Vantage Magazine September 2012 - St John's Wood by Runwild Media Group

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SCENE

Tiger clip-brooch, Cartier Paris, 1957 Nick Welsh, Cartier Collection © Cartier

contents collection

SHOW AND TELL

60 interview

Production designer Joseph Bennett

Cartier’s managing director and

shares the catwalk’s secrets

executive chairman UK

14 rankin: a close up In conversation with the legendary

64 men’s trend

Haute Horology

66 the luxury of

photographer about his new projects

16 glamour girl The incredible style legacy of

time and space

Rolex holds court at

Hampstead Garden Suburb’s Dame

One Hyde Park

Elizabeth Taylor

fa s h i o n

style

Baroque

Sci-Fi

Inspired by Michelangelo’s 16th century works, the Baroque trend embraces bold embroidery, rich fabrics and heavy adornments. Decadent, opulent and regal, Baroque demands centre stage this autumn.

Aquilano Rimondi

Versace

Michael Kors

Gareth Pugh

Matthew Williamson

Chalayan

Chanel

Runways took a leap into the space age this autumn, projecting an otherworldly and futuristic aura. This look is laden with metallics, distinctive, fantastical shapes and sharp tailoring.

Acne Balmain

25 wishlist

£347,

Etro

Julien Macdonald does couture

lic Silk MetAl iFt dreSS de Sh bana BrocA Dolce & Gab .com , fashion £1,550 atches www.m

26 style update

From Michael Kors to Gucci

Oriental Opulence

36 statement style

Alexander McQueen

A W12

£610,

at a glance

Misson

o.uk BAG issoni.c i, www.m

Miu Miu

Mary Katrantzou Rodarte

Roksanda Ilincic

Strong looks for the new season

Andrew Gn

Gucci

liShe d Sil An k-chiF £12,14 d lAce GoWn Fon 5, Ale www.n xander Mc etapor Qu ter.co een m

Glorious designer hotels

Christian Dior

Etro

Erdem

Miu Miu

PLum

Elie Saab

Plum tones are the perfect autumn colour palette. Whether you prefer a reddish hue or a striking magenta, be sure to incorporate purple into your current wardrobe.

Gothic

Go over to the dark side this season. The gothic look has undergone a glamorous makeover that incorporates luxurious satin, alluring silhouettes and a heavy dose of black lace.

The experts’ backstage essentials

cLaShinG PrintS

Not for the faint-hearted, prints this season are more flamboyant than ever. Go head-to-toe in vivid florals or psychedelic geometric designs.

Alberta Ferretti

eMBel

AS £18,45 trAkhAn 5, coAt www.m Alexander Mc atches fashio Queen n.com

chAin link BlouSe £219, Love Moschino www.harrods.com

Turn Over FOr Picks FrOm Our key Trend: Oriental Opulence

diary

travel

82 wine & dine

89 travel wishlist

Contemporary cuisine at Karpo,

Take cocktails in the heart of Paris at the

iconic Hotel Le Bistrol

fashionista restaurants and English Sparkling Wines

84 night In

Prada

Gucci

72 health & beauty update

Paco Rabanne

Mulberry

Leather was all over the A/W12 runways. Proving more than ever that it ought not to be restricted to jackets, bags and shoes, leather reigns in a coloured vibrant form, over skirts, dresses and trousers.

Gucci

50 fashion house

Cacharel

Leather

Marchesa

From the catwalk to your wardrobe – shop from our selection of the six trends that dominated designer collections for A/W12

30 the list

Dri

eS com Glov rfetch. lonG www.fa Noten, es Van

24 90

Mediterranean delights from Cotidie

travel in style Luxury from the Amalfi Coast to the Australian outback

85 night out

92 post-fashion week escapes

The official hotel for Fashion Week

86 culture fix

95 five of the best

The London Design Festival, Diana’s

dress collection and a new tribute to

96 the great and the good

Alexander McQueen

Glamorous getaways for the glitterati Alternative fashion capitals A look back at Claridge’s rich heritage

oys ter perpe tual date jus t l ady

Unit C5, Brent Cross Shopping Centre, London NW4 3FH www.fraserhart.co.uk

watch featured subject to stock availability

from the editor

*Mary Katrantzou, quoted 16 July 2012, www.skyliving.com

t gives me great pleasure to welcome you to our September fashion special, infused with global inspiration and local glamour. We’ve always been impressed by how much of North West London is loved and lived in by the fashion elite – in the past year we’ve featured the likes of Matthew Williamson, Henry Holland and Kate Moss, as well as showcasing the best NW boutiques including Press, James Lakeland and Miriam London. This issue, we have reflected on style across the decades, from the iconic glamour of Hampstead Garden Suburb-born Elizabeth Taylor (p. 16) and the phenomenal high street success of royal label of choice Reiss (p. 22), to some of the most dynamic figures in fashion today – celebrated photographer Rankin talks about his new projects and his decision to make his base in Kentish Town on p. 13; while Joseph Bennett, the production designer for Alexander McQueen’s defining catwalk shows and another NW local, gives us a unique insight into his incredible vision (p. 8). Our extended fashion pages this month are a visual feast of looks from this season’s upcoming trends (p. 28), must-have accessories (p. 30) and extracts from a unique new fashion book you’ll want on your coffee table (p. 33); while in our beauty section we discover the catwalk’s essential products for creating smouldering, model-esque looks for autumn (p. 71). We’ve also been admiring the incredible results which arise when fashion meets interiors; see some of the most unique hotel projects on p. 49. One such place that can boast collaborations with the likes of DVF is Claridge’s – a hotel with inimitable fashion credentials and a history of effortless style. Read our report into its fascinating heritage on p. 96. As Mary Katrantzou* recently said about this year’s shows: “London is an amazing platform... people aren’t afraid to explore a new idea. I think a lot more people respect London Fashion Week for being original, creating work that slightly pushes the boundaries of what you see globally…” After a summer of both Jubilee and Olympic celebration, that has seen us all so proud to be Londoners, enjoy Fashion Week and all its mayhem and magic!

Emma Johnson

Follow us on Twitter @VantageNW Indian Inspiration, p. 33 (Photography: Ram Shergill Hair: Craig Marsden Make up: Megumi Matsuno Digital: Phil Scott Photographic Assistance: Andrew Hiles Shot on Location at Portland Place London)

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S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 2 iss u e 2 6

Editor Emma Johnson

Editorial Director Kate Harrison

Assistant Editor Gabrielle Lane

Brand Consistency Laddawan Juhong

Collection Editor Annabel Harrison

Production Manager Fiona Fenwick

Contributing Editor Richard Brown

Client Relationship Director Kate Oxbrow

Features Writers Lulu Rumsey Olivia Sharpe

Head of Finance Elton Hopkins Managing Director Eren Ellwood

Head of Design Hiren Chandarana

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w o h S

and Tell

Gabrielle Lane speaks to Emmy award-winning production designer and NW resident Joseph Bennett, about life at the heart of some of fashion’s most iconic catwalk shows

ctober 1998. Fashion Week. Alexander ‘Lee’ McQueen has well and truly come into his own. The paradoxical. Subversive. Infinitely creative. And the style press are in attendance in their droves. The show offers up look after look, some dark, strong, structured, others soft and sensual. Then model Shalom Harlow takes to the stage, settling on a revolving platform. The Spring/Summer 1999 presentation, ‘No. 13’, closes with her gently swaying, then writhing, in a white organza dress as it is suddenly spray painted by two robots, becoming a completely one-of-a-kind piece. The clash of fashion and art not only made people watch; it made them talk – and they continue to speak of it, years afterward.

Right: The Kate Moss hologram Alexander McQueen, Fall 2006

scene

“His shows were always ahead of their time, it was a full-on production, he made people think ‘it’s not just the hair and make-up’. He was making something for people to witness”

Stylist Faye Sawyer on Alexander McQueen

“What seems like a seminal fashion moment was actually one button away from being ‘what the hell was that?’” muses Joseph Bennett, the two time Emmy award-winning production manager. Season after season, Joseph channelled Lee McQueen’s complicated, and ingenious visions into the provocative spectacles we continue to associate with the fashion house, ensuring everything from the elaborate staging to the special effects would offset the clothes. “I remember one of the robots broke down the day before, on the rehearsal. We’d got the robots free from a company and there was a switch where if someone pressed it, it cut the whole thing out, it blew the fuse. So we had someone who guarded the switch and we had to fly a fuse down from Coventry in the morning to make this robot work. You’re just thinking, ‘this guy is just protecting this switch, if someone accidentally flicks it…’” he chuckles. Throughout our conversation Joseph remains friendly and generous with his anecdotes, always gracious in spite of his tremendous success working on everything from film (including Charlotte Gray and Jude) and TV series (the acclaimed Rome), to special projects such as the 2010 Met Costume Institute Ball and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee River Pageant Royal Barge: “There were requests about how ‘they’ wanted it to

‘Plato’s Atlantis’ Alexander McQueen Spring 2010

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look. They didn’t want a post-modernist type.” He is also keen to acknowledge the skill of the teams he works with. “It’s always collaborative, projects have to be, on the barge – I’d do a basic sketch design for a bow sculpture but then I’d give that to someone who really knows what they’re doing! It’s an enjoyable process, you’ve got to love it and want to improve. That was what was so great about McQueen, he had this thing about never looking backwards, never taking the easy option. It’s always about thinking, ‘how we can make this better?’ He was very inspiring.” He cites Autumn/Winter 2006 as one of his favourite McQueen productions, at the end of which a tiny light pulsed and rippled inside a glass pyramid before evolving into the swirling and ghostly holographic form of Kate Moss, the design complementing Lee’s poetic vision of romantic heroines with antler and lace headdresses and feathered gowns, leaving the audience agape. “That was a particularly rewarding project to work on,” Joseph says. “There were so many different things that came into that particular show. It came together in a magical way; Lee McQueen is amazing. He would always push you and always change and he had a very clear idea of where he was trying to get to, everyone would be supported.” The other example Joseph offers is the last fully realised presentation from McQueen before his death. In Paris, October 2009, ‘Plato’s Atlantis’ unveiled otherworldly, futuristic beauties in elaborate, sculpted gowns,

‘‘

couture-like in their intricacy. The task was to create a backdrop which reflected a challenging apocalyptic prophecy – the devolution of mankind. Models walked down the catwalk in 12-inch high, avant-garde heels backed by a film from photographer Nick Knight showing a woman’s metamorphosis into a sea creature. Its impact was incredibly important. Not only had Alexander McQueen publicly expressed that nature was one of his most important inspirations, but the show was to be streamed live over the internet and viewed by an estimated six million people. “Even though it seems like pressure, as you get older you get used to it,” Joseph explains. “I’ve got used to the fact that there’s always a solution. There’s the pressure of the day and you can’t not be affected by it, but that’s not just my pressure, it’s in the air. You just do your

Lee McQueen is amazing. He would always push you... He had a very clear idea of where he was trying to get to

’’

best. You have to look at problems before they come and then if something does go wrong you can look yourself in the eye and say, ‘I thought of that’.” It is ideal, apparently, to have nine months to put together a large scale catwalk production but teams typically work with much less time. While there

are large pools of designers and set builders, a brief will often change. “Most arenas I find in set design – people don’t know a long time in advance. With McQueen, I could design something and he could say ‘no no no, I’ve had a revelation; my collection has changed a bit. What I really want to do is this…’ It’s a moving target in a sense; we are used to working on the hoof.” It is lucky therefore, that Joseph remains so passionate about his work, confessing to seeing his projects as part of his life rather than separate from it; he’s ‘in it for the art of it’ he admits. I wonder out loud if this is the reason why someone with BAFTA nominations, the aforementioned Emmys (for Rome), and key areas of responsibility for the shows and films we know and love, is so relaxed and amiable. “I really enjoy what I do,” he agrees. “By being in it for the right reasons you end up in a better way. Lee [McQueen] was like that, he was never happy unless he could do something better and different.” In a sense, Joseph Bennett’s name will always be less familiar than the iconic and enduring ideas he has helped create, purely because of their success. But he is more than content with that. “It’s not a self-conscious thing,” he explains. “In some ways good design is invisible, you want it to feel effortless and that’s because everybody’s in the moment. If it looks forced, you’ve lost it.” n www.josephbennett.com

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08.02.2012 15:52:48 Uhr

scene

snapshot

RANKIN a close up Gabrielle Lane attends the opening night of a stunning new photography exhibition by Rankin and speaks to the man himself 13

‘‘A

re we cool enough to be here?” I ask another member of the editorial team, gazing round the room. Rankin is throwing a party. It’s at his Kentish Town studio and all around are impossibly fashionable creative types. People float past wearing fascinators, vintage platforms and slouchy t-shirt dresses, and often a combination of all three. The drinks are flowing and the mood is light. It’s to be expected. One of the most eminent photographers of his generation, Rankin is free to pick and choose his projects and collaborations, yielding results that are unique and incredible. It’s his portraiture that he’s widely known for, always erring towards an edgy and bold style, but he’s also enjoyed critical acclaim for everything from the feature film he co-directed in 2011, The Lives of Saints, to the publishing ventures Dazed & Confused, AnOther Magazine and AnOther Man, which Rankin founded with Jefferson Hack. This September he will add to his repertoire the new issue of The Hunger, a biannual title showcasing experienced and emerging talents in art, music, style and film which is supported by thehungerTV.com, an online platform for multimedia content such as backstage footage, fashion films and music performances. And the purpose of the party is celebration of yet another project. Following a previous partnership with make-up artist Alex Box, Rankin has worked with Ayami Nishimura to produce ‘Ayami Nishimura By Rankin’ a beauty book highlighting the skills of the two creatives across a selection of striking, futuristic images (an exhibition of the photographs runs until 31 August at Rankin’s own Annroy Gallery). Unsurprisingly, Rankin tells me, he’s a ‘workaholic’. “Photography is like an addiction for me. It’s fantastic to do a job that I feel so passionate about that I do just want to work and work,” he says. He also lives above the studio and gallery space with his family: “For a long time I had been dreaming of having a gallery and studio space of my own, so I jumped at the chance when this building became available. Living in the top flat also means I can consistently work very closely with my team. It’s brilliant to come up with an idea Monday afternoon and shoot it Tuesday.” It was the ‘creativity and interesting, unique people’ that attracted him to North West London and it’s creativity that he credits as his main inspiration. “There is nothing more inspirational or fascinating than other human beings,” he says. “People’s creativity inspires me and I bring this to all my photography, especially in fashion and beauty. When you’re shooting fashion, you’re showcasing the creativity of the make-up artists or designers as well as your own. It’s a brilliant collaboration of everyone’s personalities all condensed into an image.” As for the future he wants to continue working with new talent and sees The Hunger as a dedicated launch pad for aspiring designers, stylists and artists. n

Rankin Presents Ayami Nishimura by Rankin until 31 August, Annroy Gallery, Grafton Road, NW5

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‘‘

I love people, I want to find something in their eyes that nobody else does

’’

Glamour Girl

Dame Elizabeth Taylor was revered and adored for her beauty, her charisma and her adventurous approach to marriage. But it is her sense of style that has endured above everything. Mike Peake looks back over the life of a global style star, and considers her humble beginnings in Hampstead Garden Suburb

s jobs go, Meredith Etherington-Smith’s however, when the newborn Taylor arrived at her parents is an unusual one. As fashion curator for home at 8 Wildwood Road in Hampstead Garden Christie’s, Ms Etherington-Smith has had Suburb, there was nothing to hint at such a gilded future. the honour of poring over the personal By the age of three, the young Elizabeth was wardrobes of Diana, Princess of Wales and Marilyn taking ballet lessons, and when she moved, aged seven, Monroe. But it was the size of the collection of the with her family to Los Angeles, her striking looks late Elizabeth Taylor that really took her breath away. immediately turned heads. Legend has it that new friends “What met my eyes was rack upon rack of Taylor’s of the family even suggested she should screen-test for clothes, stretching into the far distance,” she recalled something called Gone With The Wind which was being in The Daily Telegraph last November, on the eve of filmed in Hollywood at the time, although the dates an auction of more than 1,000 items owned by the don’t quite stack up. Nonetheless, she did rapidly appear late screen icon. “The racks were packed so tightly on the radars of both Universal Pictures and MGM, and that hems, frills, collars was snapped up for her and belts stuck out. Her first film aged just nine. Taylor was at the peak of her fame, a well- The studios agreed there collection of clothes in bright orange, sequins, established screen icon whose alluring and was something special prints, sunflower-yellow, about her: here was a predistinctive style had become the stuff of so teen actress who could do lace and feathers were hung in the order they had more than just ‘cute’ and many column inches been unpacked from her ‘bubbly’. house in Bel Air and her The transition from chalet in Gstaad. Handbags – more than 200 – emerged child star to mainstream actress came easily and the next one by one from the many crates.” two decades passed in a blur: by the time she was 32, It was like stepping into an Aladdin’s cave of Taylor had starred opposite Rock Hudson, Spencer Tracy, fashion; a style bazaar which had helped create some of James Dean and Paul Newman, had won the first of two the most iconic looks of the 20th century. And all of it Oscars and was in her fifth marriage, to Richard Burton. brought to life by a girl whose earliest years were spent Burton, of course, had also famously lived in right here in Hampstead. Hampstead, in the 1950s, at Number 6 Lyndhurst “My mother says I didn’t open my eyes for eight Road – two miles away from Taylor’s childhood home. days when I was born,” Taylor once said. “But when I But it was in Rome, on the set of Cleopatra, that the did, the first thing I saw was an engagement ring. I was two first got acquainted. It didn’t exactly get off to hooked.” It was a tongue-in-cheek remark, a mildly a flying start: “He sidled over to me and said, ‘has self-deprecating acknowledgement of the actress’ famous anyone ever told you that you’re a very pretty girl?’” weakness for jewellery. Back then in February 1932, she once revealed. “The great lover, the great wit, the

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Elizabeth Taylor II

by Jeremiah Keogh, www.jerrykool.com

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Christie’s Images Ltd 2011

great Welsh intellectual and he comes out with a corny panache. And completing the picture were those jewels line like that!” that Taylor became so fond of. Burton, some say, was lost for words, mesmerised. She acquired her first piece as a teen: a brooch Taylor was at the peak of her fame, a well-established from her mother. As her collection grew, so did her screen icon whose alluring and distinctive style had appetite for it – though she never lost sight of the fact become the stuff of so many column inches. But what that she lived an enormously privileged existence. When was it that made her so unique? movie-producing third husband-to-be Mike Todd gave “She is one of the very few women who can lay her a 29-and-7/8th carat diamond engagement ring, she claim to having a truly iconic look,” says Guardian joked that he, “insisted I say 29-and-seventh-eights, as writer Imogen Fox. “In her 79 years she went through 30 would have been vulgar.” The icing on the cake, of several marriages, billions of dollars of diamonds, course, came a few years later when Richard Burton gallons of eyeliner and fluctuations in look, but her style bought her a 68-carat diamond which became known remained constant: unapologetically glamorous.” as the Taylor-Burton diamond. He also bought her the Fox asserts that famous 33-carat Krupp fashion designers the Diamond, which fetched “This is a treasure trove of looks chosen world over will be $8.8m when it was “forever in debt to auctioned by Christie’s by the last of the great movie stars.” Taylor”. She says that last year. the image of the actress That auction – the Marc Porter, chairman, Christie’s wearing a lacy slip, her hip one a beguiled Meredith pushed out, “is surely the Etherington-Smith was template for the entire work of Dolce & Gabbana”. asked to curate – was an enormous success. Preceded Charlotte Cowles, a fashion writer for New York by a roadshow in which Christie’s took the collection Magazine, is equally unrestrained with her praise: to major cities all over the world, it was a chance for “When it came to style, she was fearless,” she says. “In everyone to see for themselves just how the actress her younger days she favoured straps poised to slip off had managed to combine so much pizzazz with such her shoulders; the seventies brought tight miniskirts unmistakable style. “This is not a red carpet wardrobe and elaborate headpieces; the eighties ushered in edited by stylists,” said Christie’s chairman Marc Porter feather boas.” before the auction. “This is a treasure trove of looks While Taylor’s movies inspired some of her most chosen by the last of the great movie stars.” enduring looks – sultry and seductive in a white slip in Among the items in the collection was jewellery Cat On A Hot Tin Roof; frolicking in a white swimsuit from Bulgari, Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier, as well in Suddenly Last Summer; plunging necklines and big as chic and timeless garments designed by Chanel, eyes in Cleopatra – the actress selected her own styles, Givenchy, Valentino, Versace, Yves Saint Laurent too. Whether she was out on the town wearing head-toand Christian Dior. Little wonder, perhaps, that when toe leopard-print or simply lounging about on a yacht the final hammer went down, more than $100m had in her trademarked silk scarf and headband, she exuded been taken. n

Swiss movement, English heart

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09/08/2012 15:07

address book

Mel Ch an Cochin

echine

Mel Chan is part owner of Cochinechine, an independent boutique in Hampstead; a veritable treasure-trove of little known labels and well-known brands set against a backdrop of swinging chandeliers, mix-and-match furniture and whitewash wooden floors. Aesthetics aside, Cochinechineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s charm is in the buy with impeccably selected pieces from across the globe. 74 Heath Street, NW3 www.cochinechine.com

Beauty Favourites

I have my weekly pampering at Pacifica Day Spa, and it is my ultimate indulgence. After a hardworking week, Pacifica is my little haven where I can completely relax and recuperate.

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eating & drinking

Shopping Andrews of Hampstead is my favourite place in Hampstead – they have so many random bits of homeware, kitchenware, cleaning products and DIY necessities.

How do you choose? Although Hampstead is a little village, we are spoilt with choices on the food front. Breakfast

The Area

I live right in the centre of Hampstead Village – it is quintessentially English, but many of its residents are international, which gives this quaint part of London a really unique feel. There is also a real sense of community – businesses and residents in the village are passionate about the area and are extremely supportive of each other.

OUT & ABOUT

My top tip about the local area is go and snoop around the little back streets – admire the architecture and you’re bound to find something you have never seen before. I have been living here for ten years now and I still discover new things every time.

I love nothing more than a lovely latte and eggs and soldiers at Ginger & White; and the newly opened patisserie right next to me, Le Petit Nicola, tops the list for a quick takeaway breakfast – they do the most scrumptious bread and beautiful cakes.

LUNCH I love Coffee Cup for its varied menu – you can have a homemade pasta or a light salad for lunch and dinner. On top of that, it stays open till midnight most weeks, which is handy when I have my late night cravings!

DINNER For dinner, we have a new bar and restaurant – Dach and Sons in Heath Street (see also p. 79). It is a great little eatery, they serve great hotdogs, sliders and burgers. Their meat is sourced locally from the Hampstead Butcher too. After dinner, you can go upstairs to their speakeasy bar for a perfectly made cocktail.

HIGH flying Gabrielle Lane profiles Highgate resident David Reiss, the entrepreneur behind one of the most popular British clothing brands Reiss Headquarters at 12 Picton Place Project designed by Squire and Partners Photography: Will Pryce

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‘‘M

aybe in two or three years’ time I’ll sell and it could be to a private equity firm.” In May 2008, in an interview with The Independent, David Reiss reflected upon the eponymous business he had grown from a single store selling men’s suits to a retail empire – in the space of three decades. He didn’t sell, and one imagines a man who confesses to ‘always being happy when not standing still’ is now positively elated. In 2010, Kate Middleton, now Duchess of Cambridge, selected a Reiss dress (the Nanette) for her official engagement portrait. And then chose another (the Shola) when meeting the Obamas a year later. The brand had no idea she would do so but most certainly felt the after-effects as the Reiss website crashed with a 500 per cent increase in traffic and media requests poured in from as far afield as Hong Kong and the States. It was not merely hype: at the beginning of this year the company reported a £4.2m increase in its UK profits and can now boast over 100 outposts across the world, including a prestigious concession in Bloomingdales, New York. Never one to underestimate the impact that the royal association has had, David Reiss has been careful not to trade on it either. At the height of demand for the pale peach Shola dress that Kate wore, he re-ordered just 600 more, acknowledging that shoppers would not want the same outfit as ‘everyone else’. And it is this steely commitment to the luxuriousness of his products which both analysts and the man himself credit with the ability to flourish during a recession and attract a discerning clientele. A trip to the Hampstead Reiss store, which was amongst the first five outlets opened, reveals pieces which owe their origins to a team hand-picked from designer stables such as Gucci, Givenchy and Stella McCartney. The rails include elegant dresses with a modern twist, as well as coats, sophisticated accessories and shirts – the items which sell out week on week. The new Autumn/Winter collection is set to be one of the best yet. Viewing the forthcoming range at the company’s head office in Picton Place, just off Marylebone High Street, an army of fashion editors queued to admire the detailing of the new line – glitterencrusted heels on navy courts, beads scattered liberally over chiffon blouses, starched statement collars and clutch bags with ruffled panels. ‘Understated luxury’ is a term which could simulatenously be levied at David Reiss as an individual. Living for years in North West London, he has shied away from the social pages that some other entrepreneurs frequent, leading some journalists to describe him as ‘intensely private’ and ‘elusive’. He has also avoided the temptation of a jet-set lifestyle, and has matter-of-factly addressed the question hanging over many business heads during difficult economic times. “I live full time in the UK; I pay all my taxes here. I don’t live in Monaco and there are no financial skeletons in my closet,” he said recently. Reiss currently lives in Highgate in an apartment designed by David Chipperfield. n www.reissonline.com

Q&A with David Reiss

founder and managing director of Reiss Is it difficult to balance the continuation of Reiss’ trademark style with the desire to try new things? It gives me great satisfaction to know that the original vision I started out with – to create an iconic, sexy and modern fashion brand – is just as effective today. Reiss is one of the very few fashion companies that are still founder-owned and private. This gives us clarity and vision and allows us to remain faithful to my beliefs. What part of your working life is most enjoyable? I oversee every aspect of the business. Reiss has been my passion for 40 years now and something I continue to relish. The design and buying process is always a key area for us, but so too is entering new markets and of course the growth of our online business. The company has grown in challenging times. Do you find your role easier or more difficult than when you started? Today, our customer is more discerning than ever. They want something special but we are well placed to provide it. How do you unwind? I’m an avid sports fan; I am a diamond club season-ticket holder at Arsenal. I run and play tennis and golf too. Do you have any restaurants/local businesses you particularly like to visit? Carob Tree in Highgate, Villa Bianca in Hampstead and Toff’s of Muswell Hill for fish and chips.

CONTESSA To own a rare Argyle pink diamond is to own a truly magnificent heirloom. Contessa, beautifully handcrafted in Platinum and 18ct Rose Gold, features an exquisite combination of stunning craftsmanship and the rarest of Australian Argyle pink diamonds. Simply, they are the rarest diamonds in the world and are revered for their unique provenance and intrinsic beauty.

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25/01/12 11:51 AM

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wish list

AS YOU LIKE IT This autumn, Julien Macdonald has unveiled a beautiful collection of couture gowns as part of the launch of a bespoke service for private clients. The elaborate creations were made in London by the house’s dedicated atelier and feature a selection of decadent adornments – from burnished crystals to dip-dyed feathers, fine lace and leather appliqué. Each piece is testament to Macdonald’s flair for glamorous yet modern design and when combining this aesthetic with inspirations rooted in New York architecture, the result is gowns which juxtapose an attractive femininity with a tougher edge. Julien Macdonald Bespoke, £POA www.julienmacdonald.com

A W12

STYLE update

EVEN MORE TEMPTING

Eclectic collections bursting with colour and references to distant horizons have seen the Michael Kors label grow in popularity season after season and its array of chunky knits, capes, buffalo check and beaded details for Autumn/Winter 2012 sees the styles of Aspen and Arizona collide. Nothing makes us want to hit the open road more than these recently unveiled campaign shots, taken by Mario Testino in LA, drawing inspiration from vintage Hollywood. www.michaelkors.com

EXCLUSIVE ESSENTIALS WAITING LIST

On 1 September Joanna Sykes will take the helm at Nicole Farhi, joining as creative director off the back of her vast experience with Aquascutum and Freda at Matches. While her first collection will be for Autumn/ Winter 13 and visible in store from next August, we can expect a continuation of classics. Nicole Farhi herself remains a key shareholder and partner. 27 Hampstead High Street, NW3

Having made its name providing the most sought-after designer pieces at accessible price points, (including picks from Balmain, Oscar de la Renta, Mulberry and Proenza Schouler) the creative team behind THEOUTNET.COM have produced a 35 piece collection which is intended to work well with must-haves from seasons past and present. Available from mid-September, Iris & Ink is as gorgeous as it is versatile and is being billed as the definitive style wardrobe. The A/W12 essentials? A â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;weekendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; cashmere cardigan, a Breton sweater, a leather tunic and skinny jeans. www.theoutnet.com

fa s h i o n

A BRITISH FASHION BOOM

As Vantage went to press, Burberry celebrated the ten year anniversary of its listing on the London Stock Exchange with a Market Opening Ceremony. And, if waiting lists and the abundance of trench-coat clad figures in the capital weren’t illustrative enough, financial gurus have revealed that company revenues have increased 272 per cent since 2002 and its share price has grown 436 per cent. Sir John Peace, the chairman said: “Burberry has delivered significant value for shareholders and we take great pride in its performance.”

NEW ACCESSORIES THE LAUNCH OF KARL LAGERFELD PARIS Following the tremendous success of the capsule collection Karl in February, Chanel’s creative director has launched the three facets of his new label, Karl Lagerfeld Paris; menswear and womenswear lines and an androgynous range where pieces are differentiated only by their proportions. Throughout, the collection is a journey of discovery owing to its fine craftsmanship. Pockets are concealed into pleats; cross-over collars can be raised or folded, bouclé jackets have inner waistcoats and buttons are made from locks. But while the tailoring is sophisticated, the colour palette is stark and timeless – black, white, grey, pewter and navy most commonly feature, lifted with a splash of red or coral. www.karl.com

OR CREATE YOUR OWN… Those in-the-know have already visited The Haute Maroquinerie, Louis Vuitton’s private salon dedicated to customisation which opened this summer. Clients can personally select the desired colour, style, leather and finish of a bag, yielding one of 80,000 possible combinations. Bags will then made in Paris over the course of six months to a year. www.louisvuitton.co.uk

FROM DVF…. If, like us you love this fetish bag range from DVF for A/W12, you’ll have to be quick. Only 25 to 50 of each of nine designs are to be made and sold worldwide in flagship stores and via the website, guaranteeing a collectable status. www.dvf.com

FROM PRADA… Look out for the Spazzolato bag with flowers, which is now in Prada stores. It’s one of the most sophisticated ways to work floral prints and is roomy enough to carry all essentials. www.prada.com

FROM GUCCI… The opulent glamour of Gucci’s autumn offering is met by the sturdy Soft Stirrup bags, available in plain and exotic leathers with gold ornamental spur detail, studs and a detachable purse. www.gucci.com

Baroque

Aquilano Rimondi

Versace

Inspired by Michelangelo’s 16th century works, the Baroque trend embraces bold embroidery, rich fabrics and heavy adornments. Decadent, opulent and regal, Baroque demands centre stage this autumn.

Balmain

£347, Etro

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Cacharel

Leather

Marchesa

AW e c n a l g a t a

From the catwalk to your wardrobe – shop from our selection of the six trends that dominated designer collections for A/W12

Gucci

Andrew Gn

Embe

Gucci

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Elie Saab

Etro

Gothic

Go over to the dark side this season. The gothic look has undergone a glamorous makeover that incorporates luxurious satin, alluring silhouettes and a heavy dose of black lace.

Christian Dior

fa s h i o n

Sci-Fi

Michael Kors

Matthew Williamson

Chalayan

Chanel

Runways took a leap into the space age this autumn, projecting an otherworldly and futuristic aura. This look is laden with metallics, distinctive, fantastical shapes and sharp tailoring.

Acne

Paco Rabanne

Mulberry

Alexander McQueen

W12

£610,

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ni, w Misso

Miu Miu

Mary Katrantzou Rodarte

Roksanda Ilincic

Gucci

Alberta Ferretti

Prada

Clashing Prints

Not for the faint-hearted, prints this season are more flamboyant than ever. Go head-to-toe in vivid florals or psychedelic geometric designs.

Erdem

Miu Miu

Plum

Plum tones are the perfect autumn colour palette. Whether you prefer a reddish hue or a striking magenta, be sure to incorporate purple into your current wardrobe.

As £18,4 trakhan 55, C www Alexande oat .matc r hesfa McQueen shion .com

se Chain Link Blou ino £219, Love Mosch www.harrods.com

Turn Over For Picks From Our Key Trend: Oriental Opulence

the list ORIENTAL OPULENCE Photography: Rachel Pearce STYLING: Gabrielle Lane

The shows of Dries Van Noten, Osman and Proenza Schouler took inspiration from the East for Autumn/Winter 2012; these are the items that make us want to emulate this luxurious trend

7 5

1 2

style

1. TRADITION WITH A TWIST Gilded Cuff with Pink Stone, £59 Dina Maghawry, www.bungalowh.com

2. DELICATE DESIGN

Cherry Blossom Hoop Earrings in Rhodium £635, Shaun Leane www.harrods.com

3. EYE-CATCHING

Pachacamac 18-karat GoldPlated Medallion Necklace, £545 Aurélie Biderman www.netaporter.com

4. EXQUISITE DETAIL

Emerald & Ruby Jewelled Small Rectangular Kubla Khan Clutch Bag, £1,100, Gilda’s Tryst www.gildastryst.com

5. HIGHLY COVETED

Arty Oval Ring, £179, Yves Saint Laurent www.harrods.com

6. THE TREND EPITOMISED Fuchsia Pumps, £420, Miu Miu www.miumiu.com

7. FLORAL FRAGRANCE

Reflection Woman, £95, Amouage www.harrods.com

8. SUEDE AND SPARKLE

Embellished Suede Clutch, £995 Matthew Williamson www.netaporter.com

9. AN INSTANT UPDATE

Metallic Brocade Platform Pumps £465, Stella McCartney www.netaporter.com

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

fa s h i o n

india inspires Annabel Harrison takes a closer look at India Fantastique, a richly colourful and intricately beautiful tome showcasing the designs of Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla and marking their 25 years in the fashion and interiors industries. Photography: Ram Shergill

bu Jani and Sandeep Khosla’s 25-year partnership has seen them designing for leading actors, both Indian and international, working on costumes for top Bollywood films and building a brand that champions luxury, artistry, creativity and Indian tradition. It all began when Jani and Khosla met by chance in 1986, Jani having started out as a costume designer in the film industry and Khosla in the family leather business; their first collection, Mata Hari, arrived just four months later. Jani declares that he and Khosla are “unabashedly Indian” in their aesthetics and, “passionately in love with the rich cultural, historic and design legacy of our land. Design is our way of paying homage to that beauty [by] taking it into the 21st century”. Their reputation extends far beyond India and many internationally-recognised names have worn Jani-Khosla creations, among them both Dames Judi Dench and Maggie Smith, as well as Sophie Marceau, Freida Pinto and Sarah Brown. Their designs have also been stocked in top stores worldwide, including Harrods and Harvey Nichols. Khosla explains that the manner in which the pair’s 25th milestone would be celebrated was considered at length: “It soon became clear that a book, or rather two as it turned out to be, was the ideal vehicle.” Packaged in a slipcase, this two-volume publication

is a beautifully produced showcase of fashion and interior design, including hundreds of specially commissioned photographs. Fashion presents 11 chapters of Jani-Khosla designs, followed by two of close-up details, encompassing their specialities chikan (whitework) and zardozi (gold thread embroidery). Interiors presents 15 projects, ranging from the pair’s own homes in Mumbai and the Himalayas to a magnificent over-the-top apartment in London and a flamboyant wedding venue in Hyderabad. Their hallmark ‘maximalism’ runs riot throughout. “It’s never about the furniture alone,” Khosla points out. “We want to create a home. So every single thing counts: the art, the carpets, the silver, even the ashtrays.” Explanatory text by Gayatri Sinha, one of India’s most reputed art critics, accompanies photographs from the duo’s private albums, with the most awe-inspiring locations from across the globe serving as the backdrop. For fashion and fashion detailing, the pair looked to Ram Shergill, a renowned fashion photographer who has shot for Vogue magazines in the UK, India, China, Brazil and Italy, Harper’s Bazaar in the UK, Australia and India, leading men’s magazine GQ and cult fashion and design magazines W, Pop, i-D and Surface. As Jani and Khosla say themselves, these books do indeed act as an “Ode to India as eternal muse. Past, present and future.” n

Left: India Fantastique, Fashion (Volume I); Interiors (Volume II), £95 Published by Thames & Hudson (3 September 2012)

fa s h i o n

A GUIDE TO MUMBAI FASHION WEEK

Local stylist and boutique owner Pamela Shiffer shares her experiences of the winter shows

“We are passionately in love with the rich cultural, historic and design legacy of our land”

India is experiencing a fashion moment. Teeming with inspirational designs, a home grown workforce of artisans and boasting an ability to manufacture on the world stage, the country is equipped to produce some of the most intricate and detailed creations that the fashion world has ever laid eyes on. No question, Indian fashion encompasses far more than saris and pashminas. Having recently attended Lakmé Fashion Week in Mumbai where established and new designers showcase their collections side by side, I was delighted to see it was not only awash with inspired prints and colours but also very wearable style. India’s manufacturing culture spans a century’s long history and encompasses far more than the cotton and silk used in the making of the traditional sari. As happened with the Bollywood film industry, I feel India’s fashion talent is about to explode onto our European shores. Abundant colour, embroidery and sequins thrive on Mumbai’s catwalk. Among an endless list of talented designers Pia Pauro, Yogesh Chaudhary and Sanchita Ajjampur stood out. Pauro’s collection has an Acapulco vibe reminiscent of the 1970’s that’s chic, glamorous and sexy. Mexico, with its rich heritage in textiles has been a true inspiration for Pauro, with elements of her collection inspired by the ancient ruins of the Olems, Maya and Aztec, as well as the rainforests and pristine beaches of Tulum and Acapulco. She showcased a mix of appealing, intricately beaded tunics and skinny trousers that were perfect for day or night, as well as palm leaf printed dresses ideal for comfort dressing. Yogesh Chaudhary’s collection features fabulously clashing digital-print silk pieces in colours vivid enough to banish away any blues about the oncoming winter. With a wide array of kaftans, trousers, playsuits, shift dresses and skirts of every hemline this is a collection that can be worn by anyone. Beloved by Indian royalty and with a talent that’s a force to be reckoned with, Sanchita Ajjampur’s stunning collection does not disappoint. Hers is a spectacle of silk chiffon, glittering sequins and leather tasselled waistcoats that combine to produce a fresh and feminine look. Featuring glossy swimwear, sophisticated beaded pencil skirts paired with elegant silk blouses and alluring floor length gowns, Ajjampur’s collection spectacularly serves both day and night. The world is about to fall in love with Indian fashion. n

Two Button Jacket in Blue Black Micro Wool Tweed, £1,910, Blue Black Cashmere Jumpsuit, £1,720, White Cotton Poplin Shirt, £770, Black Goatskin Ankle Boots, £780, Black Felt Trilby, £39, all Hermès, www.hermes.com; Silver Tusk Ring, £115, Shaun Leane, www.astleyclarke.com

xxx

Statement

Style Photography: James Knapp Fashion: Linh Ly The Autumn/Winter 2012 collections exemplify bold, masculine cuts and colours, while rich textures and fabrics add a luxurious feel

Grey Wool Double Breasted Coat, £1,075, Burgundy Wool Blazer, £590, Yellow Cords, £275, Navy Wool Pleat Front Shirt, £455, all Paul Smith, www.paulsmith.co.uk; Black Patent Leather Stilettos, £440, Manolo Blahnik www.manoloblahnik.com

Turban, POA, www.keelyhunter.com; Jumpsuit, £974, Julien Macdonald, www.netaporter.com; Clutch, £330, and Ring, £115, Rachael Ruddick, www.selfridges.com; Bangle, from a selection, Aigner, www.aignermunich.com; Shoes, £620, Joanne Stoker, www.joannestoker.com

xxx

Chianti Georgette Satin Long Sleeve Pleated Gown with Velvet Tie Belt ÂŁ3,470, Gucci, 020 7235 6707; Black Goatskin Ankle Boots, as before

Alpaca Coat, ÂŁPOA Philosophy Di Alberta Ferretti www.albertaferretti.com

xxx Wool Pink Coat, £775, Moschino Cheap and Chic, www.harrods.com; Black Leather Gloves, £233, Valentino, www.stylebop.com; Black Goatskin Ankle Boots, as before; Silver Clip-On Earrings, £65, Susan Caplan www.susancaplan.co.uk

Coral silk chiffon dress, £1,283, Catherine Deane at Harvey Nichols, www.harveynichols.com; gold plate and crystal harness, £2,635, and gold plate, crystal and bead cuff, £543, both Erickson Beamon (020 7259 0202); pearl ring, £740, by Sazingg at COUTURELAB (www.couturelab.com)

Black lace couture dress, price on application, Catherine Walker (020 7352 4626); freshwater pearl lasso worn as bracelet, £773, Coleman Douglas (020 7373 3369); gold plate crystal and bead earrings, £260, Erickson Beamon (020 725 90202)

Leather and Rayon Mix Dress, £2,340 Hervé Lédger, 020 7201 2590; Silver Cuff £300, Pebble, www.pebblelondon.com

xxx

Model: Bridget Jakes at Elite Hair: Franco Vallelonga@ Era for Patrick LĂźdde Salon & Spa Mayfair using Sebastian

Make-up: Laura Tucker using Bobbi Brown Stylist Assistant: Eloisa Johnson

Long Sleeve Velvet Devore Dress, ÂŁ3,080 Balmain, www.brownsfashion.com; Black Goatskin Ankle Boots, as before

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interiors

wish list AT HOME WITH CAVALLI Roberto Cavalli, renowned fashion creative, has turned his hand to interior design. The new ‘Roberto Cavalli Home’ collection adheres closely to the ethos of Cavalli’s fashion brand, emanating sensuality, glamour and luxuriousness. Featuring high quality bed linen, wallpaper, tableware tableware and glass and glass pieces, pieces, the collection the collection encapsulates encapsulates all the theflamboyancy all the and flamboyancy resplendence and theresplendence designer’s fans associated would expect. with the Indeed, fashion thedesigner. collection Indeed, is a personal the collection reflectionisof a personal Cavalli’s life, reflection inspired of Cavalli’s as it was life, by the inspired interior as it was decoration by the interior of his own decoration homes, yachts of his own and boutiques homes, yachts and described and boutiques as aand tribute the line to Cavalli’s is a tribute passion to Cavalli’s for beauty. passion Of for his work beauty. heOf hashissaid: work “My he has Home said: collection “my Home wascollection born fromwas a personal born from desire a personal to sharedesire the optimism to share of themy optimism fashion of with mythose fashion who with lovethose me –who derived love from me – my derived creativity, from my creativity, philosophy, my philosophy, and myand style”. my style”. www.robertocavalli.com

Interiors inspiration

Style bible

Renowned art book publishers Taschen have released a two volume round-up of some of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most remarkable and inspiring home decors. Spanning six continents, this ode to interior design constitutes a wish list of the most outstanding styling across the globe. Beautifully photographed throughout, 100 Interiors leaves no stone unturned in its exhaustive representation of all facets of contemporary interior decoration. The homes featured form a vast spectrum, ranging from minimalist and understated to gilded and ornate, however all are united in the individuality and passion bestowed upon them. Perfect for those looking for ideas, or indeed anyone whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a fan of talented design, this book promises to become the ultimate guide to beautiful homes. 100 Interiors Around the World ÂŁ34.99, Taschen, www.taschen.com

interiors

Winter favourite

Temperley London’s new range of delicious scented candles is something to look forward to acquiring this autumn. Combining floral notes of rose, jasmine and orange blossom with warm notes of fig, vanilla and patchouli and smoky rich sandal wood and chocolate, these candles are perfect either for entertaining – if you want to spoil your guests – or pampering yourself if you’re in need of a little personal indulgence. Temperley Scented Candle Collection £65, www.gift-library.com

Work of Art

Every good host needs a drinks cabinet, and for Fashion Week revelries look no further than Vamp Art’s show stealing ‘Battle of the Florentine’ Cocktail Cabinet. The hand-painted design by Dan Petley features an eclectic mix of classic, intricately carved English walnut, affixed upon Queen Anne style cabriole legs, together with powerful, quirky illustrations. Monochromatic adaptions of Luca Signorelli’s ‘Last Judgement’ and Giorgio Vasari’s ‘Defeat of the Pisans at the Tower of San Vicenzo’ are juxtaposed against flashes of neon colouring creating a display that is transfixing and catapults an otherwise traditional-style interiors piece into a league of its own. ‘Battle of the Florentine’ from Vamp Art, £14,950 www.decoratum.com

Royal residence

In celebration of what has been a wonderfully special year for the British monarchy, Designers Guild will launch its ‘Elizabeth’ collection this autumn. The fifth instalment of ‘The Royal Collection of Fabrics and Wallpapers’, ‘Elizabeth’ is inspired by the hidden treasures and intricate details that are found within Royal residences and reflects the craftsmanship and expertise that the British Royalty has cherished and nurtured over the centuries. The prints and designs featured throughout the collection owe their origins to royal memories – from the plants in Savill Garden at Windsor to the ivory adorned Indian furniture Queen Mary bought from the Governor of Madras. ‘Elizabeth’ is a rich interpretation of our royal institution. Royal Collection Elizabeth Autumn 2012 Designers Guild, www.designersguild.com

NEW COLLECTION OUT NOW

WHAT 60 YEARS CAN DO FOR SOMETHING NEW New designs. New colours. New materials. It’s great with something new. Especially when it comes from experience. BoConcept has created Urban Danish Design since 1952. Through three generations, we have learned our lessons so you can be sure that our designs will not only look great, but work too. Taking the best from the past and combining it with carefully, considered designs for tomorrow. See the new collection of Urban Danish Design in store now.

BoConcept TCR · 158 Tottenham Court Road · London W1T 7NH · 0207 388 2447 · tcrlondon@boconcept.co.uk

Call or Email us for a Free copy of our Design Catalogue and ask us about our Free Interior Design Service

486_UK_TCR_1-1Fargo_Ogi_Launch_12_Canary/City/Adv.indd 1

14/8/12 11:10:28

interiors

Maison Moschino, Milan

fashion The stunning interiors created by fashion designers allow their originality and vision to evolve from catwalk to everyday life, says Lulu Rumsey 49

hen hotels are blessed with the iconic aesthetics of a design house, we are given an insight into the overarching ideals of some of the world’s most acclaimed style visionaries. For fashion followers, they present an opportunity to more closely avail oneself of a designer’s vision. What better way to immerse yourself in the mind-set of Karl Lagerfeld than to visit a hotel whose refurbishment he orchestrated? Lagerfeld became involved with the Alma Schlosshotel in Berlin because the project gave him an opportunity to spread his artistic influence. Speaking to The Daily Telegraph upon completion of the renovation, Lagerfeld admitted ‘I am taking part in this project… because I love the idea of having a suite in Berlin that is totally furnished to my personal taste.’ The hotels’ encapsulation of their creators is what gives them such an impressive, striking beauty. An inspiring hotel, The g, in Galway, Ireland, is a vibrant reflection of its designer, legendary milliner, hatter extraordinaire and Galway-native Philip Treacy. Treacy’s hotel is frivolous, ostentatious and original – in short, possessing all the qualities that define the designer’s legendary headwear. The prowess of a clothes and accessories designer translates wonderfully well to the domain of interiors. At Maison Moschino in Milan the fashion house’s presence is felt definitively at every corner. Furniture is bedecked in Moschino dresses and, with uniquely adorned fairy-tale styled rooms such as ‘The Petal Room’ and ‘Red Riding Hood’, there’s a fantastical, whimsically romantic atmosphere in the air. Maison Moschino is truly an encapsulation of what the ‘house’ of

Maison Moschino, Milan

interiors

Ile-aux-Oiseaux Suite by Maison Martin Margiela Les Sources des Caudalie, Bordeaux

Lobby at Schlosshotel Vier Jahreszeiten by Karl Lagerfeld, Berlin

Moschino should look like, which is why the brand’s creative director, Rossella Jardini, has said of it: ‘When I enter, I feel as if I’m at home’. However, not all fashion designers’ forays into interior design are so obvious in their fashion allegiance. Often rooms become outstanding, breath-taking spectacles that are free of any blatant ties to a designer’s collections. Maison Martin Margeila’s L’Ile aux Oiseaux, a suite at luxury French countryside retreat Les Sources de Caudalie, is an elegant, minimalist avant-garde triumph. Featuring a colour palette of muted greys and white, with rustic wooden furniture, the effect is expressively tranquil, not least owing to its situation within a treehouselike abode in the grounds. The inclusion of an alluring lips-shaped, post-box red sofa is the only nod to the catwalk grandeur of the fashion world where this idea was born. n www.schlosshotelberlin.com www.theghotel.ie www.maisonmoschino.com www.sources-caudalie.com Maison Moschino, Milan

interiors

Cocktail Bar by Philip Treacy at The g Hotel, Galway

Pink Salon by Philip Treacy at The g Hotel, Galway

collection

wish list

A Russian Empire With opulent design and couture detailing, it is no surprise that Fabergé is the jeweller du jour for designers this season. The enigma surrounding the Fabergé eggs has mystified artists and writers for more than a century. Once the official jeweller to the great Imperial court, the whereabouts of many of the House of Fabergé’s works of art still remain unknown following the Russian Revolution in 1917, which resulted in the appropriation of its workshops and treasures by the Bolsheviks. However, the legendary story is still inspiring fashion designers of the 21st century, as the jewelled objets d’art have taken to the runway for the A/W12 collections. For his second collection for Balmain, Olivier Rousteing drew inspiration from the moonstone egg bought by Richard Burton for Elizabeth Taylor following his visit to Christie’s in New York where the gilded ornament is currently on display. From this sprung his latest line: bejewelled velvets, Cossack tailoring with pearl and diamond embroidery and decadent highcollars. For Salvatore Ferragamo, Massimiliano Giornetti created petite minaudières with gilt embroideries mirroring the eggs’ decoration.

RUN WILDbracelet london_UK 13/04/12 09.37 Pagina 2

From the Honeycomb Eternelle Ring Collection

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collection

jewellery news Fortune’s Fool

The leaders in the world of fine jewellery will come together in September at Paris’ Grand Palais for the 26th Biennale des Antiquaires antiques show, presided over by Karl Lagerfeld. Boucheron, Cartier, Chanel, Harry Winston, Piaget, Van Cleef & Arpels, Bulgari, Chaumet, Dior, and Wallace Chan, the first Asian jewellery house to be invited, will all be at this dazzling show. For its new Palais de la Chance High Jewellery collection, Van Cleef & Arpels has looked to the stars for inspiration. Having always been influenced by a rich source of symbolism, the French maison has reinterpreted the animals and human figures which make up the Zodiac signs and transfigured them into its signature style – incorporating elegance, beauty and femininity.

3 of the best...

Fashion jewellery designers

Constellation du Lion ring POA, Chanel www.chanel.com

Biennale des Antiquaires 14-23 September www.vancleef-arpels.com

Cutting Edge

In line with its innovative spirit and love for mixed materials, Adler is now designing jewels with carbon fibre and, in so doing, has extended the creative limits of haute joaillerie Jardin diamond ring POA, Louis Vuitton www.louisvuitton.co.uk

Often, a stone will inspire an idea through its shape or colour or a free association it triggers... Passion and sensitivity do the rest; an idea emerges, a sketch is etched, a drawing takes shape and finally, a jewel is born Necklace and bracelet in carbon, with white and yellow gold set with diamonds POA, Adler, www.adler.ch

My Dior ring in white gold and diamonds, £8,900 www.dior.com

collection

watch news

perfect match

Motorbike M.A.D

So theatrical and mean looking are Chicara Nagata’s motorbikes that even a Swiss policeman admitted he wouldn’t dare pull over a driver of one. The remark was made in Geneva as the Japanese artist wheeled his creations into MB&F’s M.A.D Gallery, a space dedicated to what the watch company likes to call Mechanical Art Devices, products created to make your heart beat that little bit faster. After

Following Breitling-Bentley and Hublot-Ferrari, Lamborghini and Blancpain are proving that partnerships between watchmakers and the purveyors of automobiles are as popular as ever. The horological specialists joined the supercar giant in Japan to co-launch the Lamborghini LP-570 Gallardo stradale and Blancpain’s L-Evolution R 8886F. Dedicated to motorsport, the timepiece was unveiled at the mystical Fuji International Speedway against the striking backdrop of Mount Fuji. the 7,000 man hours Chicara put into making each of his two-wheeled sculptures, he spent another seven hours polishing each one inside the gallery. To view the sort of mind-blowing designs MB&F has become famous for, head to Geneva before February 2013; three of Chicara’s motorbikes are on display until then. M.A.D. Gallery, Rue Verdaine, Geneva

One to Watch Each month we select our timepiece of the moment from the watch world’s latest releases:

Since its launch in 1976, the Nautilus, with its striking statement of casual elegance, has developed a cult following. You can see why in this year’s 5726, the first Nautilus model with an Annual Calendar

Nautilus 5726, £28,550, Patek Philippe Available at Harrods, Selfridges and Watches of Switzerland

www.blancpain.com

Track Time

Honouring Great Britain as the home of Formula 1TM – its management and most of its teams are based here, after all – Hublot has unveiled the F1 King Power Great Britain. Limited to a run of just 250 pieces, the watch features a bezel adorned with multiple holes to evoke a high performance brake disc and is executed in a range of high-tech materials directly inspired by F1TM. The watch has a 48mm case, skeleton dial and is water resistant to 100 metres. F1 King Power Great Britain £23,000 Available at the Hublot Boutique at 31 New Bond Street and Harrods

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heritage &style The Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec timepieces are amongst the most covetable array of Chronographs Over 190 years since its creation, the Chronograph remains one of the most valuable watch complications, which is testimony to the ingenuity of its inventor, Nicolas Rieussec. In 1821, he was able to record the exact times of Parisian horse races. Nicolas Rieussec used enamel rotating discs under fixed hands to represent minutes and seconds that had elapsed, and employed ink-filled nibs which would write the precise time when a button was pressed: it was the first time that anything of that sort was accomplished. Inspired by the notion of “Writing time”, he called his invention “Chronograph” chronos means “time” and graphein means “to write.” The chronograph is dear to Montblanc’s heritage. Originally renowned for its luxury writing instruments, Montblanc was founded over 100 years ago and launched its

first watch collection in 1997. In 2008, the company reached a milestone in its watchmaking history, developing and creating the Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph collection, which boasts Montblanc’s first in-house calibers. Entirely manufactured at the Montblanc atelier in Le Locle, a fitting home at the heart of the Swiss watchmaking region where tradition is coupled with innovation, the Nicolas Rieussec collection has now undoubtedly become Montblanc’s iconic range of timepieces. Based on the original “time-writing” device, Nicolas Rieussec watches provide a distinctive appearance which differs from all other Chronographs. Such uniqueness is accentuated by features which include its instantly recognisable signature rotating disks together with a bridge at 6 o’clock, as well as sapphire crystal case backs showcasing the movements. Incorporating the in-house caliber MB R200, a balance that has a frequency of 28,800 vibrations and a function which enables different time zones to be read simultaneously, the Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph Automatic serves to draw attention to what already is a formidable collection of watches. n Montblanc timepieces are available at Fraser Hart, Brent Cross. www.montblanc.com

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the Cartier Odyssey Annabel Harrison steps back in time to unravel the glittering, elegance-infused history of French jewellery house Cartier, speaking to François Le Troquer, Managing Director, and Arnaud Bamberger, Executive Chairman UK, about the brand’s 165 year story and the importance of the panther

he street is silent. It is night-time and light floods only from wrought-iron street lamps, illuminating the façade of a Parisian shop front, which is inscribed with seven golden letters: Cartier. The shop window displays a bejewelled panther in a miniature atrium, dwarfed by colossal cream pillars. Beams of light filter through the roof aperture, shattering the panther’s coat into a sparkling stream of diamonds and animating the beautiful beast. Accompanied by evocative music, the panther roams through an epic fantasyland, leaping from Paris to Russia via India and China, as French commercial director Bruno Aveillan navigates 165 years of Cartier’s history. To me, these are three and a half minutes of mesmerising escapism and it seems the rest of the world agrees; published on 2 March this year, the film has had 15,648,000 views worldwide, an astounding number. Indeed, the jewellery house may be French in origin but its customers and reputation are international. François Le Troquer, Managing Director, has worked on five continents and confirms that Cartier has always been inspired by international expansion and different cultures, as shown in the film: “L’Odyssée de Cartier, where the iconic panther traverses different countries that have inspired the Maison, illustrates this perfectly. At the moment we have fast

growth in China, Russia and the Middle East but the UK is still one of the leading markets in the world, because London is very international.” In fact, London began to play its part in Cartier’s history at the start of the 20th century. In 1847, LouisFrançois Cartier had taken over the jewellery workshop of his apprenticeship master Adolphe Picard at 29 Rue Montorgueil in Paris, and just nine years later, Princess Mathilde, niece of Napoleon I and cousin to Emperor Napoleon III, had made her first purchase from Cartier. In 1902, Pierre Cartier, Alfred’s second son, opened a branch at 4 New Burlington Street, coinciding with the coronation of King Edward VII; two years later, Cartier received its first royal warrant as official purveyor to King Edward VII of England. A second London boutique opened at 175-176 New Bond Street in 1909. International, and glamorous, royals have also played a significant part in Cartier’s history, forging an enduring relationship that holds fast to this day. For her marriage to Prince Rainier in 1956, Princess Grace received many gifts by Cartier including her engagement ring, set with an emerald-cut diamond of 12 carats. One of many superlatives bestowed upon Cartier’s early products, the smallest wristwatch in the world was given to Princess Elizabeth of England in 1938 and a decade later, the Duke of Windsor ordered a platinum panther brooch, a golden cat with black enamel spots crouching on an emerald cabochon, encouraging Cartier to develop a three-dimensional panther motif for the first time.

Clockwise from far left: Panthère brooch in onyx and diamonds, 1980 © Harriet Hubbard Ayer / Cartier Panther clip brooch Cartier Paris, 1949 Nick Welsh, Cartier Collection © Cartier Panther bracelet in platinum, white gold, brilliant- and single-cut diamonds, sapphire cabochons, marquise-cut emeralds and onyx Cartier Paris, 1958 Nick Welsh, Cartier Collection © Cartier

The elegant Duchess of Windsor made the big cat a highly fashionable emblem, as did Barbara Hutton, the world’s richest heiress in 1957, whose first piece was a fully jointed tiger brooch-clip, followed by drop earrings and a bracelet to add to her collection. Grand, whimsical and fascinating pieces for grand, whimsical and fascinating clients, the panther’s journey is also fascinating (surely the reason why so much time and money must have been spent on the Cartier Odyssey). Jeanne Toussaint joined the company in 1918 and nurtured a passion for what Cartier deems “the aesthetic universe of the panther”, in conjunction with the designer Peter Lemarchand, who had spent many hours sketching at a zoo in Vincennes and thus his powers of observation and his partnership with Toussaint, together with the talent of the Cartier gem-setters, resulted in the panther becoming one of the great icons of Cartier creativity. Watches, jewellery and a perfume have all joined the feline product menagerie over the decades and for several of these decades, one Arnaud Bamberger has been at the helm as Executive Chairman UK. “I noticed a company in Paris called Le Must de Cartier run by Alain Dominique Perrin and I loved the way he was communicating in all the press about the company and its products. I wanted to work with this person and I took a chance; that’s how I started.” The panther must surely be considered the epitome of luxurious emblems, then, given Bamberger’s stance on fashion and luxury: “Fashion is more ephemeral and accessible; luxury on the other hand is timeless. Fashion changes with the season, luxury is longstanding and one could even say beyond fashion. Fashion has energy, luxury has weight. Fashion is for everybody; luxury is for the few.” However, despite this exclusivity, Le Troquer adds that “the luxury market has spread into different sectors of society and different sectors of the globe. It now has a much bigger market, much more freely available through exposure to modern media. There is a constant back and forth between exclusivity and being accessible to new customers as well as between tradition and modernity.” A media channel which has continued to influence the public impression of Cartier is film; in the decades prior to the Odyssey film, the iconic red box had repeatedly appeared on the silver screen as the world’s most beautiful and stylish women appeared wearing, and being given, Cartier. Its jewellery also appeared on the Broadway stage in Anita Loos’ play Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and Miss Marilyn Monroe sang “Cartier!” in the film version. In 1969, Cartier acquired an exceptional pear-shaped diamond of 69.42 carats and sold it to Richard Burton. He gave it to Elizabeth Taylor for her birthday and the famous diamond was thus renamed the Taylor-Burton. Cartier also loaned a significant part of its Art Deco style jewellery collection for The Great Gatsby, directed by Jack Clayton and starring Robert Redford and Mia Farrow (1974). So who is the Cartier customer, aside from the film stars, global style icons and Hollywood heavyweights? “A typical Cartier client has an appreciation and understanding for the upmost quality and innovation,” Le Troquer explains, “such as our great advances in fine

Film stills courtesy of Cartier

Cartier loaned a significant part of its Art Deco style jewellery collection for

The Great Gatsby

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From Left, clockwise: Bangle-bracelet with two heads, Cartier Paris, 1991 Cartier Archives © Cartier Wristwatch with panther-spots motif , Cartier Paris, 1914 N. Welsh, Cartier Collection © Cartier Nathalie Paley, © Cecil Beaton photograph, courtesy of Sotheby’s London Tiger clip-brooch, Cartier Paris, 1957, Nick Welsh, Cartier Collection © Cartier Gold Love bracelet, Cartier New York, 1970

watchmaking over the past few years or our historic involvement in the Biennale des Antiquaires this September, where we are the largest exhibitor and will showcase a stunning high jewellery collection. The Cartier customer pursues the ultimate experience alongside the best quality of jewels, watches and precious objects.” This advance in fine watchmaking is of particular interest to me; as a little girl, I first associated Cartier with the most sparkling of diamonds and precious jewels. Knowledge about its watchmaking followed years later, when I was given my mother’s beautiful Must de Cartier watch and I discovered Cartier had created the Santos, the first modern wristwatch in 1904, and the iconic Tank (one of my personal favourites) in 1916. Bamberger agrees with me: “I own a nice collection of Cartier watches but my favourite is the Cartier Tank Normale, pre-1950s, yellow gold with a leather strap.” Bamberger’s passion for his brand is evident, as he praises the rich history and heritage which confirms Cartier’s status as one of the leading horological innovators; “Right up to this day we are pushing the boundaries with our Concept watches, with ID One launched in 2009 and ID Two a few weeks ago.” The ID One is the first adjustment-free watch in the industry and the ID2 is aptly described online by Christie’s’ blog as “a continuation of the endless quest to harness watch mechanics to measure precise time.” A vacuumed environment was created in a Calibre case made of a material called Ceramyst which is completely clear. The familiar ‘tradition versus innovation’ mantra is also stringently adhered to; “Cartier will always be a leader in innovation by maintaining a commitment and continual awareness of technological development and movements in design while not losing sight of its own aesthetic and design heritage.” Bamberger concludes by answering my question about having lived and worked in New York, Paris and London. “I find all three cities so distinctive and unique in their own ways. Paris for me speaks romance and a stimulating interaction between heritage and innovation whereas New York is distinctive for its energy and optimism. London is an extremely international capital with many nationalities living there as well as different communities but overall the British are people I love and find extremely sensitive, funny and full of spirit. It was a long time ago one said that you don’t eat well in Britain but this is not true nowadays. In London, it is all about the quality of life.” Quite. Now do excuse me; I’m off to Bond Street, keeping an eye out for the panther. n www.cartier.com

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1 4

5 11

Haute horology

When fashion brands cross into the world of luxury accessories, the results can be astonishingly eye-catching

9 1 Black Rhodium Tarsier Necklace, £300, Violet Darkling at Wolf & Badger, 32 Dover Street 2 Tambour Minute Repeater, €250,000 to order, Louis Vuitton, www.louisvuitton.co.uk 3 Matte Black Rhodium Fossa Ring, £350, Violet Darkling, as before 4 Stainless Steel Black Ion Plating ring, €99, Emporio Armani, www.armani.com 5 RT Real Dice Key Ring, £95 Tateossian, 27 Conduit Street 6 Enamelled Metal Fly Cufflinks, £75, Paul Smith, 120 Kensington Park Road 7 Conquistador Grand Prix Centre Seconds, POA, Franck Muller at Marcus Watches, 170 New Bond Street 8 Intrecciato Woven Briefcase, £1,905, Bottega Veneta, 15 Old Bond Street 9 Histoire de Tourbillon 2, POA, Harry Winston www.harrywinston.com 10 Ebony and White Gold Skull Bracelet, £690, Luis Morais, www.luismorais.com 11 RT SE Constellation Oval cufflinks, £105, Tateossian, as before

the luxury of

Space & Time Annabel Harrison speaks to David Coleridge, Chairman and Chief Executive of DM London, about the jewel in the Watch Galleryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s crown, Rolex One Hyde Park

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f you have spent any time at all in the vicinity of Knightsbridge in the past few years, you cannot fail to have noticed the four buildings that now comprise Nick and Christian Candy’s One Hyde Park development slowly but surely rising heavenwards. Completed last January, and designed by Rogers, Stirk, Harbour and Partners, the gleaming buildings house lavish apartments with luxurious interiors and the latest in mod-cons and must-haves. Bring your gaze to ground level, though, and you’ll notice a glassfronted, cream emporium with immaculate wooden panelling and touches of a familiar signature dark green. This is not just a Rolex boutique; it’s the largest in Europe (at 3,000 square feet) with, as you’d expect, the largest selection of Rolex watches in Europe. It is owned and operated by The Watch Gallery, housed under the DM London umbrella, which also includes the Selfridges Wonder Room and a Watch Gallery on the Fulham Road in its portfolio. Chairman of The Watch Gallery, David Coleridge, who, if you’re interested, sports a steel Rolex Daytona, commented that “London, and specifically Knightsbridge, has been at the forefront of luxury shopping for years... Our ambition is to make this the most enjoyable place in the world to buy a Rolex.” Coleridge founded DM London six years ago after 20 years at luxury goods company Richemont and this twodecade period, unsurprisingly, gave him essential experience: “If you are starting your own business or buying a company, it is critical that it is in an industry that is very familiar – you cannot learn an industry and how to run your own company all at the same time. At Richemont you report to a Chief Executive; today it’s just a bank manager!” This familiarity, as well as “the most prominent position on one of the busiest junctions in London”, has surely played a huge part in the boutique achieving year three expectations in year one, a quite astounding statistic. And the interior design style is exactly what you’d expect from Rolex. The colour palette is clean and neutral, apart from the signature green splashes, and no expense has been spared, with materials used including multi-layered Italian aqua glass, Crema Marfil Spanish marble flooring and Rolex Jubilee pattern embossed leather walls. Browsing is, of course, welcome but I’d say that this boutique comes into its own if you’re a VIP client or existing customer. VIPs can be whisked away from prying eyes into a private suite (in case you might wish to make a substantial purchase) and the on-site expert watchmaker can advise on all technical aspects of the brand; feel free to ask how deep you could dive in your Yacht Master or the manufacturing process behind your Datejust. Take your Rolex in, also, for any normal servicing and repair requirements which can be done on site in a Rolex purpose-designed workshop – a reassuring fact when sometimes it can take weeks or months to retrieve your watch from its MOT or battery replacement. The specialised equipment includes a watchmaker’s bench built by Rolex in Switzerland and Rolex-designed polishing equipment along with machines to test water resistance on the famous Rolex Oyster and Submariner models. Whether you’re a Rolex connoisseur or rather more of a beginner, welcome to Rolex’ world. n

top five Adrian Marroneau, Head of Buying, chooses his top five Rolex models

18-carat Rose Gold Daytona on bracelet £25,100

Yacht Master II Stainless Steel and Rose Gold £16,770

Lady Datejust 18-carat White and Yellow Gold, £12,400

Datejust II Stainless Steel, £4,800

Skydweller 18-carat Rose Gold on strap £26,290 (new at BASELWORLD 2012)

Rolex by The Watch Gallery One Hyde Park 100 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7LJ www.thewatchgallery.co.uk/rolex 020 7292 0345

ready for the runway FROM TAILORED SUITS AND DESIGNER SHIRTS TO FOOTWEAR BY CHURCH’S AND EXQUISITE JEWELlERY BY TIFFANY & CO., CANARY WHARF HAS ALL YOUR FASHION NEEDS COVERED THIS SEASON Put Canary Wharf at the top of your must-visit retail destinations this season; with 3 hours free parking at weekends and the convenience of being just 20 minutes away from St John’s Wood via the Jubilee Line, make the most of a selection of high-end stores and diverse restaurant offering.

FOR MENSWEAR

Luxury tailoring and accessories brand Alfred Dunhill’s A/W12 ‘Voice’ campaign centres around men of achievement. Head to the recently opened Cabot Place store to see how masculinity transfers from the campaign to the company’s clothes. Aquascutum has been redefining essential pieces in the British wardrobe for years now and the company’s 2012 offering is no different. Tailoring is slim, sharp and immaculate, while angular lines echo the A of Aquascutum.

Alfred Dunhill

Gant’s A/W12 offerings are of a Nouveau Prep, tennis-inspired nature, perfect for an effortlessly chic sporting look, while Hugo Boss’s BOSS Green line addresses active fashion-oriented men with a golf and sportswear collection. Canary Wharf’s Moss store is the first to house not only its collection but also Moss Hire and Moss Bespoke under one roof. The10 off-the-peg suit brands include Canali and Calvin Klein. Moss Bespoke allows customers limitless customization of styling details such as signature embroidery, lining colours and construction. For business suits, Jaeger London Menswear’s latest range cuts a slim but refined block, tapering in at the waist to look trim and elegant. In an hour, Hackett will measure you, note your choice of cloth, linings and style, and also help choose your block. The result is a well-fitting and highly individual garment. The craftsmen at English Tailoring know that in the face of changing fashion, classic clothes will remain unchanged. The team delivers exceptional service and continues to maintain the traditions of a bygone era whilst incorporating their own unique style.

Hugo Boss

FOR WOMENSWEAR

Aquascutum in Cabot Place also offers a selection of womenswear. It may be an iconic British brand but this season Jaeger London Womenswear takes inspiration from modern, Parisian style icons, embodying a laid-back sophistication. For a sleek evening dress, get to the recently refurbished L.K.Bennett and hunt out their Letta Dress. Crafted from soft, supple leather, and with a simple, body-defining silhouette, the dress will stand you out from the crowd. Luxury lingerie boutique Myla encapsulates the many facets of femininity. Glamour, seduction and refined elegance are at the heart of what the company creates.

Aquascutum

SHOPPING Hackett

FOR SHOES AND ACCESSORIES

When it comes to men’s shoes, nothing says quality and craftsmanship quite like a pair of Church’s. Taking up to eight weeks to produce, each pair undergoes over 250 detailed manual operations before they leave the factory. The store is being refurbished to provide additional space to house the vast offering of menswear, womenswear and accessories. Alfred Dunhill is a must-visit destination for gentlemen with the most sophisticated taste in accessories. For bespoke and personalised gifts, Aspinal of London’s wide range of products is guaranteed to bring a sense of style to any occasion. Tumi combines luxury travel, business and lifestyle into an award-winning line of luggage, business cases and handbags.

FOR WATCHES AND JEWELLERY

When you want to give a unique gift that lasts, luxury watches make a very special present and will be treasured for years. The experts at David M Robinson are on hand to help advise on the most intricate and aspirational timepieces on the market. Lovers of high-performance statement watches should visit Charles Fish which stocks Bell & Ross, Hublot and Zenith. Tiffany & Co. needs no introduction. Cross the threshold of Canary Wharf’s branch and it’s immediately apparent what’s in store: the highest level of design excellence, quality and craftsmanship. Pay a visit for gifts for memorable personal and family occasions. Montblanc in Canada Place offers exceptional quality in both its timepieces and jewellery ranges.

FOR BEAUTY

Beneath Jo Malone’s iconic cream and black livery, discover beautifully crafted fragrances of elegant simplicity, characterised by contemporary twists. The store now holds corporate events, handling everything from the venue, champagne and canapés to indulgent pampering treatments. Gant

Molton Brown’s collection of unisex perfumes, bath and shower gels, candles and hand care products have claimed symbolic status with their bright colours and bold scents. Introduce yourself to their Limited Edition Capital Blends collection, blended in London for winning results. Come and revamp your wardrobe at the annual Canary Wharf Autumn / Winter Fashion Weekend. Between Friday 28 and Sunday 30 September, fashion shows in Canada Place and Jubilee Place will provide inspiration for the season ahead and many stores will be offering discounts* of up to 20 per cent. Canary Wharf Autumn / Winter Fashion Weekend Friday 28 - Sunday 30 September Throughout Shopping Malls Friday 9am - 8pm / Saturday 10am - 6pm / Sunday 12 - 6pm FREE

Tiffany & Co.

In addition to over 200 shops, cafes, bars and restaurants at weekends and on Bank Holidays you can enjoy 3 hours’ free parking in any of the public car parks when you spend £10 at any shop, café, bar or restaurant in Canary Wharf. For a full list of Cafes, Bars and restaurants check www.canarywharf.com. canarywharf.com

@yourcanarywharf

Confidence in Excellence

Our Breast Care Unit provides breast screening, state-of-the-art technology and internationally renowned specialists â&#x20AC;&#x201C; creating a dynamic breast care service. Offering first-class diagnosis, treatment and support for patients with breast conditions; you can be confident you are receiving the highest standards of care at The Wellington Hospital.

Breast Care Unit

020 7483 5000 www.thewellingtonhospital.com

health&beauty

Backstage beauty Stila, Stay All Day Foundation, £29.50 www.stila.co.uk

at Temperley London

Nars, Bronzing Powder in Laguna £25, www.narscosmetics.co.uk

L’Oréal Paris Superliner Perfect Slim, £6.99 www.lorealparis.co.uk

m ck.co ttersto / Shu

at Matthew Williamson

at Temperley London

Pupo

Parfums Christian Dior Dior Addict Extrême in Riviera £24, www.dior.com

at Chanel Fall Couture

Nata

at Christian Dior Fall Couture

at Michael Kors

L’Oréal Paris, Youth Code Luminize Day Cream, £14.99 www.lorealparis.co.uk

at Rodarte

Chanel, Ombre Essentielle in Furtif, £22, www.harrods.com

used on the

Catwalk

Shiseido, Lacquer Rouge in Drama, £23 www.shiseido.co.uk

at Temperley London

Parfums Christian Dior Diorshow Maximiser £23, www.dior.com

at Christian Dior Fall Couture

Discover the go-to products for the beauty professionals working on the Autumn/Winter 12 shows

L’Oréal Paris, Nude Magique BB Cream, £9.99 www.lorealparis.co.uk

Nails Inc, Nail Polish in Royal Ascot, £11 www.nailsinc.com

at Daks

at Giorgio Armani Privé at Chanel Fall Couture

Chanel, Lumière D’Artifices Beiges £46, www.harrods.com

at Derek Lam at Chanel Fall Couture Estee Lauder, Pure Colour Quick Thick Eye Liner, £20 www.esteelauder.co.uk

Chanel, Le Vernis in Frenzy £18, www.harrods.com

Giorgio Armani, Eyes to Kill Mascara in Shade 1, £24.50 www.selfridges.co.uk

HEALTH & beauty update

A/W12

trends to try AGE 30-50 THE NEW DEFINITION

An asymmetric take on eye liner is popular this season, but models at Edun showed that simply setting eye colour in a different place provides a contemporary yet wearable look, especially when the shade is metallic. ‘Fresh and easy with a twist’ was make-up artist Yadim’s starting point when he added an iridescent base and silver eye liner to the inner corners of the eye.

KEY PRODUCTS Cream Colour Base in Pearl £14.50, MAC Cosmetics www.maccosmetics.co.uk

AGE 20-30 SENSE & SENSIBILITY

Little more than youthful radiance and a power pout is needed to emulate the beauty finish on show at Moschino Cheap & Chic A/W12. Make-up artist Val Garland was inspired by the lollipop pastel tones in the collection and visions of a ‘strong army of women’ when she planned powder pink lips created using MAC Paint Sticks, dusted with glitter and set with clear gloss.

KEY PRODUCTS Pro Paint Stick in Magenta and Pure White £15.50, www.maccosmetics.co.uk Pro Glitter in Pink £16.50, MAC Cosmetics, www.maccosmetics.co.uk

CATWALK BODY

Bodydoctor fitness programmes have been credited with the lithe figures of many a supermodel and while it’s a sure bet that such appearances rely on genes and all manner of strict regimes, a combination of tailored nutrition and personal training sessions is surely beneficial. Sessions take place around St John’s Wood and Primrose Hill. www.bodydoctor.com, 020 7586 6222

health&beauty

HERO PRODUCT MARC Jacobs may superglue shoes to models’ feet before the catwalk to ensure they don’t slip off, but a less daunting solution is to spritz a touch of hairspray inside. In addition to securing hairstyles, it’s also known for holding make-up in place – although only an organic variety should be used for this purpose. Perfect Hold Hairspray, £30 Intelligent Nutrients Content Beauty & Wellbeing 14 Bulstrode Street, W1U

CATWALK HAIR

When the Burberry Prorsum team needed its models to have subtle but attractive hair to complement the Town and Field themed A/W12 show, Windle & Moodie was entrusted to create the look. Joint founder, Neil Moodie is regularly namechecked in photoshoots and fashion editorial and has collaborated with the likes of Mario Testino, Miu Miu and Vogue Italia, while Paul Windle is the man credited with bringing much-loved brand Bumble & Bumble to the UK and is former principal of the Vidal Sassoon academy. Those seeking wearable but glamorous styles can book into the flagship salon in Covent Garden which is more like a luxury hotel with 3D video screens and curved mirrors (for a 360° view) arranged over 2,500 sq ft. www.windleandmoodie.com

NEW RELEASES 1 September Midnight Roses by Lancome A limited edition collection drawing on the purple hues of late evening in Paris including a gorgeous colour rich matte lip colour, Rouge Hypnotique. From £12, www.lancome.co.uk

AGE 50+ THEATRE AND GLAMOUR Lashings of eye liner and false lashes were Charlotte Tilbury’s essentials when she channelled 1960’s prom queens at Dsquared2. Longer lashes help open up the eye area and the availability of different lengths ensures the look can remain sophisticated for the more mature.

KEY PRODUCTS 4 Lash £10, MAC Cosmetics www.maccosmetics.co.uk

26 September Valentina Assoluto by Valentino Imagined as an Italian temptress, perfumer Oliver Hesp combined the chypre signature of the Valentina fragrance with Smeggia peach and other deliciously sweet essences for this autumnal version. £82, www.harrods.com

1 SEPTEMBER Acoustic Colors by Givenchy A luxurious and interesting range designed to encourage experimentation with colour, light and texture through super light glosses, shimmering eye quads and smooth jet black liners. From £13 www.parfumsgivenchy.com

TEMPERLEYLONDON.COM

health&beauty

How do I

Gabrielle Lane seeks a modelworthy look at The Ritz salon

look?

art of the fun of visiting The Ritz lies in striding through the beautiful lobby and taking the lift to the seventh floor, because as most will tell you, a visit to the hotel is on most people’s ‘bucket lists’. That is, a list of their most coveted moments and experiences. For me, the tick box came in the form of an appointment at the in-house salon, for what can only be described as a ‘killer’ blow-dry, together with makeup application. The treatment menu is divided into hairdressing, the aforementioned makeover, manicures, pedicures and massages which means it garners its fair share of privileged regulars, but is also ideal for a one off treat: I was seeking the kind of transformation that might have me appear a little more in keeping with the Vantage fashion issue and the team had kindly agreed to tend to my hair and make-up. The salon itself is bright but quite small with a bank of styling stations, a hand and nail suite and a room with a treatment bed for more thorough pampering. In fact, this serves to boost its glamorous credentials. Firstly, it’s because many of the hotel guests often have their own beauty entourages, and secondly it means most hair and make-up appointments are undertaken in complete privacy, often with Michael Bublé playing in the background. It’s relaxing and fun and not at all pretentious. n www.theritzlondon.com

TREATMENT There are some who suggest that getting ready is half the enjoyment of a night out. But if you’re not amongst that crowd, The Ritz’s hair and beauty offering is for you. Having discussed the kind of styles I liked with the team (bouncy but natural waves for my hair and natural bronze tones for my face), my hair was washed before I was seated in a chair facing away from the mirror. My makeup and hair was then undertaken simultaneously, which is perfect for the fashion week regulars who need a quick turn-around. The experience was surprisingly relaxing and I watched as the make-up artist experimented with colours and textures asking my usual preferences so as not to leave me with anything I wasn’t confident with. She continued with the kind of industrial strength blending that comes only with practice and training while the hair stylist seemed to work around her unperturbed: the confident pulling of the brushes, told me I was in good hands. The result? Just an hour later I was sitting drinking Champagne in the bar, my hair wrestled into voluminous, surprisingly glossy waves and my make-up looking thankfully like mine, only much better. A visit to The Ritz should be on everyone’s London Fashion Week agenda. With or without the shows.

the

PSYCHOLOGY of beauty

health&beauty

Feeling guilty about your latest indulgence? Research suggests devoting time to our beauty regimes may be good for us, says Gabrielle Lane

eadlines scream, experts wade in and case studies get plundered for every piece of drama and detail. As an academic study reveals that bodily esteem for the female population has continued to deteriorate for the past five decades, it’s easy to think that being conscious of one’s appearance is a wholly bad thing, rooted in anxiety and guilt. Yet there is another side to the coin, and when researching all kinds of statistics for our dedicated fashion issue – from how many times the average woman looks in the mirror per day (a staggering 71 according to skincare brand Transformulas International) to the average number of shoes we’ll own in a lifetime (271), it became clear that many of us, well, enjoy it. “I don’t feel I have to wear make-up, it depends where I’m going,” says Kari Rosenberg, a rWest Hampstead resident and one of a number of people I spoke to who actually were happy with their rituals. “I do really love having treatments. I usually have a facial once a month, it’s really relaxing and I always feel better afterwards.” And even in the realms of cosmetic surgery, an industry traditionally associated with extreme measures and dissatisfaction, many experiences tend to be positive. Mr Christopher Inglefield of the London Bridge Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Clinic in Marylebone is a practitioner renowned for implementing non-surgical procedures such as collagen facials and nose-reshaping. Even off-record he is adamant that many clients he sees are content. “Patients often come to us because a certain aspect of their body or appearance has an impact on their confidence,” he tells me. “And we see a very high level of patient satisfaction; we offer a wide variety of treatments including skincare and non-surgical procedures and most clients do report an increase in their confidence.” So what mediates the transition from being generally happy with how we look to the kind of desperation and despair often linked to disordered behaviour? The experts say it’s the extent to which we employ social comparison. In 1954 psychologist Leon Festinger was amongst the first to suggest that we seek to gain an awareness of ourselves by examining others around us and when combined with our drive to match abilities perceived as greater than our own, this generates insecurity. The pressure to compare ourselves is said to increase if we are surrounded by those who are particularly similar to us or important in the context of our lives. And while this theory might seem a little obvious these days, it’s likely that this is because we consider it accurate. Of course, in addition to attractiveness, an individual might hope they possess qualities such as intelligence, trustworthiness and kindness (perhaps even more so), but therein lies the catch. When asked to score individuals on attractiveness and other traits by psychological researchers, raters commonly predict that those who they mark as goodlooking are also high achievers in other areas of their lives. “People who are physically attractive are assumed to be clever, successful and have more friends,” Dr Sandie Taylor told a British Psychological Society conference upon publication of her seminal study into judgement behaviour in 2007. “We use these judgements to make sense of a socially chaotic world.” n

Mayfair

the heart of

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wish list American Dream America’s steakhouse night out, STK, of New York’s Meatpacking District, will debut in London’s ME Hotel, Covent Garden this September. The menu showcases executive chef Barry Vera’s adventurous interpretations of the traditional steak dish with cuts ranging from feather to Chateaubriand accompanied with decadent toppings such as black truffle and lobster. Drinks are equally inspired, with cocktails such as the Cucumber Stiletto and Miss Mable (named after the British burlesque dancer) available alongside a comprehensive wine list. Famous in New York as a celebrity hotspot, STK advertises itself as ‘Not Your Daddy’s Steakhouse’ and indeed it isn’t. The restaurant is intended as a complete night out, a venue for drinks, dinner and dancing. Nightly DJs will create a vibrant, dynamic atmosphere across the central bar lounge and the elevated dining room. The seventh edition to the concept, STK London will of course feature the restaurants’ signature interior style, with a palette of black gloss and cream throughout. www.melondonuk.com/stk

Foodie favourites DRINK

EAT

The last days of summer call for glamorous cocktails and dusky evenings. With the world gearing up for The Great Gatbsy film released in the coming months, it’s all about 1920’s style. Mix divine drinks for a summery party with No.3 Gin. Owned by Berry Brothers & Rudd, vintners to the Queen and the Prince of Wales, No.3 packs a striking juniper punch, cleverly complemented by several other fruits and spices, including sweet Spanish orange peel, grapefruit peel, Angelica root, Moroccan coriander and, cardamom seedsbold. The number three looms large in Berry Brothers’ history, and the gin is not only named after Berry Brothers’ home, No.3 St. James’s Street, and the merchant’s three centuries of heritage, but also its use of just three fruits and three spices to create its unique flavour. www.no3gin.com

Gourmet House, the luxury caviar producers who specialise in farmed Iranian Beluga caviar, as well as a range of high quality caviars from Bulgaria, China and Italy, have recently made their products available to buy online. The family run business was founded over 45 years ago, and produces some of the most exquisite caviar in the world and, unlike most other caviar suppliers, it owns, or part owns, every farm on which its premium sturgeon are harvested. This control enables them to supply the finest and freshest farmed caviar all over the world, and also ensures high standards of production, quality and ethics – the sturgeon fish from which the eggs are removed is never wasted (as is often the case), but supplied either smoked or raw to leading restaurants and private individuals globally. www.gourmethouse.com/uk

“

In the kitchen cupboard…. Vivek Singh, executive chef and CEO of The Cinnamon Club, Cinnamon Kitchen and Cinnamon Soho, shares his cupboard essentials

Spices: Possibly the most important spice in Indian cooking is turmeric and I am never without it. It provides the bright yellow colour in many curries and, used in small quantities is believed to build up your body’s immune system.

Seeds: A favourite ingredient of mine is coriander. The seeds have a fruity aroma, as opposed to the leaves that are quite fragrant and herbivorous. Fennel and cumin seeds are also essential, and can be used in both sweet and savoury cooking. Fennel is excellent with white meat and fish, while cumin with its woody, nutty aroma can be used in meat or poultry. I also love the slight bitterness and the dramatic appeal of Black Onion Seeds; they are good sprinkled on naan breads, added to a stir fry and go particularly well with fish or seafood.

Chillis: Dry red chillis are another one of those very versatile ingredients that can be used to colour and flavour, and most importantly provide the ever popular ‘kick’ that is associated with Indian food. Out of all the spices used in Indian cooking this is the only one that provides direct heat on the palate and therefore should be used with consideration. Red chillis are a great source of Vitamin C, too. www.cinnamonclub.com

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TO YOUR DOOR

Latest & Greatest

Teatox is a unique detox solution that is nothing to do with denial and endless juices, but harnesses the wisdom of Chinese medicine and the healing power of tea. Delivered to your door, it provides enough tea for cleansing drinks throughout the day, for five days. Enjoy a refreshing white tea in the morning to gently energise you at the start of the day, and finish the day with Pu’erh tea before bed, which aids digestion and is low in caffeine. In between you’ll also enjoy oolong, black and green tea. You can order online and the boxes are delivered to your door. They also provide five detox salt and jasmine tea baths for an extra evening cleanse. www.attictea.com

All the news and views from the restaurant scene...

Attic Teatox

Dach & Sons opens in Hampstead…

Vantage Loves… We can’t get enough of the new breakfast cereal from macaron god Pierre Hermé. Granola Ispahan is a delicious blend of crunchy oats, pumpkin seeds and puffed rice, with grated coconut, pistachios, honey and rose and dried raspberries. It looks decadent and feels like a luxurious treat, but it’s packed full of goodness and healthy carbs. Hurrah! Also in his new breakfast range is a decadent chocolate spread of crunchy caramelised Piedmont hazelnut, underscored with the subtle presence of bitter chocolate. It’s perfect spread on toast, but if we’re feeling especially naughty, it’s amazing on a slice of warm brioche. www.pierreherme.com

…this new hot dog, craft beer and whisky bar is a fantastic addition to Hampstead, and offers cool surroundings, great food and New York-style interiors. The stripped-back aesthetic balances metallics and diffused light surfaces with more tactile wooden pews and tables, while upstairs, Purl, a speakeasy cocktail bar, boasts a gold leaf handcarved ceiling and luxurious blue velvet banquettes. www.dachandsons.com

chocolate meets fashion… … at Cocoa Bijoux in West Hampstead, offering a divine chocolate stiletto made from the dark Columbian cocoa and white chocolate. Vantage readers should mention the magazine to get a free coffee and truffles with every Stiletto purchase. www.cocoabijoux.com

art at Reform Social & Grill… …Zaha Hadid will be one of the first exhibitors at Reform with her ‘Kloris’ artwork, followed by celebrated British artists such as Katie O’Sullivan and Daniel Widrig. www.reformsocialgrill.co.uk

Tapasia embraces the tapas trend…

Also this month… …there’s plenty of fashion-themed fun in London to be had. Ni Jū San, the stunning bar at Sake no Hana in St James’, is celebrating London Fashion Week by offering the ‘Ranwei’ Cocktail Collection – ‘Ranwei’ meaning ‘runway’ in Japanese. Highlights include the Issey Miyake, which takes inspiration from Issey Miyake’s understated yet elegant style, (www.sakenohana.com). Luxury Argentine ice cream parlour Freggo are again offering their Skinny Mini, a limited edition icecream, with three low-fat styles of their most popular flavours in one pot, (www.freggo.co.uk). Paradise by Way of Kensal Green is paying homage to fashion darling Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, in the guise of a bespoke cocktail containing Plymouth gin, vermouth, lemon juice, homemade apricot jam and grenadine, (www.theparadise.co.uk); and throughout London Fashion Week, the sleek Light Bar at the heart of St. Martins Lane will be serving fashionistas healthy cocktail blends, including a Green Tea-Nee and a spicy Runway Diva. www.stmartinslane.com

…launched this summer, Tapasia will be an informal all-day dining venue, offering Asian–inspired tapas, including slow roasted shichimi and kimchi pork belly and hand cut salmon tartare. www.tapasia.co.uk

Bentley Seafood comes to Harrods food hall… …the restaurant will offer everything from oysters, to dressed crab or lobster, wild salmon and sea bass. www.harrods.com

Riedel Wine tasting… … Georg Riedel will present his brand new Riedel Vitis comparative wine glass tasting at Lords Cricket Ground on 20 September. There will be decanting demonstrations featuring the limited edition Cobra Verde and Great British Dragon Decanters and all attendees will each take home £90 worth of Riedel glasses. Tickets start from £60, www.riedel.co.uk.

wine

The Best of British Richard Rotti, wine buyer for Annabel’s Group & Caprice Holdings, searches for the best British sparkling wines to celebrate a very British summer, in every way

he weather has been doing its damndest (or should that be dampest) to spoil this most British of summers. With Wimbledon nearly washed out and Murray falling at the final hurdle, abandoned summer concerts and failing strawberry crops, it’s all going horribly wrong. But in stoical British fashion, we carry on regardless. The Jubilee celebrations, the on-going success of the Olympics on our home turf, and the signs of some late summer sun has given us all a lift. This season’s celebrations have caught English winemakers off-guard. Demand is at an all-time high – great news at last – but they’ve almost universally sold out! Combine that with a dreadful 2012 vintage to come, and it would appear that defeat has been plucked from the jaws of victory. It’s like watching a Tim Henman semi-final. So let’s do our best to put shine on the whole shebang and celebrate with the best we can get our mitts on. And the shortlist is tougher than you’d imagine. English sparkling wines are our infantry, first into battle against the French with many a Champenois taking cover. Camel Valley’s ‘Cornwall’ Brut 2010 leads the charge. Bob Lindo’s Bodrum bubbles have won many an award. His refreshing approach to life, winemaking and marketing make him our General. Fresh and zingy, with a certain playfulness, this is a real crowd pleaser and possibly the best value English sparkler out there. Available direct from Camel (www.camelvalley.com) or Waitrose. I must admit I’m a recent convert to and admirer of English fizz so I’ve made a quest to leave no stone unturned. A recent discussion on this very topic with an old friend led me to Henner’s Vineyard in Hurstmonceux, just north of Eastbourne. Larry Warr, former race engineer at Stewart Grand Prix (now the highly successful Red Bull Racing) has set himself up at a rather nice spot on the Downs. His three hectare vineyard has the perfect micro-climate and southerly exposure. Larry’s wines are a class act. Refined and elegant with firm, crisp acidity, they would clearly benefit from being tucked away in a dark corner for a few years. Why not spend a gentle afternoon meandering through the East Sussex countryside and pick up a case at the cellar door (www.hennersvineyard.co.uk). A complete contrast in style emerges from Herbert Hall in Marden, Kent. Nick Hall’s family hop farm was replanted with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier in 2007. This is the quintessential English wine that reminds one of being in a summer apple orchard. It’s delightfully fresh and simple and all the better for it. Try Herbert Hall at Harrods or directly on their website (www.herberthall.com). n www.caprice-holdings.co.uk

A new lease of life Restaurants like the much adored Karpo in Kings Cross are heralding a new era of class and cuisine for this previously unloved enclave of North West London

hen Karpo opened earlier in the year it was much hyped and heralded by the great and good of the foodie world. The once dirty white building opposite St Pancras on the frenetic Euston Road is now a colourful and welcoming sight, boasting London’s largest mural and three floors of cool style and great food. In the basement is a bar, complete with cracked leather sofas, games and dimmed lamps, which offers a speakeasy style spot to hide away from the world, and enjoy cocktails, pre-dinner drinks and tunes from the DJ turntable. The mezzanine floor has a private meeting room, as well seating for the restaurant, offering great views of the whole building’s structure. But it’s the ground floor we enjoyed sitting in the most. The main restaurant area is encircled by both an open plan kitchen and a vertical garden to rival Anthropologie’s famous wall on Regent’s Street. The gentle trickle of water, the bustle of busy waiters, concrete bar and tables carved from whole tree trunks made for a fun, quirky night out.

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dine We started off with a glass of biodynamic (this place specialises in biodynamic wines) 2009 Vouvray Petillant Naturel la Diletante, Pierre Breton. The upsell from the Prosecco was much appreciated, this slightly cloudy, rich tasting tipple was a delicious start to the meal. While our starters cooked, we nibbled on smoked haddock fritters and quail’s eggs with celery salt – both the perfect salty, tasty companion to the Vouvray. Our starters further impressed in the form of the infamous Southern Fried Quail, which the other half gobbled down at a rate of knots. (I am assured, however, that they were entirely delicious). I had girolles on toast with a poached egg – the mushroom tastes were rich and smoky and wonderfully decadent with the soft egg yolk. To share with our mains, we ordered a lovely bottle of 2004 Le Pech Abuse, Tissot Bonnelle, Buzet; another biodynamic tipple, this was warm, full-flavoured and extremely unique. It was going to need some bold food to match it. Luckily my duck breast and the other half’s gilt head bream were both excellently cooked dishes, the duck pink and succulent, the bream rich and tangy with the sea aster. Strangely, after this feast, we still had space for the best cheesecake I think I’ve ever eaten, and a cheese board which included Cerney goats cheese drizzled in honey and a Tunworth with beetroot chutney. We luxuriously finished our desserts and cheese with a glass of organic 2007 Jurancon La Magendia De Lapeyre from the Pyrénées, at once crisp and sweet it was a perfect match for the cheesecake. Reading this back it’s hard to believe we ate and drank as much as we did, but Karpo will have this effect on you; sublime food, cooked with love and precision, matched with an expert wine list. Inspired by its namesake, the Greek goodess of food, which translates as ‘fruits of the earth’, it is a very appropriate name for a wonderful new addition to NW. n www.karpo.co.uk

fashionista destinations FOR UNIQUE DESIGN Sanderson The fashionable, famously quirky, interior design marvel that is the Sanderson, offers a divine eating experience at its restaurant Suka, which serves authentic Malaysian street style dishes. The restaurant’s sleek interior was conceived by Paris-based designer and architect India Mahdavi, but it’s the Garden Terrace that offers the most secluded and fabulously exclusive dining setting. For a drink, it has to be the eccentric Long Bar (80 feet long and inspired by the catwalk), complete with beguiling eyes on the backs of its chairs. www.sandersonlondon.com

FOR THE FASHION ELITE Le Caprice Sultry and sophisticated, Le Caprice has attracted the most fashionable echelons of society over the years, including icons like Gianni Versace, Tom Ford and even Anna Wintour. For essential fashionista dining it has to be their weekend brunch; somewhat of a London institution, new dishes on the menu include fried duck’s egg with chorizo, broad beans and Padrón peppers and crab roll with root vegetable chips. Settle in for the day on Sundays and enjoy their Café Jazz, with live performances throughout the evening. www.le-caprice.co.uk

FOR CONTEMPORARY COOL Sake no Hana Sake no Hana boasts an inspiring bamboo structured interior with pseudo-screens used to soften the window view of the restaurant’s St James Street backdrop. Offering modern but authentic Japanese cuisine created by executive chef Daisuke Hayashi, the menu includes a wide variety of hot and cold appetizers and mains, and there’s also sushi and sashimi available from the sushi bar. To complement the restaurant, the Ni Jū San bar on the ground floor provides original Japanese inspired cocktails, alongside a selection of small dishes. www.sakenohana.com

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night in

Bruno Barbieri cotidie, W1 Bruno Barbieri is head chef at Cotidie, an Italian fine dining restaurant in Marylebone. He recommends a fresh, healthy starter for fish lovers

Marinated Scampi with Grape Granita, Avocado, Lime, Chili and Argan Oil Serves four

‘‘

This is a simple yet impressive recipe, and a great combination of colours, textures and flavours. It is the perfect light summer dish to make for friends, but make sure you source the best quality ingredients that you can, as this will make a huge difference to the final result.

Ingredients & Method

Avocado

Marinated Scampi

• • • •

8 fresh scampi or langoustines zest of 1organic lime 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil salt and pepper to taste

’’

thoroughly to dissolve it completely. Transfer to the freezer and, once the mixture begins to set, scrape the surface with the tines of a fork at 30-minute intervals for two to three hours to create the crystals that will give the granita its proper texture.

2 avocados juice of 1 organic lime 1habanero chilli salt and pepper to taste

Garnish Granita

• 1 1/2 cups (3 dl) juice pressed from Corvinone grapes • 3/4 cup (1.5 dl) sparkling water • 100g powdered sugar

• S mall bunch of Corvinone grapes • A few sprigs of lemon balm • Argan oil – drizzle to taste

To Prepare the Avocado

To Prepare the Marinated Scampi

Remove the heads and tails of the scampi; shell and devein them. Combine the lime zest with the extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper. Pour over the scampi and allow to marinate for one hour. To Prepare the Granita

* Recipe from the ‘The Good Grape’ published by Biblioteca Culinaria 2006

Combine the grape juice and sparkling water in a non-reactive container that may be easily stored in your freezer. Add the sugar and mix

Halve the avocado, remove and reserve the seed, and scrape out the flesh. Mash it with a fork and season with extra virgin olive oil, lime juice, a pinch of chopped chilli, salt and pepper. Return the seed to the centre of the purée to prevent it from discoloring. Presentation Place two marinated scampi in the centre of each plate and garnish with a few grapes and sprigs of lemon balm. Accompany with the Argan oil, granita and avocado in three separate containers. n

cotidie Cotidie, an elegant and modern Italian restaurant in Marylebone Village, is the first UK restaurant for internationally renowned Michelin-star chef, Bruno Barbieri. Having already gained seven Michelin stars during his career, Bruno showcases his innovative approach to Italian cuisine through a menu of daily changing dishes. This summer has also seen the launch of Cotidie’s new quintessential Italian weekend brunch menu, available to enjoy now. 50 Marylebone High Street, London, W1U 5HN www.cotidierestaurant.com

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night out

THE MAY FAIR

he official hotel of London Fashion Week, The May Fair is known for its vibrant suites (from electric pink to moody ebony) and contemporary feel. Aside from its guests, it attracts those looking for an evening of the three, decadent Cs – cocktails, cuisine and cigars. The May Fair bar has a mixed crowd, including the young and ostentatious, and its sleek styling and lively music shouldn’t detract from the delicious drinks on the menu: my friend and I enjoyed Peach Bellinis, but equally could have chosen the signature mojito – Bacardi Gold rum with vanilla, sugar and lime, pear liqueur with honey or a variety of fresh fruit blends without the alcohol. Those wanting a more relaxed evening could definitely head straight to Quince, the in-house restaurant under patron Silvena Rowe. This is a great place to book if you’re after something different in London as the menu is constructed around fine Ottoman cuisine, which means slowroasted, marinated meats pulled from the bone, fresh fish, feta salads

and lots of tahini, garlic and authentic yoghurt dishes throughout. While sharing a few platters has real charm, the presentation of each a la carte plate shows Quince is Mediterranean food gone chic. Courses arrive expertly styled with flowers and there’s a chef’s table where parties can soak up the atmosphere and inspiration of the kitchen. We settled on one of the smaller tables flanked by red velvet banquettes and bathed in candlelight – surroundings that give the restaurant atmosphere even though it doesn’t get busier until much later in the evening. Service was friendly and the waitress left us to it, although I recommend asking the team to explain the different options available as the menu can be a little perplexing. After dinner, should you be inclined, The May Fair has just added a new cigar room set on a terrace at the hotel, which is already proving popular. n www.themayfairhotel.co.uk

Alexander McQueen: Evolution Race Point Publishing Coming Autumn/Winter 12

culture fix David Balmer Exhibition

London Design Festival

Catto Gallery

Various Venues

6-25 September

14-23 September

Derek Balmer, one of Britain’s foremost abstract painters, will exhibit a selection of his art at the Catto Gallery this month. Balmer’s paintings are unique in their ability to powerfully convey memory of an experience; the locations he depicts are delivered through an intensified and ultimately personal frame using rich colours which impact on the eye. www.cattogallery.co.uk

This September the London Design Festival will showcase the city’s pivotal role in global design. Featuring a diverse variety of exhibitions and installations, the ten day event offers something exciting for both professionals and enthusiasts. Alongside major international contributions, there are also product launches, private views and parties as part of over 300 events planned, of which 100% Design, Decorex, and Super Brands London are standouts not to be missed. www.londondesignfestival.com

SEPTEMBER 2012 EVENTS 1 – 30 Sep iTunes Festival, Roundhouse 6 Sep – 13 Oct The Judas Kiss, Hampstead Theatre 12 Sep – 7 Oct Alex Uxbridge exhibition, Highgate Contemporary Art 13 – 28 Sep Nick Bibby exhibition, Sladmore Contemporary Gallery 16 Sep ZSL London Zoo Stampede 10k Charity Run, London Zoo and Regents Park Until 20 Sep Mehran Elminia’s Revealing Harmonies, Rosenfeld Porcini

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Katherine Gleason’s upcoming book delves deep into the unique and ground-breaking career of Alexander ‘Lee’ McQueen, the enfant terrible of British fashion. Gleason charts each of McQueen’s visionary collections, invoking rich photography throughout, in her exploration of a career that changed British fashion forever. From his first graduate collection in 1992, the strikingly named Jack the Ripper Stalks His Victims, to Plato’s Atlantis, the final collection before his death, Lee McQueen broke with conventionality and challenged the norm. Gleason’s narrative, interwoven with vivid quotes from the designer himself and his confidantes, examines the inspiration behind McQueen’s genius, which was drawn from places as diverse as his own Scottish ancestry, Alfred Hitchcock movies and Yoruba mythology. A talented tailor as a result of time spent cutting the Prince of Wales’s suits on Savile Row, McQueen’s designs were a combination of meticulous detail and avant-garde performance art. Within their own right his pieces made for spectacular catwalk shows; when combined with his theatrical – and often controversial – runway vision, the result was nothing short of legendary. In a fitting tribute, Gleason’s work also provides a glimpse into Angels and Demons, the show the designer was working on before his death, something which every fashion enthusiast should see.

Diana: glimpses of a modern princess Kensington Palace until 28 October Don’t miss the opportunity to head down to Kensington Palace’s exhibition of Diana, Princess of Wales’ famous dresses, which comes to a close this October. The dresses are featured alongside photographs and fashion illustrations, and have been chosen to represent memorable moments in Diana’s public life. The gowns capture her transition from a young princess to an internationally scrutinised celebrity against an elegant set created by interior designer Finola Inger and enhanced with Julie Verhoeven’s bespoke wallpaper that highlights the key fashion moments in Diana’s life even further. www.hrp.org.uk/kensingtonpalace

London Fashion Week Somerset House 14-18 September

Once again, the worlds’ spotlight falls upon London. This time however, it’s the eyes of the fashion world rather than sports aficionados who will be focused on the capital. Mid-September, the seasonal treat that is London Fashion Week begins. Following hot on the heels from the close of London’s Olympic experience, this style extravaganza serves as a fabulous celebration of the creativity of our native design houses. Exhibiting fashion designers’ visions of our S/S13 wardrobes, and featuring renowned global brands as well as up and coming new talent, this is a great opportunity to revel in the week’s exuberant dedication to all things style. As always, north west London is well represented, with eminent local designers such as Sarah Burton, Matthew Williamson and Henry Holland all showing this year. www.londonfashionweek.co.uk

Vodafone London Fashion Somerset House Weekend 20-23 September

Vodafone’s London Fashion Weekend allows fashion devotees the opportunity to immerse themselves in one of the industry’s most popular events. The weekend will feature exclusive catwalk shows, talks by fashion industry experts, Champagne bars and personal styling. This year, there’s also a new Shoe Room to step into, featuring the likes of French Sole and Finsk. www.londonfashionweekend.co.uk

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SOUTH AMERICAN idol Take a tour through Argentina as Gaucho’s head chef, Fernando Trocca, brings the best speciality cuts to come out of his homeland. Elle Blakeman finds out what makes Gaucho the only place to eat steak

s intangible things go, provenance is an interesting one. It can double the value of a car, it can reassure an art investor that his piece is worth the hefty price tag and it can prove that your signed first-edition does need a new glass-fronted bookcase. In food, provenance provides this same reassurance – history and value. It demonstrates that the chef knows precisely what he is serving you, where it came from, how it came to arrive in his kitchen and therefore – most importantly – exactly what to do with it. Gaucho, the chic, low-lit restaurant that has single-handedly brought about a beef renaissance in London, prides itself on this basic philosophy of provenance. Having hand-picked 43 of the best farms Argentina has to offer, Gaucho ensures that each follow a strict protocol, with free range, grass-fed cows (fed on 17 types of grass, if you will believe), used in order to ensure the best quality meal this side of South America. Argentina is of course known for its meat – it’s famous for it – and this is at the heart of Zeev Godik’s successful group that has gone from a single steak restaurant in Amsterdam in 1976 to becoming a byword for an excellent steak, now boasting 16 restaurants in the group. And if steak is one of the best things to come out of Argentina, then Fernando Trocca, Gaucho’s executive chef for five years, is not far behind. Emerging onto the international food scene in 2002 as Chef Patron of Sucre, a restaurant that paved the way for modernised Argentine dishes, this has been much copied and rarely matched. Trocca’s vision for the food at Gaucho is all about incorporating authentic Argentine and Latin American dishes into the menu, so you will find delicious, delicate Ceviches (his salmon ceviche, served with Red Jalapeno’s, onions and palm hearts is a must-try), Tiritados and Causitas in among the meat that the restaurant is famous for. But, inevitably, it does all come back to the steak, which after a 35-day long process of ‘Wet Aging’ (where the meat matures in its own juices) is available in a variety of speciality cuts and grilled exactly as you want it. If you’re getting lost around the Cuadril (rump), Chorizo (sirloin), Ancho (rib eye) and

Lomo (fillet), which would be understandable, you can order a Gaucho sampler, where you will be presented with a selection of each; 1.2 kilograms of pure, cooked-toperfection steak that is guaranteed to satisfy even the most demanding of carnivores. For those looking to explore the Argentinian vibe without sacrificing their steak, Trocca has recently added some additional cuts: Argentine favourites Entrana Fina (marbled skirt), Media Luna Vacio (flank steak) and Picana (which is the top of the Cuadril). To accompany your meal, you will find an extensive and exquisite wine list selected by Argentinian wine expert Phil Crozier; I challenge anyone to order just a single glass of the Gran Altura Malbec, a rich, savoury red that goes perfectly with a light, spicy starter. For white lovers, the Selection G White Blend is divine and very easy to drink. Finish with the Dulce de Leche cheesecake and a glass of port-style Zuccardi Malbec, and then call a cab, go home, and sleep the sleep of the sated. n Gaucho Hampstead 64 Heath Street, NW3 1DN 020 7431 8222, www.gauchorestaurants.co.uk

Gaucho Tower Bridge

t r av e l

wish list

Parisian Chic Indisputably one of the finest hotels in Europe, Hotel Le Bristol in Paris will unveil a new bar this September. Le Bar du Bristol will be a stylish addition, featuring iconic fashion images hanging from natural pinewood walls, set amongst oak floors and sumptuous leather armchairs throughout. Designed by the award winning Yves Rochon and aiming to resemble an English Gentleman’s Club, with a panache that remains faithful to the Hotel Le Bristol philosophy and heritage, the bar promises to become a highlight on the Parisian social scene, not least during Fashion Week. First opened in 1925 by the Jammet family, Le Bristol is situated on Paris’ prestigious and fashionable rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, close to the Élysée Palace. Now part of the famous Oetker Collection of masterpiece hotels, the hotel recently underwent a €100m refurbishment which saw the addition of a new wing, two signature suites and a three star Michelin restaurant, Epicure. It is also home to one of Paris’ most stunning private gardens. Le Bar du Bristol will be open daily 6pm – 2am, www.lebristolparis.com

TRAVEL in style HOT SPOT SEPTEMBER: Amalfi Coast Why: The entire Amalfi coast is a beautiful hymn to Italian eclecticism, a mish-mash of houses and villas cut into the steep hillside affording extraordinary views across the azure waters. For a romantic getaway it’s ideal; the Amalfi Coast is famed for being the backdrop against which travelling couples fall in love. The weather in September can be as high as 25 degrees, meaning travellers can still enjoy dips in the sea whilst avoiding the hordes of tourists that abound from July to August. Where: Sorrento and Amalfi are the two biggest towns on the coastline, with Amalfi offering a more upmarket feel than the sometimes overly touristy Sorrento. However for an even more romantic stay, you can’t beat the stunning views and village atmosphere of Positano, an incredibly beautiful spot, nestled below the towering cliffs above. Further up the hills, come Montepertuso and Nocelle, quiet simple villages offering some of the loveliest restaurants with a classic, traditionally Italian feel. All along the rest of the coast more remote little enclaves provide wonderful places to escape from the world.

Shopping breaks Long haul

Hotel Byblos, St Tropez

Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong

Byblos, St Tropez is perfect for a short haul fashion break, and the best time to go is in during La Grande Braderie, a lucrative end of season sale that’s a staple on calendars across the French Riviera. The ultra-glamorous Hotel Byblos gives you a chance to enjoy your shopping ventures in style. Known to be one of the most charming hotels in the world, and an icon of the Cote D’Azur, it’s famously home to the first Sisley Spa, the world famous nightclub Les Caves du Roy and Alain Ducasse’s Le Spoon restaurant. Interiors have serious wow factor too; no two rooms are the same, each features its own unique décor, and suites boast large private terraces. La Grande Braderie, 26 – 29 October www.byblos.com

Hong Kong’s Mandarin Oriental launches its new ‘Insider Package’ this September. The package allows guests to choose from a choice of four themed private guided tours, the Food Tour, the Cultural Tour, the Art Tour and the Shopping Tour, allowing guests to explore the city with those who know it best. Since September is the focus of the fashion world, there seems no better time to opt for the latter and indulge in Hong Kong’s opulent designer shopping and vibrant Ladies and Jade markets. The Insider Package is one of many reasons to enjoy a stay at the Mandarin Oriental, the famed yet exclusive luxury sanctuary located in the heart of Hong Kong. www.mandarinoriental.com/hongkong

Image by Marcel Jolibois

short haul

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Sail away

Cannes Boat Show, the most prestigious event on the international yachting calendar, celebrates its 35th anniversary, from 11 – 16 September. Festival de la Plaisance will exhibit 583 luxury vessels, 173 of which will be making their debut this year. The in-water exhibition gives attendees the opportunity to preview the most covetable boats on the market for sale and charter. Taking place from Vieux Port to Port Pierre Canto, the show will feature the finest new models and products built by the world’s leading shipyards. www.salonnautiquecannes.com

Stay: We recommend Monastero Santa Rosa, a stunning 20 bedroom former 17th century monastry, about 20 minutes from Positano and Amalfi. Perched on the cliff edge, Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel & Spa has been affectionately and respectfully restored by its owner into an exclusive boutique hotel. The hotel represents a truly different style of hospitality on the Amalfi Coast and is a more modern style of luxury hotel combining a historical setting, unique rooms and suites, an incredible infinity pool ‘falling’ off the cliff and even a glass elevator on the side of the hotel with views across the coastline. Plus, there’s also a superb Santa Maria Novella Spa. Rooms at Monastero Santa Rosa from €375 ww.monasterosantarosa.com

Room with A View El Questro, Australia The Kimberley region in Western Australia is one of the world’s last frontiers – a distillation of the raw, unknown and wild beauty of Australia. Within this, El Questro Wilderness Park is set amidst an ancient landscape of deep gorges, dramatic waterfalls, thermal springs and jagged escarpments. Our favourite place to stay is at the Cliff Side Retreats, each with breath-taking views of the Chamberlain River. They feature enticing walkthrough wardrobes, feather topped beds and secluded garden rain showers. For daytime activities guests may choose to take a helicopter into a secluded waterfall swimming hole before sampling a gourmet picnic, gallop across the vast planes on horseback or more simply lie by the pool and indulge in the peaceful sounds of nature. www.elquestro.com.au/homestead

country retreat

Gilpen Hotel & Lake House, the family home transformed by John and Christine Cunliffe into one of the Lake District’s finest hotels, was recently the recipient of the coveted Catey award for Best Independent Hotel in the UK 2012. With six sumptuous suites, an indoor pool and sauna and large outdoor cedarwood hot tub overlooking the lake, the hotel makes for a wonderful getaway both for romantic couples and larger parties. Lake House guests are chauffeured to and from the main hotel in the evenings for imaginative five-course dinners. www.gilpinlodge.co.uk

Post-Fashion Week escapes Vantage explores where the designers, photographers, PRs and front-row regulars might holiday once the flashbulbs stop and the sequins are packed away…

for the PHOTOGRAPHER

ENDLESS INSPIRATION The modern day fashionista amasses a kaleidoscope of colour and theme in her wardrobe and rare is the time that a lookbook doesn’t hint at a designer’s travels to farflung shores. Destinations need to score highly for style and soul-searching.

The resort

PICTURE PERFECT With a natural talent for seeking out the most aweinducing moments, one assumes the preferred retreat for the photographers of fashion week is a paradox – somewhere a world away from the locations they would usually shoot, but a destination beautiful and interesting enough to be shown in a magazine.

The resort At Wolwedans – a collection of lodges and camps in the heart of the NamibRand Nature Reserve, Namibia, stunning images literally present themselves. Tents and chalets are perched high on sand dunes and their canvas walls completely retract to provide panoramic views of the plains from the comfort of a four-poster bed (as well as elevated verandas). Beyond the suites themselves, stark limestone and mountainous outcrops form a glistening backdrop of reds and ochres as leopards, springbok, spotted hyenas and other animals explore. The site draws both amateur and professional photographers, and dedicated safaris (in delightfully small groups) are available for those who want to head out with their camera. www.wolwedans.com

In the shadows of the Incan ruins which dominate the sacred valley of Urubamba in Peru lies Pisac, a village known for its traditional craft and Sunday market. The event sees Andean locals arrive laden with ceramics, hand-made jewellery, musical instruments and a particular abundance of vibrant textiles ready to trade. The best way to discover its secrets is through Dehouche, a bespoke travel company specialising in South American experiences, which can organise a creative guru an itinerary including guided tours of the market and visits to the local communities to learn how the materials are woven and dyed. The all-suite Palacio Nazarenas in the old town of Cusco is the residence of choice for those seeking a glamorous base. Incan artefacts in the living areas and walls adorned with classical artwork are juxtaposed against infinity pools and private cocktail bars. www.dehouche.com

for the designer

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PURE RELAXATION With the responsibility for steering press coverage worth in excess of £100m and the daunting impact of social media channels (the Facebook platform for London Fashion Week in September 2011 gained over 111,000 fans), it’s fair to say the job of a brand PR during the shows is amongst the most simultaneously envied and avoided. The antidote? Complete relaxation.

The resort

for

THE ‘FROW’ REGULAR

THE IDEAL PARTY VENUE This time last year Nicole Farhi aired her dismay that some designers were paying famous faces to attend their shows, a practice which nevertheless showed just how much the fashion world has embraced a ‘see and be seen’ mantra. For those who do grace the front row seats, it’s all about image; appearance should be immaculate, friends should be influential and holidays should be completely fabulous.

Luxurious Balinese spas may now exist aplenty, but located in the island’s spiritual heartland, famed for its healing waters, lies a retreat that’s unique in its claim to excellence and relaxation. Set amongst twisting valleys, natural springs and tropical foliage, the serene COMO Shambhala Estate represents indulgence at its most deconstructed. The residences which accommodate guests consist of simple, sleek architecture and interiors, at the same time adopting traditional Balinese design. The five residences each contain a handful of suites, and guests are invited to share an infinity pool without sacrificing tranquil privacy. While there’s sometimes the odd Tatler regular and rock star dropping by, you’ll not notice – spiritual cleansing rituals, hot river stone massages and an enriching bespoke COMO Shambala Cuisine are the order of the day. The Estate is the home of the best of the island’s practitioners, with resident experts including a yoga master, ayurvedic doctor and guides for outdoor activities.

The resort There is nowhere more opulent, more regally extravagant than the Residenza Napoleone III boutique apartment in Rome. Situated on Rome’s Via Condotti in the Palazzo Ruspoli, [the family home of the suite’s owner Principessa Letizia Ruspoli] the apartment’s namesake is its legendary former resident, Emperor Napoleon III. From its grand connections it has derived a splendour and magnificence that is simply unparalleled, bringing new insight into the meaning of luxury accommodation. Lavishly decorated throughout, the Napoleone Suite, with two extensive reception areas, a large master bedroom and a Siena-marble bathroom, is immaculately bedecked with hand-stencilled walls, 16th-century tapestries, parquet floors and an incredible array of oil paintings, six of which are found in the bedroom alone, one stunningly affixed as the bedhead of the silk-draped canopy bed. With sumptuous surroundings and meticulous service the Ruspolis have created the most exquisitely beautiful city retreat, ideal for throwing a lavish soiree which will be talked about for weeks afterwards. Nothing compares. www.residenzanapoleone.com www.mrandmrssmith.com

www.comoshambhala.como.bz

for THE PR

health promotion

Come Fly with Me Damian Muncaster, respiratory physiologist at The Wellington Hospital, asks are you fit to fly this summer?

s summer approaches and thoughts turn to foreign holidays, a crucial element of the holiday is organising the flight. Reserving seats, ordering meals and online check-ins are now routine considerations, as flying becomes an ever more popular mode of transport. It is estimated that in 2011 over one billion people travelled by air and over the next 20 years that figure is expected to double. With this increase in air travel, and an increasingly ageing population, there will be a significant rise in the number of older passengers, and those with illness who wish to travel. The physiology of flying, and its impact on a patient’s underlying illness, is important in assessing whether a patient is fit to fly. Modern aircraft fly with a cabin altitude between 5000 and 8000ft. This results in a drop in barometric pressure and an associated decrease in the partial pressure of alveolar oxygen, i.e. oxygen levels in the blood fall. This drop in oxygen saturation is welltolerated by healthy travellers, but for those with underlying cardiac or pulmonary conditions or anaemia, there could be a problem. Most cardiac conditions can tolerate air travel well, although individual assessment is recommended, but certain respiratory conditions require more detailed investigation. The majority of patients with lung disease who will experience in-flight hypoxia can fly safely with supplemental oxygen, but it’s important that this is assessed first. For conditions such as COPD, bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis,

For further information please visit The Wellington Hospital www.thewellingtonhospital.com or contact the Enquiry Helpline on 020 7483 5000

pulmonary fibrosis and any other condition that produces hypoxia at sea level, it is recommended that the patient should undergo a hypoxic inhalation test (HIT). We regularly perform the hypoxic inhalation test here at the Lung Function Laboratory at The Wellington Hospital. It is a relatively simple test that requires firstly taking an earlobe blood gas sample from the patient to assess the baseline oxygen levels. The patient then breathes in a mixture of oxygen and nitrogen that simulates the cabin environment. Oxygen saturation is monitored and a further ear lobe sample is taken to assess the amount of de-saturation. If the oxygen saturation drops to a certain level, then supplemental oxygen is administered until the de-saturation is rectified. If in-flight oxygen is required most airlines will provide this, although some do charge a fee for the privilege. Of course respiratory conditions are not the only possible barrier to flying. DVT, recent surgery, haematological conditions, psychiatric issues, infection and the recent application of a plaster cast can all become an obstacle to flying. But in the majority of cases as long as the cabin crew are aware of the condition, they have clear advice from the relevant physician, and any medication which is being taken – the flight should be comfortable and emergency free. If you believe that you may have a problem during your flight, or wish to undergo a hypoxic inhalation test, please contact the Enquiry Helpline team on 020 7483 5000 and arrange an appointment.

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five of the best Alternative fashion capitals Cool and cutting edge fashion destinations worldwide by Lulu Saxon Boutique Hotel

Rumsey

Johannesburg This September the city hosts South Africa’s Fashion Week, featuring an exciting mix of industry stalwarts and emerging designer talent. Situated close to premier shopping destinations like Montecasino and Melrose Arch, and nestled exclusively in the Sandhurst suburb of Sandton, the Saxon Boutique Hotel is perfectly tuned to the fashionable ambience of Johannesburg; its world-class cuisine, leading spa and the peaceful tranquility of its gardens make it the perfect retreat for fashion followers. www.saxon.co.za

Moscow Ritz-Carlton Moscow

Luxurious, high-end fashion is perfectly at home in Moscow, the emerging fashion capital of Russia. The city is a hub of designer stores and expensive cars, as well as straight-off-the-catwalk street style and, as the home of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, is fast becoming the next global fashion destination. The Ritz-Carlton, located minutes from iconic culture spots like the Kremlin, as well as the desirable GUM and TSUM shopping centres, provides the ideal haven for travellers to retreat to after a day shopping at the city’s upscale boutiques. With a stunning interior, elegantly furnished throughout, the Ritz-Carlton is breathtakingly beautiful. www.ritzcarlton.com

Barcelona

Mandarin Oriental

Barcelona Fashion Week is known for cutting edge designers and a hip crowd. Mandarin Oriental, located on Barcelona’s Passeig de Gràcia, famous for its boutiques, has devised an ideal shoppers’ city break – the Friends for Life package. Guests are guided by a multilingual personal shopper to peruse the city’s high-end designer labels at multi-brand stores Santa Eulàlia and Serra Claret, as well as benefitting from finding the kind of hidden gems only a local insider can reveal. The hotel’s spa also provides a bespoke foot massage to revive and recharge tired legs for tired shoppers. www.mandarinoriental.com

Rio de Janeiro

Copacabana Palace

Rio has recently raised its fashion stakes to become the style capital of Latin America, and Rio de Janeiro Fashion Week has a raucous, tropical atmosphere that typically eludes other cities’ fashion displays. The only place to stay is the Copacabana Palace, which has been entertaining the rich and famous for nearly 100 years and has lost none of its elegant allure. Overlooking Copacabana Beach, this traditional stomping ground of Rio high society boasts seven extravagant penthouses, perfectly cementing its position at the centre of the glitz and glamour of the Rio fashion elite. www.copacabanapalace.com

Florence

Hotel Continentale

Founded by Salvatore Ferragamo, Hotel Continentale has big fashion credentials. A continuation of the Ferregamo family’s commitment to style, with its glamorous 50’s style interior, the hotel is the ultimate shoppers’ retreat. Located within easy reach of shoppers’ haven Via dè Tornabuoni, the hotel offers guests one of the most exclusive shopping breaks in the city. Starting off with a visit to the splendid Salvatore Ferragamo Museum, the fashion tour then heads to the historic Salvatore Ferragamo Creations Santa Trinita Boutique, where personalised service and exclusive conditions for guests’ purchases awaits. n www.continentale.it

Claridge’s Christmas Tree by John Galliano for Dior

The great

David Downton, a portrait in The Fumoir

the good Lifelong Londoner or first-time tourist, one hotel, above all others, has a reputation for being the most iconic, exciting and historic, says Emma Johnson

he building with the distinctive red brick façade, surrounded by luxury boutiques on Brook Street, international flags flying proud above the entrance, has at once the air of a celebrated dignitary and an A-List VIP. It is proud and gracious; modern and historic; a dignified majesty amid many of the showier pretenders to its throne. Claridge’s has always been a central figure in London’s high society. For many years in its early life it was a firm favourite with both our Royal Family, and those of countries across the world, who used Claridge’s as everything from a party destination to a refuge. In the 1940’s, as war raged across the continent, European royalty, including the Kings of Greece, Norway and Yugoslavia, and the Queen of the Netherlands, escaped to Claridge’s. The hotel became an unofficial royal residence; and one fantastic story recalls an incident in 1947, when a harassed diplomat rang the hotel and asked to urgently speak to the King. He was told: “Certainly sir, but which one?” It was this exodus of royalty to London that lead to an extraordinary occurrence on 17 July in 1945. With the Yugoslavian Royal family, including the heavily pregnant Queen, still staying at Claridge’s, Sir Winston Churchill made an unprecedented concession that saw the hotel’s Suite 212 temporarily become part of Yugoslavia, so Crown Prince Alexander, the heir to the throne, could be born on Yugoslavian soil. According to legend, Claridge’s staff placed a clod of Yugoslav earth under the Queen’s bed during her labour.

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are all regular guests – but its reputation as a favourite in the world of fashion is becoming more and more prominent, with the likes of Christian Claridge’s has always been Louboutin, Diane von Furstenberg and Carolina a central figure in London’s Herrera naming Claridge’s as their home in London. In addition, Marc Jacobs has famously high society used the hotel as inspiration for his latest Louis Vuitton collection, while Mulberry showed their new collection at the hotel this Spring, and regular guest Paul Smith not only holds his fashion shows in the ballroom, but spends every New Year at the hotel with his family. The hotel has a reputation for being the place to throw an aftercatwalk-show party, and the centre of life during London Fashion Week, so it seems appropriate that some of Claridge’s recent collaborations have cemented its fashion focus. Last July, the hotel appointed fashion illustrator David Downtown as Claridge’s first fashion artist in residence. Renowned for his elegant illustrations of style icons including Cate Blanchett and Dita von Teese, a permanent collection of his drawings will be displayed throughout the hotel, seamlessly linking art and style. Other more whimsical collaborations with fashion icons include the Claridge’s Christmas Tree – a wondrous spectacle which reaches boldly skyward from the iconic chequered floor in the lobby, alongside the striking sweeping staircase. Designed in 2009 and 2010 by John Galliano DvF Piano Suite Sitting Room for Dior, and in 2011 by Lanvin, the designer is always a closely guarded secret and the final scheme a delight and surprise. Equally quirky and inspired are the series of suites designed by After the war, state delegations from all over the world stayed at renowned fashion designer Diane Von Furstenberg. A riot of colour and Claridge’s, and many of these would be invited to attend a banquet in pattern, they include Chinese headboards, leopard-print rugs, customtheir honour at Buckingham Palace. It became traditional for visiting made cashmere blankets and zebra-print bathrobes. Presenting the suites statesmen to return hospitality by hosting a banquet for the Queen at to a packed ballroom last year, Furstenberg said: “I have always loved Claridge’s, causing the hotel to become widely referred to as ‘the annexe Claridge’s…there is just something about it – plus it’s the only place they of Buckingham Palace’. As a result, the Royal Family chose to host many still say ‘Highness’ when I walk in those wonderful doors…I wanted to of their own private parties at the hotel too; and the Queen Mother would respect that and the magic of this wonderful place.” n often take tea there, with staff always ensuring a fresh bouquet of sugar peas was on her table. www.claridges.co.uk Over the years, a different kind of royalty has also enjoyed the luxurious surrounds of this beautiful hotel, and during the golden age Claridge’s Christmas Tree by Lanvin of Hollywood, Claridge’s welcomed the likes of Yul Brynner, Audrey Hepburn, Cary Grant, Bing Crosby and Katharine Hepburn. The 1990s saw a dramatic update of the Art Deco interiors, bringing in a modern twist, with David Collins creating the new Claridge’s Bar, and New York-based designer Thierry Despont revitalising the Foyer area with a contemporary feel and a stunning Dale Chihuly chandelier. These days the hotel remains as beautiful and innovative as ever. In 2008, The Telegraph Travel Awards called Claridge’s a ‘byword for refined elegance’; while in the same year, the Forbes Traveller 400 praised Claridge’s for ‘never resting on its laurels’. “Claridge’s stays ahead of the game by constantly reinventing itself,” it said. Most recently it has collaborated with designers, such as Sir David Linley, who recently created three stunning Art Deco suites at the front of the building, and is still a magnet for the great and good of the glamorous world of celebrity. Sarah Jessica Parker, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Kate Moss and Victoria Beckham

Sun Safe Dr Victoria Swale, consultant dermatologist at The Wellington Hospital relays an interesting case of a young mother whose skin cancer was detected twice and treated successfully

nna, a 39 year old mother of two, originally from Italy, visited me in 2010 about soreness at the corners of her mouth. I identified a common condition: angular stomatitis with a secondary infection. As low iron levels can be a cause of angular stomatitis, I arranged a blood test which confirmed that Annaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s iron levels were very low, and prescribed a course of iron supplements and a cream and the sore areas cleared within a few days.

I noted that Anna had risk factors for the development of skin cancer: she had fair skin, red hair and had spent a lot of time in the sun as a child. She underwent a thorough skin examination which revealed a subtle, pearly raised area at the hairline of her forehead, which Anna had not noticed. I took a small skin biopsy under local anaesthetic, confirming this as a basal cell carcinoma (BCC). This is a type of skin cancer, but fortunately one that can be cured by surgical removal and

health promotion

which almost never spreads elsewhere in the body. Anna was then are flat and do not crust over. referred to fellow Wellington consultant and plastic surgeon Miss In most cases a BCC is treated by a simple excision. Often, as Barbara Jemec, who removed the BCC under local anaesthetic, with in Anna’s case, a small diagnostic biopsy is taken in order to guide excellence cosmetic results. definitive treatment. Most BCCs can be managed by conventional Six months later I identified another BCC at the base of Anna’s nose, surgery, but a minority are best treated with radiotherapy or more in between her eyes. Again it was very subtle, a skin coloured pearly complex surgery known as Mohs’ surgery, and some forms can area, and again Anna had not noticed it. I took a small diagnostic be treated using topical therapy or cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen biopsy under local anaesthetic and Miss Jemec removed the skin spray). Once an individual has had one BCC they are more prone cancer completely. She also excised a mole on the chest, which was to developing others, so self-monitoring is highly recommended. benign but showed some atypical features, suggesting that it could Fortunately, they almost never spread elsewhere in the body and have had the potential to develop into a melanoma. treatment is curative. The earlier they are identified, the better the To date Anna has not developed any further skin lesions. She wears cosmetic outcome is likely to be. a high factor sun block and monitors her skin carefully, but otherwise leads a perfectly normal life. • Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is an extremely common skin Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) of the skin is the cancer, even in the UK commonest of all cancers. It is predicted that • BCC can be subtle and is often not noticed approximately one person in three will • BCC is almost always easily curable with simple develop one during their lifetime. The skin surgery or topical treatment main risk factor for BCC is sun exposure, • BCC is seen most in fair skinned people who especially excessively so during childhood, have spent a lot of time in the sun with fair skinned people most at risk. BCCs • Dermatologists are experts in diagnosis and tend to develop in sun exposed areas such management of BCC and other skin cancers as the face and arm, but can also appear on • Early diagnosis and treatment gives the best totally sun-protected skin such as behind the ear. cosmetic result BCC usually takes the form of a pearly, skin coloured bump up to 1cm in diameter. Frequently the surface becomes Dr Victoria Swale, BM MB FRCP ICDP, is available ulcerated, and the patient describes a spot which to see patients every Tuesday morning keeps crusting over and never quite heals up. (8am-1pm) at the Platinum Medical Dr Victoria Swale, Consultant Dermatologist Some BCCs are more difficult to identify as they Centre, Lodge Road, NW8.

GP SESSIONS: need to know When should you see your GP about moles on your skin? Private GP, Dr Lisa Anderson advises us below We all worry about moles on our skin, but what features should make us more suspicious and make us seek medical advice sooner rather than later? To help you identify characteristics of unusual moles that may indicate melanomas or other skin cancers, think of the letters A, B, C, D, E: • A - Asymmetrical shape. Look for moles with irregular shapes, such as two very different-looking halves • B - Irregular border. Look for moles with irregular, notched or scalloped borders • C - Changes in colour. Look for growths that have many colours or an uneven distribution of colour.

For further information please visit The Wellington Hospital www.thewellingtonhospital.com Or contact the Enquiry Helpline on 020 7483 5000

• D - Diameter. Look for any new growth in a mole larger than 1/4 inch • E - Evolving. Look for changes over time, such as a mole that grows in size or that changes color or shape. Moles may also evolve to develop new signs and symptoms, such as new itchiness or bleeding. Other suspicious changes in a mole may include: - Itching - Scaliness - Bleeding or oozing - Spreading of pigment from the mole into the surrounding skin Cancerous (malignant) moles vary greatly in appearance. Some may show all of the changes listed above, while others may have only one or two unusual characteristics. The bottom line is: if you are not sure see your GP.

promotion

a cause for

Celebration The Chubb Insurance Concours d’Elégance at Salon Privé 2012 offers a chance to see some of the most unique and beautiful cars ever made, and the whole event can be enjoyed with the added bonus of luxury dining, Pommery Champagne and spectacular live entertainment

he term Concours d’Elégance refers to an automobile competition that judges the designs and styles of elegant, sumptuous classic cars. Originating in Paris in the early 1920s, the competition is typified by beautiful locations, refined elegance and only the rarest and most valuable of vehicles. Still only in its sixth year, the Chubb Insurance Concours d’Elégance at Salon Privé is already regarded by many as one of the top three classic car events in the world alongside Pebble Beach and Villa d’Este. Taking judging cues from the original French Concours d’Elégance, a comprehensive points system operates at Salon Privé to correctly score vehicles not only on their elegance and style, but also their originality, authenticity and heritage. Participating judges are selected for their specific knowledge of key marques, as well as for their enthusiasm and experience in adjudicating over priceless collections of rare, classic motor vehicles. Five time Le Mans Winner, Derek Bell MBE, returning once again as chief judge said: “With such an exquisite line up of exclusives and debuts, it is an honour to have been asked to be Chief Judge again. I am particularly excited about the very special ROFGO Gulf collection and the line-up of unique shooting brakes. The only place on earth you will see such a gathering of automotive rarities is Salon Privé at Syon Park in September – and I for one wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Once again, the Concours d’Elégance is sponsored by Chubb Insurance, a leading insurer of higher-value homes, art, antiques, jewellery and cars. While not a household name, like other select brands at Salon Privé, the company pursues excellence over volume, a brand ambition epitomised by the fact they have been voted by brokers as 'Personal Insurer of the Year', seven times in the last ten years; an unparalleled accolade, which has seen Chubb as the recommended insurer for the Aston Martin Owners Club and Ferrari Owners Club. "This is Chubb's fourth year as the Concours

sponsor, and we're delighted to support such a fabulous event. It's a thrill to see that so many of our clients' cars have entered the show," said Simon Mobey, European personal insurance manager. "In 2012, we will be showcasing a range of cars that illustrate our expertise in insuring the oldest classic to the rarest supercar. On the Concours Lawn we're hosting an iconic car from the 1950s; the D-Type Jaguar, kindly loaned by a private collector and client of Chubb, which was the first sports car to lap any circuit in Britain at an average speed of over 100mph. It was the car that put Jim Clark, the Lewis Hamilton of his time, firmly on the track to international racing stardom." n

classes Class A Ferrari F40 – celebrating 25 years of an icon Class B Pre-war rarities Class C Closed sports cars from the Swinging Sixties Class D Vee-Twins through the ages Class E Open sports cars from the Swinging Sixties

Chubb Insurance Concours d’Elégance Judging Day

Class F Collection of shooting brakes

7 September, Salon Privé 2012

Class G Bugatti – the vintage competition series Class H Important competition machines Class I The design class featuring Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera Class J Mercedes-Benz Gullwing – the legend at 60

10:00am Judging begins 11:00am Event opens 12:00pm Pommery Champagne Reception 12:30pm Luncheon served in Concours VIP Area 2:00pm Placement of rosettes on winning cars 2:30 - 5.00pm Concours d’Elégance Parade and Awards Presentation, People’s Choice Award Presentation, Lime Avenue Parking Award Presentation 4:00pm English Afternoon Tea served in the Concours Awards Area 5:00pm Winners’ Lap of Honour 7:00pm Salon Privé closes

Salon PrivÉ, 5 - 7 September, syon park

10% OFF ALL TICKETS!

Quote VANTAGE124 for your discount. Call 0808 100 2205 or buy online www.salonprivelondon.com Tickets from £195 + VAT, inclusive of Pommery Champagne, lobster luncheon, complimentary bar, afternoon tea & full access to all areas.

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Knight Frank Marylebone opening August 2012.

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Paul McCartney & John Lennon wrote ‘I wanna hold your hand’ here

“There is no better way to spend a summer evening than enjoying the open air theatre at Regent’s Park with a picnic and a glass of Pimms.”

Lettings Manager

HYDE PA R K

KnightFrank.co.uk/Marylebone 1956 Marylebone office opening magazine advertisement.indd 1

13/08/2012 09:54

Vantage P R O P E RT Y

showcasing the

finest HOMES & PROPERTY from the best estate agents

new beginnings

STUNNING PROPERTIES IN AN ENVIABLE LOCATION

Image: Prince Albert Road, NW1 Courtesy of Knight Frank, p.103 105

Knight Frank

image of Regent’s Park

Park Village West, Regent’s Park NW1 Detached Nash Villa in Regent’s Park

A low built detached Nash Villa situated in an enchanted enclave close to Regent’s Park. 5 bedrooms (3 with en suite bathroom), 2 dressing rooms, 2 reception rooms, study, dining room, kitchen, utility room, guest WC, garden, garage and off street parking for 1 car. Approximately 386.5 sq m (4,160 sq ft) Leasehold 49 years 2 months Guide Price: £4,999,950 (SJW080228)

KnightFrank.co.uk/St-Johns-Wood stjohnswood@knightfrank.com 020 7586 2777

Knight Frank

image of Regent’s Park

Prince Albert Road, Regent’s Park NW1 Six bedroom family home opposite Regent’s Park

An interior designed six bedroom family home located opposite Regent’s Park. Master bedroom with en suite dressing room and bathroom, 5 further bedrooms (3 with en suite facilities) bathroom, 4 reception rooms, kitchen, utility room, 2 guest WCs, private garden behind secure gate, off street parking for 3-4 cars. Approximately 372 sq m (4,004 sq ft) Freehold Guide Price: £8,350,000 (SJW110038)

KnightFrank.co.uk/St-Johns-Wood stjohnswood@knightfrank.com 020 7586 2777

Knight Frank

The Pavillion Apartments, St Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wood NW8 Stunning three bedroom penthouse

A rare opportunity to live in the height of luxury in this outstanding penthouse. Master bedroom with en suite bathroom, 2 additional bedrooms (1 en suite), kitchen, large open plan dining area, home cinema room. Approximately 248 sq m (2,674 sq ft) Leasehold 989 years 3 months Guide Price: ÂŁ8,250,000 (SJW110117)

KnightFrank.co.uk/St-Johns-Wood stjohnswood@knightfrank.com 020 7586 2777

Knight Frank

The Bishops Avenue, Hampstead N2

Imposing detached ‘Arts and Crafts’ house for sale A beautiful double fronted detached house on the internationally renowned, Bishops Avenue. Set behind a raised gated frontage the house offers superb entertaining space with three large receptions off a central hall. 6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 3 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, garden, private parking. Approximately 337.8 sq m (3,636 sq ft) Freehold Guide Price: £4,950,000

(HAM070523)

KnightFrank.co.uk/Hampstead hampstead@knightfrank.com 020 7431 8686

ELM TREE ROAD

A rare opportunity to acquire a wonderful low built non-basement 5/7 bedroom detached family home (436sq m/4,700sq ft) arranged over three floors only. The house features excellent entertaining areas including a stunning orangery whilst further benefiting from enchanting private walled gardens. Elm Tree Road is conveniently located between Circus Road and Grove End Road, within walking distance of St Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wood High Street with all its fashionable boutique shops, restaurants and also close to all forms of public transport including St Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wood Underground Station (Jubilee Line).

F/H

Principal Bedroom with Dressing Room, En-Suite Bathroom and Balcony overlooking the Orangery, 4/6 Further Bedrooms, 2 Further Bathrooms (1 En-Suite), Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Drawing Room, Dining Room, Family/Sitting Room, Studio/Bedroom 6 with private adjoining Bathroom, Study/Bedroom 7 with En-Suite Shower Room, Orangery, Utility Room, Cloakroom, Storage, Balcony, Terrace, Landscaped Private Walled Garden, Double Length Garage.

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SOLE AGENT

■

£8.95M

MANOR APARTMENTS

A range of meticulously refurbished and beautifully appointed two and three bedroom apartments within this distinguished mansion building located in one of central London’s most prestigious residential addresses. Having undergone a comprehensive refurbishment programme these sixteen meticulously restored apartments recapture and update the building’s splendour, encompassing art deco touches with state of the art design, fixtures and fittings. All apartments are designed with the utmost quality and sophistication in mind, delivering living space which is at the height of contemporary luxury and additionally benefit from the latest ‘smart home technology’ including full audio visual integration. Parking is available by separate negotiation.

L/H: 997 YEARS

St John’s Wood

020 7586 2777

■

JOINT SOLE AGENTS

■

PRICES FROM £1.12M

Buckland Crescent NW3 - £1,100,000 Maisonette with south-facing terrace and panoramic views Belsize Park Sales Office 020 7431 1234

Belsize Park 020 7431 1234 South Hampstead 020 7625 4567 West Hampstead 020 7794 7111

1371 sq ft internal accommodation • 21’9 reception, 2nd reception • 2/3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms • 21’ roof terrace off reception •

www.parkheath.com

Glenloch Road NW3 - £2,750,000 Substantial family house in the heart of Belsize Park Belsize Park Sales Office 020 7431 1234

Belsize Park 020 7431 1234 South Hampstead 020 7625 4567 West Hampstead 020 7794 7111

2432 sq ft internal accommodation • 35’ reception, 2nd reception • 5/6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms • Private patio garden •

www.parkheath.com

Mackeson Road NW3 - £1,650 pw Period family house quietly positioned near the Heath Belsize Park Lettings Office 020 7431 3104

Belsize Park 020 7431 1234 South Hampstead 020 7625 4567 West Hampstead 020 7794 7111

2330 sq ft internal accommodation • Master bedroom, 5 further bedrooms • 27’3 main reception, study/reception • 19’6 terrace, 55’3 westerly garden •

www.parkheath.com

Parkhill Road NW3 - £1,400,000 Split level garden apartment close to Hampstead Heath Belsize Park Sales Office 020 7431 1234

Belsize Park 020 7431 1234 South Hampstead 020 7625 4567 West Hampstead 020 7794 7111

1468 sq ft internal accommodation • 2 receptions, dining room • 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms • Private rear garden •

www.parkheath.com

ST JOHN’S WOOD PENTHOUSE

• MASTER BEDROOM SUITE COMPRISING OF BEDROOM, DRESSING AREA, BATHROOM AND TERRACE

A fabulous penthouse flat refurbished to an extremely

• 2 FURTHER BEDROOMS

high standard throughout, with far reaching views of London and located within a few moments walk of St

• 1 FURTHER BATHROOM

John's Wood High Street.

• RECEPTION ROOM/OPEN PLAN KITCHEN FITTED

This exceptional apartment benefits from 2 terraces, air conditioning and integrated music system.

• DINING ROOM/ CONSERVATORY WITH ACCESS TO TERRACE

SOLE AGENTS £1.995,950

278223 LHP Arlington Vantage Sept 12.indd 1

16/08/2012 12:34

2782

M a ry l e b o n e NW1 A striking raised ground floor apartment of over 3,000 sq ft/280 sq m set within a sought after block with 24hr uniformed concierge/security and located within a few hundred yards of Regentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Park and Marylebone High Street. The flat features an impressive reception hall and 2 imposing reception rooms with high ceilings.

4/5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 1 shower room, reception room, dining room, study/bedroom 5, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, guest cloakroom. In addition there is a 3 bedroom, lower floor flat of 850 sq ft/80 sq m available for sale by separate negotiation. SOLE AGENTS

12:34

278223 RHP Arlington Vantage Sept 12.indd 2

ÂŁ4,500,000

16/08/2012 12:34

hot property Classical Modern

This unique mews style house has been fully renovated, remodelled and refurbished to an exceptionally high standard throughout. The property, which is one of only five houses located in Langford Close, is in a cobbled cul de sac mews, a few moments walk from St Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wood High Street. The house has been virtually rebuilt with a completely new interior which features accommodation set only over three floors and boasts an impressive ground floor living space cleverly designed to provide an eat-in

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kitchen, sitting area and formal dining area, all combined, yet feeling like separate spaces and opening onto an ornamental balcony. On the lower floor are two double bedrooms with a luxurious bathroom and separate shower room, a utility room and access to a decked patio. On the first floor is the master bedroom suite and a further reception room. In additional there is a large external store room. The property also benefits from large windows throughout which allow natural light to cascade through the house, creating an open, bright and contemporary family home. n

property

3 Langford Close, NW8 ÂŁ3.55M Freehold Arlington Residential, St Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wood www.arlingtonresidential.com

020 7722 3322

savills.co.uk

1 A NEWLY BUILT DETACHED HOUSE IN THE NASH STYLE st katherine's orchard, nw1 4 reception rooms ø kitchen ø master bedroom with dressing room and en suite bathroom ø 2 further bedrooms with en suite bathrooms ø self contained staff suite ø double garage ø terrace ø garden ø shared gated driveway ø 311 sq m (3,355 sq ft) Guide £7.495 million Leasehold, approximately 123 years remaining

Savills St John's Wood Arlington Residential Stephen Lindsay slindsay@savills.com

Marc Schneiderman info@arlingtonresidential.com

020 3043 3600

020 7722 3322

savills.co.uk

1 AWARD WINNING MODERN HOUSE highgate village, n6 4 reception rooms ø studio ø conservatory ø Balthaup kitchen ø 6 bedrooms ø 4 bath/shower rooms ø garden ø garage ø off-street parking ø 523 sq m (5,627 sq ft)

Guide £8 million Freehold

Savills Hampstead Simon Edwards sedwards@savills.com

020 7472 5000

savills.co.uk

1 STUNNING FAMILY HOME RECENTLY REFURBISHED TO A VERY HIGH STANDARD king's college road, nw3 4 bedrooms ø 3 reception rooms ø eat-in kitchen ø 3 bathrooms ø utility room ø west-facing garden ø off-street parking for 2 cars ø 290 sq m (3,122 sq ft)

Savills Hampstead Natalie Pawelek npawelek@savills.com

020 7472 5000 £2,850 per week Unfurnished

savills.co.uk

1 NEWLY REFURBISHED DOUBLE-FRONTED DETACHED PERIOD HOUSE grove end road, nw8 5 bedrooms ø 3 reception rooms ø kitchen ø 4 bathrooms ø utility room ø lawned garden ø off-street parking ø 268 sq m (2,885 sq ft)

Savills St John's Wood Tim van der Schyff tvanderschyff@savills.com

020 3043 3616 £5,500 per week Unfurnished

r a b t e i ng l e c 2012 St John’s Wood 020 3040 8611

sales.stjohnswood@chestertonhumberts.com

The Terraces NW8

£5,095,000 share of freehold

Offering incredible views across the London skyline is this 5 bedroom duplex apartment situated in one of St John’s Wood’s most prestigious buildings. The apartment is in excess of 3,000 sq ft & has over 700 sq ft of terracing. The accommodation comprises 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a reception/dining room, kitchen, utility room, basement storage room & underground parking. The Terraces is located 200m from St John’s Wood underground station.

chestertonhumberts.com

Hampstead 020 7794 3311

sales.hampstead@chestertonhumberts.com

Linden Lea N2

ÂŁ3,500,000 freehold

A 5 bedroom, 3 bathroom detached family house situated on this quiet residential turning & benefiting from a 36ft reception room, garden, off street parking & a garage. This fine home is arranged over 3 floors & offers a superb integrated kitchen & lateral free flowing living space on the ground floor leading to a 56ft south facing garden.

chestertonhumberts.com

r a b t e i ng l e c 2012 Camden & Regent’s Park 020 7267 2053

sales.camden@chestertonhumberts.com

Oval Road NW1

£1,999,995 freehold

A semi detached period house in a highly desirable road in Camden. The house is currently arranged as 2 separate apartments; the ground floor flat comprises 2 bedrooms, a reception room with open plan kitchen & a bathroom. The raised ground floor apartment occupies 2 floors & consists of a reception room leading to the kitchen/diner with direct access to a garden, a master bedroom suite, 2 further bedrooms & a guest bathroom. Well located for Primrose Hill & Regent’s Park.

chestertonhumberts.com

Little Venice & Maida Vale 020 7286 4632

sales.littlevenice@chestertonhumberts.com

Elgin Avenue W9

ÂŁ1,750,000 freehold

A superbly presented, architect designed, town house arranged over 4 floors. This ultra modern property boasts 3 double bedrooms & a spacious & well equipped kitchen/dining area which is perfect for entertaining. Furthermore, the property has off street parking & a spacious reception room which leads directly out to a patio area plus an entertaining room. Elgin Avenue is well located for the amenities of both Maida Vale & Notting Hill.

chestertonhumberts.com

r a b t e i ng l e c 2012 St John’s Wood 020 3040 8622

Elsworthy Road nw3 £10,500 per week

A stunning 8 bedroom home of over 6,000 sq ft situated next to Primrose Hill. Set over 4 floors, this property offers contemporary accommodation comprising 4 spacious reception rooms, 8 bedrooms & 6 bathrooms. Further benefits include a gym & self contained 1 bedroom apartment. Camden & Regent’s Park 020 7267 3574

Ivor Street nw1 £1, 250 per week

A beautifully presented 4/5 bedroom period house of approx. 1,730 sq ft in this delightful street located within close proximity of the town centre, Camden Town underground & Camden Road overground stations.

chestertonhumberts.com

St John’s Wood 020 3040 8622

South Lodge nw8 £1,650 per week

A 4 bedroom apartment set on the 2nd floor of this prestigious portered block in St John’s Wood. The apartment comprises 4 double bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (1 with en-suite), a fully fitted kitchen with breakfast bar & 2 reception rooms. Located within close proximity to St John’s Wood High Street. Camden & Regent’s Park 020 7267 3574

Jeffrey’s Place nw1 £1,000 per week

A beautifully presented & spacious mews house quietly located in this delightful cobbled mews within close proximity to the shops & transport links of Camden Town. The property comprises a reception room with wood flooring, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a further entertainment area, rear patio & garage.

Hampstead 020 7794 1125

The Park nw11 £2,600 per week

A newly built family house in this excellent location within close proximity to Golders Hill Park & Hampstead Village. The property has the benefit of off street parking, plenty of storage, wood floors, a private terrace & garden.

Little Venice & Maida Vale 020 7266 2369

St Mary’s Terrace w2 £800 per week

A beautiful 3 bedroom property in Little Venice. The property offers 3 double bedrooms, a spacious reception room, a separate fully fitted marble tiled kitchen, a guest cloakroom & a bathroom. The property has wood floors, except in the bedrooms.

Hampstead 020 7794 1125

Litchfield Way nw11 £1,600 per week

A newly decorated 6 bedroom detached house situated in the heart of Hampstead Garden Suburb & within close proximity to all the schools & shopping amenities of the Market Place. The property has the benefit of original parquet flooring, a large garden, terrace, off street parking for 2 cars & a garage. Little Venice & Maida Vale 020 7266 2369

Castellain Road w9 £695 per week

A fantastic apartment offering a large reception room with original fireplace, contemporary kitchen/breakfast room, family bathroom, large master bedroom, a further double bedroom & a 3rd bedroom with access to private balcony. Well located for Maida Vale underground station, local shops & restaurants.

chestertonhumberts.com

Hamptons St. John’s Wood Office Lettings. 020 7717 5487 stjohnswoodlettings@hamptons-int.com

Sutherland Avenue, W9 £1,225 per week A stunning apartment set in this period conversion on Sutherland Avenue, which benefits from separate private and communal gardens. The property comprises an en-suite master bedroom, two further bedrooms, a separate bathroom, a fully fitted open plan kitchen and reception room, and a separate utility room with guest WC.

Alma Square, NW8 £950 per week A stunning architecturally designed duplex apartment set on the raised ground and first floors of this period conversion on Alma Square, with views over the communal gardens.

Best for Property Management 2011

Hamptons International has been crowned Gold Winner in Best for Property with The Sunday Times and The Times, recognising Hamptons’ commitment to exceptional customer service. Call us to find out more about how our Property Management Services can help us meet your property requirements

Hamptons St. John’s Wood Office Lettings. 020 7717 5487 stjohnswoodlettings@hamptons-int.com

Elnathan Mews, W9 £775 per week This lovely, newly refurbished, two bedroom mews house is located in a private cobbled street close to Warwick Avenue Tube Station (Bakerloo Line) and the local shops of Little Venice and Maida Vale.

Consort Lodge, 34 Prince Albert Road, NW8 £1,795 per week

A spacious, apartment on the first floor of this 24 hour portered building opposite Regents Park. This lateral apartment comprises three en-suite bedrooms, further guest WC, a fitted kitchen with the benefit of a terrace, and a large reception/dining room with spectacular views over the park and central London.

Best for Property Management 2011

faronsutaria.co.uk

SALES & LETTINGS

ROCHESTER ROAD, NW1 A spacious top floor conversion apartment with a phenomenal roof terrace. In a popular street with a green which connects Camden Road and Kentish Town Road. Well located for the amenities of both Camden and Kentish Town. 3 bedrooms, bathroom, reception room. ÂŁ575,000 Leasehold 020 7267 7074 camden@faronsutaria.co.uk

OUR SERVICE WILL MOVE YOU

Vantage Sep12.indd 1

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10:55

faronsutaria.co.uk

SALES & LETTINGS

JAMESTOWN ROAD, NW1 An immaculately presented Georgian conversion ideally located in a prime road in Camden Town over 1,000 sq ft. Perfect for enjoying the amenities of Primrose Hill, Camden Town and Chalk Farm with Regents Canal and the parks nearby. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, reception room. ÂŁ799,000 Freehold Share 020 7267 7074 camden@faronsutaria.co.uk

OUR SERVICE WILL MOVE YOU

Vantage Sep12.indd 2

14/08/2012 10:57

property

state of the market

Matt Poore associate director at Chesterton Humberts looks at how Camden Town has become a new marketplace since the credit crunch

Despite the double-dip recession, the Eurozone crisis and other economic uncertainties, the property market in North West London, and especially in areas such as Camden, remains buoyant and continues to move forward, fuelled by a shortage of good quality homes and more realistic prices. Camden is without doubt one of the capital’s most colourful and exciting places to live and attracts buyers from all walks of life – from students studying at nearby universities to well-known celebrities looking for something exclusive yet more down-to-earth than some of the more central locations such as Mayfair and Knightsbridge. Typically, we receive requests for two bedroom period conversions with outside space where buyers can expect to pay between £500-£600k, and three/four bedroom period houses which

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range from £1.1m-£1.5m. It is not unusual for us to receive multiple offers on these types of properties. Since 2008 buyers have become more discerning in their attitudes towards a purchase, particularly for good quality homes. They no longer feel the pressure to make a decision quickly and to compromise on their requirements for fear of being priced out of the market relatively quickly. The volume of good quality homes coming to the market remains constrained and this, combined with the emergence of more realistic pricing by vendors, means that demand continues to outstrip supply. Properties seen as ‘best in class’ irrespective of value – for example a four bedroom house with a large garden or a good sized apartment with great views – are always popular, with significant interest usually resulting in multiple bids within the first few days of marketing. Recent highlights include the sale of a two bedroom period property on Georgiana Street in Camden Town which attracted significant interest and went under offer at asking price within three days. In the current market it’s important to ensure whatever agent you work with tailors its valuation advice and marketing strategies to help sellers maximise the potential of their assets whilst minimising the risk of over exposure. n Chesterton Humberts 020 7267 2053 www.chestertonhumberts.com

Helping you find 1st place…

Carlingford Road, Hampstead

£2,750 Per Week

Sole Agent

Stunning, bespoke, five bedroom family home over three floors, approx 2,842 sq. ft (264sqm) finished to the highest of specifications with bespoke glass features and light wells for dramatic effect. The upper level comprises of a fabulous reception area: living/dining/ open kitchen/glass roofed atrium sunroom and high ceilings, while the ground floor and basement levels comprise of a large master suite with dressing room and en-suite, four further bedrooms, two further bathrooms, laundry room, children�s play room and flexible office area. The property also benefits from off street parking, triple French doors from the reception onto a terrace, with stairs leading to contemporary tiered garden. Available mid September, viewings by appointment.

Property Divas Limited, 34a Rosslyn Hill, Hampstead, NW3 1NH 020 7431 8000 info@propertydivas.com www.propertydivas.com

Local know-how. Better results. Balham

Chelsea

Hammersmith

Mayfair

Barnes

Clapham

Holland Park

North Kensington

Battersea

Earls Court

Kensington

Notting Hill

Brook Green

Fulham

Little Venice

Pimlico & Westminster

Woodfield Road W9 ÂŁ1,100,000 A rarely available, split-level warehouse apartment boasting fantastic entertaining space and a roof terrace. This industrial building has been sympathetically converted to provide light and spacious accommodation, which includes an impressive reception room with double height ceilings, a large kitchen with access to a south facing roof terrace and two double bedrooms with luxurious en suite bathrooms and ample built-in storage. Leasehold. Joint Sole Agent.

LITTLE VENICE: 020 7993 3050 sales.lve@marshandparsons.co.uk

Join us on Facebook: facebook/marshandparsons.co.uk

Visit our YouTube channel: youtube.com/user/marshandparsons

SALES

See all of our properties online: marshandparsons.co.uk

Warrington Crescent W9 ÂŁ1,075,000 Flooded with natural light, this lovely apartment boasts many period features. The accommodation comprises a reception room ideal for entertaining with views over the communal gardens, a well equipped kitchen/breakfast room, a master bedroom with a feature bay window and superb built-in storage, a second double bedroom with en suite shower room and a further family bathroom. The property also benefits from access to spectacular communal gardens. Share of Freehold. Sole Agents.

LITTLE VENICE: 020 7993 3050 sales.lve@marshandparsons.co.uk

We promise a

to reach

global audience

Prospective buyers from:

194 countries

VISITED OUR WEBSITE IN THE LAST YEAR

OUR INTERNATIONAL DESK IS FLUENT IN

100% OF OUR PROPERTIES ARE ADVERTISED ON ALL OF THE MAJOR PROPERTY WEBSITES

(Unless our clients prefer not to be listed)

Local know-how. Better results.

LANGUAGES

We guarantee to

journey as

smooth possible make the

“We have an intimate knowledge of the local property market; we know exactly, who’s buying and who’s selling. Recently, we marketed a flat at £1.4m. Within 48 hours, we had 20 viewings and 2 cash offers at the asking price. After best and final bids we achieved £180,000 over the asking price - much to our clients’ delight.”

60%

OF OUR TOTAL SALES IN CENTRAL LONDON ARE TO INTERNATIONAL BUYERS Marketing Team of the Year

LITTLE VENICE SALES MANAGER

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