watch of the show came from the reliably eccentric Roger Dubuis stable: the humongous Quatuor comes with four separate, tilted escapement wheels, which somehow balance each other out to improve accuracy. We say: why stop at four? Perhaps this can become the Gilette razor of insane horology – I want SIX escapements, Roger Dubuis, do you hear me? By the way, there’s a version with a case made of silicon that’ll set you back well over a million pounds. Lastly, a trend from last year continues into 2013: traveller watches which display either a second time zone or else all 24 time zones at once, are all the rage. Ralph Lauren’s all-blue Sporting World Time is perhaps the brand’s coolest watch yet, while Montblanc produced different world-timers for different hemispheres. Jaeger-LeCoultre wins the travel watch prize, however, for its Duomètre Unique Travel Time, that elevates the extra time zone function into something rare, collectible and beautiful. And that, in many ways, is what SIHH is all about.

The mayfair Magazine | Collection

Get the look Be inspired by the catwalks this season with bold new trends to accessorise your new S/S looks Words: Olivia Sharpe

Je t’aime large gunmetalplated Swarovski crystal collar necklace, £5,250, Erickson Beamon (www.net-a-porter.com)

#1 Wild side

Embrace the bohemian glamour seen on the Versace runway this season with tassel earrings and plenty of fringing Vintage hoop tassel drop earrings, £65, Jamie Jewellery (www.jamiejewellery.co.uk)

#2 Choked up

Follow Alexander McQueen’s lead with jewelled chokers guaranteed to steal the show

Tess Necklace, £593 Dannijo (kabiri.co.uk)

Sequin chain cuff, £277.65 B*+S (www.farfetch.com)

Faceted glass cluster necklace £58, Butler & Wilson (www.butlerandwilson.co.uk)

Fringe bracelet, £515 Versace (www.versace.com)

Versace S/S13

Alexander McQueen S/S13

The mayfair Magazine | Collection

#4 Bigger is better

Gold metal Lock Me cuff £605, Louis Vuitton (www.louisvuitton.co.uk)

Earrings were attention-grabbing at Etro and Dolce & Gabbana this season, with multicoloured, super-sized pieces grazing shoulders

Beaded hoop earrings, £90 Isabel Marant (www.net-a-porter.com)

Silver cuff, from a selection, Etro (www.etro.com)

Tribal patchwork palladiumplated Swarovski crystal earrings, £355 Erickson Beamon (www.net-a-porter.com)

Silver-dipped lace cuff £600, Aurélie Bidermann (www.net-a-porter.com)

#3 Colossal cuffs

Flash crystal and horn clip earrings, £255, Marni (www.marni.com)

Pair a simple outfit with a stone-studded, metallic cuff for a bold, statement look

Long crystal double pear shape drop earrings, £58 Butler & Wilson (www.butlerandwilson.co.uk)

Gold-plated quartz and crystal cuff, £660 Emilio Pucci (www.emiliopucci.com) above: Dolce & Gabbana S/S13 left: Versace s/s13

Collection | The mayfair Magazine

Jewellery news Unusual engagement rings, lockable love tokens from Louis Vuitton and earrings worthy of Elizabeth Taylor WORDS: OLIVIA SHARPE

Black swan An aquamarine and pearl suite belonging to the ‘black pearl’ of the ballet world, Tamara Toumanova, will be one of the star performers at the BADA Fine Art & Antiques Fair, taking place between 13 and 19 March. Her dark eyes and raven black hair provided the perfect backdrop for this exquisite Ruser Suite, designed by jeweller to many of Hollywood’s leading ladies William Ruser, around 1950. The design can be instantly attributable to Ruser, who was well-known for his use of freshwater pearls in the 1950s and 1960s. Each piece is entirely mounted with off-set aquamarines and pearls in the form of stylised mimosa flowers. As well as Toumanova, Ruser also supplied pieces to Hollywood star and jewellery aficionado Elizabeth Taylor, a pair of whose own Ruser earrings recently fetched an impressive $698,500 at auction ($648,500 over the high estimate). The Suite will be on sale at the Fair through Sandra Cronan. BADA Fine Art & Antiques Fair, 13-19 March, Duke of York Square, SW3 (www.bada-antiques-fair.co.uk)

CUTTING EDGE Glittering and gorgeous, Leviev has achieved the near impossible for a luxury jeweller; the company produces jewellery that is not only high-end but also possesses innate fashion sensibility. The pieces, while always glamorous and classic, have that added flamboyant edge which make them truly unique.

‘For an engagement ring with personality, look to Leviev for its collection of flower rings, comprising blue and petal-shaped white diamonds, or the cluster rings with a stunning central stone’ Diamond engagement ring, from a selection, Leviev (www.leviev.com) 66

LV Lockit Legend has it that love padlocks first originated in Hungary more than 80 years ago but recently they have spread around the world. In Paris, couples have been sealing their love for years by attaching ‘love locks’ to the railings of the Pont des Arts bridge and Louis Vuitton has drawn inspiration from these with its latest Lockit collection. Comprising 15 pieces in 18-karat yellow, rose and grey gold, including pendants, rings and bracelets, each item features the rendered padlock inscribed with the LV logo. This is not the first time the house has been inspired by the love padlocks, which were attached to the original Louis Vuitton steamer trunks. (www.louisvuitton.co.uk) New Ownership Swatch Group recently became the proud owner of luxury jewellery company Harry Winston. 100 per cent of the shares of the American jeweller have been acquired, including 535 employees worldwide and the production company in Geneva. Chairman of the Board and CEO of Harry Winston, Robert A. Gannicott said that the brand’s new home would ‘provide the skills and support that it deserves to realise its true potential.’ We look forward to seeing what this will mean for the future of Harry Winston watches, an area which has seen increasing growth over the course of the past ten years. (www.harrywinston.com)

mayfair

Resident’s Journal

Image: Handel House courtesy of The Handel House Trust LtD

From the Editor Dear Residents, The Residents’ Society of Mayfair & St James’s would greatly appreciate a moment of your time this month, as the Government’s new proposal to create a Neighbourhood Forum arrives in W1. Within these pages, Anthony Lorenz, Chairman of the Society explains your involvement in this process, which will eventually hand greater control regarding local planning and policy matters over to residents. To find out more and to have your say, please see the Notebook page of this Journal. We have also reported on Native Land’s acquisition of 30 Old Burlington Street and its plans for redevelopment of the site. The building houses a selection of renowned art galleries on Cork Street and if the property becomes residential or retail space, many of these art institutions could see their leases end. We have spoken with both the developer and the Save Cork Street campaign – an alliance created to protect the interests of all of the galleries on Cork Street. Once these pressing local issues are attended to, might we suggest you unwind with a glass of wine? The Dorchester Hotel has just announced the launch of a series of informal wine evenings to be hosted by Master Sommelier Ronan Sayburn, beginning 13 March. We shall see you there. Katie Randall, Editor The Mayfair Residents’ Journal

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

Secretary Richard Cutt (Crossrail & Finance)

Planning Applications Ronald Cottee (Planning)

Membership Pol Ferguson-Thompson (Membership & Website)

Traffic Lois Peltz

Police Mary-Louise Burrows

Licensing Derek Stratton

The Notebook The most local news happening in the heart of the area this month

Cinema with style Knightsbridge’s Bulgari Hotel has added a new alluring activity to its already enticing repertoire that will surely send it to the top of every Mayfair residents’ Sunday to-do list. Taking inspiration from its continental roots, the hotel now offers the evocatively named La Dolce Domenica, an Italian-themed Sunday brunch and movie experience. Hotel restaurant, Il Ristorante will serve Italian inspired cuisine (the menu boasts antipasti of bresaola, sea bass carpaccio and aubergine caviar, amongst other delights), after which guests can retire to the hotel’s very own exclusive in-house to view the latest cinematic releases, as well as cherished film favourites. La Dolce Domenica at the Bulgari Hotel & Residences, priced £58 per person (£39 for children). Bulgari Hotel & Residences, 171 Knightsbridge, SW7 1DW (www.bulgarihotels.com)

GREAT TASTE A wine a day, keeps the doctor away. We might have tweaked the old adage a bit, but doesn’t it sound better? The Dorchester Hotel are ready to encourage all bacchanalian desires, as they launch a series of informal wine evenings, to be hosted by Master Sommelier Ronan Sayburn (MS). These delectable Wednesday evening sessions will begin on 13 March and continue throughout the year. Each will tackle a different topic: from the Best of Burgundy to Classics of the New World. Your guide on this convivial tastebud tour, Sayburn has more than 25 years’ experience in the industry, and the Yorkshireman is currently one of only 198 people in the world to hold a Master Sommelier Diploma from The Court of Master Sommeliers. Far from being a staid lecture, evenings will include everything from tastings to special dinners and will be shaped around sharing anecdotes and tales from the wine industry. From £39 per person, 6.30pm-8.30pm, for further information or to make a booking, telephone: 020 7629 8888. The Dorchester, Park Lane, W1K 1QA (www.thedorchester.com)

mayfair RESIDENTS’ JOURNAL | The Notebook

A helping hand The Society’s new Business Member lives up to its name, Perfect Household Staff can offer all sorts of professional help to assist any home in a busy world. If you have to look for a cook, choose a chauffeur or need a nanny, then PHS is a sparkling enterprise with the aim of providing impeccable household staff. The diligent team is led by Natasha McKie, who was once a nanny, has subsequently employed nannies and is now a nanny entrepreneur. Having experienced all sides of the business, Natasha understands the needs of her clients and the expertise of her staff. The company even arranges training for would-be nannies, butlers and chauffeurs to the highest standards, as required by the exacting lifestyles of its clients. Salaries for such crystal-calibre staff reflect demanding expectations. Though most placements are in central London, Natasha also has to recruit for many international situations. Many of Perfect Household Staff’s foreign clients appreciate the panache and education of British staff and come to Natasha to find quality governesses, drivers, cooks and, of course, nannies. Having been established for seven years now, PHS rarely has to look for suitable staff as most are recruited on personal recommendations. Each candidate is then thoroughly vetted, before being matched to each situation. PHS deals in temporary and permanent staff and can source experienced catering and hospitality teams for sizeable events or small dinner parties. After all, it is often cheaper to get a cook and waiter in for an evening than go to a restaurant. PHS can also provide staff for children’s nannies, carers for the elderly and security staff. If you’re going away, but don’t have anyone at hand to open the post or water the plants, they will engage trusted and efficient house managers. To contact Perfect Household Staff call: 020 7960 6292, or email: enquiries@perfecthouseholdstaff. co.uk. (www.perfecthouseholdstaff.co.uk)

Riding high The Riding Club London is excited to announce the latest string to its bow, a brand new website and exclusive concierge service, tailored to the whims and desires of its 200 members. Should you wish for a private box at Royal Ascot, to experience a ridden safari through the African plains or a private polo lesson at one of the finest clubs in England, click your fingers and The Riding Club will be happy to oblige. Co-founder Ashley Parasram sums up the recent development of the brand: ‘The new phase of growth… is testament to the growing demand for equestrian sport and experiences. We are extremely happy to be expanding… with the introduction of the concierge service which provides bespoke event planning and corporate hospitality for those who wish get the best from RCL and beyond.’ Specialising in all things equine, this Mayfair-based club has a loyal following and provide access to the finest horses, venues and instruction for London, the UK and the rest of the world. The Riding Club London, 69 Brook Street, W1K 4ER (www.ridinglondon.com)

Mayfair’s Neighbourhood Forum The Residents’ Society of Mayfair & St James’s (your recognised local amenity society which liaises between local residents, communities, businesses and authorities), is in dialogue with an appointed agency with regards to the Government’s new Neighbourhood Forums proposal. Made possible due to the passing into law of the Localism Bill in November last year, the Government’s Neighbourhood Forums allow local residents greater say in planning and policy matters that affect them. The aforementioned agency has written a draft constitution for Mayfair’s own Neighbourhood Forum, it can be viewed online via this link: www.rwmg.co.uk/neighbourhoodforum.pdf. Once read, please see Neighbourhood Forum Membership form, also viewable via the previous link. The signing of this form indicates your agreement with the proposals laid out in the draft constitutional document. The form must be sent to RSMSJ, 21 Hanover Square, London W1S 1JW, or scanned and emailed to: clare@redwoodconsulting.co.uk and info@rsmsj.com.

A note from the Chairman: Dear All, The intended Mayfair Neighbourhood Forum is progressing. Your amenity society’s committee members are on the “steering group”. Your own membership of the forum is completely free and we would be grateful if you could share the support for the activities of the Mayfair Neighbourhood Forum by signing and returning the membership application form to our office (or scanning and sending via email to info@rsmsj.com). We thank you in anticipation of your kind and early response. Yours truly Anthony Lorenz, Chairman of Residents’ Society of Mayfair and St James’s

mayfair RESIDENTS’ JOURNAL | The Calendar

The Calendar Outstanding events for Mayfair residents keen to get out and about

IN THE BUSINESS As the economy wobbles on the verge of a triple-dip, the Royal Institution, in partnership with Hiscox, host a one-off debate asking the question that has crossed many a businessman’s mind: is success attributable to hard work, or is it all a game of luck? Get yourself down to The Faraday Museum to hear what the experts have to say. £10, 6 March at 7pm. The Faraday Museum at the Royal Institution, 21 Albemarle Street, W1S 4BS (www.rigb.org) MAYFAIR cLASSICAL CRAWL George Handel fans won’t want to miss out on this fantastic opportunity to immerse themselves in Handel’s London during this moonlit guided tour. Janice Liverseidge invites you to learn about the life and work of Handel and his contemporaries through the streets and buildings they once inhabited. The tour ends with a live concert at St Georges – what more could you ask for in one evening? £10, 18 March at 5.45pm. Meet at Green Park Tube Station (www.london-handel-festival.com)

WHEELDON’S WONDERLAND If you are disenchanted, stressed or bored with the travails of real life, this March, Christopher Wheeldon offers an escape. In this fantastical ballet portrayal of Alice in Wonderland, the director manages to balance honesty to the original format with the quirky humour that plays such a major part in Lewis Carroll’s classic tale. From £8.50, 28 March at 7.15pm. Curzon Mayfair, 38 Curzon Street, W1J 7TY (www.curzoncinemas.com) DINING ARTFULLY Art, music and food lovers need no longer choose between their vices thanks to a unique offering from Sketch: a concept restaurant that juggles food and art with consummate skill. Indulge in its high-brow surroundings and enjoy afternoon tea or a glass of wine. And, if that is not enough to appease your appetite for all things cultural, on a Friday and Saturday afternoon visitors have their senses further stimulated when plied with live jazz music. Fridays and Saturdays at 4.30pm. Lecture Room Library Mayfair, 9 Conduit Street, W1S 2XG (www.sketch.uk.com) 4

mayfair RESIDENTS’ JOURNAL | Planning & Society

Planning & Society

Image: Kurt Schwitters exhibition at the Bernard Jacobson GallerY

Ground-level developments and societal structural changes in the area

Cork Street’s future The Residents’ Journal investigates Cork Street redevelopments

or close to a century, Cork Street in the heart of Mayfair has operated as a mecca for culture and artistic endeavour. However, the street’s future is far from certain, as a landlord on the street has finalised a property deal which could see as many as seven galleries move out. Property developer, Native Land acquired 30 Old Burlington Street at the end of last year from the

In response, a collective representing all of the galleries on the street has been created. The Save Cork Street campaign seeks to voice the apprehensions of these businesses, ultimately designating the road as a Special Policy Area for art. This would result in Westminster City Council having greater power to make objections to planning applications, and also to refuse those that they deem unsuitable. The multifarious galleries on Cork Street have launched the British careers of many major artists. The Mayor Gallery alone gave Joan Miró and Francis Bacon their first London shows. A fact of which Native Land is fully aware: ‘We are committed to reinforcing the reputation of Cork Street and the surrounding area as a hub of the international art market and believe that the increased gallery space and a new arcade will reinforce the quality and character of Cork Street.’ The company also discusses its hopes to create, ‘the first new arcade in Mayfair since the 1930s, which will seek to link Cork Street with Old Burlington Street.’ Adding: ‘Our aim is to create

‘The save cork street campaign seeks to voice the apprehensions of these businesses’ British insurance firm, Standard Life. Notice was then given to the Adam Gallery, Alpha Gallery, Beaux Arts, Mayor Gallery, Stoppenbach & Delestre, Waterhouse & Dodd and Gallery 27 to vacate the premises by June 2013. Another landowner, The Pollen Estate has revealed development plans that could affect the leases of a further four Cork Street galleries.

a building of the highest architectural quality, in keeping with the character and appearance of neighbouring existing buildings.’ Plans on Native Land’s website for the new building also attest to fact that this project has regeneration at its core; aiming to provide, ‘world class amenities, together with significantly improved art gallery space and a restaurant on the ground floor.’ It is the nuances of art culture on Cork Street that the Save Cork Street campaign fear will not be understood by new landlords. Simon Tarrant, the Chairman of the campaign is an artist himself, he tells the Residents’ Journal that even if new gallery space is provided on the street, the smaller independent galleries might not be able to compete with bigger commercial art-houses with more financial resource to pay for prime exhibition space. He says, ‘As an artist, I know everyone wants to exhibit on Cork Street and this means up-and-coming artists as well. The varied galleries currently on the street allow artists at different junctures in their careers to have a presence on Cork Street.’ It is the campaigners hope that a show of public support will influence Westminster City Council’s decision, expected in March or June, on the separate planning applications from the two property developers. As the Art Editor for The Mayfair Magazine, W1’s art heritage is close to Carol Cordrey’s heart, she says that the first class reputation and expertise of the Cork Street galleries brings visitors and buyers to the area, benefitting all of Mayfair’s retailers: ‘Cork Street is to fine art what Bond Street is to fashion and we need both to continue their vitally important roles.’ The proposed developments by The Pollen Estate and Native Land will undeniably alter the face of Cork Street in the near future, but ultimately a ruling on the planning applications from Westminster City Council will decide the fate of the street. If Cork Street is made a Special Policy Area for art, it will become harder for developers to suggest proposals that are not in keeping with its character, however, this process can take up to two years; time that the existing galleries on Cork Street do not have. View the petition at: www.savecorkstreet.com (www.corkstreetdevelopment.com; www.thepollenestate.com) 5

The Mayfair Concierge Some of the most interesting requests made to Mayfair’s most experienced concierges

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FIX IT QUICK

Dry cleaners/repairs Buckingham Dry Cleaners 83 Duke Street, W1K 5PF 020 7499 1253

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Electric cars The Electric Car Corporation 1st Floor, 5 Aldford Street, W1K 2AF 020 7495 5270

Luxury car rental Mayfair Prestige 0845 862 2142 Luxury yachts Princess Yachts 64 Grosvenor Street W1K 3JH 020 7499 5050

Sunseeker London 36 Davies Street, W1K 4NF 020 7493 3441 www.sunseekerboats.co.uk Rent a Rolls Royce Hanwells 86-91 Uxbridge Road, W7 3ST 020 7436 2070

LAST MINUTE BUSINESS

Audio Visual hire AV2hire.com 020 3130 0401

Local courier City Sprint 0844 888 4111

Buy / Sell shares Artemis 57 St James Street SW1A 1LD 020 7399 6000

Prestige Taxi Crown Security Chauffeurs 0800 731 5675

International Courier DHL 0844 248 0844

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Watch repair Marcus Watches 170 New Bond Street, W1S 4RB 020 7290 6500

LAND, SEA AND AIR

Charter a helicopter Emjets 23 Berkeley Square, W1J 6HE 0845 3888 248

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IT/Tech support Mike Will Fix It 020 7564 7171 07762 647547

Sartoria This undeniably chic restaurant brings authentic Italian flavours, Milanese-inspired interiors and a touch of London style to its equally stylish clientele. 20 Savile Row, W1S 3PR 020 7534 7000

Private Dining Room Corrigans 28 Upper Grosvenor Street W1K 7EH 020 7499 9943

Translator Central Translations 21 Woodstock Grove, W12 8TX 020 7493 5511

DENTIST Aqua Dental Spa 25 Manchester Square, W1U 3PY 020 7935 5332

Doctor Lees Place Medical Centre 11 Lees Place, W1K 6LN 020 7036 6060

The Mayfair Dental Practice 71 Park Street, W1K 7HN 020 7499 2168

The Mayfair Medical Centre 3 - 5 Weighhouse Street, W1K 5LS 020 7493 1647

LIFE SAVERS

Baby sitter Rockabye Babysitters 9 Wimpole Street W1G 9SR 020 7624 0060 Findababysitter.com 020 7580 6403

mayfair RESIDENTS’ JOURNAL | Concierge

Florist Wild Things of Mayfair 47 Davies Street W1K 4LY 020 7495 3030

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fine brokerage concierge TLG The Ultimate Boutique Fine Brokerage Bureau Expertise Exclusive Yachts and Private Jets Brokers’ Elite Selection. By Appointment only. 125 Mount Street W1K 3NS www.throughthelooking-eigen-glass.co.uk

PARTY TIME

Casino The Palm Beach Casino 30 Berkeley Street, W1J 8EH 020 7493 6585

Late night food Hakkasan 17 Bruton Street, W1J 6QB 020 7907 1888

Fancy dress Pantaloons 020 7630 8330 www.pantaloons.co.uk

Freggo Ice-cream Bar 27-29 Swallow Street W1B 4QR 020 7287 9506

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Massages Mayfair Spa - The Mayfair Hotel Stratton Street, W1J 8LT 020 7915 2826

Maddox Club A boutique sanctuary in which to party, with a DJ booth within a restaurant, successfully creating a venue, where partying and dining co-exist under one roof. 3-5 Mill Street, W1S 2AU 020 7629 8877

Party planner Concorde Media 020 7297 3344 G&D Events 020 7682 2682 Henry Bonas 020 3214 2099

Michael John Boutique 25 Albemarle Street W1S 4HU 020 7629 6969

Spa & beauty Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa 29 Davies Street, W1K 4LW 0870 787 6626

Men’s hair Atherton Cox 18 New Cavendish Street, W1G 8UR 020 7487 4048

Women’s hair Janet Ginnings Hair and Beauty Salon 45 Curzon Street W1J 7UQ 020 7499 1904

Sassoon Salon Sassoon believes that great hair design begins with the client, and creates sophisticated looks that are technically precise, effortlessly chic and easy to recreate day after day. 60 South Molton Street, W1K 5SW 020 7491 8848

SAMPLE THE FINEST

Backgammon board Aspinal of London 0845 052 6900 Caviar Caviar House & Prunier 161 Piccadilly, W1J 9EA 0871 961 9577 Cheese La Fromagerie 2-6 Moxon Street W1U 4EW 020 7935 0341

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Members’ clubs

RECHARGE AND RECUPERATE

Dog grooming Mayfair Mutts Upper Brook Street, W1 020 7409 7739 mayfairmutts@hotmail.co.uk

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Personal shopper Gabrielle Teare 07985 319300 info@gabrielleteare.com

Chocolates Rococo Chocolates 45 Marylebone High St, W1U 5HG 020 7935 7780

Humidors Linley 46 Albemarle Street, W1S 4JN 020 7290 1410

Luxury liquor Gerry’s Wines & Spirits 74 Old Compton Street, W1D 4UW 020 7734 2053

Cigars Sautter of Mount Street 106 Mount Street, W1K 2TW 020 7499 4866

hot chocolate Ladurée 71-72 Burlington Arcade, W1J 0QX 020 7491 9155

Fine wine Jeroboams 20 Davies Street, W1K 3DT 020 7499 1015

Luxury hamper Fortnum & Mason 181 Piccadilly, W1A 1ER 020 7734 8040

The Vintage Watch Co. 24 Burlington Arcade, W1J 0PS 020 7499 2032

Rent a double decker bus London Heritage Travel 01353 863273 This Bus.com 0845 4652 394

Shotgun repairs James Purdey & Sons Ltd 57-58 South Audley Street W1K 2ED 020 7499 1801

Vintage watches David Duggan 63 Burlington Arcade, WIJ 0QS 020 7491 1675

WEIRD AND WONDERFUL

Bespoke perfumes Miller Harris 21 Bruton Street, W1J 6QD 020 7629 7750

Diamonds valued Armour Winston 43 Burlington Arcade, W1J 0QQ 020 7493 8937

mayfair

Residentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Journal mayfair@residentsjournal.co.uk 020 7987 4320

If you have a view that you would like to share with the Residentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Journal team, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please contact the Editor, Katie Randall, above or one of the following teams: for matters of culture: culture@residentsjournal.co.uk for news-related items: notebook@residentsjournal.co.uk for planning stories: planning@residentsjournal.co.uk for schooling news: education@residentsjournal.co.uk for local events: calendar@residentsjournal.co.uk

The mayfair The mayfair Magazine Magazine | Food |& Fashion Drink

Whistle stop A debut show at London Fashion Week and a new arrival on Dover Street – not to mention being high on the Duchess of Cambridge’s hit list – Whistles is firmly placed on the top rung of the high-street ladder this month. Under the helm of retail visionary Jane Shepherdson, the flagship store in Mayfair will house the complete limited-edition range. Take your pick from the range of exclusive leather shift dresses or stock up on beautiful everyday staples. We are welcoming this new addition to Mayfair with open arms. (www.whistles.co.uk)

e t a d p u e styl WORDS:

cs daniella isaa

Floral fanatics The art of flattery Hervé Léger is renowned for the bodycon dress. Max Azria’s latest collection for the brand continues with the signature style but this time the designs have a more girly feel. Filled with neutral hues, the range of dresses are transitional pieces to get your wardrobe ready for spring. This champagne bandage dress (right) is particularly flattering as the tan leather belt accentuates your waist, creating the perfect hourglass figure – accessorise the look with a sun-kissed glow. Dress, £1810, Hervé Léger (020 7201 2590; www.herveleger.com)

Floral trends are back. While Erdem, Moschino and Christopher Kane have taken an abstract focus, using scaled-in edgy prints, Stella McCartney has gone more vintage-inspired, with lighter shades and cute, 1950’s-style prints. We love this floral jacquard design by the talented designer – shun the winter blues and invest in this romantic revival. Dress, £695, Stella McCartney available at Net-a-porter (www.net-a-porter.com)

Return of the ‘it’ bag Once a distant fashion memory, the statement bag is now firmly back on the scene thanks to our Italian friends at Prada. Playing on the two-tone trend, the bags come in a stunning range of colour combinations, from royal and powder blue to the sunnier yellow and tan version (left). Wear with a contrasting shade for front-row glamour. Saffiano bicolour bags, £1,290, Prada (www.prada.com)

A perfect pair If there is one person to look out for at the shows, it’s Caroline Issa. Her playful collaboration with L.K Bennett is available to buy at Selfridges’ pop-up store as well as a selection of the L.K Bennett boutiques. Our favourite pair are the candy-pink gladiator heels embroidered with a Thai-inspired pattern (left) – a show-stealing shoe that is perfect for the season ahead. Heels, £295, L.K Bennett (www.lkbennett.com) 67

Elegance is an attitude Go back to basics with S/Sâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s key trend: monochrome. Balance stark white classics with sultry black pieces for a look that is effortlessly chic S T Y L I S T: T a r r a C h o n g P HO T O G RA P Hy : A n t o n y N o bil o S t u d i o A r t d i r e ct o r a n d P r o d u c e r : W e n d y T e e

The mayfair Magazine | Fashion

Dress, from a selection, Alexander McQueen (www.alexandermqueen.com). Cut-out heels, ÂŁ679, Camilla Skovard available from my-wardrobe.com (www.my-wardrobe.com) 69

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Silk jumpsuit, £589, Vivienne Westwood Red Label (020 7439 1109). Bodysuit (just seen), £79, Shakuhachi (www.shakuhachi.net). Heels, from a selection, Gucci (www.gucci.com)

The mayfair Magazine | Fashion

Blazer, from a selection, Club Monaco (www.clubmonaco.com). T-shirt, ÂŁ95, Zadig & Voltaire (www.zadig-et-voltaire.com). Leggings, Helmut Lang ÂŁ780, Harrods, (020 7730 1234) Heels, as before 71

Fashion | The mayfair Magazine

Leather blazer, £770, Zadig and Voltaire (www.zadig-et-voltaire.com). Knit top, £295, Pringle of Scotland (www.pringlescotland.com). Shorts, £595, Pringle of Scotland (www.pringlescotland.com) 72

advert

credits

Dress, £1,360, Hervé Léger (020 7201 2590)

Model: Amy G at Select Photographer assistants: Steve Turvey and Katrine Gode Make-up: Andriani Vasiliou using Benefit Cosmetics Hair: Stephen Lacey Location: with thanks to Dimi Pantazi at Beach Blanket Babylon, Notting Hill (www.beachblanket.co.uk)

We prefer not to be measured by dimensions. Unless it’s a new dimension of accuracy.

No fewer than four exceptional mechanisms enhance the precision of the RICHARD LANGE TOURBILLON “Pour le Mérite”: the tiny fusée-and-chain transmission, the delicate tourbillon, the ultra-thin Lange balance spring, and – not least – the patented stop-seconds device for the tourbillon which makes it possible to

set the watch with one-second accuracy in the first place. Never before has an A. Lange & Söhne watch been endowed with so many complications that simultaneously enhance its rate accuracy, settability, and readability. And so, this remarkable timepiece truly deserves the honorary attribute “Pour le Mérite”.

Arije 165, Sloane Street London • George Pragnell 5 and 6, Wood Street, Stratford-upon-Avon Hamilton & Inches 87, George Street, Edinburgh • Harrods 87–135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London Watches of Switzerland 16, New Bond Street, London • Wempe 43-44, New Bond Street, London Lange Uhren GmbH • Tel. +34 91 454 89 82 • www.lange-soehne.com

Final_JT_UK_N_KensingtonAndChelsea_RLT_PLM_PG_210x297_ATMO-026-12.indd 1

08.02.2012 15:52:48 Uhr

The mayfair Magazine | Fashion

Cobblers at the Connaught

style SPY WORDS:

OD-PHI HENRY HOPWO

Finding a present for the well-heeled man about town can pose a problem, so John Lobb, the bootmakers, have teamed up with The Connaught, Mayfair, and conceived the Shoeshine card. This entitles recipients to six shoe-shine sessions, each lasting thirty minutes to offer a brief respite from life’s daily demands. Ready to greet you at the chair are the Connaught Butlers – who have been specially trained by John Lobb in Northampton to use the finest materials – with a drinks menu and a selection of newspapers. And whilst your shoes are buffed, your jacket will be whisked away for a steam press, making sure you leave with a spring in your step. £150 for six sessions, The Connaught, Carlos Place, W1K (johnlobb@the-connaught.co.uk)

LLIPS

The summer supreme This Lock & Co hat, with its off-key summer style, is certainly one for the optimistic this March. Inspired by a ledger that one of the company’s hatters found full of orders from a young man called Winston Churchill; the article that caught the expert’s eye was a summer-weight Homburg made of Panama straw. He was no doubt influenced by the fact the Homburg’s shape, characterised by a pencil-curled brim, is one of the oldest unchanged shapes and longest bestsellers in the business. The hat is sourced from the best hoods from Ecuador and has been blocked with an art the company has become famous for. Line up for a hat they should have never stopped making. £245, Lock & Co, 6 St. James’s Street, SW1A (www.lockhatters.co.uk)

Join the club

Bespoke Bill

Exclusive menswear brand, Otto, has just launched its first concept store in Mayfair. Bridging the gap you never knew existed – between stylist, shop and gentleman’s club – the store offers the finest Italian apparel alongside a bar, a gym, steam room and masseur. You can’t just wander into such a place – visits are by appointment only. This grey cashmere bag (above) is super soft, trimmed with deerskin and lined with tweed, it deftly pushes ‘man bags’ into the areas of style and quality usually reserved for women and their gladrags. Gym bag, £2,170, Otto, 66 Grosvenor Street, W1K (www.ottouomo.com)

Bill Amberg has made a name for himself as a master craftsman of leather, blending clean modern lines with practical functionality. Now his flagship store in Mayfair is offering to go the extra mile with several options for personalisation, from embossing to monogramming. And if you want to start things from scratch, there is always the bespoke option, to make your purchase truly unique. Wash bag, £100, Bill Amberg, 9 Shepherd Market, W1J (www.billamberg.com)

Bonkers for conker This two-piece suit in conker from Holland Cooper is just one example in what looks to be a very strong S/S collection. The brand is making a name by blending city and country styles; this tweed waistcoat has a tidy, suede trim and matching trousers that would suit a range of sport jackets. Designed, hand-cut and made in the UK – it’s perfect for the English gent. £249 waistcoat, £310 trousers, £559. Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Road, SW1X 7XL (www.harrods. com; www.hollandcooper.com) 75

man of the moment Keep it simple this season with monochrome shades and sharp tailoring â&#x20AC;&#x201C; perfect for any occasion S T Y L I S T: T a r r a C h o n g P HO T OGRA P Hy : A n t o n y N o b il o S t u d i o A r t d i r e ct o r a n d P r o d u c e r : W e n d y T e e

The mayfair Magazine | Fashion

Blazer, from a selection; jeans, £160, both Zadig & Voltaire (www.zadig-et-voltaire.com). Shirt, £125, Paul Smith (0800 023 4006; www.paulsmith.co.uk). Tie, £95, Dolce & Gabbana (www.mrporter.com)

Fashion | The mayfair Magazine

Blazer, £700, Vivienne Westwood (020 7478 2060). Shirt, £205, Pringle of Scotland (www pringlescotland.com). Sweater, £99, Michael Kors (www.michaelkors.com). Jeans, £140, Acne (www.acnestudios.com)

Shirt, £119, Incotex Glenshirt, available from Harrods (020 7730 1234). Leather jacket, £650, Zadig & Voltaire (020 7629 9018; www.zadig-et-voltaire.com). Tie, £49, Harrods, (020 7730 1234). Jeans, as before. Belt, £345, Loro Piana, (020 7235 3203)

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Blazer, from a selection, Vicomte (www.vicomte-a.com). T-shirt, ÂŁ60, Farhi (www.nicolefarhi.com). Jeans, as before.

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The mayfair Magazine | Fashion

Leather jacket, £2,750, Bally (www.bally.com). Sweater, £325, Pringle of Scotland (www pringlescotland.com). Jeans, £160, Zadig & Voltaire (www.zadig-et-voltaire.com)

credits Model: James Sorrentino at Premier Model Management Photographer assistants: Steve Turvey and Katrine Gode Hair: Stephen Lacey Make up: Andriani Vasiliou Location: with thanks to Dimi Pantazi at Beach Blanket Babylon, Notting Hill (www.beachblanket.co.uk)

Exclusive Modern Furniture Made in Germany

Harrods Heal’s

3rd Floor Knightsbridge | www.hulsta-harrods.co.uk

1st Floor Tottenham Court Road | www.hulsta-heals.co.uk

Hülsta-Westend Hülsta-Bristol

23-25 Baker Street | www.westend.hulsta.co.uk

33 Wine Street, Bristol | www.bristol.hulsta.co.uk

www.hulsta.co.uk | the german furniture brand

Hulsta_C-Wharf_City_Oct11.indd 1

16/09/2011 13:30

The mayfair Magazine | Interiors

Wall to wall This month, we’re inspired by French designer Koziel’s trompe-l’œil wallpaper range. With three different designs, this print will add a new dimension to your room. Reflect a studious attitude with the library design or create a rustic aesthetic with the oak-wood print. These realistic designs will take you to another place. Wallpaper, library wallpaper, £60, panelled wallpaper, £45 (www.grahamandgreen.co.uk)

A Parisian reflection A mirror is no longer just a functional item; it is now a statement piece, trending in its own right. Invest in a selection of contrasting frames this month with Christopher Guy’s chic designs, which look like works of art. Place this mirror (below) in a prized position on your wall. Mirror, £2,644, Christopher Guy (www.christopherguy.com)

Interiors news Be inspired by the runways this month: neutral hues, minimalist designs and chic, Art Deco glamour w o r d s : da n i e l l a i s aa c s

Bronze age

FINISHING TOUCH Baroncelli’s Murano glass table lamp is all about glamour. This bronze lampshade, with a swivelled metallic base, will add a subtle gleam to your home. Lamp, £920, Baroncelli (www. baroncellidesign. com)

Clean lines and timeless design is at the core of Kamini Ezralow’s Bronze collection. These Art Deco-inspired coffee tables are made from antique bronze and sycamore and will add a sense of understated luxury to any space. Tables, from £1,830 Ezra Low Design (www.ezralowdesign.com)

Derian’s decoupage John Derian is eccentric. His playful ceramic range for Liberty London was designed using 18th century imagery, which he has collected during his travels over the past two decades. Each decoupaged piece has been handmade by the designer in his New York studio. We particularly like this surrealist tray, which reminds us of the magical world of Alice and Wonderland, to add a touch of quirkiness to your kitchen. Tray, £99, John Derian, available at Liberty (www.liberty.co.uk) 83

Man on a His design has shaped the look of many of Mayfairâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s iconic places. From The Connaught and Claridgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to designing the interiors of yachts, Guy Oliver talks about how he is redecorating our world one room at a time W O R D S : k a t e r a co v o l i s

The mayfair Magazine | Interiors

FAR LEFT: CRAFTSMANSHIP (PHOTO: DAMIEN RUSSELl); LEFT: FRENCH SALON AT CLARIDGE’S (PHOTO: TOM SULLAM)

uy Oliver has figured out how to be in several places at once. After some 21 years as an interior designer, he has restored and redesigned countless projects in Mayfair and abroad, including The Connaught, Claridge’s, various London townhouses, luxury private yachts and art exhibitions in Paris – imprinting his own personal style on each. Last year he also added Noma’s pop-up restaurant at Claridge’s to his list of accomplishments, where he transformed the hotel’s ballroom into a dining room. He owes many of his formative years as a young designer to, of all places, the Royal Naval College in Dartmouth. Alongside his military training, he had the opportunity to absorb and be inspired by the cultures of the places he visited – so it comes as no surprise when the odd portholestyle window appears in his decoration. In his office in the 18th century building on Conduit Street above Lalique, Oliver sits among his vast sprawl of books, with copies of The World of Interiors and swatches, multitasking – as he calls it – sketching beautiful chairs and bedside tables with one hand and a holding a telephone in the other. These are the very pieces that you see at places like The Connaught. ‘There are not enough hours in the day. I love to keep myself occupied,’ Oliver says. ‘When it’s

my spare time I’m still technically working, but it’s not work to me. If I think I should sketch something up, that to me is not necessarily work.’ There is no time for television or lounging around, except for the odd spot of Family Guy – ‘If at the end of the day you’re laughing, that’s a good way to go to sleep,’ Oliver says. Perhaps it is this mantra – hard work with a bit of kitschy television and a good sense of humour – that has won him the design contracts for some of the most iconic places in Mayfair. At The Connaught, Oliver has been responsible for the majority of refurbishments over the past three years – from the fresh licks of gold leaf in Room 105 (which also happens to be Jack Nicholson’s favourite suite to stay when he is at the hotel) to the walnut woodwork in the Prince’s Lodge suite, sourced from the philanthropic project in Afghanistan he supports, Turquoise Mountain. In Kabul, he helped rebuild a small district to encourage and sustain the livelihood of local artisans, who carve the intricate pieces that he uses throughout the hotel and his other projects. ‘A lot of my personality is here,’ says Oliver, standing in the cedar-scented Prince’s Lodge, the smell of which he has become so accustomed to that the aroma doesn’t demand the attention of his senses quite like it would for a visitor.

The mayfair Magazine | Interiors

He is excited, rather than intimidated by such vast histories and the designers before him. ‘It’s like directing a movie. I’m sure that Steven Spielberg doesn’t feel threatened by Ang Lee. It’s just different visions and there is plenty of room for everybody. It’s just that my vision is from my experience,’ says Oliver. ‘It’s not a formula; you’ve got to know about the personality that is going to inhabit the space and not just give a prescriptive design. It’s more listening to how they live and then understanding. I think the hotels I work on are more like private houses anyway with the Maybourne [Hotel] Group. But I had to create an imaginary client, which happens to be whoever walks into the hotel.’ Oliver’s changes to The Connaught were seamless; an accurate example of his current style and previous bodies of work. In the original hotel, his classical style of design prevails in the teak staircase – the centrepiece of the establishment. In the more contemporary West Wing, the interiors nod to Oliver’s nautical origins with white walls and nickel finishes – a reminder that his personal style is quite literally in every corner. ‘I think you’ve got to try and reflect the personality or the character of what the building is used for. With the Connaught I didn’t originally want to work on it because it had such

a strong identity, but we very subtly created a new one for it,’ Oliver says. ‘It was funny when the Grosvenor Estate walked around here after we finished. We did a lot of alterations and changed things and undid things that people had done in the past and they walked around and said, “What have you done? It has always been like this.” And then I thought, okay that’s good.’

‘I think you’ve got to try and reflect the personality or the character of what the building is used for’ – Guy Oliver Reflecting eras bygone, Oliver’s style is distinct. No piece of wood, doorknob or coffee table book is out of place in buildings like The Connaught. The coming months will see many new projects come to fruition, including The Champagne Bar at The Connaught (to open this month) as well as designing a restaurant in Paris later this year for his friend Hélène Darroze. You may even find him stopping at The Mount Street Deli for a sausage roll in the mean time – necessary sustenance for whatever’s next thing on his agenda.

from left: NOMA AT CLARIDGE’S (PHOTO: TOM SULLAM); THE CONNAUGHT (PHOTO: damien russell); BATHROOM AT THE CONNAUGHT (PHOTO: GUY HILLS); PRINCE’S LODGE AT THE CONNAUGHT (PHOTO: GUY HILLS); BALLROOM AT claridge’s (PHOTO: NIALL MCDIARMID)

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fine cooking, with exuberant panache. alluring, honest, thoughtful and interesting

231 Ebury Street London SW1W 8UT www.pouleaupot.co.uk 020 7730 7763

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The mayfair Magazine | Food & Drink

Food & drink news Baked treats, Easter temptations and fine European cuisine – Mayfair has some gastronomic gems in store words: daniella isaacs

Sweet temptation Easter falls early this year, luckily for us, as Hotel Chocolat’s The Connoisseur is too tempting to keep in its box for too long. A dark, velvety Madagascar chocolate shell, filled with an array of mini chocolate eggs, including hacienda lara truffles, habanero chilli and Gran Couva pralines – almost worth sticking to lent for. The Connoisseur Easter egg, £30, Hotel Chocolat (www.hotelchocolat.com)

Chavot returns

Bake off

This month, Michelin-starred chef Eric Chavot will be opening the doors to his new Parisian-inspired brasserie in our very own streets of Mayfair. Returning after a two-year stint in America, Chavot is thrilled to be at the Westbury Hotel. ‘It’s Mayfair – I’m like a little kid in a sweet shop.’ With an easy-going approach, the menu includes treasured classics from our French neighbours, including grilled sardines, roast venison and slow-roasted rabbit. For a quick lunch, pull up a stool at the beautiful six-metre oyster bar – the ideal spot for a tête-à-tête in the heart of Mayfair. 41 Conduit St, London W1S (www. brasseriechavot.com)

Britain has officially gone baking mad, mostly in response to the undeniably fabulous septuagenarian Mary Berry – one of the most unlikely style icons of the last year. And where Mary leads, Mayfair follows, which is why Fortnum and Mason is celebrating this rising trend with its very own pop-up bakery. Throughout March, champion baker Paul Hollywood and food writer Rosie Prince will be holding the baking baton for a fortnight each. Rebel against the carb-free diet and indulge in a perfect slice of Victoria Sponge. (www.fortnumandmason.com)

A taste of Spain It was always going to be a tough bid to replace the Michelin-starred Nahm at The Halkin, but it looks like Ametsa might just do the trick. Between them, father and daughter Elena and Juan Mari Arzak hold three Michelin stars, and their wealth of knowledge inspires the experimental Basque menu. Opening in late February, we are readying our appetites for this Spanish arrival. 5-6 Halkin Street, London, SW1X (www.comohotels.com) 89

(English) The

breakfast club

As the good intentions of January’s detox fade into a distant memory, the murmur around the capital’s most productive offices is all about one thing: A Proper British Breakfast™. Neil Ridley sits down at several of London’s eligible eateries to savour the most important meal of the day 90

The mayfair Magazine | Food & Drink

t’s the stuff that can cause grown men to break out into spontaneous fits of giddiness and one of the most maligned gastronomic experiences – especially across the channel – but there’s no denying its place at the top table of Britain’s greatest culinary discoveries. I am, of course, talking about the near legendary, perfect British Isles breakfast; an experience of such breathtaking simplicity that many have naively tried (and failed) to improve, adapt or in a few extremely foolhardy cases, completely reinvent. Joking aside, what gives this most humble of starts to the day its main source of power is the undisputed ‘holy trio’ of key ingredients: namely bacon, sausage and a perfectly cooked egg (more on this later) coupled with the fact that, despite its calorific content straining at the seams, the intense feeling of wellbeing gained from a classic fry-up is a hard tonic to surpass. In fact, you could argue that the Full English is so deeply woven into the fabric of our nation, that its removal from service would cause near catastrophic consequences. It’s fair to say that it would be hard to imagine the same level of productivity from an intake of pastries, cold meats, cereals and those breakfasts more commonly known as Continental. The concept of a hot breakfast first developed during the Industrial Revolution for workers needing sustenance for the day ahead, which usually involved physically arduous manual

work. But as the decades have gone by, less diners are tucking into a full fry-up, with a recent survey suggesting that only one in 100 are enjoying its savoury goodness every day, compared to more than half the UK population back in the 1950s. But while most of us are now more concerned about our dietary excesses, the hunger for working longer, more intense hours, especially in the City, has led to a resurgence in popularity of the Power Breakfast and some of London’s best restaurants are capitalising on their growing popularity – with the Full English heading the morning charge. Pop into any number of the city’s eateries at around 8am and it’s easy to understand why more people are getting up earlier to take that all important meeting over breakfast instead of lunch, especially when you have a return of the no nonsense, exquisitely cooked Full English to start the debate. And more often than not, our breakfast tables are witnessing a welcome revival of some long lost British favourites, such as bubble ‘n‘ squeak, devilled kidneys, kedgeree and rich, buttery kippers. So who comes out on top, in terms of offering not only a classic value-for-money fry up, using the finest British ingredients, but also with a perfect environment to hammer out the day’s pressing business? There’s only one way to find out… Breakfast Top Trumps.

How it works The ‘Foodie Kudos’ is awarded with points for the inclusion of each ‘classic’ breakfast ingredient, and points deducted for erroneous additions and unnecessary items. For example, the all-time classic English Breakfast must include the following: thick sliced bacon, sausage, fried egg (a bonus point for multiple eggs) tomatoes (not tinned) black pudding, fried mushrooms, something suitably starchy, such as fried bread, bubble ‘n‘ squeak or, at a push, hash browns) and baked beans. Additional marks for not tinkering with the condiments too – either good oldfashioned HP Sauce or Heinz ketchup are the order of the day. Breakfast room vibe, attention to detail on the menu, price and service are all taken into account.

OPENING IMAGE: EGGS BENEDICT AT THE WOLSELEY, image: david loftus. FROM LEFT: SIMPSONS TAVERN, THE WOLSELEY, image: david loftus; HAWKSMOOR GUILDHALL; THE SAVOY; COQ D’ARGENT, image: d&d london; THE DEAN STREET TOWNHOUSE

Hawksmoor Guildhall THE WOLSELEY

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Simpson’s Tavern Style: As classically ‘Old School London’ as it gets: traditional bench seating and a vibrant welcoming room make this a perfect choice for that important breakfast meeting. Foodie Kudos: 8 The Full English (£8.95): Hearty, well put together and fantastically good value. Cumberland sausage and a nice choice of black or white pudding, complement the non-stop toast and bottomless filter coffee or English Breakfast tea. Ball Court, 38½ Cornhill, EC3V (020 7626 9985; www.simpsonstavern.co.uk)

The Wolseley Style: Elegant surroundings and a traditional service means that The Wolseley is less about the hustle and bustle of the standard breakfast room, but more of a refined reflection on the day ahead. Foodie Kudos: 8 The Full English (£15.25): Fortunately this has all the accouterments needed for a proper breakfast experience, as well as some other classics such as an exceptional kedgeree. There is also a strong emphasis on continental breakfasts, reflecting the cosmopolitan clientele. For those needing a sweet hit, try ‘The Wolseley Imperial’ – a long espresso with hot milk, Mandarine Napoleon and cognac, topped with chocolate and whipped cream. 160 Piccadilly, W1J (020 7499 6996; www.thewolseley.com)

Hawksmoor Guildhall* (* The best breakfast in London) Style: A busy, bustling subterranean woodpanelled room, with an unusual mixture of suited City workers discussing their next deal and creative types tapping away on iPads. It’s vibrant, but not overwhelming. Foodie Kudos: 10 The Full English (£15): Simple and hearty, yet knowingly fastidious about the ingredients, the breakfast menu is a masterclass from artisanal meat producers: bacon from the Oxford Sandy Black pig (aka the ‘Plum Pudding’ breed) pork, beef and mutton sausage from The Ginger Pig butchers and the best homemade baked beans you’ll ever try. Although be warned: the sharing plate is not for the faint hearted. 10 Basinghall Street, EC2V (020 7397 8120; www.thehawksmoor.com)

The mayfair Magazine | Food & Drink

THE SAVOY coq d’arg e

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The Savoy Style: Built in 1889, the Thames Foyer – where breakfast is served – is the heart of the hotel. Expect to see business travellers, well-heeled holidaymakers, occasional aristocrats and, if you look really closely, the odd octogenarian national treasure. Foodie Kudos: 5 The Full English (£31): Expensive and perhaps one of the least traditional, including a selection of Danish pastries and muffins – which will give purists some cause for concern. However, it’s back to business with two fried eggs, thickly sliced farmhouse-style bacon and a pork-and-sage sausage, Portobello mushrooms and roasted new potatoes. A little lightweight on the portion size for those needing a full morning pit stop. The Strand, WC2R (020 7836 4343; www.fairmont.com)

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Coq d’Argent Style: Surprisingly laid back. Expect those City dwellers with a little more understanding that the breakfast table is the perfect antidote to the arena of overly aggressive dawn negotiation tactics. Offers superb outside views of the City. Just watch the chilly London air doesn’t set your fried eggs. Foodie Kudos: 6 The Full English (£14): Includes streaky bacon (point deducted!) a decent Cumberland sausage, two eggs, black pudding, roast tomato, rosti, mushrooms and homemade baked beans. The alternative is to have the grilled rib eye steak. Fortune favours the brave (and those with hollow legs, so it seems). 1 Poultry, The City, EC2R (020 7395 5000; www.coqdargent.co.uk)

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Dean Street Townhouse Style: Luxurious and filled to the gunwales with a fascinating mix of Soho creative types and those who enjoy a long, late breakfast. Grab a large latte, sink into the huge red leather banquettes and relax. Foodie Kudos: 7 The Full English (£12): Alongside the traditional English (which incudes some superb Burford Brown eggs) you can enjoy a brace of grilled Manx kippers with butter or ham hock hash and a rich fried duck egg. 69-71 Dean Street, W1D (020 7434 1775; www.deanstreettownhouse.com)

Food & Drink | The mayfair Magazine

DINING OUT Hibiscus, Maddox Street W O R D S : K AT E R A C O V O L I S

t Hibiscus, it is easy to forget your whereabouts – and no, this is not the fault of the sommelier, who will introduce you to an array of wines, beautifully matched to each of your three, six or eight courses. The privacy, the modern décor that surrounds you and, most importantly, the food you are served, allows you to feel as though you could be an hour from Lyon without leaving

‘Although delicate in appearance, there is a warmth and gusto that prevails’ Mayfair. Chef and owner, Claude Bosi is a Lyon man, born and bred, so this feeling is to be expected. Originally established in Ludlow, Hibiscus was awarded two Michelin stars within just three years. A few years on and the owners decided to set up camp in Mayfair, where they retain these all-important honours. This month sees a new refurbishment and a new lease of life for Hibiscus, although the traditionally French feeling has been carefully preserved, the dining room is small and intimate and there are sweet little curtains in the window, offering further privacy. There is even a new private kitchen enclave downstairs, where cooking classes are held with Bosi and his team. Your attention is commanded to your plate from the moment the appetiser arrives, a salad of Devonshire crab, Tokyo turnip, smoked olive oil cream and ginger. Although delicate in appearance, there is a warmth and gusto that prevails in impressive consistency throughout the menu. Dip a knife into the soft ravioli of smoked potato and watch a vibrant yellow hen’s egg yolk ooze out – the truffle is the finishing touch to this rich second course.

As you can leave the choice in courses to your host, each dish can be a complete surprise. Rest assured that your preconceptions about which ingredients work best together will be challenged. The fois gras – a staple dish in French cuisine – is served warm, but Bosi chooses to skewer the meat on liquorice with a dollop of pear gel, nashi pear confit and shaved black liquorice. Dessert looks like a miniature version of the Alpilles with mountainous sweet potato cheesecake and clementine meringue. As a fabulous finishing touch, breakfast is already taken care of, with fresh sugar brioches neatly packaged in delicate little gift bags – a treat I’d gladly become a morning person for. Hibiscus, 29 Maddox Street, W1S (www.hibiscusrestaurant.co.uk; 020 7629 2999)

escape A tranquil oasis amidst the hustle & bustle of Mayfair. A unique dining experience begins as you walk down a tree-lined pathway to reach The Greenhouse. London fades away and calm descends. Michelin-starred chef Arnaud Bignonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s acclaimed light touch with highly flavoured dishes brings a thrilling dimension to classic French cuisine. Make your reservation today at

The Greenhouse, 27a Hayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mews Mayfair, London, W1J 5NY 020 7499 3331 www.greenhouserestaurant.co.uk reservations@greenhouserestaurant.co.uk

Your Heart

in Your Hands When you lead a busy life, sometimes the hardest thing to admit is a problem with your health.

Think about your heart this month and make an appointment 020 7483 5004

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve recently experienced central chest pain, a dull ache, heavy feeling, or mild discomfort in your chest, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t push these matters of the heart to the bottom of your priorities. Speak to your GP who can refer you to see a specialist. The Wellington Hospital has an international reputation for excellence in cardiac care, offering a full range of Outpatient Cardiac Testing, Daycase and Inpatient Cardiac treatments.

www.thewellingtoncardiacservices.com

Wellington_Advert_templates_cardiac_Final_Awk.indd 1

15/02/2013 16:26

The mayfair Magazine | Beauty

Treatment of the month If you are planning on slipping into a figure-hugging dress over the coming weeks, The May Fair Spa at the May Fair Hotel (the official hotel of London Fashion Week) is offering an ideal LFW-inspired treatment – the Catwalk Wrap. Using the process of osmosis to eliminate toxins from the body while providing the skin with valuable minerals, this hydrating wrap leaves skin feeling noticeably supple and firm. It’s a stylish – not to mention easier – way of achieving instant inch loss. The Catwalk Wrap, £135, The May Fair Hotel (www.themayfairhotel.co.uk)

Beauty news It’s all about blush tones and scent therapy in the beauty world this spring

3 of the best…

Scents of occasion The last word in decadence, this candle is on every beauty obsessive’s wish list. Launching exclusively into Liberty this month, the collection is the brainchild of designer Lilian Driessen (Viktor & Rolf, Diesel, Avery Fine Perfumery). After burning, use the oil as a massage oil for some seriously luxurious multitasking. Candle, £48, By Maria Lux (available at Liberty)

1 2 3

spring nail colours

words : elle b lake m a n

Steel yourself When the founder of Aromatherapy Associates was battling serious illness, she created this powerful blend of uplifting and calming oils to both fortify her resolve and keep her spirits up. With sage, frankincense, rosemary and geranium, this oil will help turn your morning shower into a sanctuary of scented therapy, or simply add a few drops to a bath after a tough day. Inner Strength Bath & Shower Oil, £39, (www.aromatherapy associates.com)

Lighten up Spring cleaning shouldn’t be limited to your kitchen or wardrobe – find some time to update your make-up drawer too. This beautiful five-colour eye palette from Dior is the easiest way to refresh your look. The nude shades suit virtually every skin tone, while the dark brown is perfect for chic smokey eyes, or as a lighter alternative to liquid eyeliner. 5 Couleurs palette in ‘Rose Charmeuse’, £41, Dior (available at Harrods)

#1 Vernis nail polish, in Tutu, £18, Dior (available at Selfridges)

#2 Le Vernis in Emprise, £18, Chanel (available at Harrods)

#3 Pure colour nail lacquer in Bittersweet, £14.50, Estée Lauder (available at Harrods)

Bright

Issa produced one of the most colourful catwalk collections for S/S13 and took us to another warmer, more exotic place with brilliant hot pink lipstick and heavily liquid-lined eye makeup. This look works with either matte or glossy lip colour and, if you are brave, is perfect for adding some colour to your daywear. Tom Ford’s new lipstick collection offers a natural way to create this look and is made with semi-transparent pigments and a moisturising concoction of ingredients of soja seed extract and Brazilian murumuru butter. Tom Ford Lip Colour Shine in Ravenous, £36 (www.harrods.com); Ellis Faas Eyeliner in Black, £21 (www.ellisfaas.com)

Backstage Beauty This spring, be inspired by the latest beauty trends, with Issa’s bright and warm colours and a reinvention of the smoky eye from Christopher Kane

ABOVE: Issa S/S13

RIGHT: Rainer Torrado p/o Jean Paul Gaultier

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

After five Spring has taken a surprisingly dark turn this year, not only in the collections on the runway, but also in beauty. Jean Paul Gaultier and Lanvin amped up bold night-time looks with heavy shades of black eye shadows. However, Jean Paul Gaultier paraded the ultimate look to go with eveningwear, with deep red glossy lipstick working perfectly with shaped dark eyebrows and black liquid eyeliner along the top eyelid. Add a touch of blush to bring out your cheekbones and you will perfect this sensual look. Burberry Lip Velvet in Military Red, £22.50 (www.burberry.com); Giorgio Armani Blushing Fabric in Shade 3, £29 (www.armanibeauty. co.uk)

Metallic

Flawless

Often swaying towards the daring side of runway looks, Chanel stepped into the future with metallic eyeshadow on the S/S13 catwalk in bright silver, showing us that sparkly eyelids are not reserved for Broadway shows. Although Chanel’s look is a theatrical one, with most of the eyelid filled up to the brow line, you can tone it down a little for yourself. Use the beautiful rich pigments of Chantecaille’s Save the Sharks Palette, which includes silvery hues as well as bright highlighting colours for the corners of your eyes, a dark navy option and a girly pink, which also doubles as a blush. Chantecaille Save the Sharks Palette, £75 (www.spacenk.com)

Balenciaga and 3.1 Phillip Lim opted for a subdued colour palette this season, but it was Altuzarra who really refined this trend. Sleek, tied-back hair, a bare face and slightly heavy eyeliner struck a balance between made-up and minimal, proving that a fresh, natural-looking face will never go out of style. Try Hourglass’ Veil Fluid makeup, a great cover-up and filled with vitamins, SPF 15 and a smoothing formula to diminish the look of fine lines and wrinkles – essential for flawless skin. Hourglass Veil Fluid Makeup in No. 1 Ivory £50 (www.liberty.co.uk)

image: 2013 Spring/Summer Ready-to-Wear, CHANEL Show Backstage, Makeup Peter Philips, CHANEL, photographer Vincent LAPPARTIENT

5 Smoky eyes The smoky-eye look has reappeared each season in its classic, smouldering form. But Christopher Kane and Nars decided to give a new take on this staple look that, when done correctly, can be soft but striking. Line your lower eyelid under the lashes with a creamy eyeliner – not only will you save yourself from the chance of ending up with panda eyes, but you will create a beautifully soft look that will see you through any occasion. For a touch of colour, try Bobbi Brown’s new eyeliners, which are long-lasting and glide on with ease. Nars Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner in Via Veneto, £19 (www.narscosmetics.co.uk) Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick in Bark (above) and Golden Pink (right) £20 (www.bobbibrown.co.uk)

image: NARS for Christopher Kane S/S13

image: Altuzarra S/S13

The mayfair Magazine | Beauty

Food &Promotion Health Drink | The | The mayfair mayfair Magazine Magazine

Helping hand Mr Abhilash Jain, Prof Jagdeep Nanchahal and Mr Shehan Hettiaratchy from the London Hand & Wrist Unit take a closer look at Trigger finger

ometime this morning you brushed your teeth, waved to a loved one, swiped your tube pass, maybe used your phone to send a text. Aren’t your hands helpful, not only are they a way to communicate but also an exceedingly useful tool. Those five digits, 27 bones and 37 muscles are not to be taken for granted.

What is Trigger finger? Trigger finger is a condition that affects the digits in the hand and often presents as pain at the base of the finger in the palm, particularly when trying to straighten the finger. It can be associated with a lump and can produce a ‘click’ when the finger is straightened. Strong bands called tendons pass through a tunnel in the finger, known as the flexor sheath, and allow the finger to bend. Sometimes the tendon and sheath become swollen. This restricts the free gliding of the tendons and causes them to ‘catch’. It is this catching which results in pain and restricted movement. The reason it occurs is not always known but it is more common: • In the dominant hand • In women over 60 years old • In people with diabetes or arthritis. It is also associated with other conditions of the hand, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, which is caused by compression of a nerve in the wrist and can present with tingling and numbness in the fingers.

100

How is it treated? Most hand surgeons treat trigger finger with a steroid injection in the first instance. This is a very effective and simple procedure that can be done in the outpatient clinic. It has a low complication rate and high patient satisfaction. Patients are able to use the hand straight away, although the triggering may take a couple of weeks to settle down. Sometimes one injection is not enough to treat the problem and in these cases it can be repeated. If the finger is severely affected then a steroid injection may not work. In these cases a small operation can be done to physically open the entrance to the sheath and hence stop the tendons from catching. This is very simple surgery, but must be carried out by a specialist hand surgeon, as there is a higher risk of complication if done by someone inexperienced. The procedure involves a local anaesthetic to numb the area and a small cut is made in the palm of the hand to release the tight sheath and allow the tendon to glide freely again. Cure rates approach almost 100%. It is not usually painful afterwards and patients are able to use the hand normally almost immediately. Sometimes triggering occurs in children under one year of age. This is different to adult triggering and should be treated by a hand surgeon specialising in children’s hand surgery.

Should I wait and see if it goes away?

Lowdown

Once the finger starts to get stuck it usually gets worse unless treated. This is due to repeated injury caused by the swelling and friction in the area. Therefore, it is important to stop the cycle of swelling and injury. For triggering that has been going on for less than 6 months preventing the movement of the finger using a splint for up to 6 weeks can be effective in around 50% of patients. However, it can result in some stiffness of the finger. You should ideally visit your GP as soon as possible, who will refer you to see a specialist hand surgeon to confirm the diagnosis and begin treatment.

• Trigger finger is common, affecting up to 3 people in every 100. • Trigger finger causes pain and ‘locking’ of the fingers or thumbs. • It can affect more than one digit at a time. • It can be associated with other problems in the hand. • It can be treated with an injection or simple surgery. • Surgery should be done by a specialist Hand Surgeon, with a background either in Plastic or Orthopaedic Surgery.

The mayfair Magazine | Beauty

Spa review Spa Illuminata, South Audley Street WORDS: elle blakeman

‘This treatment is known for redefining contours, making it the ideal pre-event prep or just a wonderful new season pick-me-up’

f only the real world were more like Spa Illuminata. Hidden in what I think of as ‘off-duty Mayfair’ – on South Audley Street, just opposite the Mount Street Gardens – this spa is a jasmine-scented haven of calm in the heart of the city. It is deceptively large – stepping past reception into the spa at the back is like walking into a warm version of Narnia (it helps that the large silver doors open like a wardrobe). The décor is fairly Grecian, with sandy coloured stone, wall lights that look like early Olympic torches and carved lions over semi-circles of pebbles – it’s both incredibly relaxing and supremely glamorous. The Timeless Beauty package is a collection of signature treatments and will leave you in such a state of Zen that you will need a rest stop in the Mount Street Gardens to reacclimatise to the real world. It starts with a Hot Stone Massage, a blissful hour where the therapist uses warm volcanic pebbles and Carita’s Silk Balm to vigourously erase the tension. Next is a Carita facial, which promises a non-surgical face lift. Grace, my facialist, is an expert at the specialist method, and can lift away years of lines and stress with a few taps of her fingers. This treatment is known for redefining contours, making it the ideal pre-event prep or just a wonderful new season pick-me-up. The final stage is a 20-minute tactile sound therapy session – a darkened room that literally vibrates with the sounds of the jungle. This was the first spa in the UK to offer sound therapy, and it remains one of the only places you can do it. It’s deeply relaxing yet curiously energising – it feels like taking a power nap. Using headphones, you lay down under thick down blankets, and completely switch off as the vibrations and sounds take you far away from London for a few restorative moments; bliss. Timeless Beauty package, £245. 63 South Audley Street. London, W1K (020 7499 7777)

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On the slopes Knee injuries on the slopes are common – The Wellington Knee Unit explains how to avoid them and what to do should you take a tumble while skiing

Prevention is better than cure

Due to the nature of skiing…

When going on a ski holiday it is likely you will be skiing for many days in a row and up to 8 hours a day. Some of us will attend a gym, perhaps 2-3 hours a week, but will not have this amount of continuous activity, therefore, one should prepare. Endurance training and muscular strengthening exercises are a good way to prepare for a skiing holiday. The third day of a ski holiday is typically the most common day for an injury to occur and are not usually as a result of a high speed wipe-out fall, but more often a minor one or a twist, on the way down to the ski lift for the last run of the day. This is when skiers are tired and the muscles are fatigued. Take an afternoon off if your legs feel tired, or if you feel your control is not as good as it was on your first day.

The knee is the first joint to take a significant amount of force when a fall occurs. Typically, this is a rotation force with a feeling of separation. The types of injuries that can occur include: • Minor sprain of the ligament, which will be painful but will recover over a few days • Tearing of the cartilages (the meniscus) or ligamentous injuries i.e. tears of the ligaments such as the anterior cruciate ligament and the medial collateral ligament. • Damage to the lining of the joint • Dislocation of the patella or the entire joint. If you have a fall while skiing and the pain in your knee is minor and subsides within a few minutes then you are probably safe to continue skiing. However, if during the fall you hear an audible snap or a pop, it is likely that a ligament injury has occurred. In this scenario, the pain often deteriorates quite quickly and the knee can swell up considerably. Assistance should be sought to get you off the mountain to attend the resort medical centre for assessment and x-ray. In the majority of cases, the x-rays will show no fracture, which means it is likely that the knee swelling is a ligament injury or a tear of the meniscus. At this point, rest. Elevation of the knee and regular icing is recommended – and of course, do not return to the slopes.

Treatment on the slopes Medical care can vary in quality in different skiing areas, however in Europe and North America, attending doctors see a considerable number of knee injuries per season and their advice is usually very sound. Unless there is a significant fracture of the knee, it is not necessary to undergo reconstructive surgery at the resort or the local hospital. If there is a meniscal tear or a cruciate ligament tear, these can be attended to on returning home. The majority of patients we see in the clinic will have 102

The mayfair Magazine | Health Promotion

had a standard x-ray prior to coming home to exclude a fracture.

I’m home! The majority of patients with a swollen and painful knee after a ski accident are found to have a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and also a sprain of the medial collateral ligament. Initially, diagnosis is made by a surgeon, followed by an MRI scan. The knee at this time will probably be swollen, sore to touch and restricted in range of movement. This is not a good time to perform treatment or surgery as this can lead to stiffness of the joint in the immediate and early post-operative phase. It is a good idea to help rehabilitate the knee with the help of a physiotherapist, that will also assist in reducing the swelling and regaining movement of the joint before treatment.

The scan MRI scans of the knee are very sensitive in looking for tears of ligaments, particularly the ACL or the medial collateral ligament. The scans will show tears of cartilages on the inside or the outside of the knee joint, and also are very reliable at showing any damage to the lining of the joint (chondral injuries).

ACL Surgery The ACL is one of the main stabilisers of the knee joint. The medial ligament is the large ligament on the inside of the knee joint. If there is a combination of an injury to both of these, the knee becomes unstable and reconstructive surgery is advised. If ACL reconstruction surgery is necessary, this is performed by an arthroscopy using a patient’s own tendons (hamstring tendons) to make a new ligament. A stay of 24 hours in hospital following the procedure is normally required, although if the knee is not uncomfortable, patients can be discharged soon after surgery. With ACL reconstruction, post-operative physiotherapy is imperative. Knee rehabilitation takes at least six months before patients can return to sport.

If a tear is found Other injuries to the knee, such as a meniscal tear, can be remedied with an arthroscopy, where the tear of the meniscus is either repaired or removed. This is performed as a day procedure. Rehabilitation following the

removal of the meniscus, for the majority of patients, means they can return to sport at six weeks. If the meniscus is repaired, a minimum of four months of rehabilitation is required. If the MRI scan shows some damage to the articular cartilage, treatment depends on the size of the defect. If the defect of the lining of the joint is small, it can be treated with physiotherapy. If the defects are large, then it may require a microfracture to try and get the cartilage to heal. This is also performed arthroscopically as a day procedure. Bone bruising is also sometimes found on MRI scans following a skiing injury. This is swelling in the bone over the lower part of the thigh bone and upper part of the leg bone. This occurs due to the two bones compacting together during the fall, causing pain in the knee joint. Swelling in the bone takes some months to subside; however, no surgery is required. If you do have an accident, there is no harm in returning home and seeing an orthopaedic surgeon, who will arrange an MRI scan and advise on the possible treatments. For further information or if you’d like to arrange an appointment at The Wellington Knee Unit please contact the Hospital Enquiry Helpline on 020 7483 5008 or visit www.thewellingtonkneeunit.com

Meet the Specialist Richard Carrington MBBS, FRCS (Orth), is a consultant orthopaedic surgeon who treats patients with problems in the knee or hip. Mr Carrington is a consultant at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore, as well as treating patients he publishes regularly in peer review journals and helps train junior surgeons in various techniques of knee and hip surgery.

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Hitting the

slopes

can hurt

Regardless of skill level, muscles can become tired and fatigued whilst skiing, with the third day of a ski holiday being the most common time for an injury to occur. If you return home and continue to suffer pain, speak to your GP who can refer you to see a specialist to manage the condition. Led by eminent consultants, The Wellington Hospital offers a range of orthopaedic services to help you regain your health and return to the slopes.

Call us today

and get that injury seen to 020 7483 5004

www.thewellingtonhospital.com

Wellington PMC SKI- Feb2013_Artwork_final.indd 3

15/02/2013 15:23

The mayfair Magazine | Travel

Two fashion legends put their signature styles on hotels in their hometowns – which one will you choose? WORDS: daniella isaacs

Travel news Short haul

Continentale, Florence Although Salvatore Ferragamo has three boutique hotels to his name, the Continentale is thought to be the crowning jewel. A throwback to the glamour and happy-go-lucky atmosphere of the 1950s, the hotel is a haven of pistachio, lemon and almond interiors, with rooms that look like they’ve just been vacated by the style sirens of Hollywood classics. Black and white photographs taken by designers including Pucci and Fabiani adorn the walls, while black and white European films run on a loop on giant plasmas in the foyer. The roof terrace is the pièce de résistance, with views across the Florentine skyline. Order a tart and a dry martini for a romantic evening under the stars. (www.lungarnocollection.com)

Long haul

TRAVEL TIPS Don’t leave home without… A Globe-Trotter Propeller wash bag. Carry your

toiletries in style with this canvas twill and whisky-hued bridle leather cosmetics bag – the perfect accessory for a city break. £250, Globetrotter (www.globe-trotter.com) There’s an app for that… Stylebook Stop packing your entire wardrobe when jetting off – Stylebook allows you to photograph and organise and plan your outfits with ease. £2.49 from the iTunes App Store

Tortuga Bay, Dominican Republic

These 13 villas at tropical Tortuga Bay have managed to infuse the classic style of Oscar de la Renta right into the heart of the Caribbean, in the. Set on 16,600 private beachfront acres, the resort adds a stylish touch to the tropical getaway. The Six Senses Spa is a haven, with luxurious treatments plus rejuvenating daily yoga and Pilates classes on the beach. If you are after a more active trip, the two golf courses on-site have breathtaking vistas of the white sandy beaches. Each guest is treated like an A-lister: you are greeted at the door of the plane and whisked to the privacy of your villa. If you want to unwind and keep up your style credentials, Tortuga Bay’s resort is our top choice. (www.puntacana.com)

‘When you figure out your suitcase, you figure out your life’ – Diane von Furstenberg

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Snow patrol image: ENGADIN St. Moritz: Winterpanorama Sils ÂŠ ENGADIN St. Moritz. (By-line: swiss-image.ch/ Max Weiss)

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The mayfair Magazine | Travel

St. Moritz in the Engadine valley is home to some of Europe’s best skiing, but it’s also a haven for après-ski and haute cuisine – and the only place where horses race on snow W O R D S : k at e r a c o v o l i s

hat we do on dry land in Britain, the Swiss German’s of St. Moritz do on snow. We have black taxis and Ascot; they have horse-drawn carriages and horseraces on a frozen lake. You can even have your private jet fly through the valley and land just five kilometres away from the village. St. Moritz is a place that doesn’t require its guests to be sport fanatics, professional skiers – or skiers at all, for that matter. In fact, less than half of the visitors to St. Moritz in the winter will click their boots into their ski bindings during a stay here. But I can assure you, there is much to do and the days are not spent lounging around in front of an open fire sipping away on hot, strong espressos. The natural surroundings of St. Moritz make this place special. The journey into the village readies you for the breathtaking yet formidable mountains on either side of the valley in which the village is nestled. Travel by train in the spacious first-class carriage from Zürich. The windows have been extended to two-thirds of the roof, allowing you to view the jagged rock faces of the mountains and trees in the valley, sprinkled with yesterday’s snow. You can also rest easy knowing that delays or cancelled services are simply not the Swiss way. One turn ventures over a bridge, under which is a 65m drop leading directly into a tunnel through a sheer rock face – a taste of the beauty of the city itself. Many choose to journey in by car, which takes a similar amount of time to the train (approximately two and a half hours from Zürich). When you first step off the train – 1856m above sea level – you can finally take a deep breath of the cold mountain air – clean and crisp (at about -20 during the winter). The altitude and thin air is noticeable, but the mountains encasing the valley you stand in 

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RIGHT: Image by Arnaldo Anaya courtesy of Ralph Lauren; FAR right, FROM TOP: carlton hotel; image: © Tony Ramirez www. imagesofpolo.com for St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow; bottom two images: carlton hotel

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watch over you almost protectively. Your mind and body becomes a blank canvas for the holiday to begin – a surprising feeling to have at such a sport-oriented destination. This part of Switzerland shares a border with Italy – the town is abuzz with pregos and arrivedercis, mingling with the Swiss-Germanspeaking residents. The Italian culture has seeped in – and to the village’s benefit. The three-Michelin-starred Italian restaurant, Da Vittorio at the Carlton Hotel is the only restaurant of this calibre in the Engadine. St. Moritz is steeped in history, which has been beautifully preserved in many forms, from the stunning building built in 1681 – one of the oldest that still stands here – in which the Hermès store is now located – to the intricate sgraffito (a type of layered painting technique) that adorns the walls of many buildings, iconic to the area. For those who consider shopping a winter sport, St. Moritz is a haven for the retail-therapy hungry. You could arrive with no luggage and be sorted by sunset, as long as you have the stamina. Visit Cartier, Ralph Lauren and Prada among the many others, including Trois Pomme – a beautiful Swiss boutique for women, with all of the Parisian favourites, including an excellently curated collection of Balenciaga, Givenchy and Céline clothes and accessories. A visit to Hauser is obligatory for freshly made chocolate truffles and cake and to Hatecke, a specialist driedmeat shop that sells produce that comes from no further than an hour away. There are a select few five-star hotels in St. Moritz, each with a different atmosphere but drawing in a similar range of guests – families, young couples, older couples and sometimes, several generations of family

members. The Badrutt’s Palace Hotel for example is the place to be seen – but the Carlton Hotel exudes a more discreet kind of luxury. It is a hotel full of grandiosity, but it sits a few minutes’ walk from the main village where the rest of the elite hotels can be found – the experience here is, first and foremost, private – perfect for spending time at your own pace, rather than following the crowd. The hotel was built in 1913, supposedly for the Tsar Nicholas II. Sadly, he never actually managed to live in the mansion, as the October Revolution swept through Russia, claiming both his and his family’s lives. The palace-like house was then privately purchased and turned into a hotel. After a major refurbishment in 2007 by the eccentric Swiss architect and interior designer,

‘Swim from the main hot spa to the outdoor one, which spills over with steam’ Carlo Rampazzi, reminders of the origins of the mansion as a holiday house for the Tsar are dotted throughout the hotel’s 60 suites, from photographs of jewellery from Cartier that the Tsar was believed to have owned, to the musical-note-printed wallpaper that peeks out from behind the paint – also a reference to the Tsar’s interests. Each of the suites are designed in warm colours, with Berluti leather-clad desks and a south-facing view of the mountains. The only one that boasts a larger panoramic view is the penthouse, which takes up the entire top floor of the hotel, with its three bedrooms with en-suite

The mayfair Magazine | Travel

bathrooms and five terraces covering a 360° view. Waking up from the blissful darkness and quiet of your room and drawing the curtain to see Lake St. Moritz and the Alps is a scene you would find it difficult to tire of. The Carlton’s award-winning spa is also a place you could happily visit on each day. Over three floors of pools, saunas and spas, it is rare to find treatment rooms naturally lit by daylight – although this may seem like a hindrance to your massage or facial, it is actually beautiful, allowing you to fully embrace your closeness to the sun. If it is a bright day – and there is a good chance that it will be since, St. Moritz sees on average 322 days of sun per year – swim from the main hot spa to the outdoor one, which spills over with steam. The backdrop is breathtaking – the Alps surround you while the water from the neck-down is like being enveloped by a silky warm cloak, keeping the freezing temperatures bearable. The annual Polo on Snow (fashionably sponsored by Ralph Lauren) and White Turf (a horse race that began in 1906) takes place on the frozen St. Moritz Lake and attract visitors from around the world. The world’s only natural bobsleigh track is also at St. Moritz, where you can experience the 75 seconds of excitement (or total anxiety) yourself, as you travel the length of the course at almost 130 km/h. This place is magical. Despite being an elite destination for winter sports for the past century, it has managed to keep its charm; in fact, it wouldn’t be unusual to see a horse-drawn carriage travelling down one of the small, snow-covered roads at any given moment. A suite at Carlton Hotel, St. Moritz costs from around £280 per night, per person (based on two adults sharing on a half-board basis, including butler service, minibar, service and VAT). (www.carlton-stmoritz.ch; +41 81 836 7000). The Swiss Transfer Ticket covers a round trip between the airport or Swiss border and your destination. From £90. (0800 100 200 30; www.swisstravelsystem.co.uk) EasyJet fly to Zurich from London Gatwick, from £35.99 (including taxes). (www.easyjet.com)

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f Danish crime dramas were anything to go Where to stay by, the thought of a sojourn in Copenhagen Icons of style have might seem as appealing right now as a stay flocked to Hotel in Pentonville. Put aside the box sets of The D’Angleterre for Killing, The Bridge and Borgen, where murder, centuries. Like a palace espionage and backstabbing lurk on every gade from one of Hans – last year Copenhagen was voted the city with Christian Anderson’s the best quality of life. And what’s not to love? stories, the hotel’s design Beautiful historical buildings spliced with comes as no surprise since contemporary design, achingly slick interiors the author was a resident brands, experimental gastronomy and the kind in 1860. Winston Churchill, of clean-living, white-teethed, glossy-haired Grace Kelly and Afred population that makes you think you’ve stepped Hitchcock are also among inside a Timotei advert. the hotel’s guests and the While it’s a well-trodden tourist stop, Nyhavn Royal Suite is incredibly is justifiably so. The traditional buildings of this romantic, with a view harbour inlet area, in shades of sepia, ochre and overlooking the fairtyalesaffron, are a slice of old Copenhagen, from like Royal Theatre. the days when Hans Christian Andersen was spinning his enthralling fairytales. And a quick Eating & drinking heel-totter from the harbour area is one of the Of course, a journey for the coolest areas of the city, Strøget. A warren of palette is what Copenhagen winding streets that act as home to Christian has become known for. Noma Louboutin, Stella McCartney, Marc Jacobs and has undoubtedly shifted the the like, alongside local Danish talent, such as gastronomic landscape, but the ultra-exclusive Shamballa Jewellery (Karl reservation slots are like gold Lagerfeld won’t leave the house without its dust. For a quirkier take on bracelets) and the sumptuous Balthazar dining, head to The Royal champagne bar. Café Copenhagen. Situated Architecture and design obsessives get up a cobbled alleyway a stone’s veritable whiplash in Copenhagen – it’s hard throw from the city’s bustling to know where to look at times, such is the main street, the eclectic menu overload. The 18th century stock exchange is offset with left-field art on building (with macabre, twisting crocodiles the walls and china from the on the roof) and parliament buildings historical Royal Copenhagen contrast to the Opera House and the Porcelain Store next door. incredible Black Diamond building, which is the modern extension of the Danish Mayfair recommends National Library designed by Schmidt Take a water tour. The city is Hammer Lassen. Drink in the view from the built on water and the various Michelin-starred Søren K restaurant at the inlets reveal real Danish life – bottom of it and watch Copenhagen-ites apartments that open onto the leap into the river for a swim – the city’s rivers and grassy havens of quiet Clean Water Act decrees that the river amidst the hubbub. It’s also the should be an active part of city life and best way to see the incredible fresh enough to take a dip in. Danish Opera House building.

[city break]

copenha

Often voted as one of the best places to live, the Danish capital is certainly a must-visit – if only for a weekend W O R D S : s t e p h e n do i g

one bedroom suite at the hotel d’angleterre

WATERFRONT IN THE OLD CITY

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The mayfair Magazine | Travel

SUITCASE E S S E N T I A L S Little Mermaid statue (Allen Furmanski / Shutterstock.com)

#1 Blazer, £757, Vivienne Westwood (www.viviennewestwood.co.uk)

hagen

#2 SPF, £36, (www.dermalogica.co.uk)

#3 Scarf, £310, Bottega Veneta (www.mrporter.com)

bar at the hotel d’angleterre

#4 Shoes, £300, Crockett & Jones (www.crockettandjones.com)

bedroom at the hotel d’angleterre

#5 Briefcase, £1,395 Pickett (www.pickett.co.uk)

deluxe guest room at the hotel d’angleterre

superior junior suite at the hotel d’angleterre

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19/02/2013 12:05:23

The mayfair Magazine | Regulars

Suite

dreams

… at Bulgari Hotel & Residences, London Words: elle blakeman

t would be easy to prattle on about luxury in this review: floor-to-ceiling Italian marble bathrooms, a gold-tiled vitality pool in the spa, a turning-down service that eschews the traditional chocolate for a small bottle of Bulgari perfume. But it would probably become wearing to read, in the same way that people claim to be bored of perfection. The same people who look for blemishes on supermodels, I imagine. The Bulgari hotel is a testament to the values of the LVMH brand; you have the sleek impracticality of high fashion embedded in the white-veined marble baths and the ultra high gloss mahogany walls throughout, which, like their catwalk equivalent, require constant preening and polishing. You also have the haute couture side of the industry here. The ‘mini’ bar (an inappropriate term for anything bigger than the average guest) is a vintage trunk-style piece that was custom made for the hotel. It attracts so many admirers that the first thing our butler (yes, our butler) says is, ‘I’m very sorry, but you cannot buy this.’ Many have tried, he assures me, with the air of a man who has been through it a lot. Finally you have the sheer beauty for beauty’s sake – rich dark leather sofas, huge beds laden with plump pillows, silver table lamps inspired by Bulgari’s iconic candlesticks – all unapologetic in their extravagance and their desire to do nothing but impress. It works.

The colour palette throughout the hotel includes deep black, shiny, elegant bronze and plenty of silver, the abundant use of which is a tribute to Bulgari’s silversmith origins. The only gold in the hotel is in the vitality spa, where you can lay among the bubbles on chrome underwater beds and soak in its healing power before heading back to subtler hues. The spa is simply spectacular. One of the biggest in central London, all green onyx and glass, with walls lined with Vicenza stone – it’s like being in an old Italian film. The dimly lit pool has cabanas dotted around the outside, inviting rest over swimming. Il Ristorante, down the Gatsby-style stairs, attracts both guests and local high-profile types, which is always a good sign. The menu is beautiful and the food is suitably rich – aubergine caviar, perfectly cooked Veal Milanese and a toasted brioche dessert so plentiful it defeated two of us (it was served with a swimming poolsized dish of chocolate). Florentin, our butler, tells me that several people move into the hotel for a prolonged period, sometimes several months. Despite only being there for one night, there are business cards printed out with my name, citing the hotel as my ‘London residence’; if only. Bulgari Hotel & Residences, 171 Knightsbridge, City of Westminster, SW7 (020 7151 1010)

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The mayfair Magazine | Regulars

Remembering

MAYFAIR H E N R Y P O O L E & C O SAVILE ROW

ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF Press Association

ew instances present themselves where one can feel underdressed in a New & Lingwood blazer. However, upon entering Henry Poole & Co, Savile Row’s oldest tailor, it was immediately obvious that the unlikely event had materialised. Over 200 years have passed since James Poole opened his first store and I’m sure the founder would be proud to see the Royal warrants from far-flung corners of the globe that now adorn the walls. The tailoring house, which feels and smells more like a gentleman’s club than a tailor, has held a royal warrant to produce livery for the royal household since 1869 and made garments for the likes of Winston Churchill, Charles Dickens, Dr Livingstone, Tsar Alexander II of Russia, J.P. Morgan and Emperor Hirohito of Japan. Recently, the chairman was presented with the Queen’s Award for Enterprise. It was also recently the subject of a visit from Princess Anne – an occasion comprising impeccably dressed dignitaries such as the Lord Lieutenant of London, the Lord Mayor of Westminster and Gerry McGovern, design director of Land Rover. Meanwhile, what looks like a Roman Eagle but is in fact a Napoleonic one, gifted by the

third Emperor, stands frozen over the proceedings. No doubt it has seen much history unfold from its privileged perch. Ledger upon ledger of royal ancestors’ sartorial foibles lay within the building, as testament to the fashionable heritage of London. In them you will find details of Churchill’s debts and Edward VIII’s abdication. Philip Parker, vice chairman of the company, recalls odd requests he received in the past, such as turn-ups on dinner suits at the home of the tuxedo. He says that Poole’s had no fashionable in-house style, continuing in the tradition of Savile Row, which symbolised all that was constant about style. He noted that the entire row was under pressure from both ‘men who could buy these places on the back of a cigarette box’ and ‘landlords who could push for higher rents on an almost permanent basis’. With its powerful patronage, an extensive client list and enviable representation abroad, however, one suspects the family-based operations of Henry Poole & Co will continue to lead the tailoring industry whatever the circumstances. Henry Poole & Co 15 Savile Row, London, W1S

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Property Property| |The Themayfair mayfairMagazine Magazine

Mayfair estate agents Beauchamp Estates 24 Curzon Street, W1J 7TF 020 7499 7722 www.beauchamp.co.uk

Harrods Estates

Knight Frank

Plaza Estates

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55 Baker Street, W1U 8AN 020 7871 5060 (sales)

29-31 Edgware Road, W2 2JE 020 7724 3100 www.plazaestates.co.uk

Knightsbridge Mayfair

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Hyde Park

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Westminster & Pimlico 10 Gillingham Street, SW1V 1HJ 020 3040 8201 (sales) www.chestertonhumberts.com

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

Horne & Harvey 23A St James’s Street, SW1A 1HA 020 7839 6006 www.horneandharvey.co.uk

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Savills

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Sloane Street

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

Belgravia Hamptons International

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London Sotheby’s International Realty 26A Conduit Street,W1S 2XY 020 7495 9580 www.sothebysrealty.com

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Paddington & Bayswater

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

Pastor Real Estate Ltd 48 Curzon Street, W1J 7UL 020 3195 9595 www.pastor-realestate.com

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

Knightsbridge penyards

Winchester Kaye & Carey

Knightsbridge 4 Yeoman’s Row, SW3 2AH 020 7590 0066 www.kayeandcarey.co.uk

21 Southgate Street Hampshire, SO23 9EB 01962 860300

Brockenhurst

66 Brookley Road Hampshire, SO42 7RA 01590 624775 www.penyards.com

For Estate Agent Listings please contact Sophie Roberts at: s.roberts@runwildgroup.co.uk 118

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

W.A. Ellis 174 Brompton Road, SW3 1HP 020 7306 1600 www.waellis.co.uk

showcasing the

finest HOMES & PROPERTY from the best estate agents

Exclusive PROPERTIES Home and abroad

image: malmesbury hall, see page 156

Knight Frank

Bryanston Place, Marylebone W1 An elegant three bedroom lateral apartment

A beautiful three bedroom, third floor apartment laterally converted over two Georgian houses. Comprising south facing master bedroom with en suite shower room, 2 further bedrooms, bathroom, south facing reception room with dining area, fitted kitchen, entrance hall. The property benefits from lift access directly into the apartment and use of Bryanston squareâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s private gardens for a small annual fee. Approximately 149.5 sq m (1,609 sq ft) Leasehold Guide price: ÂŁ1,950,000 (MRY130015)

KnightFrank.co.uk/Marylebone marylebone@knightfrank.com 020 3641 7939

Knight Frank Hyde Park Square, Hyde Park W2 Attractive apartment

A beautifully presented lateral apartment in a Grade II listed white stucco fronted building. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, reception room, dining room, kitchen, cloakroom, 24 hour porter, lift, storage vault, access to communal gardens. Approximately 150 sq m (1,616 sq ft) Share of Freehold Guide price: ÂŁ2,350,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/HydePark hydepark@knightfrank.com 020 3544 6140 (HPE120080)

Connaught Square, Hyde Park W2 Garden square location

An impressive Grade II listed town house. Master bedroom with en suite bathroom, 4/5 further bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, shower/steam room, 2 reception rooms, dining room, kitchen, family room, storage vaults, terrace, access to communal gardens. Approximately 305 sq m (3,289 sq ft) Leasehold Guide price: ÂŁ5,350,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/HydePark hydepark@knightfrank.com 020 3544 6140 (HPE130014)

Knight Frank Wimpole Street, Marylebone W1

Contemporary apartment A beautifully finished duplex apartment located in the heart of Marylebone Village. Master bedroom with en suite dressing room and shower room, bedroom 2 with en suite bathroom, reception room, Balthaup kitchen, study, cloakroom, 2 terraces. EPC rating F. Approximately 138 sq m (1,485 sq ft) Available furnished Guide price: ÂŁ1,950 per week

Marylebone Lettings KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings marylebonelettings@knightfrank.com 020 3641 5853 (MRQ173567)

John Street, Bloomsbury WC1

Wonderful family home A magnificent, interior designed Grade II listed house. 6 en suite bedrooms, reception room, kitchen/family room, study, garden, roof terrace, underfloor heating, Lutron lighting, Sonos integrated music system. Approximately 588 sq m (6,329 sq ft) Available furnished

Guide price: ÂŁ5,500 per week

Marylebone Lettings KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings marylebonelettings@knightfrank.com 020 3641 5853 (MRQ173142)

Knight Frank Green Street, Mayfair W1K Elegant duplex

A beautifully presented split-level apartment on one of Mayfair’s most desirable streets. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, reception room, openplan reception room/kitchen, 2 guest WCs, period features and a wealth of natural light throughout. EPC rating C. Approximately 181 sq m (1,948 sq ft) Available unfurnished Guide price: £2,850 per week

Mayfair Lettings KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings mayfairlettings@knightfrank.com 020 8166 7483 (MAQ174093)

Mount Street, Mayfair W1K

Stylish lateral space An immaculate second floor apartment with a unique aspect over Mount Street and Berkeley Square. 2 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, reception room, kitchen, dining room/study, guest WC, surround sound, lift. EPC rating F. Approximately 181 sq m (1,948 sq ft)] Available furnished Guide price: £4,000 per week

Mayfair Lettings KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings mayfairlettings@knightfrank.com 020 8166 7483 (MAQ159009)

quality

not quantity

Operating independently from his Mayfair base â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and never actively acting for more than four or five clients at one time â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Simon Barnes is able to provide a personal level of service far beyond the average buying agent or property consultant. His service will be committed, impartial and utterly discreet

work smarter, not harder. T: 020 7499 3434 M: 078 3146 5414 E: simon@simonbarnes.com

www.simonbarnes.com

The mayfair Magazine | Property

The MAYFAIR INSIDER simon barnes

property news Charming park views and record-breaking prices this month, plus expert advice on the key property issues in London

18 Upper Wimpole Street Just a stone’s throw from Mayfair, Upper Wimpole Street is nestled in the charming village of Marylebone. With views over Regent’s Park, this Georgian townhouse is beautifully set, evoking the grandeur of its past whilst combining all the modern essentials necessary to create a luxurious home. Spanning six floors are eight bedrooms, nine bathrooms and six spacious reception rooms. The lower-ground floor is the perfect environment for entertaining guests; the bespoke cinema room is adjacent to the delightful courtyard and state-of-the-art gym. This property provides a stunning oasis in the centre of the capital. 18 Upper Wimpole Street, W1G. For further enquiries contact Christian Lock-Necrews at Knight Frank (020 3435 6440; www.knightfrank.co.uk)

Park life Martin Bikhit from Kay & Co looks at why it will take more than a wing and a prayer to find a property within The Hyde Park Estate

Opulent property and strong demand have helped to drive a new landmark in property values in The Hyde Park Estate in 2012. The Hyde Park Estate comprises 1,700 flats and houses along with 100 commercial units centred around Connaught Village. Connaught Village forms part of the Hyde Park Estate, bounded by Hyde Park to the south and lying to the west of Marble Arch. It is owned by the Church Commissioners of England, which manages the Church of England property assets, with a total portfolio worth approximately £5.2 billion in 2011. For the first time, the average price per square foot of property in this area has exceeded £1,000. At the start of the century, the highest value per square foot in the area was obtained in Sussex Mews West and was £450. Just 12 years later, a flat in Hyde Park Gardens achieved £1,930, though the record for the area is still held by a first floor flat in Hyde Park Street that achieved £2,233 back in 2008. Just under a third (28 per cent) of properties currently available to buy in the local area are priced over £2 million. A mix of international purchasers from the Middle East, Pakistan, Malaysia and India are drawn to this area thanks to the type of property and the direct links to Heathrow and Central London. The largest scheme to gain planning permission in 2012 was for 24 private units. This ensures that property that comes onto the market tends to meet the asking price and sells quickly. (020 7262 2030; www.kayandco.com)

s in any field of ‘expertise’, the devil is in the detail and to focus on a selected target. Unlike other top estate agents, I only deal with perhaps three or four buyers at any one time, each with a different requirement, meaning there is never a conflict of interest. When registering with a conventional agent, you may be one of 200 buyers looking for the same property, some are serious, some are not. If you are unavailable when the agent calls you to offer you a particular property, you may not be called again. As far as the agent’s concerned, if he can sell a property making one phone call, that’s usually good enough – they won’t always contact other buyers. Having got to the point of exchange, when the deal is almost done, there are several things that can jeopardise the whole process. Details of the deal being leaked present the biggest hiccup. Either other buyers finding out a property is coming to the market and trying to offer a higher price, or details of the buyer being leaked, resulting in other properties being offered to them and the promise of a better deal. To protect against either scenario, I ensure that buyers are represented by solicitors chosen for their efficiency and dynamism, capable of dealing with these type of transactions swiftly and coolly – sometimes in a matter of hours or days – thus eliminating the risk of information being leaked. We ensure all our ducks are in a row before entering into the deal. When we act for buyers, their identity is confidential with details only ever being given to the key people in the deal. Above all, you will not find details of the property splashed across the pages of the tabloids. (020 7499 3434; www.simonbarnes.com) 125

Hamptons Mayfair

020 7717 5465 mayfair@hamptons-int.com

Manchester Square, W1 An important Grade II-listed Georgian house in the north east section of this exquisite small garden square in the heart of Marylebone. This wide double-fronted property extends to circa 8000 square feet and is arranged over the lower ground, ground and three upper floors, with seven bedrooms and a self-contained basement flat. Hamptons Mayfair 020 7717 5465 mayfair@hamptons-int.com

ÂŁ16,000,000 Freehold 8 Bedrooms 4 Reception rooms Library Gym with wet room 2 Roof terraces Lift

Hamptons Paddington

Sales. 020 7717 5473 paddington@hamptons-int.co.uk

Hyde Park Gardens, W2 A stunning lateral apartment with magnificent views across Hyde Park and beyond. Located on the third floor of this attractive portered white stucco fronted building with lifts, the accommodation comprises a 25ft south facing drawing room, 15ft dining room, 20ft kitchen/breakfast room, four bedrooms and a cloakroom. Hamptons Paddington 020 7717 5473 paddington@hamptons-int.co.uk

ÂŁ7,000,000 Leasehold Lateral Apartment Reception Room with views of Hyde Park Four Bedrooms Separate Staff Accommodation Terrace (Un-Demised) Access to Stunning Communal Gardens

Hamptons Pimlico & Westminster

0203 281 7214 pimwest@hamptons-int.com

St George Wharf, SW8 St George Wharf is an award winning riverside development with parking (subject to residential parking charges), porterage, restaurant and amenities, and is located just south of Vauxhall Bridge with transport links via Vauxhall Underground and Overground stations and the Thames Clipper into the City via the St George Wharf Pier. Hamptons Pimlico & Westminster 0203 281 7214 pimwest@hamptons-int.com

ÂŁ5,000,000 Leasehold 4 Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms (3 en-suite) 3509 Approx Sq Ft River Views On site Gymnasium Roof Terrace and Balcony

Hamptons Mayfair

020 7717 5467 mayfairlettings@hamptons-int.com

Devonshire Place, W1 A bright lateral apartment in a very exclusive location in Marylebone. The property has a modern finish throughout, but also retains a host of period features resulting in wonderful character. The apartment has a private garden, a separate wine vault and hard wood floors with exceptional space. Mayfair Lettings 020 7717 5467 mayfairlettings@hamptons-int.com

ÂŁ2,200 per week Furnished or Unfurnished Reception room Kitchen Three bedrooms Two bathrooms Garden Period building

Upper Belgrave Street, Belgravia SW1

A three bedroom penthouse with south facing roof terrace. Three bedrooms • Three bathrooms • Two reception rooms • Kitchen South facing roof terrace • Lift • Study • Caretaker Approximately 2,000 sq ft / 186 sq m • Energy Rating: C

020 7495 9580

casper.tham@sothebysrealty.co.uk

Guide Price: £7,250,000 Leasehold with approximately 115 years remaining

Over 600 Offices in 46 Countries

sothebysrealty.co.uk

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Chesterfield Street, Mayfair W1 Chesterfield Street, Mayfair W1 Chesterfield Street, Mayfair W1 Historical house in Mayfair, once home to the Duke of Devonshire Historical Historical house house in in Mayfair, Mayfair, once once home home to to the the Duke Duke of of Devonshire Devonshire Three bedroom suites each with dressing rooms and bathrooms • Two further bedrooms • Onesuites further bathroom • Studyrooms • Reception room • Dining room Three each with and •• Two Three bedroom bedroom suites each with dressing dressing rooms and bathrooms bathrooms Two further further with conservatory • Patiobathroom • Kitchen•••Study Roof terrace • Approximately 3,802 sq ft bedrooms •• One •• Reception room room bedrooms One further further bathroom Study Reception room •• Dining Dining room /with 353 sq m • Energy Rating: C conservatory • Patio • Kitchen • Roof terrace • Approximately 3,802 with conservatory • Patio • Kitchen • Roof terrace • Approximately 3,802 sq sq ft ft // 353 sq m • Energy Rating: C 353 sq m • Energy Rating: C

Guide Price: £8,950000 Freehold Guide Guide Price: Price: £8,950000 £8,950000 Freehold Freehold

Over 600 Offices in 46 Countries Over Over 600 600 Offices Offices in in 46 46 Countries Countries 09:10

020 7495 9580

svetlana.shcholokova@sothebysrealty.co.uk 020 020 7495 7495 9580 9580 svetlana.shcholokova@sothebysrealty.co.uk svetlana.shcholokova@sothebysrealty.co.uk

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Eaton Square, Belgravia SW1 Eaton A newly Square, refurbishedBelgravia ground floorSW1 apartment on Eaton Square A newly refurbished ground floor apartment on Eaton Square Bedroom • Bathroom • Reception room • Kitchen • Cloakroom Approximately 912 sq •ftReception / 85 sq m •room Energy Rating:•DCloakroom Bedroom • Bathroom • Kitchen Approximately 912 sq ft / 85 sq m • Energy Rating: D

020 7495 9580 020 7495 9580

casper.tham@sothebysrealty.co.uk casper.tham@sothebysrealty.co.uk

Guide Price: £499,950 Leasehold with approximately 6 years remaining Guide Price: £499,950 Leasehold with approximately 6 years remaining

Over 600 Offices in 46 Countries Over 600 Offices in 46 Countries

sothebysrealty.co.uk sothebysrealty.co.uk

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Clarges Street, Mayfair W1 Clargespenthouse Street,with Mayfair W1 Striking parking, porterage and terrace in Mayfair. Striking penthouse with parking, porterage and terrace in Mayfair. Master bedroom with en-suite • Two further bedrooms • Two further bathrooms • Double room • bedrooms Kitchen • Lift • Conservatory Master bedroom withreception/dining en-suite • Two further • Two further Terrace • Porter • Underground parking • Approximately 2,188 sq ft / 203 sq m bathrooms • Double reception/dining room • Kitchen • Lift • Conservatory Energy Rating: C Terrace • Porter • Underground parking • Approximately 2,188 sq ft / 203 sq m

020 7495 9580

svetlana.shcholokova@sothebysrealty.co.uk

020 7495 9580

svetlana.shcholokova@sothebysrealty.co.uk

Energy Rating: C

Guide Price: £5,400,000 Leasehold with approximately 95 years remaining Guide Price: £5,400,000 Leasehold with approximately 95 years remaining

Over 600 Offices in 46 Countries Over 600 Offices in 46 Countries

sothebysrealty.co.uk sothebysrealty.co.uk

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Chelsea Fulham & Parsons Green Kensington & Holland Park Knightsbridge, Belgravia & Mayfair Notting Hill & Bayswater West Chelsea & South Kensington

Sales 020 7225 3866 Sales 020 7731 7100 Sales 020 7938 3666 Sales 020 7235 9959 Sales 020 7221 1111 Sales 020 7373 1010

Lettings 020 7589 9966 Lettings 020 7731 7100 Lettings 020 7938 3866 Lettings 020 7235 9959 Lettings 020 7221 1111 Lettings 020 7373 1010

City Office Professional Valuations UK Commercial & Residential Residential Investment Property Management

020 7600 3456 020 7318 5039 020 7629 7282 020 7318 5196 020 7052 9417

struttandparker.com

West Eaton Place Mews | Belgravia | SW1 2,742 (254.7 sq m)

Knightsbridge 020 7235 9959

Scan this QR code with your camera phone to read more about this property. Free QR code readers are available to download from our website at struttandparker.com/qrcode

Hans Crescent | Knightsbridge | SW1 1,843 sq ft (171.2 sq m)

Knightsbridge 020 7235 9959

Scan this QR code with your camera phone to read more about this property. Free QR code readers are available to download from our website at struttandparker.com/qrcode

Chelsea Fulham & Parsons Green Kensington & Holland Park Knightsbridge, Belgravia & Mayfair Notting Hill & Bayswater West Chelsea & South Kensington

Sales 020 7225 3866 Sales 020 7731 7100 Sales 020 7938 3666 Sales 020 7235 9959 Sales 020 7221 1111 Sales 020 7373 1010

Lettings 020 7589 9966 Lettings 020 7731 7100 Lettings 020 7938 3866 Lettings 020 7235 9959 Lettings 020 7221 1111 Lettings 020 7373 1010

City Office Professional Valuations UK Commercial & Residential Residential Investment Property Management

020 7600 3456 020 7318 5039 020 7629 7282 020 7318 5196 020 7052 9417

struttandparker.com

Belgrave Mews South | Belgravia | SW1 3,800 sq ft (353 sq m)

Knightsbridge 020 7235 9959 JSA Knight Frank 020 7881 7722

Scan this QR code with your camera phone to read more about this property. Free QR code readers are available to download from our website at struttandparker.com/qrcode

Bourne Street | Belgravia | SW1 5,860 sq ft (544 sq m)

Knightsbridge 020 7235 9959

Scan this QR code with your camera phone to read more about this property. Free QR code readers are available to download from our website at struttandparker.com/qrcode

WESSEX GARDENS NW11 Lovely five bedroom family house that has been beautifully refurbished to an excellent standard. The property has a fabulous kitchen and bathrooms, wooden floors in the reception area’s, air conditioning and a pretty garden and terrace, ideal for outdoor entertaining. Viewing is highly recommended. 5 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms, Cloakroom, Reception Room, Dining Room, Open Plan Kitchen, Private Garden, Off Street Parking.

FURNISHED

£1200 PER WEEK MARBLE ARCH: 29-31 EDGWARE ROAD LONDON W2 2JE 020 7724 3100

Prices hit a record in 2008. But you know what records are for.

Last year Co helped helped break breakprevious previoushighs highsfor forsale saleprices pricesininLondon LondonW1 W1and andW2. W2. 2012: Kay Kay & Co&has we’re achieving achieving+13% +13%compared comparedwith withthe theprevious previouspeak peakof offour fiveyears yearsago. ago. Indeed, we’re we do do for for you? you? Now, what can we

Prices hit a record in 2008. But you know what records are for.

Hyde Park & Bayswater 020 7262 2030 Marylebone & Regent’s Park 020 7486 6338

kayandco.com Property with Intelligence

kayandco.com

North Row, Mayfair

020 3394 0012 sales.hydepark@kayandco.com

ÂŁ6,500,000 Leasehold A spacious three bedroom, three bathroom penthouse with wrap-around balcony overlooking Hyde Park. On the seventh floor, this bright, lateral property offers access to the gym, swimming pool and sauna facilities of the Marriott Hotel. Further benefits include lift access, 24-hour porterage and one secure car parking space. Hyde Park and Marble Arch Underground are moments away. Energy Rating: D

Bulstrode Street, Marylebone

020 3394 0012 lettings.marylebone@kayandco.com

ÂŁ1,050 Per Week Furnished/Unfurnished A newly refurbished two bedroom flat on the third and fourth floor of this sought after block. The property features a spacious open plan kitchen to reception room, a private roof terrace and good built-in storage. Energy Rating: C

kayandco.com

Montagu Square, Marylebone

020 3394 0012 sales.marylebone@kayandco.com

ÂŁ2,700,000 Leasehold The epitome of fine Marylebone living; a beautifully refurbished three bedroom, three bathroom duplex apartment with the benefit of a private town garden as well as the use of the communal gardens of Montagu Square. Featuring a delightful reception room and dining room with very high ceilings. Energy Rating: D

Hyde Park Square, Hyde Park

020 3394 0012 lettings.hydepark@kayandco.com

ÂŁ650 Per Week Furnished A large one bedroom flat on the ground floor of a stucco-fronted period conversion. This contemporary property has been refurbished to a high standard, and benefits from high ceilings throughout. Accommodation comprises a bright open-plan kitchen/reception, a double bedroom and a modern shower room. Access to Hyde Park Square is included. Energy Rating: C

SALES

LETTINGS

MANAGEMENT

INVESTMENT

Mayfair +44 20 7499 9904 mayfair@messilaresidential.com www.messilaresidential.com

LUXURIOUS LIVING FOR ALL SEASONS Park Street, Mayfair W1

ÂŁ1,750 Per Week

A top floor, elegant two double bedroom, two bathroom (both en-suite) apartment situated in a stunning, portered, period building in the heart of Mayfair. The property boasts air conditioning, aqua vision and private lift access. Located close to Hyde Park and Mount Street, the very best of Mayfair is all within walking distance.

MAYFAIR

KNIGHTSBRIDGE

MARYLEBONE

REGENTS PARK

51-53 South Audley Street

20 Montpelier Street

65 Weymouth Street

137 Park Road

www.messilaresidential.com

SALES

LETTINGS

MANAGEMENT

INVESTMENT

Mayfair +44 20 7499 9904 mayfair@messilaresidential.com www.messilaresidential.com

ON THE DOORSTEP OF MOUNT STREET, MAYFAIR’S FASHION CAPITAL SOUTH AUDLEY STREET, MAYFAIR W1

£2,750,000 Leasehold Approx 108 years

A beautifully refurbished two double bedroom, two bathroom flat positioned just off Mount Street. Situated on the fourth floor of a purpose built block with very smart communal areas and lift access. The apartment benefits from a daytime Porter and lots of natural light, offering a perfect hassle free pied-à-terre in one of London’s most exclusive locations.

MAYFAIR

KNIGHTSBRIDGE

MARYLEBONE

REGENTS PARK

51-53 South Audley Street

20 Montpelier Street

65 Weymouth Street

137 Park Road

www.messilaresidential.com

Mayfair Home to buy this month’s Upper Brook Street w1k

£2,550,000 long lease

A rare opportunity to acquire a prestigious 2 bedroom (1 en-suite) period apartment of distinction, featuring an impressive entrance hallway, a charming south facing reception room, 3 balconies, fitted kitchen & shower room. EPC rating C

Mayfair & St James’s Sales 020 7629 4513 v sales.mayfair@chestertonhumberts.com

chestertonhumberts.com

MoUnt Street w1k

Green Street w1k

£4,000 per week

£2,775 per week

EPC rating F

EPC rating D

An interior designed apartment in a superb location, comprising a master bedroom with en-suite, 2nd double bedroom, bathroom, reception & dining rooms & kitchen.

A luxurious interior designed maisonette in a superb location. The accommodation comprises a master bedroom with en-suite & dressing area, double bedroom with en-suite, eat-in kitchen & a spacious reception.

Mayfair & St James’s Lettings 020 7288 8301 v lettings.mayfair@chestertonhumberts.com

Upper Brook Street w1k

SoUtH AUdley Street w1k

£1,950 per week

£1,800 per week

EPC rating D

EPC rating E

A newly refurbished 3 bedroom apartment situated in a superb Mayfair location. Master bedroom with en-suite, 2 double bedrooms, an additional bathroom, fitted kitchen & separate dining room.

A beautiful 3rd floor apartment with 2 en-suite double bedrooms, a further single bedroom, a spacious reception room, fitted kitchen, guest cloakroom,shower room & views over Mount Street Gardens.

Mayfair & St James’s Lettings 020 7288 8301 v lettings.mayfair@chestertonhumberts.com

chestertonhumberts.com

Your reward for all the lonely dinners at your desk.

Lancaster Gate, Hyde Park, W2 Discreetly hidden behind this Grade II listed faรงade of an imposing stucco terrace is this first floor, three bedroom duplex apartment. It is presented in immaculate condition throughout and comprises a reception room with double ceiling height, fully fitted kitchen/breakfast room on the mezzanine level overlooking the reception room, master bedroom with a spacious walk in wardrobe and en suite bathroom, two further spacious double bedrooms both en-suite and guest cloakroom.

Available, Furnished ยฃ1,500 per week 020 7409 9158 Robin.boghhenrikssen@harrodsestates.com

KNIGHTSBRIDGE OFFICE: 82 BROMPTON ROAD LONDON SW3 1ER T: +44 020 7225 6506 MAYFAIR OFFICE: 61 PARK LANE LONDON W1K 1QF T: +44 020 7409 9001

HARRODSESTATES.COM

Verge-Mayfair, Dering Street, W1 A beautifully designed apartment providing 786 sq ft of luxurious living space in the highly sought-after Verge-Mayfair development. Accommodation comprises reception room with floor to ceiling windows and folding doors leading to a custom designed kicthen, bedroom suite with beautiful bespoke finishes, and a generously proportioned bathroom. Verge-Mayfair benefits from concierge service, and is fantastically located for some of the Capital’s best shops and restaurants. EPC-B

Leasehold approximately 124 years remaining £1,495,000 020 7409 9047 Robert.cox@harrodsestates.com

KNIGHTSBRIDGE OFFICE: 82 BROMPTON ROAD LONDON SW3 1ER T: +44 020 7225 6506 MAYFAIR OFFICE: 61 PARK LANE LONDON W1K 1QF T: +44 020 7409 9001

HARRODSESTATES.COM

EXBURY HAMPSHIRE

ÂŁOFFERS INVITED Enjoying an enviable position in a 12 acre setting with superb views over surrounding countryside, this exquisitely restored Grade II Listed farmhouse provides an impressive range of accommodation extending to approx 6000 sq ft whilst also providing enormous potential within adjoining outbuildings.

COUNTRY

P R O P E RT I E S

T: 01590 624775 www.penyards.com

HURSTBOURNE TARRANT HAMPSHIRE PG

ÂŁ995,000

A superb detached 4 bedroom Grade II* listed 18th Century Farmhouse with many traditional features typically of this periodset within approx. 2 acres of grounds with substantial barns and outbuildings that have separate vehicular access and could be ideal for those looking to accommodate a work/home environment, small holding or may offer development potential (stpp).

COUNTRY

P R O P E RT I E S

T: 01264 810863 www.penyards.com

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LONDON NW1 An exclusive gated development of five contemporary houses bordering Regentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Park, each featuring an abundance of living space and private patio gardens. The houses provide an entire floor dedicated to a luxurious dual aspect reception room, perfect for relaxing or entertaining and further benefit from luxurious principal bedroom suites and indulgent home cinemas. Residents can move from car to house securely and comfortably with direct access from the underground car park to each house. The development is secured with CCTV throughout and benefits from an onsite 24 hour uniformed concierge.

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L/H 993 YEARS

JOINT SOLE AGENTS

FROM £3.4M

Holland Park, W14 John Taylor proudly presents a magnificent triplex penthouse stunningly perched at the highest point of the road opposite Holland Park gate. Private lift access and sweeping panoramic views greet you as you enter this highest standard apartment. Light floods all 4 bedrooms, free flowing open plan dining room, living room and 3D cinema. Staff quarters off the kitchen provide a wonderfully functioning entertaining area. A creatively placed study and roof terrace top off this divine living space.

£10,000,000 guide price Share of Freehold Joint Sole Agents ABU

DHABI

•

AIX-EN-PROVENCE

•

BARCELONA

John Taylor Ltd David Adams dadams@john-taylor.com 020 3284 1888

•

CANNES

•

COURCHEVEL

•

www.john-taylor.com

COSTA

BRAVA

•

GENEVA

Savills Kensington Thomas Holcroft tholcroft@savills.com 020 7535 3300

•

GSTAAD

•

LONDON

Upper Wimpole Street, W1 A magnificent Grade II listed, 8 bedroom house with fantastic entertainment and leisure space in the heart of Marylebone, close to Regents Park. This house comprises an exceptionally large drawing room, with an interconnecting reception room, dining room with adjoining reception/media room, a large kitchen and breakfast room, terrace, library, study, and a guest cloakroom. On the second floor the master bedroom suite includes a walk through dressing room with a marble tiled bathroom, the third and fourth floors comprise a further 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 shower rooms and a kitchenette. Situated on the lower ground floor is the cinema room, courtyard, gym, 2 bedrooms with kitchenette and 3 bathrooms.

£12,950,000 Freehold

MEGEVE

•

MERIBEL

John Taylor Ltd David Adams dadams@john-taylor.com 020 3284 1888

•

MILAN

•

MONACO

•

PARIS

•

ST-JEAN-CAP-FERRAT

www.john-taylor.com

•

ST-PAUL-DE-VENCE

David Adams Managing Director John Taylor - UK 07876 545 986

•

ST-TROPEZ

•

VALBONNE

l l a H y r u b s e Malm Embrace the grandeur, history and romance of this classic Stately Home â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a perfect escape in the heart of the English countryside

ntering the grand, wrought-iron-gated world of Hurn Court is a regal experience, and incredibly, one that is now available for a new buyer, as the central wing of this important Grade II Listed Manor House has recently come on the market Malmesbury Hall is the central focus of the Hurn Court Estate, and has been the dwelling for the Earls of Malmesbury since the start of the 17th century. The property also has several notable associations with many prominent figures; including the renowned composer

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Handel, Lord Nelson and Lillie Langtry, providing an excellent source of conversation around elegant dinner parties. Just over an hour out of London, the property is an ideal country retreat for those looking for a weekend place to enjoy Englandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s green, open spaces. The cathedral cities of Salisbury and Winchester are within easy reach, while the New Forest National Park and the waters of The Solent are also on its doorstep. However, for those who prefer to stay close by, the grounds of

The mayfair Magazine | Property

the estate are an impressive ten acres and lay adjacent to the River Stour, providing plenty of roaming opportunity for you and your family. There are also a variety of seating areas dotted around the grounds and on the river banks, allowing for rest stops along the way. The property itself opens into a stunning double reception room. The original family crest dates back to 1699, and remains above the stone fireplace, which along with the stained glass windows and shallow, quasi-vaulted ribbed ceiling, sets the tone for the grandeur to follow. There are three floors in total, an impressive 5,000 sq ft area. The drawing room on the first floor, reached via huge solid wood double doors – ideal for that all-important entrance – is a wonderful space for entertaining. Occupying a vast space which extends as far as the second floor, it has access to a charming servant staircase, which is particularly useful for dinner parties, linking the formal drawing room with the kitchen and wine cellar. The drawing room also has beautifully restored original windows, overlooking the carriage driveway with stunning high ceilings. The kitchen and breakfast room, like that of any country retreat, is the heart of the home. Designed to bespoke specifications it offers all modern comforts, beautifully fitted, matching the aesthetic of the property. Helpfully, there is a dedicated boot room just off the kitchen so it can stay looking it’s best, uncluttered by muddy wellies and coats. The second floor is given to the master and guest bedrooms suites, both with elegantly fitted bathrooms. Another three bedrooms can be found on the top floor, together with separate bath and shower rooms. The title also includes a detached double garage together with additional parking spaces, and with the exceptional security in place, Malmesbury Hall is ideal both as a principal or second home. Perfect for those looking for an exquisite slice of British heritage life. £1,200,000. Viewing strictly by appointment with Penyards (01425 403600; burley@penyards.com)

‘The beautifully restored original windows overlook the carriage driveway’

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We believe that every building is one-of-akind. Every design is created to a unique, specific and personal vision. And every project requires individual understanding, research and planning. Blending architectural flair with building surveying professionalism. Collaborating with clients, suppliers, engineers and builders. Together we create original and beautiful bespoke houses. We are experienced and pragmatic, fresh thinking and innovative; we are Pennington Phillips.

Pennington Phillips 16 Spectrum House 32â&#x20AC;&#x201C;34 Gordon House Road London NW5 1LP t: 020 7267 1414 f: 020 7267 7878 design@penningtonphillips.co.uk

Galliard_Mayfair_FPC 18/02/2013 15:37 Page 1

GreatCumberlandPlace LOND O N W 1

Opens its doors for the first time to reveal seven of the most exclusive and highly specified apartments in London W1 Galliard Homes cordially invite you to the

Galliard@Home show apartment opening release on

Thursday 28th February between 4.30 and 9.00pm

5 MINUTES FROM MARBLE ARCH • HYDE PARK • OXFORD STREET

43-45 Great Cumberland Place, Marble Arch, London W1

For further details please call

020 7620 1500 sales@galliardhomes.com www.galliardhomes.com

Spanish serenity This private villa in Marbella, Spain, is the perfect holiday home for the restless â&#x20AC;&#x201C; golf courses and tennis courts make this place a sporty and luxurious escape at any time of the year

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The mayfair Magazine | Property

ficionados of sport and Spain – take note: a new property has arrived on the market in Marbella, Costa del Sol, on the coast of southern Spain. If the sun and sand isn’t enough to tempt you to look to Marbella as the place to make your holiday home, then this property’s rather unique amenities should be. Named Casa Carlota, this seven-bedroom villa sits among a beautiful natural and private surrounding, and is perfect if you love to play golf, tennis or simply relax. The property is located within a gated community covering some 900 hectares of its own nature reserve, with two 18-hole golf courses, a riding club and tennis courts, making it ideal for holidays at any time of the year. For your golf buggy, there’s also a separate car port, as well as a naturally lit circular garage that fits six to eight vehicles to keep your luxury car collection safe from the great outdoors. And as for accommodation, the master suite at Casa Carlota includes two walk-in wardrobes (one for him, and one for her) and has seven bathrooms and four reception areas – which should provide enough space for your family

‘On the lower-ground floor you will find an American-style bar, a Jacuzzi and steam room as well as a cinema’ and friends. On the lower-ground floor you will find an American-style bar, a Jacuzzi and steam room, as well as a cinema for that all-important down time. There is also a staff apartment with a separate entrance. And the interior decoration is nothing short of stunning with Italian Gessi bathrooms, Sics mosaics, marble and wooden floors and wood carpentry of oak, limed oak and yroko. For the ultimate secluded getaway, Casa Carlota is like your own private village. Approximately £4,748,000. For further enquiries contact Aylesford International Estate Agents. 020 7349 9772; (www.aylesford.com)

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M AY F A I R W 1 Beautiful two bedroom penthouse with amazing roof terrace and access to Mayfair’s Secret Gardens. Entrance hall with direct lift access, two double bedrooms, two luxury bathrooms, reception room, fully fitted kitchen.

ST JAMES’S SW1 Newly refurbished luxury one bedroom apartment in smart portered residential block in the heart of St. James’s. Large reception room with fireplace, fully fitted kitchen, double bedroom, tiled bathroom, video entry system.

Price £1,175 per week - Furnished

Price £595 per week - Furnished

M AY F A I R W 1 Unique high spec interior designed studio apartment. Brand new with private street entrance, studio room with bedroom area, eat-in kitchen, luxury shower room, solid wood flooring. Use of a private gym in building.

M AY F A I R W 1 Newly decorated and interior designed two bed apartment with access to a private patio. Double aspect reception/ dining room, fully fitted kitchen, double bedroom, 2nd bedroom/study, bathroom with corner bath and shower.

Price £595 per week - Furnished

Price £695 per week - Furnished

E. lettings@pastor-realestate.com