The Notting Hill & Holland Park magazine March 2015 by Runwild Media Group

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CONTENTS 14

In Focus

Watching the Stars

Hannah Lemon goes behind the lens to look at how some of fashion’s greatest moments have been documented

From Queen Marie-Antoinette to Colin Firth, the clientele of luxury watchmakers is startling diverse. Richard Brown reports

The Inside Track

Changing Rooms

Julie Brangstrup, founder of Cash & Rocket and mother to six, tells us how she manages life in the fast lane

Anthony James Armstrong heads to the home of one of Belgravia’s top interior designers, Nicola Fontanella

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Scandi Living

Stockholm Style

We style it out with the best of Norwegian, Danish and Swedish food, drink and fashion

On a trip to Sweden’s capital, Kate Vandy discovers a city brimming with gastronomic delights

The Notting Hill & Holland Park Magazine is distributed in W8, W11, W14 and parts of W2, W9 and W10

F O O D

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E L E V A T E

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On the Cover... Photographer Terry Richardson once said: “I always say I make pictures rather than take pictures.” So we have looked to a new generation of picture makers to find out what makes their style so unique. Fashion photographer and local Alex Bramall gives us an insight into his day job and the beautiful shots he has created from around the world. Turn to p. 14 to find out more about life behind the camera from Cecil Beaton’s society portraits to Tim Walker’s fantastical imagination.

Notting hill & Holland Park MARCH 2015 s issue 026 Editor Annabel Harrison Acting Editor Hannah Lemon Assistant Editor Olivia Sharpe Contributing Editor Kari Rosenberg Editorial Assistants Harriet Baker, Phoebe McDowell Ellen Millard, Liane Nelson

Cover image: Marpessa Hennink shot in Milan, 2013, for Vogue Russia. Photography by Alex Bramall

28 Online Style

38 Born to Dance

44 Origins of Life

Senior Designer Sophie Blain Production Alex Powell Hugo Wheatley Oscar Viney Alice Ford Client Relationship Director Felicity Morgan-Harvey Executive Director Sophie Roberts General Manager Fiona Fenwick Managing Director Eren Ellwood Proudly published & printed in the UK by

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From the EDITOR “A lot of it is luck; being at the right place at the right time.” Alex Bramall is part of a new generation of fashion photographers looking to step into the shoes of the talented greats before them. Having worked with Mario Testino for 12 years, he knows what makes a scene memorable and tells us what other names to look out for this year on p. 14. And if photography is your thing, the authentic tribal portraits showing at the Heist exhibition Origins are sure to capture your attention; Ellen Millard outlines some of the highlights on p. 44. The provocative photographer David LaChapelle once said: “I have this idea that you can use glamour and still have it represent something that matters.” This never rang truer than for local Julie Brangstrup, who tells us about her company Cash & Rocket – an initiative that brings together glamorous women from the worlds of fashion, media, entertainment and business in an effort to raise money for three charities in Africa (p. 18). If they ever needed inspiration for travelling in style, they need look no further than the luxury online shopping portal Avenue 32; Harriet Baker catches up with its stylish founder Roberta Benteler on p. 28. Or they could try their hand at Scandi fashion as we look at what inspires this simple and clean aesthetic on p. 23. From heels to ballet pumps, Notting Hill isn’t just the trendsetter of fashion but dance as well. We look at the life of Marie Rambert, or Mim as she was more fondly known, and how she sculpted the talent of dancers who went on to grace stages across the world – all from a small studio on Ladbroke Road.

Acting Editor

Hannah Lemon

ind tes omi n e r r tabilis duo fratres cu 012

Through the

Looking

Glass Behind every great style icon is a photographer who took their picture. Hannah Lemon goes behind the lens to look at how the history of fashion has been documented and what it takes to make it with a camera

This page/ For The Guardian Opposite from left/ Jamie Dornan for The Observer Magazine; For Wonderland; All photography by Alex Bramall

FEATURE

Who took the credit for the photo of the safetypin dress that catapulted both Liz Hurley and Versace into the limelight? Who caught Naomi Campbell’s tumble on the Vivienne Westwood catwalk? Who photographed Twiggy’s path into fashion superstardom? Who masterminded the shots of Kate Moss for the Calvin Klein Obsession campaign that launched her career? Enough with the rhetorical questions, I’m sure you get the picture (excuse the pun). But behind every camera that captures a monumental moment in fashion is a person who sculpts the way we see it; right from Cecil Beaton’s monochrome society portraits for Vogue in the early 1900s, through to the savvy behind-the-scenes snaps at fashion weeks. Not only have photographers provided flattering light and captured the good looks of models and what they are wearing but they have created a new world for them too. In the 50s, fashion involved genteel walks in the park or along cobbled streets, whereas the liberating 60s photo frame was that of bright London buses and telephone booths. Technology too has developed the way in which we interpret fashion, from the black and white film rolls formed in the darkroom to the digital age of SLRs and Photoshop. A quick flick through any magazine and you may see, more often than not, that the clothes of photoshoots become secondary to the setting and atmosphere. Fashion photography is more than an expression of style; it is an art form. For a clearer glimpse into the secret world behind a shutter, I meet local resident Alex Bramall. He started a career in the fashion industry with

an internship at British Vogue, from where he landed his first job as art director at Mario Testino’s studio in 2002 at the mere age of 22, but has since left to launch a career as a successful fashion photographer in his own right. A quick internet trawl of his past work and you can see he keeps good company. His Instagram account has the likes of Eddie Redmayne at the Evening Standard Theatre Awards, Sienna Miller with Cara Delevingne, Sienna Miller again but now with Harry Styles and Suki Waterhouse on the front row at Burberry. Alex is in a few photos too, living a life only dreamed of by us lesser mortals: there he is kissing David Beckham’s cheek (sigh), with an arm around Jamie Dornan (an arm we would gladly give to swap places), kissing Russell Crowe (I see a pattern emerging here), and best of all, at the Chiltern Firehouse with Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss, taken by Mario Testino no less. Is this all part of being a photographer – hanging out with your subjects too? “You have to take it seriously but enjoy the parties and make sure you’re fun to be around,” he tells me. Making people feel at ease in your company is all part of the talent of being a good photographer, Alex advises. This is something that he has been particularly fortunate to perfect at some of Testino’s most lavish and legendary soirées. “It’s a very fortunate position to be in to have Mario and Kate Moss relaxed and be allowed into that world. To have a camera and free reign to document that is a huge privilege.” I ask what Alex learnt from his time with one of the most famous fashion photographers ever. He shakes his head and replies, “I could sit here all day talking about what I have learnt from Mario. That’s an impossible question to answer.” But one thing that seems invaluable is

Fashion photography is more than an expression of style; it is an art form

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nd; For Vogue Italia; From left/ For Wonderla Wonderland For Vogue Russia; For Bramall All photography by Alex

the relationships built up with models while working with him. When we talk he has just been to the first La Perla catwalk at the Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week, where Naomi Campbell closed the show. Alex was there to capture the models in action off the runway. “At a fashion show there are lots of photographers and you have to compete,” says Alex. “You have to have something that others don’t.” Which is why it comes in handy that he has shot Isabelli Fontana, Izabel Goulart and Lindsey Wixson before, making them more likely to open up to him when he is backstage. “Although a lot of it is luck,” he adds. “Being at the right place at the right time.” Being able to notice which models are energetic and dynamic is important to every shoot, whether that’s shooting behind the scenes or on big sets. Lively characters bring personality to each picture, capturing the interest of viewers. It’s no wonder then that Cara Delevingne has cemented herself as one of those faces. Her energetic spirit – pulling wacky faces and sticking her tongue out at cameras – has made her an endearing model and one that people buy into. That’s not to say that photographers don’t experience subjects who are bolshie or awkward. Alex discusses a few actors (politely withholding their names) who have been unwilling to compromise or who have angrily asked him to delete pictures. But that is all part and parcel of the day job; you have to be “life and soul to really get a shoot going,” says Alex.

As with most industries, commercial and creative elements must weigh-in equally, after all, a photo is just as much about selling products as it is showcasing artistic talent. But this doesn’t stop a photographer’s style coming through. Miles Aldridge intermingles Stepford wives and pop art with a darker side; blank models silently scream or smash plates, inviting us into a world that is dangerously glamorous. Tim Walker has a real decadence to his surreal fairytales, placing his models in a world of fashionable make-believe of monumental sets and extravagant props. There is intricate, detailed lighting in Annie Leibovtiz’s photos, which focus on the intimacy of human expression. And there are the lively, provocative party shots by Richard Young. All have a unique message to communicate. I ask if Alex has his technique sussed yet. “My style is forming and people tell me that I will be honing that for the rest of my life.” He shows me a picture of Victoria Beckham and Sienna Miller at a table at the Evening Standard Theatre Awards and says he uses these opportunities as practice for the bigger shoots. I can see the similarities in a recent Dior feature he shot for Wonderland; both show a keen eye for the right pose, as well as looking at how the materials of clothes and products change in the light. “I love daylight,” says Alex. “I love shooting very quickly. So these styles contribute to the way I take pictures.” A mark of this is evident with the stunning shots of Jamie Dornan in

There is a new generation ready to put their own stamp on the industry

FEATURE

an old gym. Natural light illuminates his torso as he moves from a bench to a pommel horse. “I was slightly unaware of the fans,” he smiles. “It was quite amazing how the Fifty Shades of Grey community got on the bandwagon for these pictures. It really made me feel like I was doing something that was being admired and respected.” Men’s fashion is a booming industry and something Alex is a keen advocate of. He names Christopher Shannon as man of the moment, having just shot him for a Guardian feature. “There are people doing some pretty far-fetched things and it would be amazing to photograph that,” says Alex. Shannon recently caused a stir at London Collections: Men, sending models down the catwalk with plastic bags on their heads. Another thing to consider in the development of fashion photography is the age of the airbrush. It’s one thing to blot out a pimple and another thing to erase imperfections to the point that a model is unrecognisable; Ralph Lauren made Filippa Hamilton look worryingly emaciated for a campaign in 2009 and Scarlett Johansson’s waist disappeared in the 2011 Mango campaign. But Alex tells me there is a place for retouching: “If a girl’s got a spot...well, let’s face it, all models are human beings, they have their imperfections. There are certain things that are not going to help sell an item of clothing, jewellery or watch. I think people are pretty aware of that.” But how far is too far? “I believe in taking an image and making it as good as it can be so that everyone’s work looks the best possible, without losing the identity of the original picture. I like things that look real; where you can feel the skin and you can look into the eyes. If you look at it and you don’t believe it, then it’s not working for me.”

In Alex’s opinion, Mario Testino gets this balance just right. “He really shows the girl in the dress and sells the lifestyle. You really want to be in that moment.” It must be difficult for photographers to create something new though; everything has been tried and tested and retried. Alex agrees but is adamant that the industry is far from running dry of ideas. “It’s difficult to be different but people manage to do it. Lachlan Bailey and Emma Tempest’s work for example – I am seduced by the beauty they bring to pictures.” It’s obvious that despite the array of talent that has gone before there is a new generation ready to put their own stamp on the industry. Watch this space. alexbramall.com; instagram.com/abrampics

In Their Own Words “Girls are more attractive to me than dresses.” David Bailey “I am obsessed with people and how to make them look their best.” Mario Testino “Portraits aren’t fantasies; they need to tell a truth.” Tim Walker “A thing that you see in my pictures is that I was not afraid to fall in love with these people.” Annie Leibotvitz “I have this idea that you can use glamour and still have it represent something that matters.” David LaChapelle “I always say I make pictures rather than take pictures.” Terry Richardson

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The

Inside Track

Julie Brangstrup leads a fast and furious life as a glamorous wife in West London, a mother to six children, the founder of the Cash & Rocket tour, as well as an avid driver. Hannah Lemon tries to keep up Sticky, sweaty, firm or limp; handshakes can be the make or break of first impressions. In the few seconds where skin touches skin, you can predict how the next few moments might turn out. Meeting Julie Brangstrup is no exception. Her hand firmly but comfortably grasps my own, while her fierce blue eyes look at me without a flicker. In this split second of a moment I’m silently told (with a charming smile I might add) that she is in control of this meeting. But this is to be expected; Julie has a head for business. We are here to discuss Cash & Rocket, a novel venture that gets 70 women on a tour of Europe in an effort to raise global awareness and funds for three African charities. Julie sits down with a pad of paper and on it, neatly written, are bullet points of what this meeting needs to cover. We are sitting in the board room of her office, a smart establishment in the heart of Embankment. She flicks back her long glossy brown hair and crosses her legs under a tan knee-length skirt, waiting for me to begin.

All images courtesy of: Cash & Rocket Event Ltd

But before we run into the history behind Cash & Rocket, I can’t help but quickly express my awe in her astute ability in conquering the business world. This is her third accomplishment after Vita Viva, a health supplements company, which she set up with her father, and Gumball 3000, a rally adventure which she co-founded with Maximillion Cooper. The latter is something from which Cash & Rocket was born. “It was in my blood,” explains Julie in a Danish twang. “I love adventures and thought it was time to do one for women.” Julie divulges details about her love of cars, which appeared at a young age. “I’ve been into cars for many years. I used to motorcross when I was ten. It was actually my dad [who got me into it]. I’m the middle of three sisters, so he kind of chose me to be the tomboy,” she laughs. This was followed by motorbiking at high school and motorsports and skiing as an adult. The next Cash & Rocket tour takes place in May across four days on a journey through London, Paris, Lyon, Milan and finishes in Cannes in time for the film

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festival. The glamour is all part of the experience Julie tells me. “That’s how we spread awareness.” Different partners fly the flag each year and she is in the process of pitching to new names when we talk. Last year she had Valentino, Mophie, Net-A-Porter, McArthur Glen, Veuve Clicquot, Maserati, Jaguar, Aston Martin and Bentley working together. “Sometimes I speak to the partners and see if they have products they are launching

Julie is a huge fan of Valentino; the label created a capsule collection just for the tour so we can integrate that in,” she says. “They can launch a product with us and then 20–30 per cent of the sale goes to the charities. We build it into the strategy.” Valentino, for example, created a limited edition capsule collection just for the tour. “I am a massive fan of Valentino. What they have done in the last couple of years is incredible,” she says. I ask if it is really necessary to have such luxury and extravagance when trying to raise money for a good cause. “Everyone says, ‘Hold on a minute. You’re raising money for charity but you’re driving amazing red cars – what’s the point of that?’ And I say, ‘Well if we used normal cars then no one would come down and see what we’re doing.’” This alone acts as a beacon of light to attract the masses to donate at each city they stop in. Looking past the flashy cars and expensive brands you can see that the charities are at the core of everything Cash & Rocket does. The three non-profit

organisations: Shine on Sierra Leone (founded by casting director Tiffany Persons), OAfrica (founded by ex-Vogue editor Lisa Lovatt-Smith) and Sumbandila (founded by Leigh Bristow) have education and health at the core of everything they do. The African charities were chosen because Julie wanted places where she could witness change and play a hands-on role. “I go once a year and try to get as many ladies to come with me as possible. I think it’s important for them to see what we’re creating and building.” They support children from the age of nine right through to university to ensure they receive the education needed for a bright future. “We raised £1.3 million last year, £300,000 the year before and £250,000 the year before that. You can really see the difference,” she says. So what made her want to start a race just for women? She politely corrects me that it is not a race; it is a tour. A race implies, perhaps, a more feverish and reckless aspect directed at men. I can see that Julie is on a mission not to sideline women but encourage them. “The ‘race’ between the teams is to see who is fundraising the most. Each night we announce team number one, two and three. That’s the fun part.” But she knowingly adds, “I always used to think that men were much more competitive than women but that’s so not true.” The women selected for the mission are a disconcertingly glamorous bunch, drawn from the worlds of fashion, media, entertainment and business. “They all have this one thing in common. They’re there for the adventure, to raise funds and the awareness for our charities.” Do all of them have to be budding racing drivers? “You have to be into the adventure, not so much the driving, because as soon as you’re on the tour, the adrenaline kicks in and

FEATURE

you’re excited. I would say 70 per cent are into cars but if they were asked to open the bonnet, I’m not sure they could handle it!” Two women take it in turns to drive four or five hours each day, using their own cars or borrowed ones, all the while calling people up for donations. Last year Christina Hendricks, Daisy Lowe, Chloe Green, Jo Wood and Jodie Kidd all took part. A quick glance at Chloe Green’s fundraising page and you can see how it pays to be in the know. A ‘K Moss’, ‘Sinitta’ and ‘Dee and Tommy Hilfiger’ are listed as donators – I would hazard a guess that they’re the real deal. The journey also provides these women with an opportunity to network and share business ideas. Only half of them are able to travel the following year, in the hope that word spreads and people sign up. I like the idea that this union can strengthen women’s careers and simultaneously benefit others across the globe. Julie agrees. “I think when we all come together we are very powerful and we’ve shown that the last couple of years. We’ve all got busy lives, most of us have got kids and for those four days you get to concentrate on yourself and your relationships.” Julie has six children to be exact, four with Cooper and two with her current husband and hedge fund owner Mark Brangstrup Watts, all with rather distinctive names: Lotus, 12; Jag, 11; Yasmin, 9; Cash, 8; Mini, 6 and Columbus, 2. “I’m not sure they will love [their names] when they’re older but I’ve given them conservative middle names. Cash is named after Johnny Cash so I said to him if he wants to become an accountant he can always switch over to his middle name Alexander.” I see Mini peeking out from behind a door frame in the foyer of the building as I leave. How does Julie manage to balance it all? “I have a very supportive husband, a fantastic team at home [in Notting Hill], a great housekeeper and a fantastic nanny. All of that helps a lot. It’s all busy, busy, busy,” she chuckles. With that in mind, I sense that she won’t be able to stay stuck on this one job for long. Sensing my question, she replies with a wry smile, “I have a lot of balls in the air – I may catch a few of them.”

The Tour

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FEATURE

I Want

Scandi We have all witnessed the high street takeovers from stores such as H&M and Ikea but what Scandinavian influences are lurking in the hidden echelons of Notting Hill? Hannah Lemon finds out

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ordic culture has been infiltrating Britain for a while now, from ABBA (don’t pretend like you don’t know the words to Dancing Queen) to Helena Christensen, we’ve been captured by our European cousins’ good looks and calmer lifestyles (or so they appear). Whether you shop from high-street or high-end fashion, you are sure to have crossed the Scandinavian border without, perhaps, even knowing it. Swedish style has amassed a huge following on this side of the North Sea; of particular note is H&M, which originated as a single womenswear shop in Västerås but now has over 3,500 stores worldwide. Its fan base has spread even further with the launch of five other brands under the Hennes & Mauritz moniker: COS, Monki, & Other Stories, Weekday and Cheap Monday – there’s just no escaping it. Sweden is not just the leader of accessible fashion either, it also lays claim to Ikea, Spotify and Skype. Demark too has created household names Pandora, Georg Jensen and Lego while Norway has new fashion talent (protégé of Donatella Versace no less) Kristian Aadnevik. The simple interiors, wholesome food and Scandinavian aesthetic encourage us all to live a clean, modern and eco-friendly lifestyle; it is a fashion trend for some but becomes a way of life for others. A quick peek at Scandinavian Fashion, a one-stop e-shop for all things Swedish run by local resident Cecilia

All of the labels on Johansson’s online boutique embrace a clean style, minimal decoration and rich natural materials. “In Swedish there is a word called lagom which means just right – not too much, not too little,” she says. “I think that represents the Swedish aesthetic quite well. Not overdone but never plain or boring.” There is an extensive A-Z list of labels, many of which are worn by Scandinavian royals and celebrities, but the ones to watch include: Anna Holtblad, Ahlvar, Charlotte Bonde, De Moy, Ida Sjöstedt, Noir & Blanc and Säby. Johansson says that the element she loves most about the Swedish culture is the fika. “[It] basically means a coffee and cake break,” she translates. “Every workplace has a fika break where you stop working and enjoy a nice chat and coffee with your colleagues; it’s a big part of our culture. I like the fact that people allow themselves to stop and take a break every day.” Even if you are not aware of the jargon, hopefully, like me, you

“The Swedish aesthetic is lagom – not overdone but never plain or boring” Johansson, and it is clear why this part of Europe is so irresistible. The women modelling the clothes have the stereotypical signature blonde hair, blue eyes, ridiculously long limbs and angular cheekbones. The sleek but casual clothes offer up a bleak but beautiful pallet of dusky greys and blacks. These linear details and cool colours reflect the relaxed pace of life led by the Swedes amongst the tall trees of pine forests or cold, flat, quiet shores. “My memories of Sweden are growing up close to the ocean, being near nature and the beach; the stress-free simple life,” says Johansson. “Maybe it’s me being nostalgic but life feels very easy there. There is not as much stress or social/work pressure as London.” This can also be seen in the designs of some of the more prominent brands that will be gracing the fashion weeks over the coming months, with Acne, Tiger of Sweden, the Danish brand Saks Potts and CMMN SWDN among them.

have already salivated over your fair share of Swedish foods from its infamous cinnamon buns to its savoury herring dishes. Swedish restaurant Lisa’s offers all of these in a cosy setting of minimalist design and natural Pantones. Driftwood handles on the front door and the rustic wooden bar with white painted floors and walls echo that popular fresh, outdoorsy feel. It’s not surprising considering founder Lisa Wallén took inspiration for the interior from the house she grew up in on the west coast of Sweden outside Gothenburg. She fondly recalls some of the memories that made the place so unique. “I used to go out in our snipa (a very slow boat) with my father and sister and jump off cliffs into the water and then warm up on

FEATURE

From left/ Joceline Coat and Paparazzi Bag by Ida Sjöstedt; Diamond Long by Säby; Crystal Silk by Säby

the hot summer stones. I can remember gathering mussels on the shoreline with my grandfather who then invited me into the boathouse for a little shot of Flaggpunsch (an amazing Swedish dessert akvavit).” But despite these idyllic scenes Wallén wanted to avoid any clichés in her designs. “I wanted to communicate Swedish style, but not by putting up the Swedish flag or reindeer fur on the walls. That’s not Sweden for me. Sweden is light colours with beautiful natural materials combined with fun textiles.” The food includes all the traditional favourites, as well as some more modern dishes: meatballs served with potato purée, lingonberries, pickled cucumber and cream sauce; herring; fish gratin with Dark grey blouse by Ahlvar

lobster sauce; liver pâté with fried bacon and pickled cucumber; and Lisa’s favourite of blue mussels boiled in beer with homemade garlic bread. Snaps & Rye, founded by Kell and Jacqueline Skött, is another place that you can grab a slice of the Scandi action. This Danish cafe/takeaway/bistro (wow, Denmark is efficient) offers a wholesome sleek aesthetic in which to grab some grub. “We have used classic Danish design elements,” says Jacqueline, “such as the Arne Jacobsen Banker’s clock and original Louis Poulsen PH5 pendant lights, which have been in Kell’s family for years and now hang in the windows. Kay Bojesen’s iconic ape and soldier figures are also hanging around the counter and retail space.” And a wash of natural colours are reflected Above, from left/ Snaps & Rye; Lisa’s; Herring with capers at Snaps & Rye

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through the lye-treated pine floorboards and the solid oak counters. “We wanted to encapsulate the chic, lightfilled aesthetics that are synonymous with Scandinavian design, whilst retaining the warmth and welcoming atmosphere or hygge for which Denmark is renowned.” Typical Danish cuisine incorporates a lot of fish, served cured, smoked or cooked, as well as pickled and fermented vegetables, which is reflected in the à la carte menu with dishes such as var salmon tartare, poached cucumber, pickled beetroot and rye crisps. Snaps & Rye also offers øllebrød, which is a traditional porridge dish made with dark rye bread and beer and is served with cream for the ultimate indulgent breakfast dish. But don’t forget Norway, I hear you say. This aesthetic is all about “natural beauty” too, so says the Norwegian-born fashion designer Kristian Aadnevik. Unsurprisingly grand landscapes played an important part in his upbringing too. “Growing up we used to go to the mountains all the time; I sometimes long for this living in a big city like London,” he tells me. His atelier is based in Knightsbridge, where he settled after working for Alexander McQueen and Roberto Cavalli. The opulent feminine silhouettes of his dresses contrast with a gloomy and fragile beauty of soft layering and drapes. Definitely one to follow this season. It is easy to see why we like to wave the Scandi flag occasionally and why it’s made considerable headway

in the local scene. So if your cultural emersion only goes so far as watching Borgen or The Killing, it’s high time you switched off the boxset and experienced the lifestyle of rye-bread, coffee and killer clothes right on your doorstep.

More Information Keep an eye out for the next Scandinavian Fashion pop-up or book an appointment for a private shopping experience in the Notting Hill showroom. scandinavianfashion.co.uk Experience Nordic tastes at Lisa’s, 305 Portobello Road, W10 5TD lisasportobello.com Pop into the local Danish eatery to try some smørrebrød or gammeldags æblekage – that’s an open sandwich and apple cake to me and you snapsandrye.com Check out the latest Kristian Aadnevik designs strolling down the catwalk this season kristianaadnevik.com

Above/ Dress by Kristian Aadnevik This image/ KBC Poncho by Säby

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Wearing the

Trousers

FEATURE

From a life in finance to the colourful world of fashion, Harriet Baker explores the recent success of Roberta Benteler, founder and managing director of luxury online retailer Avenue 32. The two talk discovery, London Fashion Week exhaustion and a mutual love for the Algarve

would be lying if I didn’t admit to a momentary “What do I wear to this interview?” panic when I woke up this morning. I am due to meet Roberta Benteler, founder and managing director of luxury e-tail emporium Avenue 32 on this brilliantly freezing winter’s day at the Electric House on Portobello Road. Not one for colour, I play it safe and opt for an all-black ensemble in the hope that this will pass as suitable attire under her experienced gaze. I arrive early and am quickly escorted to a table where I wait for my guests to appear. Alex, Roberta’s PR agent arrives shortly after me, followed by Roberta herself – tall, slim and dressed head to toe in black. I smile inwardly, relieved and at ease with my matching outfit choice. Her blonde, fine features hint at her German heritage and I ponder whether her personality fits the stereotypical criteria too: well-organised, efficient, punctual? For a moment my judgement is right on track as she firmly shakes my hand and greets me with: “I can’t believe I’m the last one here. I’m German so I’m usually the first!” So I assume we will get straight down to business; quite the contrary though. We chatter for a while about people, clothes, holidays; much like one would at breakfast with a good friend. Roberta has the looks, the figure, and most importantly the brain, which at a mere 30 years of age is what catapulted her business into being voted the second best online fashion retailer in 2012 by British Vogue in a poll of 100 successful e-commerce websites. First place was offered to friendly rival Net-A-Porter with whom Roberta regards founder Natalie Massenet as a true inspiration to all budding female entrepreneurs.

Roberta always wanted to work in fashion but her father insisted that she study business first. It was important to him that she was able to read her own financial accounts and have a basic understanding of business management. So she did a Bachelor’s degree in business before completing a Master’s in finance because “that was also in fashion at the time – everyone was going into banking”. Roberta worked for Deutsche Bank and AXA Private Equity in New York for a while but found the job stifling. “I felt like I was always wearing a uniform; there was no expression in terms of style. And then the financial crisis hit and no one was investing. Finance was even more monotonous than usual, to me anyway.” It was then she decided it was time for a career change. “My aim wasn’t to go into fashion design per se, but to work with luxury products from a more strategic point of view.” She tried to get a job at the big fashion houses and, although Roberta had an impressive background

After just three month’s experience in fashion, Roberta had the idea for Avenue 32 in the finance sector, there was no fashion experience there. So she went to work with a friend (an emerging designer in London with whom she is reluctant to give the name of) to see what she liked in fashion or if she even liked it at all. Within three months she had the ingenious idea for Avenue 32. “My friend had designed a beautiful dress that a celebrity had once worn. Every single retailer wanted to buy that one dress but there was a whole collection of other pieces that were equally beautiful too.” I sense frustration in Roberta as she expresses how strongly she felt that a consumer would be really interested in seeing the entire collection. The difficulty was that the “retailers were too afraid to take the risk.” This was back in 2008, around the same time that online shopping was starting to take off. Roberta refers to the difficulties she herself had trying to find Christopher Kane online: “It was hard to find him at the time, and even harder to find the piece that you wanted, if that even ever got produced. There wasn’t enough choice on the internet and not From left inset/ Temperley London Coral Lace Coco Dress, £550; Shrimps Pink Faux Fur Pablo Clutch, £495; both available at avenue32.com

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enough discovery – and that’s how I came up with the idea for a platform that promotes new and exciting talent alongside more established ones.” Avenue 32 launched in 2011 as an innovative neighbourhood of emerging and distinguished luxury designers. “We curate the established brands in an exciting way and position them against more fashion-forward ones,” she says. “It’s a platform for showcase and discovery.” Revenue increased by 109 per cent from 2013 to 2014 and the company now exports to over 70 per cent of the globe with a loyal customer following from the UK and the US. The company has also developed a strong brand presence in Australia, Europe and more recently in the Middle East. Four years down the line and visitors remain truly spoilt for choice as they scroll through the pages of the website’s latest collections. Inspiration can come from anywhere: the team look online, they go out and scout, and they encourage recommendations for new, undiscovered labels. Roberta reels off a list of how some of her most talented guests took up residence on her beautiful boulevard of fashion: “Kiini Bikini was found on Instagram. Vika Gazinskaya and I have a mutual friend in common. Hannah Weiland, who designs Shrimps, was working for another designer at the time and walked into our office wearing her one and only Shrimps coat she’d made for herself. We saw the coat and immediately ordered fifty. We met Charlotte Simone when she was living in New York and picked up her Popsicle scarves and fur-lined hoods when she moved to London. They are everywhere now, we can’t keep them in stock.” Brands such as Charlotte Simone are now available on competitor sites such as Matchesfashion.com, Moda Operandi and Net-A-Porter as well as throughout the world in a number of traditional brick-and-mortar retailers. By no means, however, does this non-exclusivity make Roberta

Clockwise from top/ Vika Gazinskaya Trousers, £1715; Vika Gazinskaya Top, £1095; Temperley London Grenadine Silk Faye Wrap Dress £1195; all available at avenue32.com

FEATURE

Shrimps Faux Fur Jacket, £495; available at avenue32.com

despondent; quite the opposite because “it gives credit to our discoveries”. These new brands sit alongside celebrated classics such as Temperley London and Zac Posen. Roberta too admits to having a serious weakness for Céline, although the company do not stock the brand. But young or old, it’s not about a label, “it’s the product I get excited by, the beautiful design,” she informs me. London Fashion Week (LFW) is approaching (20–24 February) but Roberta has spent a good few years at the shows and is now fully prepared for the mania of this season. What comprises her LFW survival kit? “Lots of Nespresso. London is the most intense. You rush between east and central London to get from one show to the next all the while trying to look your best. You need to look great but you need to be up early. Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday I have 9 am shows. You meet international press. You meet friends you haven’t seen for ages – it’s work but it’s social. At night, everyone goes to the events even if they’re incredibly tired. You go because everyone is in the same boat.” And while she does love to dress up for LFW, she tells me what a wonderful feeling it is to go back to the office, throw on a cashmere knit, pull

up her hair and take off her makeup; relaxed comfort to her but I imagine she still looks impossibly stylish to the rest of us. The company’s headquarters is based on Latimer Road and with the lease coming to an end soon – she is considering a move east, possibly to Brick Lane – Roberta is sad to leave such an inspiring area. “Notting Hill has a lovely village-y feel to it. It feels more independent. It has cute little shops and lower built houses.” When asked what restaurants she likes, her list seems endless. “I love E&O. I love Osteria Basilico. I love Ottolenghi. Granger & Co is obviously amazing. Pizza East do great breakfasts and Assaggi is probably the best Italian in London. I love them all,” she laughs. I couldn’t agree more. But eating out isn’t the only thing she gets up to while not in the office. Growing up in Paderborn in the German countryside, Roberta is naturally outdoorsy and active no matter what the weather. She is addicted to barrecore, is an avid runner and a passionate horse rider, who, until recently, owned a horse in Richmond Park: “I would go riding before work in the morning. It’s a really good way to balance stress.” Her parents moved from Germany to Austria but have always kept a home in the Algarve, Portugal – a stable point for the family where Roberta finds herself disappearing back to from time to time. It’s an area close to my heart too, having holidayed there frequently over the last 20 years or so, and we wander off tangent again reminiscing about palm trees, the smell of eucalyptus and our mutual love for restaurants like Gigi’s and Sr. Frango. Before I know it we are back to talking like old friends again. avenue32.com

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spotlight

Surrealist style

Lumas Gallery is presenting a selection of masterpieces from New York-based Trunk Archive, an image licensing company that represents some of the world’s leading fashion, celebrity, still life and landscape photographers. Lumas is showcasing works from acclaimed fashion photographers Erik Madigan Heck and Alexander Straulino, whose approach to the medium are both striking and intense. Both artists work in a surrealist style; Heck’s intense colour adds an unexpected element to his serene compositions and Straulino’s models are transformed into works of art through use of paint and powder pigments. Lumas Collection: Trunk Archive Lumas Gallery, 102 Westbourne Grove, W2 5RU lumas.co.uk

Untitled Portrait © Erik Madigan Heck, Trunk Archive, lumas.co.uk

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Illustration: Mai Osawa

Melt in the Mouth

notting hill

& holland park

With a beautiful concession housed inside Selfridges and a flagship based in the heart of Notting Hill, we welcome with open arms another of Melt’s luxury chocolate boutiques to the area. Nestled amongst Lidgate the butcher, Jeroboams’s cheeses and wine retailer Nicolas, the second shop has now opened in the food centric area of Holland Park. Designed by Michaelis Boyd, the boutique showcases carefully curated pieces of mid-century furniture and lighting as well as an open-plan kitchen where you can see the Melt chocolatiers hard at work. The chocolates constantly change according to the seasons and the interior evolves as a visually stimulating space for the eye as well as the palette. Melt, 6 Clarendon Road, Holland Park, W11 3AA; meltchocolates.com

Celebrating 65 years of Snoopy Luxury dog and cat outfitters, Mungo & Maud, has designed a Peanuts collection to celebrate 65 years of Snoopy – that’s 455 dog years. The Mungo & Maud for Peanuts collection is based on Schulz’s early works of the cartoon from the 1950s and 60s and features the Snoopy Bed, Snoopy Bowl and Snoopy Toy in classic retro colours. “We have grown up with Snoopy, an iconic dog, [so] the opportunity to create a collection for Peanuts was irresistible and a huge honour for our brand,” says Nicola Sacher, Creative Director of Mungo & Maud. The Peanuts movie is set to launch this Autumn. Mungo & Maud, 51 Ledbury Road, W11 2AA mungoandmaud.com

Peanuts Snoopy Bed from £129; Peanuts Snoopy Toy, £25, both at Mungo & Maud

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

Photography: James Bedford

SPOTLIGHT Frederic, Lord Leighton, Crenaia, the Nymph of the Dargle 1880, The Pérez Simón Collection, Mexico © Studio Sébert Photographes

Eat to be Healthy Juice bars, vegan cafés, organic farm shops; it’s becoming increasingly easier to eat well with the array of healthy eateries on our doorstep. Daylesford has launched its Eat To Be Healthy range, making it even simpler (if that’s possible) to look after our bodies while on the go. New products include the b bright cold-press juice with organic orange, red pepper, carrot, ginger and turmeric as well as new porridge pots, energy bites and raw balls for slow-release snacking. We also recommend heading down to sample the supper menu; the majority of ingredients are sourced direct from the farm. The slow-cooked beef cheek and truffle croquettes are a must, try the pork shoulder for a main and to finish, challenge your appetite with the indulgent chocolate nemesis ... if you dare. Daylesford, 208–212 Westbourne Grove, W11 2RH; daylesford.com

Leighton’s Musings Following the sell-out success of the production Hedda in April 2014, Leighton House will again be working with the Palimpsest theatre, film and web company to present an extended run of a new multi-media play. It explores the relationship between Frederic, Lord Leighton, one of the most influential Victorian artists and President of the Royal Academy (1878–1896) and Dorothy Dene (aka Ada Pullan), his model, muse and confidante. Staged in Leighton’s studio, where Dorothy often posed for the artist, The Muse is a must see. The Muse by Katherine Tozer, 13–28 March, 7.45pm – 9.00pm Tickets £25, eventbrite.co.uk Leighton House Museum, 12 Holland Park Road, W14 8LZ 12 March special preview for The Friends of Leighton House jennifer.sage@rbkc.gov.uk

Add a Smile to Your Style Many of our childhoods were spent collecting, sharing and swapping stickers. In celebration of all that nostalgic self-adhesive and customised fun, Anya Hindmarch has launched the Sticker Shop, an exciting S/S 15 collaboration with Charlotte Stockdale of styling and consultant agency Chaos Fashion. The collection of luxurious embossed leather stickers (self-adhesive and permanent) uses graphics taken from old-school designs and were inspired by Anya’s schoolgirl version of personalisation. They can be used to brighten up anything from your handbag to your purse or phone. Make your own personal artwork or purchase a snakeskin bag already smothered in some of Anya’s favourites. Anya Hindmarch, 63A Ledbury Road, W11 2AD anyahindmarch.com

covering holland park, notting hill and the surrounding area

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A Penny for Your Thoughts Images courtesy of: Museum of Brands

Sunday Funday Have you ever wondered where that yellow piece of Connect Four went or if you’ll ever finish a game of Monopoly? Are you still looking under the sofa for that lost funny bone extracted from Cavity Sam? For those of us looking to escape the age of online gaming and smartphone apps, The Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising is offering visitors the chance to play retro table top games in its café every Sunday until March. Escape the winter blues with a cup of hot Bovril and a Pot Noodle all the while playing a game of your choice. Board Games Are Back Until 1 March, every Sunday, 11am–5pm Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising, 2 Colville Mews, Lonsdale Road, W11 2AR museumofbrands.com

It’s still quite chilly and grey outside but the colourful tarpaulins at The Penny Market should hopefully lure you away from your nest this month. The Portobello and Golborne areas welcomed the new market last summer, which is located between Golborne Road and Bonchurch Road, after the space had fallen into disuse. The Penny Market comprises 12 pitches with stalls selling organic and fresh food produce such as cheeses, biscuits and jams. Backed by the local council, pitches are rent free for the first year in a bid to improve the area and incentivise more businesses to join. What’s more, for every two pennies made in profit, one penny is donated to local community enterprises and charities. The Penny Market, Portobello Road Open from 6 March, Fridays and Saturdays, 9am–5pm thepennymarket.co.uk

Let Her Eat Cake The Hummingbird Bakery has introduced a scrumptious range of products just in time for Mother’s Day. From 13-15 March, Mother’s Day Cupcakes will be available in store, with mini cupcakes, layer cakes and cupcake gift boxes available to order online. Choose between red velvet, chocolate or vanilla topped with lightly whipped frostings in anything from fondant flowers to butterflies and pink sprinkles, and of course a hand piped ‘Happy Mother’s Day’ message. The Hummingbird Bakery, 133 Portobello Road, W11 2DY hummingbirdbakery.com Photography/ Benjamin C M Backhouse

Photography/ Justin Thomas Images courtesy of/ Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea

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

The Perfect Pop-Up Flower power was in full bloom at the Paris S/S 15 Couture Week so it seems like the perfect time to invest in Notting Hill’s very own nature-inspired fashion label. The startup company My-Perfect-T, set up by local Chiatsin Puah, is hosting a pop-up shop just down the road with an array of silk shirts, tops and scarves. Each item is inspired by the elements: from the emerald reflections in a thunderstorm and the electric blue of lightening bolts to playful bubbles of water. 79–81 Ledbury Road, Notting Hill, W11 2AG 19 February–8 March, Monday to Saturday 10 am–6 pm; Sunday 12 –6 pm

Are You the Next Big Thing?

Bellini and Chopin

If you know someone who will answer ‘yes’ to the above and is aged between 10 and 18, tell them to look no further than the five-week fashion and entrepreneurship course at Debut Contemporary. Handbag designer Zoë Ceric’s classes will focus on fashion design and development, the conception of ideas, brand identity, marketing and post sales. Zoë has over 15 years of experience within the luxury sector, having designed and consulted on handbag and accessory lines for Chloé, Jimmy Choo and Paul Smith to name a few, and also had her own handbag line stocked in department stores worldwide. She co-founded Wolf and Badger and now takes an avid interest in fashion and art, working with young aspiring designers and artists. Private home tuition is also available.

ASPECT Foundation for Music and Arts presents tenor Gyula Rab and pianists Thomas Harris and Aldemir Tokov in a Bellini, Verdi and Chopin recital. As recent prize-winners at the Musical Odyssey international summer masterclasses for pianists and singers, all three artists were awarded the opportunity to participate in an ASPECT concert. The evening, which takes place at Leighton House, also includes an illustrated talk by Christie’s Education senior lecturer Patrick Bade. Bellini and Chopin: Weeping in Song 2 March, 7.30pm Leighton House, 12 Holland Park Road W14 8LZ; leightonhouse.co.uk

Fashion and Entrepreneurship Classes, £200 for five-week course Debut Contemporary, 82 Westbourne Grove, W2 5RT zoeceric@gmail.com

An Educated Workout In a not so typical workout space, The Library is a private members club where all aspects of feeling and looking good come together in a relaxed health hub. Housed in an old synagogue, the gym offers an intelligent approach to exercise promising to re-shape and re-sculpt your body and mind in as little as 15 minutes. Short bursts of intense exercise have been shown to stimulate muscle fibre as well as activate the body’s natural growth hormone, helping to aid fat loss and build toned muscle. Instructors offer individually tailored, low glycemic nutrition plans designed to balance the body’s insulin levels combined with the use of weights. The rest of your time in the club is yours to relax and enjoy. The Library Gym, 206–208 Kensington Park Road, W11 1NR thelibrarygym.com

covering holland park, notting hill and the surrounding area

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The Life of Madame Mim Hannah Lemon looks at the impressive life of dancer and inspirational teacher Madame Marie Rambert and all that she brought to Notting Hill through pointed toes and tutus

There is something impressive to be said of a woman doing a cartwheel on her 70th birthday, although, maybe not from the concerned mouth of her husband. But for Marie Rambert (known by friends as Mim) liveliness and unpredictability had always been part of her nature, to the extent that ‘quicksilver’ became a nickname bestowed on her by her nanny and used for the title of her autobiography later in life. This candescent personality was a revolutionary influence on British ballet. Rambert was born in 1888 as Cyvia Rambam, the third of six children to a Russian mother and Polish Jewish bookseller father. She was raised into a comfortable life

in Warsaw and was able to enjoy dancing lessons but a fierce passion for the profession was only ignited after she witnessed a performance by famed American dancer Isadora Duncan. However, after being involved in violent anti-Tsarist political riots, her concerned parents urged her to move to Paris in 1905. Here she was encouraged to take up medicine under the protection of her aunt and uncle who were also doctors. But her studies soon fell to the wayside as she nurtured her desire to perform. One evening, at a fancy dress party, she danced a mazurka (a Polish folk dance) with such fervour and liveliness that the room erupted into applause. As serendipity would have it, Raymond Duncan, the brother of Isadora, saw it and soon began to encourage her zeal for ballet. With this support and her developing skill, Rambert attended a summer school run by Émile Jaques-Dalcroze in Geneva in 1909, where she remained for the next three years. Here she learnt and was fascinated with eurhythmics, a system of musical analysis through movement. In 1912, while with Jaques-Dalcroze on a

From top/ Marie Rambert by Jorge ‘J.S.’ Lewinski; bromide print on card mount, 1967 © Estate of Jorge Lewinski Marie Rambert by Walter Bird; bromide print, 1 February 1962 © National Portrait Gallery, London; Both images courtesy of: National Portrait Gallery

SPOTLIGHT

tour of Russia, Sergei Diagilev, the founder of Ballets Russes, asked for her help to teach Vaslav Nijinsky’s cast the complicated rhythms of The Rite of Spring. Consequently, Rambert joined Ballets Russes, where she worked for over a year as a pedagogue and dancer. At the outbreak of World War I, Rambert decided to move to London where she subsequently created an anglicised version of her name. She supported herself by teaching dance and eurhythmics in schools and private homes. On 3 March 1918 “after four days of personal meetings, and seven months of correspondence” (according to Rambert’s autobiography) she married English playwright Ashley Dukes and moved to a new home at 19 Campden Hill Gardens. Rambert said that this speedy marriage was done partly as a joke so that Dukes, who was a soldier at the time, could get four weeks of extended leave instead of two days. Dukes and Rambert had two children together, Angela and Helena, and through this time Dukes provided invaluable support to her career; he bought a disused church hall in Bedford Gardens and converted it to accommodate her dance school in 1920. Later the dance school evolved into the Ballet Club and moved to Dukes’ small theatre, The Mercury, on 2 Ladbroke Road, where the troupe put on regular Sunday performances. Despite the shoestring budget that Rambert sustained the company on, the Ballet Club eventually transformed into the Ballet Rambert and went on to train the greats of the dance world, although most moved on because of the lack of monetary support. Of this, Rambert wryly wrote: “Our dancers…proved very useful to Sadler’s Wells and I lost them one by one.” Out came choreographer Fredrerick Ashton, who later left for the Vic-Wells ballet (later to become The Royal Ballet); Audrey Hepburn, who learnt under Rambert’s guidance that she was not built to become a ballet dancer but a movie star; and, years later, Rafael Bonachela, who was to collaborate with Kylie Minogue. In 1966, 78-year-old Marie (now a dame) and her protégée Norman Morrice took the radical decision to transform it into the country’s first contemporary repertory company. Rambert had always shown a willingness to experiment and a desire to develop different styles of dance and ballet, so much so that her school continued to

define mainstream contemporary British dance well after her death in 1982. Through the present day performances of Rambert dancers (‘Ballet’ was dropped from the title in 1987), Dame Marie Rambert will always be remembered and, of course, so will her cartwheels. Rambert will be at Sadler’s Wells as part of its Spring Tour from 12–16 May; rambert.org.uk

From top/ Marie Rambert and Lucette Aldous, Liverpool, 1960s. © Reg Wilson Marie Rambert by Mayotte Magnus, bromide print, February 1976 © Mayotte Lewinska; Image courtesy of: National Portrait Gallery Rambert performing Terra Incognita 6 © Elliott Franks

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ART ANTIQUES BY Rebecca Wallersteiner

A Week of Performance Art The theatrical roots of The Coronet, one of Notting Hill’s best-loved landmarks, will be explored during a week-long dance festival. Four emerging choreographers – Hubert Essakow, Mbulelo Ndabeni, Tamarin Stott and Kirill Burlov – have created four exciting short works celebrating the year in which the Coronet was built (1898), inspired by legendary figures who graced the Coronet’s stage in its Belle Époque days, such as Ellen Terry, Sarah Bernhardt and even the suffragettes. The Coronet helped to rehabilitate local legend Oscar Wilde from disgrace: his play The Importance of Being Earnest was given a triumphant trial run to packed audiences at the Coronet in 1902, two years after his death. 23–28 February; The Print Room, 103 Notting Hill Gate, W11 3LB the-print-room.org

with Dr Robert Travers of Piano Nobile on exhibiting artist Greg Tricker Q: How did you discover the British artist Greg Tricker and is this his first exhibition here? A: The artist was first introduced to me around ten years ago by the BBC documentary maker, Jonathan Stedall. This will be his fifth one-man show at this gallery.

Q: How did your gallery get its unusual name: Piano Nobile? A: Art dealing has been the family business for four generations since my grandfather opened our original gallery in Rome during the inter-war years – hence its Italian name. We’ve been in Holland Park since 1999, when we moved from Richmond. My son Matthew helps me run the business and we recently opened another space at Kings Place, N1.

Q: What attracted you to this artist’s works? A: Greg Tricker’s art is imbued with great visual and spiritual beauty. In fact it has an iconic quality, which encourages the viewer to enter into it. His new Iona paintings invite you to explore primordial Celtic Christianity and St Bride’s personal and spiritual journey rooted in the mysterious power of the natural world. Q: What are the sources of inspiration for his new paintings? A: Tricker often bases his work on a theme around mystical characters, for example St Francis of Assisi or the Gaelic legend of St Bride. As the art historian Sister Wendy Beckett said about him, “He is a deep painter, somebody possessed by a vision of holiness.” The artist has an extraordinary command of technique, simple yet charged with meaning beyond the surface. He works with a variety of media and

his paintings seem to be afire with the setting sun and the glowing orange of sacred rowan berries. His cobalt seas and emerald lakes perfectly capture the splendid beauty of the Iona landscape.

Bride of the Isles: Iona – The Eternal Spring, Until 7 March Piano Nobile, 129 Portland Road, W11 4LW piano-nobile.com From top/ Bride and the Christ Child, 2014, mixed media on wood; Bride and the Sacred Pool, 2014, acrylic and gouache on wood; both by Greg Tricker

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ART ANTIQUES Art of the Icon Whitewall Gallery will be showing The Art of the Icon, a contemporary take on cultural icons. Four artists, Alan Craig, Paul Normansell, Paul Karslake and Jen Allen will unveil work inspired by their favourite iconic characters. “Although Notting Hill has more celebrities, including Hugh Grant and Robbie Williams, per square mile than anywhere in England, this is the first icon exhibition to be held in the area,” says Whitewall’s manager, Clare Gosling. The gallery will present Paul Normansell’s stunning new paintings of Kate Moss and Twiggy – two of Britain’s most photographed models; Craig’s depictions of the 20th century’s most tragic stars Marilyn Monroe and Jimi Hendrix; Allen’s enchanting likeness of Twiggy, a living icon; and Karslake’s portrait of musical giant, Frank Sinatra. Although nowadays there are many celebrities, few become icons. 12–22 March, Whitewall Galleries, 100 Westbourne Grove, W2 5RU; whitewallgalleries.com

Bruno Moinard at Gotham Established 15 years ago by American couple Dan Lonergan and Penney Frohling, Gotham specialises in luxury French design. This spring it will be presenting an exhibition on top Parisian architect and furniture designer Bruno Moinard, whose work is characterised by clean lines combined with a tactile and timeless quality. Moinard who defines his style as “simple and elegant” has designed spaces for Paris’s Rodin museum, Cartier and Hermès. Although a big name in the international and French architecture and design worlds for 30 years, this will be his first solo exhibition in London. We can’t wait to see it. 15 March–30 April Gotham, 1 Pembridge Villas, W2 4XE gothamnottinghill.com

Clockwise from top/ Otherwise Known as Twiggy, Jen Allen, £950 Elvis Presley IV, Craig Allen, £5,850 Theatre of the Fantastique, Jen Allen, £1,650 Hendrix, Craig Allen, £7,250

At Home with Linley Step back in time to 1875 at the home of Punch cartoonist Edward Linley Sambourne, his wife Marion, their two children and live-in servants. One of Holland Park’s hidden gems 18 Stafford Terrace, which this year celebrates it 140th anniversary, is recognised as the best surviving example of a Victorian middle class home in England. Its original interior decoration includes unusual William Morris wallpapers and beautiful stained glass, along with 1,000 witty political cartoons and caricatures. “We have lived in this house ever since we were married and it has taken years to accumulate whatever treasures we possess. What you see is the very best,” said Edward Linley Sambourne in 1893. Every piece of clutter tells an intriguing personal story. 18 Stafford Terrace, Holland Park, W8 7BH; rbkc.gov.uk

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Above and left/ Morning room. Photography: Justin Barton for 18 Stafford Terrace; Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea

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Origins of

Life

Main image/ Kazakh Above, from left/ Samburu Tribe; Goroka; Himba; Maori; All by Jimmy Nelson

ART

Looking into the effects of globalisation on society, Notting Hill’s Heist celebrates indigenous cultures in its latest exhibition, Origins. Ellen Millard finds out more

The Drokpa tribe, a group of around 2,500, resides in disputed territory between India and Pakistan. Drokpa people indulge in public kissing and wife-swapping, and dress lavishly in beautiful dresses and ornaments. Another tribe, known as Kazakh, keeps up a tradition of eagle-hunting, and is located in the territory between Siberia and the Black Sea. Both remain true to their ancient traditions, which have seen little change, if any, for centuries. These unique cultures are the inspiration behind the latest exhibition Origins at Notting Hill’s Heist gallery. Founded by Mashael Al-Rushaid, Heist is a selfproclaimed ‘anti-gallery’ located in a residential property, featuring fine art photography. The latest exhibition Origins, opening on 5 March, looks at the effects of globalisation on society by focusing on indigenous cultures who have had little exposure to outside influences. “We have found ourselves living on a planet whose citizens are slowly forming uniform pan-global identities, in which people are increasingly beginning to sound alike, act alike and believe the same things,” says Al-Rushaid. “Despite the great contributions that the march towards modernity has made towards our civilisations, it has started to strip us of what makes us fundamentally unique, what makes us human.” Origins exhibits photographs of indigenous people who have managed to maintain their unique traditions and, as a result, their sense of identity. This is very

much the case for the Drokpa and Kazakh tribes which have been photographed by Jimmy Nelson, along with projects by a selection of other artists. Here we take you through a few highlights of the show.

Another Tribe It comes as no surprise that the man nicknamed ‘photographer to the indigenous people’, Jimmy Nelson, has been chosen to feature in Origins. Having photographed no fewer than 35 tribes from 44 countries, Nelson is no stranger to cultural diversity. After losing his hair to alopecia at the age of 16, Jimmy left his English life to ‘find himself’ during a year travelling, starting with a trek across Tibet. On his return, he published the images he’d captured on his trip, receiving international acclaim. From here his career flourished, and continued to take him around the world documenting everything from the war in former Yugoslavia, to the People’s Republic of China. His latest project, Before They Pass Away, aims to educate viewers about unknown societies. For Nelson, the project was a chance to teach the western world about indigenous populations, and to document the lives of cultures that are beginning to disappear. His next step? Revisiting the 35 tribes he photographed to show them the completed project, using it as a way to explain why they should keep a tight hold on their unique traditions.

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Out the Window Spanish photographer Xavier Guardans studied his craft at Bournemouth University before using his skill to document his travels, covering Japan, China, Patagonia and Utah, to name a few. His project Windows took him to Kenya, where on arrival, Guardans felt uncomfortable photographing local tribes from a distance and instead chose to capture the tribes through the window of his Toyota Land Cruiser. In doing so, Guardans created a portrait that felt much more personal. His aim was to connect with the people he photographed rather than to document their lives, an aim that’s evident in his decision to shoot such a colourful country in black and white.

Magic Tricks

Rembes, Window Series 2006 by Xavier Guardans

“As a whole, cultural and collective identities are fading away, and a more uniform world is taking the place of the old one. It’s a loss for humanity,” says Moschetti, a French photographer whose work ranges from international press images to solo projects. “Despite this, we are not living in a decadent world without value. Each human being keeps his own qualities and defaults.” This individuality is best appreciated in Moschetti’s project Magic on Earth, a collection of photographs of West African secret societies. Exploring supernatural influences in everyday lives, Magic on Earth takes a detailed look into the world of tribes from Sierra Leone, Benin and Burkina Faso. Visiting tribes such as the Bwa people, Moschetti captured their use of costumes and masquerade to perform rituals, connect with the dead and even to attract a partner. For Moschetti, this form of beauty is much more approachable than one from the modern world. “In my eyes the indigenous beauty is more universal and less cerebral. African tribal masks for Lascaux rock paintings are more easily accessible than a cubist’s artwork.”

Clockwise from above/ Ouri 06; Ouri 01; Fate 01; All by JC Moschetti

ART

Race Against Time Austrian-born Mario Marino resides in Germany but spends most of his time elsewhere, photographing people in their native lands. His work has taken him to Africa, Cuba and India, photographing unique cultures and capturing their traditions. His projects have been described as a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;race against timeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x201C; an attempt to document indigenous people whose heritage is in danger of fading as a result of tourism, globalisation and advances in technology. Through a selection of his photography, Marino aims to immortalise the unique people he has met, encouraging his sitters to adorn the traditional costume of their tribes. Origins opens 5 March Heist, 43 Linden Gardens, W2 4HP; heist-online.com

Clockwise from above/ Arduni, Karo Boy, Ethiopia, 2011 by Mario Marino; Nenet; Maori; Both by Jimmy Nelson

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collection

TAG’s new It girl With 9.5 million Instagram followers, and more than two million more on Twitter, it’s a shrewd move for TAG Heuer to bag fashion’s current It girl, Cara Delevingne, as its newest female ambassador. Queen of the media jungle, the 22-year-old model speaks to the online generation that the Swiss watchmaker has set within its sights. The catwalk princess was officially unveiled as part of the TAG family at a party in Paris, where she was presented with a prop in the form of a lion cub – the combo proved as cutesy as you’d expect and not at all, as we discovered, a random choice. The model just so happens to be born under the zodiac sign of Leo, making this the perfect pairing. Commenting on the partnership, CEO Jean-Claude Biver said: “TAG Heuer has set its sights on ‘it-ness’, and Cara is just the person to help us get there.” tagheuer.co.uk

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JEWELLERY BY OLIVIA SHARPE

Come into Fashion

Animal Farm Julie Parker has carved out a niche for herself as one of the world’s foremost authorities on pearls and pearl jewellery. While modest and unassuming in person, the revered British jewellery designer has previously worked for the likes of Asprey, Hamilton & Inches and Theo Fennell, not to mention private commissions for members of the Royal Family. Her latest partnership is with pearl purveyor Assael, who called upon her to create a collection of bejewelled pieces focusing on the world’s endangered species in order to raise money for the Wildlife Conservation Society and Tusk, a wildlife conservation group established 20 years ago in response to the poaching crisis in Africa. Each piece, representing a different endangered animal, comprises more than 1,000 diamonds and a rare giant baroque South Sea pearl, and may either be worn as a pendant or admired as an objet d’art.

Despite having been around since 1860, Italian maison Faraone has remained relatively under the radar but this year sees the jeweller step into the limelight with the unveiling of a new collection; Via Montenapoleone. The line of pret-a-porter jewellery, designed to complement the more traditional haute joaillerie collection, One of a Kind, takes its name from the famous Milanese shopping street where Faraone first set up shop and continues to boast a showroom at number nine. Comprising three new ranges – Sfere di Faraone, Campanelle and F di Faraone – each one features easy-to-wear pieces, which cater for a younger clientele. faraonegioielli.com

Endangered Species collection by Julie Parker, available from 30 March assael.com

Going on 30 As she celebrates her 30th anniversary this year, British jeweller Cassandra Goad has chosen to mark the occasion by launching a floor dedicated to customisation at her flagship Sloane Street store. Since starting her business in 1985 (when the age of bespoke had not yet dawned), she has been committed to offering her clients pieces that are individual to them and the new area showcases this, housing cabinets displaying sketches and tools that lead to the creation of a new jewel, along with a film that plays out Goad’s travels around the world that have inspired new designs and collections.

Cutting Edge At this year’s Paris Couture Week, Chanel presented its new high jewellery collection, Les Intemporels de Chanel:

Chanel’s latest high jewellery collection is inspired by the symbols that make up its founder Gabrielle Chanel’s universe. These include: comet, star, ribbon, camellia and lion.

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Cassandra Goad, 147 Sloane Street, SW1 cassandragoad.com

From top/ Camelia Ganse earrings, Ruban ring & Lion Talisman necklace, POA, Chanel Fine Jewellery, chanel.com

C E L E B R AT I N G 3 0 Y E A R S

Aurora Inspire romance with this 0.86ct Fancy Intense Australian Argyle Pink Diamond Ring, reflecting the warm, vibrant and fiery hues of its extraordinary and ancient origins. A highly prized, rare and collectable jewel.

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Chanel S/S15

Material Girl Designers experimented with unusual materials, from perspex to Plexiglas, for their S/S15 accessories

1 Silk-faille and gold-plated necklace, £175, Etro, net-a-porter.com 2 Coral feather earrings, £60, Etro, etro.com 3 Resin and wooden bracelet, £200, Marni, 26 Sloane Street, SW1X 4 Floral resin, gold-plated and cotton rope necklace, £530, Marni, as before 5 Resin floral earrings, £290, Marni, as before 6 Gold-coloured brass choker, £730, Balmain, balmain.com 7 Kompoloi gold-plated, jade and cotton bracelet, £135, Iam by Ileana Makri, net-a-porter.com 8 Colour-block ring, £190, Fendi, matchesfashion.com 9 Surf earrings with feather, £238, Etro, as before 10 Gold-plated leather necklace, £85, Isabel Marant, net-a-porter.com 11 Plexiglas stone cuff, £180, Stella McCartney, matchesfashion.com 12 Golden metal chain bracelet interlaced with leather, POA, Chanel, chanel.com 13 Uniparo necklace, £78, Weekend Max Mara, matchesfashion.com 14 Magenta square column necklace in 18-carat gold-plated brass cap and hand-dyed perspex, £270, Lily Kamper, lilykamper.com 15 Plexiglas cuff, £345, Valentino, net-a-porter.com

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ELIZABETH STREET ELIZABETH STREET SW1 SW1 Bespoke fine jewellery We invite you to visit our website www.devroomen.co.uk 59 Elizabeth Street, London, SW1W 9PP +44 (0)207 730 1901

Off The

Clock As Cindy Crawford marks 20 years as the face of luxury watch brand Omega, Kari Colmans stands in the shadow of one of the world’s first supermodels

“This is awkward,” Cindy Crawford smiles, as she leans in to sign a life-sized campaign shot of herself on the wall of the newly launched Omega flagship store on Oxford Street. “I look like I’m wearing the same jacket now as I am in the picture, but I promise I’m not!” The camera bulbs spark as she flashes that world-famous smile, one that has graced every high-fashion glossy in the world, and with it launched the era-defining age of the supermodel. She’s dressed impeccably in a smart navy blue snakeskin blazer, white T-shirt and navy trousers with pewter court shoes, as if she needs the height: I feel like a munchkin, I laugh, as she apologises for towering above me as we have our photograph taken – I’m sure I’m not the first to have pointed it out. “I get that all the time. And this lighting is just not flattering!” By her side is brand president Stephen Urquhart, ensuring that one of Omega’s most valuable assets is sparkling at all times, which of course isn’t hard. I’m told my limited questions can only be watchbased – presumably to avoid any conversations about her 13-year-old daughter Kaia’s Teen Vogue modelling debut, the ever ubiquitous fit-not-thin debate, or other tales from her cover girl heyday spent posing alongside the likes of Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista and Christy Turlington. Cindy insists she’s enjoying doing the rounds in London, and talk inevitably turns, over a very English cup of tea, to the weather. Used to the yearround Malibu sunshine, where she lives with her family (her husband, the nightlife entrepreneur Rande Gerber,

and their two children) the muggy grey day outside doesn’t offer the warmest of receptions. “Originally I’m from a small town in Illinois,” she shrugs, where she was born to parents Dan, an electrician, and Jennifer, a hospital worker. “And I have certainly lived in cities like New York for 15 years and loved it, but when it comes to choosing a place to raise my family I like a smaller town feel on the beach. And I like the warm weather, despite being from such a cold place originally.” But since moving to New York in 1986, landing her first Vogue cover that summer, she’s gotten used to jet-setting around the globe, especially with a second home in Los Cabos, Mexico, where her good friends the Clooneys also have a place. In her warm yet professional manner, she neatly steers the conversation back on-brand. She recalls a trip to Peru in September which saw Omega partner with Orbis, a sight-saving and international blindness prevention charity that happens to operate the world’s only flying eye hospital on

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a plane fitted out like a surgery. “I was able to take my daughter and it was just an incredible experience,” she says. “It’s amazing to be able to share these experiences with my own family now.” An ambassador since 1995, Cindy has worked with Omega longer than any of the company’s other star endorsers, and will be celebrating two decades with the company this year. “I always say that I’ve been with Omega longer than I’ve been with my husband,” she smiles. “They are like family now.” Cindy says the alliance was made through a shared value of “tradition, quality and timelessness”, something that is still true today. “I think my relationships are also a kind of investment in people. When you get married you invest in each other… and we are happily married,” she jokes. “We’ve never even had a fight! I’ve been with the company so long now – I think people just look at me and think ‘Omega’. We both know there is a long term commitment there.” Aside from the PR-machine in motion, she seems at ease; approachable with a hint of that otherworldly supermodel air, which to be honest,

I’m relieved about. You don’t get to marry (and divorce) Richard Gere by being just your average girl next door. One of the first watch labels to employ an ambassador (and a female one at that), Omega went from selling only 20 per cent of its watches to women, to what is now more of a 50/50 share – although, it must be said, this hike isn’t exclusive to Omega. According to market intelligence agency Euromonitor International, sales of women’s luxury timepieces increased 49.8 per cent worldwide from 2009-14, with £6,181 billion worth of women’s luxury timepieces sold. With top-tier horologists clearly thinking outside the ‘shrink it, pink it’ box when it comes to ladies’ watches, I ask if she feels women are taking more of an interest generally in an area that has typically been marketed to the male consumer. “First of all, more and more women are working today and they are successful in their own right in terms of business. They can afford to buy these pieces for themselves as opposed to waiting to receive them as a gift from somebody else. Also, I think now more than ever women are appreciating the quality of the

“I always say that I’ve been with Omega longer than I’ve been with my husband. They are like family now”

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movement and the design as a whole. “On the other hand, we are also thinking of watches in terms of making a fashion statement: really, you don’t need to wear a watch to tell the time anymore, because we all have our phones with us. If I travel I don’t always remember to reset the time straight away, because I think of my watch as part of my overall look. A watch used to be essential. I used to sleep in a watch because I like knowing what time it is. I’m a very punctual person. You don’t really have the necessity of a watch anymore, so there’s been a real shift in people’s mindsets – you have to just want it, which is a harder sell in a way. It has to be more romanced.” Today, Cindy’s modelling the De Ville Prestige Butterfly with a white gold and diamond bezel (£15,860); she laughs as she checks its face and realises that it’s set wrong, most probably on Californian time. I ask if she’d usually be sporting such a blingy look on a weekday morning. “I think women want to develop their watch wardrobes the same way they do [with jewellery]. For me, a first watch has to be something that you can wear all the time, especially in LA as it’s so casual. I usually wear this,” she says, picking up a piece from the table in front of us. “I usually wear a gold-on-gold Aqua Terra during the day. I tend to plan my jewellery around my watch unless it’s a black-tie event, and then I would say the other way round, because you pick the dress and the jewels first. I really like the Ladymatic for special events, but I don’t own one,” she quips, with a nudge in Urquhart’s direction. “I think for women, [it is important] to start with that great everyday watch, followed by something for the evening. Those are the two essentials.” While she looks impeccable for her 48 years – the Bourneville-like hair, the legs that go on forever, that defiant, signature trademark perched just above her lip – I’m pleased to find the evidence of years spent smiling at the camera haven’t been blasted from her complexion. Aside from being the ultimate poster woman, would she consider a Bond girl cameo, considering Omega’s longstanding partnership with the franchise? “Oh I think those days are over!” she laughs. “No, actually I do not like acting. I did a commercial this past weekend with Sofía Vergara who is so funny. I was supposed to be acting with her and I kept saying to the director ‘just please remember I’m not an actress.’ She was doing all these crazy things with her face! I am very comfortable being myself in front of the camera but not trying to be someone else.” And when you’re Cindy Crawford, why would you want to be? Omega, 373 Oxford Street, W1C 020 7907 2566; omegawatches.com; euromonitor.com All images courtesy of: Omega

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of WATCHES BY RICHARD BROWN

Bremont’s starring role Bremont has launched the eponymous Kingsman collection, developed in collaboration with director Matthew Vaughn for his film Kingsman: The Secret Service. The collection comprises three new models that eagle-eyed movie-goers will spot throughout the critically-acclaimed comedy, strapped to the wrists of stars including Colin Firth, Michael Caine and Mark Strong. The Bremont Kingsman Special Edition is available in rose gold (£14,250), stainless steel (£4,295) and DLC (£4,395). bremont.com / mrporter.com

A watch to set your calendar by Blancpain’s new self-winding 5939A mechanism comprises 379 parts in a calibre that’s just 7.25mm thick and 32mm in diameter. That’s even more impressive when you consider that the calibre will keep track of the varying month lengths and leap years in the complex Gregorian calendar without any need for adjustment until 2100. You’ll find the 5939A inside the Villeret Perpetual Calendar, a watch with an eight-day power reserve and presentation box that doubles as a humidor. Villeret Perpetual Calendar, £40,900, Blancpain, blancpain.com

Equestrian Elegance

Period Piece As previous clients go, they don’t come much more prestigious than Queen Marie-Antoinette of France, for whom Breguet counts as its first female customer. In designing its leading ladies pieces, Breguet looks to the bows, ribbons, lace and frills of costume dresses, which it mimics through the use of mechanisms and gemstones. The company’s Volants de la Reine evokes the beauty of a dress in motion, while the rustling of frills can be imagined in the gem-set bow that clings to the bezel.

Anyone in the market for a sleek, unpretentious stopwatch might like to consider the new Conquest Classic Moonphase from Longines. The cultivated chronograph measures 42mm in diameter, houses a self-winding, mechanical movement and comes complete with a day-and-month display at 12 o’clock. You’ll pay £2,210 for the steel option, and £7,490 for its rose gold sister. longines.com

Volants de la Reine, £91,500, Breguet, breguet.com

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Again That Time

The world’s finest watchmakers descended upon Geneva once more this January, for the 25th edition of the SIHH – the world’s most luxurious trade fair Words: Alex Doak

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Think ‘trade fair’, think provincial aircraft hangar full of lean-to cubicles offering free biros, right? Well, not quite in the case of the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie – or “Ess Ee Ash Ash” as its sophisticated Francophone exhibitors have it. Here, inside Geneva Airport’s sprawling Palexpo complex, 15,000 visitors come every January to revel in the latest top-end timepieces from Switzerland’s finest, embraced in a cocoon of tasteful eggshell tones, with sushi on tap. Not a biro in sight. SIHH’s studied calm is exactly why Baume & Mercier, Cartier, Piaget, Gérald Genta, and Daniel Roth all broke away from the exuberant jamboree that is the spring Baselworld fair in 1990, setting up their own at Palexpo. That was exactly 25 years ago, and we’re now up to 16 brands, thanks to Richemont Group’s booming portfolio, which now includes Montblanc, Jaeger-LeCoultre and Panerai, plus a select few, horologically qualified friends, including Audemars Piguet and Parmigiani Fleurier. The champagne flows and the conversation sparkles – undoubtedly laying waste to hundreds of well-intended Dry Januaries. But we’re here for the watches, primarily. For not only is SIHH the only opportunity you’ll have to handle the rarer creations before they’re snapped up and squirrelled away in collections, but it’s a bellwether for the year ahead and a feel for things to come at Basel. By all rights, the pervading mood should have been cautious this January, given the Russian slowdown, China’s ever-stricter gifting restrictions and of course the Swiss National Bank’s abrupt uncapping of the franc just days before SIHH opened for business. But while there were undoubtedly fewer horological fireworks going on, a keener focus could be felt on every brand pavilion; a sense of doing what’s right for the brand, and getting it “just right”. Nonetheless, some fun was still to be had, spotting trends and making lists. So here are the five best things we learned from this year’s SIHH…

1. You can be girly AND grown-up Men the world over are breathing a sigh of relief, as they are waking up to find their own watches still present and correct on the dresser. The era of the adopted ‘boyfriend’ watch is coming to an end, as women who want a watch with soul – especially a dress, or cocktail watch – are being directly served at last. “So determined was I to prove that I wasn’t a silly girl,” admits Laura McCreddie, editor of women’s watch website Eve’s Watch, “I used to match stiletto heels and delicate frocks with that most appropriate of companions: a Bremont Solo; a watch more suited to a cockpit than cocktail hour. But I soon realised that I was ignoring a lot of brands making delicate dials under which beat a mechanical heart.” The trend for brains as well as beauty continues this year, with Richard Mille’s frankly jawdropping 19-02 Tourbillon Fleur, whose magnolia petals open up every five minutes to reveal its merry-go-round tourbillon carrousel, which floats out of the dial by a millimetre. If you don’t have $1.1m to splash about however, look no further than ladies’ one-stop-shop for all things classic and cocktail: Cartier. The grande dame of Paris is famed for its innovative case shapes, and the dainty, ovoid Clé is no exception – so named for its snap-fit crown, shaped like an old winding key; a joy to idly twiddle. (Pink gold with diamonds pictured, £24,400.) For something a little more muted and versatile, Germany’s venerable A. Lange & Söhne has made an interesting move: its gent’s Saxonia is being shrunk from 37mm to 35mm, in response to ladies’ request for a traditional, clean men’s style that actually fits their wrist. In an industry where everything seems to be getting bigger, this spells an intriguing trend.

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2. Big is still, er, big Men need not worry, however: those original exponents of the oversized wrist gadget are still doing what they do best. Panerai for example, each of whose 47mm-wide Luminor Submersible 1950 Carbotechs (£12,700) is unique, thanks to a fascinating new composite case material: thin sheets of carbon fibre compressed with a high-end polymer, PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone) to make it even beefier. The randomly striped, matt-black case is something worthy of Batman’s utility belt. More suited to Bruce Wayne, perhaps, is IWC, who arguably invented the oversized watch in the first place 75 years ago, in response to a request from two Portuguese businessmen who wanted to wear pocket-watch precision on their wrists. The anniversary is marked this year with a complete refresh of the modern collection, renamed “Portugieser” featuring the German-Swiss brand’s very first annual calendar movement (£16,900), which need only be adjusted every leap year.

3. The handwound chronograph is well and truly back Before the 70s, every watch with a stopwatch – or ‘chronograph’ – function was manually wound. Which meant that each movement sported a gorgeous Y-shaped bridge, from which the timing mechanism’s gear train was suspended. When winding rotors were successfully added in 1969 by Heuer and Zenith, then Valjoux in

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1974, there was no room for such fanciful architecture, and things started to look a lot plainer. Thank goodness for Patek Philippe, then, which finally created its own manual movement a few years ago, the atelier’s hand-polishers and decorators revelling in the sweeping curves of its bridges, which gleamed through the sapphire caseback. This year, compounding the manual chrono’s comeback, those other two haut-de-gamme Genevoise maisons, Vacheron Constanin and Piaget have caught up. In fact, Vacheron stole the entire SIHH show with its new Harmony collection, three of the five launch models boasting its exquisitely architectural new chronograph calibre – traditionally finished, but packed with patented tweaks fit for the 21st century (rose-gold monopusher model pictured, £53,450). Piaget, on the other hand, in keeping with its reputation for black-tie refinement, has notched up another ‘world’s most thin’ record, with its Altiplano Chronograph (£21,100), just 8.24mm high in total. A return to more gentlemanly technicity, in other words.

4. Watchmakers are still stargazing It’s no surprise watch designers revel in the dance of the night sky – aside from the sheer romanticism of moon phases, rotating celestial charts or sunset indicators, astronomy has direct relevance to the development of mechanical timepieces. After all, we only switched to atomic clock-regulated Universal Time Co-Ordinated as recently as 1961 – before that, the boffins in Greenwich were still correcting GMT by celestial observation. But for something that’s literally heaven-sent, why not try a watch with a dial made from meteorite? There were two to be found at SIHH this year: a royal-blue Tonda 1950 at Parmigiani Fleurier (£14,900) and Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Master Calendar (circa £9,100) whose steely, geometric face comes from a shooting star discovered in Sweden, in turn originating from an asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. How cool is that?

5. Bicolour’s a thing… again If Audemars Piguet says bicolour is back, then bicolour is most certainly back - especially when it’s unleashed via that most 70s of icons, the Royal Oak (£18,700). Simply pair its cool pink gold and steel with a chunky, clinking

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tumbler of Scotch and extra-wide lapels. Alternatively, there’s the most ‘accessible’ in our list, Baume & Mercier’s Classima Men Automatic Two-Tone – a bargain at £2,750, with crisp new lines and pinstripe dial, all the better for straddling the boardroom and bar. Make it a double, you dapper tycoon, you.

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ON THE RISE “When I think of denim I see Lee Radziwill at the Hamptons, Mick Jagger and Jerry Hall at Studio 54 and Brooke Shields in her Calvin’s. It’s all about glamour,” muses Giambattista Valli. The first instalment of the Italian designer’s hotly anticipated two-part capsule collection, created in collaboration with 7 For All Mankind, includes high-waisted skinny trousers in shades of red and pink, and an Animalier printed dress. The second drop, available from May, incorporates the same fits but this time in varying shades of blue, as well as a playsuit, peplum top, a bomber, high-waisted flare pants and a broderie anglaise dress. For Valli, his favourite style would have to be mattecoated red denim. And we are inclined to agree. Giambattista Valli for 7 For All Mankind; 7forallmankind.co.uk

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Valentino

Roberto Cavalli

Fendi

Matthew Williamson

Erdem

Giorgio Armani

Sonia Rykiel

Burberry Prorsum

Natural Instinct Nothing says spring/ summer like a smattering of nature-inspired designs, but this year’s trend is far from the dainty florals of seasons past. More savage garden than botanical beauty, models donned the catwalk in feathered dresses at Fendi, Dalmatian-spotted suits at Giorgio Armani and tropical prints at Matthew Williamson.

S/S15

TREND REPORT If your LFW ticket was lost in the post, don’t fear – we’re here to help guide you through our favourite seasonal trends. Credit cards at the ready...

Shape Up Where once shoulder pads signalled the silhouette of a woman who means business, this season it’s all about box-fit jackets, striking origami folds and angular cut-outs. Hugo Boss, Osman and Antonio Berardi were among the designers showcasing the structural trend at this season’s previews.

Stella McCartney

Antonio Berardi

Osman

Dior

Valentino

Phillip Lim

Fendi

Tibi

Valentino

Louis Vuitton

Tommy Hilfiger

Roberto Cavalli

Gucci

Sonia Rykiel

Saint Laurent Matthew Williamson

7os Swagger Good news! 70s throwback outfits are no longer reserved for fancy dress parties. Designers embraced the vintage era across the catwalk this season, showcasing fringed leather, kneehigh boots, denim and dungarees. For a look that will stand the test of time, opt for suede skirts, denim jackets and elongating flares.

Valentino

Louis Vuitton

Temperley

Gucci

Hermès

Dolce & Gabbana

Chanel

Diane von Furstenberg

Earnt Stripes Deckchair-esque stripes and Breton prints fit for a sailor make up this season’s most wearable trend. Chanel kept it classic with a navy blue-and-white ensemble, while Louis Vuitton was more daring with leather bright orange stripes in both a horizontal and vertical design.

Mellow Yellow Say goodbye to the moody greys of A/W14 and prepare to stand out in this season’s signature colour: yellow. For the brave amongst you choose bright canary or classic mustard, or for a subtler statement, go down the pastel route with a soft lemon hue.

Burberry Prorsum

Phillip Lim

Hugo Boss

Hermès

Burberry Prorsum

Hermès

Max Mara

Diane von Furstenberg

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Perfect Fit S/S15 saw the catwalk positively awash with denim as designers experimented with this diverse fabric. Always one step ahead of the fashion game, model and writer Alexa Chung has put her own unique spin on this popular trend and created a capsule collection for denim and lifestyle label AG Jeans. The 20-piece spring 2015 line sees denim shown in a variety of different styles, from 70s high-waisted jeans and 60s shift dresses, to vintage overalls and classic shirts, all of which seamlessly blend Chung’s quirky British style with AG’s heritage. A perfect fit. Alexa Chung for AG Jeans, available from net-a-porter.com

HER STYLE By olivia sharpe

Mulberry’s new ‘It’ Girl Some of the more common practices undertaken after a bad break up can include crying profusely, watching terrible films, eating junk food or dying one’s hair a regrettable colour. This, however, is clearly not the case for Cressida Bonas. After her public split from Prince Harry last year, the 25-year old beauty hasn’t hidden herself away, but has instead thrown herself into her work and it has evidently paid off; it was recently announced that she would succeed fellow British model Cara Delevingne by becoming Mulberry’s new muse. The brand’s latest campaign, due for release in March, will star both Bonas and actor Freddie Fox, who make the perfect pair as they show off their dancing skills with a blend of improvised and rehearsed moves. Happily ever after doesn’t have to include Prince Charming, it would seem. mulberry.com

Step up 2 Following the success of Silver Linings — a capsule collection of designer shoes created to mark the opening of Shoe Heaven — Harrods has once again put its best foot forward and launched a limited edition collection of the ultimate fantasy shoes. Iconic styles, such as Charlotte Olympia’s kitty flats and Tods’ classic Gommini loafers, have been given a decadent makeover by each of the luxury footwear brands, whether covered with Swarovski crystals, adorned with pearls or coated in crocodile skin. Undoubtedly the most lavish pair come courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana, who will be offering a madeto-order service on an exquisite new design featuring a brooch embellished with violet amethysts, green tourmalines and yellow berylliums. Step out of the Ordinary, available from March Shoe Heaven, Fifth Floor at Harrods, Brompton Road SW1X harrods.com

Dior’s Debut Tensions run high in Frédéric Tcheng’s 2012 fly-on the-wall documentary Dior and I, which hits cinema screens this month. Heading behind the scenes at the fashion house, the featurelength film shadows the then newly appointed artistic director Raf Simons during the eightweek countdown to his debut haute couture collection. From the nerve centre of the operation at the ateliers, where a handful of talented seamstresses hand-stitch his creations, the flick follows Simons as he attempts to fill the shoes of his predecessor John Galliano and uphold the legacy established by the house’s founder, the inimitable Christian Dior himself. Definitely not one to be missed. Dior and I is in cinemas from 27 March diorandimovie.com

Raey of Sunshine

Upstairs, Downstairs

Matches Fashion recently announced that it would be adding to its vast repertoire of more than 400 luxury fashion brands with the re-launch of its own womenswear collection, RAEY. The contemporary label, designed by the in-house team led by creative director Rachael Proud (formerly at Christopher Kane), has a modern, minimalist aesthetic with a slightly masculine edge, featuring classic wardrobe staples, including a white jumpsuit, navy trench coat, lightweight utility dress and slouchy cashmere tracksuits. We already have our eyes firmly fixed on a lemon yellow slouchy cashmere coat, ideal for those fresh mornings in early spring.

Historical costume research has always played a vital role in Vivienne Westwood’s creative process, often reimagining key trends of the past into contemporary collections. For her latest S/S15 Red Carpet collection, Westwood looked to the work of 19th century pioneering English designer, Charles Frederick Worth, considered the founder of haute couture. The Eleanor dress evokes a 1950’s French maid, featuring an apron asymmetrically stitched to the dress in delicate chiffon, while English gingham and black lace have been used to mirror the Upstairs Downstairs themes running through the line. Last season’s non-corseted floor-length Amber dress has been refreshed in this season’s colours and fabrics. The Vivienne Westwood Red Carpet S/S15 collection, available in select Vivienne Westwood boutiques vivennewestwood.com

Available at matchesfashion.com

High on the Agender In a bold new move that directly challenges society’s preconceived notions of gender, this month will see Selfridges open a ‘gender-neutral’ fashion space, which will take over three floors of the Oxford Street department store and has been designed in collaboration with Faye Toogood. Five exclusive unisex collections will be launched, as well as an additional 40 brands (which can be worn by either sex) having been selected as part of the initiative. Throughout March and April, Selfridges will also work with a number of contributors to help bring the project to life in-store and online – through design, music, film, photography and in-store conversation. Available from 1 March Agender for S/S15 at Selfridges & Co selfridges.co.uk

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Walk the

Line Embrace military chic and vivid silhouettes with wearable wardrobe staples Photography:

Phillip Waterman

GRAPHIC CONTENT Top, £395, shirt, £355, and ‘DKNY X I Still Love You NYC’ choker, £88, all DKNY, 27 Old Bond Street, W1S

Stylist:

Jess Stebbings

MILITARY PRECISION Silk evening dress, £3,850, and calf-skin belt, £310, both Ralph Lauren Collection, 1 New Bond Street, W1S; Plume earring, £190, Eddie Borgo, harveynichols.com

Jacket, ÂŁ219, and skirt, ÂŁ75, both Isabel Garcia Gold Label, shop.isabelgarcia.it

FLOAT AWAY Silk Dress, ÂŁ2,295, Burberry Prorsum, 2 Brompton Road, SW1X

Lillie Dress, ÂŁ668, DVF, 25 Bruton Street, W1J Hair & Make up by Lou Box using Chanel SS15, Chanel Body Excellence and Redken Hair Melissa Bell @ Select Models Shot on location at Hotel Hospes Palacio de los Patos, Granada, hospes.com British Airways currently flies from London City to Granada twice a week, with three flights a week in the summer, and is the only airline operating to the Spanish city from the UK ba.com/londoncity

Gieves & Hawkes S/S15

Following Suit Tape measures, chalk, fabric swatches and pins are out in full force once again as Harrods’ bespoke styling service returns this month to the Knightsbridge department store. Extending far beyond the archetypal three-piece suit, the service also caters for casual loungewear, denim and custom-made accessories from internationally renowned brands, including Gieves & Hawkes, Brioni, Ralph Lauren, Turnbull & Asser and Tom Ford. Completing the final stitch when it comes to exclusivity and individuality are the personalised monogram and engraving services from Corneliani and Deakin & Francis. And if you do not possess natural design flair, not to worry; illustrious industry experts are on hand to impart their wisdom.

The Art of Observation

We can forgive you for thinking that no camera can outshine the GoPro and anything that tries is merely a pale imitation. But that is where you are wrong. Techies far and wide are hotly anticipating the spring launch of 360fly, a new sportscam that captures 360 degrees of horizontal video and 240 degrees of vertical video. This will enable you to re-watch any footage from all angles, so whether you’re in the sea, on the slopes or just in the park, you’ll never miss a moment.

harrods.com/made-to-measure

£440, 360fly.com

HIS STYLE By PHOEBE MCDOWELL

Beard Envy

Secret Service

A real source of envy amongst men is the ability to grow a beard, and a real source of envy amongst those who can, is a well-groomed one. This is something grooming specialists Murdock knows all too well. The brand holds the philosophy that “like all important things in life, [a beard’s] success depends on preparation”, and to say that its new Beard Collection prepares you is really quite an understatement. The shampoos and conditioners are designed to remove environmental pollutants, reduce tangles and frizz, while the emollient oil softens and strengthens. All in all, we predict these new products will result in your facial hair being a source of much admiration.

Following the success of its January launch, Kingsman has returned this month with a second instalment. The sartorial range is the result of a collaboration between luxury online retailer mrporter.com and acclaimed film director Matthew Vaughn, and is based on his comic book turned film, Kingsman: The Secret Service. The second drop is an expansion of the first and includes beautifully tailored suits and accessories. After all, in the words of Colin Firth’s character, Harry Hart: “A suit is a modern gentleman’s armour”.

Murdock London, 137-138 Sloane Street, SW1X murdocklondon.com

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Suits from £1,495 mrporter.com

www.my-perfect-t.com

lifestyle

History in the Making

Britain is a nation saturated in rich culture and history. That is why quintessentially British fragrance house Jo Malone has chosen to encapsulate our most defining periods into five scents, available from March. These include Tudor Rose & Amber, an embodiment of Tudor England; Lily of the Valley & Ivy, inspired by Georgian Britain; Pomegranate Noir, capturing the Victorian period; Geranium & Verbena, epitomising the Edwardian era, and finally Birch & Black Pepper, which sums up Britain today. The limited edition collection, aptly named Rock the Ages, incorporates many of the brandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s staple ingredients but master perfumer Christine Nagel has also dabbled with different concoctions in order to create truly unique fragrances. Which era defines you? Rock the Ages, ÂŁ42 for 30ml each; jomalone.co.uk

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XXXXXX IN FOCUS

On the Crest of a Wave Crestron, the home automation specialist, has updated its stunning Chelsea showroom for 2015

Since its opening in 2013 the Crestron showroom has become a hub for homeowners, interior designers and architects looking for home technology solutions. The space presents Crestron’s entire portfolio, featuring two sophisticated living room spaces, a reception area, an office and a kitchen area. Recently upgraded with the latest technological innovations, it is the ideal setting to experience integrated automated control for your home. The stunning showroom sits on the second floor of the South Dome at Design Centre Chelsea Harbour: created in collaboration with renowned interior designer, Louise Bradley, she has implemented a beautiful interiors scheme to match the technical excellence of Crestron’s integrated technology. The showroom manager, Linda Furino, is on hand to provide her wealth of knowledge on the best ways to integrate automated control into your home. “We have two living spaces with the full range of Crestron technology, including lighting and HVAC controls,” she explains. “Visitors will be able to experience our integration in a working, tactile environment. The interior design has created a unique representation of our ‘Integrated by Design’ ethos where great technology and great design work in harmony.” As you enter the showroom you are welcomed into a plush living room area, with a 50-inch smart TV hidden behind a sliding wall and a cinema screen that floats down from the ceiling. Crestron-controlled electronic candles gently flicker below, giving

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the room a warm glow. It has been furnished in soft greys and cream, providing an elegance that is then complemented by the colour-coordinated Crestron remotes and touch panels. Behind the living room area lies a sleek white kitchen enhanced by Crestron lighting and a temperature-controlled wine fridge. Every effort has been made to give the impression of a real living space, thereby demonstrating how unassumingly these products can be integrated into the home without taking away from the interior design. It showcases everything from luxurious cinema room technology to fully integrated environmental and AV controls for the home. Crestron understands that it not only helps to demonstrate how home automation can be integrated into a space, but also the importance of having a good source of information. The home automation specialist has therefore created a display area to give visitors the chance to see the range and variety of quality finishes, keypads and panels available. The options are endless when it comes to choosing the right design to suit your interior. The control panels and touch panels come in a range of finishes, and can be coordinated with all of your Crestron kit. To book your personal tour of the showroom, please visit crestron.eu/showroom

& GARDEN

HOME

BY liane nelson

True Love Bath Time There is something unmistakably comforting about going home to a hot bath after a long day and so it is essential to have a bath that is both inviting and practical. For an elegant and luxurious statement, look no further than Victoria+Albert Baths, a company that offers a modern day approach to classic Victorian and Edwardian bath designs. The traditional collection features quarry cast: a special blend of volcanic limestone offering a scratch resistant exterior that is both lightweight and strong so ideal for fragile flooring in older houses. With these indulgent baths, you may find it difficult to get out. vandabaths.com

Stepping outside of her comfort ‘bridal’ zone, revered American fashion designer Vera Wang has come across the pond and launched a new collection in partnership with Wedgwood, the historic English homeware company. Celebrating the global expression of love, the With Love Treasures range comprises silver plate and enamel treasure boxes alongside picture frames. Each treasure box comes in a different colour and with its own gold charm, such as the lighthearted butterfly, the mythological apple or the blue dragonfly, all of which symbolise love from different parts of the world. wedgwood.com

Apple of Thine Eye We all know how essential the kitchen is in any home, providing a hub for entertaining as well as the focal point for creating delicious meals. So a stylish kitchen is an absolute must. Fully aware of this, Italian manufacturer Steel offers beautifully crafted and bespoke kitchen appliances for a chic and contemporary look. And we hasten to add that contemporary doesn’t have to mean all monochrome; appliances and hobs are all available in a range of colours: choose from sunshine yellow and forest green to a vibrant apple red. Available from bradshaw.co.uk

Ready to Go If you’re feeling a bit lost with where to begin when it comes to decorating your home, Prêt a Meubler will be your beacon in the dark. Meaning ‘ready to furnish’, Prêt a Meubler is a go-to source for all decorative inspiration, offering an eclectic mix of antiques, contemporary furniture, homewares and art from around Europe. Choose unique pieces such as a beautifully painted Belgian ceramic pot or a contemporary dining chair. pret-a-meubler.com

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Crestron presents

DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY WORKING TOGETHER

Crestron offers lifestyle technology, providing greater comfort, convenience and security. Manage and control audiovisual equipment, energy, lighting, shades, security and HVAC from anywhere, any time using touchscreens, remotes and smart devices. To experience the lifestyle that Crestron technology can offer you, visit the Design Showroom at the Design Centre Chelsea Harbour.

To book your personal tour, visit: www.crestron.eu/showroom Crestron Design Showroom South Dome, 2nd Floor Design Centre Chelsea Harbour London SW10 0XE

ShowroomAdvert_A4.indd 1

E showroom@crestron.eu T 020 7352 0028

08/02/2015 19:42

& GARDEN

HOME

A Piece of Italy New Age Walls Inspired by different artistic movements focusing on the interpretation of colour, the Substance and Extravagance collection from Rubelli upholds the notion of Italian craftsmanship, with a stunning selection of fabrics and wallcoverings. Strong Venetian ties can be seen throughout, as the new range encompasses the best of traditional luxury in a reinvented modern setting. The Lady Roxana Wall (pictured here) has been inspired by an original floral pattern of the same name from the second half of the 19th century. Lady Roxana Wall is available in two colours, £560 per metre; rubelli.com

Conran Italia is taking its customers on a 100 year journey of Italian design and culture with its new edit of home accessories and furniture. The pieces will reflect several aspects of continental life from the 20th century to the present day – from the aromas of its cooking to the sound of Vespas zipping by. Highlights include a collection of Magnus Long furniture, hand-blown Murano glass and Paola Navone monochrome serveware. Flauti Murano Glass Pendants from £1,350, available from March conranshop.co.uk

All about Design This month, the Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour will welcome leading architects, designers and tastemakers for the ultimate design event, London Design Week 2015. Attracting design-hungry fans from London and overseas, the event will showcase a comprehensive collection of the latest fabrics, furniture, wall coverings, lighting, accessories, outdoor living, tiles and carpets. With more than 500 brands, you can expect an action-packed programme, including conversations with lead designers as well as all-access showroom sessions, leaving you inspired and one step ahead when it comes to contemporary home design. Trade preview: 8-10 March All welcome: 11-13 March dcch.co.uk

Countryside Chic For those looking to add a bit of country comfort to their city nest, Redloh House Fabrics offers a range of artisan fabric and wallpaper designs, perfect for placing the finishing touches to any room. Upon visiting the showroom, which you will find tucked away in a country-style cottage just off the King’s Road, you will be immersed in a selection of beautiful florals, pretty pastels and embroidered cushions of natural linen and silk, all of which come from a variety of designers each bringing forward their unique style and inspirations. redlohhousefabrics.com

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Changing

Rooms Anthony JAMES ARMSTRONG heads to the home of one of Belgraviaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top interior designers, Nicola Fontanella

INTERIORS

There’s a point in the early evening around dusk, when the dark hasn’t quite taken sufficient hold, when the curtains can remain open but the dwindling light is just weak enough to switch a few lamps on inside. For the nosey interiors’ enthusiast, this is the ideal time of day. A glance through someone’s old sash window can provide inspiration, interest, amusement, repulsion, even sorrow. I’m always doing it – I just can’t help myself. But I’m not alone in this habit, as Nicola Fontanella, interior design extraordinaire, reveals to me at her Belgravia home. Having begun her business, Argent Design, in the front room of her then basement flat in Lennox Gardens, Nicola swiftly outgrew her makeshift office and set up shop in Marylebone. “I used to park my car where Madonna had just bought her house. I’d walk past and at the time David Collins (the interior designer who passed away in 2013) was doing Madonna’s first refurbishment. I used to look in and see what needed doing, thinking ‘oh, one day I’m going to get that job’,” says Nicola, sitting at the dining table of her sleek Belgravian basement.

“I’m sick of seeing new-builds – I hate them with a passion: white box rooms” “Madonna went to five different people with the brief: you tell me how you think I live. By chance and luck I put together a very Art Deco vibe using wonderful paintings – Tamara de Lempicka, Francis Bacon – which were all things that she already owned. She was like ‘yeah, you’ve got it.’ Being nosey pays off.” Other notable homes designed by Nicola include Guy Ritchie’s (“very different – very Sherlock-Holmes”), Freddie Ljungberg’s and Naomi Campbell’s, all of whom Nicola charmingly calls her ‘bijou clients’. Bijou indeed, considering the colossal projects Argent Design undertakes for major developers around the world. London is especially busy – Belgravia in particular. Recent projects include a Georgian mansion block resurrected for a Neo-Georgian revival in Covent Garden and a most exciting boutique block of flats on Chelsea Island for the developer, Capital and Counties. “We’re doing the whole thing. I’m taking a very different view on it because I’m sick of seeing newbuilds – I hate them with a passion: white box rooms,” Nicola says, radiant in an emerald green dress, which,

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incidentally, matches a potted plant just behind her chair. Remarkable. “They just look like hotel bedrooms. There’s no feeling, no history. What’s very interesting, and what we’re doing with this new block – which is my new little baby at the moment – is to take a very different view.” When an interior designer tells you she’s taking a ‘very different view’ to your property, a touch of concern may take hold. And it did for the developers of the Chelsea block. “We only had the big presentation two days ago and I thought that I was either going to get fired or they’d clap. I decided to bring a bit of British history into those friggin’

“I am slightly eccentric. I like to think that I appeal in one shape or form to a wide audience” white boxes,” Nicola exclaims, animatedly. “I said, look, you’re in Chelsea, everyone doing new-builds in Chelsea does these white boxes, and it sells. It sells and it’s safe. Why do you want to do that? Overseas buyers want a bit of history, a bit of heritage: let’s have a panelled wall in the drawing-room, for example. Let’s have something that makes it known we’re in England!” Nicola argues, triumphantly. Suffice it to say, the directors agreed. Nicola, quite rightly, takes great pride in her long-standing and successful relationships with her developers. It’s rare that such trust is placed in a designer to go in such an alternative direction. “My developers keep coming back because they always know I’m going to come up with a new show. We want to make a point of being different. Not for the sake of being different but because we want to put something back. I said to them ‘go big or go home’.” Novel, individual touches make Nicola’s house highly original. We hop up from the table and bounce over to the entrance doors of the basement to admire the self-designed handles, Art Deco in style. “If you turned this the other way round, you would see that it is an original Cartier brooch,” Nicola says. Inspiration is drawn from the worlds of antiques, fashion and jewellery – pretty much anything but trade magazines. “They are so over – I hate them. I think they’re wrong for anyone who wants to move forward,” she expounds. I agree. Turn the corner and a bright orange ‘pimped-out WWII bomb’ is sitting upright. “Don’t you think it’s fun?” she asks, smiling. A Banksy hangs on the wall behind, with a staircase of onyx below, sweeping round and up to the hallway. An early 19th-century Venetian mirror expands the smaller space, flanked by two antique lights of the same era, bought from Denton’s on Kensington Church Street (a favourite of Nicola’s). Contemporary and Art Deco pieces

fill the drawing room, the main feature of which is a selfdesigned amethyst fireplace with a Lalique centrepiece. I find myself stroking a stingray-clad AC unit. What a place. Nicola’s home reflects who she is and what she does. Touches of her professional projects are dotted around, a celebration of her inimitable touch. Argent Design’s portfolio, which includes large mansions in Miami (150,000 sq ft of property there alone), a restaurant with a private club room in St Petersburg and an apartment overlooking Lord’s Cricket Ground, has, I note, a distinct style for bold shapes and new art, all placed in harmony with traditional antiques. It’s an exciting and individual concept, and one which works. Nicola brings good taste to where it is most needed, and does so with aplomb. “I am slightly eccentric, I suppose. I like to think that I appeal in one shape or form to a wide audience. I have clients who are in their 20s and others in their 70s. When you’re 70 you don’t want to feel 70; when you’re 20 you don’t want to feel 20. I get it.” argentdesign.co.uk

INTERIORS

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GENEU.COM

HEALTH BEAUTY BY OLIVIA SHARPE

Come Rain or Shine Even in springtime with the weather so unpredictable, it can be next to impossible to keep one’s lips looking and feeling hydrated. Thankfully, Estée Lauder has come up with a cure for the dreaded chapped lips with its new Pure Colour Envy Shine Sculpting Lipstick collection featuring a unique modern formula for long-lasting moisture. As well as hydrating properties, the lipsticks also contain multi-faceted colour pigments that give unbeatable colour projection as well as long-lasting shine. Available in a number of different shades, our personal favourite includes the Surreal Sun which gives a warm hue to any complexion. Available from March NEW Pure Colour Envy Shine Sculpting Lipstick, £24 esteelauder.co.uk

Balancing Act Adding to the ever growing list of revolutionary products that have been created to non-surgically reverse signs of ageing is Hourglass’s new, musthave Cosmetics Equilibrium Biomimetic Skin Active Serum. The night-time balancing treatment relies on bio-identical phosphatidylglycerol which, to translate, is an organic compound that has been found to normalise skin cell growth and thereby counteract the visible signs of ageing. Priced at a somewhat hefty £245, we advise you to use it sparingly.

Love is in the Air French actress Clémence Poésy once again stars in the campaign for Chloé’s latest fragrance, Love Story. And with her delicate beauty and grace, we could not imagine a better choice. Directed by Mélanie Laurent, the campaign, which sees Poésy in a beautiful pink, low back dress on a night out in Paris, perfectly captures the subtle romance and elegance of the brand’s new scent, which features floral notes of neroli, orange blossom, jasmine stephanotis and cedar. £47 for 30ml, Chloe Love Story eau de parfum 0800 083 6312

£245, exclusive to Liberty London liberty.co.uk

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Return of the

MAC MAC’s director of make-up artistry Terry Barber talks to Ellen Millard about this season’s trends, working with Grace Jones and the “anti-Kardashian effect” Whether your beauty knowledge is vast or verging on nonexistent, chances are you’ll have heard of that illustrious make-up rule: emphasise your lips or your eyes, but never both. An advocate of minimalism, MAC’s creative director Terry Barber has been championing that very statement since the early 90s. Starting out as a sales assistant at the launch of MAC’s first ever European shop in Harvey Nichols, Barber quickly moved up the ranks, and has now been with the brand for 20 years. During this time he worked on creating a trademark understated look to counter the heavy-duty make-up of the 80s. The result was a clear, fresh complexion. For Terry, less is always more. “People can wear as much makeup as they want, but my advice would be to say ‘you don’t need it’. Simple as that.” With a CV that includes working with the likes of Grace Jones, Sienna Miller and the late Alexander McQueen, it comes as no surprise that Terry’s stripped-back approach to beauty is at the forefront of this season’s key looks. Talking freckles, pastel colours and ‘no make-up’ make-up, Terry lends us his expertise on the S/S15 trends.

HEALTH & BEAUTY

On the most popular looks for S/S15… “Interestingly at MAC we did a trend called ‘no make-up’. The idea was to replace statement or heavy coverage make-up with something that gives the face a mood. For example, we reworked the sun-kissed look by making it a lot cooler and more sophisticated, with freckled faces and golden glowing skin. I think we’ve moved away from wanting to look like you’ve just done a crash-tan in Marbella. There’s this ‘outdoorsiness’ to make-up at the moment; it’s quite healthy and rugged. I think in terms of eye make-up it’s about doing one thing at a time. You could do either an eye shadow, which might be a bit stretched out and quite 70s, or you could go for eyeliner, but very rarely both. I think that’s the modern take now. It’s quite feminine again – we’ve had seasons and seasons of that slightly masculine boyish eyebrow, but now it’s all moved back to the eye, the lash-line and the liner.”

“There’s this ‘outdoorsiness’ to makeup at the moment, it’s quite healthy and rugged”

“Avoid an all-over solid tan and go for a golden bronzer just on the cheeks” On taming the tan… “I tend to dislike trends that dictate that women should look flawless; I find that quite boring. The modern woman is much more aware of being effortless and not too perfected, so avoid super-done foundation and heavy contouring. I think smokey eyes are taking a bit of a back seat in favour of warmer, bronze tones for summer. I’d also opt for a fresh pink or peach lip rather than the beige concealer look. Avoid an all-over solid tan and go for a golden bronzer just on the cheeks. I always recommend having points of your face highlighted, so your complexion resembles that first day of summer when you’ve caught a little bit of sun.”

On grown-up glasto… “For a few seasons now I’ve done shows for Marques’Almeida and we made the girls look like they were returning from Glastonbury. We used chalky pastel colours and finger smudged them under the eyes. This summer is going to be all about the real girl and how she uses colour. I think the popularity of the festival circuit is having a huge influence on everything; think field style rather than street style.”

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On not keeping up with the Kardashians… “I think most of the trends are more accessible at the moment. If you start with a natural looking base as the canvas, you can then add a red lip or a volumising mascara. MAC’s Ruby Woo lipstick is perfect for everyday, because you can wear it with almost no other make-up and it will still make an impact, with minimal effort. There is sometimes a misconception that doing your make-up properly is going to involve hours in front of the mirror, but that’s not the case. It’s much cooler for your make-up to look spontaneous and a bit haphazard. If it’s too perfect it can look slightly dated. I think it’s the anti-Kardashian effect; contouring has had its day – it’s been abused by too many YouTube videos. It’s almost impossible for women to contour anyway; they’re not going to define their faces with 14 shades of concealer. A natural, sun-kissed glow is much more effortless; you don’t have to have a mask on.”

On his favourite shows this season… Ruby Woo lipstick, £15.50

“If it’s too perfect it can look slightly dated”

“I love working with Marques’Almeida because they have a great background story. The founders were grunge kids in the 90s and everything they design evokes their nostalgia for grunge. I also enjoy the shows that I work on in Italy. There’s a new designer called Marco de Vincenzo whom I adore. I sent his models down the catwalk with radiantly dewy eggshell skin. Another of my favourites is Jean-Pierre Braganza – I opted for bold, biker girl eyeliner for that show, which is a look that always makes women feel sexy.”

On the biggest make-up faux pas…

“ I like to tell stories with beauty” On working for MAC… “I started at MAC in 1994, and it’s just like working with a family. I’ve never felt that because I’m working for a brand that I’m not a make-up artist. MAC has given me a very rounded career. I like to tell stories with beauty as well as just doing make-up.”

“A woman should never think she has to put make-up on every single millimetre of her face. It looks more modern when you take things away. It’s good to think in terms of balance; if you do a red lip, keep it simple with subtle eye make-up, but if you opt for a dark pencilled eye, wear almost nothing on your lips. I have always followed Coco Chanel’s advice on accessorising – take off the last thing you put on.”

HEALTH & BEAUTY

On the best beauty advice he’s received… “Val Garland once said to me: ‘sometimes it is your decision as a make-up artist to do nothing’. The eye of the make-up artist has changed – we make less make-up look extremely beautiful. When I worked on a MAC counter in Harvey Nichols in the 90s, people would want to buy so many products, and I spent half the time telling them ‘you don’t need it’.”

“We make less make-up look extremely beautiful”

On his creative influences… “My biggest influences come from great fashion photographers. I find the history of the genre and the figures behind the camera fascinating. Photographers like Helmut Newton, Peter Lindbergh and Corinne Day have made a real impact on aesthetics, sometimes more than the actual designers themselves – apart from Yves Saint Laurent, who’s a bit of a hero of mine.”

On the products we should be buying this season… “MAC’s Prep and Prime Natural Radiance is amazing. I would say a super-volumising mascara like MAC’s In Extreme Dimension mascara is another must-have – coat the top and bottom lashes to achieve a 70s effect. Every woman should own a foundation that’s as sheer as she can possibly get away with. I love our Studio Face and Body foundation because it never fails to make skin look great. A good red lipstick has endless possibilities – you could either layer it on for full-on glamour, or use it as a stain and rub Face and Body Foundation, £21.50 it in with your finger, but wear it on a naturally made-up face. Women should own a brow gel as well, not necessarily to add colour, but to brush your brows up. Grooming your brows makes such a difference to your face.”

Prep + Prime Natural Radiance, £29.50

“I would say a supervolumising mascara like MAC’s In Extreme Dimension mascara is another must-have ”

“My biggest influences come from great fashion photographers” In Extreme Dimension Mascara, £19

On A/W15 trend predictions… On working with his idols… “I’ve had the privilege of working with some legendary women that I’ve loved ever since my youth, in particular, Grace Jones. I remember ending up in a studio shooting a V Magazine cover with her and Jean-Paul Goude and I was literally pinching myself thinking ‘how on earth did I get here’? Posters of their work adorned my bedroom wall as a kid.”

“I think we’ll be keeping the natural skin look. There might be a few new luxury elements, and probably a lot of red lips. Eye make-up will be strong, and we’ll see metallic glosses and more texture. I’m envisaging something quite feminine but with a cool, nonchalant edge. I’m sure they’ll be some unexpected and striking new directions too, but we’ll have to wait and see.” maccosmetics.co.uk

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Kids KINGDOM BY Phoebe McDowell

Off the Deep End It’s rare that you’ll find a childrenswear collection that will incite uncontrollable jealousy among adults but when it comes to Baby Dior’s new S/S15 range, this is exactly what has happened. Taking inspiration from post-war New York fashion, key pieces for spring include darling sunray-pleat dresses and ‘Corolle’ skirts, while the classic Dior ‘New Look’ silhouette has been updated with punchy blocks of colour. The boys’ collection is equally as dapper, comprising crisp white and cobalt blue shirts, tailored shorts and snazzy trainers. Baby Dior, 87-135 Brompton Road, SW1X 7XL dior.com

Little Mayhem If you didn’t already know that there is a four-year-old (yes, four-yearold), fashion blogger who has been enlisted by Crewcuts to help create a whimsical capsule collection, you do now. The teeny bopper first caught our eye when she used paper to recreate red carpet looks for her blog, Fashion By Mayhem. And now, it’s clear that J Crew’s creative director Jenna Lyons was equally as impressed, as the two have partnered together on a nine-piece collection of children’s clothing, available this spring. As the name Little Mayhem suggests, the range is creative, free-spirited and nonchalant. With a fashion repertoire that most of us can only dream of, we are confident that this won’t be the last we hear of this mini fashionista. Little Mayhem, available at jcrew.com

Soft Touch If you have a penchant for cashmere matched with a concern for the environment, Cashmirino is certain to become your new go-to brand for your children’s wardrobe. Created with loving affection and skilled craftsmanship, all garments are spun from the finest natural fibres (cashmere, cotton and linen) sourced from Inner Mongolia. One of our favourite pieces from the new S/S15 line is an A-line dress in Liberty of London fabric with hand-embroidered ruched criss-cross detailing. Cashmirino, 31 Burlington Arcade, W1J 0PY cashmirino.com

March on Moschino Moschino’s S/S15 collection lands on luxury childrenswear website Alex & Alexa this month; the Italian rule-breaker has reinvented its ‘Prehistoric’ S/S15 Moschino Cheap & Chic ready-to-wear collections so expect plenty of leopard spots, zebra stripes and dinosaur spines. While all pieces have an injection of rebellious fun, stand-out separates include the animal print biker jacket and the playful tees featuring dressed up dinosaurs riding skateboards, reminiscent of the legendary ‘Chewits’ adverts. “I like to wear it, wear it.” Available from March alexandalexa.com

Dog-Fashion The strict, thematic approach that Armani Junior has adopted for S/S15 is a welcome move, with both the boys’ and girls’ collections comprising three themes to suit all occasions. While some inspiration has been taken from the adult counterpart, the junior range still maintains a youthful gaiety, featuring floral trims and ties, nautical stripes, polka dot inlays, gingham accents and paisley fabrics. A showstopper from the boys’ range includes a suave striped seersucker jacket, while for girls, it’s got to be the distressed denim shorts and jeans with winsome, bow waist ties. All young Armani fans can complete the look with matching accessories; the colourful straw hats and oh-so-cool panamas are essential for the bright summer months. armani.com/gb/armanijunior

Water Babies Since the successful launch of Stella McCartney Kids back in 2008, it was almost inevitable that the luxury fashion brand would, in due course, embark upon a new venture. Cue the new swimwear collection for S/S15 which, true to form, is effortlessly chic. Playful designs include underwater 3D prints and black cartoon-like sandcastle kingdoms. Particularly cool are the nostalgic, 50s-inspired illustrations of dusty pink Cadillac’s, larger-than-life drive-in signs, pineapples and palm trees. If you’re not yet sold, the built-in +50 UV protection, along with the brand’s continued commitment to sustainability, should do the trick. stellamccartney.com/gb/ kids_section

Dive on in

Start with a Bang With the wealth of children’s literature now available, it’s becoming more and more unlikely that your youngsters have delved into your favourite books growing up. However, a facsimile of Ian Fleming’s classic novel, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang has, since becoming available in January (marking the 50th anniversary of the publication of the final volume), made it a definite possibility. The terrifying figure of the Child Catcher and the eccentricity of Caractacus Potts have been brought to life by the artwork of revered British illustrator John Burningham. There are two versions available, one of which, the Deluxe edition, comes in a grey slipcase accompanied by a portfolio of two prints signed and numbered by Burningham.

Explore the deep, dark depths of the ocean at the Natural History Museum’s newly curated Coral Reefs exhibition. If the interactive spectacle of over 200 specimens of coral, fish and fossil doesn’t spark an insatiable curiosity in your child, then the highdefinition, 180-degree panoramic dive certainly will. Considering there are 500 million people reliant upon coral reefs for their livelihood, and the irrevocable damage inflicted by climate change, pollution and overfishing, it has never been more important to explore and investigate this environmental issue. From 27 March Natural History Museum, Coral Reefs: Secret Cities of the Sea; Adult £10, Child and concession £4.50, Family £24; nhm.ac.uk

The Deluxe edition, £600; queenannepress.com

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To subscribe, please visit rwmg.co.uk/subscribe now * While stock lasts. The limited offer ends on 31 March 2015. 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

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high life

ChloÉ’s Debut Capitalising on its prime position opposite London’s most exclusive shopping street and the hype surrounding London Fashion Week, the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park has partnered with luxury French fashion house Chloé on an exclusive new package. This comprises a one night’s stay for two in the Knightsbridge Turret Suite with sweeping city views and an à la carte breakfast overlooking Hyde Park; personalised service at the Chloé boutique on Sloane Street, where you can pick up the hotly-anticipated Drew bag from the Spring/Summer 2015 collection; a complimentary bottle of the brand’s new fragrance, Love Story, and lastly, a Chloé-inspired afternoon tea in the enchanting tea room at The Rosebery. Until 9 March: Chloé Debut Package, from £1,568 at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park; mandarinoriental.com

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Travel

THE WORLD BY LIANE NELSON

Out of Africa Overlooking the floodplains of the Moremi Wildlife Reserve, the Belmond Khwai River Lodge is home to a collection of luxury ‘tents’; featuring raised wooden platforms and thatched roofs, they allow you to experience an African safari holiday without having to ‘rough it’. During the day you will be immersed in a world of wildlife with private guided safaris and talks, while in the evenings you can enjoy al fresco dining with views of the reserve and a history of stargazing mythology, before heading back to your tent which is fully equipped with a four-poster bed, bathroom and a stocked mini bar. belmondsafaris.com

A Spanish Getaway If sun, beach, sangria and paella together equals your dream holiday, then head to the newly opened Sant Francesc Hotel Singular and soak up the Mallorcan sun in style. Converted from an old manor house into a charming boutique hotel, the Sant Francesc sits in the shadow of one of Palma’s oldest churches, the Sant Francesc Basilica, in a prime location of the old town. After a day of exploring the city centre, you can cool off with a dip in the rooftop pool or else pamper yourself with a massage at the hotel’s spa. As for dinner, there is no need to venture further than the garden restaurant where you can taste the finest, authentic Mediterranean cuisine. slh.com

Worth a Thousand Words Whether you are a skilled photographer or a rookie, the photography retreat at Amanzoe luxury resort on the Peloponnese in Southern Greece is the perfect location for anyone looking to snap pictures they can treasure for a lifetime. During the trip, you will spend three days exploring the historical region of the peninsula’s ancient ruins and natural beauty, with highlights including a visit to the Sanctuary and Theatre of Asclepius in Epidaurus. Here you will be able to capture street life in the narrow streets and piazzas of the quaint seaside town Nafplio and trek up the volcanic coastline of the Methana peninsula. When you are not playing paparazzi, you can kick back and take in the fantastic views of the olive groves and Aegean Sea at the resort. 24-28 April 2015, from £1,960 per person for a four night package, amanzoe.com

Urban Retreat Nestled in a thriving cultural hotspot of one of Asia’s bustling cities, Raffles Hotels & Resorts brings its newest flagship to Jakarta, offering a haven of calm and, of course, luxury in the vibrant metropolis of Indonesia. Tastefully designed, the hotel pays homage to iconic Indonesian artist Hendra Gunawan whose works bring vibrant colour to the rich and elegant interior. Guests can choose from a variety of dining options, with three bars and three restaurants onsite, covering everything from a three course meal to an afternoon tea or simply an aperitif served poolside. While we do not suggest you spend all of your time in the hotel, you cannot stay at Raffles Jakarta without paying a visit to its lavish spa equipped with treatment and relaxation rooms, as well as a full service beauty salon. Raffles Jakarta is currently accepting reservations for stays beginning 1 March raffles.com

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not just a hotel,

a way of life

VISIT HRHI.COM

Porto Calls Beverley Byrne spends an idyllic few days in the Tuscan countryside at Cala del Porto, soaking up its laidback atmosphere, the Italian sunshine, and some of the finest contents of the local wineries

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olce vita moments don’t get better than this. Viewed from the sun-scorched roof terrace of the ultra-modern Rocca di Frassinello winery in Tuscany, the undulating ribbons of golden vines stretching towards the horizon are mesmerising. Even more seductive is the thought of last year’s harvest, maturing slowly in barrels in the dark, amphitheatrical cellar beneath my feet. This sleek repository of fine Tuscan vintages, designed by legendary architect Renzo Piano, may look more like a contemporary art gallery than a winery but that’s exactly the point. According to our guide and wine expert, Magdi Lamci, Rocca di Frassinello wines are the result of a radical concept combining aesthetics and revolutionary production processes. “The six labels produced here represent a unique collaboration between ingenuity and excellence”, says Magdi, before adding the magic words, “come, let’s taste some wine”. Not surprisingly, the wine tasting experience at Rocca di Frassinello is as fashionably chic as the surroundings. Even the slender, stainless steel spittoon drawers are things of beauty, discretely concealed within the vast, frosted glass

Only 3,000 bottles of the Baffonero are produced each year conference table, laden with crystal glasses. Moving from the reasonably priced (and delicious) entry level Poggio alla Guardia through to the fat, fruity Super Tuscan Rocca di Frassinello, aged for ten months in those oak barrels, we arrive at the exquisite grand finale. Only 3,000 bottles of the Baffonero (moustache) made from 100 per cent merlot are produced each year so for around 140 euros a bottle, it’s definitely something to take home for a special celebration. This visit to Rocca di Frasinello in the ravishing Grosseto region of Tuscany is just one of the bespoke tours arranged by my hotel, the Cala del Porto in Punta Ala. Just two hours from the cultural blockbusters of Pisa, Siena and Florence, the Hotel Cala Del Porto showcases Tuscany’s laidback alter ego. Situated on the beautiful Maremma coast with the island of Elba on the horizon, this Relais & Chateaux Baglioni hotel combines sophisticated luxury with impeccable service and cinematic vistas. Beyond the cypress-shaded pool and colourful gardens, the panorama embraces a glittering bay and the fashionable Marina di Punta Ala which inspires the retro-style marine theme, distinguishing each of the

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37 recently restyled rooms and suites. Classic Tuscan cuisine elevated to gourmet standard is served with élan at the Belvedere restaurant and La Spiaggia, set beside the hotel’s private beach. A complementary shuttle service transports guests from hotel to beach where La Vela Club is the latest addition to the hotel’s raft of attractions. This exclusive beachside complex comprises an elegant rooftop restaurant and bars, plus fitness centre and spa. With this contemporary contrast to the hotel’s sumptuous traditional style, La Vela completes the Cala del Porto’s portfolio of timeless glamour. Difficult as it is to extricate myself from the hotel’s infinite allure, there is much to explore in this glorious region of Tuscany. The countryside features many ancient, atmospheric villages often dominated by impressive churches outside which children play and elderly women, dressed in black, walk tiny dogs. Massa Marittima is one such village and it is home to our guide, Magdi. Together with his wife Monica, Magdi runs Enoteca Il Bacchino, a boutique delicatessen specialising in regional produce and over lunch, I sample his knowledgeable wine recommendations, precisely chosen

With the marina so close to the hotel, water sports and sailing trips are a breeze to complement Monica’s culinary skills. The result is a simple but dazzling display of gastronomic excellence. Fortunately, there is plenty to combat an expanding waistline. The hotel can arrange countless activities, from horse riding at sunset across the blonde beaches to golf, hiking or mountain biking through the wild interior. Naturally, with the marina so close to the hotel, water sports and sailing trips are a breeze. Legend has it that the Venus of the Tyrrhenian sea let slip seven pearls from her necklace as she emerged from the sea to “embrace the sunset”. These pearls then transformed themselves into the islands of the Tuscan Archipelago; Elba is the largest of these ‘seven sisters’ islands and a must-visit, either by chartered yacht or ferry which runs regularly from Piombino, an hour’s drive from the hotel. If, like me, you’re keen to get beneath the water as well as on it, the island of Giglio is a diving and snorkelling paradise, despite being the site of the tragic Costa Concordia disaster; not even this can detract from Giglio’s natural beauty and the surrounding waters. The reefs and coral beds around the island are the last resting places for ships and archaeological relics which create a divers’ paradise but you don’t have to be a dive expert to appreciate the aquatic wonders: simply stick your head

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below the surface of the water and you’ll see an array of beautifully coloured fish abounding in the shallow reefs. A visit to the Calidario thermal baths near the coast at Venturina is another must for water babies. Here the small lake fed by hot water springs echoes back to the time when Etruscans and Romans enjoyed baths and massages in this charming setting. At the centre of the Calidario estate an ancient Tuscan villa has been converted to accommodate the restaurant and ‘Thermarium’ – an indoor structure comprising steam baths, saunas and a Roman mosaic pool plus modern aromatherapy and chromatherapy showers. Massages are available, in addition to special treatments designed to energise, revitalise and relax the mind and body. With such life-enhancing experiences almost on one’s doorstep, the Cala del Porto makes discovering the alternative to Chianti-shire simple. Tuscany may be the

traditional destination of choice for hedonists but the real dolce vita begins at the Cala del Porto.

more information Four nights at Cala del Porto with Wexas Travel (wexas.com/caladelporto; 020 7838 5892) available from £830 per person including breakfast, return flights to Pisa and four days’ car hire (price is based on ‘stay four nights, pay for three’ offer which is valid from 18 April – 29 May and 14-28 September 2015). Other dates are available on request but may incur a supplement (baglionihotels.com/caladelporto)

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Charmed by

Chennai

Beyond India’s bustling city of colourful rickshaws and saree markets, is the tranquil haven of The Leela Palace. Hannah Lemon finds it hard to leave this lap of luxury

Chennai, formerly Madras, has often struggled to gain recognition alongside its more successful and populous cousins Delhi and Mumbai. But on arrival, I can soon see the attraction of Tamil Nadu’s capital. Nothing compares to the city’s colour and vibrancy; the luminous materials of sarees flash up and down the streets and even the lorries’ petrol tanks are jollied up with illustrations in bright, primary yellow, blue and red paints. The city has evolved over the last few years into a buzzing metropolis with the help of booming car industries; BMW, Ford and Renault-Nissan are just a few who have production plants in the area. It is also the happy home of the largest information technology park in Asia. The surrounding areas may be a culture shock to some; whether alone or with a guide, Westerners receive constant hassling for spare rupees. But there is never a shortage of friendly smiling faces too. A short 20-minute drive from the airport and I feel like I have experienced all of this. Getting around during rush hour can be a mission (hour-long traffic jams are notorious) and when the roads are clear there are a few reckless drivers to spice a journey up, so I am relieved to find that the hotel has provided a chauffeur for the duration of my stay. As well as people crowding the motorways (I learn that you can fit at least four people

on the back of a small motorbike), there are a few stray cows, also known as “brake inspectors,” the friendly driver explains to me as he slams his foot down. When I arrive at The Leela Palace, tucked away from the hustle and bustle, I am soothed by the enchanting Indian finesse and tradition. After a welcome introduction with a garland of flowers and a red bindi pressed on my forehead by staff at reception, I am shown to my room, one of 326 at the hotel. There is a spacious bathroom and dressing room with mood lighting and sound system throughout – just so you don’t miss any television commentary while you pop to the loo – and all the usual extras you would expect (Wi-Fi, laptop sockets and refreshments). The view from my window is stunning and despite the heavy rain of the monsoon season (October– December) I can still see the cool cobalt colour of the Bay of Bengal and the tiny footprints of a fisherman making his way across the shore to deeper waters. After travelling just over 11 hours on the plane to get here, I don’t feel particularly energised and decide to stay in the hotel for the majority of my first day in India. I am delighted to discover that the 11-storey hotel is equipped for my every need. At one end, there is the quiet and calm of the art gallery (paintings by up-and-coming Indian artists feature widely across the interior), restaurants,

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the spa, swimming pool, hairdressers and gym, all priding themselves on the latest technologies. On the other side, the hotel caters for just about any event. When I am shown around, there is preparation for a wedding underway, with rows of tables in the Grand Ballroom ready to serve up to 1,500 guests. People mill around with decorations and lights and a troupe of dancers practise a routine on a large stage at the back. There are also secluded boardrooms for business meetings and an office area for those wanting a quiet place to retreat for private business calls. Vivid oranges and reds form a delightful decor in the foyers and fresh flowers stand in polished silver bowls (I can see my reflection clearer in the hotel’s vase than in my mirror at home). The spacious marble rooms, embellished with mother of pearl and gold leaf, are a signature style of Chettinad architecture. Decorative Hindu elements illustrate the design too; a long rectangular fountain at the building's entrance is surrounded by a sculpture of the Tree of Life made of lapis lazuli. There are also statues of the pot-bellied Hindu deity Ganesha, distinguished by his elephant head. The concierge service is the best I have experienced (and are ever likely to). Cheery staff are at my beck and call for everything. It takes some getting used to; at one point during a meal I lift a hand to refill my glass but am hurriedly surrounded by waiters who apologise profusely for leaving it empty, so I decide it’s best not to try anything like that again. I unsurprisingly and rather easily settle into the rhythm of it. In the spa there is an attendant waiting

with a towel, slippers and dressing gown prepped for me and while I get changed they even tumble dry my bikini for the journey back to my room. With this tailored service comes the need to tip; I suggest leaving a wodge of notes at the end of your stay. It’s up to your discretion how much you leave but do bear in mind that the average wage in Chennai is only about £2 a day. If you manage to tear yourself away from the hotel, the temples are the main must-see attractions. The Kapaleeswarar Temple is close by in Mylapore or you can visit a collection of temples in Kanchipuram, one of

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the seven sacred cities of Hinduism, which involves a two-hour drive. Be prepared to get stuck in; I take my shoes off (a mark of respect), feel the grit underneath my feet and wander round the temples learning stories about the formidable Lord Shiva and his sons Ganesha and Kartikeya from a guide (I would definitely be lost without one). I am not allowed into the individual shrines but can peek in and watch as people queue to be blessed by monks. The kanchi Kailasanathar temple and the gaudy Ekambareswarar temple are the highlights; at the latter, any women unlucky in love can get blessed at the mango tree with the promise of a happy marriage. While in Kanchipuram, definitely pay a visit to a saree workshop. I visit three old men who work handlooms to put together the most intricate sarees; it takes up to two months to make a wedding saree and they weave in real gold threads. There is also a shop next door to provide the finished product. On the way back, a drive by the Marina beach is a

Dine at Spectra for tastes from the Middle East, Thailand, Italy and Japan must; it claims to be the world’s eleventh longest beach and is a place where locals congregate, talk to friends, stop for a nap and play football. The fish market here is a fascinating if somewhat pongy experience; locals sell the catch of the day on makeshift benches, while others make a living on the other side of the road which is scattered with little huts and benches made of rubbish. Despite the seeming affluence of the surrounding hotels, there is still a long path out of poverty for a large part of the population. For another outing, glimpse into the historical past of the city with a visit to the British settlement at Fort St George. There are a selection of galleries, museums and churches that illustrate their time here. Stop in at the spice

shops and mini supermarkets to stock up on dried fruits, spices and nuts. I take this as an opportunity to buy large amounts of saffron, a pinch of the price than it is at home. While there you can also take a peak into the gold and silver jewellery shops, which offer affordable but excellent quality traditional items. Back at the hotel, you can reenergise with an array of cuisines. I witness the tandoor chefs in action in the Indian restaurant Jamavar and am soon ordering a plethora of uniquely seasoned dishes. Tiger prawns are freshly marinated in lemon juice and cardamom and roasted in a tandoor and the lamb is cooked tenderly on the bone with exotic herbs and spices. And while you may be in India, there is food from every other continent available. Dine at Spectra for tastes from the Middle East, Thailand, Italy and Japan, or the restaurant China XO for a feast of noodles and crispy Peking duck. All are expertly prepared by specialist chefs from each nation. When it is time to leave the hotel and all the opulence that comes with it, I am most upset about being parted from the people who have made me feel so exceptionally at ease. Time spent relaxing by the pool, consuming far too much food and enjoying all the facilities of the Leela Palace exceeded all my expectations. As my plane touches back down in London, I wonder how on earth I am meant to adjust back to normal life.

MORE INFORMATION The Leela Palace Chennai offers rates in a Deluxe Room from £100 per night including breakfast; theleela.com, 0800 026 1111 British Airways operates a service from London Heathrow to Chennai from £549 return. britishairways.com/en-gb/destinations/chennai 0844 4930 787

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CITY BREAK

Stockholm

Style

Sweden is famed for flat-pack furniture, ABBA and, of course, meatballs. But on a trip to the country’s capital, Kate Vandy discovers a city brimming with gastronomic delights As far as beautiful cities go, Stockholm must surely be near the top of the pile. Situated on the Baltic Sea, it is made up of 14 islands and in every direction is a vision of grand, terracotta-coloured buildings, bordered by clear blue waterways and the green of the city’s many natural spaces. Nestled in the central Norrmhalm district is my first port of call; the Miss Clara Hotel is part of the Design Hotels group, which sets expectations understandably high. But fortunately I wasn’t disappointed. One of the city’s most recent openings, the hotel oozes a super-stylish Nordic vibe. It was a girls’ school when it opened in 1910 and its magnificent art nouveau features have been retained throughout its 92 rooms. After a quick check-in, I head straight for my simple yet sleek suite, adorned in soft Scandinavian fabrics and retro fittings, before enjoying a leisurely street-side drink at Miss Clara’s bar. Make your way across Sveavägen (one of the main streets in Stockholm upon which Miss Clara is conveniently situated) to collect one of the city bikes. If the weather is behaving itself, cycling or walking is the best way to explore Stockholm’s safe and compact streets. The sun is fortunately shining as I take to the road and follow it through Gamla Stan (the Old Town), passing the gorgeous 18th century Stockholm Palace and Nobel Museum as I make my way towards my favourite part of Stockholm; Djurgården Island. It’s a picture-perfect scenic ride with the water in one direction and leafy green trees in the other. Pleasingly, it’s a cycle-only path for nearly the entire 20-minute ride. I cycle past the ABBA Museum, the Vasa Museum and Skansen as I head towards the island’s real highlight – Rosendals Trädgård and Café. It’s like something out of a dream; colourful meadows of wild flowers sprawl, gardeners work away in fields picking berries and tending to vegetable patches and in the centre of this working garden is an enormous glass greenhouse serving the most deliciously healthy food. The café uses organic and

biodynamic ingredients that all come from the garden that surrounds it. The pastries and bread are made on site too. It’s a clear and bright day, and I enjoy tomato and chilli soup, homemade sourdough bread, followed by a cinnamon bun and coffee. From Rosendals, I ride down to the island’s ferry port and return my bike to one of the stands; for novices, the Stockholm City Bike is much like the Boris bike, except it’s lighter and much easier to ride. I catch a ferry across to Södermalm Island and spend the afternoon exploring the gems at Fotografiska – Stockholm’s wonderful photography museum – until it’s time to return for a restorative sauna and supper at Miss Clara’s Gastrologik restaurant. When I find the entrance (harder than expected), I enter an understated yet beautifully stylish room. Most tables at Gastrologik are communal but you can request

One of the city’s most recent openings, Miss Clara Hotel oozes a stylish Nordic vibe a table on your own if you so wish. I am welcomed in and seated next to a lovely Swedish couple visiting their daughters for the weekend, before the head chef, Jacob Holmström, comes to greet us and provides us with our first course. There is no menu at Gastrologik; besides any food allergies and specific requirements, the chef will serve you the best food on offer and in season that day. The menu is given to you after the meal, which results in surprise after surprise while dining. Each and every course is exquisite and definitely takes the top spot in terms of favourite dining experiences to date. Some of the highlights are the lovage soup, an enormous scallop, a quail’s egg marinated in homemade pea soy sauce, fallow deer with polypore mushroom, kale and lingonberries,

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Photography: EQRoy / Shutterstock.com

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and who could forget the spruce ice cream? Despite the quantity served at this exceptional supper, I still find space to devour a Miss Clara breakfast the following day. The organic Scandinavian spread features own-recipe sausages, waffles, homemade breads, gluten-free cakes and homemade granola and jam. I soon realise that another energy-burning, exploration-focussed cycle is definitely in order so I bike through the endlessly pretty Gamla Stan and across to Södermalm. No time should be spent here without a fix from Drop Coffee – ‘fika’ is the Swedish word for a coffee break and it’s an important part of the day – so this was my first pit stop, followed by some shopping in the area’s amazing high-end, second-hand store, Acne and Marimekko, for some typical Scandi treats. Head to Nytgortek 9 for a fortifying lunch, undoubtedly one of the trendiest casual eateries in town and definitely the best place to people-watch. I go traditional and opt for meatballs, mashed potato and lingonberries, followed by the Swedish cheesecake Ostkaka, which bears very little resemblance to the New York kind. A brisk walk back to Miss Clara is the only way to prepare for a much-anticipated supper at Mathias Dahlgren’s Matsalen, the most well-known Michelin star restaurant in town. Upon arrival I’m ushered to the chef’s table and in fact, each and every diner is taken to their seat via the kitchen, which does a great job of destroying any image diners might have of a restaurant kitchen being a place of stress and shouting. I dine on charcoal-baked king crab with horseradish emulsion, smoked sour cream with caviar, and dried raspberries with fresh berries and vanilla ice cream. We finish with fika after dessert – coffee and simple but magnificent chocolate cake with cream. By this point I start to wonder how much fika one woman can take. It is with a heavy heart (and full stomach) that I say farewell to Stockholm the next day but I’m off to Malmo next, at the country’s southern tip, and have high hopes. A double room at Miss Clara starts from £130 per night (room only); missclarahotel.com For more information: visitsweden.com

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2014/15 CoolBrands.uk.com

1936 Bière Brewed by the Locher family at the foot of the Swiss Alps using only the purest water, 1936 Bière has a unique, fresh and ultra clean taste.

The water used to brew 1936 Bière filters through the Swiss Alps, taking up to 25 years to reach the source. This unique water is combined with raw ingredients – Swiss hops and golden barley grown at high altitude on the mountains – to create a beer totally free from artificial preservatives or additives. Long famous for its innovative prowess in the development of new beers, the 1936 Bière brewery also leads in the field of climate protection.

B REWED

S WIT Z ERLA ND

1936biere.com #1936biere icerinkcanarywharf.co.uk 1936biere.com

Advert.indd 7

28/10/2014 14:02

& DINING

DRINKING

BY liane nelson

A Healthy Fix

Sunday Best There are few pleasures in life more enjoyable than Sunday brunch. Indeed, there is nothing quite like the prospect of an indulgent midday feast and a stiffening Bloody Mary to help wash away one’s Sunday blues (often the result of Saturday night’s antics). Once considered a strictly New York tradition, brunch has slowly made its way across the pond over the past few years and if you’re searching for a truly authentic experience, look no further than American chef Dean Yasharian’s offering at Bar Boulud, which launched this year. The trendy outpost of renowned chef Daniel Boulud’s New York flagship is located in the basement of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. The three-course menu begins with an aperitif of either fruit or vegetable juices, as well as an alcoholic option for those committed to hair of the dog. This is followed by a beautifully prepared buffet of charcuterie, pastries and a choice of salads. Famished diners are welcome to continue replenishing their plates or else move on to the second course. Served à la carte, you cannot go wrong with the baked egg brioche; the soft, sweet bread, topped with a perfectly cooked poached egg and complemented with either salty smoked salmon, ham or spinach, is a truly mouth-watering experience. Alternatively, for those of you who prefer something more akin to lunch, the confit duck served with a poached egg and hash browns or the roasted prawns with garlic and parsley are both equally delicious. And of course, it wouldn’t be staying true to the restaurant’s reputation if there wasn’t a burger option. Chef Yasharian has adapted Bar Boulud’s finger-licking, signature dish into a brunch-appropriate version: a succulent grilled beef patty with streaky bacon, Cheddar cheese and finished off with a fried egg. Finally, those who have room for dessert can enjoy a choice of either the trifle, brownie or freshly-made waffle. I don’t know about you but Sunday just became my favourite day of the week. Olivia Sharpe

Based on its founders’ ‘healthy 6’ ingredients philosophy, authentic family-run Japanese restaurant Tombo’s menu is therefore ideal for the figureconscious diner. With core ingredients consisting of seaweed, miso, tofu, multigrain rice, sesame seeds and green tea or its more concentrated version of matcha powder, you can enjoy a meal without having to count the calories. If you’re having trouble deciding what to have, why not opt for the ‘make your own bento box’ and have a taste of everything, from miso-marinated salmon to tofu or sashimi? Don’t also forget to try Tombo’s unique selection of Japanese green tea and matcha, known for their health benefits and metabolism boosting properties, and with desserts such as the matcha gateau on offer, you can most certainly have your cake and eat it too. Tombo, 29 Thurloe Place, SW7 2HQ tombodeliandcafe.com

Sunday Brunch, 11am – 3.30pm; £39 per person Bar Boulud at Mandarin Oriental, barboulud.com

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& DINING

DRINKING Macaron Day

Now in its third year running in the UK, 20 March will see the pastry industry once again pay homage to the glorious macaron. A total of 62 pastry chefs in France and abroad will participate in this initiative, which has been instigated by celebrated chef Pierre Hermé and members of the Relais Desserts. All those involved will be unleashing a mélange of new flavours and recipes and proceeds made on the day will go towards the Cystic Fibrosis Trust to help fund ground-breaking research; all the more reason to satisfy your sweet tooth, totally guilt free.

A Taste of the Middle East

20 March at participating locations pierreherme.com

Centred on easy and relaxed café food, Comptoir Libanais offers the bold flavours of Middle Eastern cuisine in a colourful and vibrant setting. With founder Tony Kitous’s vision being to make Lebanese food as popular as Italian, we would say he’s definitely on the right path, with ten branches now located across London. Specialities include a range of mouth-watering tagines, such as baked aubergine in a rich tomato and chickpea sauce, lamb kofta with succulent tomato, carrots, peppers and courgettes garnished with mint yoghurt and let’s not forget the delicious falafel wrap smothered in a divine tahini sauce. Lebanese pastries paired with a pot of fresh rose mint tea are also served. Comptoir Libanais, Duke of York Square SW3 4LY; lecomptoir.co.uk

Flaming Good

The Key to Success The Cross Keys is set to reopen its doors in mid-February following a complete refurbishment. Featuring an extensive range of real ales, along with upscale pub fare reaching above and beyond the traditional fish and chips (think roast wild duck with foie gras pastille, lamb pot au feu and a Jerusalem artichoke and truffle lasagne) it’s little wonder this 300 year-old establishment has seen the likes of Dylan Thomas, Bob Marley and The Rolling Stones pass through its doors. The Cross Keys, 1 Lawrence Street, SW3 5NB thecrosskeyschelsea.co.uk

Located in the heart of South Kensington, Galante bar evokes the dazzling cocktail era of Buenos Aires; think Santiago Policastro, the most distinguished bartender in Argentine history, with a splash of Hollywood glitz. Signature cocktails include the Galante, comprising rum dry vermouth, cherry brandy and Kirsch, and the Cha-Cha-Cha, boasting a smooth blend of gin, apricot brandy and fresh peach topped with champagne. If you’re feeling particularly daring, the aptly-named Del Inferno is a must-try: a truly fiery combination of vodka, kirsch, dry vermouth and maraschino liquor finished with a rum-soaked flaming twist of lemon. Hot stuff. Galante, 87 Sloane Avenue, SW3 3DX bargalante.com

W11

A Royal Affair

Located within the stunning grounds of Kensington Palace, The Orangery is the ideal place to go for a decadent breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea. The stunning 18th century interior provides the perfect backdrop for the restaurant’s quintessential English dishes, which include potted Hereford rabbit leg and Devon guinea fowl breast paired with roasted garlic, baby carrots, black cabbage and truffle jus. To start the morning right, try the full English breakfast complete with streaky bacon, field mushrooms, vine tomatoes, Cumberland sausages, black pudding and scrambled free-range eggs. Following this stomach-bursting affair, you can walk off your food coma in the lovely surrounding gardens. The Orangery, Kensington Palace W8 4PX orangerykensingtonpalace.co.uk

All About That Style New kid on the block Zinnia is a must-try for swanky diners who appreciate excellent food and drink in a buzzing atmosphere. Focusing on Japanese fusion, this restaurant and lounge serves up an eclectic mix of sushi, small bites (such as Szechuan glazed pork belly and confit duck onigiri), as well as larger dishes of lamb cutlets with grilled aubergine and miso mustard and aged sirloin tataki. If you’re with friends, make sure to pay a visit to the lounge where you can enjoy a range of signature cocktails such as a wasabi martini or a glass of classic sake. Zinnia, 86 Fulham Road, SW3 6HR zinnia-restaurant.co.uk

Tuck In The Tommy Tucker is by no means your average pub. Recently opened, its delectable menu is the work of chef Claude Compton, who has successfully bridged the gap between the simplicity of street food and the elegance of fine dining. This Fulham-based gastro pub showcases a hearty menu of beef fillet, wood pigeon, smoked beef short-rib and chargrilled lamb, with reinvented classic sides of sweet potato mash and chicory chop salad. It also boasts an adventurous selection of wine, beer and spirits, including homeinfused gins and bourbons, not to mention its own conditioned wine cellar for aficionados to store and sell their own wine. Now that’s what we call a proper pub. The Tommy Tucker, 22 Waterford Road, SW6 2DR thetommytucker.com

A Classic Never Dies Harrods now has a total of 25 restaurants and cafés but arguably its most famous remains the Georgian restaurant, first opened in 1913. Last year saw it undergo an extensive refurbishment courtesy of renowned interior designer Christopher Guy; taking inspiration from the 1920s and 30s, the elegant decor features sumptuous dining chairs, intimate curved booths and statement chandeliers. And you can be sure that the food is just as decadent and opulent as the interior. While also serving lunch, its claim to fame lies in its exquisite afternoon tea. There are various options available but we heartily recommend the Champagne Afternoon Tea; along with a complimentary glass of rose champagne, it serves all the classics such as freshly baked scones with clotted cream, delicate finger sandwiches and fresh strawberries, along with a few surprises, such as a prawn cocktail salad and a delightful mini trifle served in a jam jar. We defy any of you to finish all of that, but fortunately you do not have to feel ashamed asking for a doggie bag, as your charming waiter will be sure to offer you one at the end of your meal. Champagne Afternoon Tea, £49.50 per person The Georgian Restaurant at Harrods, Brompton Road

117

Photography: Dave Benett

Tinie Tempah and Tinchy Stryder

Tinie Tempah

Harriet Verney

Chris Robshaw and Camilla Kerslake

Sean Frank

Max Roger

Model

Jess Plummer

Model

Lara Mullen

Model

Bip Ling, Lee and Mikey Trapstar, and Harif Guzman

Model

Will, Lee and Mikey Trapstar

Model

LONDON LIVING Photography: Getty Images

Picture Perfect WHAT: Christian Lacroix, SUPA Model Management and Grey Goose London Collections: Men cocktail party WHEN: 12 January WHERE: Mondrian London, South Bank WHO: Robert Cavalli, Hum Fleming, Rosie Fortescue, Alistair Guy, Anders Hayward, Mark-Francis Vandelli and Sacha Walckhoff WHY: Christian Lacroix combined forces with SUPA Model Management to host a suave cocktail party in Mondrian London’s Rumpus Room, which, having only opened last year, has already become one of the top venues for the most exclusive events. The stylish crowd, which included Lacroix’s latest muse, the beautiful Anders Hayward, took in the stunning city view while sipping on Grey Goose’s signature Crystal Lyan cocktail. However, it wasn't long before this was overshadowed by the photographs of Hayward himself which were displayed for the first time on the night. And with GQ fashion editor Gary Armstrong and Rizzle Kicks’ Jordan Stephens both on the decks, you can be sure that no one left the party early.

Rosie Fortescue and Hum Fleming

Robert Cavalli and Mark-Francis Vandelli

Jack Fox and Billie JD Porter

Alistair Guy and Betty Bachz

Charlie Casely-Hayford and guest

Charley Palmer Rothwell and Jordan Stephens

Fall into the Trap WHAT: Harvey Nichols presents Haculla x Trapstar Redline at London Collections: Men WHEN: 10 January WHO: Sean Frank, Bip Ling, Lara Mullen, Jess Plummer and Tinchy Stryder WHY: Giving us yet another example of the wonders that can happen when the worlds of art and fashion collide was the new fashion collection courtesy of New York based artist Harif Guzman and British cult streetwear label Trapstar; Haculla X Trapstar Redline. To mark the successful collaboration, Knightsbridge department store Harvey Nichols hosted a gothic-themed launch party at The College, the former site of Central Saint Martins. The 12-piece capsule collection was showcased live as guests downed Chivas Regal Whisky sours, while model and blogger Bip Ling DJ'd.

Robert Newmark and Gillian Anderson Price

West is the Best WHAT: West Thirty Six restaurant launch WHEN: 29 January WHERE: 36 Golbourne Road, W10 WHO: Olympia Campbell, Gemma Chan, Quentin Jones, Chelsea Leyland, Jack Whitehall and Jo Wood WHY: Hurrah! The director of Beach Blanket Babylon has brought West London another buzzy joint, and this time, the members' club-style establishment is an all-day affair. To celebrate, the new venue – which we predict will become a permanent feature on the local residents’ repertoires – threw a launch party attended by the great and the good. Guests were so much enjoying the rotisserie chicken on offer, which was being washed down with Collins’ cocktails, that they almost failed to notice Chelsea Leyland on the decks, until a few people hit the dancefloor and the party really took off.

Sarah Ann Macklin and Chelsea Leyland Gemma Chan and Jack Whitehall

Brix Smith-Start

Jo Wood

Diana Vickers and George Craig

119

Photography: Justin Goff/GoffPhotos.com Dina Marchand, Sebastien Legrand and Laurence Berman

Jessica Bridges, Ben Street and Piffa Schroder

The Bed, the Bricks and the Shark WHAT: London Art Studies Evening Class launch WHEN: 20 January WHERE: Bulgari Hotel, Knightsbridge WHO: Kate Gordon, Sanchia Grimaldi, Andy Harrison, Nathalie Hambro, Liz Hoggard and Piffa Schroder WHY: The Royal Borough’s art buffs and aficionados alike were in tow at London Art Studies (LAS) evening class launch at the Bulgari Hotel, a series founded by LAS’s founder Kate Gordon. An inaugural lecture entitled ‘The Bed, the Bricks and the Shark’ was given, followed by a thought-provoking look into controversial and iconic British art works of late, courtesy of art historian Ben Street. Guests throughout the night were treated to a delectable selection of canapés and wine at the Bulgari Hotel - what better a location to immerse oneself in contemporary art and design?

Sanchia Grimaldi and Kate Gordon

Ben Street and Sara Jensen

Inga Krymskaya and Kate Gordon

Sebastien Legrand, Kate Gordon, Sylvain Ercoli and Ben Street

Isabella Maidment, William Skeaping, Helen O’Neil and Jo Miller

Sue Peart and Margo Marrone

Nicholas Foulkes, Jennica Arazi, Prince Hubertus von Hohenlohe and Count Rudi von Schönburg Prince Hubertus von Hohenlohe and Rolf Sachs

Count Rudi von Schönburg and Ann Sadler Giovanni Corrado and Veronica Shamoon

Tia Graham and Susanna Abu Zalaf

Hitting the Mark WHAT: Jimmy Choo & Esquire London Collection: Men launch party WHEN: 10 January WHERE: Mark's Club, Mayfair WHO: David Gandy, Tinie Tempah, Aluna Francis, Miles Kane, Robert Konjic and Dermot O’Leary WHY: Kicking off the hotly-anticipated London Collections: Men once again was the exclusive party co-hosted by Jimmy Choo’s creative director and this month’s K&C interviewee Sandra Choi, along with Esquire editor Alex Bilmes. The art of drinking was taken very seriously with an extensive cocktail list from Haig Club and Ciroc, and dotted around Mayfair’s Mark's Club were an array of familiar faces from the world of fashion. Daisy Lowe unashamedly hit the dance floor solo in support of her DJ chum Nick Grimshaw, before The Kills frontman and Kate Moss’s husband Jamie Hince stole the spotlight with his performance on the decks.

Open Book WHAT: Marbella Club Book Launch WHEN: 15 January WHERE: The Connaught, Mayfair WHO: Nicholas Foulkes, Prince Hubertus von Hohenlohe, Jennica Arazi and Count Rudi von Schönburg WHY: The crowd at The Connaught certainly seemed to emulate the glamour and panache of those who once frequented The Marbella Club in the 60s. Members of the media joined guests from the upper echelons of society, including Spanish royals and aristocrats, to celebrate the launch of Nicholas Foulkes’ new book focusing on the legendary resort. Reminiscent of the effortlessly refined evenings at The Marbella Club, guests enjoyed Spanish truffle croquettas and tuna tartare-stuffed pimientos del piquillo, along with the traditional vodka-based drink, Sau-Sau. Unsurprisingly popular was the Iberico ham and Manchego cheese station. The decadent feast was followed by a speech from Foulkes, who explained the hotel’s past and the book’s conception. Muy bien.

LONDON LIVING Photography: Nick Harvey/Jimmy Choo Sandra Choi, Alex Bilmes and Pierre Denis

David Gandy

Dermot O'Leary

Sandra Choi and Caroline Flack

Lara Mullen and Harriet Verney

Daisy Lowe, Pierre Denis, Sandra Choi, Alex Bilmes and Nick Grimshaw Pierre Denis, Daniel Br端hl and Sandra Choi

Daisy Lowe and Jack Guinness

Nick Grimshaw

Dougie Poynter

Jamie Hince and Sandra Choi

Alex Bilmes, Tinie Tempah and Sandra Choi

121

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

Frame Set & Match

Couriers

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

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

Drinking

White Circle Collection

Boujis

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

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

Flowers

specialist services BUILDER

Childcare

William Gaze Ltd The Cadogan Arms

Kensington Nannies

298 Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Road, SW3 5UG 020 7352 6500 thecadoganarmschelsea.com

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

123

Suppliers of quality bespoke doors and ironmongery to some of the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest homes. Showrooms: Esher, Surrey & Chelsea Harbour 01932 851 081 or 0207 376 7000 info@solidwoodendoors.com www.solidwoodendoors.com

HOMES showcasing the

finest HOMES & PROPERTY from the best estate agents

Balancing Act Sales and lettings go head-to-head in the countdown to the election Image courtesy of Hamptons

savills.co.uk

1 AN ELEGANT AND SPACIOUS HOUSE IN A LOVELY TREE LINED STREET sutherland place, w2 Reception room ø kitchen/family room ø master bedroom with en suite bathroom ø 4 further bedrooms ø 2 further bath/shower rooms ø guest cloakroom ø vault ø patio garden ø 217 sq m (2,338 sq ft) ø EPC=C Guide £4.5 million Freehold

Savills Notting Hill Oliver Lurot olurot@savills.com

020 7727 5750

savills.co.uk

1 A STUNNING DETACHED HOUSE BACKING ONTO HOLLAND PARK abbotsbury road, w14 Double drawing room ø dining room ø kitchen ø master bedroom suite ø 7 further bedrooms (3 en suite) ø cinema and gym ø garden ø off-street parking ø garage ø 626 sq m (6,746 sq ft) ø EPC=D Guide £25 million Freehold

Russell Simpson

Savills Kensington

Jake Russell jrussell@russellsimpson.co.uk

Johnny Fuller jlfuller@savills.com

020 7225 0277

020 7535 3300

1 2

savills.co.uk

CAMPDEN HILL GARDENS, w8

STRATFORD ROAD, w8

Reception room/dining room ø kitchen ø master bedroom suite ø second bedroom ø shower room ø 57 sq m (613 sq ft) ø EPC=C

Reception room ø kitchen ø master bedroom with en suite bathroom ø 2 further bedrooms ø further bathroom ø private entrance ø 119 sq m (1,279 sq ft) ø EPC=D

Asking £895,000 Leasehold

Guide £1.795 million Leasehold

Savills Kensington bharvey@savills.com 020 7535 2980

ABINGDON ROAD, w8

GLOUCESTER SQUARE, w2

Double reception room ø open plan kitchen/dining room/family room ø 2/3 bedrooms ø 3 bath/shower rooms ø cloakroom ø landscaped front garden ø rear patio garden ø 126 sq m (1,358 sq ft) ø EPC=D

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

Guide £2.85 million Freehold

Guide £2.65 million Leasehold JSA: Hamptons

Savills Kensington sbirch@savills.com 020 7535 3300

Savills Notting Hill bdavies@savills.com 020 7727 5750

3 4

1 2

savills.co.uk

HEREFORD ROAD, w2

WESTBOURNE PARK ROAD, w11

Reception room/kitchen ø 3 bedrooms ø 2 bathrooms ø balcony ø communal gardens ø gym ø 2 off-street parking spaces ø 119 sq m (1,276 sq ft) ø EPC=C

Open plan reception room/kitchen ø 3 bedrooms (1 en suite) ø further bathroom ø roof terrace ø off-street parking ø 109 sq m (1,174 sq ft) ø EPC=D

Guide £1.995 million Share of Freehold

Guide £1.75 million Leasehold

Savills Notting Hill afrankish@savills.com 020 7727 5750

WETHERBY GARDENS, sw5

LIMERSTON STREET, sw10

Reception room ø kitchen ø 2 bedrooms (1 en suite) ø further bathroom ø balcony ø terrace ø communal gardens ø 88 sq m (949 sq ft) ø EPC=E

2 reception rooms ø kitchen/breakfast room ø 3 bedroom suites ø bedroom 4/study ø cloakroom ø 2 terraces ø garden ø 164 sq m (1,768 sq ft) ø EPC=E

Guide £2.35 million Share of Freehold

Guide £3.65 million Freehold

Savills Chelsea plister@savills.com 020 7578 9000

Savills Chelsea cbubear@savills.com 020 7578 9000

3 4

1 2

savills.co.uk

LETTINGS LAYOUT ONLY

ABBOTSBURY CLOSE, w8

CADOGAN SQUARE, sw1

4 bedrooms ø 2 reception rooms ø eat-in kitchen ø 2 bathrooms ø west-facing patio garden ø off-street parking ø 163 sq m (1,754 sq ft) ø Council Tax=G ø EPC=D

2 bedroom suites ø reception room ø separate kitchen ø lift ø communal garden access (separate negotiation) ø 116 sq m (1,249 sq ft) ø Council Tax=G ø EPC=D

Unfurnished £1,800 per week

Furnished £1,700 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 Knightsbridge cbshanahan@savills.com 020 7584 8585

PONT STREET MEWS, sw1

VANTAGE PLACE, w8

3 bedrooms (1 en suite) ø reception room ø eat-in kitchen ø family bathroom ø 2 terraces ø off-street parking ø 139 sq m (1,496 sq ft) ø Council Tax=H ø EPC=C

4 bedrooms ø reception room ø kitchen ø 3 bathrooms ø guest cloakroom ø underfloor heating ø decked terrace ø 208 sq m (2,242 sq ft) ø Council Tax=H ø EPC=C

Unfurnished £1,550 per week

Furnished £2,950 per week

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

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

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

LADBROKE ROAD, w11

CATHCART ROAD, sw10

6 bedrooms ø reception room ø dining room ø kitchen ø 3 bathrooms ø cloakroom ø garden ø 260 sq m (2,794 sq ft) ø Council Tax=H ø EPC=E

6 bedrooms (3 en suite) ø drawing room ø open plan kitchen ø bathroom ø garden ø balcony ø 254 sq m (2,734 sq ft) ø Council Tax=D ø EPC=D

Unfurnished £3,500 per week

Unfurnished £2,950 per week

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

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

ONSLOW MEWS EAST, sw7

ST. STEPHENS GARDENS, w2

4 bedrooms suites ø reception room ø kitchen ø 3 terraces ø 2 garages ø wooden flooring ø air conditioning ø 247 sq m (2,666 sq ft) ø Council Tax=H ø EPC=D

Bedroom ø reception room ø kitchen ø bathroom ø balcony ø communal gardens ø 54 sq m (581 sq ft) ø Council Tax=D ø EPC=D

Flexible furnishings £2,950 per week

Unfurnished £595 per week

+ £276 inc VAT one-off admin fee and other charges may apply* Savills Chelsea jargles@savills.com 0207 578 9020

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

3 4

1 2

savills.co.uk

LETTINGS LAYOUT ONLY

OXFORD GARDENS, w10

PEMBRIDGE ROAD, w11

2 bedrooms ø reception room ø kitchen ø bathroom ø 58 sq m (621 sq ft) ø Council Tax=E ø EPC=D

2 bedrooms ø reception room ø kitchen ø 2 bathrooms ø roof terrace ø 82 sq m (879 sq ft) ø Council Tax=D ø EPC=D

Flexible furnishings £490 per week

Furnished £995 per week

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

CHEPSTOW VILLAS, w11

NEWTON ROAD, w2

3 bedrooms suites ø 2 reception rooms ø drawing room ø dining room ø kitchen ø cloakroom ø 245 sq m (2,640 sq ft) ø Council Tax=E ø EPC=E

3 bedrooms ø reception room ø kitchen ø 2 bathrooms ø utility room ø garden ø parking ø 208 sq m (2,236 sq ft) ø Council Tax=H ø EPC=F

Furnished £2,000 per week

Unfurnished £2,500 per week

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

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

3 4

savills.co.uk

LETTINGS LAYOUT ONLY

A BEAUTIFUL GRADE II LISTED HOUSE IN THE HEART OF OLD CHELSEA cheyne row, sw3 Master bedroom suite ø 4 further bedrooms (2 en suite) ø 3 reception rooms ø eat-in kitchen ø utility room ø wooden flooring ø outside studio ø garden ø 325 sq m (3,500 sq ft) ø Council Tax=H ø EPC=C

Savills Chelsea Danielle Fearnon dfearnon@savills.com

020 7578 9020

Flexible furnishings £4,250 per week + £276 inc VAT one-off admin fee and other charges may apply* *£36 inc VAT for each additional tenant/occupant/guarantor reference where required. Inventory check out fee – charged at the end of or early termination of the tenancy and the amount is dependent on the property size and whether furnished/unfurnished. For more details, visit www.savills.co.uk/fees.

Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Bassett Road, W10 A beautifully presented very spacious raised ground floor flat situated on this wide tree lined street.The flat has a fantastic south facing living room with huge ceiling height, large bay window and period fireplace. The kitchen is off the hallway and well equipped. One of the bedrooms has dual access from the living room behind double doors or from the landing, ideal for a home office. The second bedroom has high ceilings and full length wardrobes. There is modern bathroom which benefits from natural light. EPC: C

Hamptons Notting Hill Office Sales. 020 7717 5311 | Lettings. 020 7717 5341

£1,300,000 Share of Freehold • • • • •

High ceilings Reception room Kitchen Two bedrooms Bathroom

Westgate Terrace, SW10 This beautifully presented two bedroom, split level property has recently been refurbished to luxury standards. Forming part of an attractive period building, this second and third floor duplex has been interior designed through-out and features a large reception room with beautiful cornicing and balcony, stunning custom built kitchen and a private elevated south west facing terrace. EPC: C

£1,895,000 Leasehold • • • • • •

Hamptons Chelsea Office Sales. 0207 835 1444 | Lettings. 020 7717 5433

Two bedrooms Two bathrooms Magnificent kitchen/reception room Vaulted ceilings with exposed wooden beams Balcony & private south –west facing terrace 1,088 sq ft

Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Observatory Gardens, W8 A beautifully presented three bedroom, three bathroom maisonette on the raised ground and lower ground floors of this highly regarded development with underground parking and 24 hour porterage. EPC: G

£2,250,000 Leasehold • • • • •

Hamptons Kensington Office Sales. 020 7937 9371 | Lettings. 020 7717 5459

Three Bedrooms Underground Parking 24 hour Porterage Patio Approximately 1,144 sq ft

William Mews, SW1X A very well presented and contemporary mews house which features a first class roof terrace, situated in a tranquil mews in the heart of Prime Central London. This stylish mews house offers 2165 sq. ft. of well proportioned accommodation. EPC: D

£3,850,000 Leasehold • • • • • •

Hamptons Knightsbridge Office Sales. 020 7717 5461 | Lettings. 020 7717 5463

Two reception rooms Roof terrace Large eat-in kitchen Three bedrooms Bathroom En-suite shower room

Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Elystan Place, SW3 Formally two separate houses which have been combined to create a low build family home. The property has been redesigned to exacting standards. French doors span the width of the property, leading directly onto a private south facing garden. The property provides open plan living space with an abundance of natural light throughout. EPC: C

£3,650,000 Freehold • • • • • •

Hamptons Sloane Square Office Sales. 020 7717 5481 | Lettings. 0207 717 5483

Three bedrooms Two reception rooms South facing garden 1,955 sq ft Period style Natural light throughout

Kings Road, SW10 Two bedroom, two bathroom ground floor apartment in a gated development with facilities such as 24 hour concierge, underground parking, gym, swimming pool and communal gardens. EPC: E

£875 per week • • • • •

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

Hamptons Chelsea Office Lettings. 020 7717 5433 | Sales. 0207 835 1444

•

Reception Kitchen Two bedrooms Two bathrooms Concierge Lift

(charges apply)*

Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Kensington High St, W14 £5,000 per week* A stunning three bedroom penthouse. EPC: C

Drayson Mews, W8 £2,200 per week* A unique two bedroom mews house. EPC: C

Melbury Road, W14 £8,950 per week* An impressive five bedroom house. EPC: E

Five Star Accommodation isn’t always a hotel. Hornton Street, W8 £1,000 per week* A spacious one bedroom apartment. EPC: C

Whether it’s for one week or several months, contact our Short Lets team to help find you your dream short term accommodation.

Adam & Eve Mews, W8 £900 per week* A one bedroom duplex with terrace. EPC: D

Or if you are a Landlord and would like to see the rental your property could achieve through our bespoke marketing and dedicated Short Lets department, contact us on 020 7717 5459.

Addison Road, W14 £7,500 per week* A phenomenal five bedroom home. EPC: E

shortlets@hamptons-int.com

Elsham Road, W8 £1,000 per week* A bright two bedroom apartment. EPC: D

Argyll Road, W8 £3,250 per week* A superb five bedroom property. EPC: D

Palace Gate, W8 £2,500 per week* A fabulous three bedroom duplex. EPC: E

Warwick Gardens, W14 £895 per week* A wonderfully presented first floor apartment. EPC: D

Hamptons Kensington Office Lettings. 020 7717 5459 | Sales. 020 7937 9371

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

Montpelier Mews, SW7 This beautifully presented four bedroom mews house has been finished to exacting standard and is situated in the very heart of Knightsbridge. EPC: C

£2,000 per week Furnished • • • • •

Hamptons Knightsbridge Office Lettings. 020 7717 5463 | Sales. 020 7717 5461

•

(charges apply)*

Four bedrooms Four bathrooms Central Knightsbridge location Contemporary styling and finishes Hardwood floors Wealth of natural light

Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Eaton Mews North, SW1X A truly stunning three bed mews house arranged over three floors in the heart of Belgravia. The property has a large open plan reception room with a fully fitted kitchen. The master bedroom has a luxury en suite bathroom and a juliette balcony and two further bedrooms, both with en suite. EPC: E

£1,500 per week Unfurnished • • • • •

Hamptons Sloane Square Office Lettings. 0207 717 5483 | Sales. 020 7717 5481

Mews house Three bedrooms Three bathrooms Off street parking Utility room

(charges apply)*

PROPERTY

In the Same League The newcomers to Knight Frank’s Notting Hill sales and lettings teams tell us just how much it helps to work in partnership

Edward Ruggles-Brise Negotiator, Sales I Started my working life in recruitment for financial services. In this role I learnt to enjoy working within a ‘people business’ and sales environment. I have always had a strong interest in property through my degree in real estate management and when an opportunity to move to a wellknown agent in Islington came up, I jumped at the chance. Having worked in Islington for two years I went on to join Knight Frank, initially working in the Client Services Team where I specifically focused on the Notting Hill area, before moving to the Westbourne Grove office last year. I have always had a great affinity with Notting Hill; I lived on Lansdowne Mews for several years and I know the community well. There are many things I love about the area, but the main thing that stands out is how genuinely the residents love living here. Being able to spend my time mingling with and working for the people who live here is a privilege and something I enjoy immensely. Since I started, I have had such a friendly welcome from clients and friends of Knight Frank, a trait that lies at the heart of the area and is largely responsible for the charm and village feel that Notting Hill offers. We have had a strong start to 2015, with the £1m to £2m bracket remaining consistently busy. Buyers registering remain focused on finding somewhere and first-class property is both in demand and selling fast. The market continues to be particularly price sensitive and therefore realistic pricing is key to a successful sale. Over the last two weeks, we have been selling a charming family house in Holland Park. The guide price was set at a realistic level and as a result, we had over 30 viewings in just over a week and five bids before agreeing terms in excess of the guide price. Our sales and lettings teams have always worked closely together. With a formidable combination of knowledge and experience between the two teams, clients are sure to receive a wealth of expert advice. With the uncertainty of the General Election and the potential threat of mansion tax, sellers want to know that they are being looked after by a trusted advisor. Knight Frank’s holistic approach to lettings and sales in the Notting Hill property market is a real asset to our clients. Chepstow Crescent, Notting Hill, W11 Guide Price: £1,500,000

Tom Carroll Negotiator, Lettings I am originally from an artistic background; I worked for a few art galleries in central London before joining Christie’s in 2011. Although I thoroughly enjoyed my time there, I wanted something faster paced so I started a career in property for an estate agent in south London two years ago and moved to the Knight Frank Notting Hill office just before Christmas. There are five of us in the lettings team and I am particularly focusing on properties ranging from £200 per week up to £1,000 per week. We have had an encouraging start to the year with a record number of properties going under offer in January. The uncertainty in the sales market in the run up to the election, coupled with motivated tenants looking to secure somewhere after the Christmas break, has undoubtedly been a factor to this strong start. We should see some further momentum in the market throughout the next few months taking us to Easter and into the inevitably busy summer period. At Knight Frank, it is all about service; it is hugely important for the lettings team to offer the best advice and to provide the highest possible level of service in lettings and management. Today’s tenants are tomorrow’s buyers and, ultimately, if Knight Frank can provide a smooth and efficient lettings service, hopefully tenants will return to us as buyers later along the line. In this sense, it is important that the lettings and sales teams work closely together and understand each other’s markets. From my experience in Notting Hill so far, I have been struck by how many people are keen to stay once they have moved here. This is largely down to the charm and vibrant character of the area, offering a diverse lifestyle and culture. As well as the world famous Portobello market and a varying mixture of cafés, restaurants and bars, the communal gardens are a big draw, especially for families. Knight Frank Notting Hill Sales office: 294 Westbourne Grove, W11 2PS; 020 7229 0229 Lettings office: 298 Westbourne Grove, W11 2PS; 020 7985 9990 knightfrank.co.uk/nottinghill; @KFNotting_Hill Ink Building, Barlby Road, North Kensington, W10 Price: £495 per week

143

KnightFrank.co.uk

Chepstow Crescent, Notting Hill W11 For sale two flats in the same building in Notting Hill

A rare opportunity to purchase a well presented first and second floor flat, offering an incoming purchaser an exciting potential to create an impressive maisonette, subject to planning and the necessary consents. 2 bedrooms, 2 shower rooms, kitchen/reception room, dining room, balcony. Flat B & C EPC rating D. Approximately 81 sq m ﴾876 sq ft﴿

Share of Freehold

KnightFrank.co.uk/nottinghill nottinghill@knightfrank.com 020 8166 5449

Guide price: £1,500,000 ﴾NGH140243﴿

K&C February - 18 Chepstow Crescent

05/02/2015 16:49:32

KnightFrank.co.uk

Colville Road, Notting Hill W11

Lovely two bedroom flat for sale in Notting Hill

An opportunity to acquire a beautiful first floor flat, presented in immaculate condition and located in the heart of Notting Hill. 1 bedroom, bathroom ﴾en suite﴿, reception room/open plan kitchen, study, guest cloakroom. EPC rating E. Approximately 47.4 sq m ﴾510 sq ft﴿

Share of Freehold

KnightFrank.co.uk/nottinghill nottinghill@knightfrank.com 020 8166 5449

Guide price: £895,000 ﴾NGH140213﴿

K&C February - 8 Colville Road

05/02/2015 16:55:41

KnightFrank.co.uk

Courtnell Street, Notting Hill W2

Beautifully refurbished family home

Located in the ever popular 'Artesian Grid', this is a beautifully presented town house that offers flexible accommodation and open plan living. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms ﴾2 en suite﴿, reception room, games room, open plan kitchen, guest cloakroom, garden. EPC rating E. Approximately 275 sq m ﴾2,960 sq ft﴿ Freehold Guide price: £5,350,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/nottinghill nottinghill@knightfrank.com 020 8166 5449

﴾NGH140134﴿

K&C February - 9 courtnell

06/02/2015 11:59:07

KnightFrank.co.uk

Academy Gardens, Kensington W8 Contemporary apartment in luxury development

An excellent and immaculate three bedroom Grade II apartment, situated within one of Kensington's most prestigious developments. 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, double reception room, study, dining area, kitchen/breakfast room, concierge, leisure facilities, lift, 2 underground parking spaces. Approximately 268 sq m ﴾2,889 sq ft﴿ Share of Freehold Guide price: £7,950,000

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

﴾KEN140162﴿

Kens & Chelsea - Academy Gardens

05/02/2015 16:57:54

KnightFrank.co.uk

Victoria Road, Kensington W8 A family house with patio garden and terrace

This four bedroom house is ideally located at the quieter end of one of Kensington’s most desirable roads, offering good entertaining space, a pretty patio garden and terrace. 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, reception room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, guest cloakroom, patio, terrace. Approximately 284 sq m ﴾3,060 sq ft﴿ Freehold

KnightFrank.co.uk/kensington kens@knightfrank.com 020 3551 5156 bse.london sales@bse.london 020 7243 6161

Guide Price: £7,950,000 ﴾KEN150002﴿

The Kensington & Chelsea Mag - 32 Victoria Road - NEW

05/02/2015 16:23:18

K& Elm

KnightFrank.co.uk

Courtnell Street, Notting Hill W2

Beautifully refurbished family home

KnightFrank.co.uk/nottinghill nottinghill@knightfrank.com 020 8166 5449

﴾NGH140134﴿

Elm Park Road - Feb, Elm Park Road

05/02/2015 16:56:23

18 oad - Feb, Elm K&C Elm Park February Park Road Road - -9Feb, courtnell Elm Park Road

05/02/2015 16:56:2306/02/2015 05/02/2015 11:59:07 16:56:23

KnightFrank.co.uk

The Old Dance School, Chelsea SW3 Stunning first floor apartment

A former dance studio which has been refurbished into a beautiful first floor flat with high ceilings throughout. Master bedroom with dressing area and twin en suite bathrooms, guest suite, 40ft drawing room with 5 south facing windows, kitchen, air conditioning, basement storeroom. EPC rating D. Approximately 172 sq m ﴾1,860 sq ft﴿ Leasehold: approximately 107 years remaining Guide price: £4,250,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/knightsbridge knightsbridge@knightfrank.com 020 3641 5913

﴾SLA140431﴿

K&C March 15 The Old Dance School

05/02/2015 10:27:21

K& K

KnightFrank.co.uk

Colville Road, Notting Hill W11

Lovely two bedroom flat for sale in Notting Hill

Share of Freehold

KnightFrank.co.uk/nottinghill nottinghill@knightfrank.com 020 8166 5449

Guide price: £895,000 ﴾NGH140213﴿

K&C March - SK Nevern Square

06/02/2015 16:14:30

K&C K&CFebruary March - SK - 8 Colville Nevern Road Square

05/02/2015 06/02/201516:55:41 16:14:30

KnightFrank.co.uk KnightFrank.co.uk

Shafto Mews, Knightsbridge SW1X Chepstow Place, Notting Hill W2 Lovely mews house ideal for family living

Spacious flat laid over the firstwithand second floors An unusually spacious houseout perfect for entertaining two large reception rooms leading to a pretty patio and garden. 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms, A lovely flat ideally located in this charming street close to Notting Hill Gate and kitchen, cloakroom, garden, terraceen and garage. EPCbathroom, rating E. double reception Westbourne Grove. 2 doublepatio, bedrooms, suite shower, Approximately 269 sq m ﴾2,895 sq ft﴿ room, eat‐in kitchen. EPC rating E. Approximately 103.7 sq m ﴾1,117 sq ft﴿ Available furnished Guide Guideprice: price:£3,250 £1,050per perweek week ﴾KNQ181965﴿ ﴾NHQ87682﴿

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

KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings knightsbridge@knightfrank.com nottinghilllettings@knightfrank.com 020 7591 8601 020 7985 9990

K&C mag March 6 Shafto Mews

05/02/2015 13:54:52

Courtnell

06/02/2015 15:04:16

KnightFrank.co.uk KnightFrank.co.uk

Shafto Mews, Knightsbridge SW1X Argyll Road, Kensington W8 Lovely mews house ideal for family living

A unusually beautifully bedroom home An spaciouspresented five house perfect for entertaining with twofamily large reception rooms

leading to a home prettyincorporates patio and garden. 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms, This family both style and space to create a perfect living area which kitchen, cloakroom, terrace and garage. ratingfurther E. bathroom, is complimented bygarden, outdoorpatio, space. 5 bedrooms ﴾3 en EPC suites﴿, 1 Approximately 269 sq m ﴾2,895 sq ft﴿living kitchen and dining room and garden. EPC double reception room, open plan rating D. furnished Approximately 358 sq m ﴾3,861 sq ft﴿ Available

KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings knightsbridge@knightfrank.com KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings 020 7591 8601 kensington@knightfrank.com 020 7937 8203

Guideprice: price:£3,250 £5,950per perweek week Guide ﴾KEQ204545﴿ ﴾KNQ181965﴿

K&C mag March 6 Shafto Mews

Kensington and Chelsea Mag

05/02/2015 13:54:52 05/02/2015 16:31:03

KnightFrank.co.uk KnightFrank.co.uk

Shafto Mews, Knightsbridge SW1X Shafto Mews, Knightsbridge Lovely mews house ideal for family living SW1X

Lovely ideal for family An unusuallymews spacioushouse house perfect for entertaining withliving two large reception rooms leading to a pretty patio and garden. 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms, An unusually spacious house perfect for entertaining with two large reception rooms kitchen, garden, terrace and garage. EPC rating2E. leading cloakroom, to a pretty patio andpatio, garden. 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, reception rooms, Approximately 269 m ﴾2,895 sq ft﴿terrace and garage. EPC rating E. kitchen, cloakroom,sqgarden, patio, Approximately 269 Available furnished sq m ﴾2,895 sq ft﴿ Available furnished Guide price: £3,250 per week

KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings knightsbridge@knightfrank.com KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings 020 7591 8601 knightsbridge@knightfrank.com 020 7591 8601

Guide price: £3,250 per week

﴾KNQ181965﴿

﴾KNQ181965﴿ 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 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 March 6 Shafto Mews K&C mag March 6 Shafto Mews

05/02/2015 13:54:52 05/02/2015 13:54:52

KnightFrank.co.uk KnightFrank.co.uk

Shafto Mews, Knightsbridge SW1X Neville South Kensington SW7 Lovely mewsStreet, house ideal for family living Exceptional sixhouse bedroom house with outside space An unusually spacious perfect for entertaining with two large reception rooms leading to a pretty patio and garden. 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms, This house is flooded with natural light and has been sympathetically extended whilst kitchen, cloakroom, garden, patio, terracefeatures. and garage. EPC rating E. retaining many of the splendid Victorian 6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms. 4 reception Approximately 269 sq m ﴾2,895 sq ft﴿ rooms, eat‐in kitchen, 2 utility rooms, 2 cloakrooms, balcony, patio garden. EPC rating D. Aproximately 357 sq m ﴾3,3842 ft﴿ Available furnished

Available unfurnished Guide price: £3,250 per week

KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings knightsbridge@knightfrank.com KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings 020 7591 8601 southkenlettings@knightfrank.com 020 3641 6024

Guide price: £4,750 per week

﴾KNQ181965﴿

﴾SKQ209651﴿ 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 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 March 6 Shafto Mews PUB - K&C Mag - March 2015 - FINAL

05/02/2015 13:54:52 06/02/2015 10:40:30

Immaculate plot with South-facing patio

Matching people and property in London for 150 years.

Westbourne Grove W11 ÂŁ4,950,000 A fantastic low build house providing fabulous rooms for entertaining and four-double bedrooms, located in the heart of Notting Hill. Freehold. EPC=E

Prime Sales: 020 7368 4197 PrimeSales@marshandparsons.co.uk

Ledbury Mews West W11 ÂŁ3,250,000 A stunning three-bedroom mews house comprising a beautifully finished en suite master bedroom and a generously sized garage for off-street parking. Freehold. EPC=C

Notting HIll: 020 7313 2890 sales.not@marshandparsons.co.uk

Portobello Road W11 ÂŁ2,950,000 Located on the iconic Portobello Road, this recently refurbished, fabulous three-bedroom house offers three reception rooms and two terraces. Freehold. EPC=F

Notting Hill: 020 7229 4815 sales.not@marshandparsons.co.uk

Hob Mews SW10 ÂŁ2,800,000 This beautiful three-bedroom mews apartment, located in an exclusive new development boasts a 35ft reception/dining area, a fantastic roof terrace and secure underground parking. Share of Freehold. EPC=B

Chelsea: 020 7591 5570 sales.chs@marshandparsons.co.uk

Onslow Gardens SW7 ÂŁ2,695,000 Situated in a white stucco fronted building, this classic first floor two-bedroom period conversion boasts beautiful high ceilings and a large roof terrace with stunning garden views. Leasehold. EPC=C

South Kensington: 020 7590 0800 sales.skn@marshandparsons.co.uk

Holland Park W11 ÂŁ1,800,000 Located in one of Holland Parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s renowned Italianate villas, this exceptional two-bedroom apartment offers large proportions, a separate kitchen and master bedroom with en suite bathroom. Leasehold. EPC=E

Holland Park: 020 7605 6890 sales.hol@marshandparsons.co.uk

Ovington Street SW3 ÂŁ2,250 per week This stylish three-bedroom apartment, refurbished to a high standard boasts a large reception room with wooden floors, three bathrooms and a beautiful terrace. EPC=E

Chelsea: 020 7591 5570 lets.chs@marshandparsons.co.uk

Pembridge Square W2 ÂŁ1,350 per week A magnificent three-bedroom property offering an open-plan reception/dining room, high pitched ceilings and stunning southerly views over the private garden square. EPC=D

Notting Hill: 020 7313 2890 lets.not@marshandparsons.co.uk

PROPERTY

PrimeQResi

Property News

Journal of Prime Property

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

Basement Ban RBKC basement ban claims development in Holland Park: CPC Group’s proposed 24-unit scheme on Holland Park has been turned down by the Royal Borough’s planners on architectural grounds due, in part at least, to the council’s mega-basement ban policy. It was to be designed by architects Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands (LDS) (the ones behind Fitzroy Place, the new Bonhams HQ and more) for Christian Candy’s operation. The development would have seen a 26-unit 1930s mansion block – Duke’s House, as sold by Savills (below) – replaced with 24 high-spec apartments housed in five pseudo-villas. RBKC’s planning committee decided to veto the project in the Holland Park Conservation Area by eight votes to four, despite case officers originally recommending it for approval and even praising LDS’s designs for delivering “an enhancement of the conservation area”. Locals appear to be over the moon, with the Kensington Society reporting a fullyfledged “triumph” after their 15-minute presentation slot. One of the core sticking points for planners was the inclusion of a 17-metre deep underground section, which they saw as being at odds with the council’s anti-basement stance and which would require “excessive excavation” to deliver. Other gripes included a heightened “sense of enclosure” for some of the neighbours, some missing trees, and the loss of two housing units.

Attack the Block Planners turn off Kensington Odeon scheme: There’s been a big twist in the ongoing plot to redevelop Kensington High Cinema Kensington High Street’s Odeon by SA 2-0) Photography by: Lewis Clark (CC Street’s Odeon cinema. After being recommended for the green light, Minerva’s Squire and Partners-designed scheme (an update to an approved plan from 2012) was unexpectedly thrown out at an RBKC planning committee meeting, to the tune of eleven votes to one. The redevelopment, which would have retained the original (unlisted) façade whilst providing 63 new homes and some new cinema screens, was reportedly met with 43 objections and some heavyweight residents’ petitions. A number of celebs, including Benedict Cumberbatch, Sir John Hurt and Richard Curtis, lent their support to a campaign against the project and Prince and Princess Michael of Kent even sent a letter, saying how much they enjoyed frequenting the cinema. The original plan from 2008 only provided for 40 homes and didn’t include some surrounding sites. According to the Architects’ Journal, developer Minerva has pledged to “review the reasons for the refusal before deciding on its next steps”.

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Market Comment Striking the Balance Elena Dimova, managing director of CENTURY 21 Sophia Elena, explores the relationship between sales and lettings

The sales market seems to dominate headlines when it comes to property. In recent weeks and months, the focus has been around the slowdown in annual growth. In London, to some extent, this reflects recent tax regime changes to Stamp Duty Land Tax and Capital Gains Tax for overseas buyers from April 2015. Furthermore, there are jitters over the upcoming General Election and the prospect of a mansion tax for properties above £2 million. We want to explore the relationship between the sales market and the rental market in order to analyse the prospect of three-year tenancies and rent increase caps, which have been proposed by one of the main parties. This may sound great if you are renting and pretty harsh if you are a landlord dependent on rental income to cover a mortgage. The rental market has three main relationships with the sales market. Firstly, it provides a return on investment – rental yield – which will typically be expected to cover repayment of debt used to acquire a property. Mortgage repayments are affected by interest rates. Secondly, the viability and appetite for rental investments adds or removes supply from the sales market. Thirdly, cheaper rent (due to rent controls) takes away from the demand for sales properties. The rental market is currently operating relatively efficiently and pretty close to the definition of a free market. A landlord may choose what level of rent to ask and a tenant may choose what level to offer. If a landlord asks too much, they risk losing a tenant to another landlord and vice-versa. Supply and demand determine the rental price. If the rent is capped, rental yield will suffer, and therefore, so would the sales price, all other things being equal. If rental investments are less attractive, this will add to supply in the sales market and cheaper rents will take away from the demand to buy. This is something worth considering. We consistently write about all the compelling reasons to own property in Prime Central London. Make no mistake, like any other market, if you constrain it enough something is going to give. CENTURY 21 Sophia Elena, 10 Clarendon Road, W11 3AA 020 7229 1414; century21uk.com

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Window of Opportunity Buyers looking for a fresh start need look no further than Melbury Court on Kensington High Street for an exciting chance to renovate. Hannah Lemon meets Mark Sommerville at the penthouse apartment to discuss his own new beginnings at the Hamptons flagship office

Photography by: Rob Cadman

PROPERTY

It’s not every day that you get to see an untouched apartment in Prime Central London, especially one with 2,721 square feet over one floor. I am standing with Mark Sommerville from Hamptons International in the penthouse suite of Melbury Court and am completely in awe of the retro furnishings. The apartment, which has been a family home for the last 65 years, is complete with a vibrant pink bath and matching checked wallpaper. The colour scheme is eclectic to say the least; the living area is decorated with strips of a vibrant green carpet and the wallpaper is furry. The 50s interiors may provide amusing to the modern eye but underneath it all is an exciting blank canvas for any enthusiastic buyer looking to invest in a project. On the market at £4.25 million, the fifth floor apartment has stunning views over the north and south areas off Kensington High Street. With seven bedrooms, two bathrooms, three reception rooms and a kitchen, the future occupant won’t be short of space. Plus there is an old bell system should a buyer want to keep the servants’ quarters in tact. “If you did it up, it could end up going for £2,500 per square foot – £6.5 million – for a beautiful lateral flat,” says Mark. There’s no denying this would be an appealing investment, even when taking into account extending the lease and the cost of doing it up. The area, of course, is not lacking in prime property; the Holland Green development next door is going at circa £4,000 per square foot. So it’s not surprising that this apartment has already sparked some interest. “Downsizers are interested,” says Mark. “Lateral living appeals to a lot of European and international buyers who don’t like our Victorian houses. Plus it’s got a lift, a 24-hour porter service and parking. It pretty much ticks every box.” When it comes to what clients are looking for in the area, Mark is definitely in the know. He moved from sales manager in Notting Hill to head up the Kensington branch, the flagship of Hamptons International, on 2 January. He has big shoes to fill; he will be taking over from Andrew Phillips who has been running the office for the last 18 years and who made headlines by selling one of the most expensive houses in London for 2014 at £50 million. But Mark has already built up an extensive knowledge of the market in Kensington. “I’ve worked in the area for 15 years. Prior to joining Hamptons, I set up an office in South Kensington then moved on to set up one in Notting Hill. The Royal Borough has always been my stomping ground so it’s great to be back in Kensington.” The six strong team in the office are a formidable bunch. “We’ve worked out that we have 100 years experience between us,” laughs Mark. “Our branch is second in terms of the number of instructions listed on Rightmove in the area.” The team covers anything from a garage in Holland Park to a house in Academy Gardens but the bread and butter falls between £3.5 million–£10 million. Mark suggests that it will be busier at the lower end of the market during the subdued period in the run up to the election, with it settling back to normal after May. “If mansion tax does comes in there will be some rustlings and some inconveniences, but generally in Kensington it will stay the same. It won’t affect clients looking at around £8 million–£10 million (we’ve agreed sales this year at that price), because the mansion tax could

cost the same as it does to fill up the yacht at that level! It will be the flats at £2 million–£3 million or the older individuals with lots of assets but no cash in the attic that could cause more stock to come to the market.” Mark’s consensus is that the lead up to the election will just make vendors more savvy. “I think the time has passed for sellers to put a property on at an inflated price to see if it will sell. That probably won’t happen again until 2016/17.” The house we are standing in is testament to the fact that people are willing to sell and at the right price. “It’s not a question of putting the biggest price on it and letting the internet take over,” says Mark. “You have to advise buyers so they understand the values and are confident in their decisions.” Hamptons Kensington, 8 Hornton Street, W8 4NW; 020 7937 9371 hamptons.co.uk; sommervillem@hamptons-int.com

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

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Selling property. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what Crayson are known for. For us, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about getting the best possible price for our clients, regardless of how the market is performing. To find out more about our professional approach to selling property, please get in touch.

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Lansdowne Crescent, Notting Hill W11 Surprisingly spacious lower ground action in a fancy area, with the sort of outside space you only get in Londonâ&#x20AC;Ś Reception room, kitchen/dining area, two double bedrooms, one bathroom and terrace with direct access to communal gardens. 932 sq ft/86.6 sq m Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea EPC rating band D Share of freehold Sole Agent ÂŁ1.35 million

10 Lambton Place, London, W11 2SH

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Pembridge Villas, Notting Hill W11 Planning permission has been granted to create a unique stand-alone Notting Hill townhouse, complete with carriage driveway in the Royal Borough. Potential to create; Drawing room, dining room, kitchen/dining room, study, master bedroom suite, five further bedrooms, five further bathrooms, two bedroom staff accommodation, swimming pool complex and gym. Front and back gardens & off street parking 4-5 cars Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea 9,895.5 sq ft/919.3 sq m EPC rating band D & E Freehold Sole Agent Guide Price ÂŁ16.75 million

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10 Lambton Place, London, W11 2SH

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22 Pembroke Square, Kensington W8 A big house for sale in perfect Pembroke Square - beautiful, elegant, quiet and of course, extremely well located. Double Reception room, kitchen/dining room, master bedroom suite, two ensuite bedrooms, one further bedroom/one further bathroom, utility room, wine cellars and garage by arrangement. Front and Back Gardens & Terrace Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea 3034 sq ft/282 sq m EPC rating band E Freehold Joint Sole Agent â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Savills Kensington Price ÂŁ5.25 million

10 Lambton Place, London, W11 2SH

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We are on the look out for new property to market in 2015. If you are thinking of selling your property, please get in touch or pop in for a chat.

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Charles House, Kensington High Street, W14 ÂŁ1,825,000 Leasehold A stunning two bedroom apartment (1,100 sq ft/ 102 sq m), situated on the eighth floor (with lifts) of a new prestigious development by St Edward Homes. This apartment benefits from a large reception room with glazed doors onto a balcony. The flat has an underground parking space. The apartments at Charles House are situated within the prestigious Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and further benefit from a private swimming pool and spa, private cinema, business suite and 24 hour concierge provided by Harrods. Entrance hall | Reception room | Open plan kitchen | Master bedroom with en suite bathroom | Further bedroom | Shower room | Balcony | Secure underground parking space | 24 hour concierge service | Leisure complex including: gym, swimming pool, cinema and business suite | EPC: B

Kensington | 020 7727 1500 kensington@winkworth.co.uk

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