The Notting Hill & Holland Park magazine December 2014 by Runwild Media Group

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CONTENTS 20

A Local Christmas

Crystal Clear

Residents and business owners tell Hannah Lemon what they enjoy about family get-togethers, good food and festive drinks

Annabel Harrison speaks to Silvio Denz, CEO of Lalique, about the company’s iconic product range for A/W14

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A Matter of Taste

Look to the Stars

Hannah Lemon tentatively samples the secret world of food and film at Edible Cinema on Portobello Road

Kathryn Gordon ventures out into the fairytale wilderness of Rangá for authentic Icelandic cuisine and winter activities

40 Keeping You Posted Hannah Lemon finds the answer to all your Christmas shopping worries while chatting to Not Another Bill

50 Flying High Photographer David Brook speaks to Hannah Lemon about the highlights of his career

Editor’s Letter

Local Profile

Borough News

Art & Antiques

Collection

Fashion

Interiors

Health & Beauty

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Travel

121

Drinking & Dining

124

London Living

131

Property

November / December Notting hill & Holland Park

Cover: Olivia v0n Halle Coco Silk Pyjamas, £330, available at: oliviavonhalle.com Photography: Danil Golovkin

DECEMBER 2014 s issue 023

Turn to p.20 to see what else is on our Christmas wishlist

Editor Annabel Harrison Deputy Editor Hannah Lemon Assistant Editor Olivia Sharpe November – 19 December Griffin Art Prize, griffinartprize.co.uk

Contributing Editor Kari Rosenberg Editorial Assistants Harriet Baker Liane Nelson Senior Designer Sophie Blain

December Annual Christmas Fair, St John’s Notting Hill, stjohnsnottinghill.com

Production Alex Powell Hugo Wheatley Oscar Viney Amy Roberts Client Relationship Director Felicity Morgan-Harvey Executive Director Sophie Roberts General Manager Fiona Fenwick December – 7 February Lights On, flowgallery.co.uk

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From the EDITOR For this, the Christmas issue, the discerning residents and business owners of Notting Hill and Holland Park have singled out the presents they would most like to give and receive this year, while also going into detail about their favourite aspects of the festive season. For designer Jonathan Adler, “Christmas is all about spending time with the people I love in the places I love” and the sentiment was the same across the board (p. 20). Designers Bec Astley Clarke and Melissa Del Bono both love how excited their children get on Christmas morning, and Melissa also shared an intriguing Italian tradition with us; “We always wear red underwear on Christmas Day and dance around the tree in celebration!” Sophie Conran – interior designer, cook and author – suggests a most thoughtful gift; one ‘Crisis at Christmas’ place for a homeless person costs just £21.62 for three hot meals on Christmas Day, followed by a health check, a dental appointment and a haircut. Her own family Christmas starts with “lots of preparation, with everyone mucking in, then a day of feasting and being merry! After lunch we always go for a long walk to wake us up a bit, then we play games and watch movies by a roaring fire.” For a more unusual present, check the Edible Cinema website with borderline religious zeal to ensure you snare one of its 83 spaces in an armchair, sofa or double bed. The creative geniuses at this popup event have honed an experience that is sure to shock your senses; Hannah Lemon reveals her experience of this secret world of food and film on p. 30. The answer to all your Christmas shopping worries for the person who has everything lies with Not Another Bill, with a little help from charismatic Ladbroke-Grove-based founder Ned Corbett-Winder (p. 40). Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

Editor

Annabel Harrison

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Christmas

Wishes The discerning residents and business owners of Notting Hill and Holland Park pick out the presents they would like to give and receive this year and tell Hannah Lemon what they most enjoy about family get-togethers, good food and festive drinks

FEATURE

Oliver Gladwin Chef I would give my very loving auntie a mulberry vinegar that I have home-made. And for me? Well, a ruddy great feast with my family often requires a new outrageous outfit... We close the restaurants at Christmas, so everyone who works with Gladwin Brothers Enterprises can spend time with their friends and family. At Christmas, the Gladwin family walk our llamas, fill out our Christmas cards and offer our Nutbourne wine to all the fellow villagers. And sing carols with Christmas cheer, of course! theshed-restaurant.com

Diana Verde Nieto Entrepreneur I’d give all my team a spa day at Grace Belgravia, the private members club in London, to say thank you for all their amazing hard work over the past year. I’m absolutely in love with Olivia von Halle silk pyjamas at the minute. I wouldn’t say no to the Alba Valentina silk nightshirt set this Christmas! My favourite thing about Christmas is spending time with family and friends. It’s the one time of the year that I truly try to switch off and spend quality time with them. I usually go home to Argentina, so Christmas is quite

different for me. As a family, we have a big Asado (a BBQ which is also the national dish in Argentina) followed by lemon ice-cream and champagne. At midnight, normally my friends start rocking up at home and we play guitar or play cards until the sun rises.

Olivia von Halle “Alba Valentina” £295; oliviavonhalle.com

positiveluxury.com

Andrew Cooper Business Owner

Bamford Rolex Daytona , from £15,000 bamfordwatchdepartm ent.com

Every year as a family we find a great charity and make a special donation. This year I’d choose The Mayhew Animal Home. It’s a great local animal re-homing centre who work tirelessly to help abandoned pets and a donation would be a huge luxury to all their residents. I would like a custom-made watch by my friend George at Bamford Watch Department! I love spending quality time with family and indulging in food and films. Christmas markets with mulled wine and ice skating with the kids are great for getting into the festive spirit. The Mutz Nutz, 221 Westbourne Park Road, W11 1EA themutznutz.com

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Melissa Del Bono Designer I really want to give a lucky person my Halo Royal Blue in Nubuck leather. I’m completely obsessed with it. I’d have it monogrammed too to make it personal; I always like a gift to be extra special for that specific person. If people are feeling generous, this year I would like some Poplin silk pyjamas, a Missoma bracelet and a Tom Daxon candle. The latter reminds me of Italy. I love family time and seeing the excitement in my kid’s faces. I love the sparkle and the fairytale-like nature of Christmas too; you can become a child again. I grew up in Italy so we always leave amaretti biscuits out for Santa by the fireplace. Obviously decorating the tree has to be a highlight along with hot chocolate and lots of yummy food! I love Skate at Somerset House and the Christmas stalls on the South Bank; they get you in the spirit!

In Italy we always wear red underwear on Christmas day and dance around the tree in celebration! The day starts by opening our stockings in bed and guessing each present before you unwrap it. We always have a pre-lunch Bloody Mary and then sit down for the biggest Christmas feast ever. We have a mix of Italian and British food; for me the bread sauce is an absolute must, no turkey is the same without it. In the afternoon we relax and play our traditional game of bingo! Because who doesn’t love bingo? melimelo.com

Halo Royal Blue Nubuck, £720, melimelo.com

Heidi Gosman Swimwear Designer I would give my family a dream chalet in Switzerland for two weeks; just us. For me? Just lots of snow! At Christmas I love decorating the house, wrapping presents, and sipping hot chocolate by our cosy fire. I also enjoy having an eggnog evening with Penny [Klein] and her family. heidi klein, 174 Westbourne Grove, W11 2RW heidiklein.com

Tim Brenninkmeijer Business Owner I’d give a lifetime membership of the National Geographic magazine and society to my two-year-old nephew Otto, as he’s already showing signs of a nature and world enthusiast. Even if he doesn’t head down that way, I’d love for one of his passions and major interests to be in the wonders of the world. I gave him a globe for his christening.

Chalet Pic Vert in Switzerland, £749 per I’d like to receive person fully-catered (excluding travel and a really nice record transfers); powderwhite.com player, as my collection is growing and my Amazon-sourced one isn’t living up to the cut of the wax. I love the sense of intimacy the season brings, among family, friends and loved ones, through it’s cosiness and opportunities for reflection on the year. I also love mulled cider and poffertjes (mini Dutch pancakes). And Amsterdam, saying that – without a doubt the most beautiful place during winter.

willowandwarson.co.uk

FEATURE

A Decadent December How would you spend £500,000? We take a look at some of the most opulent Christmas gifts around. Better hope you’ve been nice this year!

Calivigny Castaway Relax and unwind in the ultimate private island destination. The Calivigny Caribbean Island provides the most sophisticated and extravagant retreat for you and your guests. Enjoy tailor-made haute cuisine prepared by world class chefs, all the sport and waterbased activities you could ever dream of doing, and a giant outdoor portable movie screen if you fancy a touch of Hollywood glam. $52,000/£32,434 per night £500,000 = two week stay at The Beach House for 20 guests (10 suites) calivigny-island.com

A Need for Speed Hunton produces high-performance handcrafted, luxury powerboats furnished with the finest bespoke British furniture, teak wood and supple leather. Each vessel is commissioned to order so that the boat is a truly unique reflection of the client’s personal style and preference. Prices start from £497,555 hunton.co.uk

The Midas Touch Once in a while the sturgeon bears real gold in the form of the Golden Almas Caviar egg. Pale with a translucent amber colour, these unique eggs were once traditionally saved for royalty and are without doubt the true treasures of the Caviar world. Genuine Almas Caviar – pre-order only (subject to availability) £16,500/kg £500,000 = 30kg londonfinefoods.co.uk

A Double Shot of Diamonds The rare peaberry or Diamond Kopi Luwak coffee bean is the highest quality bean found within any harvest and is known worldwide as the most exclusive coffee in the world. Available in a mild or dark roast, it contains a wave of subtle flavours including chocolate, caramel and wild berries. This rare coffee is housed in an individually numbered case, small enough to be taken and enjoyed on a yacht or private jet. By invitation only, KL Diamond = $50,000 per kilo (£300 per cup) £500,000 = 10kg or 1,600 cups of coffee. That’s two years’ worth of coffee if you drink two cups a day bespokebeverages.com

Tuscan Traveller There is something quite special about being a member of The Palazzo Tornabuoni Residence Club, where the world’s first documented opera performance took place. It is a private residential building created through the restoration of a magnificent 15th century palace situated in the heart of Florence, Italy. Come home to an apartment of exquisite Italian design that captures the classic but contemporary spirit of modern-day Florence. Palazzo Tornabouni Residence Club membership for 2/3 bedroom residence costs €660,000/£500,000 palazzotornabuoni.com

From top/ calivigny-island. com; Hunton Power boats; Golden Almas Caviar, Photography: Scott Duthie; Kopi Luwak coffee, Photography: Charlie Richards; palazzotornabuoni.com

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Jonathan Adler Designer I would give my Giant Lucite Foot to my hubby Simon. It’s twinkly (like him), sculptural (like his hairdo), and glamorous (like his sartorial concoctions). Unlike Simon, however, it is hefty and zaftig. I never say no to a new Mr. Turk swimming costume. Christmas is all about spending time with the people I love in the places I love. Beaucoup de scrumptious food never hurt either. My hubby Simon and I always spend Christmas in Palm Beach. We’re both retailers so we think about the holidays all year

long. When it finally comes we are knackered so we escape it all and enjoy the sun. We spend the day paddle boarding (and eating) with friends and family. Jonathan Adler, 287–289 Westbourne Grove, W11 2QA; uk.jonathanadler.com

Jonathan Adler Lucite foot, £1,495 uk.jonathanadler.com, 020 7589 9563

Marianne Lumb Chef I would give my hard-working sous chef, Caroline, a day package at Spa NK because she’s brilliant, works very hard and is also a great friend. I want to get a Shih Tzu puppy. My favourite things about Christmas: getting cosy, fun with friends and family, open fires and, of course, lots of delicious food and beautiful wine! I always try and cook with my mum on Christmas day with a glass of champagne in hand – the only time I cook with a glass in hand! Marianne, 104a Chepstow Road, W2 5QS mariannerestaurant.com

Spa NK, 127-131 Westbourne Grove, W2 4UP spacenk.com

Lucy Carr-Elison & Jemima Jones Business Owners Lucy: I get most excited about giving something to my sister, as it means I can steal it. I am running low on cashmere jumpers so I guess she will be getting one. I don’t want anymore rolling pins and potato peelers for Christmas; I would love a little cocktail dress instead. Jemima Jones (left) & I still feel like a child on Lucy Carr-Elison (right) Christmas morning. All my siblings and I go back home to our family farm in Northumberland, where we make it a tradition to feed the cows, sheep and horses to give the shepherds a day off.

Jemima: My boyfriend will, pretty scarily, be my husband by Christmas (eeek!) So I guess I need to up the game and get him something wifey. I know they are not just for Christmas, but I would love a puppy please! Christmas is a time for an excess of good wine, friends and family. Our family tradition is for all three siblings to get into our parents bed and unwrap stockings. tart-london.com

Winser Audrey Cashmere Jumper, Hollywood Red, £195; winserlondon.com

FEATURE

Bec Astley Clarke Jewellery Designer I would love to gift my sister a Rose Gold Large Icon pendant from Muse by Astley Clarke of course. It is one of my most coveted pieces and looks amazing layered against a silk shirt. And a piece of antique furniture for my husband to go in our Italian country house. We have just launched a mini collection called Super Stars; they combine the most beautifully delicate diamond pavé with a modern concentric star design

Sophie Conran Interior Designer, Cook & Author We are all always busy thinking about presents for our families and friends and the loveliness of getting together. There are so many people who don’t have anybody thinking about them, therefore my one gift would be a place at Crisis at Christmas for a homeless person. Just £21.62 gives them three hot meals on Christmas day followed by a health check, a dental appointment and a haircut.

Astley Clarke Large Icon Pendant, £2,250 astleyclarke.com

and the ring is top of my wish list. I would stack mine alongside my rose gold icon ring. I would also like anything by Clarins for face and body – I know their products are going to work for my skin type – and lipstick from Charlotte Tilbury’s new range. I love spending time with my family. I love how incredibly excited my children get on Christmas morning and having some time off!

Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick, Sexy Sienna, £23 charlottetilbury.com

astleyclarke.com

I’d like some Bantam chickens! We are renovating a property in the country and there is nothing like fresh eggs every morning. Our Christmas is how I imagine lots of other peoples’ usually is. Lots of preparation with everyone mucking in, and then a day of feasting and being merry! After lunch we go for a long walk to wake us up, and then play games and watch movies by a roaring fire. sophieconran.com

Kelly Hoppen Interior Designer There are so many people that I would love to gift this Christmas! But I would say that I would like to give my daughter, Natasha, my new tableware range from my online store. She has just bought her first home with her fiancé and I think that is something they really need and would appreciate. I have my eye on a particular vintage Hermés bag this Christmas. Fingers crossed my other half has picked up on the hints I’ve been dropping! The family aspect is my favourite thing about the festive season. We all have such busy schedules with work, children and everyday life that it is just nice to spend time together without those day-to-day distractions that we are all guilty of indulging. We all sit around opening presents, playing games, enjoying each other’s company and eating my daughter’s amazingly yummy Honestly Healthy mince pies all day long. The traditions are the same as most families: eating, sleeping, relaxing and making those precious memories with all my loved ones. Hermès Shiny Black Porosus Crocodile Birkin, 35cm, £45,000 bagsofluxury.com

kellyhoppen.com

Kelly Hoppen Tableware, kellyhoppen.com

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Valentino in his garden in Ch창teau de Wideville

FEATURE

Valentino At Home With

From intimate breakfasts to lavish lunches with Jackie O, Gabrielle Lane gets a lesson in opulent entertaining from a man who knows good taste

Couture isn’t the only thing on the mind of Valentino Garavani. The noted designer (who founded the house of Valentino) presented his last fashion show in Paris on January 23, 2008 at the age of 75. Yet beauty in all its forms, continues to consume him. In Valentino: At the Emperor’s Table, a new book written in conjunction with former editor-at-large to American Vogue, André Leon Talley, Valentino and his closest confidantes shed light on an existence where living is an art form. Lunch is an all-day affair, served from a Russian dinner service set by suited waiters with white gloves, whether in London, New York, Paris, Gstaad or aboard the glamorous yacht, T. M Blue One. Explaining his motivation for opening his homes for the project, Valentino says “I hope to be remembered as a man who pursued beauty wherever he could.” To him, codes and rules of etiquette are regarded as essential in giving one’s life structure and balance. Yes, there are those that may find the Valentino way too decadent, ostentatious perhaps. However, the designer has a message for his critics: “Sometimes I say to myself, ‘do I deserve all this happiness and these beautiful things?’ Then I say to myself ‘why not’?”

In New York, it is views of Central Park that captivate his guests (seats are set into the tall windows). The dining room here is white with panels of grey, offsetting silverware and porcelain – much of it French and Russian in origin. A large marble fireplace, inlaid with lapis lazuli, is the first thing guests see upon reaching the entrance hall. Typically, Christmas and New Year is spent in the more informal surroundings of one of Valentino’s oldest homes in the ski resort of Gstaad, where the walls are clad with local pine and the mood is cosy and relaxed. Elsewhere, tradition reigns on board Valentino’s yacht, the T.M Blue One, where the décor has a nautical theme of blue and white – a dinner service painted with sailing boats is one of the designer’s favourites.

The Table Setting “Entertaining 30 or one is the same; the food has to be on a beautiful plate,” is Valentino’s mantra. While the designer collects tableware of all kinds, Meissen

The Location In London, Valentino’s neighbourhood is Holland Park, where lunch is taken in the smaller dining room of his home. It’s a space modelled on the Peacock room by Whistler at the Freer Gallery in Washington DC, with oriental décor throughout, exemplified by a sea of blue and white plates, tureens and decanters dating from the Kangxi and Qianlong dynasties of China, which are wallmounted in mirrored alcoves. The dining room overlooks the garden – a lawn bordered by a boxwood hedge, on which a life-size bronze sculpture of a bull by FrançoisXavier Lalanne is set. Above/ Place setting in the blue dining room at Valentino’s home in Holland Park, including a pair of 19th century figural silver saltcellars, by Maison Odiot, Paris and one monogrammed VG napkin from Cesari

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porcelain is a particular luxury. “If I had to lunch alone,” he writes, “my staff know what I like, and there would still be a table with the same attention to detail: beautiful crystal, beautiful vermeil or silver, and beautiful linens.” When dressing the table, flowers and fruit are often juxtaposed against cut-glass goblets and precious metal platters, with red roses proving a favourite. André Leon Talley describes the effect as one of “Renaissance and Enlightenment-era France,” explaining that the ritual is not entirely self-indulgent; “everything is conceived to delight the senses – not only the taste buds, but also the eyes – of his guests,” he writes. In keeping with the mind of a dressmaker, napkins are typically antique and oversized, to reflect the ones used to shield ball gowns in the 19th century, and are often laid out like a lake for dozens of white porcelain Meissen swans. Hunting for black versions of the ornaments remains one of Valentino’s favourite hobbies.

The Guests In a world of such opulence, breakfast is taken alone and lunch and dinner with a few well-chosen companions. One of Valentino’s favourite guests is Meryl Streep; in the book he describes the actress as “my idol… so sweet… so divine… so natural”. Much has also been said of Valentino’s friendship with the late Jackie Kennedy Onassis. The pair frequently spent time on his yacht in Capri, after the designer worked Clockwise from top / Terrace in Gstaad, Switzerland; Eighteen Russian porcelain dinner plates and seven matching soup plates, St. Petersburg, reign of Nicholas I (1825–55), pair of George II silver trencher salts, ca. 1720s, and Mexican silver table service, by Tane, 20th century; A painted tôle and porcelain eighteen-branch composition chandelier, Meissen, 19th century and later, hangs above a table set with a pair of French silver-gilt asparagus dishes and stands, by G. Keller, Paris, late 19th century, and a pair of cut-glass tazze with Fabergé mark below the imperial warrant, ca. 1885 Photography © Oberto Gili

FEATURE

with her on pieces for her much-admired wardrobe, including her wedding dress. Valentino has stayed close to the movers and shakers of the fashion and entertainment world to this day, holding dinner parties during Fashion Week for the likes of American Vogue editor Anna Wintour and Oprah Winfrey. However, many of his closest friends have worked alongside him for many years. The design house’s honorary president Giancarlo Giammetti, his design assistant Bruce Hoeksema and brand ambassador Carlos Souza frequently holiday in Gstaad. In return, Valentino had been a regular guest at the late fashion designer Oscar de la Renta’s home in the Dominican Republic; he deemed him a great host.

The recipe Mushroom risotto (serves 6) Ingredients: • 20 medium-size fresh morel mushrooms • 3 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter • 5 1/2 cups (1.3l) chicken stock • 1/2 lb (225g) chanterelle mushrooms • 1/2 lb (225g) porcini mushrooms • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped • 3/4 cup (175ml) white wine • 1 1/4 cups (260g) carnaroli rice • 2.5 oz (75g) mascarpone cheese • 6 tbsp (100g) grated parmesan cheese

The Food Jonathan Surin is Valentino’s chef and travels with him across the world. A true patriot, he takes great pleasure in food and each morning makes requests for the day’s menu, before choosing plates and a decorative tablecloth. He is a man who favours vegetarian cuisine, eschewing red meat, butter and fat in recent years (and taking up yoga) as part of a concerted effort to stay healthy. He also avoids traditional wheat (not easy for an Italian); his chosen pasta dishes are made with the high-protein grain, kamut. Breakfast is the same each day: yoghurt, tea with agave nectar and two homemade biscuits with kamut flour and organic blueberries. Later in the day, hearty home cooking remains prominent; one of the designer’s preferred dishes is risotto Milanese (with less cream than usual, but served with mushrooms, mascarpone and parmesan), while his pasta dishes are served with tomatoes and onion, or with freshly ground pesto. On board the T. M Blue One, the dining theme is largely Mediterranean, comprising dinners of fresh fish and vegetable tempura.

• Salt • Espelette pepper For serving: • Jamón ibérico, chopped or shaved • Parmesan cheese shavings Method: • Sweat the morels in 1/2 tbsp of butter; do not let them brown. Add 1/2 cup chicken stock and braise them until tender • Pan-fry the chanterelles and porcinis separately in 1/2 tbsp of butter with a pinch of salt • Using a large pan, sauté the onion in 2 tbsp butter for five minutes.Add the white wine and let it cook away completely. Add the rice and stir until the grains are coated. Add a ladleful of chicken stock and let it cook away, stirring. Continue adding ladlefuls of stock, stirring and allowing it to cook away before the next addition • When all the stock is cooked away, add the mascarpone and parmesan then adjust the seasoning to taste • To serve, spoon

The Activities After dinner entertainment is frequently low key. Valentino likes nothing more than to watch a film, or take a stroll in one of his vegetable or flower gardens, no doubt contented.

the risotto into a dish and garnish with the mushrooms, jamón ibérico shavings, and parmesan cheese shavings.

Valentino: At the Emperor’s table, by André Leon Talley and Valentino with photography by Oberto Gili, £95 assouline.com

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A Matter of Taste The creative geniuses at the pop-up event Edible Cinema have honed an experience that is sure to shock your senses. Hannah Lemon tentatively samples their secret world of food and film London is alive with alternative pop-up film screenings to liven up winter evenings and I personally never turn down the invitation to do something different. The craze for surreal cinema has included dressing up for high school prom for Secret Cinema’s Back to the Future, stripping down to a bikini for Hot Tub Cinema, or bobbing along a canal with Floating Cinema. But if you have never tried Notting Hill’s very own movie experience, now is the time, with Edible Cinema. Edible Cinema is a pop-up event that takes place sporadically throughout the year and is organised by the private members’ club Soho House, which also owns the Electric Cinema, diner and private members’ club on Portobello Road. Event manager Zoe Paterson created the idea with Polly Betton from Teatime Productions and together they have cultivated this intriguing taste exploration with the help of Soho House chef Jake Rigby-Wilson and Sean Ware from Bombay Sapphire. After these film and food buffs have picked

out their favourite flick (sometimes with a special guest curator), Rigby-Wilson conjures up eight dishes to complement the best scenes. The chef’s extensive imagination coupled with his expert culinary skills, ensure that the audience are fully immersed into the action of the film through their tastebuds. Highlights in Rigby-Wilson’s two-year stint with Edible Cinema include champagne Turkish delight with crackle crystals for the kissing scene on the yacht in Some Like it Hot or a slightly more disturbing creation of skin-scented edible wax to mimic what the killer in Perfume uses to extract his victims’ flavour. And the most complex: a tangerine inverted jelly sphere for Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. But complex is by no means difficult for this chef who previously worked at Ubon by Nobu, The Ivy and Le Caprice. When I signed up for tickets to see Russ Meyer’s Beyond the Valley of The Dolls, I knew it would be controversial, bearing in mind the premise of the kitsch

FEATURE

melodramatic plot. But when I was told that the menu would include “the black sperm of vengeance”, I almost reconsidered attending. How realistic was the taste experience going to be? However, as it was taking place at the plush setting of the Electric Cinema, I decided to overlook this questionable detail. The film follows the story of three girls in a band called The Kelly Affair who move to Hollywood to gain fame and success but under rock producer Z-Man’s guidance they fall into a party scene of sex, drugs, psychedelic orgies and debauchery. The 1970s cult hit was the first time the movie world had allowed sexploitation into the blockbuster realm and, judging by the bizarre result, probably the last.

We partied with Z-Man and a psychedelic rock band with gin and crème de fraise cocktails On arrival at the Electric Cinema, the audience sipped on a themed cocktail to set the scene and settled down in the novelty armchairs (complete with footstools and side tables) or the cushioned beds on the front row (an experience in itself). Zoe Paterson stepped on to the stage to introduce the screening and explained how the sampling process works for any newbies: she illuminates a number at the side of the screen, which corresponds to a number on the little white tubs in front of you. Ana Matronic (lead singer of Scissor Sisters), who was this month’s guest curator, introduced this “very risque” but “criminally underappreciated” film with DJ Bishi. Styled with bouffant hair, sparkly heels and boosted cleavages, they set the scene for this riotous show. Eating dishes in the dark for Beyond the Valley of the Dolls certainly plummeted the audience into the scenes. We partied with Z-Man to music by real-life psychedelic rock band Strawberry Alarm Clock with a shockingly strong cocktail of gin, crème de fraise, crème de menthe and orange bitters; we frolicked on a romantic countryside romp with vine tomato-infused gin wrapped in hay; and lay on the beach by dipping a shrimp into sand made of coconut granola and salt. A more disconcerting experience was eating smoked nougat with hemp oil to mimic the taste of marijuana. Obviously the film choice impacts a lot on the food and experience, so if you are looking to avoid the black sperm of vengeance (which was, by the way, peach iced tea with black colouring) then watch this space for some new, slightly less venereal, creations. Three films will be hitting big screens over November for the Brighton Film Festival and December for the Electric Cinema: Great

Beauty, Elf and Brazil. “I’m working on quite a sweet menu for Elf with snow globes and edible cotton balls,” says RigbyWilson. “It will be quite a surreal menu for Brazil, involving stretched skin and crushed bugs, and a sensory menu for Great Beauty which goes with the main character’s journey, enhancing his experiences and thoughts, like a citrus orchard and dreaming of the ocean.” Whatever you choose to watch, there is no doubt that your tastebuds will be tantalised. Electric Cinema 191 Portobello Road W11 2ED electriccinema.co.uk ediblecinema.co.uk

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FEATURE

To the Moon and Back Brooke Gregson’s latest etherial collections take inspiration from the galaxies. Ella Harris talks astrology, crystals and horse whispering with Notting Hill’s spiritual jeweller Despite being American born and bred, Brooke Gregson is a Notting Hill aficionado. She fell in love with the area after moving here from Los Angeles to start a textile course at the Chelsea College of Arts. However, jewellery-making was to be her real calling in life and her collections now sell in Liberty and Harvey Nichols as well as online on Net-A-Porter; but Brooke still keeps local boutiques in her repertoire with The Cross being one of her favourites. “They were actually my first stockist. They are quite loyal. I really like [the owner] Sam Robinson. Her whole vision is quite different from other jewellery stockists and from the department store experience. It’s very hands on.” Brooke explains how her family thought she was crazy to move to England from Los Angeles. “I left LA to get away from Hollywood but then ended up living with producers and agents here,” she laughs. Originally she lived in Portobello Road, a short distance from her current house by Ladbroke Grove. “My rent when I first moved here was £270 a month. Can you believe that?” she asks. I shake my head in disbelief and look out the window at a row of grand white Victorian houses, wishing vehemently that we were back in the 80s. She speaks with a soft American twang and self-consciously plays with her shoulder-length blonde hair, while a multitude of delicate rings and bracelets hug her fingers and wrists. We talk about her latest collections: the open form (inspired by architecture), the woven (inspired by textiles) and the planetary collection (inspired by astrology). The latter seems to be formed by her spiritual nature. “When I was young, I was quite into astrology and what it meant,” she says in a hushed purr. “I was really into Greek mythology too. I do think we are very guided by the moon and its cycles. There is a lot of power in that and there are definitely connections between us, the moon and the planets.” Brooke’s ethereal nature is rooted in a hippy upbringing. “I’m a 70s LA kind of person,” she says. “My mum is the biggest hippie ever. She has horses and puts

magnets on them because she thinks it’ll help them. She’ll put crystals on them too.” Her mum’s passion for crystals, which used to line the terrace of their family home, had a formative effect on Brooke’s jewellery career. “One of the biggest shows in the world is in Arizona,” she explains. “I usually go there with my family; we’re all gem freaks. My dad is a huge jewellery collector and my mum is a stone hoarder.” However, she didn’t start appreciating their stone collections, or even the giant crystals at the Crystalarium where she worked after school, until she was older. The unique relationship she has since cultivated with stones impacts on who she chooses to make her jewellery designs. “I have to know if they have good energy,” she explains. “I think there is a lot that goes into making jewellery, especially fine pieces. You want to know that it’s been created with love and good energy.” This attitude may be hard for most stiff upperlipped Brits to appreciate, but even if you aren’t in touch with your inner chi you can still appreciate the outcome. The moondrop earrings and the opal and emerald galaxy bracelet certainly seem to emit something, even if it’s just the beautiful sparkle of a diamond. Although that’s not how Brooke sees it; her relationship with the stones even involves conversation: “Sometimes I’ll find the most amazing stone. It will speak to me and I will create something around it. I’m very drawn to how the stone wants to be created.” Brooke’s airy approach to life certainly sits well with Westbourne Park Road, the place she has chosen for her store which is over a year old. “I loved the street because I think it’s more old Notting Hill,” she says. “There is this sense of community and I love the whole ethos behind the Idler Café. You go in there and think: yeah, screw work.” On that note, I think I’m off to pay this road another visit. Brooke Gregson, 73 Westbourne Park Road, W2 5QH; brookegregson.com

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spotlight

ARTFUL THINKING

Buying art for someone else is a lovely thought but not always the easiest task, since it’s such a personal choice. And while gift vouchers make for a safe alternative, they’re hardly an exciting present to receive. That’s why online art gallery, The Artful Project, has reinvented the gift certificate by turning theirs into a work of art, literally. The Artful team commissioned New York artist Jeff Rogers to design a stunning poster-sized gift certificate that is literally good enough to hang on the wall. The handmade limited edition screenprints are available in £100 and £300 denominations and can be used to buy stunning limited edition photography. Christmas orders must be placed by 20 December to ensure delivery for Christmas Day. theartfulproject.com

Sandro Hyams Silver Sky #02

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The Nutcracker

Illustration: Mai Osawa

It wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be Christmas without a showing of one of the greatest classics in the world, Tchaikovskyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s The Nutcracker. Enchanting sets and costumes alike, this wonderful tale tells the story of a wooden nutcracker, carved into the shape of a little man and given to Marie on Christmas Eve. At midnight, all the toys magically come to life with the nutcracker growing to human size, taking charge of the tin soldiers and flying to the rescue of Marie, who is threatened by the Mouse King and his mouse army. This choreographic version, created for The Bolshoi Ballet by Yuri Grigorovich, explores universal themes of love, power and evil. Masterfully interpreted by the Bolshoi dancers, it will captivate the whole family, proving that one is never too young or too old to be swept away by The Nutcracker.

notting hill

21 December, 3pm; The Gate Cinema, Gate Picturehouse, 87 Notting Hill Gate, W11 3JZ; picturehouses.co.uk

& holland park

Photography: Damir Yusupov

spotlight on... news, events, reviews & local interest stories

SPOTLIGHT

O Come All Ye Faithful Following the £375,000 restoration of the organ, St John’s Church in Notting Hill has organised two Christmas carol concerts this year alongside their annual Christmas Fair. Once in Royal David’s City, O Little Town of Bethlehem and The First Noel are just a few favourites that will be led by the church’s professional choral and organ scholars. Performances are free to attend and everyone is welcome. Go along for some festive cheer, a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie. Advent Carols by Candlelight, 30 November, 6.30pm; Annual Christmas Fair, 6 December, 11am; Christmas Carols by Candlelight, 21 December, 6.30pm St John’s Notting Hill, Lansdowne Crescent, W11 2NN

Photography: Image of church and organ by Malcolm Crowthers

Holly Cow Over the festive period, Cowshed has developed a range of thoughtful gift sets for those looking to give a bit of rustic luxury charm this Christmas. Cowshed’s unique botanical formulations benefit from wild, crafted ingredients as well as being naturally paraben, petrochemical and sulphatefree. A new limited edition Winter Candle incorporates notes of mandarin, orange and clementine with a warm nutmeg and cinnamon heart, creating a classic seasonal fragrance. This beautiful candle is the perfect finish for your Christmas table setting. Cowshed Clarendon Cross, 119 Portland Road, W11 4LN Winter Candle £36; cowshedonline.com

Let it Melt Having collaborated with the likes of Mark Hix, Skye Gyngell and Sophie Conran, Melt takes pride in delivering fresh handmade chocolates every day. Located in the heart of Notting Hill, recipes are designed in-house by world-class chocolatiers using some of the best ingredients from around the globe. And of course, they have developed a limited edition range of intoxicating chocolates for the Christmas period. Think spiced orange caramel bonbons, gianduja cinnamon domes and chocolate Christmas pudding bonbons. Let them melt slowly in your mouth, if you can, so that you really appreciate the taste of good quality fresh chocolate.

Photography: cowshedonline.com

Christmas box of 9, £19.50; Melt, 59 Ledbury Road, W11 2AA meltchocolates.com

covering holland park, notting hill and the surrounding area

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Something Old, Something New

Yotam Truly Since December is the only month of the year that encourages gluttony, why not treat a friend or relative to The Plenty More Hamper? Yotam Ottolenghi has selected some of his new favourite ingredients along with a signed copy of the new cookbook Plenty More. Sweet-sharp tamarind pulp and dried barberries, creamy tahini, nutty Dakos and sweet vanilla halva will become firm pantry favourites over the festive period. Create something magical with these not-so-easy-to-source goodies or rustle up some roasted sweet potatoes with orange bitters as a warming accompaniment to a cold winter’s day.

Susan Deliss sells a beautiful range of silk fabrics, embroideries, kilims (flat tapestrywoven carpets or rugs), velvets and linens, all individually designed and made by hand. Working out of her Notting Hill home, Susan has supplied to some of London’s most famous interior designers. And whether you’re looking to upholster a cushion, a curtain or something more bespoke for Christmas, she is flexible and willing in her approach. Her products are sourced in Turkey, Egypt, Central Asia and Europe, paying thanks to a background in art history, law and years of travelling the globe.

The Plenty More Hamper and Book, £100 Ottolenghi, 63 Ledbury Road, W11 2AD; ottolenghi.co.uk

Photography: Louis Amore

Please contact susan@susandeliss.com susandeliss.com

Photography: Andrew Steel

Portobello Portraits PortobelloEye is a 66-page book featuring beautiful black and white photographs of 23 people who embody the diversity of the Portobello neighbourhood. Each person was asked the same eight questions which appear next to their portrait. This fascinating insight into one of the country’s top tourist destinations is the perfect coffee table addition. It is available for online purchase or from selected local bookstores. Portobello Eye by Jessica Zambeletti, Caroline Gladstone & Jordan Dean; £14.99 portobelloeye.co.uk Cover by: Jordan Dean

This Little Piggy... Throughout December, the Wild Food Market will be showing some of its favourite foodie clients how to get their festive flare on with free on-site cookery master classes. Over the course of three Saturdays, you will learn how to make some festive favourites including studded gammon, mulled wine and orange decorations. The market opened a few months ago but is already home to a variety of organic and sustainable produce sourced as locally as possible from the best farmers and growers around. With a Christmas raffle and a rumoured visit from Santa, this is the perfect place to bring the children when you are waning on things to do. Open every Saturday 10am-3pm, Addison Primary School, Addison Gardens, Brook Green, W14 0DT; wildfoodmarket.co.uk

spotlight on... news, events, reviews & local interest stories

Photography: Curtis Benjamin

Christmas is All About Giving

Join the Club

This Christmas, one of North Kensington’s longest established charities is calling on local people to come together to have fun and raise funds to support its work. Over the past 30 years, Nova New Opportunities has helped thousands of local people gain the confidence and skills they need to access further education and work and to build families and their community. Its latest achievement is Café Nova, the successful social enterprise established with the support of the Westway Development Trust. This is where people who have struggled to get jobs are now learning catering and hospitality skills and celebrating the amazing diversity of their community through food. Pop in for a Nova Omelette, a Mexican Scrambler or just a simple BLT. Take part in the fun Christmas quiz on 11 December from 2pm – 4pm. Café Nova, 3 Thorpe Close, W10 5XL For the quiz, contact lizzie.cho@novanew.org.uk novanew.org.uk

Following the success of the Design and Make Charity Fashion Show during London Fashion Week in September, designer Gareth Williams will be hosting a stall at the Christmas Fair at St John’s Church Notting Hill to help raise money for Safe Haven Children’s Trust. A selection of clothes donated by designers at the Fashion Show will be on sale as well as items made by women in Cambodia at the Mlop Works project, a social enterprise started by Safe Haven. Christmas decorations, cushion covers, jewellery and children’s clothes will all be on sale to complete your gift wishlists. Residents of Notting Hill are encouraged to join the 100 Club for Christmas – they are looking for 100 people to raise £100 each in 100 days in an effort to transform the lives of families and children in Cambodia.

Café Nova

Break the Ice

Christmas Fair, 11am – 5pm, 6 December St. John’s Church, Lansdowne Crescent, Notting Hill, London W11 2NN Donate at: justgiving.com/designandmake

Innovative pop-up cinema organiser Press Play is bringing the cult classic Cool Runnings to the Queensway ice rink. Attendees are encouraged to wear retro ski wear, drink Caribbean rum from The Duppy Share bar, have their hair braided and practise bobsledding in a bath tub. The event doesn’t finish with the film; everyone is invited to the after-party at Bodo’s Schloss with cocktails served in bobsleds and some tunes to dance the night away. 26 – 28 November; £25 – £32.50, Queens Ice and Bowl, 17 Queensway, Bayswater, W2 4QP wepressplay.co.uk

And the Winner Is... Ten artists from the UK’s leading art schools have been shortlisted for the Griffin Art Prize 2014, a national award for the UK’s top graduate, whose primary medium is painting or drawing. The winner, announced on 18 November, will be awarded the chance to take up a six-month residency in a studio above West London’s Griffin Gallery in 2015. They will also have the opportunity to exhibit new work in a solo show in September 2015. The prize is judged by Alastair Smart, arts editor and chief art critic at The Sunday Telegraph, Jenny Lindén Urnes, owner and chairman of Lindéngruppen, Jenni Lomax OBE, director of Camden Arts Centre, and international artists Gordon Cheung and Anj Smith. The shortlisted artists will exhibit on 18 November – 19 December, Griffin Gallery, 21 Evesham St, W11 4AJ; griffinartprize.co.uk Clockwise from far left/ Video Game, 2014 by Yvonne Feng; Bird by Matthew Krishanu; Proposition 01 by Evy Jokhova

covering holland park, notting hill and the surrounding area

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Keeping You Posted Hannah Lemon finds the answer to all your Christmas shopping worries in Not Another Bill. With a little help from founder Ned Corbett-Winder, you can be sure that the right person always gets the right present

I find Christmas shopping extremely daunting. I am not one of those organised people who collects relevant goodies for relatives throughout the year, nor can I frantically but expertly select last-minute gifts in the Christmas Eve rush. I just never know where to begin – if my family haven’t told me what they want, how am I supposed to know? And what do you get friends who have everything? If you find yourself in a similar predicament, there is only one thing for it: Not Another Bill. Bored of receiving gas bills and bank statements, Ned Corbett-Winder set up a subscription service that delivers presents through your letterbox every month. Recipients can sign up to three, six or 12 months or a rolling contract and select their likes and dislikes in order to make sure they receive the perfect presents. The idea began when Ned was working in advertising as an art director for M&C Saatchi, where he accumulated an assortment of bits and pieces from

innovative photographers and designers. Inspired by this interesting collection, Ned quit his job in 2011 to start Not Another Bill from home, now Ladbroke Grove. “I went about building a rough website, which was basically a mood board of images,” he explains. “I put it on Facebook and it gained so much momentum.” He highlights that people have a serious nostalgia for receiving letters and parcels through the post. After starting the business he recruited his friend Will, who sits quietly working on his laptop and occasionally chips in with anecdotes and jokes as Ned chatters through the interview. We are sitting at a large table in their bright and airy workshop, complete with small kitchen, in a depot in Fulham. Their new recruit Lizzie is on another laptop tapping away too. Ned crosses his legs and leans back, sipping on a cup of tea and occasionally scruffing up his mop of blonde hair as he talks. Presents and decorations are scattered around the room and the guys lounge around like it’s a home from home, joking and cackling away. I am slightly surprised that they get any work done and judging by the illegible marker pen squiggles on the white board my suspicions seem to be confirmed. But Will catches me looking and laughs, explaining that the pen spaghetti makes perfect sense to them.

The subscription base consists of 1500 people, gained through friends of friends originally, and then later through pop-up events and stalls. “It’s quite nice to have our regulars and I think Will pretty much knows them all off by heart,” says Ned. I ask if a lot of his friends are still on board all these years later and he explains: “I think it was that hard thing of not wanting to push it on all our friends. At the beginning everyone joined it because they wanted to support us, but they’ve stuck with it. I don’t think they would have done it if they didn’t like the service.” Then he adds, chuckling: “Unless they just can’t bring themselves to say they want to cancel!” Not Another Bill doesn’t just provide exciting goodies through your door, it also acts as a way to get to know new designers and artists. “Our whole [concept] is about working with brands we think are doing interesting things,” explains Ned. “We are never going to send out a crap clock radio that has nothing special about it. It has to be about design, story and aesthetic. We are only as good as our last present.” The company still has the markings of a start-up and do everything in-house from selecting presents, wrapping them and sending them off by hand. This reached breaking point when Ned got married last Christmas and Will was left to man the fort during their busiest month, which Ned honestly reveals is not how they wish to continue. The light-heartedness and laid-back attitude to the brand makes me smile and I wonder how they manage to get through the more serious aspects of commerce. But Ned dons his business cap at intervals in our conversation and I can see he has the ambition to make this succeed. He is hoping to sell the concept into stores in Europe and Hong Kong and spread the word internationally. “We even ship to Timbuktu!” exclaims Ned. “Funny story actually: we put [on the website] that we would ship for free to Timbuktu because we didn’t think it actually existed and this woman

who lives near there asked if she could have free shipping. So she now gets free parcels!” He chuckles, then adds: “We also spelt Timbuktu wrong.” I laugh with him, shaking my head in disbelief; I can’t help but love this brand. I ask if he has anything else to add before I go. He looks up cheekily. “Buy a subscription?” notanotherbill.com

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Original, limited-edition Art Deco posters by leading artists

Limited to editions of 280, our Art Deco-inspired posters have been printed on 100% cotton fine art paper using traditional techniques. They are signed, hand-numbered and bear our embossed stamp of authenticity. Each poster is approximately 97 x 65 cms (38 x 26 inches). Price: ÂŁ395 each inc. VAT, unframed

Pullman Editions Ltd 94 Pimlico Road Chelsea London SW1W 8PL www.pullmaneditions.com Tel: +44 (0)20 7730 0547 Email: georgina@pullmaneditions.com

Our central London gallery

All images and text copyright ÂŠ Pullman Editions Ltd. 2014

View and buy online at w w w.pullmaneditions.com Pullman Ed Canary Wharf.indd 1

20/06/2014 14:19

ART ANTIQUES BY CAROL CORDREY

The Thoughts and Paintings of Artist Mao Any visitor to Holland Park knows the pleasure to be derived from time spent in the Iris Garden and within its arched backdrop where Chinese artist, Mao Wen Biao, painted those marvellous murals. Although they portray Edwardian life in the park, they remain popular because of their convincing realism. Other examples of his murals are in London’s Ritz Hotel and the Royal Automobile Club. Most recently, the artist has turned his thoughts to bringing modern sporting scenes to life, such as cycling, sailing, golf, horse and motor racing. Packed with excitement, colour and the desire to win, they instantly transpose us from the dull days of winter to the thrills and spills of competitive sport and the uplifting sound of cheering crowds. Mao Wen Biao at The Osborne Studio Gallery, 2 Motcomb Street, SW1X 8JU 19 November – 6 December osg.uk.com Clockwise from top left/ Murals in Holland Park Photography by: Imogen Cunliffe; Mao Wen Biao Photography by: Peter Johnston; Sailing; Golf both by Mao Wen Biao

with Lisa, owner of the recently refurbished Flow Gallery, about its exciting launch exhibition Q: What was the rationale for the refurbishment and what significant changes will we notice? A: We have been in the same white space for 15 years and needed to update it and present the objects in a more domestic context. The way we are working has evolved; we are not just a static gallery with customers coming to us. We are invited to customers’ homes to advise on artworks for their interiors, and as art consultants we commission site-specific work and do projects with interior designers. Outside the gallery, we curate exhibitions for other spaces, such as an exhibition this summer for a new garden library in a beautiful garden in Wales, called Dyffryn Fernant. Q: How wide a range of artworks are you planning for the future? A: The artworks will still comprise handmade, international crafts with emphasis on ceramics, glass, wood, jewellery and textiles. But they will be shown in a new context to help our customers envisage their placement in their homes. Our launch exhibition will be a group show of beautiful, functional lighting.

Q: Do you intend to focus on a broad spectrum of prices or cater primarily for collectors? A: Price ranges will be the same as before, from hand-thrown beakers at £30 each to large wall installations up to £10,000. We hope to have a wide range of affordable items under £150. Q: Which artists will be flying the gallery’s flag in the coming months? A: We will have a series of solo shows but in six months’ time we will have a major group exhibition called Line Up showing the work of international ceramicists such as Kaori Tatebayashi and Jochem de Wit, as well as the exciting emerging talent of Theo

Butterfly Light and Wooden Floor Stand in Walnut Lampshade, £680 Photography: Sideways sidewayscornwall.com

Adamson and Hyu-Jin Jo. Astrid Keller will show beautiful metalwork and Tim Wiley will exhibit his new designs in wood. Lights On, 10 December–7 February, Flow Gallery, 1–5 Needham Road, W11 2RP flowgallery.co.uk Above/ Marian Bijlenga, Diamond Dots III, 2011, 46x46cm

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ART ANTIQUES Film Posters for all the Family At Christmas, many families gather around the television and enjoy classic films. The original advertising posters of your favourite flicks can make perfect presents at this time of year or very collectable works of art. To satisfy all those needs, here is my selection from the Reel Poster Gallery. Max Reinhardt’s glittering production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream featured James Cagney and Olivia de Havilland and was noted for its elegance, while Hitchcock’s Suspicion (Soupçons), starring Cary Grant, enthralled audiences. Goldfinger, the first of the Bond films to win an Academy award, was one of the most popular of Sean Connery’s performances and 2014 is the film’s 50th anniversary. This vibrant poster of the perpetually popular The Jungle Book immediately brings a smile to the face, a beat to the feet and the lyrics of I Wanna Be Like You to the lips. Reel Poster Gallery by appointment reelposter.com

Clockwise from top/ Jungle Book; A Midsummer Nights Dream German; Soupcons; Cannes Festival. All images courtesy of reelposter.com

The Allure of the Female Form Two artists of different nationality and artistic backgrounds – one creates sculpture while the other paints – are united in their love of representing the female form at the Calken Gallery. Michael Talbot manages to capture female dancers’ elegant poses and fluid, graceful movements. Each work is injected with subtle elements of performance, tension and drama that unite in alluring, distinctive and collectable figures. Dutch artist, Edo Kaaij, applies paint with such gusto that the thick surface texture and wonderful tonal work are the first compelling features of his compositions. A female portrait comes into view as if emerging from a cleverly devised veil and his brilliance at blurring the boundaries between realism and abstraction are there for all to see. Throughout December, Michael Talbot and Edo Kaaij; Calken Gallery, 117 Kensington Church Street, W8 7LN; calkengallery.com Above/ Armour by Edo Kaaij

AUCTIONS: MOST WANTED Auctioning Antique Craftsmanship A fine and very rare Nuremberg wheel-lock sporting carbine, stocked by the so-called “Master of the Castles” c1600 is up for auction. The barrel and the lock are etched with scrollwork. The stock is veneered in ebony and inlaid with finely engraved contrasting plaques of white horn and mother-of-pearl in the style characteristic of this unidentified but highly celebrated pistol maker. Estimate: £25,000-30,000 A German town sword with finely carved ivory memento mori hilt, dated 1656, has come to the market. The entire hilt is carved in relief as serpents, toads and human bones, and the guard terminals and pommel are formed as finely detailed skulls. In 1656 a plague epidemic killed 145,000 in Rome and 300,000 in the Kingdom of Naples. The well-known German engraving of the grotesque-looking plague doctor, Doktor Schnabel von Rom, was published by Paul Fürst in that same year. Estimate: £6,000-8,000 3 December Thomas Del Mar, 25 Blythe Road, W14 0PD 25blytheroad.com

From left/ Nuremberg wheel-lock sporting carbine c1600; German town sword dated 1656

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ART

A Winter’s

Trail

Harriet Baker hunts out what’s happening and where it’s happening in some of Notting Hill’s most discerning galleries just in time for Christmas

Invisible Lines by Carne Griffiths

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Deco Liz by Inkie

Simplicity is Sophistication

The Muse

Por

In support of emerging artists, The Muse are putting on two shows from the end of November through until Christmas. The first presents the work of Gosia Lapsa-Malawska, a Polish street art lover with a fond love for Portobello. Her monochrome palette explores the relationships between people and art in public spaces and the idea of urban loneliness. She avidly observes lives that inspire her, and mixes them with her own personal experiences to create powerful pieces. As for the second exhibition, you will see the gallery open its doors to The West London Art Factory Christmas exhibition, which represents artists from collective studios based in and around North Acton. Expect limited edition prints from a group of very talented artists, including Inkie and Carne Griffiths.

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The Muse, 269 Portobello Road W11 1LR; themuseat269.com We Are Here (Lonely Together) by Malawska,

oil on canvas, 50x100 cm, 2014

The Art of Ballet

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Since its 1984 opening, Themes & Variations has been recognised as a leading specialist in post-war and contemporary design. They will be showing several new pieces over the course of the Christmas period including this beautiful light sculpture by Niamh Barry. Dublin-based Niamh has been making unique and limited edition fine light sculptures for over 20 years using mainly patinated and polished bronze, glass and polycarbonate. Over the course of her career she has developed her own sense of style and since 2007, concentrated on working from her own inspiration, realising the forms that emerge unbidden from her imagination. In her signature work, visual weight and movement are a constant theme, inviting the viewer to experience her work in the round. Fouette II is based on the whipping movement made by ballet dancers during a performance. Themes & Variations, 231 Westbourne Grove W11 2SE; themesandvariations.com

Molten Musings Having sourced a vast selection of contemporary glass and ceramic pieces from across the globe, Vessel cover iconic Scandinavian functional design, collectible Italian art glass and UK-based talent. The well-known store turned gallery, intended for those who appreciate good design and beauty in their life, sell everything from bespoke vases to extravagant stemware and sleek cutlery. Over Christmas they will be showcasing a new collection from collaborative glass artists Hanne Enemark and Louis Thompson. The two have come together to create Panicum, which takes a traditional Venetian glass recipe and gives it a contemporary twist. The collection utilises blown glass with white glass cane inclusions and comes in orange, purple and white. Panicum by Enemark and Thompson, from ÂŁ2,575 Available from Vessel Gallery, 114 Kensington Park Road, W11 2PW vesselgallery.com

Orange Panicum Photography: Ester Segarra

Themes & Variations Fouette II by Niamh Barry, ÂŁ21,650 + VAT. Images courtesy of: Niamh Barry

Vessel Gallery

ART

Democratise the Decade To mark their 10th anniversary, the LUMAS Gallery will be showcasing a selection of the portfolio’s most exciting highlights and new additions as well as works from the Vogue archive, including the same Horst pieces currently on show at the V&A. Originating in Berlin, LUMAS offers a huge variety of works from 160 established photographers, promising newcomers and historical archives. The team attend exhibitions, conventions and festivals, constantly staying on top of the latest trends in the art market to keep the LUMAS Portfolio new and exciting. They now have 35 galleries dotted all over the world and a strong following of artists and collectors. Their desire to make artwork available and accessible to large audiences remains a key selling point to founders Marc Alexander Ullrich and Stefanie Harig. The two also see the importance in opening galleries in towns that may not normally appear in gallery guides, as part of the democratisation process, and have since launched in Mannheim and Bremen.

From top/ Blood Mineral © Leila Amat Ortega; Camping Car © Serge Guerand, www.lumas.co.uk

LUMAS London, 102 Westbourne Grove, W2 5RU uk.lumas.com

Lumas London

urne Westbo

Grove

Notting Hill Tribes

Debut Contemporary

For a Contemporary Cause Tribal Gathering London

If you aren’t jetting off somewhere exotic this winter why not head down to Tribal Gathering London? For over 25 years, Bryan Reeves has been dealing in tribal art, bringing home some of Africa’s hidden treasures, lending to his refined and well-trained eye. When choosing from the continent’s pieces, he looks for various qualities: a figure with form and presence, a mask with impact and a functional item with defining shape and design. A piece with these qualities separate it from the ordinary. And evidently his good choices are reflected by his growing following throughout the decades, going from a mere market stall to a gallery of 15 years. The autumn collection is on display from 26 November – 7 December Tribal Gathering London, 1 Westbourne Grove Mews, W11 2RU tribalgatheringlondon.com

From left / Ceremonial chiefs stool, Songye culture, Democratic Republic of Congo, Early 20th century, £2,800; Ceremonial hat with porcupine quills, Cameroon, £1,200 Photography: Bryan Reeves

Art incubator Debut Contemporary houses an array of vibrant contemporary pieces to assist talented and ambitious artists. In October, they opened a powerful exhibition entitled Human Suffering at Times of Crisis curated by Tate artist Barry Martin and Debut Contemporary Founder Samir Ceric. Part two of the exhibition is a unique opportunity to witness a number of extraordinary works from Klara Cecmanova and Lucy Namayanja, two out of 29 artists on show. It encompasses a unique charity too, Harrison’s Fund, which helps sufferers of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, which two of Klara’s children have recently been diagnose with. Part 2 of Human Suffering at Times of Crisis – When Boys Become Men, 3 December 7.30 – 9.30pm Debut Contemporary, 82 Westbourne Grove, W2 5RT debutcontemporary.com

Klara Cecmanova, 2014, Where do we go now...[abbrev.] 102x127 £1,250 Image courtesy of: Klara Cecmanova

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Flying High From shoots in local hair salons to Hollywood sets, David Brook has always opened his eyes to new experiences and encourages us to do the same. Hannah Lemon reports

David Brook’s studio is tucked away in a hub of creative spaces near the north end of Ladbroke Grove. With recording artists, shoemakers and a few suspect characters lurking on the street, I get a hint of the edgy Notting Hill of old. But as soon as I enter through the large handleless door of the studio, I am hit by the sharp, clean light from his white photography space, which echoes the revamped and modern Notting Hill we know well. David himself seems a mixture of both. He has long brown stubble and ruffled hair and speaks slowly and thoughtfully – just how you think an existentialist artist might. But he also has a long posh drawl and wears a smart white shirt, blue v-neck jumper and navy chinos; the markings of a dapper London gent.

He’s had time to develop this look having lived in the area for about 18 years. Although, back then it was very much the carbon before the diamond it is now. “I remember going to some speakeasy bars in basements of people’s houses in Ladbroke Grove,” reminisces David. “And playing backgammon at two in the morning and having some whisky. I don’t think you could find that anymore. But progress is inevitable and it’s rampant in this area, sped up by the crazy boom in property.” His career has transformed at the same rapid rate as the area, ever since he recognised that a degree in politics at Edinburgh University wasn’t for him. “I very quickly realised that I didn’t want to be a politician,” he affirms. “And that photography – wondering the streets and looking at life – was fascinating.” As a result of this epiphany he has managed to pursue personal photography as well as set up a business for more commercial projects to pay the rent. The latter has not always been that glamorous, as is evident when he tells me about a photoshoot he did for a local hairdresser. “We got talking while he was cutting my hair,” explains David. “He said [attempts Greek accent]: ‘I have sunbed room downstairs.’ The next thing I knew I had agreed to take pictures for him.” David explains that this was in the early days when he had to say yes to everything; a time when professional models and classy

SPOTLIGHT

sets weren’t always included. “It was literally the most hilarious hour and a half,” he continues. “He had recruited his daughter and a friend of hers who had never modelled before in their lives. They were about 17 and dressed in bikinis. He had made them bright fruity cocktails with umbrellas in the top and he was trying to direct them from behind the camera with me in this new sunbed room. He was like [poorly imitates accent again]: ‘I going to make brochure and posters.’ It was bloody funny.” This was a humorous start to an otherwise successful career, working on projects for luxury brands such as Brut, Asprey, Coutts, Paul Smith, Temperley, Van Cleef & Arpels and De Beers. “If you reel off all their names it would sound very exciting, but some of the jobs were really small and short lived,” he chimes, which I can’t help but feel is a little

self-deprecating. A lot of his experience has been gained through the film industry and he tells me about another (slightly more sophisticated) project for Closer. While working for the art department for Columbia Pictures he ended up creating work for Julia Robert’s character, who was a photographer. “She has an exhibition of portraits of strangers halfway through the film. So I found myself on this mad casting session for two and a half months, photographing random London strangers and going into their homes and doing portraits of them. The work ended up in the movie. So that was pretty interesting.” David’s latest project Airhead, however, has been solely for the artist in him. It started as a way to pass time in airports and on aeroplanes while he was travelling to commercial shoots around the world. “I think I’ve worked in over 25 countries and travelled to over 50 countries in my life. All those hours sitting on aeroplanes I thought: well I need to do something, I can’t just sit and watch another movie. So I’d get a camera out and use that as a way to keep myself occupied.” He has managed to harness epic cloud scenes, the boredom of the airport and the complex

“Flying is an extremely profound experience, yet it’s become as normal as a bus journey” and intertwined relationship between humans and nature; all of which passengers take for granted. “What’s being done to you – you’re put in this tube and shoved through the sky at 700 mph at 35,000 feet and deposited in another land with different smells and colours – is an extremely profound experience and yet it’s become as normal as a bus journey for so many people.” Selecting five year’s worth of photos has been a feat in itself. “I had an archiver help me narrow it down from 10,000 images and then to about 300 but we’ve still got to squeeze that down to a show.” Then there is the planning of the exhibition too. “I have had commissioned, rather expensively, a whole row of Boeing aeroplane windows. They will be mounted in rows and you will feel as you walk past them that you are looking out of the window.” David is hoping to make the final selection of photos into a book for private jet companies to give out to their clients to enhance their airborne journeys. Although he is a Notting Hill photographer to the core, the slick business side that has propelled David’s career into the lofty heights of success looks sure to never let go. Search for Air-Head on kickstarter.com to help raise funds for David Brook’s fine art photography book. davidbrook.co.uk

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collection

In the Spotlight Nothing says timeless elegance quite like a Piaget watch. The luxury brand has been creating the finest jewellery watches for the world’s most celebrated women – including Jackie Kennedy and Sophia Loren – since the 1960s and it is a legacy upheld to this day. This year the house is reinventing its iconic Limelight collection once again with a collection of jewellery timepieces inspired by the shape of diamond solitaires. The oval-shaped case of each piece imitates the outline of the classic solitaire diamond, set with one carat of fine diamonds, while the emerald version mirrors the traditional rectangular cut from the house’s fine jewellery collections. Adding the elegant and feminine black satin strap makes this the perfect evening accessory, whether dressed up or pared down. piaget.com

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WORLD

of WATCHES BY RICHARD BROWN

Bird Song Being able to call on 276 years of watchmaking history, it’s perhaps no surprise that today Jaquet Droz makes some of the most beautiful timepieces in the world. Its Bird Repeater Open Work is a case in point. On its dial, the remarkable minute repeater features two blue tits feeding their fledglings. As the watch chimes the time, the birds spread their wings, a waterfall tumbles and an egg is hatched. More works of art than mere wristwatches, only eight of the 508-component-comprising creations will be made. Bird Repeater Open Work, POA, Jaquet Droz jaquet-droz.com

Taste for Titanium Richard Mille timepieces may have become status symbols for the super-rich but behind the glamour is a brand dedicated to producing some of the planet’s most high-tech wristwatches. The brand’s most recent invention, the athletic-looking RM 33-01 Automatic, sports Mille’s new skeletonised RMXP3 caliber, which comprises an off-centre platinum micro rotor. The tripartite case, with a diameter of 45.70mm and a thickness of 9.20mm, is mounted on a rubber strap secured with a folding clasp in grade 5 titanium. Water-resistant to 30 meters, the watch will be available from next year in titanium, red gold or white gold. RM 33-01 Automatic, POA Richard Mille richardmille.com

Going for Gold

One to Watch Each month we select our timepiece of the moment from the watch world’s most exciting creations:

This year heralded the launch of three new Cellini models – gorgeous dress watches that prove Rolex is as adept at producing pieces for the boardroom as it is for the deep blue sea. The Cellini Dual Time features an elegant sun and moon day/night indicator and will show the time in two separate time zones Cellini Dual Time, £12,900, Rolex, rolex.com

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Parmigiani Fleurier has unveiled a red gold version of its Bugatti Super Sport. The watch will feature the Calibre Parmigiani 372, a movement designed along two planes, which has a power reserve of 10 days. Manufacturing every component of its watches itself, Parmigiani only employs external companies for rubies, sapphire crystals and leather straps, which it gets from Hermès. Only 30 of this Bugatti Super Sport will be made. Prepare to part with £185,000 before tax if you want one. parmigiani.ch

Swiss movement, English heart

C9 HARRISO N BIG D AY- D AT E A U TOM ATIC Made in Switzerland / Modified ETA 2836-2 automatic movement with Big Day-Date complication by Johannes Jahnke / 38 hour power reserve / 43mm, Hand-polished, 316L stainless steel case / Anti-reflective sapphire crystal / Exhibition case-back / Italian leather strap with Bader deployment

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The Cat

Burglar Photographer:

Styling:

Jon Attenborough

Rachel Gold

Above / Balto wears double pink sapphire mushroom pendant, ÂŁ13,000, Shawish, shawish.ch/london Opposite / Esther wears rose-cut diamond choker with micro-set surround 26.26 carats, POA, David Morris, davidmorris.com

Above / Esther wears rose-cut diamond and sapphire necklace, POA, David Morris, davidmorris.com Opposite / Balto wears sweet pea, vivid blue Ceylon sapphires and diamond necklace, POA, Boodles, boodles.com photographerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s assistant: Andrew Magurran With thanks to Balto and Esther. Please be assured that both animals were accompanied by their handlers for the duration of the shoot, whose sole role was to assure their happiness and comfort

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JEWELLERY BY OLIVIA SHARPE

La Vie Bohème

Masters of Modern Jewellery 2014 This year, the ground-breaking jewellery exhibition of 1961, which was curated by Graham Hughes, the art director of Goldsmiths Hall, and credited for kick-starting a wave of jewellerymaking talent, has been revived by the Beetles & Huxley Gallery in Mayfair. Taking up Hughes’ mantle, jewellery expert Joanna Hardy curated the show, which opened a month ago and presents jewellery from the Art Deco period to the present day. Alongside beautiful vintage pieces from the 1920s, 30s and 50s by the likes of René Boivin and Louis Boucheron will be contemporary designs by emerging jewellery designers, including Central Saint Martins’ graduate Noor Fares and Monique Daniels.

Proving that it’s moved on so much from the days when it was known chiefly as a luxury pen brand, Montblanc has released its latest jewellery collection, Bohème. The understated and refined jewellery collection remains very much in keeping with the brand aesthetic and features classic silver and gold pieces that have been created for a sophisticated, discerning woman, including a beautiful gold bangle in pink gold with diamond pavé and a pair of simple silver hoop earrings with white sparkling lacquer. Bohème, available in Montblanc boutiques montblanc.com

Masters of Modern Jewellery 2014, curated by Joanna Hardy Until 13 December Beetles & Huxley 3-5 Swallow Street, W1B 4DE beetlesandhuxley.com

Cutting Edge Renowned designer Zaha Hadid recently collaborated with jewellery house Azid and Walid Mouzannar on a unique design; this Petal Cuff was hand-crafted using 18-karat white gold and is set with 1,048 white diamonds.

“Our collaboration takes full advantage of Alia’s expertise and Dori’s knowledge to explore the beauty of natural forms and the unique properties of its materials. Alia’s work celebrates materiality and composition in the rich history and traditions of Lebanon’s jewellers...” Zaha Hadid

Once in a Blue Moon

Marco Bicego has become well-known for his natural approach to designing jewellery, hand-making each of his pieces in 18-karat gold. The designer has chosen to return to his roots and pay homage to nature in a new collection called Lunaria, inspired by the beautiful Lunaria Annua flower. Comprising necklaces, rings, bracelets and cuffs, each piece features irregular, disc-shaped pods to represent the flower’s seedpods and has been hand-crafted using the signature Bullino technique: a special tool gives all of the brand’s pieces their unique fine brushed texture. Lunaria collection, exclusive to Harvey Nichols Prices start from £1,000 harveynichols.com

with Vogue jewellery editor Carol Woolton Carol Woolton’s new book, Floral Jewels, explores how the flower has been a source of inspiration for the world’s leading fine jewellery designers throughout the ages

Like a Charm In time for Christmas, Harry Winston has launched three new diamond charms, each of which pays tribute to a signature motif of the jewellery house. The Fifth Avenue Vault charm takes inspiration from Harry Winston’s iconic flagship store by featuring a vault door which reveals a hidden surface; this can be engraved with a personal message. Similarly, the Diamond Gates Heart charm reinterprets the New York flagship with round brilliant and baguette-cut diamonds while the Diamond Cluster Heart charm captures the timeless beauty of this enduring design with rows of exquisite brilliant and pear-shaped diamonds. harrywinston.com

True Chromance There’s no doubting Solange Azagury-Partridge’s passion for colour and her latest collection, Chromance, is a true testament to this love affair. The kaleidoscopic line includes the Chlorophyll necklace in an intense emerald green and the Spectrum earrings which can be transformed into a necklace for a miraculous day to evening metamorphosis. solange.co.uk

Best Shot In a move to bring a more contemporary edge to the heritage brand, William & Son has collaborated with award-winning jewellery designer Sarah Ho on a range of cocktail rings. Each of the four pieces (£4,800) draws upon Ho’s signature style as well as her own unique take on the William & Son’s shotgun engraving, creating a perfect blend of the old and the new. Commenting on the collaboration, head of jewellery at William & Son Clémence Mérat said: “Our stories and history are so similar yet so different; working together came very naturally.” With their modern design, they’re the perfect night-time accessory.

Q: Which jewellery house do you think has captured the flower most accurately? A: Flowers are subject to trends like anything else and I believe there are certain designers who have captured their period. Tiffany’s enamel orchid, for instance, encapsulated the era of the Golden Age in New York and the wealthy industrialists who were vying to have the most exotic hot house. Dior has created a whole collection of flowers for a new generation; they’re bold, exotic, poisonous, lacquered and vibrant. Q: You mention how environmental concerns have resulted in the current trend for wildflowers; could you elaborate on this? A: I think we’re all much more aware of the simplicity of nature and the need to protect it. Meadow flowers like buttercups and primroses, for example, will resonate with people as they realise how important it is that we maintain natural beauty. René Lalique was one of the first to create a fashion for looking at humbler flowers in a way that had never happened before. Q: What was the biggest revelation you found when going through the jewellery archives? A: It’s extraordinary when you get to see how scraps of drawings transform into these beautiful three-dimensional objects. The Cartier archive is astonishing; I was privileged enough to see some of the original botanical books that its designers worked from in the 19th century. Q: If you had to base a collection around a flower, which one would you choose? A: I love the hydrangea because it maintains its structure. Most flowers lose their petals and fall apart as they wilt, whereas the hydrangea, even when it’s dying, is still rather beautiful. Q: You have said in the past that often people don’t realise the importance of jewellery; do you think this is changing? A: I think the jewellery industry has completely changed in the last 15 years. Fashion brands which now incorporate jewellery into collections have propelled people towards becoming more adventurous and, in turn, designers too. The industry is more daring, adventurous and fun. Floral Jewels: From the World’s Leading Designers, by Carol Woolton Published by Prestel, prestel.com

williamandson.com

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Flights of

Fancy Olivia Sharpe looks at the coloured diamonds that have caught our imagination this year and yesteryear, and highlights how demand has reached new heights

t this year’s Baselworld, Graff unveiled the Hallucination watch. An overnight sensation, its defining feature was not, as one would expect, its complicated Swiss movement nor its astronomical $55 million price tag, but its phantasmagoria of more than 110 carats of exceptionally rare fancy coloured diamonds. The house’s chairman Laurence Graff OBE spent more than two years “scouring the world” in order to procure the stones. For him, the piece represented “the miracle of coloured diamonds” while for us, it revealed that these precious jewels are clearly having a moment. Graff is not the only jeweller to be making headlines. Harry Winston broke records this year for its acquisition of the ‘Winston Blue’. Purchased at Christie’s Geneva auction for approximately $24 million, the 13.22-carat, flawless, Fancy Vivid blue diamond is considered to be the largest of its kind. This managed to trump Laurence Graff’s earlier

purchase of a 100.09 carat Fancy Vivid yellow cushion modified brilliant diamond for $16.3 million, a world record for this jewel. And yet, the ‘king of diamonds’ still holds the title of having paid the highest price of any gem or jewel when he bought the ‘Graff Pink’ at Sotheby’s Geneva auction for a phenomenal $46.2 million in 2010. Sales figures show how the value of fancy coloured diamonds has risen dramatically over the past few decades and their demand is now unprecedented, as highlighted by the increased offering of pink, yellow and blue diamonds and the swelling body of consumers willing to pay the hefty prices. Head of jewellery at Christie’s London Keith Penton comments: “Across the board we have seen an increased appetite in the first half of the year for fancy coloured diamonds of the most vivid hues”. While coloured diamonds have always been sought after, it wasn’t until the 1980s that the market really began to open up, says Laurence Graff. “In the 1980s and in the past five to 10 years,

COLLECTION

the growth has accelerated as more people have become aware of their extreme rarity,” he explains. “Increased demand has been coupled with a scarcity of exceptional examples coming onto the market.” The influential businessman – who has bought and sold the most famous diamonds in the world and was awarded an OBE for his services to the jewellery industry in 2013 – has played an instrumental part in stimulating this growth. In 1970, Graff released its now iconic ‘Hair & Jewel’ campaign featuring a model wearing a million dollars’ worth of diamond jewels in her hair. The ostentatious image proved ground-breaking and in turn, illustrated how the jeweller was one step ahead of the game when it came to predicting the current trend for coloured diamonds. In the 1980s, when the very first pink diamonds were discovered at the Argyle Mine in Western Australia, Graff purchased the entire tender and set them into a flower brooch which was then sold to the Sultan of Brunei just hours after it was made. The following decade, the house secured a supply of exquisite yellow diamonds – these have since become its signature stone. So why now has the demand for coloured diamonds reached an all-time high? For Laurence Graff, the answer lies in rarity, an argument that is widely shared by the rest of the industry. “In my experience, quality and rarity are the two factors that most influence collectors,” says Keith Penton. “Compared to other categories, jewellery has the added advantage of being a highly portable asset. In the last few seasons records have continually been broken as competition reaches new heights for the most exceptional items.” According to David Bennett, chairman of Sotheby’s international jewellery division in Europe and the Middle East, the last decade has witnessed large incremental gains in the coloured diamond market due to small supply and increasing demand, and the last three to four years have seen very strong growth for big diamonds of the highest quality, in particular. He notes that globalisation in the last ten years has transformed the market, with collectors from 70 countries bidding in

Sotheby’s jewellery auctions worldwide in 2013 and a total of 30 countries represented in the Geneva May 2014 sale. Roughly a third of the auction house’s buyers come from North America, Europe and Asia, with “new buyers making up 24 per cent of the total in 2013, with strong new participation from Asia”. While red diamonds are the rarest in the coloured diamond family, pink diamonds are also reputably scarce. The only significant known source is the Argyle Diamond Mine, which is owned by Rio Tinto and produces more than 90 per cent of the world’s supply. Due to their rarity (they are the only coloured diamonds whereby the colour is not the result of an impurity but of extreme pressure beneath the earth’s surface), investors are urgently stocking up their supplies before resources are depleted. Calleija is the only Argyle pink diamond atelier in the UK and one of the jeweller’s latest treasures is an unusual but no doubt exquisite Argyle Tender 1.13-carat FIPP heartshaped pink diamond. At this year’s Basel, experts noted how, despite traditional shapes including round brilliants and emerald cuts remaining popular, judging by some of the jewels on display at the trade show, there had clearly been a surge in demand for fancy shapes (Baselworld Daily News, 31 March 2014). The fascination with coloured diamonds has trickled down into the rest of the industry, with jewellers constantly interpreting these stones in new and exciting ways. Along with Calleija, another brand to have fallen for the heart shape is Parisian jeweller Messika; for the first time this year, it introduced a heartshaped 7-carat pink diamond, fashioned into an exquisite ring. British jeweller David Morris is similarly well-known for using pink

“The growth has accelerated as more people are aware of their extreme rarity” - Laurence Graff

Opposite / Pendant with a Fancy Intense yellow diamond, from the 2013 Blue Book Collection, POA, Tiffany & Co.; Ivy earrings, POA, Boodles This page, clockwise from top left / Soleste earrings with yellow and white diamonds, POA, Tiffany & Co.; Aurora necklace, POA, Boodles; Pink diamond ring, POA, Tiffany & Co; The ‘Winston Blue’ Fancy Vivid blue diamond, Harry Winston; Lot 51 2014 Argyle Tender 1.13-carats FIPP Heart Shape, POA, Calleija

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COLLECTION

diamonds to great effect and in tribute to this, Jeremy Morris created a curated collection of pink diamond haute couture jewellery for the 2014 Biennale des Antiquaires. Although pink diamonds have a wide market, Boodles director and head gemstone buyer Jody Wainwright notes that yellow diamonds remain the most popular when it comes to engagement rings. Celebrities have played their part in this trend, with the likes of Heidi Klum and Adele having famously sported yellow diamond engagement rings. Graff is famous for being the supplier of the largest and rarest Natural yellow diamonds and it demonstrated this at Baselworld 2014 when it unveiled a spectacular yellow and white diamond Fringe necklace. Having taken inspiration from childhood memories of her father Andre (a well-known figure in the diamond trade) playing with precious gems, Valerie Messika has reimagined her Move bangle – originally designed in white diamonds – with three

Yellow diamonds remain the most popular when it comes to coloured engagement rings sliding yellow diamonds representing the ‘love of yesterday, today and tomorrow’. The limited edition set of 10 will be available exclusively at Harrods from December. With the industry currently saturated with coloured diamonds, buyers are being drawn to unconventional hues. Hall 3 at Basel was awash with different coloured jewels, from a 2.02 carat green oval at A.A. Rachminov Diamonds to an array of fancy brown diamonds at Aditya Gems. Oranges, too, proved very popular and Boodles’ Jody Wainwright confides that he was recently on the hunt for a 3-carat vivid orange but has only discovered two stones. However, the diamond expert advocates that fine pinks and blues still make for the best investments, not to mention reds which “are at the top of the tree.” In Tiffany & Co.’s 2013 Blue Book collection, the jeweller presented a rare brilliant Fancy Vivid green diamond ring, along with traditional coloured diamonds. While trends in terms of shape and colour will no doubt evolve, there is one thing which experts are certain will remain constant; the high demand for top quality fancy coloured diamonds. With Christie’s having achieved $154m for its Geneva auction on 14 May – the highest total ever achieved for a jewellery sale – Keith Penton believes that there “seems to be no slowing down in demand for the best of the best as we commence the second half of the season”. Clockwise from left / Recreation of 1970 ‘Hair & Jewel’ image featuring 22 jewels worth half-a-billion dollars, Graff; Ivy necklace, POA, Boodles; Butterfly ring from the Butterfly and Palm collection, POA, David Morris; Move bangle with yellow diamonds, £14,800, Messika, exclusive to Harrods; Hallucination watch, Graff Diamonds; Fancy Vivid green diamond ring, POA, Tiffany & Co.

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Est. 1937 Flagship Stores

34 Duke of York Square, Kings Road, Chelsea, London SW3 4LY 35 College Green, Dublin 2 Visit our website for retail partners in your area or to buy online

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04/11/2014 18:18

fashion

on the right foot Having grown up wearing Adidas trainers, it was no doubt a sheer delight when Mary Katrantzou learnt that she would be able to put her own unique and colourful spin on the globally renowned sportswear brand. Taking inspiration from the track shoes worn by the medal winners of the 1970s and 80s, the British fashion designer has reimagined these in her own iconic, kaleidoscopic patterns. As well as footwear, Originals by Mary Katrantzou also includes a selection of stylish sportswear featuring neoprene, print mesh, florals, stripes and laces. While Adidas may have successfully partnered with the likes of Pharrell Williams and Raf Simons in the past, this is by far our favourite collaboration to date. Adidas Originals collection by Mary Katrantzou, available now marykatrantzou.com

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Gilty

Pleasures

Nothing says Christmas party quite like a metallic accessory so add sparkle to monochrome ensembles this winter Photography:

Styling:

Ian Walsh

Boo Atwood

1 Calf leather silver leather sandals with embellishment, £645, Miu Miu, 020 7409 0900 2 Heart keyring in metallic mushroom, £70, Mulberry, mulberry.com 3 Steel and red gold bracelet Promesse watch, £3,400, Baume et Mericer, baume-et-mercier.co.uk 4 Jewellery case in metallic mushroom, £350, Mulberry, as before 5 Knot detail pebble grain coin case, £175, Burberry, burberry.com 6 Galop H rose gold and diamond bracelet, £3,970, Hermès, 020 7499 8856

7 Galop H rose gold and diamond ring, £7,610, Hermès, as before 8 Classic square sunglasses in gold-plated titanium and hand-polished acetate, £610, Linda Farrow, lindafarrow.co.uk 9 White lace clutch evening bag, £1,150, Dolce & Gabbana, dolcegabbana.com 10 Crystal arrow metal brooch, £170, Carven at avenue32.com 11 Gold-plated Vendôme earrings, £190, Azzaro, azzaroparis.com

Too Hot to Handle Up until now, British shoewear designer Charlotte Olympia has limited her accessories to dinky little clutches barely large enough to hold one’s lipstick but this season sees the designer branching out with a collection of practical leather handbags large enough to fit most of your run-around essentials, including iPhone, keys and purse. Each of the four vintage-inspired styles has been named after a classic Hollywood actor – Bogart, Gable, Brando and Astaire – and comes in a choice of lipstick shades (as well as classic black for Bogart and Gable) and luxury materials, such as black alligator and Charlotte’s signature leopard pony skin. charlotteolympia.com

HER STYLE By olivia sharpe

Snowed Under It just wouldn’t be Christmas without the token Christmas jumper. Once considered a major fashion faux pas, recent years have seen fashion designers and brands reviving this customary festive item into a winter wardrobe essential. British label Chinti and Parker is one such brand and its latest collection includes luxurious Italian cashmere sweaters featuring subtle snowflakes, stars and Fair-Isle prints. Chinti and Parker sweaters, £360 each Available at Harrods, harrods.com

Stars in your Eyes Karen Walker has become known over the years as the queen of optimism. With her fun-loving and unpretentious sunglasses collections, the Kiwi designer has undoubtedly shown us a brighter side of life. This year marks Walker’s ten-year brand anniversary and she is marking it in true party spirit with the launch of a limited edition collection, aptly named Celebrate. ‘Cakes, confetti and chaos’ was the theme of the campaign which presents the new range made entirely from gold, bringing together all of her most recognisable styles. I guess it’s true what they say; girls do just want to have fun. karenwalker.com

Special Ties In tribute to its iconic Battistero scarf, first created in 1957 by the Marquise Emilio Pucci as a love letter to his beloved Florence, the brand has just released a special collection of scarves illustrating six leading cities of the world: Rome, Florence, New York, Paris, Shanghai and Hong Kong. Each scarf has been crafted from fine silk twill and features an exclusive, hand-drawn print depicting a real scene from its featured destination. The scarves are either sold separately or in a Cities of the World Limited Edition Collector’s set that includes one of each. Now available in selected boutiques and online emiliopucci.com/shoponline

Supermarket Sweep Every year, online fashion retailer Net-a-Porter features some amazing holiday items to assist us with our Christmas shopping and this year is no different, having teamed up with handbag designers Anya Hindmarch and Edie Parker on a selection of exclusive clutches. Drawing on the most popular A/W14 trends, Parker has created an assortment of acrylic box clutches in metallic glitter, while Hindmarch has delivered store cupboard essentials in the form of a Daz Georgiana embossed leather clutch and a Crisp Packet metallic clutch. Get shopping.

Trade Secret We could hardly contain our excitement when we learnt that Victoria’s Secret would be presenting its glamorous and starstudded show for the first time in London this year at the Earls Court Exhibition Centre on 2 December. There was, however, some despondency when we discovered that the cheapest tickets start from £9,995, just for a seat, and go up to a whopping £11,995 for those wishing to attend the exclusive afterparty. Guests in attendance are guaranteed the opportunity to meet the Angels, including Karlie Kloss, Lily Aldridge and Candice Swanepoel, along with other stars from the show. Last year, British supermodels Cara Delevingne and Jourdan Dunn walked the catwalk and rumour has it that they will do so again this year. Musical performances have previously included the likes of Taylor Swift, Kanye West and Justin Timberlake so while we cannot confirm who will be performing this year, you can be sure it won’t be a disappointment. 2 December; victoriassecret.com

Exclusive to net-a-porter.com

From top/ Lara glittered acrylic box clutch, £710; Edie Stars glittered acrylic box clutch, £1,105; Flavia Chevron glittered acrylic box clutch, £1,130, all Edie Parker

Photography: Anton Oparin / Shutterstock.com

How about Choo? Made-to-order shoes are by no means a new concept for Jimmy Choo, a brand which since its origin has provided a bespoke service for its most loyal clients when needed for a special event, most notably for the red carpet. However, this year marks the first time the brand has stepped out and extended its service across the globe so we can now all get our hands on a very personal pair of Choos. Creative director Sandra Choi has selected time-honoured-iconic designs from the house – including Anouk, Lance, Xenia and Tite – and from these you can choose from an array of heel heights, materials and colourways. You can go one step further regarding your own personal stamp by adding monogram initials to the soles. Once you’ve finally chosen your pair, shoes take roughly nine to 11 weeks to be made and delivered. jimmychoo.com

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For Her Show how much you love her with warm shades of red and glittering gold for extra razzle dazzle

1 Leather iPad Air sleeve, £125, aspinaloflondon.com 2 Rose gold 9-carat diamond wing necklace, £25,000, Cristina Ortiz, net-a-porter.com 3 Samarrah set: bra £395, suspenders £345, briefs £345, Soirée by Agent Provacateur, agentprovacateur.com 4 Burgundy fur stole, £2,690, Lanvin, harveynichols.com 5 Riva diamond hoop earrings, £315, monicavinader.com 6 Wool-blend coat, £995, Burberry Brit, net-a-porter.com 7 Evangeline Angel Wings leather sandals, £395, Sophia Webster, matchesfashion.com 8 Handbag, £1,650, Roger Vivier, selfridges.co.uk 9 Gala lamé glitter pointy toe flats with bow, £375, jimmychoo.com 10 Make-up case in metallic mushroom goat leather, £195, mulberry.com 11 Chantilly lace pleated dress, £3,915, Valentino, harrods.com 12 Stud-embellished leather gloves, £255, Valentino, net-a-porter.com

FASHION

For Him Blue is the hue of the season; treat him to luxury winter warmers and super cool gadgets

1 Wool shawl-collar sweater, £255, Polo Ralph Lauren, mrporter.com 2 Six winding watches box in black saddle hide leather, £12,000 and single winding watch box, £1,200 (pictured with a selection of Asprey Chronograph watches, from £2,150), asprey.com 3 Black soft leather briefcase, £695, hardyamies.com 4 Eau de parfum (40ml), £3,000, Lalique for Bentley, harrods.com 5 Berkeley refillable journal in navy saffiano, £125, aspinaloflondon.com 6 Grey Italian wool windowpane check coat, £195, John Lewis, johnlewis.com 7 BeoPlay H6 over-ear headphones, £329, B&O Play, harveynichols.com 8 Black reversible patent leather belt, £385, Dolce & Gabbana, harveynichols.com 9 Field of towers chess set, £4,860, Zaha Hadid, harrods.com 10 Mad Men decanter, £270, waterford.co.uk 11 Zalium cufflinks, POA, harrywinston.com 12 Mozart cashmere-lined leather and suede gloves, £235, WANT Les Essentiels de la Vie, mrporter.com

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The Grand Bazaar Well-made shoes are key to completing any look and European shoewear brand Louis Leeman certainly knows how to bring flamboyancy to a new level with its glitzy A/W14 collection, entitled The Treasures of the Grand Bazaar. Taking inspiration from patterns and textiles of the Byzantine Empire, rich fabrics have been adorned with rhinestones, fringing and gold embroidery. And the opulence doesn’t end there; from cheetah loafers embellished with gold details to jazzed-up rhinestonestudded trainers, this collection exudes luxury, leaving every man feeling quite the dandy. louisleemanparis.com

HIS STYLE By liane nelson

Who’s the Boss?

Carry On Travelling In partnership with the Elton John AIDS Foundation, online men’s style destination Mr Porter is launching a collection for the savvy jet-setter, with items based around the concept of luxury travel. Each product within the collection will be available in a trendy navy and red colour combination, giving it a classic but cool look. Highlights include a handcrafted luxury carry-on suitcase from Globe-Trotter, sharp sunglasses from Cutler & Gross and a cashmere travel blanket and eye-mask from New York-based brand Armand Diradourian, enabling you to get some shut-eye on those dreaded long-haul flights. All of the proceeds from the collection will be donated directly to the foundation so there’s no excuse not to travel in style. mrporter.com

Those of you who’ve visited the Hugo Boss store in Sloane Square of late will not have failed to notice its transformation. After closing for a brief period, the store reopened at the end of October and now features a completely new, modern interior concept with layered, grey-tinted mirrors and an ‘object lumière’ chandelier. Exclusive to the flagship is the Made-toMeasure suite, an intimate environment where customers can choose from Italian outer fabrics and premium linings. You can even have your own signature embroidered inside your jacket and waistband. In a suit like this, there will be no question as to who’s the boss. Boss store, The Willett Building 35-38 Sloane Square, SW1W 8DL hugoboss.com

cassina.com

Design ﬁrst. “MyWorld” by Philippe Starck and Cassina. CASSINA SHOWROOM 238-242 Brompton Road London, Knightsbridge SW3 2BB Tel: 020 7584 0000 Info.uk@cassina.com

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lifestyle Masked Ball

Christian Dior was a firm believer in the idea that parties were essential for restoring the taste and full meaning to authentic celebrations and we couldn’t agree more. Playing on the designer’s love of festivities and costumes, Baby Dior’s A/W14 collection depicts an enchanted party with a mix of charming, swirling dresses for little girls and light costumes for the boys which display a flair for couture details and bold colour. Dresses range from jacquard and organza with tulle and feathers to a smart royal blue number; beautiful outfits like these are sure to make any little girl feel like the belle of the ball. As Christian Dior once said, “deep in every heart slumbers a dream, and the couturier knows it: every woman is a princess”. dior.com

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& GARDEN

HOME

BY liane nelson

Golden Touch Using accessories in deep shades of berry red, paired with rich gold accents, decorate your home in a timeless yet modern way this season

Main image: Harrods Hyper-Luxe Christmas Home collection 1 Gold plated holiday dove, £18, Georg Jensen, georgjensen.com 2 Christmas wreath, £80, Jo Malone London, jomalone.co.uk 3 Golden deer, £84.95, Harrods, harrods.com 4 Mixology tumblers, £100, Waterford, waterford.co.uk 5 Quantum napkin ring, £600, Grant Macdonald, grantmacdonald.com 6 Jasper Conran tableware sets, from a selection, Wedgwood, wedgwood.co.uk 7 Mossi XXL vase, £8,300, Lalique, lalique.com 8 Velvet present cushion, £149, Bagnaresi, exclusive to Harrods, harrods.com 9 Tortured willow candle holder (large), £225, OKA, okadirect.com

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INTERIORS

Made in Britain Daniel Hopwood has recently been appointed President of the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID); its newly relaunched website functions as a ‘shop window’ for the county’s leading interior designers. Amelia Johnson reports You may have seen Daniel Hopwood on BBC2’s The Great Interior Design Challenge, visiting fascinating homes across the country to judge amateur designers who have had a go at transforming rooms within them. Daniel has spent many years working as an interior designer within the Royal Borough and his expertise is in high demand; he is known for being able to turn even the smallest space into a residence that deserves the high prices demanded for Kensington and Chelsea property. “I am a great believer that good design should not be exclusive but instead should be made accessible to all,” says Daniel. After initially training as an architect, he moved into interior design, setting up his own practice in 1993, and has since built up a portfolio of high-end residential properties and stunning commercial projects. “As designers, we provide an indispensable service,” Daniel explains. “Thanks to the internet and social platforms like Pinterest, the public is more well-informed than ever, with a strong sense of what they like. As they begin to appreciate our broad and diverse set of skills, the sector is gaining further respect and being seen as an increasingly valued profession. But, as more and more Londoners employ designers to renovate and refurbish their homes, I would like to emphasise that commissioning a designer with BIID after their name gives the assurance that he or she has been fully trained and has the requisite experience. “As society is becoming more diverse, trends are becoming more redundant, and designs more bespoke. I’m often asked by clients how they can discover their own

individual style. It’s easy; look inside your wardrobe at what you like wearing best. Be it plains or patterns, colourful or neutral, casual or smart; the clues are all there!” Something Daniel particularly loves about The Great Interior Design Challenge is discovering talented individuals who really want to become interior designers, but he also thinks it clearly highlights the importance of following a client’s brief. “A good designer is a people person. Clients have sophisticated tastes and rather than be dictated to, they want to work with a professional who is able to listen and interpret their style. Having a good ear is definitely the best tool a designer can have.” When I ask Daniel for local shopping tips, he names two old favourites: Core One Antiques – “it’s hidden away in the old gas works and is a great source for the unusual at sensible prices” – and Maison Artefact on Lillie Road: “Why spend lots on new furniture when there are so many well-priced antiques?” Valerie Wade on the Fulham Road is singled out for high praise too: “I can buy blind from there and come out with something magical! Summerill & Bishop is a tiny shop in Holland Park brimming with beautiful French tableware and Les Couilles du Chien on Golborne Road is perfect for statement vintage pieces. Go on Friday and see what you can find being sold on the street too. Surely The Rug Company can no longer be a secret but a rug from them should be on everyone’s wish list and its new range is very affordable.” biid.org.uk / danielhopwood.com

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Crystal

Clear

Annabel Harrison speaks to Silvio Denz, CEO of Lalique, about the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s iconic product range for A/W14 and its most recent collaborations

lifestyle

From left / Vase Tortu bleu nuit; Vase Rayons © LALIQUE SA; Vase Mossi bleu nuit Below, left / Silvio Denz, Massimo Ferragamo & James Suckling © Grégoire Eloy

purity of crystal and the nobility of gold. The transparent crystal honeycombs are highlighted with 22.5-karat gold leaf, hand-applied by the artisans of the prestigious Ateliers Gohard. The hand craftsmanship of each piece brings the crystal to life, transforming it into an exceptional work of art in a limited edition of 88 pieces.

Why did Lalique deem James Suckling and Salvatore Ferragamo suitable partners for its latest project? Three years ago, the internationally acclaimed wine critic James Suckling asked me whether it would be possible to collaborate with Lalique on the design of a new wine glass. He had a universal glass in mind, suitable for both red and white. It would be based on the tasting glass he has been using for more than 30 years, which is excellent at bringing out the subtle flavours of the wine and allowing them to develop. Our chief designer worked with James to create a glass that is an ideal combination of functionality and beauty. It is called 100 Points – a reference to the highest rating that is given to a perfect wine. We were having dinner with Massimo Ferragamo in Florence a year ago when the idea of the 100 Points wine and glass case, which doubles as a briefcase or overnight travel bag, was born. Like Salvatore Ferragamo, Lalique stands for the highest quality and craftsmanship, as well as tradition and heritage. Both companies were founded by visionaries. James Suckling, Massimo Ferragamo and I share a love of wine and respect for nature, the work of the vineyard and the winemaker’s art. What is, for you, the most outstanding product in the A/W14 collection? Our creative team did an excellent job on the Provence collection. A particular challenge was the Rayons vase [pictured above], which harmoniously combines the

Does the application of gold leaf onto the Rayons vase by Ateliers Gohard require a great level of skill? The large Rayons vase is made using the pressé technique. The main difficulty during the hot-glass process is to remove the piece from the mould very carefully so as not to damage the six edges of the vase. Only the talent and experience of our glassmakers can achieve such a perfect result. Furthermore, the printing of the decoration must be perfectly executed since the geometric pattern with its very clear finish would reveal any imperfection. The gilding with gold leaf is an entirely artisanal technique. Located in Paris since 1962, Ateliers Gohard restores monuments, furniture and works of art such as the Dôme des Invalides in Paris, the roofs and gates of

“The glass is called 100 Points – a reference to the highest rating that is given to a perfect wine” Versailles, the Municipal Theatre of Rio de Janeiro, and the flame of the Statue of Liberty in New York. The Rayons vase is a very complex piece to cover in gold leaf: two layers of gold leaf are applied by hand, and when the gilding is complete, another very detailed process begins; the vase must be thoroughly cleaned without taking off the gold leaf. It took about two months for Lalique and Ateliers Gohard to achieve this sublime limited edition. It comprises 88 pieces as this is a lucky number in Asia, a symbol of fortune and good luck. Can you explain why “immortalising nature through crystal” is so important to Lalique and why it is a realistic aim for the Lalique product stable and craftsmen? It is part of Lalique’s DNA. Since the early days, recurring themes have included the female form, flora and fauna. Depicted through realism, though sometimes stylised,

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nature remains an inexhaustible source of inspiration at the heart of the Lalique identity. Strong Art Nouveau and Art Deco influences add strength and lightness to the ornate masterpieces of the past and present. For more than 100 years, our manufacturing plant in Alsace, an area renowned for glassmaking, has perpetuated its unique know-how. The hand of both artist and craftsman leaves its imprint on every object, conveying a rich heritage. The Lalique style flows from an artistic gesture, from which a drawing diffuses into crystal. It is a style easily recognised through the manual modelling of shapes and patterns as if sculpted, the richness of the figurative details and the different types of finish which create a characteristic contrast of clear and frosted crystal. This is an identity characterised by softness, femininity and nature, with a strong Art Nouveau and Art Deco inspiration.

Once produced, a crystal piece is eternal because it does not deteriorate over time. All this makes crystal a truly magical material!

What are the advantages and disadvantages of working with a material like crystal? The magic of crystal emanates from the fusion of raw ingredients. At this stage, the sand, potash, lead oxide and recycled crystal (cullet), mixed in proportions which remain a closely guarded secret, metamorphose into

What do you love about London? I have lived in London for more than 12 years. I like the people and feel at home here; I like it both as an international, cosmopolitan city to live in and as an inspirational, trendsetting metropolis.

Zaha Hadid has designed two Crystal Architecture vases for Lalique. Why Zaha? Zaha has always had a passion for Lalique. For her, Lalique is synonymous with elegant, fluid designs that are innovative and timeless, yet do not compromise the integrity of the medium or craftsmanship of its production. When I met Zaha three years ago, she was immediately fired with enthusiasm at the idea of collaborating. The two Crystal Architecture vases, Visio and Manifesto, combine the characteristics of Zaha Hadid and Lalique in unique works of art: Zaha’s avant-garde design with Lalique’s craftsmanship and the distinctive technique of satin glass.

lalique.com

“Crystal is unpredictable and fragile... we write off many pieces that do not meet our standards” brilliant and luminous crystal, with the particular sonority that distinguishes it from mere glass. Crystal is a noble material; our creations are true sculptures of light, endowing the material with its particular beauty. But it is a very difficult material to work with. It takes great expertise and patience to tame crystal, to understand its properties and translate a design, an idea, into an object. Crystal is very fragile and unpredictable during manipulation. We write off many pieces that do not meet our quality standards or break, so it is expensive to produce crystal pieces. And it takes approximately ten years to become a good glassmaker.

Nemours bowl in amber crystal, £1,200

INTERIORS

Interiors shots courtesy of Gilles Pernet

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INTERIORS

Attention to

Detail

As she moves into her 28th year in the interior design industry, Amelia Johnson speaks to Juliette Byrne about the ever-changing London market, trends and how to stay at the forefront of one’s game

“Every industry has trends and none more so than the interior design world. One minute everything is pared down and minimal; the next thing we know people are asking for contrast piping, tassels and trims. However, despite the ever-changing trends, I have always tried to stay true to my core style of blending elegance and sophistication to create functional, practical homes. In recent years, integrating the latest AV and electrical components into stylish rooms has been the biggest challenge but one that we are constantly overcoming.” Juliette works all over the world, most recently completing a contemporary-style chalet in Chamonix – “Working in the mountains is an absolute treat. It’s a chance to use materials you wouldn’t normally put in a city house and to allow the fun of the mountains to be reflected in the design” – as well as a large 17th century Grade II listed house in the Cotswolds and a five-bedroom Chelsea townhouse, including a double basement dig-out. The property development world is one area into which Juliette is expanding. “We’ve found that people are bored of walking into multimillion pound properties that lack any character and fail to impress. Our aim is to design the lifestyle rather than the room; we want buyers to instantly imagine themselves living there. From the offset we like to think about the sort of client who will be buying; what nationality are they? Do they have a family? Do they have a live-in nanny? Do they entertain? We then aim to make every room distinctive while also creating a sense of unity in the property. It is important that each and every bathroom, utility room and living room is remembered by the client after they’ve left.” Juliette was recently named as one of the Best 20 Interior Designers in Britain by The Telegraph as well as featuring in the House and Garden Top 100 Interior Designers for the third consecutive time. She was also nominated for a 2014 International Property Award. Her wealth of experience in the industry and the fact that she’s lived nearly her whole life in London makes her an expert

in its property industry and thus the service Juliette and her team can provide is second to none. They maintain that their meticulous attention to detail is one of their best attributes. “We can help with every aspect of your house, from cutlery to artwork. Our philosophy is that nothing is too much trouble. We offer clients a personal, bespoke interior design service tailored to each individual brief. We aim to leave a legacy of elegant, classic, contemporary design which will give timeless longevity to each interior.” juliettebyrne.com

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interiors

At Your Fingertips Forget tangles of trailing wires, numerous remote controls and visible speakers in every nook and cranny; these days, home automation (and the hidden technology it can control) is all the rage. Amelia Johnson finds out more SMC, Park House, CEDIA Award

s winner

Imagine how much simpler life would be if you had control over your entertainment, lighting, security and heating at your fingertips and, in fact, from a single screen. This home system can be designed to reflect your personality and your lifestyle, it’ll be intuitive to operate and everything will blend perfectly with your interior design so friends won’t even know it’s there, until you want them to. Your hi-fi system can emit beautiful classical music (or country, or heavy metal – as you wish) in every room through unseen loudspeakers so that music follows you wherever you go and when you enjoy one of the latest Hollywood blockbusters on your home cinema system, curtains will close, the temperature adjust and the lighting dim automatically, the moment you walk in the room. All this and much more can be achieved without an ugly wire or trailing, trip-hazard cable in sight. Today’s integrated home allows you to control, conceal and operate electronic systems as never before, and this is the brave new world of CEDIA. Every project is different but the home tech pros will know exactly how to tackle it. The amount of technology installed depends on each homeowner, and what their requirements are; it can include anything that’s electronically operated in your home, from high-end TVs, media servers and multi-room audio and video systems to networks which intelligently control all aspects of the house, including heating, lighting, blinds and security. These systems can be installed in any room in the property but in slightly different ways to enhance the space and provide the features you require in these areas.

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CEDIA offers a Finder Service on its website (cedia.org) which allows homeowners to locate their nearest home technology professional. Users can search CEDIA member companies by postcode, services and certification.

WHat IS CEDIA? CEDIA (the Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association) is an international trade organisation spanning three continents with a global membership of more than 4,000 companies. CEDIA members are specialists in the integration of technology into home environments, as well as being trained in the latest technologies, design, project management and installation techniques.

CEDIA members offer: • Professional assistance and guidance in the design of a personalised system for each individual client • A certified and trained staff of technicians, designers and support personnel • The most current technology at all levels to provide a broad selection for every requirement • A professional level of credentials and insurance to assure and provide a suitable level of comfort • Complete support and on-going service • Information on the latest technology, and how to use it, as it becomes available • A simple but custom solution which will become a key part of your home and lifestyle.

SMC WE BELIEVE THAT TECHNOLOGY SHOULD BE USEFUL, SIMPLE AND BEAUTIFUL

We have over 20 years experience specialising in the design, delivery, installation and aftercare of bespoke high-quality audio visual and IT projects. Audio visual solutions Home cinema Lighting Home networks Control

Security & access control Telephone systems CCTV Energy monitoring

For a consultation on how we can enhance your life through technology please contact SMC. T: 020 7819 1700

E: info@smc-uk.com

& GARDEN

HOME

Ahead of the Pack In recent years, faux fur has become an increasingly popular alternative to real fur in the fashion industry, as more and more designers – including Stella McCartney, Karl Lagerfeld and Marc Jacobs – strongly advocate its use, and the same can also be said for the world of interiors. Recently launched homeware company Lizard Orchid’s collection of throws are backed with sumptuous faux suede on one side and faux fur on the other. Available in a sandy taupe desert mink or a gunmetal gray wolf skin, these throws are both stylish and cosy, making them one of the most comforting accessories to have in the home this winter. lizardorchid.com

Let There Be Light

Clear-Cut Representing some of the most esteemed houses in the world of crystal such as Baccarat, Lalique and Moser, Lucie Rydlova, situated in the heart of Chelsea, has built strong relationships with designers from across the world in order to bring hand-made crystal creations to the homes of London. The LRH collection is a mix of traditional and contemporary pieces from the best brands in France, Italy, Germany and the Czech Republic, and these range from functional vases and tableware to artistic accessories, showcasing the crème de la crème of crystal. Lucie Rydloa Home, 15 Cale Street, SW3 lucierydlova.com

Say goodbye to conventional and uninspired lighting and hello to one-of-a-kind creations that will, quite literally, illuminate your world. Interior decorator and fabric specialist Violet & George has created a selection of innovative bespoke lighting by British artisans, who fuse together creativity with the finest quality materials to convert offbeat objects like a pedal powered Victorian burr drill or an antique fire hose nozzle into the base for lamps. Topped with silk chiffon shades, these lamps are functional works of art. violetandgeorge.com

Winter Warmers Not Just a Vase Incorporating bright shades and diverse textures, choose any one of awardwinning British designer Kelly Hoppen’s vases from the A/W14 collection and it is guaranteed to make a statement. Materials such as earthenware and porcelain have been paired with rich glazes and bold colours – including vivid aquamarine and electrifying orange – in order to further accentuate the angles in the vase. Coming in a variety of different shapes and textures, such as bubble embellishments and funnel necks, you may have a hard time choosing just one.

Just because it’s dark and gloomy outside doesn’t mean your home has to be. If your sofa is in desperate need of a spruce-up, try scattering some decorative cushions for an instant facelift. OKA’s new collection, Warm Winter, offers a striking selection of velvet Roundel, Chaplet and Trellisé cushion covers featuring delicate embroidery and rich colours such as raspberry, ultramarine and Brunswick green. OKA, 155-167 Fulham Road, SW3 okadirect.com

kellyhoppen.com

An Element of Style

A Labour of Love

After the huge success of its original collection of handpainted silk wallpapers with Fromental, luxury interior design specialist Helen Green Design has collaborated once again with the handmade wallpaper and fabric company to create five exciting new designs. Highlighting the benefits of using organic materials, the patterns take inspiration from natural elements such as flowing water and dreamy, cloudy skies, bringing a sense of calm to your home. Each pattern is available in five different colours, allowing you to pick the perfect match.

Add an imaginative splash of colour to your home with Christian Lacroix’s latest porcelain collaboration with Vista Alegre, entitled Love Who You Want. Showcasing fun and playful characters such as Mister Tiger and Doña Jirafa, the collection mixes signature prints from the Haute Couture collections with more contemporary collections, resulting in a vibrant mélange of colour as well as endless options for mixing and matching designs. Between plates, mugs, magnets and vases, you will be quite spoilt for choice. christian-lacroix.com

Helen Green Design, 29 Milner Street, SW3 helengreendesign.com

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INTERIORS

TV is Dead Amelia Johnson speaks to Robin Courtenay, a director at home automation specialist SMC, to find out why technology is the future of home entertainment Home technology is now an essential part of life; none of us can deny it. TV used to come from a single aerial on the roof, then satellite and now from the internet. When I speak to Robin Courtenay about this, he agrees that the younger generation is utterly puzzled by the old broadcast model whereby you had to wait to watch your favourite programme: “Nowadays it’s all about watching what you want, when and where you want to. The ‘where’ used to be the living room but now it’s any room in the house and anywhere you are; on a train, in the office or abroad”. Hugely popular services such as Spotify allow us to choose from thousands of songs and movie streaming services such as Netflix and iPlayer mean we can watch a movie or catch up on a programme in our own time. However, streaming this amount of content into the home, Robin explains, means you need a superfast internet connection and the latest equipment: “Chances are the kit you had fitted just a few years ago isn’t up to the job and upgrading some of that equipment will bring vastly better performance”. People have higher expectations of music and movie quality nowadays, and nothing beats a room where you can create your own home cinema. “This needn’t be a dedicated room though,” Robin assures me. “Today’s technology allows a traditional living room or bedroom, without a speaker or screen in sight, to transform into a cinema with a projector and screen dropping down from the ceiling – lights dimmed, curtains drawn”. This solution is ideal for those who don’t have the space for a fully-equipped cinema room in their home, or the budget.

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It’s not all about entertainment though; peace of mind is paramount to many. Smart homes today allow you to control their devices at the touch of an iPad or iPhone. That means, Robin tells me, that you can switch your lights on before you get home or, if you arrive at Heathrow on a cold London morning, you can turn your heating up from your phone so it’s warm and toasty when you reach your house. “You could even answer your doorbell from the beach in Mauritius, if you wanted to!” We all want to feel secure at home too; this may be as simple as seeing who’s at the door before you open it, on your iPad or TV, while a full CCTV system automatically detects a person when in view of a camera. Modern intruder alarms give superb perimeter protection allowing you to alarm the outside of your home, with freedom of movement inside. Smart homes can make it look as if you’re at home when you’re not, by switching the lights on and off in different rooms, as you might. Robin has a final word of advice for those venturing into the world of home automation: “Call an expert! We offer everything you need to create your dream home; consultancy and design services, installation and 24/7 aftercare”. If you want to see some of SMC’s work in action, stay at The Eccleston Square Hotel in Belgravia and enjoy watching a 3D movie, switching the bathroom glass from clear and opaque and back again, and setting your lighting preference once and for all. There’s a whole lot of fun to be had in the world of grown-up gadgets. smc-uk.com

· FLOOR TILES: BARCELONA C 59,6x59,6cm.

CERAMICS · NATURAL STONE · WOOD PARQUET · TERRACOTTA · MOSAICS · KITCHENS · BEDROOM FURNITURE HYDROMASSAGE · BRASSWARE · SANITARYWARE · TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS

WWW.PORCELANOSA.CO.UK // 0800 915 4000

Powder Room

The

Photographer:

Styling:

Ian Walsh

Boo Attwood

Give sun-deprived complexions an injection of colour with berry red beauty products and skin lifesavers

1 Courting Chic Cremesheen Glass lip finish, £19.50, maccosmetics.co.uk 2 Or Rouge Huile Voluptueuse, £165, YSL, yslbeauty.co.uk 3 Matte Lip Color in Flame, £37, Tom Ford, 0870 034 2566 4 Fresh Glow luminous fluid base, £34, Burberry, uk.burberry.com 5 L’Oiseau de Feu Top Coat Or nail polish, £18.50, Guerlain, johnlewis.com 6 Oxblood Iconic nail polish, £15, Burberry, as before 7 Santal Royal 125ml Eau de Parfum, £125, exclusively at Harrods, harrods.com 8 The Illuminating Powder, £70, Crème de la Mer, cremedelamer.co.uk 9 Illusion D’Ombre in Envol, £25, Chanel, 020 7493 3836 10 Spiritus Sancti gold candle, £65, Cire Trudon, selfridges.com

HEALTH BEAUTY BY OLIVIA SHARPE

A Night at the Opera A fragrance that was created by Jacques Guerlain in 1937 in homage to his friend Diaghilev, founder of Les Ballets Russes, has been the inspiration behind the brand’s opera-inspired Christmas collection this year. The star product is the Coque d’Or perfumed shimmer powder for body and hair which sees the original bottle reinterpreted in gold-lacquered glass with an elegant red bulb to evoke opera theatres’ rich velvet curtains. The enticing scent is a delicate blend of bergamot and patchouli notes. Other collectors’ items include the Rouge Parade lip colour and eye palettes featuring shimmering shades. guerlain.com

Image courtesy of: Guerlain

Power Trip Those of you who are planning a long holiday or weekend minibreak this winter, make sure you don’t forget an ultimate travel essential; Crème de la Mer’s Rejuvenating collection. Complete with a lifting and firming mask, eye balm, moisturising cream, concentrate and a handy headband, there’s everything you need to ensure your skin doesn’t lose out on its daily routine but stays firm and replenished. Rejuvenating Collection, £320 cremedelamer.co.uk

Golden Shock A name synonymous with opulence and glamour, Dior has once again lived up to this legacy with its latest collection of nail polish shades, part of the new Holiday 2014 collection. In shades including pearly white, metallic gold, seductive red and dark purple, the finishing touch comes in the form of a golden leaf effect top coat. Diorific Vernis, £20; Diorific Vernis Golden Shock top coat, £21; dior.com

Final Count Down One is never too old for an advent calendar, particularly when it has been filled not with indulgent pieces of chocolate or quaint pictures but with luxury beauty products courtesy of Jo Malone. Inside the beautifully illustrated façade of the brand’s Georgian flagship townhouse and behind each door, you will find a selection of its bestselling products, including miniature body crèmes and colognes. There’s no better way to wake up each morning this December. Jo Malone limited edition Christmas Advent Calendar, £250 jomalone.co.uk

New Arrival Joining the likes of Chanel and Burberry, Clinique is the newest addition to Convent Garden’s beauty emporium, having opened its first concept pop-up store just a month ago. The “great skin lab”, as it has been dubbed, gives visitors the unique opportunity to experience first-hand a day in their life of their skin, with in-depth consultations, art digital experience pods and a complimentary sample of its personalised moisturiser. The lab also retails the brand’s latest, innovative products, including the Sonic System Purifying cleansing brush. Clinique Great Skin Lab (for a limited time only) Covent Garden; clinique.co.uk

Finding Memo For a luxury stocking filler, look no further than Memo. The Parisian fragrance brand has curated a selection of limited edition gifts to help alleviate the hassle of Christmas shopping, including leather wrapped purse sprays featuring Memo’s signature design and a golden plate which can be engraved with a name on request. Refills are easily available, so you don’t have to worry about using it sparingly, for Lalibela, Luxor Oud, Inle and Granada within the Les Echappees collection and Irish Leather, Italian Leather and French Leather as part of the Cuirs Nomades range.

Scotch on the Rocks Bobbi Brown has commemorated Hollywood actress Lauren Bacall (who sadly passed away earlier this year) in a beauty collection for Christmas. Scotch on the Rocks has been designed to help you mirror the sexy and confident persona of Bacall when out at your many social engagements, whether it be through smoky eyes (which can be achieved using the warm glow eye palette featuring nine decadent shades of soft nudes, golds and scotch-inspired browns) or sultry lips courtesy of the limited edition lip colours, ranging from soft beige gold to Bordeaux. In conjunction with the launch, the brand is also offering complimentary Look of the Season makeup lessons with professional artists at Bobbi Brown counters. Visit the website to book an appointment. bobbibrown.co.uk

Purse spray, £196; Cuirs Nomades refills (x3), £114; Les Echappees refills (x3), £95 Available at Harvey Nichols harveynichols.com

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HEALTH BEAUTY

Best of

Beauty Bringing you the best holiday essentials to get you into the festive party spirit

Having been dubbed “the world’s most expensive perfume”, it seems only fitting that Clive Christian OBE would seal his world-renowned fragrance in a gold and diamond-encrusted crystal bottle featuring a heraldic crest from his own coat of arms. No1 Passant Guardant, exclusive to Harrods’ Salon de Parfums, £143,000 (30ml), harrods.com

2 Beauty addicts will not be able to resist Tom Ford’s luxury holiday trousseau, featuring an unrivalled selection of the brand’s most-loved products, from complexion-perfecting make-up to sumptuous colours for lips, eyes and cheeks. Trousseau gift set, £925, Tom Ford, selfridges.com

You can never go wrong with red nails and the same could be said for Chanel. The timeless beauty brand has released another new collection for the holiday season and it includes three of its vintage red nail polishes, re-edited. We particularly love Rouge Flamboyant in scarlet red. Le Vernis nail colour, £18, chanel.com

As part of its Festive collection, Burberry has created a Fragranced Luminising powder: an illuminating, golden powder which gives a brightened and glowing complexion while at the same time exuding notes of My Burberry perfume. Fragranced Luminising powder, £45, uk.burberry.com

Comprising 10 wearable, long-lasting eyeshadows, ranging from dazzling gold to sultry grey and with a variety of matte, satin and pearl finishes, this Essentials Mineral Eye make-up palette has everything you need to create a day to night look. Essentials Mineral Eye make-up palette, £35, clarins.co.uk

6 Unlike some candles, which seem melt away almost as soon as they begin burning, Acqua di Parma’s latest Christmas candle is made of extrapure wax in order for it to burn for up to 60 hours without ruining its beautiful decoration. Silver Gems candle, £75, Acqua di Parma, available from John Lewis, johnlewis.com

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WWW.CASHMIRINO.COM 020 7495 0708

31 BURLINGTON ARCADE, WEST CENTRAL LONDON, W1J0PY

100% natural cashmere

Kids KINGDOM BY liane nelson

Project Runway Luxury cashmere brand Cashmirino is inviting all budding fashion designers to design their own Christmas jumper. From 1 December, children can add their design to Cashmirino’s Ultimate Christmas Jumper template which can be collected from the brand’s UK flagship store in the Burlington Arcade. Little ones will also be given access to paper cut-outs and felt tip pens within the store to perfect their ideal jumper and all participants will receive a special treat from the Cashmirino crackers in store. Excitingly, the winning design will be put into production and included in the Cashmirino’s A/W15 collection, proving that it’s never too early to begin a career in fashion! Submissions can be emailed to cashmirino@aprcommunications.com Deadline for submissions is 1 January 2015 Cashmirino, 31 Burlington Arcade, W1J 0PY cashmirino.com

Fresh Off the Catwalk

If the Shoe Fits… Your little one may not even be walking yet but who can resist a fabulous pair of shoes? Luxury baby and toddler shoe designer Vevian is worth a look at, as not only are the shoes absolutely adorable but they also come in a lined wooden box designed to be the perfect keepsake. Handmade in London, the shoes are made from high quality, soft and supple leather (from a local supplier) that is gentle on those precious little feet. For some festive flair, we love the red patent Maria shoes and the Salamé in metallic green. vevian.co.uk

Inspired by the adult counterpart, this season’s Burberry girls’collection celebrates the artistic spirit of the Bloomsbury set. Dresses have abstract floral prints taken from designs handpainted in the Burberry studio, while the boys’ range includes classic outerwear such as weatherproof trench coats and cashmere knits paired with parkas and duffles. The all-in-one boxed gift sets feature a seasonal colour palette and are crafted in the softest cashmere and cotton. For aspiring fashionistas, we recommend the colour block, checked blanket poncho, which British model Cara Delevingne rocked on the runway with her initials. uk.burberry.com

Treats and Sweets ’Tis the season for treats and Notting Hill-based Biscuiteers has just what you need for holiday gifts and party favours with an impressive selection of tasty (and adorable) Christmas-themed biscuits. We love the creative gingerbread man collection, Jolly Gingers, featuring characters Ginger Elf, Mrs. Clause, and Jolly Santa himself. The Mr. Men biscuit cards are the yummiest way to send a festive holiday greeting; iced to perfection and lovingly packaged, they are almost too cute to eat. Other biscuit cards include a nutcracker, angel, personalised wreath or Christmas tree and Father Christmas, all of which make fabulous stocking fillers and fun tree decorations. biscuiteers.com

A Party to Remember The answer to turning any occasion into an unforgettable party lies in My Little Day, a Parisian company launched by two mothers who wanted to create a one-stop online party shop for mothers on the go. The wide range of decorations, including pompoms, lanterns and confetti, will inspire even the most reluctant party organiser. And of course, if one is going to host a stylish party, the invitations have to be just as cool; choose from princesses, cowboys, superheroes, unicorns, dinosaurs and much more. mylittleday.com

The Best of Bears

Sweet Ride

One of our favourite bears is making his debut on the big screen this month in his first ever feature film. The much-loved story of Paddington, the cuddly Peruvian adventurer, by British writer Michael Bond has been treasured by children and adults alike since the first book, A Bear Called Paddington, was published by Harper Collins in 1958. The film, directed by Paul King, stars a range of critically-acclaimed actors who bring the story to life, including Nicole Kidman as Millicent, Hugh Bonneville as Mr. Brown and Ben Whishaw as Paddington Bear himself. In celebration of the film, Steiff is releasing a limited edition Paddington Bear made from the finest chestnut coloured mohair. Limited to just 2,000 bears (each priced at £170), make sure to reserve one before they all go. A series of statues designed by the likes of Emma Watson and David Beckham have also been placed around the capital to celebrate the launch of The Paddington Trail, which runs until the end of December.

A collaboration between two British icons, Silver Cross and Aston Martin, has resulted in a rather special baby carriage. Equipped with air-ride suspension and ultra-lightweight magnesium alloy, this pram is designed for peak performance, ensuring your little one has the smoothest of rides. The complete system comes with a fully reclining seat and forwardand-rear-facing pushchair settings, as well as a carrycot for a snug, lie-flat option. And the interior is just as luxurious as the exterior, featuring a plush sheepskin liner sourced from premium sheepskin in Devon, creating the most sumptuous seat for your precious one to sink into. At £3,000, it is without a doubt the silver standard of prams.

The Paddington film is released on 28 November steiffteddybears.co.uk

A Nurturing Nursery

Silver Cross Surf Aston Martin, £3,000 Available from Harrods; harrods.com

Luxury baby brand Samuel & Owen was founded by mother of three, Emma Samuel, when she couldn’t find the quality, design, and individuality she was looking for when decorating her children’s nursery. With three different collections as well as bespoke services in which you can tailor pieces to suit your preference, you’ll be spoilt for choice when creating the perfect environment for your baby. Using a blend of fabrics, such as soft luxurious cottons in pink roses, ivory and beige pastels, the Rose collection is elegant and feminine, while the classic stripes of the Samuel collection is an excellent choice for a classic, neutral nursery. samuelandowen.com

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high life

THE HILLS ARE ALIVE Ever wished you were the only one on the slopes? Imagine a helicopter taking you to the most pristine, freshly-powdered mountain top and being able to traverse down without having to worry about weaving in and out of people on an overcrowded run. This dream can become a reality with Nonstop Ski & Snowboard’s new Ultimate Powder Fix package featuring a ‘ready to heli’ camp in Fernie British Columbia which will take you on an adrenaline-fuelled off-piste Canadian adventure. The exhilarating one-week camp combines the exploration of untracked powder with helicopter accessibility and coaching from a specialist instructor, culminating in a heli-ski day with the prestigious Rk Heliski in the Purcell mountain range. A perfect holiday for thrillseekers and snow enthusiasts alike. 28 February – 7 March 2015; nonstopsnow.com

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Travel

THE WORLD BY liane nelson

Breaking the Ice If you are looking for something a bit more adventurous than the standard Christmas beach or ski holiday, Ice Hotel in Sweden is the perfect destination. Situated by the Torne River in the city of Jukkasjärvi, it remains the world’s first and largest hotel built entirely of snow and ice, including 16 deluxe ice suites, an ice bar and even an ice church. In celebration of its 25th anniversary this year, the hotel has recruited 42 international artists to create one-of-a-kind rooms and ice sculptures, ranging from a rainforest with orangutans to the inner workings of a clock. When you’re not snuggling up with some hot lingonberry juice in your ice chamber, snowmobile or dogsled by day and see the mystical Northern Lights across the sky by night. icehotel.com

Porto Call This image / Northern Lights Photography: Markus Alatalo Below, from left / Frozty Flower, Shingo Saito Natsuki Saito, Photography: Christopher Hauser; Blue Marine Photography: Paulina Holmgren

Located in the scenic Boka Bay on the stunning Adriatic coast, the newly opened hotel Regent Porto Montenegro is a glamorous marina getaway in a place that has been heralded as the new Monaco of the Mediterranean. Designed by ReardonSmith Architects, the hotel exudes the classical feel of the grand palazzos of the Italian lakes, facing Boka Bay on one side and Venice Square Basin on the other, offering guests the best of sea and marina. Take a cruise on a yacht for the day or lounge by one of the hotel’s infinity pools, followed by a visit to the luxury spa, kitted out with a hammam, Turkish bath and a fresh juice bar. Finish the day with an exquisite Mediterranean dinner at the on-site restaurant. A holiday of sun and style? Yes please! regenthotels.com

Going Tribal Spanning across 560 acres of unspoiled natural land including a 2.5-kilometre stretch of private beach, the all-villa luxury resort Nihiwatu on the island of Sumba offers an exotic Indonesian escape, away from the well-trodden traveller path of Bali. The villas are built on private terraces with sweeping verandahs, offering spectacular Indian Ocean views. Nihiwatu offers a rare opportunity to learn about the island’s ancient tribal culture through visits to local villages and markets. Whether you’re after exhilarating experiences (such as world-class surfing, fishing and diving with the resort’s specialist team) or prefer more calming activities like waterfall yoga (which sounds rather more fun than the classes we’re used to), each stay is expertly personalised, making for an unforgettable holiday. nihiwatu.com

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Out

of Africa Olivia Sharpe experiences the best of both worlds when she visits Kenya and the Seychelles for the ultimate â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;bush and beachâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; holiday experience

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ith the opportunity of having two completely different but equally unforgettable holidays in one fell swoop, it’s no wonder the ‘bush and beach’ experience has recently become so sought-after among holidaymakers. Luxury hotel group Fairmont’s latest package, Safari and Sand… From Kenya to the Seychelles, encompasses an eight-day trip, starting off in Kenya where guests will experience twice daily game drives at the Fairmont Mara Safari Club, before hopping across the Indian Ocean for the ultimate pampering experience at Raffles Hotel in Praslin. Since the first A-listers donned their khaki chinos, leather hunting boots and designer headscarves, safaris have been considered extremely glamorous affairs, and no one understands this better than Fairmont. Its celebrated Mara Safari Club was once run by film star William Holden who turned it into one of the most exclusive resorts in the world by inviting only his closest friends, which just so happened to include the likes of Bing Crosby, Bob Hope and Steve McQueen. This exclusive legacy is something Fairmont continues to this day, with a bevy of celebrities and royalty having visited the resort since it took over ownership several years ago. Before re-opening in 2009, the Fairmont Mara Safari Club underwent an extensive renovation programme and it has now become the epitome of tented luxury. The Mara Safari Club is set by the Mara River at the foot of the Aitong Hills in the Ol-Choro Oiroua Conservation Area that borders the Masai Mara Game Reserve. Not readily accessible by car, Fairmont will arrange your flight transfer from Nairobi airport to Ngerende Airstrip. The camp is then only ten minutes away via jeep but this didn’t stop our driver giving me and my guest a flavour of the wildlife to expect, pointing out baboons, impalas and crocodiles, which watched us indifferently as we passed by (no doubt far less impressed by us than we were by them). Entering the club via an imposing set of iron gates, the wild terrain is quickly replaced by the manicured grounds leading up to the main Masai Mara lodge. Featuring sleek wooden floors, mahogany furniture and animal hides covering the walls of the lobby, adjoining bar and restaurant, it is in many ways reminiscent of a North American lodge (which is hardly surprising when you consider Fairmont’s heritage). And yet, with its wicker-designed tables, craggy wooden beams and beaded lamps, it retains an authentic feel. This is the only area of the camp that has internet access but seeing as the majority of guests are out for most of the day on game

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drives, you hardly notice its absence from your tent. After checking in, my guest and I were escorted out of the lodge and into the main grounds, comprising immaculate gardens and a large swimming pool. The camp has 51 luxury tents in total, all of which have their own private deck so guests can look out on the Masa River with its resident bloat of hippos and bask of crocodiles. A four-poster, pillow-topped bed with white mosquito netting greeted us as we walked into our capacious tent, immediately setting the scene. Well-furnished, it also featured a vintage leather cabinet, an Aztec-patterned carpet and tribal knick-knacks. The inviting bedroom led into a three-piece bathroom with solar-heated hot and cold running water. The hot water was on the temperamental side throughout our stay, which meant that I would invariably be deprived of a piping shower (somewhat of an essential when you’re on safari) but this was the only fault I found. Late risers will not welcome the unsociable wake-up call but this is unavoidable on safari, with early mornings and late afternoons being the best times to catch sight of the animals. Fortunately, the camp accommodates for this by delivering a much-welcomed cup of tea or coffee to your tent at 6am (which you can order the night before). There are up to two game drives organised daily, giving guests every possible opportunity to see the ‘Big Five’ (lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards and white/black rhinoceros). Each group is given an experienced guide in an open four-wheel drive purposebuilt for better viewing. The reserve is also home to

giraffes, cheetahs, zebras and elephants, to name a few, so for those of you who miss out on seeing the famous five (leopards are notoriously the most difficult to spot), there are plenty of other incredible sights to be seen. The Masai Mara is named after the local Masai people who christened it as such to describe what the area looked like from afar (‘masai’ meaning ‘people’ and ‘mara’ meaning ‘spotted’ in Masai language). Guests are given the opportunity to discover more about the tribe by visiting the local village to witness traditional tribal songs and the ‘Adumu’ dance. Alternatively, the camp will organise romantic dinners whereby you can dine out under the stars with an authentic bush fire while the tribes’ people come and surprise you with a special performance if you should request it. You don’t go to Kenya for the food so don’t expect Michelin-starred fine dining but saying that, the standard at the Fairmont was on the whole very good, particularly when it came to the daily breakfast and lunch buffets, offering everything from fresh juices and pastries to cooked breakfasts. Dinner is served in the Boma restaurant and includes a mixture of European, African and Asian dishes, along with fresh Kenyan produce. After the four, action-packed days were over, it was time to leave the Fairmont Safari Camp and head over to the Seychelles, following a one night stop-over at the Fairmont’s sister hotel in Nairobi, The Norfolk. Raffles Hotel is located on Praslin, which is a short plane ride away from Mahé and incidentally the second largest island in the archipelago. Its biggest claim to fame, however, is that General Gordon of Khartoum – a

There are two game drives daily, giving guests every possible opportunity to see the ‘Big Five’

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famous 19th century British army officer – believed it to be the real site of the Garden of Eden and once you’ve seen it for yourself, you can fully understand why. With its flawless, white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, it is truly paradisiacal. The vast hotel covers an impressive 30 acres of land with 86 villas and villa suites, boasting varying views of the ocean but all with their own private plunge pool, balcony, outdoor pavilion, round-the-clock butler service and a buggy to take you to and from your villa. While this may seem a little self-indulgent, I found that after attempting the walk to the main reception area, once was definitely enough. All the villas have been designed to give you the utmost privacy during your stay which, considering the hotel mainly attracts couples and young families, is essential. My guest and I immediately felt at home; the contemporary design had white-washed walls, sleek wooden floors and all the essential mod cons, such as flat screen television, airconditioning and bedside lighting control. While modern, the natural colour palette of creams, whites and corals blended in seamlessly with the natural surroundings. The bathroom was the real pièce de résistance, with the bathtub perfectly positioned next to the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the breathtaking view of the ocean. Each villa also comes with a walk-in shower room and adjoining outdoor rain shower, designed for those of you who fancy bathing under the stars. Breakfast can be ordered to your room where you can enjoy it on your private outdoor pavilion or in the hotel’s Losean restaurant. Meaning ‘ocean’ in Creole, it is an apt name to describe the mammoth buffet breakfast which is laid out for guests each morning, ranging from continental and cooked to Middle Eastern and Asian cuisines. Losean is also open for dinner and offers contemporary Mediterranean cuisine courtesy of chef de cuisine, Patric Gigele. There are two other restaurants on site: Curieuse, which brings Pan Asian cuisine to the heart of the Seychelles and has its own dedicated sushi bar; and the Pool restaurant, offering a more relaxed and informal dining experience while still guaranteeing exceptional food. The low-lit Danzil lounge is ideal for pre-dinner drinks and is where my guest and I partook in a rum tasting experience but if this is not

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your tipple of choice, the expert mixologist can concoct whatever your heart desires. Along with its two swimming pools and unrivalled beach facilities, Raffles Hotel also possesses one of the best spas in the whole of the Indian Ocean. Accessed via a flight of wide steps with water cascading down black marble and gigantic Buddha heads on either side, it has been designed as a haven of tranquillity built upon the philosophy of ‘transformation’. Like the rest of the hotel, every little detail has been carefully thought through in order to ensure that guests want for nothing, even having a spare pair of reading glasses in the waiting room in case you’ve forgotten your own. For your treatment, I would

The island of Praslin was once believed to be the real site of the Garden of Eden highly recommend opting for one of the outdoor cabanas as opposed to the indoor rooms so you can listen to the sound of the ocean throughout. There are a number of packages to choose from for individuals as well as couples, including the hotel’s speciality which it recently created to celebrate the 125th anniversary of Raffles; the Praslin Escape. There are also a range of fitness classes available and your villa comes complete with your very own yoga mat in the walk-in wardrobe (so there’s no excuse not to go the sunrise yoga class at 8am). With so many facilities on offer, you could very easily spend your entire stay in Praslin without venturing out of the hotel but this would be a great shame when you consider the other delights on offer. I strongly suggest paying a visit to La Digue Island; a short boat ride away from Praslin, it is home to the prehistoric Aldabra giant tortoises as well as the famed Anse Source Argent beach, long regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. While the endless stretch of glorious white sand and swaying palm trees are beautiful in themselves, it is the magnificent, prehistoric-looking boulders resembling something out of Jurassic Park which truly take your breath away. And of course, you cannot go to Praslin without seeing the legendary Coco de Mer plant. With this and so much more to offer, the ‘bush and beach’ combo is undoubtedly a once in a lifetime holiday experience. fairmont.com/masai-mara-safari fairmont.com/norfolk-hotel-nairobi raffles.com/praslin

MORE INFORMATION Somak Holidays offers an eight night trip to Kenya and the Seychelles from £2,500 per person. Price based on two sharing: two nights at Fairmont Mara Safari Club on a full board basis with twice-daily game drives, one night at Fairmont The Norfolk, Nairobi on a B&B basis, and three nights at Raffles Praslin Seychelles, B&B. Also includes two international overnight flights from London to the Seychelles via Nairobi with Kenya Airways, domestic flights in Kenya with Safari Link, domestic flights in the Seychelles with AirSeychelles, and transfers. Somak Holidays (020 8423 3000; somak.co.uk) Safari Link flies from Nairobi Wilson Airport to Ngerende Airstrip from $354 pp return safarilink.com

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This page and opposite / Jumby Bay, Antigua

Island

Which

Is For You?

The idyllic islands of the Caribbean really come into their own during the cold months of January and February but with 3,000 islands to choose from, where to start? Allow Anna Hart to matchmake you with your perfect Caribbean holiday, whether your object of lust is luxury, culture or nature

For laidback s luxury, seriou seclusion & ng decadent dini

Antigua From the arrivals hall of Antigua airport you’re whisked off to a private jetty, escorted aboard the resort’s ferry and ten minutes later you’re stepping onto the iconic wooden jetty of Rosewood Jumby Bay, welcome cocktail in hand. From that first moment on the island, guests at Jumby Bay feel like they’ve been admitted to a select club, let into a thrilling secret; but the exclusive nature of this long-established private island resort is beautifully balanced by friendly staff, a low-key vibe (flip-flops are the only footwear required) and a refreshing absence of fuss or formality. If you appreciate luxury but find your heckles rising at

overly-attentive, obsequious staff and the unnecessary ostentation endemic at many five-star resorts, you’ll find Jumby a breath of fresh air. Staff are plainly encouraged to be themselves, funny and friendly, but there’s no lapse in their professionalism. It’s this unique brand of barefoot luxury and island society vibe that has made this discreet haven a firm favourite with fashion designers, A-list celebrities and international royals, many of whom own or rent private residences on the island (if you’re in any doubt about the status of your fellow islanders, security is headed by a former SAS agent.) There are just 40 guest

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style Eagle’s Landing. The blend of privately-owned residences and hotel guests gives the entire island a friendly, country-club feel, as does the fact that you can whizz around the island on an old-school cruiser bike (or a golf buggy) in less than 20 minutes. Privacy and seclusion are prized highly here but those in search of buzz needn’t travel far; the unlimited open bar serves memorable Pina Coladas and the mixologists are happy to rustle you up bespoke creations, and of the three restaurants, the Verandah is a warm, inviting, social hub. With paddle-boarding, sailing, windsurfing (the emphasis is firmly on non-motorised watersports, good news for those of us who loathe jetskis) and a small but wellcurated spa, there’s plenty to do but Jumby is a place to relax, unwind and allow yourself to become an islander. Start daydreaming now: stroll barefoot along a secluded beach by moonlight, before cocktails and grilled lobster at the legendary Friday night White Party under the stars. Jumby Bay, A Rosewood Resort, from £625 per night; price is on an all-inclusive basis (jumbybayresort.com)

Virgin Gorda

rooms and suites in the plantationstyle estate, with most regular guests opting for the private villas and luxurious estate home. If the thought of sharing an infinity pool with another human feels a bit too much like slumming it, then an enviable beachfront mansions would be ideal for you. The pleasing mishmash of architectural styles means there’s a match for the taste buds of every design obsessive; each villa and estate home is unique, ranging from the contemporary, Bond-lair-like Lazy Lizard to the colonial-

For glorious natural scenery, salty sports & zen restoration

Rosewood Little Dix Bay is located on the third largest island in the British Virgin Islands archipelago – still only eight square miles in size – and Virgin Gorda has become the favoured island for those who want to experience the Caribbean’s unspoiled natural wonders. Explore secluded coves by kayak, hiking from beach to beach through the lush, verdant hills and swimming the impossibly clear, blue waters of the Sir Francis Drake Channel. If you dream of finding a frozenin-time, non-commercialised and idyllic little corner of the Caribbean, Virgin Gorda is definitely the island for you. Travel + Leisure magazine named it the top island in the Caribbean, Bermuda and the Bahamas in its 2014 World’s Best Awards and, with a neighbour like Necker Island, you know you’re in a prime spot. This iconic eco-resort was founded by Laurance Rockefeller in 1964, and this year Little Dix Bay celebrated its 50th anniversary with a major makeover, including the addition of a cluster of beautiful treehouse villas that combine New England-esque beach house interiors with a plantation-house-style exterior, all nestling in the palms overlooking one of the prettiest crescent beaches in the British Virgin Islands. The spa and health and fitness facilities here are a major draw; morning yoga sessions take place in the open air at the

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cliff top spa, the vast gym is high-spec and wellstaffed, tennis coaching is world-class (Rafael Nadal has played here) and comprehensive fitness programmes are overseen by NYC fitness expert Frank Baptiste of Frankly Fitness. But being active happens almost by accident at Little Dix Bay; the 30-minute hike through the bush to the next beach along is a perfect early morning excursion, there’s decent snorkelling along the bay’s coral reef minutes from the villas and if you’re lucky you’ll spot turtles amongst the fishes below you. Many guests are returning visitors, celebrities or sports stars who check in for a few weeks every year to lap up the lush surroundings and get salty and sweaty, then depart feeling transformed. It might be all that swimming and yoga but we swear by the therapeutic influence of these sea views, best glimpsed by moonlight from the romantic Sugar Mill restaurant. A typical morning at Rosewood: practise sunrise yoga on the deck of the open-air cliff top spa, followed by a quick dip in the hot pool, all before a breakfast of eggwhite omelettes and freshly-squeezed tropical juices. Rosewood Little Dix Bay, from £280 per room per night (littledixbay.com)

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For colonial charm, chic boutiques and gla m evenings out

St Barths

If your idea of holiday hell is being stuck at a beach resort miles from anywhere whilst you (inevitably) bicker with your travel companion over the same meal in the same restaurant every evening for two weeks, St Barths is the island for you. The rich and famous have been coming in their droves for decades, seduced by the French colonial vibe, the string of 22 white-sand beaches and the decidedly elite smattering of luxury resorts and private villas. Perched on a narrow isthmus of golden sand between the Caribbean Sea and an aquamarine lagoon, the iconic Le Guanahani has established itself as one of the friendliest, most laid-back five-star properties but don’t think that this relaxed ambiance comes at the expense of luxury or elegance. The ridiculously pretty pastel cottages peek out amongst the palms and hibiscus and bougainvillea; refreshingly this is a beachfront property where the views of the hotel are as good as the views from the hotel. The swish French-influenced Bartolomeo is the gourmet, evenings-only restaurant, whilst the beachfront Indigo restaurant serves the best Fritto Misto you’ll ever taste. The spa is a highlight; many holidaying celebrities with villas on the island check in for the half-day pampering package. St Barths is an island that rewards those who go off-resort, and even though the Le Guanahani is over on the east coast away from the hustle and bustle, exploration of this tiny island is very straightforward. Hire a driver and wander along idyllic Gouverneur Beach (Roman Abramovich owns property in this picture-perfect bay) before moving on to the harbour front eateries of Gustavia, the pretty, colonial port town. Perhaps dine on

faithfully French fodder at La Sapotillier, then wander the Prada, Louis Vuitton and Chanel boutiques for pudding. The combination of a French culinary influence and wealthy visitors has spawned a robust dining and clubbing scene, so be adventurous after dark. Try the bordello-style Le Ti St-Barths (letistbarths.com) where burlesque acts accompany fusion dishes like salmon blinis, seared tuna and steaks. Don’t forget to check out the celebrity pictures on the wall; it seems that all of Hollywood has donned an afro wig here and danced on the stage at some point in their careers. Then yacht-spot along the harbour at Gustavio, followed by sunset cocktails back at Le Guanahani. Le Guanahani from £470 per night, including breakfast and resort facilities such as tennis, fitness centre, service, non-motorised water sports and roundtrip transfers from/ to St Barths airport (leguanahani.com)

more information British Airways and Virgin Atlantic fly daily to Antigua (for Jumby Bay) where transfers are available to St Barths and Tortola (for Little Dix Bay). New direct flights between Antigua and Tortola operate every Friday and Saturday, connecting to international flights (tradewindaviation.com)

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Look to the Stars Kathryn Gordon takes a weekend break from the hustle and bustle of Reykjavik, venturing out into the fairytale wilderness of Rangá for authentic Icelandic cuisine and warming winter activities It’s hard to write about Iceland without mentioning a few of the following: Vikings, volcanic ash-clouds, Björk, reports that a large proportion of the population believes in elves. But there’s much more to it than that; when my partner Tom and I visited five years ago, we fell in love with the place, with its humour, strong beer, woollen jumpers and the awesome, otherworldly beauty of its landscape. So we’re more than excited to be staying a few days at the luxurious Hotel Rangá in one of the most picturesque spots in the whole country. Rangá is an hour’s drive from Reykjavik centre (and 90 minutes from Keflavik airport) but it feels a world away from those two hubs. The moment we set foot inside, we’re greeted by a ten-foot taxidermied polar bear and, more familiarly, by welcoming staff.

With almost no light pollution, the skies above Rangá are ideal for catching the Northern Lights The building resembles a hunting-lodge and this, combined with the über-friendly service, lend the hotel a cosy, relaxed vibe, but there are also plenty of sophisticated and stylish touches to engage the eye; there are playful bar-stools in the shape of women’s legs, a reindeer-antler chandelier in the games room and a beautiful Icelandic tapestry hanging in the lobby. This flair for design is further in evidence in the themed bedroom suites based on each of the seven continents (if you fancy following in celebrity footsteps, Charlize Theron apparently favours the Asia Suite). Everything in our own Deluxe room has been chosen with great care, from the elegant toiletries to the selection of drinks in the minibar, not to mention the extremely comfortable king-size bed with luxuriously thick duvet. But it’s really all about the view from our veranda: we’re at the rear of the building, overlooking a bend in the river

– from which the hotel takes its name – that glitters amidst otherwise seemingly endless fields. A few farmhouses are visible in the distance and farther away still, dominating the horizon, is Eyjafjallajökull (the volcano that famously disrupted European travel in 2010) while Mount Hekla impresses at the front of the hotel. This is the countryside but on a different scale to the one we’re used to in the UK. The hotel serves as a convenient base for exploring the black sand beaches, fishing villages, volcanoes and glaciers in the south of the country, as well as the unmissable Golden Circle farther north, comprising Thingvellir National Park, where the oldest recorded parliament was founded in 930 AD; Gullfoss, Iceland’s most famous waterfall; and the Great Geysir, which can hurl boiling water up to 70 metres in the air. On our visit, we rent a car and find ourselves happily captivated at these natural beauty spots. Rangá’s staff can arrange any number of the many activities on offer in the area for you too, including helicopter tours and charter flights, dog-sledding, horse-riding, snowmobiling and super-jeep tours. And if that isn’t enough, with practically zero light pollution, the skies above Rangá are ideal for star-gazing and, at the right time of year, catching the magical Northern Lights. Put down your room number on the list at the front desk and you’ll receive a call when the aurora appear; be warned, this could happen at any point, so have warm clothing and camera gear ready. As evening falls we soak in one of the hotel’s outdoor hot tubs. Taking an al fresco dip whatever the weather is a typically Icelandic pastime and one I recommend wholeheartedly, especially when paired with a glass of champagne. Don’t panic if you forget your swimwear; the hotel will provide you with some. To top off your relaxation, place yourself in the hands of the hotel masseuse for a blissful massage or challenge your partner to a chess or pool match in the games room.

TRAVEL

Supper is served in the glass-walled gourmet restaurant for which Rangá is rightly celebrated, with Icelanders often making the trip here just for the food. Friðrik, the owner of the hotel, moves from table to table, chatting with guests, while the waiting staff do an excellent job of recommending wines to pair with our meal. Eating here doesn’t come cheap but it’s more than worth the price tag: the game soup, made with goose, guillemot and puffin, is rich, creamy and earthy, and we mop it up with hunks of the preternaturally-fluffy bread-of-the-day. Icelanders are very proud of their mountain lamb and to my mind it’s the world’s best; my fillet is perfectly pink and tender, presented beautifully with well-seasoned, locally-sourced potatoes, cubes of root vegetables with just the right amount of crunch and a deep red-wine glaze that brings the whole dish together. Fish-lovers have plenty of options but, as it’s one of the best salmon rivers in the country, they should try the Rangá salmon with sweet potato and white chocolate purée, champagne foam and strawberries. For dessert I recommend the skyr (a traditional milk product that tastes like Greek yoghurt) with blueberries, pomegranate, orange sponge, fruit sorbet and a biscuit crumb, although the warm chocolate cake also tempts. We stagger up from the table and order nightcaps from the outstandingly well-stocked bar to enjoy in the cognac lounge, where the leather armchairs are deep and the lighting is mellow. The next morning I try my hand at making waffles on a waffle iron with Rangá’s home-made batter while Tom stocks up on eggs and bacon and toast and muesli and fruit and skyr and coffee – fuel for an action-packed day, he tells me, although in the end we only manage a short walk, a long bath and selecting one of the many DVDs available to rent from reception. During all of this, I’m going through my mental calendar. I can’t imagine a cosier Christmas or more romantic Valentine’s weekend than one spent here. I’ve already noted the list of special in-room preparations the hotel can make on request for your arrival: candles, flowers, champagne and a cheese platter, among others. If I wasn’t already in love with Iceland, Hotel Rangá would have convinced me. Hotel Rangá is open all year round. Standard double rooms from ¤236 including VAT and breakfast buffet. One hour massage is ¤75 (hotelranga.is)

GUIDE TO THE GALAXY Hotel Rangá recently opened the only public observatory in Iceland to offer a guided tour of the night sky. A fascinating mix of mythology and science, it’s run by Saevar Helgi Bragason, the chairman of the Amateur Astronomical Society of Seltjarnarnes, with the help of a retractable roof, laser pointer and the society’s Celestron telescope. With him, you’ll look millions of years into the past at stars that have already died; see the surface of Jupiter and Mars; learn about The Road to Valhalla, as the Vikings called the Milky Way; and hear many more legends surrounding the constellations. Bragason is also a handy person to have around during the natural light display known in northern latitudes as the aurora borealis. The name comes from Aurora, the Roman goddess of dawn, and Boreas, the Greek name for the north wind. The phenomenon is essentially optical emissions caused by charged particles entering the atmosphere from above and the resultant ionisation of atmospheric constituents. The distinctive green colour can be traced to atomic oxygen around 90 miles high; the aurora can also appear blue, red, yellow and pink. The ‘Northern Lights’ season generally runs between August and April, with September/October and March/April being the most fruitful times for sightings, but Bragason’s favourite months are December and January; the sun is visible for only four hours each day, leaving 20 for star-gazing.

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That’s the

Spirit

To ensure your drinks offering doesn’t put you to shame this Christmas, Annabel Harrison hand-picks a selection of the smartest (and most drinkable) new bottles on the market, as well as some of the chicest vessels in which to display them

going dutch During the festive season, champagne is essential and that’s not just because we really like the taste of it; it can come in very handy as a conversation lubricant when steeling oneself for a boring but unavoidable social gathering and as a catalyst for acceptably childlike levels of excitement on Christmas morning. If we were to have a fridge like Eddie’s in Absolutely Fabulous (which seemed to restock itself as required), we’d want it to be full of this look-at-me onyx-black and envy-green bottle. Dom Pérignon called upon the services of achingly cool Dutch fashion designer Iris van Herpen to create this limited edition bottle, signed gift box and bottle holder, which is so chic an entity that it warrants having its own name; the Cocoonase. Van Herpen was, the press release tells us, “inspired by the way Dom Pérignon champagne transforms over time” but we’re more impressed by the fact that she follows in the footsteps of Jeff Koons, Marc Newson, Karl Lagerfeld and Lang Lang. Patsy and Eddie would definitely approve. The limited edition bottles and Iris Van Herpen giftboxes are available to purchase on uk.domperignon.com and at selected retailers Dom Pérignon Vintage 2004, £135 Dom Pérignon Rosé Vintage 2003, £330

feature

wine & dine There’s (almost) nothing more annoying than wanting a glass of wine to accompany the supper you’re cooking only to discover you’ve already drunk the last bottle, and that the closest shop has shut. If this has ever happened to you, a membership to the Berry Bros. & Rudd Wine Club is just the ticket (or you can give it as a gift to the person you live with – equally rewarding). Every two months, you’ll be the happy recipient of a case of wine delivered to your door; these are named after figures from the merchant’s prestigious past (such as Napoleon and Pickering) and its newest state-of-the-art cellar, Wellington. You can opt for the entry-level Bourne membership (‘delicious everyday drinking wine’ priced at £360 for six months) or, the top tier, a year-long Wellington membership priced at £1,800 (‘remarkable wines for the connoisseur’). If you’re really keen you can attend exclusive Wine Club tastings and dinners, thoughtfully part-subsidised by the company “in the hope that we can help nurture your enjoyment of wine”. If you’d prefer to stay at home and want to order additional bottles from Berry Bros. & Rudd to enjoy while you do so, you’ll get 10 per cent off online orders. bbr.com/wine-club

by the book We’re a big fan of pretty books and this one is useful too – a winning combination. Celebrity Cocktails is the third in a series of books by master mixologist Brian Van Flandern (what a name) and should be an essential part of your home-bar paraphenalia. While it’s fun to be kooky, it’s safe to be classic and this book lays out recipes associated with the greatest Hollywood stars of yore, such as Bogart, Taylor and Chaplin, so you can brush up on your technique for making White Spiders and Flaming Rum Punch. We like the casual, scrawled hand-writing font that’s used and the large colour images of exactly how each concoction should look; remember, practice makes perfect. Celebrity Cocktails, £32 assouline.com

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Spaced Out If you’re going out for drinks (as you often do), it’s always nice to try a cocktail you’ve never have heard of, especially if it has a cool back story to boot. Grey Goose has launched two cocktails designed to “explore the intriguing notion of the ‘taste of space’”. While no one knows for sure, apparently astronomers have speculated that space might taste like raspberries, having discovered in 2009 that ethyl formate, the compound widely reported as having the aroma of fruits like raspberries, is present in space. To make the Galactic Martini (Grey Goose with a touch of Alsatian framboise eau de vie), the bartender will dramatically ‘throw’ it four times and garnish with raspberries dusted with black pepper. Throwing is a technique dating back centuries; by passing the liquid from one mixing glass to the other, from as high as possible, the cocktail is mixed and aerated. We also like the sound of the dreamy Beyond the Clouds cocktail; coming soon to a bar near you. greygoose.com

Champagne Cheer A bottle (or few) of Laurent-Perrier would always be most welcome in my home but especially so this Christmas, thanks to the extra special Grand Siècle and Cuvée Rosé gift sets. We love the chic silver Aiguière cradle which accompanies the Grand Siècle champagne (together from £199), although we’d wager you’ll need to get an extra few bottles to ensure it’s always fulfilling its purpose in the smartest fashion. Slightly more ostentatious, and a whole lot more fun, is the Cuvée Rosé champagne birdcage and bottle (£69.95), which also includes a quirky birdcage bottle stopper. Quite the talking point. laurent-perrier.co.uk

DRINKING & DINING

G & Tea It’s no secret that many of us Brits love a good cup of tea and a G&T in equal measure but imagine what would happen if you combined the two. You need wonder no longer; Mark Holdsworth has done just that and Half Hitch gin is now available for your tasting pleasure, infused with Malawian black tea and Calabrian bergamot, and some English wood, pepper and hay to boot. Mark discovered, thanks to his daughter’s school trip down the canal (to find out about the local industry that prospered in the late 1800s) that the heart of London’s gin distilling and warehousing stretched 20 acres from the Lock to the Roundhouse; there’s even a street named Juniper Crescent. A spirits industry craftsman, Camden local and former market stall worker, this ignited in Mark a passion for gin production and he’s brought it back to Camden Lock after a 50-year hiatus. The gin’s name and logo stems from the rope knot used by those mooring up their barges along the Lock – ‘a round turn and two half hitches’. Half Hitch gin, £39, halfhitch.co.uk

Double Trouble For some people, the festive season isn’t complete without the consumption of several staple ingredients and this list often includes salmon (a central luxury brunch component) and whisky (ideal for sipping by the fire while playing Scrabble or cards). For family members or friends who love a brand with a good story, look to familyrun Glenfiddich; it was on Christmas Day in 1887 that founder William Grant is said to have “realised his lifelong ambition to create the best dram in the valley when the first drops of whisky flowed from stills in the distillery he and his family had toiled for a year to build”. This year Glenfiddich has teamed up with Forman & Field to create The Double Scotch, a hamper containing a limited Malt Master’s Edition and two half pounds of H.Forman & Son’s smoked salmon. If that’s just a bit too much, just stock up on one of the core expressions, 12-year-old, 14-year-old Rich Oak and the 15-year-old. Glenfiddich Single Malt Whisky (12, 14 and 15 Year Old), from £34, glenfiddich.com Double Scotch Christmas Hamper, £124.95, exclusively available from formanandfield.com

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The Reimagined Zaika Now Ready To Throw Open Its Doors.

Brought to you by Mayfair's Tamarind Collection.

ZAIKA OF KENSINGTON Kensingtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s much loved Indian eatery is back with a new look, but the same commitment to authentic Indian flavours that they've always been renowned for. And with Mayfair's Tamarind Collection taking the reins, you are assured the same level of service and gourmet experience that have established them as pioneers of fine Indian dining.

For reservations call +44 207 795 6533 or visit tamarindcollection.com 1 Kensington High Street, London, W8 5NP

& DINING

DRINKING

BY liane nelson

Sake

For Goodness

A venue that’s associated both with the owners of Whisky Mist, Bodo’s Schloss and Mahiki, as well as the ex-head chef at Nobu (and creator of local hotspot Kurobuta) is bound to incite high expectations among its customers. Ramusake is their newest venture, in what was formerly the Old Brompton Club and it’s one of those restaurant/bar/members club hybrids, specialising in ‘post Japanese food’. We still don’t know what the ‘post’ refers to (after work? after drinks?) but we can vouch for a punchy cocktail list with emphasis on the inventive use of (no surprise here) rum and sake. On the night we visit, the low-ceilinged, low-lit space is buzzing with lively chat. Our chirpy waitress Rebecca looks too cool for Chelsea and in fact, the interior is more glammed-up east London; wire light cages are suspended above tables, I see more tattoo sleeves than I would expect in Dalston and wooden-planked ceilings are criss-crossed with fairy light tubes. The edamame starter sets the standard very high; it’s flamed, seasoned with sake, lemon, butter and salt, and finger-licking good. Choose two or three items each (to share) from Cold, Raw & Salad, Robata BBQ, Something Crunchy, Significant Others, Maki Rolls and (my favourite) Junk Food Japan. I’m certain I won’t like the tuna sashimi pizza but I have to eat both my words and every last morsel; bizarrely, it’s amazing. The jumbo shrimp is aptly named (it is colossal) and the chicken dishes (fried sliders with kimchee mayo and boneless wing confit) are particularly good too. Round it all off with some rice-wrapped ice cream balls and you’re set, at a Chelsea-reasonable £64.50 for the lot for two, drinks excluded. Thanks to a membership only license, this place is likely to be super-exclusive; if you’re not on the list, you better know someone who is. Annabel Harrison Ramusake, 92b Old Brompton Road, SW7 5LR 020 7842 8518 / ramusake.com Membership: £250 p/a. Contact camilla@ramusake.com

Straight from the Slopes If you want to extend your holiday’s après ski this winter, head to the Austrian-themed restaurant, club and bar that is Bodo’s Schloss. Staff are decked out in lederhosen and dirndl as they serve sharing cocktails from ski boots and bobsleds. Dive deep into raclette and Emmental Fondu Wednesdays, complete with a heap of vegetables and frankfurters and a complimentary Krusovice beer. If that doesn’t satisfy your appetite, finish with the chocolate fondu with strawberries, Haribo and Belgian waffles or get into the spirit of the season with the Christmas menus, which include an Alpine charcuterie board, traditional schnitzel and apple strudel. We recommend asking for a personal serenade from The London Essentials, a five-man band who improvise anything from Pharrell’s Happy to Britney’s Baby One More Time (yes, we went there); you’ll be yodeling along in no time. Bodo Schloss, 2A Kensington High Street, W8 4PT 020 7937 5506; bodosschloss.com

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& DINING

DRINKING

Pizza Perfect

The Christmas season is upon us and choosing the best hamper for family and friends can seem overwhelming with the many options available. Those who prefer more than a touch of luxury should look no further than the limited edition Blacks Club Christmas Hamper. The epitome of decadent indulgence, it includes all of the finer things in life, such as artisan chocolates and salted caramels, creamy Lancashire cheese, macarooons and gingerbread gentleman, not to mention a not-so-healthy dose of topnotch spirits. A highlight of each hamper is an individually numbered print of Hayden Kays’ re-imagination of Picasso’s Vollard Suite. They’re limited to just 100 so enquire soon or risk missing out.

New player in the pizza scene Bite Me Pizza has recently opened its doors in Notting Hill and it brings with it delicious pizzas to the neighbourhood. With an impressive list of options plus toppings, customers can pick and choose to their heart’s content when creating their own, or if you’re lacking imagination, a variety of signature pizzas are available, including mouth-watering options such as the Posh Pizza which features a creamy tomato sauce, mozzarella, bocconcini, prosciutto crudo, rucola, cherry tomatoes, parmesan flakes and truffle oil… save us a slice?

Blacks Christmas Hamper (£275 for Blacks Club members / £450 for non-members) blacksclub.com

Bite Me Pizza, 95 Westbourne Grove, W2 4UW bitemepizza.co.uk

The King of Hampers

Down the Rabbit Hole

The Porchester Re-opened with a colourful new look and just as exciting a new menu, The Porchester expertly fuses the best of British dining with American classics. With everything from small bar snacks (chillied chicken wings and pork belly lollipops) to long, lazy lunch or dinner options and traditional Sunday roast which comes with a delicious helping of rosemary and garlic roasties, honey-glazed parsnips, Yorkshire puds and gravy, The Porchester offers quality dining in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. For more adventurous foodies, we recommend the British beef burger topped with peanut butter fritter, American cheese, ale onions, beer candied bacon, pickles and skinny fries. The Porchester, 88 Bishop’s Bridge Road, W2 5AA; theporchester.co.uk

When we learnt that the Gladwin brothers – proprietors of one of our favourite Notting Hill-based restaurants, The Shed – would be bringing their second venture, Rabbit, to the King’s Road, we almost jumped for joy. Similarly to The Shed, the restaurant features an almost self-mocking, country-style interior, with a stable door entrance and a tracker bonnet over the bar, and the menu also takes the same format, divided into sharing, small plates of ‘mouthfuls’, ‘slow cooking’ and ‘fast cooking’ dishes whereby farmed and foraged ingredients reign supreme. The hearty rabbit ravioli is, surprisingly, the only dish featuring the eponymous meat but it is undoubtedly the star; the perfectly cooked al dente pasta has been lovingly filled with tender meat and enriched with bone marrow, yellow chanterelles and lovage pesto. Other must-haves include the simple but full of flavour sweet cured anchovies with pickled rapeseed and the decadent black summer truffle with wild mushroom ragu, not to mention The Shed’s celebrated lamb chips. Bringing a taste of the country to the heart of Chelsea, we strongly suggest you hop on over to Rabbit this winter. Rabbit, 172 King’s Road, SW3; rabbit-restaurant.com

Tea Time The concept of ‘taking tea’ is a rather old-fashioned one – it’s the kind of thing you might hear your grandmother saying – but in recent years it has witnessed a revival, proven by the number of hotels which now promote this particular offering, such as The Rosebery. Inside, the decor is an effective blend of traditional – polished wooden floor, dove-grey walls and icing-sugar-white, ornate high ceilings – and modern touches, with colourpopping art and lighting fixtures that wouldn’t look out of place in an east London hotel. This makes sense given that the tea salon becomes a champagne bar in the evening. Tea can be taken between 1 and 5.30pm and I’d urge you to treat this as a late lunch or an early supper, so spoiled will you be by the decadently yummy offering (but loathe to skip a single morsel). The tea stand is suspended from a metallic branch reaching over the table and the Oriental influence extends to the beautifully hand-painted crockery, featuring colourful birds and details. The sandwiches are fresh and more-ish – our favourites are the organic chicken and buttered corn, and salmon tartar with crème fraiche and dill – but the sweet treats are where The Rosebery comes into its own. Devour scones with clotted cream and make sure you try the sweet rose petal jelly and tangy homemade lemon curd, as well as the standard strawberry jam. The pastries are exceptional, particularly the chocolate/passion fruit combination and raspberry macaroons. French Tea Master Ludovic chooses teas from the rare tea list to complement the food and he does so with quiet flair, knowledge and consideration. The Rosebery’s Afternoon Tea is £45 per person, although I’d recommend paying an extra £17 for the Teamaster’s Choice; it feels like such a treat to try the globe’s finest teas. You can include a glass of champagne (£54 pp) or three types of sake (£78pp) too. Annabel Harrison

A Chocolate Fairytale ’Tis the season for chocolate of all sorts and at Maison Pierre Marcolini, Christmas comes to life in a fantasy of edible creations. Santa Claus is transformed into a Christmas tree of milk chocolate upon a snowy carpet of gianduja-coated hazelnuts and macadamia nuts, while snow crystals made from chocolate praline, caramel and dark chocolate shimmer with colour. Be sure to get your hands on one of the limited edition Christmas trees made from milk chocolate, hazelnut praline and creamy nougat with a mix of almonds, hazelnuts and pistachios. It makes the perfect table decoration (if you can manage not to eat it before 25 December!) Maison Pierre Marcolini’s 2014 Christmas Collection Available exclusively at Selfridges and marcolini.com

Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, 66 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7LA; 020 7201 3828

The Perfect Burger

Très Exotique Who can say no to those infamous little pastel macarons from Ladurée? This holiday season, our taste buds are being taken on an exotic adventure to the tropics with the patisserie’s holiday collection which features key notes of refreshing pineapple and spicy rum. For a party, try one of their festive cakes such as the Exotique Christmas Log with baba dough soaked in exotic syrup and rum paired with kaffir lime-infused vanilla cream, which is then encased in an ornate chocolate pineapple-shaped shell. We have done the taste test and we approve.

In addition to the pre-existing Soho branch, BRGR.CO will be opening a new site on Chelsea’s King’s Road, in a bid to further satisfy the capital’s growing burger cravings. BRGR.CO uses the finest cuts of 28-day-aged beef to ensure that you’ll be sinking your teeth into the most succulent, juicy burgers, which are handmade on-site daily. Available in four, six and eight ounce portions, these burgers will be sure to hit the spot, whether you’re craving a small snack or a filling feast. And of course a burger joint would not be complete without all the trimmings and extras, such as chocolate and Oreo milkshakes or a decadent chocolate brownie for an indulgent finish. Be warned; this isn’t for the faint of stomach. BRGR.CO, 127 King’s Road, SW3 4PW Open from 1 December brgrco.co.uk

Ladurée, ground floor of Harrods laduree.com

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Photography: Dave Benett Mark-Francis Vandelli

Kylie Minogue and Andre Balazs

Valentino Garavani and Anne Hathaway

Valentino Garavani and Hugh Grant

Valentino Garavani and Nicky Haslam

Maison Assouline

Lucy Watson

Martine and Prosper Assouline with Valentino Garavani

Tim Jefferies, Tamara Beckwith and Malin Johansson

Martine and Prosper Assouline with Anne Hathaway

london living Photography: Hannah Young

By the Books WHAT: Maison Assouline flagship store launch party WHEN: 28 October WHERE: Maison Assouline, Piccadilly WHO: Valentino Garavani, Hugh Grant, Anne Hathaway, Mario Testino and the Duchess of Marlborough WHY: To celebrate the opening of their flagship boutique in London, founders Martine and Prosper Assouline hosted a glamorous party whereby Royal Borough resident and esteemed fashion designer Valentino Garavani took centre stage, signing copies of his new book, Valentino: At the Emperor’s Table. In line with Assouline’s ethos of luxury lifestyle and culture, Krug champagne flowed while music played, courtesy of Chico and Gipsy Kings; in the background could be heard the chatter of Hollywood celebs, including Anne Hathaway and Hugh Grant. Guests also enjoyed the worldwide debut of The Aerial Oxygen Cocktail; a special formula of oxygen infused with a blend of herbs, vitamins and gemstone elixirs. Can we get some of that too?

Alistair Guy and guest

Katie Readman

Tara Palmer-Tomkinson

Oliver Proudlock, Spencer Matthews and Hugo Taylor Henry Conway with sentries

Toby Anstis and guest

Piste Off WHAT: Skiing with Heroes Junior Committee Awareness party WHEN: 6 November WHERE: Bodo’s Schloss, High Street Kensington WHO: Tara Palmer-Tomkinson, Oliver Cheshire, Noelle Reno, Katie Readman and Spencer Matthews WHY: Skiing with Heroes – a UK-based charity that helps wounded ex-Iraq and Afghanistan soldiers to get back into employment through a ski-based development programme – chose the Alpine-themed club Bodo’s Schloss to host its inaugural awareness party. Made in Chelsea stars Oliver Proudlock and Spencer Matthews made their appearances and listened to speeches given by veterans. However, lothario Spencer appeared a little too preoccupied with his newfound best friend; a model Saint Bernard. Good-time boys Jamie Laing and Hugo Taylor were the first to hit the dance floor and managed to keep the party going through the night.

Jamie Laing and guests

Mary Charteris

Suzy Menkes

Maria von Thurn

Lara Heller, Iris Van Herpen and guest

Champagne with a Twist WHAT: Iris Van Herpen and Dom Pérignon party WHEN: 27 October WHERE: HUS Gallery, Mayfair WHO: Iris Van Herpen, Mary Charteris, Jade Parfitt, Suzy Menkes, Hilary Alexander and Blaise Patrick WHY: Glitterati from the fashion, design and art worlds gathered at the Hus Gallery in Mayfair to celebrate the collaboration between innovative designer Iris Van Herpen and top champagne label Dom Pérignon. Van Herpen designed a beautiful 3D bottle-stand, entitled Cocoonase, as well as a limited edition Dom Pérignon champagne bottle (see p.116). Guests sipped on the vintage 2004 champagne while sampling a range of molecular-inspired canapés, such as sea urchin caviar with cucumber pearls and chilled oysters. Music sets from DJs Mary Charteris and Jade Parfitt had guests dancing until the small hours of the morning.

Guest with Sara Gilmour

Kristina Blahnik Mary Charteris, Iris Van Herpen and Jade Parfitt Olivia Grant

Images courtesy of Dom Pérignon

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Photography: Brian Sweeney

A Good Time

Farhad Heydari and Theo Fennell

Brendon Hartley Theo Fennell and Nick Foulkes

Guests

WHAT: SalonQP WHEN: 6 November WHERE: Saatchi Gallery, Duke of York’s HQ WHY: Time was of the essence at SalonQP’s fine watch showcase (now in its sixth year) as collectors, connoisseurs and enthusiasts gathered to marvel at the diversity (and equally hefty price tags) of the crème de la crème of luxury timepieces. Brands of the highest calibre were on display, from Jaeger-LeCoultre to Bremont and Zenith. Guests enjoyed luxurious refreshments courtesy of Berry Bros. & Rudd and Harrods, while concert pianist Dora Deliyska performed on two Bösendorfer pianos. For the first time, a specially curated exhibition paying homage to the heritage and craftsmanship of fine jewellery timepieces, entitled Gems of Time, was also presented and received much praise.

Guests

The Great and the Good

Tinie Tempah

Matthew Williamson

Jemima Khan

Clara Paget, Suki Waterhouse and Gala Gordon

WHAT: The Mayfair Awards WHEN: 4 November WHERE: The Ritz London WHO: William and Lucy Asprey, Patrice Pastor, Mark Henderson and Jason Basmajian WHY: When the great and good of Mayfair gather, the night is bound to be an elegant one, and it was just so for this year’s Mayfair Awards. Celebrating the very best that Mayfair has to offer, from the most loved public space to the best fine dining experience, the awards championed those businesses with a commitment to excellence as the best in their field. The annual event’s first live ceremony played host to representatives from headline sponsor Pastor Real Estate, reception sponsor Grosvenor, champagne sponsor Louis Roederer and venue sponsor The Ritz London as well as associate sponsors BMW Park Lane and The Wren Press. William Asprey was the keynote speaker, paying homage to the area’s eclectic mix of art, food, fashion and culture, all of which were celebrated on the night.

Rocco and Guy Ritchie

A Spook-tacular Event

Charlotte Dellal Jacqui Ainsley Suki Waterhouse and Bryan Adams

Photography: Dave Benett

Spooky guests

WHAT: Unicef UK Halloween Ball WHEN: 30 October WHERE: One Mayfair WHO: Suki Waterhouse, Tinie Tempah, Hugh Grant, Guy Ritchie, Jemina Khan and Bryan Adams WHY: Ghouls, goblins, and bloodied zombies came to life for a night of freakish fun in support of Unicef’s Halloween Ball. The event raised a whopping £750,000, which will provide aid to millions of children in Syria. Hosted by Unicef UK ambassador Jemima Khan, the evening opened with a smashing performance by Canadian rock legend Bryan Adams, followed by a surprise duet with him and model Suki Waterhouse. Tinie Tempah closed the show with a supercharged set whereby he performed hit tracks Pass Out and Written in the Stars, after which guests made their way to the after-party in the venue's Crypt where American DJ Seth Troxler kept the tunes rolling all night.

london living Photography: Jab Promotions Natalie Hawthorne from The Mount Street Deli

Holly Cleave, Rahim Najak and Isabella Graham from Knight Frank

Elizabeth Walker, Mark Henderson and Allie Stanislas from James Purdey & Sons

Vicky Piasecki, William Asprey and Michaela Christine Wolf Andrew Love from The Ritz London

Denise Higgins and Emmanuela Mensah from Christian Louboutin, and Kate Racovolis from The Mayfair Magazine

Jason Basmajian and Mark Henderson from Gieves & Hawkes

Eren Ellwood from Runwild Media Group and Marinel FitzSimons from Maisons Marques et Domaines Limited

William and Lucy Asprey

Susan Cohen from Pastor Real Estate and Kate Racovolis

Christina Norton from Maybourne Hotel Group and Kate Racovolis

Harry Owen from Runwild Media Group and Stephen Boxall from The Ritz London

Lianne Scott and Lisa Bamforth from Grosvenor

Ruth Jones from The Ritz London and Stuart Johnson from Brownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hotel

Jason Basmajian from Gieves & Hawkes, John Harrison from James Purdey & Sons, and Panos Koutsogiannakis

Amelda de Segundo from Ralph Lauren Home and Christina Norton

127

The Concierge What is it you require, sir? How may I help, madam? The Concierge is here to help with every need, whim or wish, however great or small Apparel

Katharine Pooley

Hydrohealing Spa

Bibendum

Repairs & Cleaning

160 Walton Street, SW3 2JL 020 7584 3223 katharinepooley.co.uk

216a Kensington Park Rd, W11 1NR 020 7727 2570 hydrohealing.com

81 Fulham Road, SW3 6RD 020 7581 5817 bibendum.co.uk

Jeeves of Belgravia 123 Fulham Road, SW3 6RT 020 7589 9229 jeevesofbelgravia.co.uk

Sloane Tailors & Dry Cleaners 69 Lower Sloane Street SW1W 8DA 020 7824 8644 sloanetailorsanddrycleaners.co.uk

Precious Pieces Jewellery Valuation & repair

Bourbon Hanby 151 Sydney Street, SW3 6NT 020 7352 2106 bourbonhanby.com

Hawkes and Son 50-52 Walton Street, SW3 1RB 020 7589 2523 hawkesandson.com Watch Repair

Ligne Roset

Strip Wax Bar

Le Café Anglais

23/25 Mortimer Street, W1T 3JE 020 7323 1248 ligne-roset.co.uk

112 Talbot Road, W11 1JR 020 7727 2754 stripwaxbar.com

8 Porchester Gardens, W2 4DB 020 7221 1415 lecafeanglais.co.uk

OKA

Urban Retreat at Harrods

Chelsea Brasserie

103 Lancaster Road, W11 1QN 020 7792 1425 okadirect.com

87-135 Brompton Road, SW1X 7XL 020 7893 8333 urbanretreat.co.uk

7-12 Sloane Square, SW1W 8EG 020 7881 5999 chelsea-brasserie.co.uk

Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic Couture

Medical & Dental Services

The Cow

202 Kensington Park Road W11 1NR, 020 7792 9022 rachelashwellshabbychiccouture.com

Cadogan Street Dental Office

89 Westbourne Park Road, W2 5QH 020 7221 0021 thecowlondon.co.uk

Sub-Zero & Wolf

Chelsea Consulting Rooms

251 Brompton Rd, SW3 2EP 0845 250 0010 subzero-wolf.co.uk

2 Lower Sloane Street, SW1W 8BJ 020 7763 9100 chelseaconsultingrooms.com

Pampering & Wellbeing

Medicare Français

Electric House

Hairdressers

Cartier 143-144 Sloane Street, SW1X 9BL 020 7312 6930 cartier.co.uk

The Watch Gallery 129 Fulham Road, SW3 6RT 020 7952 2731 thewatchgallery.co.uk Vintage Watch Sellers

For the Home

191 Portobello Road, W11 2ED 020 7908 9696 electrichouse.com

Gaucho 3 Harrington Gardens, SW7 4JJ 020 7370 4999 medicare-francais.co.uk

Hari’s

89 Sloane Avenue, SW3 3DX 020 7584 9901 gauchorestaurants.co.uk

The Ledbury Restaurant Smile Style Dental Care

305 Brompton Road SW3 2DY 020 7581 5211 harissalon.com

146 Holland Park Avenue, W11 4UE 020 7727 5810 smilestyledental.co.uk

Light Hair Studio

42 The Dental Practice

293 Westbourne Grove W11 2QA 020 7792 0100 lighthairstudio.com

42 Pembridge Road, W11 3HN 020 7229 5542 42thedentalpractice.com

127 Ledbury Road, W11 2AQ 020 7792 9090 theledbury.com

The Lonsdale

Watches of Knightsbridge 64 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7JF 020 7590 3034 watchesofknightsbridge.com

47 Cadogan Street, SW3 2QJ 020 7581 0811

The Mitre The Portobello Clinic

Richard Ward 82 Duke of York Square SW3 4LY 020 7730 1222 richardward.com

FurniturE, SOFT furnishings

12 Raddington Road, W10 5TG 020 8962 0635 portobelloclinic.com

Haute Cuisine Dining

& APPLICANCES

Beauty Salons & Spas

Hutch Interiors

The Chelsea Day Spa

61 Golborne Road, W10 5NR 020 3659 4320 hutchinteriors.com

69a King’s Road, SW3 4NX 020 7351 0911 thechelseadayspa.co.uk

48 Lonsdale Road, W11 2DE 020 7727 4080 thelonsdale.co.uk

40 Holland Park Avenue, W11 3QY 020 7727 6332 themitrew11.co.uk

One Kensington 1 Kensington High Street, W8 5NP 020 7795 6533 one-kensington.com

Bar Boulud Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park 66 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7LA 020 7201 3899 barboulud.com

Restaurant Gordon Ramsay 68 Royal Hospital Road, SW3 4HP 020 7352 4441 gordonramsay.com

CONCIERGE

Scalini 1-3 Walton Street, SW3 2JD 020 7225 2301 scalinionline.com

Umami 100 Cromwell Road, SW7 4ER 020 7341 2320 umamilondon.co.uk

Members Clubs

cleaners

dog training

Chelsea Arts Club

Hillside Clothes Care

M.A. Dog Training and Services

143 Old Church Street, SW3 6EB 020 7376 3311 chelseaartsclub.com

118 Kensington Park Road W11 2PW 020 7243 6900 hillsidedryclean.co.uk

07547 716076 madogtraining@gmail.com madogtrainingandservices.co.uk

The Sloane Club Lower Sloane Street, SW1W 8BS 020 7730 9131 sloaneclub.co.uk

moving services

Infusion Haberdashery and Dry Cleaners

La Bottega

Business Affairs

14 Gloucester Road SW7 4RB 020 7581 6980 labottega.co.uk

computer & technology help

3 Chepstow Road W2 5BL 020 7243 8735 infusion-haberdashery.co.uk

Richard Darsa

Housekeeping

78 Cadogan Place, SW1X 9RP 07768 200 551 richard@darsa.net

St. Anneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Housekeeping

Delicatessens

Ottolenghi Delicatessen 63 Ledbury Road W11 2AD 020 7727 1121 ottolenghi.co.uk

Partridges 2-5 Duke of York Square SW3 4LY 020 7730 7102 partridges.co.uk Chocolatiers

Melt Chocolates 59 Ledbury Road, W11 2AA 020 7727 5030 meltchocolates.com

William Curley 198 Ebury Street, SW1W 8UN 020 7730 5522 williamcurley.co.uk

PICTURE FRAMER

Couriers

Runners 4 U Couriers

Pets

111 Old Brompton Road SW7 3LE 020 7589 7635 sk@framesetandmatch.com

Canine Culture

psychotherapist

15 Elgin Mews, W11 1PU 020 6305 8941 runners4u.com

Selena Courier Service 27 Eardley Crescent, SW5 9JS 020 7912 0062 selenacourier.co.uk Luxury Car Services

Avolus Luxury Transport

Beethoven Centre, Third Avenue, W10 4JL 079 4952 3710 canineculture.co.uk

Purple Bone 95 Notting Hill Gate W11 3JZ 020 7985 0903 purplebone.com

38 Lombard Road, SW11 3RP 020 7978 6506 avolus.com

Little Luxuries

lifestyle services

Nikki Tibbles Wild at Heart

london lifestyle service

222 Westbourne Grove W11 2RH 020 7727 3095 wildatheart.com

White Circle Collection

Boujis

71 Walton Street, SW3 2HT 020 7989 9890 whitecirclecollection.com

Flowers

specialist services BUILDER

Childcare

William Gaze Ltd The Cadogan Arms 298 Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Road, SW3 5UG 020 7352 6500 thecadoganarmschelsea.com

Frame Set & Match

19 Bolsover Street, W1W 5NA 020 3397 7495 stanneshousekeeping.com

Drinking

43 Thurloe Street, SW7 2LQ 020 7584 2000 boujis.com

Abels Moving Services UK Residential, European and International Removals & Storage 020 3773 5796 info@abels.co.uk abels.co.uk

Kensington Nannies 3 Horton Place, Kensington High Street, W8 4LZ kensington-nannies.co.uk

Basement, Loft & Extension Specialist 28 Imperial Square 020 7078 8874 williamgazeltd.com

Suzanne Thomas 07770 378791 suzannethomas @suzannethomas.co.uk suzannethomas.co.uk SHORT-LET RENTAL MANAGEMENT

Easy Rental Services aurelie@easy-rental-services.com +44 7817 722073 easy-rental-services.com EMOTIONAL WELLBEING THROUGH WRITINg

Ease your emotional baggage through writing. Sit with a writer and, using a specially developed format, write out your traumatic event or problem to release it. To book 60 or 90 minute appointments email info@lilybass.com or call 07733 112333 lilybass.com

129

SUBSCRIPTION

Exclusive

OFFER Subscribe to The Kensington & Chelsea Magazine or The Notting Hill & Holland Park Magazine for just £45 a year and receive a CULT51 beauty gift (RRP £125)* For just £45 a year, have the latest issue delivered directly to your door each month Both magazines feature: Exclusive Interviews Local News & Events Art, Auctions & Culture Fashion, Style & Luxury Goods Interior Design & Property Luxury Travel & Motoring

Subscribers will receive a revolutionary 3D multi-active night cream by CULT51. This innovative product, with 51 anti-ageing benefits, is clinically proven to renew, regenerate and restore all skin types (cult51.com) *

To subscribe, please visit rwmg.co.uk/subscribe now * While stock lasts. The limited offer ends on 31 December 2014. Pay for your subscription with your credit/debit card or PayPal account; all transactions are made through PayPal. This price includes taxes, packing & postal charges. The delivery is made by First Class Royal Mail Service and is available in the UK only. If you have any queries regarding Terms & Conditions, your subscription or international deliveries please contact the Runwild Media office on 020 7987 4320, Monday to Friday between 9am to 5.30pm (GMT) or email info@rwmg.co.uk. Registered office and postal address: Runwild Media Group, 6th Floor, One Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5AX

130

HOMES showcasing the

finest HOMES & PROPERTY from the best estate agents

Mansion Tax Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the best solution?

Image courtesy of John Taylor

Inside every great home is an exceptional Christmas waiting to happen.

savills.co.uk

SA79101 Kensington and Chelsea Xmas Sold DPS.indd 1

05/11/2014 10:10

10:10

Just a few of the properties we have recently sold and let, where we have made a big difference for our clients.

sold

westbourne Grove, w11 Guide £6.95 million

northumberland PlaCe, w2 Guide £5.5 million

wetherby Gardens, sw5 Guide £5.25 million

sold

Cornwall Gardens, sw7 Guide £3.75 million

abbotsbury road, w14 Guide £3.25 million

leonard Court, w8 Guide £1.25 million

let

FranKlins row, sw3 Guide £2,500 Per weeK

tasKer lodGe, w8 Guide £2,250 Per weeK

northumberland PlaCe, w2 Guide £2,250 Per weeK

let

lonsdale road, w11 Guide £2,050 Per weeK

eGerton Gardens, sw3 Guide £1,995 Per weeK

holland ParK road, w14 Guide £1,850 Per weeK

to discuss your property requirements further, call our team on 020 7877 4640.

SA79101 Kensington and Chelsea Xmas Sold DPS.indd 2

05/11/2014 10:10

savills.co.uk

1 INCREDIBLY ELEGANT HOUSE WITH WEST-FACING GARDEN addison avenue, w11 Double reception room ø study ø kitchen/breakfast room ø 4/5 bedrooms ø 3 bath/shower rooms ø utility room ø cloakroom ø terrace ø garden ø 236 sq m (2,546 sq ft) ø EPC=D

Savills Notting Hill Oliver Lurot olurot@savills.com

020 7727 5750 Guide £6.75 million Freehold

savills.co.uk

1 A BEAUTIFULLY PRESENTED STUCCO FRONTED FAMILY HOUSE tor gardens, w8 Double reception room ø study ø kitchen/dining/family room ø master bedroom suite ø 4 bedrooms ø 3 bath/ shower rooms ø roof terrace ø south-facing garden ø off-street parking ø 340 sq m (3,662 sq ft) ø EPC=D Guide £9.85 million Freehold

Aylesford International

Savills Kensington

Charlie Parkin charlie-parkin@aylesford.com

Sarah Birch sbirch@savills.com

020 7351 2383

020 7535 3300

savills.co.uk

1 BEAUTIFULLY APPOINTED FIRST AND SECOND FLOOR MAISONETTE harrington gardens, sw7 Double reception room ø kitchen/breakfast room ø master bedroom with en suite shower room ø 3 further bedrooms ø bathroom ø cloakroom ø balcony ø access to communal gardens ø 153 sq m (1,656 st ft) ø EPC=C Guide £3.55 million Leasehold, approximately 164 years remaining

Savills Chelsea Patrick Lister plister@savills.com

020 7578 9003

savills.co.uk

1 EXTREMELY RARE PENTHOUSE APARTMENT onslow gardens, sw7 Reception room ø kitchen ø master bedroom with en suite bathroom ø 2 further bedrooms (1 en suite) ø bathroom ø roof terrace ø lift ø 171 sq m (1,837 sq ft) ø EPC=E

Savills Chelsea Charlie Bubear cbubear@savills.com

020 7578 9000 Guide £4.5 million Leasehold, approximately 983 years remaining plus Share of Freehold

savills.co.uk

1 BEAUTIFULLY PRESENTED MEWS HOUSE SITUATED IN PRIME NOTTING HILL denbigh close, w11 Open plan reception room/kitchen ø 2 bedrooms ø bathroom ø utility room ø mews parking ø 85 sq m (916 sq ft) ø EPC=C

Savills Notting Hill Ben Davies bdavies@savills.com

020 7727 5750 Guide £1.75 million Freehold

savills.co.uk

1 FIRST FLOOR APARTMENT IN EXCLUSIVE KENSINGTON COURT kensington court, w8 Reception room with dining area ø kitchen ø 2 double bedrooms ø bathroom ø cloakroom ø caretaker ø basement storage cupboard ø 84 sq m (904 sq ft) ø EPC=C

Savills Kensington Stephen Holmes sholmes@savills.com

020 7535 3300 Asking £1.75 million Leasehold, approximately 90 years remaining plus Share of Freehold

1 2

savills.co.uk

SCARSDALE STUDIOS, w8

GLOUCESTER TERRACE, w2

Double height studio reception room ø study ø kitchen ø mezzanine bedroom ø shower room ø cloakroom ø opportunity to refurbish ø 78 sq m (842 sq ft) ø EPC=G

Reception room ø kitchen ø bedroom ø shower room ø 70 sq m (753 sq ft) ø EPC=D

Guide £1.425 million Freehold

Guide £995,000 Leasehold

Savills Kensington kallen@savills.com 020 7535 3300

Savills Notting Hill afrankish@savills.com 020 7727 5750

GLOUCESTER SQUARE, w2

DENBIGH CLOSE, w11

Reception room ø kitchen/dining room ø 3 bedroom suites ø cloakroom ø courtyard ø 175 sq m (1,886 sq ft) ø EPC=D

Reception room with dining area ø kitchen ø master bedroom with en suite bathroom ø 2 further bedroom suites ø utility room/office ø cloakroom ø mews parking ø 152 sq m (1,635 sq ft) ø EPC=C

Guide £2.65 million Leasehold JSA: Hamptons

Guide £2.75 million Freehold

Savills Notting Hill bdavies@savills.com 020 7727 5750

3 4

1 2

savills.co.uk

FULHAM ROAD, sw10

BILLING PLACE, sw10

Open plan reception room/dining room/kitchen ø study ø master bedroom with en suite shower room ø 2 further bedrooms ø bathroom ø 2 roof terraces ø 93 sq m (998 sq ft) ø EPC=C

Reception room ø kitchen/dining room ø 2 bedrooms ø bathroom ø 2 storage vaults ø garden ø 98 sq m (1,056 sq ft) ø EPC=F

Guide £1.55 million Leasehold

Guide £1.75 million Freehold

Savills Chelsea apwright@savills.com 020 7578 9000

CALLOW STREET, sw3

REDCLIFFE SQUARE, sw10

Reception room ø kitchen ø 2 bedrooms ø bathroom ø patio ø 68 sq m (731 sq ft) ø EPC=C

Reception room ø kitchen/breakfast room ø master bedroom with en suite bathroom ø further bedroom ø shower room ø cloakroom ø storage ø 97 sq m (1,049 sq ft) ø EPC=C

Guide £915,000 Leasehold

Guide £1.795 million Share of Freehold

Savills Chelsea bharvey@savills.com 020 7578 9000

Savills Chelsea plister@savills.com 020 7578 9000

3 4

1 2

savills.co.uk

LETTINGS LAYOUT ONLY

ENSOR MEWS, sw7

GERTRUDE STREET, sw10

2 bedrooms (1 en suite) ø further bathroom ø reception room ø open plan kitchen ø mews house ø 80 sq m (861 sq ft) ø Council Tax=G ø EPC=D

4 bedrooms (1 en suite) ø further bathroom ø reception room ø eat-in kitchen ø period features ø private garden ø 196 sq m (2,111 sq ft) ø Council Tax=G ø EPC=F

Unfurnished £850 per week

Unfurnished £1,595 per week

+ £276 inc VAT one-off admin fee and other charges may apply* Savills Chelsea stiarks@savills.com 020 7578 9011

+ £276 inc VAT one-off admin fee and other charges may apply* Savills Chelsea omellotte@savills.com 020 7578 9020

CADOGAN SQUARE, sw1x

LINCOLN HOUSE, sw3

2 bedrooms (1 en suite) ø shower room ø reception room ø open plan kitchen ø porter ø lift ø 95 sq m (1,023 sq ft) ø Council Tax=G ø EPC=C

2 bedrooms (1 en suite) ø shower room ø reception room ø eat-in kitchen ø porter ø lift ø 94 sq m (1,017 sq ft) ø Council Tax=G ø EPC=D

Furnished £1,250 per week

Furnished £1,295 per week

+ £276 inc VAT one-off admin fee and other charges may apply* Savills Knightsbridge cjalexander@savills.com 020 7584 8585

3 4

*£36 inc VAT for each additional tenant/occupant/guarantor reference where required. Inventory check out fee – charged at the end of or early termination of the tenancy and the amount is dependent on the property size and whether furnished/unfurnished. For more details, visit www.savills.co.uk/fees.

L L O

1 2

savills.co.uk

LETTINGS LAYOUT ONLY

THORNWOOD GARDENS, w8

QUEENS MEWS, w2

3 bedrooms (2 en suite) ø further bathroom ø reception room ø kitchen ø balcony ø lift access ø underground parking ø 150 sq m (1,615 sq ft) ø Council Tax=H ø EPC=C

2 bedrooms ø 2 bathrooms ø reception room ø open plan kitchen ø patio ø roof terrace ø garage ø 135 sq m (1,461 sq ft) ø Council Tax=G ø EPC=G

Flexible furnishings £2,250 per week

Furnished £1,150 per week

+ £276 inc VAT one-off admin fee and other charges may apply* Savills Kensington lgood@savills.com 020 7535 3333

+ £276 inc VAT one-off admin fee and other charges may apply* Savills Notting Hill amackinnon@savills.com 020 7727 5751

GARWAY ROAD, w2

HOLLAND PARK ROAD, w14

2 bedrooms ø 2 bathrooms ø reception room ø kitchen ø balcony ø 92 sq m (990 sq ft) ø Council Tax=G ø EPC=C

3 bedrooms (2 en suite) ø further bathroom ø reception room ø open plan kitchen ø roof terrace ø wooden flooring ø 177 sq m (1,913 sq ft) ø Council Tax=G ø EPC=E

Furnished £900 per week

Unfurnished £1,850 per week

+ £276 inc VAT one-off admin fee and other charges may apply* Savills Notting Hill amackinnon@savills.com 020 7727 5751

+ £276 inc VAT one-off admin fee and other charges may apply* Savills Kensington lgood@savills.com 020 7535 3333

3 4

Asquith_K&C_Mag_FPC 04/11/2014 14:38 Page 1

T E EN US M O H PEN INT W O PO O SH OW Y AP N B G

SPENCER PARK LONDON SW18

4 Magnificent 6 bedroom Homes each with private gated access into the Secret Garden of Spencer Park

The Secret Garden of Spencer Park

A prestigious gated development of four magnificent homes, each over 4,500 sqft, with bespoke specifications throughout. Each home has its own direct garden access into the little known Spencer Park - nearly 4 acres of privately owned and managed parkland with tennis court, playground and rose gardens, an exclusive safe sanctuary and retreat for residents and their familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s use only. Prices from ÂŁ4.5m For further information and private viewing arrangements please contact:

A development by:

020 8877 1222 rchatwin@savills.com

020 7228 7474

austin@john-thorogood.co.uk

PROPERTY

Two Sides to Every Tale CAROLINE FOORD, head of sales for Knight Frank in Notting Hill, rounds up this year’s property patterns from a period of high demand to unsettled political concern, and Sophie woolfenden, head of lettings, provides insight into what the next few months will bring Sales: Colville Road – £975,000

2014 is looking like a tale of two halves in Notting Hill and Holland Park. At the beginning of the year, market sentiment was strong. With low supply and high demand from a huge surplus of buyers, some record-breaking prices were achieved both on and off market. From the outset of the autumn market, it has become apparent that various uncertainties in the market have changed the behaviour of both buyers and sellers alike, cooling the market slightly – arguably a pause for breath. However, whilst the political landscape still remains in a state of flux, the market continues to flourish below £2 million. Although there is a wide range of properties available in the marketplace, there is much evidence of price sensitivity and the properties that are selling are those that have set realistic asking prices or made the necessary price adjustments. The market has shifted slightly from a vendorled market to a buyer-driven market over the last few months. It is evident that the number of available properties compared with a few months ago has increased. However, the registration of new buyers is down. Best-in-class properties are still achieving good prices and although there may be a lack of new buyers in the marketplace, those looking are focused, committed and driven to find the right property. As the election draws nearer and buyers/sellers anticipate the result, there seems to be an increase in the number of people registering to rent in the area. Sophie Woolfenden, head of Notting Hill lettings, highlights a 24% increase on tenancies agreed, a 34% increase on tenancies commencements and a 15% increase in new tenants registering. According to Sophie, “the rental market is beginning to pick up again after a rather slow couple of weeks, with rental values in Prime Central London showing signs of recovery to a level last seen two years ago. With demand in the sales market showing signs of cooling ahead of next May’s general election and uncertainty surrounding the possibility of a mansion tax, more stock should come on to the lettings market. Demand in the third quarter of 2014 exceeded the same period last year, with tenancies agreed up by a quarter and tenancies started to rise by a third. With UK economic data remaining mixed, the Prime Central London rental market is still not in full-blown recovery mode. Though the number of new prospective tenants

Lettings: Opal Apartments – £1,595 per week

and viewings rose in October compared to the same month last year, the number of tenancies started is likely to end the month down, which reflects the hesitant nature of the recovery. Pricing and presentation remain key and landlords should be prepared to move quickly as we are nearing Christmas.” Never has there been a better time to seek professional advice from a well-established agent with decades of experience, local knowledge and an enviable track record. Let us be your trusted advisors. Knight Frank Notting Hill, 294 Westbourne Grove, W11 2PS; 020 7229 0229 knightfrank.com

145

KnightFrank.co.uk

St Mary's Place, Kensington W8

Wide house with parking in a gated development Kensington Green is a highly regarded gated private secure development in Kensington, south of Kensington High Street. There is private parking, communal gardens and on site security. 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms, kitchen, dining room, study, utility room, balcony, garden, double garage. EPC rating C. Approximately 317 sq m ﴾3,415 sq ft﴿

KnightFrank.co.uk/kensington kens@knightfrank.com 020 3551 5156

Freehold Guide price: £6,750,000 ﴾KEN140061﴿

6 81 Holland Park - K and C november - 08 October 2014 - 52622

06/11/2014 11:27:00

KnightFrank.co.uk

Limerston Street, Chelsea SW10 Stunning house with large garden

A beautifully finished bright and airy house with one of the largest gardens in the Ten Acre Estate. The design has been thoughtfully approached and comprises master bedroom suite, 3 bedrooms, double reception room, study, kitchen/dining room, laundry room and garden. EPC rating F. Approximately 189 sq m ﴾2,043 sq ft﴿

KnightFrank.co.uk/chelsea chelsea@knightfrank.com 020 3641 7731

Freehold Guide price: £3,850,000 ﴾CHL120086﴿

Kensington and Chelsea - Chelsea - Limerston Street, 79

03/11/2014 16:38:10

KnightFrank.co.uk

First Street, Chelsea SW3

Terraced house with patio garden and balcony A charming early Victorian house with private garden, located between Walton and Mossop streets. Master bedroom with en suite bathroom and balcony, further double bedroom, bathroom, shower room, reception room, sitting room, dining area, kitchen, kitchenette, rear garden. EPC rating D. Approximately 143 sq m ﴾1,546 sq ft﴿

KnightFrank.co.uk/knightsbridge knightsbridge@knightfrank.com 020 36415913

Freehold Guide price: £2,950,000 ﴾SLA140182﴿

K&C Dec First Street

07/11/2014 10:32:13

KnightFrank.co.uk

Queen's Gate, South Kensington SW7 Immaculate third floor flat

This spacious, bright and beautiful apartment offers excellent and flexible family accommodation. Master bedroom suite, 2 bedrooms, reception room, dining room, kitchen and 2 bathrooms. EPC rating C. Approximately 160 sq m ﴾1,732 sq ft﴿

KnightFrank.co.uk/southkensington southkensington@knightfrank.com 020 8128 1253

Leasehold: approximately 87 years remaining Guide price: £3,650,000 ﴾STK140003﴿

Kensington and Chelsea - Chelsea - Queen's gate 4 @ 27

04/11/2014 10:40:47

KnightFrank.co.uk

Sussex Square, Hyde Park W2 Immaculately refurbished freehold house

A fantastic house with garage and access to gated communal garden square. Master bedroom with en suite bathroom and dressing room, 3 further en suite bedrooms, reception room, Poggenpohl kitchen, breakfast room, study, utility room, guest cloakroom, balcony, patio garden, garage. Approximately 275 sq m ﴾2,969 sq ft﴿ Freehold Guide price: £4,950,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/hydepark antonia.thorp@knightfrank.com 020 3544 2483 Savills Mayfair clloyd@savills.com 020 7578 5100

﴾HEP140107﴿

Sussex Square Kens & Chelsea December 2014

11/11/2014 16:03:27

KnightFrank.co.uk

Cleveland Square, Bayswater W2

Magnificent family sized garden square maisonette An exceptionally spacious maisonette, located in a Grade II listed stucco building on one of London's garden squares. Master bedroom with en suite shower room, 4 further bedrooms, 3 en suite bathrooms, double reception room, kitchen/breakfast room, terrace, access to communal gardens. Approximately 235 sq m ﴾2,530 sq ft﴿ Share of Freehold

KnightFrank.co.uk/hydepark hydepark@knightfrank.com 020 3544 2483

Guide price: £4,250,000 ﴾HPE140215﴿

42 Cleveland Square Kens & Chelsea Dec 2014

07/11/2014 09:29:59

KnightFrank.co.uk

Colville Road, Notting Hill W11

Stunning two bedroom flat in the heart of Notting Hill An opportunity to acquire a beautifully presented two bedroom flat, arranged over the raised ground floor of a white stucco fronted period building and located moments from Westbourne Grove. 2 bedrooms, bathroom, reception room, kitchen. EPC rating D. Approximately 56.8 sq m ﴾611 sq ft﴿ Leasehold Guide price: £975,000 ﴾NGH140226﴿

KnightFrank.co.uk/nottinghill nottinghill@knightfrank.com 020 8166 5449 hamptons.co.uk nottinghill@hamptons‐int.com 020 7034 0404

K&C - December- 3, 2-4 Colville Road

05/11/2014 10:09:43

W11-DeepWaters-A4.indd 1

04/11/2014 12:07

KnightFrank.co.uk

Sheffield Terrace, Kensington W8

A two bedroom property to rent. The exceptionally large living and entertaining space is set in a vast and imposing room at the top of the house. Accomodation comrpises 2 bedrooms, open plan reception and kitchen, utility room on the second and third floor. EPC rating F. Approximately 221.1 sq m ﴾2,380 sq ft﴿

KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings kensingtonlettings@ knightfrank.com 020 7937 8203

An exceptionally unique top floor maisonette

Available furnished

Guide price: £2,500 per week ﴾KEQ205299﴿ All potential tenants should be advised that, as well as rent, an administration fee of £276 will apply when renting a property. Please ask us for more information about other fees that may apply or visit KnightFrank.co.uk/tenantcharges

Sheffield Terrace K&C 3

07/11/2014 10:31:29

K&C

KnightFrank.co.uk

Beaufort Street, Chelsea SW3

Two/three bedroom flat with west facing garden This property boasts very good proportions and high ceilings. There is excellent living space including a drawing room, conservatory and an eat‐in kitchen. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, reception room, kitchen/dining room, utility room, conservatory, balcony, garden. EPC rating C. Approximately 148 sq m ﴾1,590 sq ft﴿ Available unfurnished

KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings chelsealettings@knightfrank.com 020 3641 6022

Guide price: £1,600 per week ﴾CHQ115581﴿

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

K&C Mag 1, 131 Beaufort Street

04/11/2014 17:58:43

KnightFrank.co.uk

Clareville Street, South Kensington SW7 Fantastic five bedroom house to rent with garage

The property boasts excellently planned space arranged over five floors and further benefits from a terrace and two entrances. 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, reception room, kitchen/breakfast room, media room, 2 cloakrooms, terrace, patio, garage. EPC rating C. Approximately 330 sq m ﴾3,556 sq ft﴿ Available furnished or unfurnished

KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings southkenlettings@knightfrank.com 020 3641 6025

Guide price: £5,000 per week ﴾SKQ204865﴿

K&C Mag 30 Clareville Street cropped

06/11/2014 16:49:19

k&C

KnightFrank.co.uk

Royal Crescent, Holland Park W11 A light and spacious Grade II listed Victorian family town house located in Holland Park. 7 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, 4 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room and access to communal gardens. EPC rating D. Approximately 229 sq m ﴾4,220 sq ft﴿

KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings nottinghilllettings@knightfrank.com 020 7985 9990

Available unfurnished

Victorian family town house

Guide price: £4,250 per week ﴾NHQ190231﴿

k&C December 24 Royal Crescent2

06/11/2014 16:20:28

020 7221 1117 hello@crayson.com 10 Lambton Place, W11 2SH

At this time of year, contrary to what you may have heard, the property market isn’t as cool as you might think – and for our clients it’s actually bubbling along quite nicely. So if you’d like to discuss selling your property, drop in for a festive mince pie and find out how we achieve success for our clients, all year round.

The Halcyon Holland Park W11 One of the swankiest apartments in town: nobody does it better than Holland Parkâ&#x20AC;Ś. The Halcyon retains the mystique that made it the ultimate celebrity hotel, and now contains the apartments de choix for those looking for well-located luxury and discretion. Magnificent in its lavish comforts, this penthouse flat has every convenience, up to, and including, its own direct lift access.

Joint Sole Agent 020 7221 1117 hello@crayson.com 10 Lambton Place, W11 2SH Knight Frank 020 7938 4311

Double reception/dining room

Master bedroom suite

Three further ensuite bedrooms

Kitchen

Cloakroom

Direct lift access/two entrances

Porter

Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea

3,744 sq ft/347.8sq m EPC Rating Band E

Guide Price ÂŁ9.25 million

Share of freehold

Pembroke Square Kensington W8 A big house for sale in perfect Pembroke Square â&#x20AC;&#x201C; beautiful, elegant, quiet and, of course, extremely well located. On the western side of the square, this Grade II listed house is found on one of the prettiest squares in Kensington, giving it some fairly hefty square footage and an epic double reception room on the ground floor.

Joint Sole Agent 020 7221 1117 hello@crayson.com 10 Lambton Place, W11 2SH Savills 020 7535 3302

Double reception room

Kitchen/dining room

Master bedroom suite

Two ensuite bedrooms

One further bedroom/ one further bathroom

Dressing room/study

Direct access to the garage (garage available by arrangement)

Utility room

Wine cellars

Front and back gardens

Terrace

Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea

3,034 sq ft / 281.9 sq m EPC Rating Band E

Guide Price ÂŁ5.95 million

Freehold

Lancaster Road Notting Hill W11 A triplex in Notting Hill, untouched by the deadening hand of design, hard to come by and with all to play forâ&#x20AC;Ś There is a great deal to shout about in this triplex apartment in an archetypal stucco fronted Notting Hill house.

Sole Agent 020 7221 1117 hello@crayson.com 10 Lambton Place, W11 2SH

Double reception room

Kitchen/family room

Master bedroom suite

Four further bedrooms

Cloakroom/shower room

Front and back garden

Two entrances

Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea

1,775 sq ft/164.8 sq m EPC Rating Band E

Guide Price ÂŁ2.3 million

Share of Freehold

Barlby Road North Kensington W10 A modern flat in a groovy building, with outside space, an underground parking space and Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea residencyâ&#x20AC;Ś yes please. This contemporary, secure and convenient flat in an architecturally relevant building ticks a lot of boxes for the style-conscious and career-minded.

Sole Agent 020 7221 1117 hello@crayson.com 10 Lambton Place, W11 2SH

Kitchen/dining/ reception room

Master bedroom suite

One further bedroom

Shower room

Two balconies, communal garden

Storage unit, underground parking space

24 hour porter

Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea

830 sq ft/77.1 sq m EPC Rating Band B

Guide Price ÂŁ950,000

Long lease

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking to buy a property or thinking of selling, pop in for a chat over a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie. Our door is always open. Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

020 7221 1117 hello@crayson.com 10 Lambton Place, W11 2SH

Seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Greetings from all of us at 10 Lambton Place

Property News PRIME RESI provides us with a comprehensive monthly round-up of key news about the local luxury property market

Price Plateau Four years of price rises end as Prime Central London (PCL) plateaus: A month with zero price growth was recorded in PCL for the first time in four years in October, says Knight Frank, as uncertainty over the general election and various tax matters kicks in to subdue the market. Annual growth has continued its three-year deceleration, from a high point of 12.6% in November 2011 to 6.5% in October this year. “It is worth emphasising the gradual nature of the slowdown,” notes the agency, “which is typical after such a strong run. Furthermore, the fact monthly growth reached zero in October is in line with a forecast we made more than a year ago.” Knight Frank predicts that PCL will see 0% price growth throughout 2015, although other organisations are forecasting anything from a 0.8% price drop (the Centre for Economics & Business Research) to a 5% increase (Chestertons, if the Conservatives win the election).

Source: Knight Frank Residential Research

Nick Clegg Photography: David Spender

Labour’s Grand Plan

Council Tax Not Mansion Tax Lib Dems abandon ‘crude’ mansion tax in favour of new Council Tax bands: Just a few days after Labour threw itself behind a Mansion Tax on £2m+ properties, the Liberal Democrat party overhauled its Mansion Tax plans, proposing the introduction of new Council Tax bands for high-value homes rather than the creation of a whole new tax. Nick Clegg mentioned the new strategy on the BBC’s The Andrew Marr Show, saying that the party’s new idea is to collect the Mansion Tax through higher Council Tax bands, rather than as a percentage lump on death. He thinks upped Council Tax bands will generate the same total revenue as a completely new Mansion levy, at somewhere between £1.5bn and £1.7bn. This is the approach that many PrimeResi.com contributors have suggested would be the least painful, and most practicable, way of executing a new levy on prime property; it would not require the revaluing of all high-value homes, and – as an amendment to an existing (and accepted) cost of ownership – would probably not have as great an impact on the property market.

Entry-level mansion-dwellers would pay £250 per month: Ed Balls has detailed just how Labour’s version of a Mansion Tax would work, should the party get lucky in May. Entry-level mansion-dwellers – living in homes worth £2m–3m – would pay an extra £250 per month if Balls and Miliband get their way. Proper mansionites, with rd) Potts Ed Balls Photography: Harry (Howa homes of £10m+, “should make a much bigger contribution,” says the Shadow Chancellor. Writing in The Evening Standard, Balls reiterated that that the proposed levy on £2m+ homes would raise around £1.2bn and affect 0.5% of UK dwellings. He went on to say that Labour “guarantee[s] that more modest properties are not brought into the scope of the tax.” Labour’s finance man says that the starting threshold will be raised in line with average property price increases for £2m+ homes, rather than in line with inflation. The latest plan involves a banded system that means the new tax “will be administratively simple” and not require any additional valuations. Homeowners would be able to submit self-valuations to HMRC, as currently happens for Annual Tax on Enveloped Dwellings (ATED). “It will,” claims Balls, “be clear which band – for example £2m-£3m – the property falls into.” Ahem. It sounds as though bands will not just be value based, though: Balls writes that “we will look at asking overseas owners of second homes in the UK to make a larger contribution than people living in their only home.” Balls’ final nugget is another “guarantee”, this time to the cash-poor asset-rich minority. Anyone living in a £2m+ home who earns under the £42,000 top tax band would be able to defer paying the new levy until the property changes hands.

PROPERTY

PrimeQResi Journal of Prime Property

primeresi.com

The Chelsea Question Crossrail 2 (CX2) consultation delivers no consensus: The Chelsea portion of the proposed new CX2 line has been the biggest bone of contention in the latest consultation report. 4,008 of the total 5,180 responses to the Consultation, which took place earlier this year and has just been published, voiced an opinion about what should happen in the King’s Road section of the line. Generally, there’s some strong support for CX2: 83% of all respondents were in favour of the scheme. In Chelsea, however, opinions are a touch more divided; two potential locations were put on the cards, in the fire station on the King’s Road at Dovehouse Green or at World’s End – along with the option of bypassing the area to give a direct run from Victoria to Clapham Junction. The public seems to be favouring the King’s Road option (including a strong contingent of campaigners looking to protect Cremorne Gardens at the World’s End), while stakeholders are erring on the Chelsea West side. Carter Jonas estimated earlier this year that CX2 will drive a 20–40% uplift in property prices in the Chelsea area. Other areas along London’s proposed new rail routes – Tottenham Court Road, Wimbledon, Tooting and Nine Elms – could benefit to the tune of more than 70%, said the agency.

Market Comment Not Just for Christmas Elena Dimova, managing director of CENTURY 21 Sophia Elena, can only think of one present to get this festive season

Autumn is the golden season; the colours are so vibrant and nature is majestic. The warmth of a fireplace and the smell of homemade cookies and spiced mulled wine are so inviting. Some pretty, scented candles and a freshly brewed pot of coffee, add to this euphoria for the senses, while it drizzles outside. What a perfect setting for dreaming of a new home. When I walk into one that gives me that welcoming and cosy feeling, I know I want to stay. I am where I want to be during the festive season with family and friends, and all the seasons after. However, I am not the only one. So many people are dreaming right now. When we walk over the threshold, what captures our imagination is about so much more than what we see. Embrace the season – it is magical; as Emily Brontë wrote, “Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree.” Why are people looking to buy right now? There are so many reasons we buy homes. Those reasons do not wait: a new baby on the way, a flat for grandma next door, a big bonus to invest, moving

The best time to sell is when you have little competition, and yet, the buyers are out there, looking professionally to a different country, or buying a holiday home in London. You must all know the old wives’ tale about selling in Spring. Surely, the best time to sell is when you have little competition, and yet the buyers are out there, looking. Think about the amount of overseas visitors who adore spending time in London. They will be here in the weeks to come enjoying one of the many things London does best – the holiday season. And you can bet your bottom dollar, many will have a new home in their Christmas stocking. CENTURY 21 Sophia Elena, 10 Clarendon Road, W11 3AA 020 7229 1414; century21uk.com Image courtesy of: Transport for London

171

LindEn Gardens, W2 ÂŁ1,997,000 Leasehold An elegant, lateral apartment of 1,426 sq ft (133 sq m) spanning the top floor (with lift) of this beautifully maintained and elegant mansion building, undoubtedly one of Notting Hillâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest. The apartment has been tastefully refurbished in a light, contemporary style and features a large reception space, a fabulous kitchen breakfast room and an unusually large master bedroom suite also. Two Bedrooms | Double Reception Room | Kitchen/Breakfast room | Two Bathrooms | Upper Floor w/Lift | 1,426 Approx Sq Ft | EPC Rating D/E